Is Mullvad or NordVPN better for streaming?

NordVPN is significantly better for streaming. It successfully unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and other major platforms in most regions. Mullvad has limited streaming compatibility and frequently fails to bypass geo-restrictions, making it unreliable for entertainment purposes.

Which VPN is more private: Mullvad or NordVPN?

Both have strong privacy credentials with verified no-logs policies, but Mullvad takes anonymity further by requiring no personal information, using random account numbers instead of usernames, and accepting cash payments. NordVPN requires email registration but offers transparent privacy practices and regular audits. Mullvad is better for maximum anonymity; NordVPN balances privacy with usability.

Which is cheaper: Mullvad or NordVPN?

NordVPN is cheaper with introductory rates starting at $3.09/month for 2-year plans. Mullvad charges a flat €5/month (~$5.50 USD) with no long-term discounts. However, Mullvad's annual cost (~$60) is lower if you commit upfront, while NordVPN's basic plan costs around $83.43 for the first year after promotion ends.

Can I use Mullvad for gaming?

Mullvad can be used for gaming, but its moderate speeds and smaller server network may result in higher latency and ping times compared to NordVPN. NordVPN's optimized servers and larger infrastructure make it the better choice for online gaming where speed and low latency are critical.

Does NordVPN or Mullvad work in restricted countries?

Both VPNs work in many restricted regions, but NordVPN's larger server network and obfuscation features provide better circumvention capabilities in countries like China and Russia. Mullvad's smaller network may face more frequent blocking. Neither guarantees access in all restricted countries, and users should verify compatibility before travel.

Mullvad vs NordVPN

Updated May 28, 2026

Mullvad

Privacy-first VPN with random account numbers and no personal data collection.

Privacy-maximalist users, activists, journalists, and those requiring maximum anonymity over convenience

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NordVPN

Feature-rich VPN with 7,200+ servers, fast speeds, and excellent streaming support.

General users seeking balance of privacy, speed, streaming access, and affordability

Short Answer

Mullvad prioritizes absolute anonymity with no-logs architecture and random account numbers, while NordVPN offers faster speeds, more servers, and better streaming capabilities. NordVPN is better for general users seeking balance, while Mullvad appeals to privacy-maximalists willing to sacrifice some features.

Our Verdict

AI-assisted

NordVPN is the better choice for most users due to superior speeds, extensive server network, and excellent streaming capabilities at a competitive price. Mullvad is ideal for privacy-conscious users willing to sacrifice convenience and features for maximum anonymity and minimal data collection. Both are trustworthy, but serve different use cases.

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Mullvad5.7

9.3NordVPN

Choose Mullvad if

Privacy-maximalist users, activists, journalists, and those requiring maximum anonymity over convenience

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Key Differences at a Glance

🔹

Privacy Architecture: Mullvad wins (Random account numbers, no personal data required vs Traditional usernames, zero-logs policy)

🔹

Server Count: NordVPN wins (7,200+ servers vs ~400 servers)

💰

Monthly Price (Basic): NordVPN wins ($3.09-$4.99 USD vs $5.20-$5.80 USD flat rate)

See all 8 differences

Key Facts & Figures

Metric	Mullvad	NordVPN	Diff
Global Server Count(servers)	600+	6,000+	-90%
Countries Covered(countries)	42	—	—
Average Download Speed(Mbps)	76 Mbps	—	—
Monthly Subscription Price (Base Plan)(USD)	$5.00

Key Differences

Mullvad

Attribute

NordVPN

Random account numbers, no personal data required🏆

Privacy Architecture

Traditional usernames, zero-logs policy

~400 servers

Server Count

7,200+ servers🏆

$5.20-$5.80 USD flat rate

Monthly Price (Basic)

$3.09-$4.99 USD

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Last updated: May 28, 2026AI generated

Privacy Architecture

Mullvad

Random account numbers, no personal data required🏆

NordVPN

Traditional usernames, zero-logs policy

Server Count

Mullvad

~400 servers

NordVPN

7,200+ servers🏆

Monthly Price (Basic)

Mullvad

$5.20-$5.80 USD flat rate

NordVPN

$3.09-$4.99 USD🏆

Streaming Support

Mullvad

Limited, unreliable unblocking

NordVPN

Excellent, unblocks all major platforms🏆

Average Speed Performance

Mullvad

Moderate speeds

NordVPN

Fast speeds with optimized servers🏆

Simultaneous Device Connections

Mullvad

Unlimited on same device

NordVPN

10+ devices supported🏆

Independent Audits

Mullvad

Cure53 audits completed

NordVPN

Regular third-party audits

Payment Methods

Mullvad

Cash, crypto, cards accepted🏆

NordVPN

Cards, crypto, PayPal accepted

Full Comparison

Attribute	Mullvad	NordVPN

Global Server Count(servers)	600+	6,000+
Country Coverage(countries)	110+	—

Countries Covered(countries)	42	—

Average Download Speed(Mbps)	76 Mbps	—
Average Download Speed(Mbps)	Moderate (7-15 Mbps typical)	Fast (20-50 Mbps typical)
Peak Download Speed(Mbps)	950+ Mbps	—
Speed Retention Rate(%)	92%	—
Connection Speed Rating	Fastest	—
Show 4 more attributes Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) 5.20% decrease — Download Speed(Mbps) 950 Mbps — Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) 92% — Connection Speed Performance Faster globally —

Monthly Subscription Price (Base Plan)(USD)	$5.00	—
Monthly Cost (Basic Plan)(USD)	$5.99	—
Base Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month)	$5.50	$3.09
Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year)	$60	$83.43
Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month)	$3.99	—
Show 6 more attributes Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $59.88 (2-year) — Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) $3.99 — Free Plan Data Limit(GB/month) None available — Annual Plan Price(USD) From $69/year — Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) $3.09 — Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $36+ —

Account Creation Required	No (zero-knowledge)	—

Server Storage Type	RAM-only (no persistent storage)	—
Privacy Jurisdiction	Panama (5/9/14 Eyes)	—

Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(percent)	68% variable by region	—

Independent Security Audits(audits completed)	4+ open-source audits annually	—
Encryption Standard	ChaCha20 and AES-256	AES-256
Audit Frequency(years)	Annual third-party audit	—
VPN Protocols Offered	NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2	—
Encryption Standard	IKEv2/IPSec (top-grade)	—
Show 6 more attributes Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms) AES-256 (NordLynx) — Primary VPN Protocol NordLynx (WireGuard-based) — Kill Switch Feature Yes, All Platforms — Independent Security Audits Yes, regular audits — Kill Switch Feature Yes, on all platforms — Advanced Threat Protection Yes - Threat Protection Pro —

Server Count(servers)	450+	7,200+
Global Server Count(servers)	6,500+	—

Countries Covered(count)	42	110+ countries

Free Trial Available	No	—
Simultaneous Connections(devices)	Unlimited (same device)	10+
Native Streaming Box Apps	Limited	—
Simultaneous Connections(devices)	6 simultaneous connections	—

Open Source Code(percentage)	100%	—

Number of Servers(servers)	~400	7200+
Total Server Count(servers)	8000+	—

Streaming Compatibility	Limited support	Full support for major platforms

No-Logs Policy	Verified no-logs	Verified no-logs
Payment Anonymity Options	Cash, crypto, card	Crypto, card, PayPal
Logging Policy	Strict no-logs	—
Jurisdiction Privacy Rating	Excellent - Panama	—

Server Locations(countries)	111 countries	—

Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms)	10+	—
Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries)	30+	—
Total Streaming Services Supported(services)	10+	—

Dark Web Monitor	Included	—
App Kill Switch Feature	Yes (app-level)	—

US Streaming Platforms Supported(platforms)	4+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max verified)	—

Free Trial or Free Plan(monthly data)	None - 30-day money back only	—

Mullvad

NordVPN

Global Server Count(servers)

600+

6,000+

Country Coverage(countries)

110+

—

Countries Covered(countries)

—

Average Download Speed(Mbps)

76 Mbps

—

Average Download Speed(Mbps)

Moderate (7-15 Mbps typical)

Fast (20-50 Mbps typical)

Peak Download Speed(Mbps)

950+ Mbps

—

Speed Retention Rate(%)

92%

—

Connection Speed Rating

Fastest

—

Show 4 more attributes

Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline)

5.20% decrease

—

Download Speed(Mbps)

950 Mbps

—

Internet Speed Retention Rate(%)

92%

—

Connection Speed Performance

Faster globally

—

Monthly Subscription Price (Base Plan)(USD)

$5.00

—

Monthly Cost (Basic Plan)(USD)

$5.99

—

Base Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month)

$5.50

$3.09

Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year)

$60

$83.43

Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month)

$3.99

—

Show 6 more attributes

Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD)

$59.88 (2-year)

—

Monthly Subscription Cost(USD)

$3.99

—

Free Plan Data Limit(GB/month)

None available

—

Annual Plan Price(USD)

From $69/year

—

Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD)

$3.09

—

Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD)

$36+

—

Account Creation Required

No (zero-knowledge)

—

Server Storage Type

RAM-only (no persistent storage)

—

Privacy Jurisdiction

Panama (5/9/14 Eyes)

—

Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(percent)

68% variable by region

—

Independent Security Audits(audits completed)

4+ open-source audits annually

—

Encryption Standard

ChaCha20 and AES-256

AES-256

Audit Frequency(years)

Annual third-party audit

—

VPN Protocols Offered

NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2

—

Encryption Standard

IKEv2/IPSec (top-grade)

—

Show 6 more attributes

Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms)

AES-256 (NordLynx)

—

Primary VPN Protocol

NordLynx (WireGuard-based)

—

Kill Switch Feature

Yes, All Platforms

—

Independent Security Audits

Yes, regular audits

—

Kill Switch Feature

Yes, on all platforms

—

Advanced Threat Protection

Yes - Threat Protection Pro

—

Server Count(servers)

450+

7,200+

Global Server Count(servers)

6,500+

—

Countries Covered(count)

110+ countries

Free Trial Available

—

Simultaneous Connections(devices)

Unlimited (same device)

10+

Native Streaming Box Apps

Limited

—

Simultaneous Connections(devices)

6 simultaneous connections

—

Open Source Code(percentage)

100%

—

Number of Servers(servers)

~400

7200+

Total Server Count(servers)

8000+

—

Streaming Compatibility

Limited support

Full support for major platforms

No-Logs Policy

Verified no-logs

Payment Anonymity Options

Cash, crypto, card

Crypto, card, PayPal

Logging Policy

Strict no-logs

—

Jurisdiction Privacy Rating

Excellent - Panama

—

Server Locations(countries)

111 countries

—

Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms)

10+

—

Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries)

30+

—

Total Streaming Services Supported(services)

10+

—

Dark Web Monitor

Included

—

App Kill Switch Feature

Yes (app-level)

—

US Streaming Platforms Supported(platforms)

4+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max verified)

—

Free Trial or Free Plan(monthly data)

None - 30-day money back only

—

Full Comparison

Attribute	Mullvad	NordVPN

Global Server Count(servers)	600+	6,000+
Country Coverage(countries)	110+	—

Countries Covered(countries)	42	—

Average Download Speed(Mbps)	76 Mbps	—
Average Download Speed(Mbps)	Moderate (7-15 Mbps typical)	Fast (20-50 Mbps typical)
Peak Download Speed(Mbps)	950+ Mbps	—
Speed Retention Rate(%)	92%	—
Connection Speed Rating	Fastest	—
Show 4 more attributes Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) 5.20% decrease — Download Speed(Mbps) 950 Mbps — Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) 92% — Connection Speed Performance Faster globally —

Monthly Subscription Price (Base Plan)(USD)	$5.00	—
Monthly Cost (Basic Plan)(USD)	$5.99	—
Base Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month)	$5.50	$3.09
Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year)	$60	$83.43
Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month)	$3.99	—
Show 6 more attributes Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $59.88 (2-year) — Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) $3.99 — Free Plan Data Limit(GB/month) None available — Annual Plan Price(USD) From $69/year — Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) $3.09 — Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $36+ —

Account Creation Required	No (zero-knowledge)	—

Server Storage Type	RAM-only (no persistent storage)	—
Privacy Jurisdiction	Panama (5/9/14 Eyes)	—

Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(percent)	68% variable by region	—

Independent Security Audits(audits completed)	4+ open-source audits annually	—
Encryption Standard	ChaCha20 and AES-256	AES-256
Audit Frequency(years)	Annual third-party audit	—
VPN Protocols Offered	NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2	—
Encryption Standard	IKEv2/IPSec (top-grade)	—
Show 6 more attributes Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms) AES-256 (NordLynx) — Primary VPN Protocol NordLynx (WireGuard-based) — Kill Switch Feature Yes, All Platforms — Independent Security Audits Yes, regular audits — Kill Switch Feature Yes, on all platforms — Advanced Threat Protection Yes - Threat Protection Pro —

Server Count(servers)	450+	7,200+
Global Server Count(servers)	6,500+	—

Countries Covered(count)	42	110+ countries

Free Trial Available	No	—
Simultaneous Connections(devices)	Unlimited (same device)	10+
Native Streaming Box Apps	Limited	—
Simultaneous Connections(devices)	6 simultaneous connections	—

Open Source Code(percentage)	100%	—

Number of Servers(servers)	~400	7200+
Total Server Count(servers)	8000+	—

Streaming Compatibility	Limited support	Full support for major platforms

No-Logs Policy	Verified no-logs	Verified no-logs
Payment Anonymity Options	Cash, crypto, card	Crypto, card, PayPal
Logging Policy	Strict no-logs	—
Jurisdiction Privacy Rating	Excellent - Panama	—

Server Locations(countries)	111 countries	—

Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms)	10+	—
Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries)	30+	—
Total Streaming Services Supported(services)	10+	—

Dark Web Monitor	Included	—
App Kill Switch Feature	Yes (app-level)	—

US Streaming Platforms Supported(platforms)	4+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max verified)	—

Free Trial or Free Plan(monthly data)	None - 30-day money back only	—

Mullvad

NordVPN

Global Server Count(servers)

600+

6,000+

Country Coverage(countries)

110+

—

Countries Covered(countries)

—

Average Download Speed(Mbps)

76 Mbps

—

Average Download Speed(Mbps)

Moderate (7-15 Mbps typical)

Fast (20-50 Mbps typical)

Peak Download Speed(Mbps)

950+ Mbps

—

Speed Retention Rate(%)

92%

—

Connection Speed Rating

Fastest

—

Show 4 more attributes

Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline)

5.20% decrease

—

Download Speed(Mbps)

950 Mbps

—

Internet Speed Retention Rate(%)

92%

—

Connection Speed Performance

Faster globally

—

Monthly Subscription Price (Base Plan)(USD)

$5.00

—

Monthly Cost (Basic Plan)(USD)

$5.99

—

Base Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month)

$5.50

$3.09

Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year)

$60

$83.43

Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month)

$3.99

—

Show 6 more attributes

Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD)

$59.88 (2-year)

—

Monthly Subscription Cost(USD)

$3.99

—

Free Plan Data Limit(GB/month)

None available

—

Annual Plan Price(USD)

From $69/year

—

Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD)

$3.09

—

Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD)

$36+

—

Account Creation Required

No (zero-knowledge)

—

Server Storage Type

RAM-only (no persistent storage)

—

Privacy Jurisdiction

Panama (5/9/14 Eyes)

—

Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(percent)

68% variable by region

—

Independent Security Audits(audits completed)

4+ open-source audits annually

—

Encryption Standard

ChaCha20 and AES-256

AES-256

Audit Frequency(years)

Annual third-party audit

—

VPN Protocols Offered

NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2

—

Encryption Standard

IKEv2/IPSec (top-grade)

—

Show 6 more attributes

Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms)

AES-256 (NordLynx)

—

Primary VPN Protocol

NordLynx (WireGuard-based)

—

Kill Switch Feature

Yes, All Platforms

—

Independent Security Audits

Yes, regular audits

—

Kill Switch Feature

Yes, on all platforms

—

Advanced Threat Protection

Yes - Threat Protection Pro

—

Server Count(servers)

450+

7,200+

Global Server Count(servers)

6,500+

—

Countries Covered(count)

110+ countries

Free Trial Available

—

Simultaneous Connections(devices)

Unlimited (same device)

10+

Native Streaming Box Apps

Limited

—

Simultaneous Connections(devices)

6 simultaneous connections

—

Open Source Code(percentage)

100%

—

Number of Servers(servers)

~400

7200+

Total Server Count(servers)

8000+

—

Streaming Compatibility

Limited support

Full support for major platforms

No-Logs Policy

Verified no-logs

Payment Anonymity Options

Cash, crypto, card

Crypto, card, PayPal

Logging Policy

Strict no-logs

—

Jurisdiction Privacy Rating

Excellent - Panama

—

Server Locations(countries)

111 countries

—

Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms)

10+

—

Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries)

30+

—

Total Streaming Services Supported(services)

10+

—

Dark Web Monitor

Included

—

App Kill Switch Feature

Yes (app-level)

—

US Streaming Platforms Supported(platforms)

4+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max verified)

—

Free Trial or Free Plan(monthly data)

None - 30-day money back only

—

Mullvad vs NordVPN

Mullvad

NordVPN

Short Answer

Our Verdict

Track this comparison

Key Differences at a Glance

Key Facts & Figures

Key Differences

Related Comparisons

Related Articles

Explore Entities

More Products

People Also Compare

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Pros & Cons

Mullvad

Pros

Cons

NordVPN

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources & Learn More

Where to Buy

Wikipedia

Videos

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Mullvad vs NordVPN

Mullvad

NordVPN

Short Answer

Our Verdict

🔔Track this comparison

Key Differences at a Glance

Key Facts & Figures

Key Differences

Related Comparisons

Related Articles

Explore Entities

More Products

People Also Compare

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Pros & Cons

Mullvad

Pros

Cons

NordVPN

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources & Learn More

Where to Buy

Wikipedia

Videos

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Track this comparison