Mullvad vs Windscribe: Which VPN is Better for Security in 2025?

Choosing a VPN can feel like navigating a minefield.

You want something that keeps your online activity private and secure, but you don’t want to break the bank. 

Two popular options that often come up are Mullvad vs Windscribe.

Both are known for their strong focus on privacy, but which one comes out on top regarding security? 

In this post, we’ll explain the key security features of each VPN to help you decide which one is the best choice for you.

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both Mullvad and Windscribe.

What is Mullvad?

Have you ever heard of a VPN that doesn’t even want your email address? That’s Mullvad.

They are serious about privacy. No accounts are needed.

Just generate a random account number, and you’re off!

They do not keep logs of your activity. They are also based in Sweden, a country with strong privacy laws.

Also, explore our favorite Mullvad alternatives…

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.

What is Windscribe?

Looking for a VPN that’s a bit more playful? Windscribe might be your style.

They don’t take themselves too seriously. But don’t let that fool you.

Windscribe is serious about your privacy.

It offers a good balance of security, features, and affordability.

It even has a free version with decent data!

Also, explore our favorite Windscribe alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Strong privacy focus: They have a strict no-logs policy. They don’t track your activity.
• R.O.B.E.R.T. is awesome: This tool blocks ads, malware, and even social media trackers.
• Free plan available: Get 10GB of data each month for free. Not bad, right?
• Secure and reliable: They use strong encryption to keep your data safe.

Pricing

• Custom Plan: $0.00//month
• Yearly Plan: $5.75/month
• Monthly Plan: $9.00/month

Feature Comparison

Let’s explore the differences between Mullvad and Windscribe regarding some of the most essential features of a VPN service.

This will help you see which one comes out on top for your specific needs.

1. Security and Privacy

• Mullvad: Mullvad is a true privacy champion. It has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store any information about your online activity. It also offers strong encryption with AES-256-GCM and supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Bridge mode. Plus, it is based in Sweden, outside of the Five Eyes alliance.
• Windscribe: Windscribe also takes privacy seriously. It has a no-logs policy and offers AES-256-cipher encryption with SHA512 auth and a 4096-bit RSA key. It supports various protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard 5 Windscribe also includes features like a firewall and a secure hotspot.

2. Server Network

• Mullvad: Mullvad has a decent server network with servers in 39 countries. While not as extensive as some VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark, it’s still sufficient for most users.
• Windscribe: Windscribe has a more extensive server network in 63 countries and 110 cities. This gives you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding a fast server.

3. Speed and Performance

• Mullvad: Mullvad consistently delivers fast speeds, making it an excellent choice for streaming and downloading. They have unlimited bandwidth, so you don’t have to worry about data caps.
• Windscribe: Windscribe’s speeds can be inconsistent depending on the server location. However, they are generally fast enough for most online activities.

4. Streaming and Torrenting

• Mullvad: Mullvad is a good choice for streaming. It can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. They also allow torrenting on all servers.
• Windscribe: Windscribe can also unblock some streaming services, but it’s less reliable than Mullvad. However, it does allow torrenting on specific servers.

5. Apps and Devices

• Mullvad: Mullvad offers user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. They also have browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
• Windscribe: Windscribe offers apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It also offers browser extensions and a command-line interface.

6. Customer Support

• Mullvad: Mullvad offers excellent customer support via email and is known for its quick and helpful responses. It also has a comprehensive knowledge base and an active Reddit community.
• Windscribe: Windscribe provides customer support through email and a ticketing system. They also have a helpful knowledge base and an active social media presence.

7. Audits

• Mullvad: Mullvad has undergone multiple independent security audits to verify its no-logs policy and security claims. This gives users extra assurance that their privacy is protected.
• Windscribe: Windscribe also underwent a security audit, but it was less comprehensive than Mullvad’s audits.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

• Strong encryption: Look for a VPN that uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard.
• No-logs policy: Make sure the VPN has a clear and transparent no-logs policy, meaning they don’t store any information about your online activity.
• Server network: Consider the size and location of the VPN’s server network. A larger network gives you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding a fast server.
• Speed and performance: Choose a VPN that offers fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for smooth streaming and downloading.
• Streaming and torrenting support: If you plan to use the VPN for streaming or torrenting, ensure it supports these activities.
• Apps and devices: Ensure the VPN has user-friendly apps for all your devices.
• Customer support: Look for a VPN with responsive and helpful customer support.
• Price: Compare the pricing of different VPNs and choose one that fits your budget.
• Independent audits: Check if the VPN has undergone any independent security audits to verify its claims.
• Additional features: Consider any extra features that might be important to you, such as ad blockers, split tunneling, or a kill switch.

Final Verdict

So, which VPN reigns supreme? For us, it’s Mullvad. Why?

Mullvad truly prioritizes your privacy. They have a strict no-logs policy, strong encryption, and don’t even need your email address.

Plus, their speeds are consistently fast, which is great for streaming and downloading.

However, both Mullvad and Windscribe are excellent VPN services.

They offer strong security features, a good selection of VPN servers, and user-friendly apps. 

Ultimately, your best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.

We’ve spent countless hours testing and reviewing VPNs. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your online security.

We believe everyone deserves to be safe and private online. We hope this comparison has helped you find the perfect VPN for your needs!

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 Windscribe

We’ve explored alternatives to Windscribe, so how does Windscribe stack up directly against them?

• Windscribe vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds and a larger server network. Windscribe is known for its user-friendly interface and free plan with limited data.
• Windscribe vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is consistently faster and better for streaming. Windscribe is more affordable and has a free version.
• Windscribe vs PureVPN: PureVPN has a larger server network. Windscribe is known for its ease of use, especially for beginners, and offers more features on its free plan.
• Windscribe vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is typically faster, allows unlimited connections, and has more features. Windscribe is user-friendly and has a free plan with unlimited connections.
• Windscribe vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on strong security and privacy, and often provides faster speeds on paid plans. Windscribe is known for its simple interface and free option, which has more server locations and data than ProtonVPN’s free plan.
• Windscribe vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN often provides more consistent speeds and a stronger focus on privacy. Windscribe has a smaller server network but a user-friendly free plan.
• Windscribe vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN excels at ad and tracker blocking. Windscribe is a general-purpose VPN that focuses on ease of use and offers ad blocking through its R.O.B.E.R.T. feature.
• Windscribe vs Virtual Shield: Windscribe offers a more established brand and a slightly larger server network than the very basic Virtual Shield. Windscribe also has a more extensive free plan.
• Windscribe vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. Windscribe is simpler to use and has a free plan.
• Windscribe vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is a budget-friendly option. Windscribe offers a free plan and a user-friendly interface.
• Windscribe vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection. Windscribe focuses on providing a simple, user-friendly VPN with a free option.
• Windscribe vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers user-friendly apps and specialized servers. Windscribe is simpler but has a smaller server network.
• Windscribe vs McAfee VPN: Windscribe generally offers a more feature-rich VPN experience than the basic VPN from McAfee.
• Windscribe vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections. Windscribe is known for its ease of use and free plan.
• Windscribe vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN. Windscribe uses a traditional server network known for its user-friendly interface and free option.

Frequently Asked Questions