Mullvad prioritizes privacy with no user accounts and open-source code, while NordVPN offers broader features including streaming optimization, faster speeds, and 24/7 customer support. Mullvad is better for privacy purists; NordVPN suits users wanting convenience and global streaming access.
Mullvad vs NordVPN — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Privacy-first VPN with no user accounts and fully open-source code.
Large VPN network with streaming optimization and 24/7 customer support.
User Account Requirement. Server Network Size. Code Transparency. Streaming Optimization. Average Download Speed. Customer Support Availability. Data Logging Policy
Choose Mullvad if you're a privacy-focused user who values absolute anonymity, open-source transparency, and don't mind slower speeds or minimal customer support. Choose NordVPN if you want faster performance, optimized streaming, global server coverage, responsive support, and are willing to trade some privacy features for convenience.
Mullvad VPN: $46.92/year | NordVPN: $47.88/year
Mullvad VPN: Unlimited | NordVPN: 6 devices
Mullvad VPN: 2 (WireGuard, OpenVPN) | NordVPN: N/A
Mullvad VPN: 40 countries | NordVPN: N/A
Mullvad VPN: 1 connection | NordVPN: N/A
Mullvad VPN: 78 Mbps | NordVPN: 840 Mbps
Mullvad VPN: No (account number only) | NordVPN: N/A
Mullvad VPN: Yes (fully open-source) | NordVPN: Partial (proprietary components)
Mullvad VPN: Yes (included) | NordVPN: Yes, All Platforms
Mullvad VPN: 43 | NordVPN: 111 countries
Mullvad VPN: $5.00 (recommended minimum) | NordVPN: N/A
Mullvad VPN: $60.00 (recommended minimum) | NordVPN: $47.88
Mullvad VPN: Fully Open Source | NordVPN: N/A
Mullvad VPN: Optional (anonymous access) | NordVPN: N/A
Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)
Mullvad VPN: 100% open-source | NordVPN: Proprietary (audited)
Mullvad VPN: Email only, 24-hour response | NordVPN: 24/7 live chat and email
Mullvad VPN: Cure53 (2023) | NordVPN: Deloitte (2024)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 111 countries
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Strict no-logs
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes (app-level)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 5.20% decrease
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 4+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max verified)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: None - 30-day money back only
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Panama (5/9/14 Eyes)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: AES-256 (NordLynx)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: NordLynx (WireGuard-based)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 110+ countries
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: None available
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: From $69/year
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes, regular audits
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes, on all platforms
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Faster globally
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes - Threat Protection Pro
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Excellent - Panama
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Full support for major platforms
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Fast (20-50 Mbps typical)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Verified no-logs
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Crypto, card, PayPal
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: $69.99/year (2-year plan)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Not applicable
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 0 (Premium only)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 6 simultaneous connections
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 7 major browser extensions
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: All platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Partial (selected components)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Proprietary/Closed-source
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes, all platforms
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: No free tier
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 6,500+ servers
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 12+ (major platforms only)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes (PwC audit 2024)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: WireGuard with ChaCha20
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Annual (PwC)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 89% success rate (tested 13 regions)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: OpenVPN, WireGuard, ChaCha20, NordLynx
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes (Threat Protection included)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Panama (outside 5/9/14-Eyes)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes (automatic)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: No (proprietary)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: AES-256 Double VPN (dual layer)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes (multiple 2022-2024)
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: IKEv2/IPSec or WireGuard
Mullvad VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Strict no-logs policy
How to choose between Mullvad VPN and NordVPN
Mullvad vs NordVPN — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Mullvad vs NordVPN. Contains 137 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Mullvad vs NordVPN — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Mullvad vs NordVPN.
Which VPN is better for streaming Netflix and BBC iPlayer?
NordVPN is significantly better for streaming. It offers specialized SmartPlay servers specifically optimized to bypass geo-restrictions on Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. Mullvad does not optimize for streaming and these services frequently block its IP addresses, making it unsuitable for streaming content.
Is Mullvad really more private than NordVPN?
Mullvad offers stronger privacy in specific ways: it requires no account creation (you're anonymous from the start), and its 100% open-source code allows anyone to audit it. However, both have independent zero-logging audits. NordVPN requires email registration, but this doesn't bypass their no-logs policy. Mullvad wins on transparency and anonymity; both are equally secure regarding data logging.
Why is NordVPN so much faster than Mullvad?
NordVPN's 40% speed advantage (350 Mbps vs 200 Mbps average) stems from its massive 6,500+ server network, which reduces congestion and optimizes routing. Additionally, NordVPN's infrastructure is specifically optimized for speed and streaming. Mullvad's smaller 710-server network means more users per server, creating bottlenecks. Mullvad prioritizes privacy over speed optimization.
Can I use Mullvad or NordVPN on multiple devices?
Mullvad allows unlimited simultaneous connections on different devices with a single plan, making it better for families or multi-device users. NordVPN limits you to 6 simultaneous connections per account. This is a significant advantage for Mullvad if you use 7+ devices regularly.
What if I need customer support urgently?
NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support with typically under 5-minute response times, making it ideal if you encounter issues and need immediate help. Mullvad provides email support only with a 24-hour response window, which works for non-urgent issues but is inadequate for critical connection problems. Choose NordVPN if responsive support is essential.
How to Choose Between Mullvad VPN and NordVPN
User Account Requirement: Mullvad VPN has No accounts - anonymous by default, while NordVPN has Account-based with username/email.
Server Network Size: Mullvad VPN has 710+ servers in 41 countries, while NordVPN has 6,500+ servers in 111 countries.
Code Transparency: Mullvad VPN has 100% open-source (fully auditable), while NordVPN has Proprietary (third-party audited).
Streaming Optimization: Mullvad VPN has Not optimized for streaming, while NordVPN has Specialized streaming servers (SmartPlay).
Average Download Speed: Mullvad VPN has 180-220 Mbps on 500Mbps connection, while NordVPN has 320-380 Mbps on 500Mbps connection.
Customer Support Availability: Mullvad VPN has Email only, 24-hour response, while NordVPN has 24/7 live chat and email support.
Data Logging Policy: Mullvad VPN has Zero logs, independent audited, while NordVPN has Zero logs, independent audited.