Are you torn between AuraVPN and Mullvad? Choosing the right VPN can feel overwhelming, right?
You want speed and top-notch privacy. It’s a tough call.
Many VPNs promise the world, but how do they perform?
In this comparison, we’ll examine Mullvad vs AuraVPN, comparing their speeds, privacy features, pricing, and more.
We’ve done the hard work of testing both VPNs, so you don’t have to. Ready to find the perfect fit for your needs?
Let’s dive in!
Overview
We rigorously tested AuraVPN and Mullvad, analyzing their speed across various servers.
Evaluating their privacy policies and security features and comparing their overall performance to determine which VPN offers the best value.
Our hands-on testing included real-world usage scenarios like streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing.
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! It offers access to over 800 servers in 40 countries!
Pricing: Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5.00/month.
Key Features:
- Port Forwarding
- Bridge Mode
- Multihop Connections
Safeguard your digital life with AuraVPN. Get unlimited secure device connections today!
Pricing: 60-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $10/month
Key Features:
- Unlimited Device Connections
- Ad Blocker
- Malware Protection
What is Mullvad?
Hey there! Let’s talk about Mullvad.
It’s a VPN service that’s focused on privacy.
They don’t log your activity, which is a big deal. It’s simple to use, too.
No complicated setup is needed.
Also, explore our favorite Mullvad alternatives…
Our Take
Enhance your online privacy with Mullvad VPN. Benefit from robust encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on anonymity: No email address is required to sign up.
- Open-source: Transparent and trustworthy.
- Strong security: Uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
- Accepts Bitcoin: For anonymous payments.
Pricing
- 1 month: €5/month.
- 1 Year: €5/month.
- 1 decade: €5/month.
Pros
Cons
What is AuraVPN?
Okay, so let’s chat about AuraVPN.
It’s a VPN that’s pretty user-friendly.
It’s designed to be easy to use, even if you’re not a tech whiz.
They focus on speed and making streaming uncomplicated.
Also, explore our favorite AuraVPN alternatives…
Our Take
Aura VPN is popular because it offers a comprehensive security solution at a reasonable price. It’s a good choice for those who want more than just a VPN.
Key Benefits
- Part of a comprehensive security suite: Includes antivirus, malware protection, and more.
- Good speeds: Suitable for streaming and downloading.
- Growing server network: Expanding to more locations.
- User-friendly interface: Easy to set up and use.
Pricing
- Kids: $10/month.
- Individual: $12/month.
- Couple: $22/month.
- Family: $32/month.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
These two vpn providers have very different goals.
Mullvad focuses on pure user privacy, while Aura is an all-in-one digital security platform.
We will now compare their nine most important features to help you choose the best virtual private network for your needs.
1. Core Purpose & Feature Set
- Mullvad VPN: Mullvad is a dedicated vpn service. It has core features focused on network security and anonymity, and it avoids being an all-in-one suite like other vpns.
- AuraVPN: Aura’s vpn is just one part of a larger package. Aura plans bundle the vpn apps with identity theft protection services, antivirus software, and a password manager. The main selling point is aura’s identity theft protections.
2. Anonymous Sign-up & Privacy
- Mullvad VPN: Mullvad is built on a foundation of radically open security. Users don’t use a traditional username or password manager but are given a random account number. You can pay with Bitcoin Cash to maintain a true IP address identity that is separate from the service. They do not store user activity data.
- AuraVPN: Aura’s approach is simpler and less focused on extreme anonymity. While they claim a no-logs policy, they do not offer the anonymous payment options that Mullvad provides. Their goal is to protect you from identity theft, not necessarily hiding your online presence from all trackers.
3. Security Protocols & Encryption
- Mullvad VPN: Mullvad supports advanced WireGuard protocols and OpenVPN. They offer robust features like a built-in vpn kill switch and dns leak protection. Our tests showed that Mullvad passed all DNS leak tests, making it one of the most secure VPNs.
- AuraVPN: Aura uses military grade encryption and supports WireGuard protocols on some apps to create a secure vpn tunnel. The vpn kill switch is available, but Aura’s VPN side often has fewer advanced network security features than a dedicated vpn provider.
4. Server Network & Speed
- Mullvad VPN: Mullvad vpn’s server network is small, with few vpns focusing on quality over quantity. Mullvad server locations are secure, offering reliable connection speeds. Mullvad’s speeds are impressive, with great upload speed when connecting to the nearest server.
- AuraVPN: Aura’s vpn market presence is not about a massive network. The total number of servers and locations is less than Mullvad’s relatively small server network. However, the speed on their local servers is adequate for most users.
5. Bonus Security/Monitoring
- Mullvad VPN: Mullvad includes advanced tools like multihop and a Bridge mode to bypass censorship. They focus strictly on the vpn apps and do not offer any identity protection services or credit monitoring.
- AuraVPN: This is where Aura shines. Aura offers extensive credit monitoring of your experian credit file, alerts for your financial accounts, aura’s password manager, and monitoring of the dark web for your personal information.14 It also includes features to block malicious websites.
6. Simultaneous Device Connections
- Mullvad VPN: Mullvad limits users to up to five devices connected simultaneously. This works for most individual users or a small family with a Windows laptop and a few mobile devices.
- AuraVPN: Aura is better for large families, offering unlimited devices simultaneously on its family plan. This makes it a great choice for covering many different operating systems and devices.
7. Pricing Model & Value
- Mullvad VPN: Mullvad’s pricing is a simple, flat fee, no matter the length of your subscription. There are no free trials, but their transparency is a core feature of the Mullvad service.
- AuraVPN: Aura is much more expensive since it bundles identity theft protection and malware protection. They often offer a day money-back guarantee and deep discounts to encourage users to save money by signing up for annual aura plans.
8. Streaming & Geo-Unblocking
- Mullvad VPN: Mullvad is not optimized for streaming and can struggle to access streaming services like BBC iPlayer. Their focus is not on unblocking content for gambling sites or other geo-restricted entertainment.
- AuraVPN: Aura does not advertise streaming-optimized servers. While some mullvad servers may unblock content, both Mullvad and Aura are considered a few VPNs that are poor choices if streaming is your main goal.
9. App Usability & Customization
- Mullvad VPN: Mullvad’s apps are simple, and many vpn veterans appreciate the minimalist user user-friendly interface. Mullvad browser is another project they support. It has limited vpn settings but offers unique tools like a dedicated Linux apps client.
- AuraVPN: Aura’s apps are very easy to use and intuitive, appealing to beginners. The VPN is part of an integrated suite, so all the tools are in one device.23 It lacks the deep network customization available in the Mullvad service or even with proton vpn or Private Internet Access.
What to Look For When Choosing a VPN?
- If your concern is identity theft protection service, Aura is a clear choice, bundling many same core features. Aura helps secure your financial transactions and bank accounts.
- Aura provides real-time protection against identity thieves, offering credit reports and credit fraud alerts. You can test aura with confidence. They monitor your experian file and give yearly annual credit report data, unlike services that only check on a one-time basis.
- The service monitors credit inquiries and even offers home title monitoring and investment account monitoring to prevent financial fraud. If fraud happens, you get up to $1 million in identity theft insurance and coverage for legal fees.
- Mullvad focuses on pure network security. The mullvad vpn review shows their system routes all your dns requests to their non-logging servers, protecting against dns leaks. They also offer customizable DNS options with content filtering.
- Mullvad’s servers use a WireGuard protocol over OpenVPN and WireGuard to offer faster upload speeds. You can see the full server list and connect to nearby servers for a better internet connection.
- Mullvad vpn server locations include owned and rented hardware; you can filter this on the support team site if you contact Mullvad for technical specs. The settings menu allows you to enable linux apps compatibility.
- Aura is for the vast majority of vpn users who want an all-in-one suite. It includes Aura antivirus protection, parental controls with screen time limits, and safe gaming tools for adult members and children in family plans.
- Mullvad avoids extras, but Aura’s protection extends to monitoring data broker sites and helping with spam list removal, thus removing your personal information from data brokers that sell your data.
- A true secure vpn should allow for installation on a vpn VPN-compatible router. Both providers have apps for mobile apps, including android tv and ios devices, covering most operating system types.
- The smaller server network of Mullvad is offset by its independent audits and extreme privacy. They simply don’t have customer data to hand over, even with a search warrant, unlike some other vpn providers.
Final Verdict
So, which VPN wins? I’ve used Mullvad, and it’s consistently impressed me.
Mullvad VPN’s focus on privacy and security is top-notch.
While AirVPN may offer some features like port forwarding or split tunneling, Mullvad still provides robust security features and a simple, transparent pricing model.
Although speeds are essential, I feel secure and private with Mullvad.
Other VPNs, like NordVPN, offer more servers than Mullvad, but Mullvad focuses on quality, not quantity.
If you’re serious about privacy, I recommend Mullvad. It’s one of the best VPNs available.
Their commitment to no logs and strong encryption makes them a top VPN provider.
If you value privacy above all else, consider Mullvad VPN. Ready to get started? Check out the links below!
More of Mullvad
We’ve explored alternatives to Mullvad, so how does Mullvad stack up directly against them?
- Mullvad vs NordVPN: It prioritizes privacy, while NordVPN excels with a massive server network and extra features.
- Mullvad vs ExpressVPN: It is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly interface, and strong streaming capabilities. Mullvad prioritizes privacy with anonymous accounts, but its speeds might not be as consistently high, and it’s not as effective for unblocking streaming services.
- Mullvad vs PureVPN: It boasts a larger server network, which can be advantageous for bypassing geo-restrictions. Mullvad is often favored for its stronger commitment to privacy and transparent practices.
- Mullvad vs SurfsharkVPN: It is generally more affordable for long-term plans and allows unlimited connections. Mullvad stands out for its strong privacy focus and anonymous account creation. Surfshark tends to be faster in speed tests.
- Mullvad vs ProtonVPN: It offers a balance of strong security and good speeds, with a more feature-rich interface. Mullvad emphasizes simplicity and anonymous use, sometimes at the cost of speed and additional features.
- Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN: It offers a decent free plan and good speeds, while Mullvad has a wider server network and a longer-standing reputation for privacy.
- Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN: It’s primary strength is its ad-blocking integration. Mullvad is a more comprehensive VPN focused on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs Virtual Shield: Mullvad offers more advanced security features and a stronger focus on privacy than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- Mullvad vs StrongVPN: It is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. Mullvad also prioritizes security, but with a different approach to user anonymity.
- Mullvad vs FastestVPN: It is a budget-friendly option. Mullvad, while having a simple pricing structure, isn’t the cheapest but focuses on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs AuraVPN: It includes identity theft protection, while Mullvad’s core focus is on providing a private and secure VPN service.
- Mullvad vs CyberGhost: It is user-friendly with specialized servers for various activities. Mullvad prioritizes privacy and simplicity over a wide array of server types.
- Mullvad vs McAfee VPN: It is a basic VPN often bundled with security software. Mullvad is a dedicated VPN service with a strong emphasis on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for its customization options and a large server network. Mullvad focuses on a no-frills approach with strong privacy.
- Mullvad vs Mysterium: It uses a traditional server network focused on privacy and security, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different anonymity model and potentially less consistent speeds.
More of AuraVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to AuraVPN, so how does AuraVPN stack up directly against them?
- AuraVPN vs NordVPN: It offers a massive server network, while AuraVPN provides a built-in antivirus.
- AuraVPN vs ExpressVPN: It is known for its consistently fast speeds and user-friendly interface. AuraVPN provides a broader security package, while ExpressVPN excels in VPN performance.
- AuraVPN vs PureVPN: It boasts a larger server network. AuraVPN integrates a VPN with other security tools.
- AuraVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: It typically offers more features and unlimited connections. AuraVPN provides a security bundle.
- AuraVPN vs ProtonVPN: It emphasizes strong security and privacy. AuraVPN offers a wider security suite.
- AuraVPN vs PrivadoVPN: It offers a strong focus on privacy. AuraVPN includes antivirus and identity theft protection.
- AuraVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN excels at ad and tracker blocking, while AuraVPN offers a broader security package.
- AuraVPN vs Virtual Shield: It offers a more comprehensive security suite than the very basic Virtual Shield.
- AuraVPN vs StrongVPN: It is known for robust encryption. AuraVPN provides a wider range of security features.
- AuraVPN vs FastestVPN: It is a budget-friendly option. AuraVPN offers a bundled security approach.
- AuraVPN vs CyberGhost: It offers a large server network and specialized servers. AuraVPN provides a broader security suite.
- AuraVPN vs McAfee VPN: Both often come bundled with antivirus software. AuraVPN offers a more modern interface and additional identity protection.
- AuraVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers a large server network and customization. AuraVPN provides a broader security package.
- AuraVPN vs Mysterium: It is a decentralized VPN. AuraVPN uses a traditional server network with added security features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad a good VPN?
Yes, Mullvad is one of the best VPNs for privacy. It offers strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a simple subscription model. If privacy is your top priority, it’s a great choice.
Is AirVPN better than Mullvad?
It depends on your needs. While AirVPN might offer more features, such as port forwarding, Mullvad prioritizes privacy and security. Consider what’s most important to you.
Which VPN is faster, AirVPN vs Mullvad?
While speeds can vary, both VPNs generally offer decent performance. Some users have reported faster speeds with AirVPN for specific tasks, but Mullvad is no slouch.
Does Mullvad work with streaming services like Netflix?
Although its primary focus isn’t streaming, it may work with some services. If streaming is your primary goal, other VPNs might be better.
Does Mullvad offer a free trial?
No, Mullvad does not offer a free trial. Unlike some VPN competitors, its subscription is straightforward and flat-rate.
English 
Spanish 
Chinese 
German 
French 
Russian 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Korean