Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN and Mullvad offer a range of VPN services. NordVPN takes a clear lead, scoring 83.5% on our scale based on rigorous review processes, outperforming Mullvad which scores 48.2%. While both services offer AES-256 encryption and no logging policies, NordVPN offers added security with an additional ChaCha20 encryption layer. With its headquarters based in Panama as opposed to Sweden, NordVPN boasts enhanced privacy, being free from strict mandatory data retention laws. NordVPN also surpasses Mullvad in its network capacity, holding over 5,000 servers across 59 countries, compared to Mullvad’s 637 servers in 39 countries. Despite its marginally higher monthly cost, NordVPN’s more extensive and secure service makes it the ideal choice.
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: NordVPN vs Mullvad
| VPN Company | NordVPN | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | Sweden |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $5.44/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $5.44 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | Open VPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 5,000 | 637 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 39 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | Radically Open Security (RoS) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | |
| 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: NordVPN Better
At $3.79/mo, NordVPN offers a wallet-friendly VPN solution, in contrast to Mullvad’s higher-priced offering at $5.44/mo. This price variance prompts users to ponder the added value provided by Mullvad. Highlighting its military-grade encryption (AES-256), exceptional Email support, and an expansive server network spanning 637 servers in 39 countries, Mullvad showcases its premium features.
However, it’s essential to compare these with NordVPN’s services to determine if the additional investment in Mullvad aligns with what users seek in a VPN, balancing cost against specific feature needs.
Mullvad Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: NordVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. NordVPN’s location in Panama, 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, NordVPN 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.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: NordVPN Better
NordVPN and Mullvad differ substantially in their server fleet sizes. While NordVPN boasts a vast network of 5,000 servers globally, Mullvad operates with a much smaller server fleet, consisting of just 637 servers in 39 countries. This difference might affect the performance and speed – especially for users in less covered regions.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and Mullvad is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of Mullvad, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Bottomline
In evaluating VPN services, NordVPN’s extensive global server coverage, user-friendly pricing, and reassuring Panama-based jurisdiction stand out, despite a strong showing by Mullvad’s robust security features and solid commitment to privacy. It’s worth noting that both VPN providers emphasize user satisfaction, offering extensive money-back guarantees to allow firsthand exploration of their unique features.
About NordVPN & 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.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.