NordVPN vs Mullvad VPN: A Comparison of 2025

In the ever-evolving world of online privacy and security, choosing the right VPN can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s essential to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each service to make an informed decision. In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into two leading VPN providers: NordVPN and Mullvad VPN. Both are renowned for their commitment to privacy and security, but they cater to different user needs. We’ll compare these two VPNs across key areas such as pricing, server coverage, speed, privacy policies, and customer support. Whether you’re a streaming enthusiast, a privacy advocate, or someone looking for a reliable VPN for everyday use, we will help you determine which service aligns best with your requirements.

NordVPN

NordVPN is a standout in the crowded VPN market, offering a robust combination of speed, security, and user-friendly features. With over 5,600 servers in 60 countries, it excels at bypassing geo-restrictions, making it a top choice for streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Its proprietary NordLynx protocol ensures lightning-fast connections, with speeds reaching up to 950 Mbps in tests, making it ideal for 4K streaming and data-intensive tasks. The service also includes advanced security features like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and an independently audited no-logs policy, ensuring user privacy and protection against cyber threats.

However, NordVPN isn’t without its drawbacks. While its interface is sleek and intuitive, some users may find the mobile app cluttered, especially on smaller screens. Additionally, its renewal prices are notably higher than the initial subscription costs, which could be a deterrent for long-term users.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features

1. Over 5,600 servers in 60 countries for global access.
2. NordLynx protocol for high-speed connections.
3. Advanced security features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN.
4. Independently audited no-logs policy for enhanced privacy.
5. Supports up to 10 simultaneous device connections.

Pros

1. Excellent unblocking capabilities for streaming platforms.
2. Fast and reliable connections for seamless browsing.
3. User-friendly interface with advanced customization options.
4. Strong privacy and security features.
5. Competitive pricing with long-term plans.

Cons

1. Higher renewal prices compared to initial subscription costs.

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN is a standout choice for users who prioritize privacy and simplicity. With a flat rate of €5 per month, it offers a no-frills, transparent pricing model that doesn’t require long-term commitments or personal information during sign-up. Users are assigned a randomly generated account number, ensuring anonymity from the start. Mullvad’s commitment to privacy is further reinforced by its strict no-logs policy and support for anonymous payment methods, including cash and cryptocurrency. The service utilizes the WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and security, making it ideal for both everyday browsing and data-intensive tasks. However, Mullvad’s server network, while reliable, is smaller compared to competitors like NordVPN, which may limit access to geo-restricted content on some streaming platforms.

Despite its strengths, Mullvad VPN has a few limitations. Its minimalist interface, while user-friendly, lacks some advanced features found in other VPNs, such as dedicated streaming servers. Additionally, while it supports up to five simultaneous connections, this is fewer than some competitors offering unlimited connections. On the plus side, Mullvad’s kill switch, split tunneling, and Tor over VPN features provide robust security for privacy-conscious users.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features

1. Strict no-logs policy ensuring user privacy.
2. WireGuard protocol for fast and secure connections.
3. Anonymous account creation and payment options, including cash and cryptocurrency.
4. Kill switch and split tunneling for enhanced security.
5. Supports up to five simultaneous device connections.

Pros

1. Transparent and affordable pricing at €5 per month.
2. Strong privacy features, including no-logs policy and anonymous payments.
3. User-friendly interface with minimal setup required.
4. Fast and reliable connections using WireGuard.
5. Advanced security options like Tor over VPN.

Cons

1. Smaller server network compared to competitors.

NordVPN vs. Mullvad VPN: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to choosing a VPN, NordVPN and Mullvad VPN are two of the most popular options, each offering unique features tailored to different user needs. NordVPN is known for its extensive server network and advanced security features, while Mullvad VPN stands out for its simplicity, affordability, and strong privacy focus.

Pricing and Plans

NordVPN

NordVPN offers a tiered pricing structure, with monthly plans starting at $11.95. However, the cost drops significantly with long-term subscriptions, such as $3.49 per month for a 2-year plan. NordVPN also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 3-day free trial, making it easy to test the service before committing.

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN takes a different approach with a flat rate of €5 (approximately $5.31) per month, regardless of the subscription length. This straightforward pricing model eliminates the need for long-term commitments and avoids the price hikes often seen with other VPNs upon renewal. Mullvad also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee but does not provide a free trial.

Feature	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Monthly Cost	$11.95 (monthly), $3.49 (2-year)	€5 (flat rate)
Free Trial	3 days	None
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days	30 days
Long-Term Savings	Significant with 2-year plans	None (flat rate)

Features and Security

NordVPN

NordVPN boasts over 5,600 servers in 61 countries, making it one of the largest VPN networks available. It supports advanced security features like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and a kill switch. NordVPN also uses the NordLynx protocol, which combines WireGuard’s speed with enhanced privacy measures. Additionally, it offers specialized servers for streaming, P2P file sharing, and obfuscation to bypass restrictive firewalls.

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN, while smaller in scale with 706 servers across 47 countries, focuses heavily on privacy. It uses the WireGuard protocol for fast and secure connections and supports features like split tunneling and a kill switch. Mullvad’s standout feature is its anonymous account creation, which requires no personal information, not even an email address. Payments can be made via cryptocurrency or even cash, further enhancing privacy.

Feature	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Server Count	5,600+ in 61 countries	706 in 47 countries
Security Protocols	NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec	WireGuard, OpenVPN
Privacy Features	Double VPN, Onion Over VPN	Split tunneling, kill switch
Anonymous Payments	Cryptocurrency only	Cryptocurrency, cash

Performance and Speed

NordVPN

NordVPN is renowned for its speed, especially with the NordLynx protocol. In tests, it consistently delivers high download speeds, often exceeding 500 Mbps, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and data-intensive tasks. Its extensive server network ensures reliable connections worldwide, though speeds may vary depending on server load and distance.

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN also performs well, particularly in Europe, where download speeds range between 264 Mbps and 432 Mbps. However, its performance can be inconsistent in distant locations like Australia, where speeds drop to around 24 Mbps. While Mullvad is fast enough for most tasks, it may not match NordVPN’s consistency for high-bandwidth activities.

Performance Metric	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Average Download Speed	500+ Mbps	264-432 Mbps (Europe)
Best for	Streaming, gaming, P2P	General browsing, privacy
Speed Consistency	High	Moderate

Privacy and Logging Policies

NordVPN

NordVPN operates under a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Based in Panama, it benefits from privacy-friendly laws that do not require data retention. NordVPN also supports anonymous payments via cryptocurrency, adding an extra layer of privacy.

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN takes privacy to the next level by requiring no personal information during sign-up. Users are assigned a random account number, and payments can be made anonymously via cash or cryptocurrency. Mullvad’s no-logs policy has also been independently verified, making it one of the most privacy-focused VPNs available.

Privacy Feature	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
No-Logs Policy	Yes (audited)	Yes (audited)
Anonymous Sign-Up	No	Yes
Payment Options	Cryptocurrency	Cryptocurrency, cash
Jurisdiction	Panama	Sweden

Customer Support

NordVPN

NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, making it easy to resolve issues quickly. It also provides a comprehensive help center with setup guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting articles. Email support is available for more complex inquiries.

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN’s support is more limited, with email being the primary contact method. While responses are typically received within 8 hours, the lack of live chat may be a drawback for users needing immediate assistance. Mullvad does, however, maintain a detailed help center with useful documentation.

Support Feature	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Live Chat	Yes (24/7)	No
Email Support	Yes	Yes
Help Center	Comprehensive	Detailed
Response Time	Immediate (live chat)	8 hours (email)

FAQ

What is the main difference between NordVPN and Mullvad VPN?

The main difference lies in their focus and feature sets. NordVPN is designed for users who want a versatile VPN with advanced features like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and a vast server network optimized for streaming and gaming. Mullvad VPN, on the other hand, prioritizes simplicity and privacy, offering a flat-rate pricing model, anonymous account creation, and a no-frills approach to security.

Which VPN is better for streaming?

NordVPN is the better choice for streaming due to its extensive server network and specialized servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Mullvad VPN, while secure and private, has a smaller server network and may struggle to unblock certain geo-restricted content.

Is Mullvad VPN more private than NordVPN?

Both VPNs have strong privacy features, but Mullvad VPN takes anonymity a step further. It requires no personal information during sign-up, allows anonymous payments via cash or cryptocurrency, and assigns users a random account number. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy and supports anonymous payments, but it requires an email address for account creation.

Which VPN is faster, NordVPN or Mullvad VPN?

NordVPN generally offers faster speeds, especially with its NordLynx protocol, which is optimized for high-performance tasks like streaming and gaming. Mullvad VPN, while fast in regions like Europe, may experience slower speeds in distant locations due to its smaller server network.

Can I use NordVPN or Mullvad VPN for torrenting?

Yes, both VPNs support P2P file sharing. NordVPN has dedicated servers for torrenting, ensuring fast and secure downloads. Mullvad VPN also allows torrenting on all its servers and provides strong privacy features to protect users during file sharing.

Which VPN is more affordable?

Mullvad VPN is more affordable with its flat rate of €5 per month, regardless of subscription length. NordVPN’s monthly plans are more expensive, but it offers significant discounts for long-term subscriptions, making it cost-effective for users willing to commit to a 2-year plan.

Do NordVPN and Mullvad VPN offer customer support?

NordVPN provides 24/7 live chat support, making it easy to resolve issues quickly. Mullvad VPN, however, relies on email support and a detailed help center, which may result in slower response times compared to NordVPN’s live chat.

Which VPN is better for beginners?

NordVPN is more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive interface, extensive tutorials, and 24/7 customer support. Mullvad VPN’s minimalist design is also user-friendly but lacks some of the advanced features and support options that make NordVPN easier for newcomers to navigate.

Can I try NordVPN or Mullvad VPN before committing?

NordVPN offers a 3-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service risk-free. Mullvad VPN does not provide a free trial but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for users who want to try the service without long-term commitments.

Which VPN is better for privacy-conscious users?

Mullvad VPN is the better choice for privacy-conscious users due to its anonymous account creation, cash payment options, and strict no-logs policy. While NordVPN is also privacy-focused, Mullvad’s emphasis on anonymity makes it a standout for users who prioritize privacy above all else.

Conclusion

NordVPN and Mullvad VPN cater to different audiences. NordVPN is ideal for users seeking a feature-rich VPN with high speeds, extensive server coverage, and advanced security options. It’s particularly well-suited for streaming, gaming, and bypassing geo-restrictions.

On the other hand, Mullvad VPN is perfect for privacy-conscious users who value simplicity, anonymity, and affordability. Its flat-rate pricing and anonymous account creation make it a standout choice for those prioritizing privacy above all else.