🚀 Partnership inquiries: fahim@fahimai.com | Trusted by 250,000+ monthly readers across 17 languages 🔥

🚀 Partnership inquiries: fahim@fahimai.com

PureVPN vs Mullvad: I Tested Both — Here’s the Truth (2026)

by | Last updated May 1, 2026

Winner
mullvad logo
4.5
  • No-Logs Verified by Audits
  • Anonymous Signup, No Email
  • WireGuard Protocol Only
  • RAM-Only Server Network
  • Pay With Cash or Crypto
  • Quantum-Resistant Tunnels
  • Flat Rate €5/month
Runner Up
purevpn
4.0
  • 6,500+ Servers in 140 Countries
  • Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer
  • 10 Simultaneous Connections
  • Dedicated IP Add-On Available
  • Apple TV App Included
  • 31-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • Plans From $2.15/month

⚡ Quick Verdict:

  • Pricing: Mullvad charges a flat €5/month on every plan. PureVPN starts at $2.15/month on its Standard plan.
  • Best for: Mullvad for privacy purists who want anonymous signup. PureVPN for streaming and broad device support.
  • Key difference: Mullvad uses WireGuard only with RAM-only servers. PureVPN runs a 6,500+ server network with multiple protocols.
  • Our pick: Mullvad for most users — its no-logs claims have been verified through independent audits.
purevpn vs mullvad

Choosing between PureVPN and Mullvad comes down to one question.

Do you want a feature-packed vpn service or a privacy-first one?

Both promise to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your real ip address.

But these vpn providers solve different problems for different users.

This comparison breaks down both vpn services to help you decide.

Overview

This PureVPN vs Mullvad comparison covers pricing, features, privacy, and ease of use.

We also break down who each vpn service works best for.

Our sources include published specs, documentation, and independent audits.

Our writers also signed up for both vpn services to test the apps.

By the end, you’ll know which vpn fits your needs.

What is Mullvad?

Mullvad is a privacy-focused virtual private network from Sweden.

The mullvad service encrypts your internet connection and hides your true ip address.

The mullvad vpn server pool routes vpn traffic using the WireGuard protocol.

Mullvad does not require an email or personal data to sign up.

It generates a 16-digit account number for each user instead.

Most people pick it for its strong stance on user privacy.

This mullvad vpn review walks through pricing, mullvad vpn’s server network size, and how secure vpns like this one differ from feature-heavy rivals. Mullvad vpn’s privacy stance is well-known in the vpn market.

Mullvad VPN review | Is Mullvad Actually As Good As They Say?

Mullvad

Mullvad takes a different approach to vpn services. The service charges a flat €5 per month no matter how long you subscribe. Anonymous signup means no email is needed.

Mullvad Pricing

Here’s what Mullvad costs in 2026. The pricing is unusually simple.

PlanPriceBest For
1 Month€5 per monthTrying the service short term
1 Year€5 per monthLong-term users at the same rate
1 Decade€5 per monthUsers who hate price hikes

Pricing verified April 2026.

Untitled design 1 19

Free trial: No free trial, but a 30-day money-back guarantee covers all paid plans.

Money-back guarantee: 30 days from purchase, no questions asked. Refunds work even with cash payment.

📌 Note: Mullvad’s pricing is the same whether you pay monthly, yearly, or for a decade. There are no discounts for longer commitments. You can also pay in cash, bitcoin cash, or other cryptocurrencies for added anonymity.

⚠️ Warning: Mullvad does not offer multi-year discounts. If you want the cheapest possible long-term price, other vpns like PureVPN may cost less per month with multi-year deals.

Key Benefits of Mullvad

Here’s what makes Mullvad worth considering:

  • Anonymous Account Generation: Mullvad creates a unique account number with no email or name needed. This is rare among vpn providers.
  • Independent Audits: Mullvad passed multiple security audits, including one by Radically Open Security. The audits confirmed the no-logs claims.
  • RAM-Only Servers: Mullvad’s servers store nothing on disk. Every reboot wipes all data, leaving no user activity data behind.
  • WireGuard Protocol Only: Mullvad fully transitioned to WireGuard in January 2026. The protocol is faster and more secure than older options.
  • Anonymous Payment Options: Pay with cash, bitcoin cash, or other cryptocurrencies. Credit cards and PayPal also work for less private users.
  • Quantum-Resistant Tunnels: Mullvad’s vpn tunnel is built to resist future quantum computing threats. This is a forward-looking security feature.
  • Open-Source Apps: Mullvad’s apps are fully open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for vulnerabilities.
mullvad homepage

What Our Team Noticed

Our writer signed up for Mullvad in April 2026 and spent several days exploring the apps. Here’s what stood out:

Untitled design 2 7

Mullvad Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
  • Anonymous signup with no email required, just a 16-digit account number
  • No-logs policy confirmed by multiple independent audits
  • Flat €5 per month pricing with no surprise renewal hikes
  • RAM-only servers wipe all data on every reboot
  • Open-source apps allow anyone to verify the code
❌ Cons
  • Smaller server network with around 684 servers in 44 countries
  • Streaming services like Netflix can be hit-or-miss
  • Only up to five devices simultaneously per account
  • Sweden is part of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance

What is PureVPN?

PureVPN is one of the older vpn providers, founded in 2007.

This pure vpn service runs a large server network with over 6,500 vpn servers.

Server locations span more than 140 countries worldwide.

The vpn service is incorporated in the british virgin islands.

It supports streaming, gaming, and basic security features.

Many vpn users pick it for streaming and broad device coverage.

Our purevpn review covers pricing, speed, and how it stacks up against rivals. The vpn connection setup is quick, and the apps connect with a single click. Many users recommend purevpn for its broad server pool, while others note its mixed speed results in a quality vpn comparison.

PureVPN Review 2026 | What Is PureVPN & Is PureVPN Worth It?💥

PureVPN

PureVPN packs many extras into one vpn subscription. The service has over 6,500 vpn servers in 140 countries. PureVPN accepts payments by credit card, PayPal, and Bitcoin.

PureVPN Pricing

Here’s what PureVPN pricing looks like in 2026. Let’s break it down.

PlanPriceBest For
Standard$2.15/per monthBasic privacy on a budget
Plus$3.15/per monthStreaming and password manager
Max$3.55/per monthFull security features bundle

Pricing verified April 2026.

PureVPN Pricing

Free trial: A 7-day trial is available for $0.99, but no fully free trial.

Money-back guarantee: 31-day money back guarantee on all paid plans. Some users report friction with refund requests.

📌 Note: PureVPN’s lowest rates apply to multi-year plans only. Monthly plans cost up to $12.95. Add-ons like dedicated ips ($2.49/month) and port forwarding ($1.49/month) are extra.

⚠️ Warning: PureVPN’s discounted rate increases at renewal. The two-year subscription costs $54.95 for the first two years and then $69.95 every year after. Watch for auto-renewal terms before you purchase PureVPN.

Key Benefits of PureVPN

Here’s what makes PureVPN worth considering:

  • Large Server Network: PureVPN has over 6,500 servers across 140+ countries. Both physical servers and virtual servers are part of the lineup.
  • Streaming Support: The vpn unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. A dedicated Apple TV app is also included.
  • Security Features Bundle: The Max plan adds a password manager, dark web monitoring, and dns leak protection. PureVPN features expand based on the plan you pick.
  • Multiple Tunneling Protocols: Choose from openvpn udp, IKEv2, and WireGuard. PureVPN supports browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
  • Dedicated IP Add-On: A dedicated ip is available for $2.49 per month. Port forwarding is offered for $1.49 per month.
  • 10 Simultaneous Connections: Each PureVPN subscription supports up to ten devices at once. This includes desktop apps, mobile apps, and android tv.
  • Always-On Audit: KPMG can run surprise audits on PureVPN servers any time. PureVPN has been audited multiple times to verify its no-logs claims.
PureVPN homepage

What Our Team Noticed

Our writer signed up for PureVPN in April 2026 and explored the windows app and android app for several days. Here’s what stood out:

PureVPN Personal Experience

PureVPN Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
  • Over 6,500 vpn servers in more than 140 countries for global access
  • Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video
  • 10 simultaneous connections per account, including android tv
  • Audited by KPMG with always-on surprise audits to verify no-logs claims
  • Multi-year plans start at $2.15 per month with broad device support
❌ Cons
  • Past 2017 logging incident where data was provided to authorities
  • Speed performance can drop sharply on distant vpn servers
  • Renewal pricing is significantly higher than the first-term rate
  • The interface is often cluttered with upsell ads for add-ons

Feature Comparison

Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of PureVPN vs Mullvad? We’ll explore eight key features to help you determine which platform best fits your needs.

FeatureMullvadPureVPN
Starting Price€5/month flat$2.15/month (multi-year)
Free Plan❌ (30-day refund)❌ ($0.99 trial)
Server Network~684 servers, 44 countries6,500+ servers, 140+ countries
Anonymous Signup✅ (account number only)❌ (email required)
Independent Audits✅ (multiple)✅ (KPMG, Altius IT)
Streaming Unblock⚠️ (hit-or-miss)✅ (Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer)
Simultaneous Connections5 devices10 devices
Kill Switch✅ (always on)✅ (toggleable)
Split Tunneling
Best ForPrivacy puristsStreaming, large households

1. Privacy & No-Logs Policy

Mullvad: Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy verified by multiple independent audits. The service does not store any activity logs or metadata. Sweden is part of the 14 Eyes alliance, but Mullvad’s no-logs policy is built to protect customer data even from government search warrant requests.

How To Torrent Anonymously With Mullvad VPN

PureVPN: PureVPN had a privacy controversy in 2017 when it provided logs to the FBI. Since then, PureVPN has changed its privacy policy and now passes audits by KPMG and Altius IT. The always-on audit feature lets KPMG run surprise checks at any time.

2. Server Network & Locations

Mullvad: Mullvad has a relatively small server network with around 684 servers in 44 countries. The number of servers is smaller than many other vpn providers, and you can pick any mullvad server from the app’s settings menu. However, all of mullvad’s servers run on RAM only, meaning user data is wiped on every reboot.

PureVPN: PureVPN runs a much larger server list with over 6,500 vpn servers in 140+ countries. The mix includes both physical servers and virtual servers in virtual locations. Hong Kong, the United States, and many other locations are covered, which makes the purevpn server pool useful for unblocking content abroad.

3. Speed Tests & Performance

Mullvad: Mullvad’s speeds are among the fastest tested, with an average speed loss of just 13.5% on a nearby server. Connection speeds remain stable across different devices and protocols. Download speeds can drop 40-50% on a distant nearest server, but overall internet speeds stay solid for streaming and gaming.

PureVPN: PureVPN’s speed tests are mixed. With WireGuard, it retains around 67% of base speeds on average. Download speeds dropped 7.61% on close servers in tested PureVPN sessions, but international connections sometimes saw drops as high as 99%. Upload speed dropped 11% on Windows and 48% on Mac during speed tests, and upload speeds vary by server and protocol. Both vpns rotate ip addresses across servers, and you won’t keep the same ip address between connections unless you buy a dedicated ip.

⚠️ Warning: If you need a vpn for competitive gaming, PureVPN’s ping increased significantly in tested sessions. Mullvad held latency more steady on nearby servers in similar conditions.

4. Streaming & Geo-Unblocking

Mullvad: Mullvad’s streaming results are inconsistent. The vpn can unblock Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus, but success varies by server and time of day. Mullvad focuses on anonymity and security over streaming convenience, so it’s not built first for unblocking netflix or other streaming sites.

Mullvad Hides VPN Traffic Inside HTTPS With QUIC Obfuscation

PureVPN: PureVPN unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video on most servers. PureVPN can stream Netflix content in many countries. However, some users report that PureVPN fails to unblock certain Netflix libraries like the French and German ones.

PureVPN DNS Leak Protection

5. Security Features & Encryption

Mullvad: Mullvad has a vpn kill switch that is always on by default and cannot be disabled. The Lockdown mode blocks all internet access unless you are connected to mullvad’s servers. Mullvad also includes integrated blockers for ads, trackers, and malware domains. The vpn tunnel uses quantum-resistant encryption.

PureVPN: PureVPN uses AES-256 encryption and includes purevpn’s kill switch as a toggleable internet kill switch. Security features include dns leak protection that prevents dns leaks during dns queries. Higher plans add a password manager, dark web monitoring, and protection from data brokers.

PureVPN Internet Kill Switch

6. VPN Protocol & Connection Options

Mullvad: Mullvad transitioned fully to WireGuard in January 2026 for both speed and security. The wireguard protocol is the only vpn protocol Mullvad now supports, although openvpn and wireguard were both offered before that switch. Mullvad’s apps add Multi-Hop and DAITA (Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis) for stronger privacy, and dns requests are handled inside the encrypted vpn tunnel.

PureVPN: PureVPN supports multiple vpn protocols including openvpn udp, IKEv2, and various wireguard protocols. This gives users more flexibility based on their device and use case. PureVPN claims compatibility with most operating systems and a vpn compatible router setup is supported.

7. Apps & Device Support

Mullvad: Mullvad’s apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux apps, Android, and iOS. The mullvad browser is also available as a standalone privacy tool. Mullvad supports up to five devices simultaneously per account, with the same simultaneous device connections limit on every plan. Vpn apps share a clean, user friendly interface across mobile devices and a windows laptop.

How to use Mullvad Browser with Mullvad VPN

PureVPN: PureVPN’s app is available across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and android tv. The purevpn’s android app is the most feature-rich of the lineup, while purevpn’s windows app gets frequent updates. Test purevpn on multiple platforms before committing — most users find it covers their core devices. Browser extensions and 10 simultaneous connections round out the platform support.

How To Access ITV via PureVPN Chrome Extension

8. Customer Support & Help

Mullvad: Users contact mullvad through email and the official help center. The support team has a smaller footprint than larger vpn providers, with no live chat. Help articles cover the most common vpn settings and dns leak protection setup.

PureVPN: PureVPN customer support includes a live chat option that runs 24/7. Users can submit a support ticket through the app if they hit issues. The PureVPN app has a built-in troubleshooting feature for quick fixes. Some users have reported friction with refund requests through customer support.

Pricing & Cost

Let’s compare PureVPN pricing and Mullvad’s pricing side by side.

PlanMullvadPureVPN
Monthly€5 per month$2.15-$3.55/month (long-term)
Annual€5 per monthPlans renew at higher rate
Long-Term€5 per month (1 decade)Multi-year discount applied
Trial30-day money back guarantee$0.99 7-day trial + 31-day refund

Mullvad: Mullvad’s pricing structure is one flat rate. You pay €5 per month no matter the plan length. There are no discounts, no upsells, and no renewal hikes. This is unusual among vpn providers.

PureVPN: PureVPN pricing starts at $2.15 per month on the Standard plan with a multi-year commitment. Plus and Max plans add features like a password manager and dark web monitoring. The renewal price is higher than the introductory rate, so the long-term cost rises.

Different Scenarios

If You Need…ChooseWhy
Maximum anonymityMullvadNo email signup, cash payment
Streaming Netflix and HuluPureVPNReliable streaming service unblocking
Many server locationsPureVPN6,500+ vpn servers, 140 countries
Verified no-logs policyMullvadMultiple independent audits passed
10+ devices on one planPureVPN10 simultaneous connections
Beginner-friendly setupMullvadSimple flat pricing, clean apps

💰 Your Budget

Mullvad costs €5 per month flat, no discounts ever. PureVPN’s lowest price is $2.15/month, but only if you commit to multi-year plans that renew at a higher rate.

🔌 Your Tech Stack

Mullvad’s apps cover desktop, mobile, and a vpn compatible router. PureVPN supports the same plus android tv, browser extensions, and a wider range of platforms with 10 simultaneous connections.

🔐 Your Privacy Needs

Mullvad is built for privacy first. Anonymous account generation, RAM-only servers, and bitcoin cash payments make it hard to tie use to a person. PureVPN offers strong privacy now but had a 2017 incident worth knowing about.

🎓 Your Experience Level

Both vpns have a user friendly interface. Mullvad’s settings menu is simple and short. PureVPN packs more options but can feel cluttered with upsells for additional purevpn features.

🆓 Free Trials and Demos

Neither vpn is free. Mullvad offers a 30-day money back guarantee. PureVPN has a $0.99 7-day trial plus a 31-day money back guarantee, which is a common day money back guarantee window for the category.

🛟 Support Options

PureVPN has 24/7 live chat plus support ticket submission inside the app. Mullvad relies on email and help articles, which works for vpn veterans but feels lighter for new users.

Switching Guide

Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.

🔄 Switching from Mullvad to PureVPN?

✅ What you’ll gain:

  • Access to over 6,500 vpn servers in 140+ countries with virtual locations
  • Reliable streaming on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video
  • 10 simultaneous connections, browser extensions, and a dedicated ip add-on

❌ What you’ll lose:

  • Anonymous signup with no email, replaced by full account creation
  • Open-source apps and verifiable code for the full client
  • Flat €5 per month pricing with no surprise renewal hikes

📋 How to switch:

  1. Cancel your Mullvad subscription before it renews
  2. Sign up for a PureVPN subscription and pick your plan
  3. Install PureVPN’s app on your devices and connect to a purevpn server
🔄 Switching from PureVPN to Mullvad?

✅ What you’ll gain:

  • Anonymous account generation with no email or personal data needed
  • Fully open-source apps with multiple independent audits passed
  • Flat €5/month pricing with no hidden renewal increases

❌ What you’ll lose:

  • Reliable streaming for Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer in many regions
  • 10 simultaneous connections (Mullvad allows only five)
  • 24/7 live chat customer support and an Apple TV app

📋 How to switch:

  1. Cancel your PureVPN subscription and request a refund if eligible
  2. Visit Mullvad’s site and generate your 16-digit account number
  3. Pay €5 per month and download the app to your devices

What Our Review Didn’t Cover

This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test enterprise vpn deployments or the PureVPN business plan in depth. Streaming results can change month to month, so unblocking netflix today doesn’t guarantee the same access tomorrow. Our observations are based on the April 2026 versions of both apps. If you need a vpn for unusual setups like gambling sites or specific corporate firewalls, your experience may differ from ours.

Final Verdict

CategoryWinner
💰 PricingPureVPN (lower entry)
🔐 PrivacyMullvad
⚡ SpeedMullvad
📺 StreamingPureVPN
🌐 Server NetworkPureVPN
👶 Ease of UseMullvad
🛟 SupportPureVPN
🏆 Overall WinnerMullvad

🏆 WINNER: MULLVAD

Mullvad wins 4 out of 7 categories.

Best for: privacy-first users, journalists, and anyone who wants a verified no-logs vpn service with anonymous signup.

PureVPN and Mullvad are two very different vpn services. Mullvad focuses on anonymity, audited privacy, and flat pricing. PureVPN focuses on streaming, broad device support, and a much larger server list.

PureVPN is excellent for households that want one vpn subscription to cover streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer across many devices. The 10 simultaneous connections and Apple TV app make it a strong pick for that use case.

However, if you need a vpn that puts privacy first, Mullvad is the better choice. The independent audits, anonymous account generation, and RAM-only servers add up to a level of trust other vpns rarely match.

More of Mullvad Compared

Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other popular vpn providers:

Mullvad vs NordVPN

Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, flat pricing with no renewal hike, fully open-source apps

NordVPN wins on: Larger server network, stronger streaming unblocking, broader feature set

Mullvad vs ExpressVPN

Mullvad wins on: Lower flat price, anonymous account creation, RAM-only server design

ExpressVPN wins on: Reliable streaming, broader app lineup, broader country coverage

Mullvad vs Proton VPN

Mullvad wins on: Anonymous payment in cash, simpler flat pricing, smaller threat surface

Proton VPN wins on: Free plan available, larger server network, integrated email/cloud bundle

Mullvad vs Private Internet Access

Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, audited no-logs policy, sharper minimal interface

Private Internet Access wins on: Cheaper long-term plans, more advanced configuration options, larger server count

More of PureVPN Compared

Here’s how PureVPN stacks up against other vpn companies:

PureVPN vs NordVPN

PureVPN wins on: Lower introductory price, more total server locations, dedicated Apple TV app

NordVPN wins on: Faster speed tests on distant servers, more consistent streaming, stronger threat protection suite

PureVPN vs SurfsharkVPN

PureVPN wins on: Larger server pool with more virtual locations, KPMG always-on audit, lower per-month rate on Standard

Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices on one account, better speed consistency, cleaner interface without upsells

PureVPN vs CyberGhost

PureVPN wins on: More security extras like password manager, dark web monitoring, and dedicated ips

CyberGhost wins on: Longer 45-day money-back window, more streaming-optimized servers, simpler one-click connection

PureVPN vs ProtonVPN

PureVPN wins on: Larger server count, reliable streaming, dedicated Apple TV app for living room use

Proton VPN wins on: Free tier with no time limit, Switzerland-based privacy laws, integrated security suite

Frequently Asked Questions

How trustworthy is PureVPN?

PureVPN is reasonably trustworthy today, and most users would say PureVPN safe practices have improved since 2017. The service has been audited by KPMG and Altius IT to verify its no-logs policy, and a transparency report details information requests received from authorities. If you want purevpn alternatives, options like NordVPN and ExpressVPN are worth a look.

Is Mullvad VPN any good?

Yes, Mullvad is a strong pick if privacy is your priority. The service has passed multiple independent audits, runs RAM-only servers, and lets you sign up without an email. Streaming services like Netflix can be hit-or-miss, so it’s a better fit for privacy than for media.

Which is better, Mullvad or PureVPN?

Mullvad is better for privacy purists who value anonymous signup and verified no-logs. PureVPN is better for households that want streaming, more server locations, and 10 simultaneous connections. The right answer depends on what you value more.

Is PureVPN good for streaming?

PureVPN works well for streaming on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Some Netflix libraries like the French and German ones are harder to unblock. A dedicated Apple TV app helps for living-room viewing on streaming sites.

How much does Mullvad VPN cost per month?

Mullvad costs €5 per month, regardless of whether you pay monthly, yearly, or for a decade. There are no discounts for longer commitments and no renewal increases. Payment options include credit card, PayPal, cash, and cryptocurrencies.

Related Articles