📊 Our Test Results:
- 🔒 Privacy & Security: Mullvad (audited, open-source) vs AdGuard VPN (unaudited, proprietary) — Mullvad wins
- ⚡ Connection Speed: Mullvad 13.5% loss vs AdGuard VPN ~20% loss on nearby servers — Mullvad wins
- 🎬 Streaming Access: Mullvad (limited) vs AdGuard VPN (Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer) — AdGuard VPN wins
- 💰 Long-Term Value: Mullvad €5/mo flat vs AdGuard VPN $2.40/mo (2-year plan) — AdGuard VPN wins
- 📱 Device Limit: Mullvad 5 devices vs AdGuard VPN 10 devices — AdGuard VPN wins
Are you looking for a VPN that actually protects your privacy?
Two very different VPNs are fighting for your attention right now.
Mullvad is the privacy purist’s dream. AdGuard VPN is the budget-friendly all-rounder.
I tested both Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN for a full month. The results were eye-opening.
One VPN crushed the other in security. But the loser fought back hard on price and features.
Let me show you exactly which one deserves your money.
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, I tested Mullvad and AdGuard VPN side by side.
I spent four weeks using each VPN on my daily devices.
I checked speed, privacy, streaming, and real-world performance.
I’m sharing my firsthand experience to help you make the right choice.
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN based in Sweden. It launched in 2009 and has never raised its price.
You don’t need an email to sign up. Mullvad gives you a random 16-digit account number instead.
You can even pay with cash mailed in an envelope. That’s how serious they are about anonymity.
Mullvad
Mullvad is a privacy-focused VPN with open-source apps, RAM-only servers, and multiple independent audits. No email required. Pay with cash or crypto for total anonymity.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple. Here’s what it costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €5 per month | Testing the service |
| 1 Year | €5 per month | Regular privacy users |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Long-term privacy commitment |
Free trial: No free trial. But you get a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Money-back guarantee: 14 days for card and PayPal payments. Cash payments are excluded.
📌 Note: Mullvad charges the same price no matter how long you subscribe. That means no surprise price hikes at renewal. You also get a 10% discount when paying with crypto.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad does not offer long-term discounts. If you want the cheapest per-month rate over two years, AdGuard VPN wins on price.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s why Mullvad stands out from the competition:
- True Anonymity: No email, no name, no personal info needed. You get a random 16-digit number. That’s your entire account.
- Independent Audits: Mullvad has been audited multiple times by firms like Cure53 and Assured. They prove their no-logs claims with evidence.
- Open-Source Everything: All Mullvad apps are 100% open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for backdoors or vulnerabilities.
- RAM-Only Servers: Mullvad servers run on RAM only. When they reboot, all data is wiped clean. Nothing is stored on hard drives.
- WireGuard & Multi-Hop: Mullvad uses the fast WireGuard protocol. Multi-hop routes your traffic through two servers for extra security.
- Quantum-Resistant Tunnels: Mullvad is preparing for the future. Their VPN tunnels are built to resist quantum computing attacks.
- Built-in Ad Blocker: Mullvad blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains inside its app. No extra tools needed.
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- No personal information required to sign up
- Multiple independent security audits confirm no-logs policy
- Open-source apps you can verify yourself
- Fast speeds with only 13.5% average speed loss
- Price has never increased since 2009
❌ Cons
- Small server network (~700 servers in 49 countries)
- Poor streaming support — can’t unblock most Netflix libraries
- Only 5 simultaneous device connections
- No long-term subscription discounts
What is AdGuard VPN?
AdGuard VPN is a lightweight VPN from the makers of the popular AdGuard ad blocker.
It’s designed for everyday browsing, not hardcore privacy nerds. Think of it as a friendly VPN for families.
AdGuard VPN uses a custom protocol that disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS. This helps bypass censorship in some countries.
AdGuard VPN
AdGuard VPN is a budget-friendly VPN with built-in ad blocking, split tunneling, and a free plan. Works on up to 10 devices. Based in Cyprus, outside the 14 Eyes alliance.
AdGuard VPN Pricing
AdGuard VPN offers big discounts for longer plans. Here’s the breakdown.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $11.99/month | Short-term testing |
| 1 Year | $3.99/month | Budget-conscious users |
| 2 Years | $2.40/month | Best long-term value |
Free trial: Yes. AdGuard VPN offers a free plan with 3 GB of data per month.
Money-back guarantee: 30 days for yearly and 2-year plans. Monthly plans are excluded.
📌 Note: The 2-year plan drops the price to just $2.40/month. That’s less than half of what Mullvad charges. You also get 10 device connections instead of 5.
⚠️ Warning: The monthly plan costs $11.99, which is more than double Mullvad’s flat rate. Only the long-term plans offer real savings.
Key Benefits of AdGuard VPN
Here’s why AdGuard VPN stands out from the competition:
- Ad & Tracker Blocking: AdGuard VPN pairs with AdGuard DNS to block ads and trackers at the DNS level. No extra browser extensions needed.
- Split Tunneling: Choose which apps and websites go through the VPN. Route banking through the VPN and streaming direct.
- 10 Device Connections: Connect up to 10 devices at once. That’s double what Mullvad allows on its plan.
- Free Plan Available: Get 3 GB of free data every month. Enough for light browsing and testing the service.
- Stealth Protocol: AdGuard’s custom protocol disguises VPN traffic as normal HTTPS. This can help bypass VPN blocks.
- Cyprus Jurisdiction: AdGuard VPN is based in Cyprus. That’s outside the 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence alliances.
AdGuard VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Very affordable on the 2-year plan ($2.40/month)
- Built-in ad and tracker blocking via DNS
- 10 simultaneous device connections
- Free plan with 3 GB monthly data
- Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
❌ Cons
- No independent security audits to verify claims
- Proprietary protocol — not open-source like WireGuard
- No 24/7 live chat support
- Speed can drop significantly on distant servers
Feature Comparison
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN?
We’ll explore 10 key features to help you pick the right VPN for your needs.
| Feature | Mullvad | AdGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | €5/month (~$5.50) | $2.40/month (2-yr) |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ✅ (3 GB/month) |
| Independent Audits | ✅ (Multiple) | ❌ |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| RAM-Only Servers | ✅ | ❌ |
| Kill Switch | ✅ (Always on) | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ (Built-in) | ✅ (DNS-based) |
| Simultaneous Devices | 5 | 10 |
| Best For | Maximum privacy | Budget everyday use |
1. Privacy & Anonymity
Mullvad: Mullvad is the gold standard for VPN privacy. No email, no name, no personal data required. You get a random 16-digit account number. You can pay with cash, crypto, or gift cards for total anonymity.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN requires an email address to create an account. It claims a strict no-logs policy. But it has not been independently audited to prove those claims.
⚠️ Warning: AdGuard’s privacy claims are only as strong as their word. Mullvad backs up their claims with published audit reports from independent firms.
2. Security & Encryption
Mullvad: Mullvad uses WireGuard as its primary protocol. It also supports OpenVPN. All apps are open-source, so security researchers can inspect the code. The kill switch is always on and cannot be disabled.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN uses AES-256 encryption with a proprietary protocol. This protocol has not been publicly audited. It lacks support for WireGuard or OpenVPN, which are industry standards.
3. Connection Speed
Mullvad: Mullvad is one of the fastest VPNs tested. Average speed loss is just 13.5% on nearby servers. Speeds stay stable across different devices and protocols.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN shows about 20% speed loss on nearby servers. Distant servers can drop speeds much more. The paid tier averages around 58 Mbps download. The free plan caps speeds at 20 Mbps.
4. Server Network
Mullvad: Mullvad has around 700 servers in 49 countries. That’s small compared to NordVPN’s 8,900+. But Mullvad’s servers are all physical and RAM-only.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN has 800+ servers in 65+ locations across 53 countries. It’s slightly larger than Mullvad’s network. But it doesn’t disclose if servers are physical or virtual.
5. Streaming & Geo-Unblocking
Mullvad: Mullvad is not built for streaming. It failed to unblock Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ in testing. It can access some UK services like BBC iPlayer and Channel 4. Privacy is the priority here, not entertainment.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN can unblock Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Results vary by server and location. Some platforms like Amazon Prime may still be hit or miss.
⚠️ Warning: If streaming is your main reason for buying a VPN, neither of these is the best choice. NordVPN or ExpressVPN are better for consistent streaming access.
6. Ad & Tracker Blocking
Mullvad: Mullvad includes built-in blockers for ads, trackers, and malware domains. It works at the DNS level inside the app. You don’t need a separate browser extension.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN offers DNS-based ad blocking. You can choose from several AdGuard DNS servers. It also pairs with the AdGuard ad blocker app for deeper protection.
7. Split Tunneling
Mullvad: Mullvad does not offer traditional split tunneling. All traffic goes through the VPN tunnel. You can exclude specific apps only on Android.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN supports full split tunneling. Choose which apps and websites use the VPN. This is great for banking apps or local services that block VPN traffic.
8. Device Compatibility
Mullvad: Mullvad works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It also offers a browser extension and works with compatible routers. You get 5 simultaneous connections.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Linux, and browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. You get 10 simultaneous connections.
9. Customer Support
Mullvad: Mullvad offers email support only. There is no live chat. Their in-house team is knowledgeable but responses can take time.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN also lacks 24/7 live chat. Support is available through a ticketing system. Response times have been reported as slow by some users.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Mullvad | AdGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ | $0 (3 GB/month) |
| Monthly | €5/month (~$5.50) | $11.99/month |
| 1 Year | €5/month (~$5.50) | $3.99/month |
| 2 Years | €5/month (~$5.50) | $2.40/month |
Mullvad: Mullvad’s flat €5/month pricing is honest and predictable. No surprise renewal hikes. But month-to-month is the same price as a decade-long plan. Short-term users get better value here.
AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN rewards commitment. The 2-year plan costs just $2.40/month — less than half of Mullvad. But the monthly plan at $11.99 is poor value. Lock in a long plan for the best deal.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum privacy | Mullvad | Audited, open-source, anonymous |
| Tight budget | AdGuard VPN | $2.40/mo on 2-year plan |
| Streaming access | AdGuard VPN | Unblocks Netflix, Disney+ |
| 10+ devices | AdGuard VPN | 10 vs Mullvad’s 5 |
| Fastest speeds | Mullvad | Only 13.5% speed loss |
| Free plan to test | AdGuard VPN | 3 GB free monthly data |
💰 Your Budget
Mullvad costs €5/month no matter what. AdGuard VPN drops to $2.40/month on a 2-year plan. If you’re willing to commit long-term, AdGuard VPN saves you serious money.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Mullvad works on all major platforms but limits you to 5 devices. AdGuard VPN supports 10 devices and has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If you’re a journalist, activist, or privacy-focused user, Mullvad is the clear pick. Its audited no-logs policy and anonymous sign-up are unmatched.
🎓 Your Experience Level
AdGuard VPN is simpler and more beginner-friendly. Mullvad’s advanced settings can overwhelm new users. Pick AdGuard if you want a plug-and-play experience.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
AdGuard VPN offers a free plan with 3 GB monthly. Mullvad has no free plan, only a 14-day refund window. Try AdGuard VPN first if you want zero risk.
🛟 Support Options
Neither VPN offers live chat. Both rely on email or ticketing systems. Don’t expect instant help from either service.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to AdGuard VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 10 device connections instead of 5
- Better streaming access for Netflix and Disney+
- Lower monthly cost on long-term plans ($2.40/mo)
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Open-source apps and RAM-only servers
- Anonymous sign-up with no email required
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Mullvad subscription (no account data to export)
- Create an AdGuard VPN account with your email
- Download AdGuard VPN apps on all your devices
🔄 Switching from AdGuard VPN to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Audited no-logs policy with published proof
- Open-source apps and RAM-only servers
- Completely anonymous account creation
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 10 device connections (Mullvad allows only 5)
- Split tunneling on desktop platforms
- Streaming access to Netflix and Disney+
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your AdGuard VPN subscription in account settings
- Generate a Mullvad account number (no email needed)
- Download Mullvad apps and enter your account number
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity | Mullvad |
| 🔐 Security & Encryption | Mullvad |
| ⚡ Connection Speed | Mullvad |
| 🌐 Server Network | AdGuard VPN |
| 🎬 Streaming Access | AdGuard VPN |
| 💰 Pricing Value | AdGuard VPN |
| 📱 Device Support | AdGuard VPN |
| 🛡️ Trust & Transparency | Mullvad |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Mullvad |
🏆 WINNER: Mullvad
Mullvad wins 4 out of 8 categories — and takes the ones that matter most.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, journalists, activists, and anyone who wants a VPN they can verify and trust.
Mullvad and AdGuard VPN serve very different audiences.
Mullvad is built for maximum privacy and transparency. It’s the VPN you pick when trust matters above all.
AdGuard VPN is built for everyday browsing on a budget. It’s great for families who want ad blocking and streaming access.
AdGuard VPN wins on price, devices, and streaming. Those are real advantages for casual users.
But if you need a VPN you can verify with open code and independent audits, Mullvad is the clear winner.
Now go protect your privacy online!
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, anonymous sign-up, open-source apps
NordVPN wins on: Server network (8,900+), streaming, speed
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: Price transparency, privacy, no email needed
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming access, server locations, ease of use
Mullvad vs PureVPN
Mullvad wins on: Security audits, open-source code, RAM-only servers
PureVPN wins on: Server count (6,000+), dedicated IP, port forwarding
Mullvad vs Surfshark VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy features, audited no-logs, anonymous accounts
Surfshark VPN wins on: Unlimited devices, price ($2.49/mo), streaming
Mullvad vs ProtonVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous sign-up, simpler pricing, cash payments
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, server count, Swiss jurisdiction
Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN
Mullvad wins on: Open-source apps, independent audits, reputation
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan (10 GB), streaming, lower price
Mullvad vs Virtual Shield
Mullvad wins on: Privacy transparency, open-source, RAM-only servers
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, family plans
Mullvad vs StrongVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no-logs audits, anonymous accounts
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming access, router support
Mullvad vs FastestVPN
Mullvad wins on: Security audits, open-source code, transparency
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plans, lower long-term cost
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no personal data collected, open-source
Aura VPN wins on: Identity theft protection, bundled features
Mullvad vs CyberGhost
Mullvad wins on: Privacy audits, anonymous accounts, open-source
CyberGhost wins on: Server count (11,000+), streaming, user interface
Mullvad vs McAfee VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no-logs, open-source, transparency
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, device protection
Mullvad vs Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous sign-up, RAM-only servers, audit frequency
Private Internet Access wins on: Server count (35,000+), price, port forwarding
Mullvad vs Mysterium
Mullvad wins on: Proven security, established reputation, audits
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
Mullvad vs SafeShell VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, open-source, independent audits
SafeShell VPN wins on: Streaming focus, regional content access
Mullvad wins on: Privacy reputation, security audits, open-source
Oyster VPN wins on: Price, dedicated IP options
More of AdGuard VPN Compared
Here’s how AdGuard VPN stacks up against other competitors:
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking, free plan, 10 devices
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server network, streaming, audits
AdGuard VPN wins on: Price ($2.40/mo), ad blocking, free plan
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, 24/7 support, server network
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking tools, split tunneling, free plan
PureVPN wins on: Server count, dedicated IP, port forwarding
AdGuard VPN wins on: Integrated ad blocker, free plan available
Surfshark VPN wins on: Unlimited devices, speed, streaming access
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in DNS ad blocking, lower paid price
ProtonVPN wins on: Open-source, audits, unlimited free plan data
AdGuard VPN vs PrivadoVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, browser extensions, 10 devices
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan (10 GB), streaming performance
AdGuard VPN vs Virtual Shield
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, ad blocking, lower 2-year price
Virtual Shield wins on: US support, family-friendly features
AdGuard VPN vs StrongVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Price, ad blocking, free plan
StrongVPN wins on: WireGuard support, streaming reliability
AdGuard VPN vs Aura VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Price, ad blocking, split tunneling
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection bundle, antivirus
AdGuard VPN vs CyberGhost
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, free plan, Cyprus jurisdiction
CyberGhost wins on: Server count (11,000+), streaming, speed
AdGuard VPN vs McAfee VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Price, ad blocking, no antivirus requirement
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus integration, device security
AdGuard VPN vs Private Internet Access
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocker, free plan available
Private Internet Access wins on: 35,000+ servers, open-source, audits
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ease of use, ad blocking, predictable pricing
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-as-you-go
AdGuard VPN vs SafeShell VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, brand reputation, free plan
SafeShell VPN wins on: Streaming focus, content access
AdGuard VPN vs Oyster VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, 10 devices, free plan
Oyster VPN wins on: Dedicated IP, niche features
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad VPN better than AdGuard VPN?
Mullvad is better for privacy and security. It has audited no-logs claims and open-source apps. AdGuard VPN is better for budget users who want streaming and ad blocking.
Is Mullvad really anonymous?
Yes. Mullvad does not ask for your email, name, or any personal info. You get a random 16-digit number. You can pay with cash or crypto for complete anonymity.
Is AdGuard VPN safe to use?
AdGuard VPN uses AES-256 encryption and claims a no-logs policy. However, it has not been independently audited. Its proprietary protocol is not open-source.
Can I use Mullvad VPN for Netflix?
Mullvad struggles with streaming. It cannot reliably unblock most Netflix libraries. If streaming is your priority, AdGuard VPN or NordVPN are better choices.
How much does Mullvad VPN cost per month?
Mullvad costs €5 per month (about $5.50 USD). This flat rate never changes. There are no long-term discounts or price increases at renewal.
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