Choosing the right VPN can feel like picking a needle from a haystack.
There are just so many options! Two of the biggest names you’ve probably heard are Mullvad and Private Internet Access (PIA).
Both are popular, but which one comes out on top?
In this showdown, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Mullvad vs Private Internet Access.
By the end, you’ll be able to confidently decide which VPN is the perfect fit for your needs. Let’s dive in!
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both Mullvad and Private Internet Access.
We’ve looked at everything from their security features and server locations to their speed and customer support.
This hands-on experience gives us the insights to help you make the right choice.
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! It offers access to over 800 servers in 40 countries and a strict no-logs policy.
Pricing: Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month.
Key Features:
- DVPN
- Pay-As-You-Go System
- No-Logs Policy
Boost your online privacy with Private Internet Access. Experience a truly secure connection risk-free with Private Internet Access
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan starts at $2.19/month
Key Features:
- 10 devices simultaneously
- Dedicated IP address
- Ad blocker
What is Mullvad?
Have you ever wished for a VPN that works, without all the fuss? That’s Mullvad in a nutshell.
It’s simple, secure, and puts your privacy first.
No flashy features or complicated settings. Just strong encryption and a no-logs policy you can trust.
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! There are no discounts for longer subscriptions.
Pros
Cons
What is Private Internet Access?
Need a VPN with a massive server network? Private Internet Access (PIA) has you covered.
They’ve got servers in over 84 countries! This means you can easily find a fast connection, no matter where you are.
Plus, PIA packs in extra features like an ad blocker and a dedicated IP option.
Also, explore our favorite Private Internet Access alternatives…
Boost your online privacy with Private Internet Access. Experience a truly secure connection risk-free with Private Internet Access.
Key Benefits
- Unwavering commitment to privacy: A strict no-logs policy you can trust.
- Advanced security features include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling.
- Colossal server network: Offers 35,912+ servers in 84 countries.
- MACE ad blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices at once.
Pricing
- 2 Years + 2 Months Free: $2.19/month.
- 6 Months: $7.50/month.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s get down to brass tacks. How do Mullvad and Private Internet Access really stack up against each other?
We’ll compare their features side-by-side so you can see which VPN is the best fit for you.
1. Security
- Mullvad: Mullvad takes security very seriously. They use AES-256 encryption, which is the gold standard for VPNs. Mullvad also has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track your online activity. They are based in Sweden, which has strong privacy laws. Mullvad accepts Bitcoin payments for added anonymity.
- Private Internet Access: PIA also uses AES-256 encryption and has a no-logs policy. However, they are owned by Kape Technologies, a company with a history of questionable practices. PIA is based in the US, which is part of the 5 Eyes intelligence alliance. This means your data could be shared with other governments.
2. Server Network
- Mullvad: Mullvad has a smaller server network than PIA, with around 800 servers in 40+ countries. This might be a drawback if you need a server in a specific location.
- Private Internet Access: PIA boasts a massive network of over 35,912 servers in 84 countries. This gives you plenty of options for finding a fast and reliable VPN connection.
3. Speed
- Mullvad: While Mullvad isn’t the fastest VPN on the market, it’s still fast enough for most activities like browsing, streaming, and torrenting.
- Private Internet Access: PIA offers fast speeds, thanks to its large server network and use of the WireGuard protocol.
4. Streaming
- Mullvad: Mullvad can unblock some popular streaming services like Netflix, but it’s not its primary focus.
- Private Internet Access: PIA is a good choice for streaming. Its servers are optimized for accessing services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
5. Privacy Features
- Mullvad: Mullvad offers privacy features, including a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and port forwarding. It also offers a “bridge mode” to bypass censorship.
- Private Internet Access: PIA also includes essential privacy features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. PIA also offers a dedicated IP option, which can be useful for certain activities.
6. VPN Protocols
- Mullvad: Mullvad supports OpenVPN and WireGuard, two of the most secure and reliable VPN protocols.
- Private Internet Access: PIA supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.
7. Pricing
- Mullvad: Mullvad is one of the cheapest VPNs on the market, with a single pricing plan of €5 per month.
- Private Internet Access: PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and has tiered pricing plans, making it a more affordable option if you commit to a longer subscription.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Strong encryption: Ensure the VPN uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data.
- No-logs policy: Choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy so your online activity isn’t tracked.
- Server locations: Consider the number and location of the VPN’s servers. More servers mean more options and potentially faster speeds.
- Speed: A fast VPN is essential for streaming, gaming, and other activities.
- Ease of use: The VPN should be easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
- Customer support: Good customer support can be helpful if you encounter any problems.
- Price: VPNs can cost from free to over $10 per month. Choose a VPN that fits your budget.
- Free trials and money-back guarantees: Many VPNs offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can try them before you commit.
- Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN is compatible with all your devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.).
- Some VPNs offer extra features like ad blockers, kill switches, and dedicated IP addresses. Consider which features are important to you.
Final Verdict
So, which VPN comes out on top? It’s a close call, but we recommend Private Internet Access. Why?
Because it offers the best overall package. PIA has a huge network of VPN servers, fast speeds, and many extra features.
It’s great for streaming and keeping your online activity private. Plus, it’s super affordable, especially if you go with a longer plan.
Mullvad is still a good VPN service, especially if you’re really focused on privacy.
However, it lacks some of the bells and whistles that PIA offers.
Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your needs and priorities. We’ve given you all the info; now it’s time to choose!
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 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 Private Internet Access
We’ve explored alternatives to Private Internet Access, so how does Private Internet Access compare to them?
- Private Internet Access vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds, a larger server network spanning more countries, and better streaming capabilities. While PIA provides unlimited simultaneous connections and can be more affordable, NordVPN offers a more robust security package and consistently better performance.
- Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly apps, and reliable unblocking of streaming services. While PIA offers a larger server network and allows unlimited connections, ExpressVPN often provides a smoother and faster overall experience, especially for streaming.
- Private Internet Access vs PureVPN: PIA generally offers faster and more consistent speeds, along with unlimited simultaneous connections. While PureVPN boasts a larger server count and can unblock more streaming services in some tests, PIA’s performance and strong focus on security often give it an edge.
- Private Internet Access vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is often more affordable, especially for long-term plans, and allows unlimited connections. While PIA has a larger server network, Surfshark generally provides faster speeds, better apps, and more features, making it a strong all-around competitor.
- Private Internet Access vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN emphasizes strong security and privacy with features like Secure Core servers and a transparent approach. While PIA offers faster speeds on nearby servers and allows unlimited connections, ProtonVPN’s focus on privacy and consistent performance on international servers makes it a strong contender for privacy-conscious users.
- Private Internet Access vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s primary strength lies in its integration with ad and tracker blocking. PIA is a more comprehensive VPN service offering a wider range of server locations and functionalities beyond ad blocking.
- Private Internet Access vs Virtual Shield: PIA offers a more extensive server network, stronger security features, and generally better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- Private Internet Access vs StrongVPN: Both VPNs offer strong encryption, but PIA boasts a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections, providing greater flexibility.
- Private Internet Access vs FastestVPN: PIA generally offers a larger server network and more robust security features than FastestVPN, which is budget-friendly.
- Private Internet Access vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection alongside its VPN. PIA focuses on providing a secure and private VPN connection with a large server network and unlimited connections.
- Private Internet Access vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is known for its user-friendly apps and specialized servers for various online activities. PIA offers a larger server network and unlimited connections, appealing to users with many devices.
- Private Internet Access vs McAfee VPN: PIA is a dedicated VPN service with a wider range of features and better performance than the basic VPN included with McAfee’s security suite.
- Private Internet Access vs Mysterium: PIA uses a traditional server network known for its size and consistent performance. Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different approach to anonymity and potentially variable speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad VPN better than Private Internet Access?
It depends on your priorities. Mullvad is super private, but PIA has more features and a larger server network. Both are excellent VPNs we recommend.
What is the best VPN for privacy?
Mullvad is hard to beat for privacy. They have a strict no-logs policy, accept Bitcoin, and are based in privacy-friendly Sweden.
Can I use a VPN for streaming?
Yes! Mullvad and PIA can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, but PIA might be slightly better.
Do I need a VPN on my phone?
A VPN on your phone protects your data when using public Wi-Fi and can even help you access geo-blocked content.
What’s the difference between a VPN and a proxy?
A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, while a proxy only reroutes traffic from a specific app or browser. A VPN offers better overall protection.
