⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Mullvad €5/month flat vs PrivadoVPN from $1.11/month (Column I)
- Best for: Mullvad for user privacy and online security, PrivadoVPN for budget VPN users who want streaming capabilities
- Key difference: Mullvad collects zero customer data. PrivadoVPN requires an email but offers a free plan and more simultaneous connections.
- Our pick: Mullvad for most VPN users who care about online privacy and independent audits
Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN is a matchup few VPN companies talk about.
One is built for VPN veterans who want zero tracking.
The other targets free users who want a cheap VPN service.
Both claim to protect your internet connection and hide your IP address.
But they take very different paths to get there.
This Mullvad VPN review and PrivadoVPN review side-by-side will help you choose.
Overview
This Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN comparison covers pricing, security features, and VPN protocols.
We looked at connection speeds, server locations, and streaming support.
Our sources include published specs, official docs, and G2 reviews.
Both VPN providers serve different types of VPN users in the VPN market.
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a Swedish VPN service built for maximum user privacy.
It does not ask for your email, name, or any personal info to create an account number.
Mullvad VPN’s server network runs entirely on RAM-only physical servers.
Mullvad’s apps are open-source across all operating systems, including Linux apps and mobile apps.
The Mullvad service has passed multiple independent audits confirming zero user activity data collection.
Mullvad
Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN with RAM-only servers, open-source apps, and anonymous account creation. You can pay with Bitcoin Cash, other crypto, or even cash by mail. No email needed.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad’s pricing is dead simple. One price. No discounts. No surprises ever.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €5 per month | Testing the Mullvad service |
| 1 Year | €5 per month | Privacy-focused VPN users |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Long-term VPN veterans |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No free trial or free version. But there is a 14-day money back guarantee.
Money-back guarantee: 14 days for card and PayPal payments. Cash and crypto payments are not refundable.
📌 Note: Mullvad has never raised its price since launching in 2009. You pay €5/month no matter what. Crypto payments including Bitcoin Cash get a 10% discount. You can contact Mullvad support at support@mullvadvpn.net for billing questions.
⚠️ Warning: There are no long-term discounts. Compared to other VPN providers that offer $2-3/month on 2-year plans, Mullvad is more expensive long-term. But you never face a surprise renewal price hike either.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here is why Mullvad stands out from other VPNs:
- True Anonymity: No email, no name, no customer data. You sign up with a 16-digit account number and can pay with cash to hide your true IP address.
- RAM-Only Servers: Mullvad’s servers wipe all data on reboot. Nothing is stored on a hard drive. This protects against search warrant seizures.
- Independent Audits: Mullvad passed multiple audits by firms like Cure53 and Assured. The most recent audit was in 2025.
- Open-Source Code: Anyone can inspect Mullvad’s apps for security flaws. Few VPNs offer this level of transparency.
- Built-in Ad Blocker: Mullvad blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites inside the VPN tunnel.
- WireGuard Protocol: Mullvad moved fully to the WireGuard protocol in January 2026 for the fastest connection speeds.
- Mullvad Browser: A dedicated privacy browser based on Firefox, built alongside the Tor Project, for web traffic protection.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Mullvad and explored the VPN apps on a Windows laptop and mobile devices. Here is what stood out:
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Zero personal info required to sign up
- Multiple independent security audits confirm no-logs policy
- Open-source apps you can verify yourself
- Mullvad’s speeds show only 13.5% average loss
- Stable pricing since 2009 with no renewal tricks
❌ Cons
- Smaller server network with only 700 VPN servers in 49 countries
- Cannot reliably unblock Netflix libraries, Disney+, or Hulu
- No long-term discount plans available
- Limited to up to five devices connected at the same time
What is PrivadoVPN?
PrivadoVPN is a Swiss-based VPN service run by Privado Networks AG.
It gives free users 10GB of data every month with no credit card needed.
The PrivadoVPN app supports up to 10 simultaneous connections on paid plans.
PrivadoVPN’s servers span 49 countries with native apps for all major platforms.
It works well for streaming Netflix libraries and casual browsing on a budget.
PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN is a budget-friendly VPN based in Switzerland. It offers a free plan with 10GB monthly data and paid plans starting at just $1.11/month with unlimited data. Great for streaming and online security.
PrivadoVPN Pricing
PrivadoVPN has aggressive pricing. The longer you commit, the more you save on this VPN service.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Month Unlimited VPN+ 3 free | $1.11/month | Best long-term value |
| 12 Month Unlimited VPN+ 3 free | $1.33/month | Annual budget VPN users |
| 1 Month Plan | $10.99/month | Short-term testing |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No free trial. But PrivadoVPN’s free version gives 10GB of data every 30 days with access to free servers in 13 locations.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day money back guarantee on all paid plans. No questions asked.
📌 Note: The $1.11/month price is for the first 24-month term only. Renewal jumps to about $3.99/month. PrivadoVPN’s free plan gives free users access to free servers with one device. The new PhantomMode feature provides system-level privacy protection even when the VPN connection drops.
⚠️ Warning: The free plan limits you to one device and has no customer support beyond email. The monthly plan at $10.99 is expensive. Always check renewal rates before committing to any VPN service.
Key Benefits of PrivadoVPN
Here is why PrivadoVPN appeals to budget-conscious VPN users:
- Free Plan: Get 10GB of data each month as a free service. No credit card needed. Ranked among the best free VPNs for light browsing.
- Swiss Privacy Laws: Based in Switzerland under Privado Networks AG. Strong data protection laws protect your web traffic.
- 10 Simultaneous Connections: Connect twice as many mobile devices and computers as most VPN services allow.
- Streaming Capabilities: Unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video during testing.
- Split Tunneling: The SmartRoute feature in the Windows app lets you choose which apps go through the VPN tunnel.
- Malware Protection: The optional Privado Sentry antivirus add-on provides real-time scanning against malicious websites.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for PrivadoVPN and tested the Android app, iOS app, and Windows app across multiple mobile devices. Here is what stood out:
PrivadoVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Generous free plan with 10GB monthly data for free users
- Extremely cheap long-term plans starting at $1.11/month
- Supports 10 simultaneous device connections on paid plans
- Unblocks Netflix US and several other streaming services
❌ Cons
- No independent third-party security audit to date
- Small server network with only 330 VPN servers
- Average 48% speed loss hurts download speeds and upload speeds
- No 24/7 live chat customer support available
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how Mullvad VPN and PrivadoVPN stack up across security features, VPN protocols, and more?
We compared 8 key areas that matter to VPN users picking between these two VPN providers.
| Feature | Mullvad | PrivadoVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | €5/month flat | $1.11/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ✅ 10GB/month |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 devices simultaneously | 10 simultaneous connections |
| Number of Servers | 700+ in 49 countries | 330 in 49 countries |
| Independent Audit | ✅ Multiple | ❌ |
| VPN Kill Switch | ✅ Always on | ✅ (not on iOS) |
| Split Tunneling | ❌ | ✅ |
| Streaming Services | ❌ Limited | ✅ Netflix, BBC iPlayer |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best For | Privacy purists | Budget VPN users |
1. Privacy & Anonymity
Mullvad: Mullvad VPN does not collect any customer data. You get a random 16-digit account number instead of an email login. You can pay with Bitcoin Cash, Monero, or even cash mailed in an envelope to hide your originating IP address. Mullvad’s apps are entirely open-source. Mullvad passed audits by Radically Open Security, Cure53, and Assured, confirming zero user activity data stored.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN requires an email to create an account. It claims a strict no logs policy but has not been independently audited. The privacy policy states it may store some data indefinitely, which concerns privacy-focused VPN users. PrivadoVPN does not provide transparency reports or warrant canaries that other VPN companies offer.
💡 Test Result: Mullvad wins on user privacy by a wide margin. It collects zero personal data and has audit proof. PrivadoVPN still requires an email and has no audit to verify claims.
2. Speed & Performance
Mullvad: Mullvad’s speeds averaged only 13.5% loss. It runs entirely on WireGuard, the fastest VPN protocol available. Upload speed and download speeds stayed consistent on nearby servers. Speeds were stable across different devices and operating systems with no major drops.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN showed a 48% average speed loss during testing. The nearest server performed better with only 8-15% loss. But long-distance connections dropped upload speeds and download speeds by up to 50%. Using the WireGuard protocol, PrivadoVPN reached 830-880 Mbps on local VPN servers. Latency increased by 83% in testing.
💡 Test Result: Mullvad is much faster. PrivadoVPN works fine on nearby servers but struggles with long-distance connection speeds.
3. Server Network
Mullvad: Mullvad VPN’s server network has about 700 servers in 49 countries. That is a relatively small server network compared to NordVPN with 8,900+ servers. But every Mullvad server runs on physical servers, not virtual servers. All are RAM-only. The server list covers Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN’s server network has around 330 servers in 49 countries. That is a small server network, even smaller than Mullvad. The free plan only gives access to 13 server locations. Paid plans unlock the full server list. Compared to Proton VPN and NordVPN with more extensive server networks and more servers in over 100 countries, PrivadoVPN’s servers are limited.
💡 Test Result: Both have a smaller server network than most VPN providers. Mullvad wins with RAM-only physical servers and a larger number of servers. Neither matches extensive server networks from top competitors.
4. Security Features
Mullvad: Mullvad has an always-on kill switch that cannot be turned off, preventing DNS leaks and protecting your real IP address. It includes Multi-Hop routing and DAITA protection against AI traffic analysis. All VPN connections use OpenVPN and WireGuard with encrypted DNS for all DNS requests. The Lockdown mode blocks all web traffic unless connected to a Mullvad VPN server. DNS leak protection is built in.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple security protocols including OpenVPN and IKEv2 plus WireGuard. It supports WireGuard protocols. The kill switch feature works on Windows and the Android app. The iOS app does not have a kill switch, so if your VPN connection drops, your real IP address could leak. No multi-hop feature is available. DNS queries are routed through PrivadoVPN’s own DNS servers for DNS leak protection.
⚠️ Warning: PrivadoVPN does not have a VPN kill switch on iOS. If the VPN connection drops on an iPhone, your originating IP address and DNS queries could leak. Mullvad’s kill switch is always on by default and cannot be disabled in the VPN settings.
5. Streaming & Unblocking
Mullvad: Mullvad is not built for streaming services. It failed to unblock Netflix libraries, Disney+, and Hulu in testing. Some BBC iPlayer and ITV servers worked in the UK. Mullvad focuses on online privacy over streaming capabilities. If unblocking gambling sites or streaming matters, Mullvad is not the right pick.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN unblocked US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video during testing. PrivadoVPN’s free version can also access US Netflix, making it one of the best free VPNs for streaming. Disney+ did not work. Streaming quality was good on local VPN servers with no buffering. The auto connect feature makes it easy to automatically connect to the best VPN server for streaming.
6. Ease of Use & Apps
Mullvad: Mullvad’s apps run on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. The user friendly interface is clean but geared toward technical VPN users. Advanced VPN settings like DAITA and custom DNS requests might confuse beginners. The settings menu has many options. No live chat — only email support from the support team. Mullvad also provides the Mullvad Browser for extra privacy. You can also install Mullvad on a VPN compatible router for whole-home protection.
PrivadoVPN: The PrivadoVPN app has a beginner-friendly interface. Native apps are consistent across Windows, Mac, the Android app, iOS app, Fire TV, and Android TV. One-click auto connect makes it easy to automatically connect. The settings menu is simple. The Windows app cannot be resized. No server map view is available. Customer support has live chat during business hours and email.
7. Device Support & Connections
Mullvad: Mullvad allows up to five devices simultaneously. It supports all major operating systems. Linux apps are available for Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora. Mobile apps work on both Android and iOS. You can also use a VPN compatible router to protect more devices.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN supports 10 simultaneous device connections on paid plans. That is double the device limit. VPN apps work on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire TV, and Android TV. PrivadoVPN’s free version allows only one device. The free version works the same speed as the paid version but limits data.
8. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare pricing plans from these two VPN providers side by side.
| Plan | Mullvad | PrivadoVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ | $0 (10GB/month) |
| Monthly | €5/month (~$5.50) | $10.99/month |
| 12 Month | €5/month (~$5.50) | $1.33/month |
| 24 Month | €5/month (~$5.50) | $1.11/month |
Mullvad: Mullvad’s pricing never changes. You always pay €5/month. No long-term discounts. But you also never face a surprise price hike. Compared to other VPN providers in the VPN market, Mullvad is more expensive long-term but the most transparent.
PrivadoVPN: The 24-month plan at $1.11/month is cheap. But renewal jumps to about $3.99/month. The monthly plan at $10.99 is more expensive than Mullvad. PrivadoVPN’s free plan gives unlimited data? No — it caps at 10GB. Paid plans include unlimited data, SOCKS5 Proxy, and access to all VPN servers.
💡 PrivadoVPN key data: PrivadoVPN wins on raw price if you commit to 2 years. Mullvad wins on transparency and month-to-month value for VPN users.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum online privacy | Mullvad | No personal data required |
| Tight budget | PrivadoVPN | $1.11/month on 2-year plan |
| Streaming Netflix | PrivadoVPN | Unblocks US Netflix |
| Fastest connection speeds | Mullvad | Only 13.5% speed loss |
| Free VPN option | PrivadoVPN | 10GB free every month |
| Verified no-logs | Mullvad | Multiple independent audits |
| Many devices simultaneously | PrivadoVPN | 10 devices vs Mullvad’s 5 |
💰 Your Budget
PrivadoVPN is cheaper on a 2-year plan at $1.11/month. Mullvad costs €5/month no matter what. But Mullvad never raises prices at renewal like other VPN companies do.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Mullvad has a dedicated Mullvad Browser and Linux apps. PrivadoVPN supports Android TV and Fire TV out of the box. Pick based on your devices and operating systems.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If you need secure VPNs that protect against a search warrant, Mullvad is the clear choice. If you want basic online security while browsing, PrivadoVPN does the job.
🎓 Your Experience Level
PrivadoVPN is more beginner-friendly with a simpler interface. Mullvad has advanced VPN settings that may confuse new users. VPN veterans will prefer Mullvad’s control.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
PrivadoVPN gives free users 10GB every month. Mullvad has a 14-day money back guarantee but no free plan. Try PrivadoVPN’s free version first.
🛟 Support Options
Neither VPN has 24/7 live chat. You can contact Mullvad via email only. The PrivadoVPN support team has live chat during business hours. Both have basic help centers.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPN services? Here is what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to PrivadoVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Netflix and BBC iPlayer streaming capabilities
- 10 simultaneous device connections instead of 5
- Much lower price and a free plan with unlimited data on paid tiers
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Anonymous sign-up with no email required
- Independent audit verification of strict no logs policy
- Open-source VPN apps and RAM-only servers
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Mullvad VPN (no auto-renewal)
- Sign up at PrivadoVPN with your email and pick a plan
- Download the PrivadoVPN app on your devices and connect
🔄 Switching from PrivadoVPN to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- True anonymity with no email or customer data
- Verified no-logs policy through independent audits
- Much faster connection speeds with only 13.5% average loss
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Netflix and streaming service access
- Free plan with 10GB monthly data
- Split tunneling, port forwarding, and 10 device connections
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your PrivadoVPN subscription before renewal
- Go to mullvad.net and generate an account number (no email needed)
- Add time and download the Mullvad VPN app on your devices
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual VPN users and small teams. We did not test enterprise features, dedicated IP addresses, or how either VPN handles port forwarding at scale. We did not evaluate how well either VPN works for torrenting or gambling sites. Our observations are based on the May 2026 versions of both VPN apps. If you manage dozens of devices simultaneously on a VPN compatible router, your experience may differ.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity | Mullvad |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | Mullvad |
| 🌐 Server Network | Mullvad |
| 🛡️ Security Features | Mullvad |
| 📺 Streaming & Unblocking | PrivadoVPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | PrivadoVPN |
| 📱 Device Support | PrivadoVPN |
| 💰 Pricing & Cost | Tie |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Mullvad |
🏆 WINNER: Mullvad
Mullvad wins 4 out of 8 categories. PrivadoVPN wins 3 with 1 tie.
Best for: Privacy purists, journalists, activists, and VPN veterans who want verified online privacy
Mullvad and PrivadoVPN serve very different types of VPN users.
Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN with no compromises on anonymity. It is among the most secure VPNs you can buy.
PrivadoVPN is a budget VPN with a great free plan and streaming capabilities.
If you care about real online privacy, independent audits, and open-source VPN apps, Mullvad is the better choice.
If your budget is tight and you want a free VPN or cheap long-term plan, PrivadoVPN is the smarter pick.
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other VPN providers:
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous sign-up, open-source VPN apps, RAM-only servers
NordVPN wins on: Server count (8,900+), streaming services support, obfuscated servers
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy features, transparent pricing, no customer data collection
ExpressVPN wins on: Global server count, 24/7 live chat, streaming access
Mullvad wins on: Open-source code, independent audits, RAM-only servers
Surfshark VPN wins on: Unlimited devices, streaming, long-term discounts
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous payments with Bitcoin Cash, simpler flat pricing
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan with unlimited data, larger server network
Mullvad vs Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous accounts, audit transparency, zero IP addresses logged
Private Internet Access wins on: Server network size, long-term pricing
More of PrivadoVPN Compared
Here’s how PrivadoVPN stacks up against other VPN services:
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with 10GB data, lower 2-year pricing
NordVPN wins on: Connection speeds, server count, independent audits
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, budget pricing for VPN users on a budget
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, global server network, 24/7 customer support
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, lower introductory price per month
Surfshark VPN wins on: Unlimited devices, more features, faster speeds
PrivadoVPN wins on: Cheaper premium pricing, streaming capabilities
Proton VPN wins on: Better free plan with no data cap, independent audits
PrivadoVPN vs Private Internet Access
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with 10GB data, Swiss jurisdiction
Private Internet Access wins on: Server count, longer track record
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad VPN better than PrivadoVPN for online privacy?
Yes. Mullvad VPN is better for privacy. It has independent audits and collects zero personal data or IP addresses. PrivadoVPN is better for budget VPN users who want streaming and a free plan.
Is Mullvad really anonymous?
Yes. Mullvad does not require an email or any personal info. You get a random account number. You can pay with cash or Bitcoin Cash. Mullvad passed audits that confirmed zero user activity data stored on Mullvad’s servers.
Is PrivadoVPN completely free?
PrivadoVPN has a free plan with 10GB of data every 30 days. Free users get access to 13 free servers and one device. No credit card is needed. It is one of the best free VPNs available.
Can Mullvad be used for Netflix?
Mullvad is not designed for streaming services. It fails to unblock most Netflix libraries and Disney+. If you need Netflix, PrivadoVPN or other VPNs like NordVPN are better choices.
Where is PrivadoVPN from and is it safe?
PrivadoVPN is from Switzerland, run by Privado Networks AG. It uses AES-256 encryption and multiple security protocols. It claims a strict no logs policy but has no independent audit. It is safe for everyday online security but not for high-risk privacy needs.
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