ExpressVPN vs Mullvad 2026: Speed vs Privacy
ExpressVPN offers faster speeds and broader server coverage across 105 countries, while Mullvad prioritizes anonymity with no-login access and open-source code, making it ideal for privacy purists willing to sacrifice some speed.
ExpressVPN
Premium VPN service with 3,000+ servers across 105 countries and fast speeds.
Streaming enthusiasts, gamers, business travelers, and users who value speed and customer support over absolute anonymity.
Mullvad VPN
Privacy-focused open-source VPN with optional anonymous access and no login required.
Privacy advocates, journalists, security researchers, and users who value transparency and anonymity over speed and extensive server networks.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryExpressVPN offers faster speeds and broader server coverage across 105 countries, while Mullvad prioritizes anonymity with no-login access and open-source code, making it ideal for privacy purists willing to sacrifice some speed.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose ExpressVPN if you prioritize speed, extensive global server coverage, and 24/7 customer support for streaming, gaming, and general browsing across 105 countries. Choose Mullvad if you're a privacy maximalist willing to accept slower speeds and limited server locations in exchange for true anonymity, open-source code verification, and zero forced login data collection.
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Choose ExpressVPN if
Best pickStreaming enthusiasts, gamers, business travelers, and users who value speed and customer support over absolute anonymity.
Choose Mullvad VPN if
Privacy advocates, journalists, security researchers, and users who value transparency and anonymity over speed and extensive server networks.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Login Requirement:✓ Mullvad VPN wins(Optional (anonymous access) vs Required (email/account))
- Server Locations:✓ ExpressVPN wins(105 countries, 3,000+ servers vs 43 countries, 300+ servers)
- Average Download Speed:✓ ExpressVPN wins(92 Mbps (based on 100 Mbps connection) vs 78 Mbps (based on 100 Mbps connection))
Key Facts & Figures
53 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — | — |
| Server Locations(countries) | 94 countries | — | — |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 89% | — | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 10+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 devices | Unlimited devices | — |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | — | — |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | — | — |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.4/10 | — | — |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 8.5/10 | — | — |
| Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — | — |
| Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) | 91% | — | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 100+ | — | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — | — |
| Standard Monthly Price(USD) | $12.99 | — | — |
| Server Locations Coverage(countries) | 94+ | — | — |
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 9.6 | — | — |
| 2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month) | $3.49 | — | — |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $2.79/month (2-year) | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 94 countries | — | — |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 50+ Mbps | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 connections | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 105 countries | — | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 94% | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $12.95/month (billed monthly) | $5.75/month | |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $6.67/month | $46.92/year | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $6.67 | — | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 105 | 43 | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 92 Mbps | 78 Mbps | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 94% | — | — |
| Average Speed Retention(%) | 92% | 79% | |
| Netflix Unblocking Reliability(%) | 99% | 15% | |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 devices | Unlimited | — |
| Supported VPN Protocols(count) | 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) | 2 (WireGuard, OpenVPN) | |
| Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $99.95 | $60.00 (recommended minimum) | |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 840+ | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(countries) | 105 | 41 | |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 8 devices | — | — |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+) | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 300+ | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $6.67 | — | — |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 3,000+ | — | — |
| Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) | 15+ regions | — | — |
| Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) | $240.12 | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (Lowest Available Plan)(USD) | $5.00/month | $5.00/month | |
| Countries Served(countries) | 40 countries | 40 countries | |
| Simultaneous Connections Per Account(connections) | 1 connection | 1 connection |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- Required (email/account)Login RequirementOptional (anonymous access)(winner)
- 105 countries, 3,000+ servers(winner)Server Locations43 countries, 300+ servers
- 92 Mbps (based on 100 Mbps connection)(winner)Average Download Speed78 Mbps (based on 100 Mbps connection)
- Proprietary (closed source)Code TransparencyFully open source and audited(winner)
- $12.95/month (annual: $99.95/year)Monthly PricingPay-what-you-want ($5-30 recommended)(winner)
- 3rd-party audited (Cure53, PwC)No-Logs Policy Audits3rd-party audited (Cure53)
- Collects connection timestamps and IPApp Data CollectionZero data collection without login(winner)
- Login Requirement
ExpressVPN
Required (email/account)
Mullvad VPN
Optional (anonymous access)(winner)
- Server Locations
ExpressVPN
105 countries, 3,000+ servers(winner)
Mullvad VPN
43 countries, 300+ servers
- Average Download Speed
ExpressVPN
92 Mbps (based on 100 Mbps connection)(winner)
Mullvad VPN
78 Mbps (based on 100 Mbps connection)
- Code Transparency
ExpressVPN
Proprietary (closed source)
Mullvad VPN
Fully open source and audited(winner)
- Monthly Pricing
ExpressVPN
$12.95/month (annual: $99.95/year)
Mullvad VPN
Pay-what-you-want ($5-30 recommended)(winner)
- No-Logs Policy Audits
ExpressVPN
3rd-party audited (Cure53, PwC)
Mullvad VPN
3rd-party audited (Cure53)
- App Data Collection
ExpressVPN
Collects connection timestamps and IP
Mullvad VPN
Zero data collection without login(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 89% | — |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | — |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.4/10 | — |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 8.5/10 | — |
Show 6 more attributesDownload Speed(Mbps) 898 Mbps — Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) 91% — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 50+ Mbps — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 92 Mbps 78 Mbps Average Speed Retention(%) 92% 79% Countries Covered(countries) 105 41 | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 94 countries | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 105(winner) | 43 |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+(winner) | 300+ |
| Countries Served(countries) | 40 countries | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 10+ | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 100+ | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 94% | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 94% | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Reliability(%) | 99%(winner) | 15% |
Show 1 more attributeNetflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) 15+ regions — | ||
| Native Streaming Box Apps | Full support | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Server Locations Coverage(countries) | 94+ | — |
| Router VPN Support | Native support | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 connections | — |
Show 4 more attributesMaximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) 8 devices Unlimited Supported VPN Protocols(count) 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) 2 (WireGuard, OpenVPN) Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) 8 devices — Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+) — | ||
| VPN Protocols Offered | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | — |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | — |
| Primary VPN Protocol | Lightway (Proprietary) | — |
| Kill Switch Feature | Yes, All Platforms | Yes (included) |
| Encryption Standard | 256-bit AES Military-Grade | — |
Show 4 more attributesMulti-Hop Encryption Available (slower) — Code Transparency Third-party audited only — Encryption Standard 256-bit AES (Lightway protocol) — Code Transparency (Open Source) Proprietary/Closed Fully Open Source | ||
| Customer Support Type | 24/7 live chat | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 105 countries | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,000+(winner) | 840+ |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 3,000+ | — |
| Standard Monthly Price(USD) | $12.99 | — |
| 2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month) | $3.49 | — |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $2.79/month (2-year) | — |
| Free Version | Not available | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $6.67/month | — |
Show 10 more attributesMonthly Subscription Cost(USD) $12.95/month (billed monthly) $5.75/month Annual Subscription Cost(USD) $6.67/month $46.92/year Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) $6.67 — Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) $6.67/month — Annual Cost(USD) $99.95 $60.00 (recommended minimum) Free Tier Data Allowance(GB/month) None — Monthly Cost(USD) $12.95 $5.00 (recommended minimum) Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $6.67 — Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) $240.12 — Monthly Cost (Lowest Available Plan)(USD) $5.00/month — | ||
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 9.6 | — |
| Privacy Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | — |
| Login Requirement for Access | Mandatory (email-based) | Optional (anonymous access) |
| Countries Covered(count) | 94 countries | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | — |
| Simultaneous Connections Per Account(connections) | 1 connection | — |
| Account Registration Required | No (account number only) | — |
| Open Source Code | Yes (fully open-source) | — |
Show 6 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Show 4 more attributes
Show 4 more attributes
Show 10 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
ExpressVPN
Pros
- 3,000+ servers across 105 countries providing excellent geographic coverage
- Average download speeds of 92 Mbps (92% of baseline), fastest in class for streaming/gaming
- 24/7 live chat customer support in 13 languages
- Simultaneous connections on 8 devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked
Cons
- Mandatory account registration and login required, reducing anonymity
- Closed-source proprietary code prevents independent security verification
- $12.95/month ($99.95/year) more expensive than competitors
Mullvad VPN
Pros
- Optional login with true anonymous account creation (no email needed)
- Fully open-source code audited by Cure53 allowing independent security verification
- Zero data collection without mandatory user identification
- Pay-what-you-want pricing model ($5-30 recommended) with no subscription lock-in
- Built-in leak protection and automatic VPN kill-switch on all devices
Cons
- Only 300+ servers across 43 countries, limiting geographic options and causing speed trade-offs
- Average download speed of 78 Mbps (78% of baseline), 15% slower than ExpressVPN
- No dedicated customer support channels; community-based help only
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
ExpressVPN delivers significantly faster speeds with an average of 92 Mbps compared to Mullvad's 78 Mbps (15% faster). ExpressVPN also has 3,000+ servers globally optimized for streaming, making it better for 4K video, gaming, and high-bandwidth activities.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
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