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

от | Mar 18, 2026

Победитель
ExpressVPN
4.6
Второе место
логотип Маллвада
3.6
  • No Email Required to Sign Up
  • RAM-Only Servers (No Logs)
  • Open-Source Apps You Can Audit
  • WireGuard-Only for Top Speed
  • Pay with Cash or Криптовалюта
  • Flat €5/mo — No Price Hikes
  • Plans from €5/month

📊 Our Test Results:

  • Тест скорости: ExpressVPN lost ~25% speed vs Mullvad lost ~13.5% — Mullvad wins
  • 🎬 Доступ к потоковому вещанию: ExpressVPN unblocked 6/6 platforms vs Mullvad 2/6 — ExpressVPN побеждает
  • 🔒 Функции обеспечения конфиденциальности: Both passed all DNS/IP leak tests — Mullvad wins (anonymous signup)
  • 🌍 Сеть серверов: ExpressVPN 3,000+ in 105 countries vs Mullvad 700+ in 49 — ExpressVPN побеждает
  • 💰 Long-Term Value: ExpressVPN $2.44/mo (2-yr) vs Mullvad €5/mo flat — ExpressVPN побеждает
ExpressVPN vs Mullvad

Выбор VPN feels overwhelming in 2026.

There are dozens of options. Each one claims to be the fastest and most secure.

Two names keep coming up in privacy circles: ExpressVPN and Mullvad.

ExpressVPN is a feature-packed powerhouse with servers in 105 countries.

Mullvad is the privacy purist’s favorite. It doesn’t even ask for your email.

Но какой из них подходит именно ВАМ?

I tested both side by side for four weeks. Here’s everything I found.

Обзор

I signed up for both ExpressVPN vs Mullvad to give you the most honest comparison.

I tested speeds, streaming, security features, and privacy policies.

I used each VPN on my Windows laptop, Android phone, and a Fire TV Stick.

Every test was run multiple times across different servers and times of day.

This review is based on real-world use — not just spec sheets.

Что такое ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service based in the British Virgin Islands.

It encrypts your internet traffic and hides your real IP address.

With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, it’s one of the largest VPN networks available.

ExpressVPN is known for fast speeds, easy apps, and strong streaming support.

It also includes a built-in password manager called ExpressVPN Keys.

ExpressVPN Review: Worth the Hype or Overrated?

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN protects your online privacy with military-grade encryption. It unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and 100+ streaming services across 105 countries. One subscription covers up to 10 devices at once.

ExpressVPN Pricing

Here’s what ExpressVPN costs in 2026. It has three tiers now.

ПланЦенаЛучше всего подходит для
Базовый$2.44/moVPN-only users on a budget
Передовой$3.14/moPassword manager + threat protection
Про$5.24/moDedicated IP + identity defender
ExpressVPN pricing

Бесплатная пробная версия: 7-day free trial on iOS and Android. No free trial on desktop.

Гарантия возврата денег: 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. No questions asked.

📌 Примечание: The prices above are for the 2-year plan (billed upfront). Monthly plans start at $12.99/mo. Annual plans start at $3.49/mo. The 2-year plan includes 4 bonus months.

⚠️ Warning: ExpressVPN renews at a higher rate after the first billing period. The Basic plan renews at $99.95/year. Turn off auto-renewal if you want to avoid surprises.

Key Benefits of ExpressVPN

Here’s why ExpressVPN stands out from the competition:

  • Масштабная сеть серверов: Over 3,000 servers in 105 countries. You can connect from almost anywhere on Earth.
  • Lightway Protocol: ExpressVPN’s custom protocol is built for speed. It connects faster than WireGuard in many tests.
  • TrustedServer Technology: Every server runs on RAM only. All данные is wiped on every reboot.
  • Streaming Powerhouse: It unblocks Netflix, Хулу, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video across all tested platforms.
  • 18 Independent Audits: No other VPN has been audited this many times. Its no-logs policy is verified.
  • Разделение тоннелей: Choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. This keeps your banking apps on your normal connection.
  • Круглосуточная поддержка в чате: Real humans answer your questions any time, day or night.
ExpressVPN homepage

ExpressVPN Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
  • Fastest VPN speeds we tested with only ~25% loss
  • Unblocks every major streaming service including Netflix and Disney+
  • Works on all platforms including smart TVs and routers
  • Based in privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands
  • Built-in password manager and ad blocker included
❌ Cons
  • More expensive than budget VPNs on short-term plans
  • Renewal prices jump after the first billing cycle
  • Basic plan limits you to 8 simultaneous connections
  • No free plan available (only 7-day mobile trial)

Что такое Малвад?

Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN service based in Sweden.

It doesn’t ask for your name, email, or any personal information.

You sign up with a random 16-digit account number. That’s it.

Mullvad is built for people who care about true anonymity above everything else.

Its apps are fully open-source so anyone can inspect the code.

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

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad gives you complete online anonymity. No email, no name, no tracking. Just a random account number and encrypted internet. Pay with cash or crypto for total privacy.

Mullvad Pricing

Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple. One price. No tiers. No tricks.

ПланЦенаЛучше всего подходит для
1 месяц€5 per monthShort-term privacy needs
1 год€5 per monthLong-term anonymous browsing
1 Decade€5 per monthUltimate commitment to privacy
Untitled design 1 19

Бесплатная пробная версия: No free trial available. You can test it risk-free with the money-back guarantee.

Гарантия возврата денег: 14-day money-back guarantee. Cash payments are not eligible for refunds.

📌 Примечание: Mullvad charges the same €5/month no matter how long you subscribe. There are no discounts for longer plans. You can pay with crypto and get a 10% discount (~€4.50/mo).

⚠️ Warning: Mullvad’s 14-day refund window is shorter than most VPNs. ExpressVPN and NordVPN both offer 30 days. Make sure you test it quickly.

Key Benefits of Mullvad

Here’s why Mullvad is the go-to VPN for privacy purists:

  • Zero Personal Data: No email, no name, no phone number. Just a random 16-digit account number for total anonymity.
  • Open-Source Everything: All Mullvad apps are open-source. Security researchers can verify the code themselves.
  • Anonymous Payments: Pay with cash, Bitcoin, Monero, or gift cards. No financial trail back to you.
  • RAM-Only Servers: Nothing is stored on hard drives. Every reboot wipes all data clean.
  • Quantum-Resistant Tunnels: Mullvad is preparing for future threats with quantum-safe encryption.
  • DAITA Protection: Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis hides your browsing patterns from AI surveillance.
mullvad homepage

Mullvad Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
  • Best-in-class privacy with fully anonymous signup
  • Open-source apps you can verify yourself
  • Flat pricing with no surprise renewal hikes
  • Fast speeds with WireGuard protocol (only ~13.5% speed loss)
  • Passed every DNS and IP leak test we ran
❌ Cons
  • Tiny server network (700+ servers in 49 countries)
  • Unreliable for streaming — Netflix and Disney+ often blocked
  • Only 5 simultaneous device connections
  • No customer support via live chat (email only)

Сравнение характеристик

Let’s break down ExpressVPN vs Mullvad across 10 key features.

This side-by-side comparison will help you see which VPN fits your needs.

ОсобенностьExpressVPNМулвад
Начальная цена$2.44/mo (2-year)€5/mo (flat rate)
Бесплатный план
Сеть серверов3,000+ in 105 countries700+ in 49 countries
Поддержка потоковой передачи✅ Netflix, Hulu, Disney+❌ Inconsistent
Anonymous Signup❌ Email required✅ No personal info needed
Аварийный выключатель✅ (always on)
Разделение тоннелей
Open-Source Apps❌ (protocol only)✅ Fully open-source
Менеджер паролей✅ ExpressVPN Keys
Лучше всего подходит дляStreaming + all-around useMaximum privacy + anonymity

1. Серверная сеть

ExpressVPN: Over 3,000 servers spread across 105 countries. This is one of the largest VPN networks you can buy. You’ll find servers on every continent. Remote locations like Mongolia and Madagascar are covered too.

How to use a VPN | ExpressVPN

Мулвад: Around 700 servers in 49 countries. The network is smaller but focused on quality. Most servers are in Europe and North America. Coverage in Asia and Africa is limited.

2. Скорость и производительность

ExpressVPN: Speed loss averages around 25% on nearby servers. The Lightway protocol keeps connections fast and stable. Long-distance connections to servers in Asia or Австралия stay usable for HD streaming.

Мулвад: One of the fastest VPNs tested, with only ~13.5% speed loss on nearby servers. Mullvad now uses WireGuard exclusively for the best performance. Long-distance speeds can drop 40-50% though.

💡 Test Result: Mullvad is faster on nearby servers. But ExpressVPN is more consistent across long distances thanks to its larger network.

3. Privacy and Security

ExpressVPN: Based in the British Virgin Islands with no data retention laws. It uses AES-256 encryption and TrustedServer technology. All servers run on RAM only. The company has passed 18 independent audits.

ExpressVPN Threat Manager

Мулвад: Based in Sweden (14 Eyes country). But its strict no-logs policy means there’s nothing to hand over. It requires zero personal info to sign up. You can pay with cash mailed in an envelope. The apps are fully open-source.

How To Torrent Anonymously With Mullvad VPN

4. Streaming and Content Access

ExpressVPN: Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more. It works across Windows, Мак, iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Fire TV Stick. The MediaStreamer feature lets you stream on devices that don’t support VPNs.

Мулвад: Streaming is hit-or-miss. It can sometimes unblock Netflix and Hulu. But most streaming platforms block Mullvad’s servers. This VPN is built for privacy, not entertainment.

⚠️ Warning: If streaming is important to you, Mullvad is not the right choice. ExpressVPN is the clear winner for accessing geo-blocked content.

5. Блокировка рекламы и трекеров

ExpressVPN: Includes Threat Manager, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites. It also has parental controls to block adult content. These features work across all your connected devices.

ExpressVPN Ad Blocker

Мулвад: Built-in DNS-based blockers handle ads, trackers, and malware domains. You can toggle these on in the app settings. Mullvad also offers a dedicated privacy browser built with Мозилла.

How to use Mullvad Browser with Mullvad VPN

6. Apps and Device Support

ExpressVPN: Apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Android TV, and routers. Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. The Aircove router gives whole-home VPN coverage.

Мулвад: Apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. No dedicated apps for smart TVs or Fire TV. You can set it up manually on routers. The Linux app is one of the best in the VPN industry.

7. Kill Switch and Leak Protection

ExpressVPN: Network Lock (kill switch) blocks all internet traffic if the VPN drops. DNS leak protection is built into every app. Both features passed all our leak tests with zero issues.

Мулвад: The kill switch is always on by default. You cannot disable it. Mullvad also has a Lockdown mode that blocks all connections unless the VPN is active. This is the most aggressive leak protection we’ve seen.

Mullvad Hides VPN Traffic Inside HTTPS With QUIC Obfuscation

8. Encryption and Protocols

ExpressVPN: Uses AES-256 encryption with its own Lightway protocol. Lightway is open-source and independently audited. You can also choose OpenVPN if needed.

Мулвад: Switched fully to WireGuard as of January 2026. WireGuard is the fastest modern VPN protocol. Mullvad also adds quantum-resistant tunnels to protect against future вычислительные threats.

9. Поддержка клиентов

ExpressVPN: 24/7 live chat and email support. Response times are fast — usually under 2 minutes on live chat. The help center also has detailed setup guides for every platform.

Identity Defender: Stronger privacy for identity protection

Мулвад: Email-only support at support@mullvadvpn.net. No live chat. Response times vary from a few hours to a full day. The website has a good knowledge base, but beginners may struggle.

10. Pricing and Cost

Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.

ПланExpressVPNМулвад
Ежемесячно12,99 долларов в месяц€5/mo (~$5.50)
1-летний$3.49/mo€5/mo (~$5.50)
2-Year$2.44/mo€5/mo (~$5.50)

ExpressVPN: The 2-year plan is the best deal at $2.44/mo. It includes 4 bonus months. Monthly plans are expensive at $12.99/mo. But the long-term pricing beats Mullvad dollar-for-dollar.

Мулвад: Flat €5/month no matter what. No discounts for longer plans. This is cheaper than ExpressVPN’s monthly plan. But the 2-year ExpressVPN plan is much cheaper per month.

💡 Test Result: If you commit to 2 years, ExpressVPN costs less than half of Mullvad per month. But if you want month-to-month flexibility, Mullvad wins on price.

Different Scenarios

If You Need…ChooseWhy
Best streaming VPNExpressVPNUnblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+
Maximum anonymityМулвадNo email, pay with cash
Cheapest long-term planExpressVPN$2.44/mo on 2-year plan
Month-to-month flexibilityМулвад€5/mo flat, no commitment
Biggest server networkExpressVPN3,000+ servers, 105 countries
Open-source transparencyМулвадFully open-source apps
Подходит для начинающихExpressVPN24/7 live chat + simple apps

💰 Your Budget

ExpressVPN’s 2-year plan costs $2.44/mo, which is less than half of Mullvad’s €5/mo. But if you want to pay month-to-month, Mullvad is cheaper at about $5.50 vs ExpressVPN’s $12.99.

🔌 Your Tech Stack

ExpressVPN works on smart TVs, Fire TV, routers, and game consoles. Mullvad focuses on desktop and mobile. If you need whole-home coverage, ExpressVPN’s Aircove router is a big advantage.

🔒 Your Privacy Needs

Both VPNs have strong no-logs policies. But Mullvad takes privacy further with anonymous signup, cash payments, and open-source code. If privacy is your number one goal, Mullvad is the stronger choice.

🎓 Your Experience Level

ExpressVPN is easier to set up and use. It has one-click connect and 24/7 live chat. Mullvad is more technical with advanced settings that power users love but beginners may find confusing.

🆓 Free Trials and Demos

ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial on mobile and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Mullvad has no free trial and only a 14-day refund window. ExpressVPN gives you more time to test.

🛟 Support Options

ExpressVPN has 24/7 live chat with fast response times. Mullvad only offers email support. If you need help quickly, ExpressVPN is the safer bet.

Switching Guide

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

🔄 Switching from ExpressVPN to Mullvad?

✅ What you’ll gain:

  • Complete anonymity — no email or personal info needed
  • Fully open-source apps you can verify yourself
  • Flat pricing with no surprise renewal increases

❌ What you’ll lose:

  • Streaming access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more
  • 24/7 live chat customer support
  • Built-in password manager (ExpressVPN Keys)

📋 How to switch:

  1. Cancel your ExpressVPN subscription (request refund within 30 days if needed)
  2. Go to mullvad.net and generate a new account number (no signup needed)
  3. Download the Mullvad app, enter your account number, and connect
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to ExpressVPN?

✅ What you’ll gain:

  • Access to 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
  • Reliable streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and 100+ services
  • 24/7 live chat support and a built-in password manager

❌ What you’ll lose:

  • Anonymous signup — ExpressVPN requires your email
  • Open-source apps you can audit
  • Flat pricing — ExpressVPN has renewal price hikes

📋 How to switch:

  1. Let your Mullvad subscription expire (request refund within 14 days if needed)
  2. Sign up at expressvpn.com with your email and choose a plan
  3. Download the ExpressVPN app, log in, and connect to a server

Окончательный вердикт

КатегорияПобедитель
💰 Pricing (Long-Term)ExpressVPN
🌍 Server NetworkExpressVPN
⚡ Speed (Nearby)Мулвад
🎬 StreamingExpressVPN
🔒 Privacy & AnonymityМулвад
📱 Device SupportExpressVPN
🛟 Customer SupportExpressVPN
🔓 EncryptionTie
🏆 Overall WinnerExpressVPN

🏆 WINNER: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN wins 6 out of 8 categories.

Best for: Streaming fans, travelers, beginners, and anyone who wants a full-featured VPN.

ExpressVPN and Mullvad serve two very different audiences.

ExpressVPN is the best all-around VPN for most people. It streams everything, works everywhere, and costs less on a 2-year plan.

Mullvad is the best VPN for pure privacy. No email, no personal data, fully open-source.

If anonymity is your top priority, Mullvad is hard to beat.

But for everything else — streaming, speed, support, and value — ExpressVPN takes the crown.

Now go protect your online privacy and start browsing with confidence!

More of ExpressVPN Compared

Here’s how ExpressVPN stacks up against other competitors:

ExpressVPN против NordVPN

ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming reliability, server country coverage (105 vs 127 countries)

NordVPN wins on: More total servers (9,000+), lower starting price

ExpressVPN против PureVPN

ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, security audits, streaming access

PureVPN wins on: Lower pricing, dedicated IP options

ExpressVPN против Серфшарк

ExpressVPN wins on: More server locations, faster long-distance speeds

Surfshark wins on: Unlimited device connections, cheaper pricing

ExpressVPN против ProtonVPN

ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming, customer support, app design

ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan available, Swiss privacy laws

ExpressVPN против PrivadoVPN

ExpressVPN wins on: Server network size, streaming, speed

PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with 10GB/month, budget pricing

ExpressVPN против AdGuard VPN

ExpressVPN wins on: More servers, streaming access, audit history

AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking focus, lower price

ExpressVPN против Virtual Shield

ExpressVPN wins on: Server network, streaming, global coverage

Виртуальный щит wins on: Simpler interface for beginners

ExpressVPN против StrongVPN

ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, number of audits

StrongVPN wins on: Simpler pricing, good for basic privacy

ExpressVPN против FastestVPN

ExpressVPN wins on: Speed consistency, streaming, security audits

FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan option, lower cost

ExpressVPN против Aura VPN

ExpressVPN wins on: VPN-specific features, server count, streaming

Aura VPN wins on: Bundled identity protection, family plans

ExpressVPN против Киберпризрак

ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, more country coverage, security audits

CyberGhost wins on: More total servers, longer money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN против МакАфи VPN

ExpressVPN wins on: Dedicated VPN features, speed, no-logs audits

McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled with antivirus, all-in-one security

ExpressVPN против Частный доступ в Интернет

ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming access, user experience

PIA wins on: Lower pricing, open-source apps, unlimited devices

ExpressVPN против Мистериум VPN

ExpressVPN wins on: Reliability, speed, customer support

Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model

ExpressVPN vs SafeShell VPN

ExpressVPN wins on: Server network, streaming, proven track record

SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche censorship-bypassing features

ExpressVPN vs Oyster VPN

ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, server count, streaming, audit history

Oyster VPN wins on: Budget-friendly pricing

More of Mullvad Compared

Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:

Mullvad против NordVPN

Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, open-source apps, flat pricing

NordVPN wins on: Server count, streaming, speed, device limit

Mullvad против PureVPN

Mullvad wins on: Privacy features, no-logs verification, anonymity

PureVPN wins on: More servers, streaming access, dedicated IPs

Mullvad vs Surfshark

Mullvad wins on: Anonymous accounts, open-source transparency

Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, streaming, lower long-term price

Mullvad против ProtonVPN

Mullvad wins on: Simpler pricing, no email needed, cash payments

ProtonVPN wins on: More servers, free plan, Swiss jurisdiction

Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN

Mullvad wins on: Privacy focus, open-source apps, audit history

PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, streaming support, more servers

Mullvad против AdGuard VPN

Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, stronger privacy features

AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking focus, easier interface

Мулвад против Виртуального щита

Mullvad wins on: Privacy, open-source code, no personal data

Virtual Shield wins on: Ease of use, streaming access

Mullvad против StrongVPN

Mullvad wins on: Privacy transparency, anonymous payments

StrongVPN wins on: Streaming support, more server locations

Mullvad против FastestVPN

Mullvad wins on: Security audits, no-logs policy, anonymity

FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan, more server options

Mullvad против Aura VPN

Mullvad wins on: Privacy-first design, anonymous accounts

Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection bundle, family features

Мулвад против Киберпризрака

Mullvad wins on: Open-source apps, anonymous signup

CyberGhost wins on: Streaming, more servers, dedicated streaming IPs

Mullvad против McAfee VPN

Mullvad wins on: Privacy, no-logs audits, transparency

McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus, all-in-one protection

Mullvad против частного доступа в Интернет

Mullvad wins on: Anonymous accounts, cash payments, simpler pricing

PIA wins on: More servers, streaming, unlimited connections

Мулвад против Мистериума VPN

Mullvad wins on: Reliability, audit history, established reputation

Mysterium wins on: Decentralized model, pay-per-use pricing

Mullvad vs SafeShell VPN

Mullvad wins on: Privacy focus, audit transparency, open-source

SafeShell VPN wins on: Censorship bypassing features

Mullvad против Oyster VPN

Mullvad wins on: Privacy, audits, anonymous signup

Oyster VPN wins on: Lower pricing, streaming access

Часто задаваемые вопросы

Is ExpressVPN better than Mullvad for streaming?

Yes, ExpressVPN is far better for streaming. It unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video on all platforms. Mullvad is built for privacy, not streaming, and most platforms block its servers.

Is Mullvad really anonymous?

Yes. Mullvad doesn’t ask for your email, name, or any personal information. You get a random 16-digit account number. You can pay with cash or crypto for complete anonymity.

Сколько стоит ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN starts at $2.44/month on the 2-year Basic plan. The Advanced plan is $3.14/month, and Pro is $5.24/month. Monthly plans start at $12.99.

Can Mullvad be used for Netflix?

Sometimes. Mullvad can occasionally access Netflix on certain servers. But it’s unreliable. If you need a VPN for streaming, pick ExpressVPN instead.

Is ExpressVPN safe and legal?

Yes. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and has passed 18 independent security audits. Using a VPN is legal in the USA and most countries. It uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data.

Fahim Joharder, Founder

Fahim Joharder, Founder

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