Choosing a VPN can be tricky. You need strong security, but all the technical jargon can be confusing.
Mullvad and OpenVPN are popular choices, but which VPN is more secure in 2025?
It’s a crucial question for your online safety. Think about it: your online activity is valuable.
In this post, we’ll compare Mullvad vs OpenVPN’s security features, including encryption, protocols, and logging.
Overview
We’ve rigorously tested Mullvad and OpenVPN, examining everything from their encryption strength to their server infrastructure.
This comparison is based on hands-on experience, real-world performance, and an in-depth analysis of their security features, which will help you make an informed decision.
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! For just €5 per month, you can access over 800 servers in 40 countries.
Pricing: Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month.
Key Features:
- Strong Encryption
- Pay-As-You-Go System
- No-Logs Policy
Unlock the power of customization. OpenVPN lets you tailor your security settings with features. Explore OpenVPN.
Pricing: Free plan is available. Plan Starts at $14/month
Key Features:
- Highly Configurable
- Open-Source
- Wide Compatibility
What is Mullvad?
Okay, let’s discuss Mullvad. It’s a VPN service based in Sweden that prioritizes privacy.
Mullvad keeps things simple. It doesn’t log your activity, and its primary goal is for you to be anonymous online.
Also, explore our favorite Mullvad alternatives…
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! For just €5 per month, you can access over 800 servers in 40 countries 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
Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month. That’s it! No discounts for longer subscriptions.
Pros
Cons
What is OpenVPN?
Now, let’s talk about OpenVPN. It’s a bit different. It’s open-source software.
That means it’s free to use. But it’s also more technical.
You’ll need some know-how to set it up. It’s not as user-friendly as Mullvad. But it’s very powerful.
Also, explore our favorite OpenVPN alternatives…
Ready to experience a VPN that prioritizes speed and security? Visit OpenVPN’s official website to explore their plans and download the app.
Key Benefits
- Super flexible: You have total control over how it works. It’s like a custom-built VPN!
- Highly secure: It uses strong encryption protocols like AES-256. Your data is safe!
- Widely compatible: Works on almost any device you can think of. Phones, computers, routers… You name it!
- Large community: Tons of people use and support it. Help is always available!
Pricing
- Free Plan: $0/month
- Growth Plan: $11/month
- Enterprise: Contact Sales for a custom price.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of Mullvad and OpenVPN.
We’ll examine their key features side-by-side, from security protocols to ease of use, to help you determine the best VPN for your needs.
1. VPN Protocol
- Mullvad primarily uses the WireGuard protocol, but it also supports OpenVPN. It encourages the use of WireGuard because of its speed and security.
- OpenVPN: OpenVPN support is its core strength. It supports various protocols, including UDP and TCP. It is also compatible with the Wireguard protocol, although it’s not its default option.
2. VPN App & User Interface
- Mullvad: Offers a user-friendly VPN app for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It is designed to be simple and intuitive.
- OpenVPN: Because it is open-source, OpenVPN doesn’t have a single official VPN app. Users often rely on third-party apps or configure them manually, which requires technical expertise, especially on Linux.
3. Server Network
- Mullvad maintains a smaller network of VPN servers than some providers. They focus on quality over quantity.
- OpenVPN: This can be used with a wide range of VPN servers, either self-hosted or provided by third-party services. The options are vast.
4. Security and Encryption
- Mullvad employs strong encryption, including AES-256. Its focus is on privacy and security, and it has undergone a security audit.
- OpenVPN also supports strong encryption. Its open-source nature allows for community scrutiny, increasing its overall security. Thus, it is considered one of the best VPN options.
5. Logging Policy
- Mullvad: Strictly adheres to a no-logs policy. They don’t track your online activity or IP address.
- OpenVPN: The logging policy depends on the VPN server provider you use. If you set up your own, you control the logs.
6. Advanced Features
- Mullvad: Offers features like port forwarding. They do not offer a kill switch.
- OpenVPN: Highly configurable. Supports advanced features like port forwarding, custom DNS, and more.
7. Ease of Use
- Mullvad: Designed for simplicity. Easy to set up and use, even for non-technical users.
- OpenVPN: More complex. Requires technical knowledge for setup and configuration. You may need to migrate configurations if needed.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
Here’s a quick checklist of crucial factors to consider when selecting a VPN:
- Jurisdiction: Where is the VPN company based? Some countries have stricter data retention laws.
- Server Locations: A wider distribution of servers can offer better speeds and bypass geo-restrictions.
- Speed and Performance: Look for a VPN that minimizes speed loss, especially if you stream or download frequently.
- Customer Support: Reliable and responsive customer support is essential if you encounter any issues.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN supports all your devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, etc.).
- Simultaneous Connections: How many devices can you connect simultaneously with one subscription?
- Money-Back Guarantee: A refund policy allows you to try the VPN risk-free.
- Special Features: If they are essential to you, consider features like a kill switch, split tunneling, or obfuscation.
Final Verdict
So, which one wins? For most people, we recommend Mullvad VPN.
It’s just easier to use. You get strong security right out of the box, and they don’t log your activity, which is super important.
The price is fair, and Mullvad is a great choice if you’re not a tech whiz.
OpenVPN is powerful, but it’s more complicated. You need to know what you’re doing.
We’ve tested tons of VPNs, and Mullvad consistently performs well.
It’s a solid pick for everyday online protection.
Mullvad is a good choice for a hassle-free VPN experience mainly because it uses WireGuard, which is fast and secure.
More of Mullvad
We’ve explored alternatives to Mullvad, so how does Mullvad stack up directly against them?
- Mullvad vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds and a larger server network with more features, while Mullvad focuses on strong privacy and has a simpler, flat-rate pricing. NordVPN may be better for streaming, while Mullvad excels in anonymity.
- Mullvad vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN 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: PureVPN 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: Surfshark 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: ProtonVPN 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: PrivadoVPN 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: AdGuard VPN’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: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. Mullvad also prioritizes security, but with a different approach to user anonymity.
- Mullvad vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN 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: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while Mullvad’s core focus is on providing a private and secure VPN service.
- Mullvad vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost 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: McAfee VPN 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: Mullvad 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 OpenVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to OpenVPN, so how does OpenVPN stack up directly against them?
- OpenVPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN offers its fast and secure NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) as a strong alternative to OpenVPN, often providing better speeds.
- OpenVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN features its proprietary Lightway protocol, designed for speed and reliability. This protocol competes with OpenVPN’s balance of security and compatibility.
- OpenVPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN supports WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec alongside OpenVPN, giving users faster and potentially more stable options.
- OpenVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark includes WireGuard, known for its speed, as a modern alternative to OpenVPN, alongside IKEv2.
- OpenVPN vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN utilizes WireGuard and IKEv2, emphasizing security and often providing better speeds than OpenVPN, especially on well-configured networks.
- OpenVPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN supports the fast and secure WireGuard protocol as a key alternative to OpenVPN.
- OpenVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN primarily uses its own protocol, often prioritizing speed and efficiency over the more established OpenVPN.
- OpenVPN vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield may rely on OpenVPN as a primary secure protocol option.
- OpenVPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN supports WireGuard and IKEv2, offering faster and potentially more stable alternatives to OpenVPN.
- OpenVPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN includes WireGuard and IKEv2, providing users with quicker alternatives to OpenVPN.
- OpenVPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN may use OpenVPN as one of its core security protocols.
- OpenVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost supports WireGuard and IKEv2, providing faster connection options than OpenVPN in many scenarios.
- OpenVPN vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN may offer OpenVPN as a standard security protocol.
- OpenVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA supports WireGuard and IKEv2, often delivering better speeds than OpenVPN while maintaining strong security.
- OpenVPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium utilizes the WireGuard protocol for its decentralized network, focusing on speed and security over OpenVPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad a good VPN for torrenting?
Yes, Mullvad is one of the VPNs for torrenting. Its strong encryption and no-logs policy provides robust security features for safe torrenting. Remember always to check copyright laws in your region.
How do I disconnect from a VPN server like Mullvad?
Disconnecting is easy. In the Mullvad app, click the disconnect button. This will close the VPN tunnel and restore your standard internet connection. This should happen within 600 seconds.
Are WireGuard and OpenVPN the same?
No, WireGuard and OpenVPN are different VPN protocol options. While both encrypt your traffic, WireGuard is newer and generally offers better speed performance, making it one of the fastest protocols. OpenVPN is more established and highly configurable.
Is Mullvad safe?
Yes, Mullvad is a secure VPN. Its focus on data privacy and privacy policy makes it a strong choice. It prioritizes privacy above all else, making it one of the few VPNs that truly respects user data. It has also undergone a security audit.
Why is Mullvad removing OpenVPN support?
Mullvad is migrating to WireGuard as its primary protocol. WireGuard’s modern design, fewer lines of code, and improved performance make it a better choice. As of 15th January 2026, they will be removing support for OpenVPN. This streamlines their VPN clients and reduces the attack surface. They have been eliminating openvpn support gradually.
