Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and Mullvad are two VPN services with distinct strengths. ExpressVPN, with a rating of 77.9%, outperforms Mullvad, rated at 48.2%. ExpressVPN boasts a vast network of 3000 servers in 94 countries, superior encryption, and a more privacy-friendly jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands. However, Mullvad offers a lower price point and a unique double VPN feature, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users seeking enhanced anonymity.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs Mullvad
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Sweden |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $5.44/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $5.44 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | Open VPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 3,000 | 637 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 39 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | Radically Open Security (RoS) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Mullvad Better
Mullvad presents an appealing price point at $5.44/mo, while ExpressVPN opts for a premium pricing strategy, starting at $6.67/mo for their 15-month subscription plan. This leads to an intriguing evaluation of the additional value ExpressVPN offers. Boasting military-grade encryption (AES-256, and ChaCha20), 24×7 live chat support, and a global network of 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, ExpressVPN aims to justify its higher cost.
Yet, when compared to the offerings of Mullvad, the question remains: do these enhanced features of ExpressVPN align with the specific needs and preferences of users seeking a premium VPN experience? This is something you’ll need to consider when comparing the two.
Jurisdiction: ExpressVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. ExpressVPN’s location in British Virgin Islands (BVI), free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over Mullvad, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of Sweden. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, ExpressVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Comparing the two, ExpressVPN’s BVI base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in BVI gives ExpressVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: ExpressVPN Better
The server fleet size of ExpressVPN and Mullvad is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. ExpressVPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 3,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, Mullvad maintains a more modest server presence, with only 637 servers across 39 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Mullvad, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of ExpressVPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and Mullvad to customer satisfaction is clearly seen in their extensive money-back guarantees. These guarantees show the confidence each service has in its quality. It’s a no-risk offer. Users can try out each VPN’s features without worry. Explore Mullvad’s server network in 39 countries, experience ExpressVPN’s ad blocking and Lightway protocol, and exaluate their technical support quality. All this can be done before making a long-term decision.
Double VPN Feature: Mullvad Better
Mullvad stands out with its double VPN feature, something ExpressVPN lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then Mullvad is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we looked at, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Bottomline
ExpressVPN and Mullvad both offer robust VPN services with their own strengths and drawbacks. While ExpressVPN provides a more extensive server network and superior jurisdiction for privacy, Mullvad offers a lower price point and a unique double VPN feature, underlining the importance of individual user needs and preferences in making the final choice.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and Mullvad comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & Mullvad
Mullvad
Mullvad VPN, established in 2009, is based in Sweden and is known for its strong stance on privacy and security. The founders are not widely publicized, but the service has gained recognition for its anonymity-focused approach, allowing users to sign up without providing personal information. Mullvad VPN offers features such as AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy. It supports a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
To learn more, read our Mullvad review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.