NordVPN or Mullvad: Top VPN Comparison

NordVPN and Mullvad are two of the most popular VPN services on the market, but which one is right for you?

Mullvad is based in Sweden, a country known for its strong data protection laws, while NordVPN is based in Panama.

Both VPNs have a strong focus on user privacy and security, but they approach it differently. NordVPN has a more comprehensive suite of security features, including a kill switch and double encryption.

One key difference between the two is their logging policies - Mullvad doesn't store any logs, while NordVPN stores some connection logs for up to 30 days.

NordVPN has a number of plans based on payment frequency and features, with a one-month plan costing $12.99 and a two-year plan costing just $3.59.

You can pay extra for one of the higher tiers and get a password manager, anti-malware protection, encrypted cloud storage, and identity theft protection included in the subscription.

Mullvad takes a different approach and has one price, no matter how long you stick with them, which works out to be about $5.27 per month.

If you decide to pay month to month, it's cheaper than NordVPN's $12.99 price tag, but if you know you'll need a VPN for a year or two, it's hard to beat NordVPN.

Here's a comparison of the pricing plans for both NordVPN and Mullvad:

If you're looking to compare these two VPNs yourself, start by signing up for a single month of Mullvad since, at $5.27, it's the cheaper option. If you like it, hang on to it. If not, sign up for a year of NordVPN.

NordVPN offers 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year plans, and you can pay for it with most credit and debit cards, cryptocurrency, Amazon Pay, iTunes, or Google Play (via App Store / Play Store).

Mullvad is different from NordVPN because it offers a flat monthly rate for all its plans, allowing for monthly and yearly payments, and you don't save money on long-term payments due to the flat rate.

Worth a look: Do You Have to Pay for Nordvpn

Both NordVPN and Mullvad VPN offer robust security features to protect your online activities.

NordVPN and Mullvad VPN both use 256-bit AES encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and kill switches to safeguard your data.

Perfect Forward Secrecy is a feature that changes encryption keys each session to protect data, and both NordVPN and Mullvad VPN offer this feature.

Both VPN services use RAM-only servers for enhanced data security, ensuring all information is wiped with each server reset.

Mullvad offers WireGuard, while NordVPN introduces NordLynx, based on WireGuard technology.

NordVPN provides app-level kill switch options and complete DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, unlike Mullvad.

Here's a comparison of the security features of NordVPN and Mullvad VPN:

NordVPN also offers two-factor authentication to enhance account security.

NordVPN boasts over 5,500 servers in 60 countries, compared to Mullvad's 760 in 40. This vast network minimizes slowdowns and provides faster local connections globally.

NordVPN leads in obfuscated servers, offering over 100 across 15+ countries, while Mullvad provides 30+ in 10+ countries. This is particularly useful for bypassing restrictions in countries with internet censorship.

You might like: Nordvpn Obfuscated Server

Both NordVPN and Mullvad support P2P file sharing, but NordVPN offers a broader range of dedicated P2P servers. NordVPN also offers dedicated IP addresses in over 10 countries, providing consistent access and personalization.

Here's a comparison of the two VPNs' server offerings:

NordVPN has a vast network of 5,500+ servers in 60 countries, which reduces overcrowding and enhances speed. This is a significant advantage over Mullvad's 760 servers in 40 countries.

Mullvad's servers are limited to 38 countries, whereas NordVPN has a presence in nearly twice as many countries. This means NordVPN has almost seven times more servers than Mullvad.

NordVPN offers servers in all major continents, including Africa, which is a notable advantage over Mullvad. Mullvad does not have servers in Africa.

Here's a comparison of the server range offered by both providers:

NordVPN has a comprehensive European coverage, including Eastern European countries like Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine, and Georgia. Mullvad, on the other hand, lacks servers in most of these countries.

Protecting all your devices with a VPN is a great idea, but what about those that don't support VPN apps natively? Setting up NordVPN on your router is the solution.

You can find detailed guides for various router types on NordVPN's website, making the process easier. Some routers even support NordVPN's app, offering an interface similar to the desktop version.

Mullvad also supports router configurations, giving you whole-home VPN coverage.

NordVPN is compatible with many router firmware types, including DD-WRT, Tomato, and AsusWRT.

Setting up Mullvad on your router requires some technical know-how, but it's doable with their guides.

Supported router firmware for Mullvad includes DD-WRT, OpenWrt, and pfSense.

Here's a comparison of the two services' router compatibility:

Using either service on a router counts as one device connection, so you can protect all your home devices while using just one of your available connections.

Amazon Prime Video and Sky Go can be a bit tricky to access with NordVPN. NordVPN is great for many streaming services, but it has some limitations.

You might run into trouble with Amazon Prime Video and Sky Go because these services are good at spotting VPNs and blocking them. Amazon Prime Video can be particularly tricky, so here are some tips to try if you can’t watch Prime Video:

Sky Go is another tough nut to crack, and it's known for being hard to access with VPNs. This is because streaming services work hard to block VPNs to follow content licensing rules.

Don't give up hope! NordVPN often finds new ways to get around these blocks, so keep an eye out for updates or try the tips above. Some users report success with certain server locations, but not all Mullvad servers work for Sky Go.

Consider reading: Does Nordvpn Work on Iphone

Both NordVPN and Mullvad are solid choices for torrenting. NordVPN leads the way on servers, with P2P supported on over 4,500 servers through a long list of countries, while Mullvad offers it on all 760 servers.

Related reading: Nordvpn Dns Server

NordVPN and Mullvad are compatible with major P2P clients like Vuze, uTorrent, BitTorrent, and Deluge, ensuring smooth torrenting experiences. Each provider also has SOCKS5 proxies for faster yet less secure speeds, although Mullvad requires a VPN connection for its use, enhancing security.

Key torrenting features for both include kill switches and verified no-logs policies, plus effective ad blockers. NordVPN’s Threat Protection gets it over the line by offering added defense against malicious sites and files.

Here's a comparison of NordVPN and Mullvad's torrenting capabilities:

Mullvad is the winner for torrenting, with faster speeds and more flexible P2P traffic on all its servers. NordVPN has a larger server network, but Mullvad's WireGuard protocol provides fast and secure connections.

Customer Support is a crucial aspect of any VPN service. NordVPN and Mullvad both have their own approaches to customer support.

NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, allowing for quick answers to any questions you may have. Their website also features a large knowledge base with guides and tutorials to help you resolve common issues on your own.

You can also reach out to NordVPN via email if you prefer. Their email support provides detailed responses, and you can expect a reply within a day in most cases.

Mullvad, on the other hand, takes a different approach to customer support. They offer email support as their main contact method, and response times can vary, but you'll usually get an answer within 24 hours.

Mullvad's website features a detailed FAQ section and guides, which cover most common questions and setup procedures. You'll find step-by-step instructions for different devices and operating systems.

Here's a comparison of the customer support features of NordVPN and Mullvad:

If you need help with your VPN, the level of support available can make a big difference.

Mullvad and NordVPN are both reliable options for securing your online activities, but there are some key differences to consider.

Mullvad starts at €5/month, while NordVPN starts at $3.59/month, making NordVPN the more affordable option.

Both providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them out risk-free.

Mullvad has servers in +45 countries, while NordVPN has servers in 111 countries, giving NordVPN a wider reach.

Both providers offer AES-256 encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch for added security.

Here's a comparison of some of the key features:

Both providers have their own strengths and weaknesses, but it's worth noting that Mullvad's more limited simultaneous connections may be a drawback for some users.

If you're looking for a provider with a wide range of features, NordVPN's additional features such as CyberSec for ad blocking and SmartPlay for streaming may be a deciding factor.

On the other hand, Mullvad's content/ad-blocker and multi-hop (double VPN) features may be more appealing to users who prioritize online anonymity.

Mullvad VPN operates under a strict no-logs policy, which means they don't track or store any information about your online activities.

Mullvad is based in Sweden, a country that's part of the 14 Eyes, but their independent audits help ensure your data stays private.

NordVPN, on the other hand, has a more complex jurisdiction situation, with company co-founder Tom Okman recently going public about the company's ownership.

NordVPN also tries to improve trust with third-party audits of its no-logs policy, but the reports are only available to customers online from their account dashboard.

Here's a comparison of NordVPN and Mullvad's jurisdiction and trustworthiness:

Both providers have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to jurisdiction and trust, but Mullvad's commitment to user anonymity and no-logs policy makes it a strong contender for those prioritizing privacy.

Panama's data-retention laws are non-existent, which is a major advantage for NordVPN. NordVPN operates from Panama, under the umbrella of Telefonica S.A. company.

NordVPN's country of jurisdiction, Panama, is not a member of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance, which means its companies can't be compelled to retain data or share it with the authorities.

Sweden, on the other hand, is a 14-eyes country, which means Mullvad VPN is subject to sharing intelligence with other members of the alliance.

Here's a comparison of the two countries' jurisdictions:

Panama's favorable jurisdiction is a significant factor in NordVPN's strong commitment to user privacy.

NordVPN's server lists are easily accessible, giving you a wide range of country choices.

Mullvad runs its own network of servers, offering 33 country locations and more than 300 servers. NordVPN, on the other hand, has a much larger network with more than 3,000 servers.

NordVPN is closer to double Mullvad's server count, with 58 countries to choose from.

Here's a comparison of the two VPNs' country choices:

This means you have more options for accessing content from different regions and avoiding internet restrictions.

NordVPN has a number of plans based on payment frequency and features, with a one-month plan costing $12.99.

Mullvad takes a different approach with a flat monthly rate of $5.27, regardless of how long you stick with them.

Signing up for a single month of Mullvad is the cheaper option, at $5.27, making it a good choice to try out before committing to a longer plan.

If you like Mullvad, you can hang on to it, but if not, you can sign up for a year of NordVPN, which is a more cost-effective option in the long run.

NordVPN's pricing plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you peace of mind when trying out their service.

Mullvad also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try out their service risk-free.

Here's a comparison of the payment methods accepted by both NordVPN and Mullvad:

Overall, both NordVPN and Mullvad offer flexible payment options and a money-back guarantee, giving you the freedom to try out their services without commitment.