NordVPN vs Mullvad: 12 Tests, 1 Clear Winner in 2026

Looking for privacy without sacrificing speed or streaming? NordVPN vs Mullvad is a close matchup. NordVPN combines 9,500+ RAM-only servers with a wide range of security features, while Mullvad focuses on simplicity, anonymous sign-ups, and strong privacy.

Our hands-on testing uncovered a clear performance gap. One VPN topped 900 Mbps and handled major streaming platforms with ease, while the other struggled with speeds and frequent CAPTCHAs.

Mullvad’s privacy-first approach makes it popular with privacy-conscious users, but our testing found NordVPN ahead in speed, features, and overall usability.

First, here’s a quick look at both VPNs before we dive into the results:

	NordVPN	Mullvad
Website	NordVPN.com	Mullvad.net
Location	Panama	Sweden
Servers	9,500+	600+
Countries	149	50
Logs	No logs (audited)	No logs (audited)
Torrenting	All servers	All servers
Support	24/7 live chat; knowledge base	Email; knowledge base
Apps for	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Simultaneous connections	10	5
Money-back guarantee	30 days	14 days
Price	$3.49 (with coupon)	€5.00
Coupon	75% Off Coupon >	N/A

How we test VPNs

We put NordVPN and Mullvad through the same hands-on testing process across 12 core performance, privacy, and usability categories:

1. VPN apps: We test the Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android apps for ease of use, design, features, and stability.
2. Speed: We run repeated speed tests on nearby and long-distance servers using high-speed fibre connections.
3. Features: We test key tools such as split tunnelling, kill switches, and VPN protocols to see how well they work in practice.
4. Security and privacy: We check encryption, protocols, and leak protection to assess how well each VPN protects your data.
5. Logging and audits: We review each provider’s logging policy and independent third-party audits.
6. Jurisdiction: We examine where each VPN is based and how its local privacy laws may affect users.
7. Usability: We monitor everyday browsing to see how often VPN connections trigger CAPTCHAs, Cloudflare checks, or other interruptions.
8. Streaming: We test access to popular streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
9. Torrenting: We test P2P performance, download speeds, and connection stability during sustained file sharing.
10. Pricing and plans: We compare subscription prices, discounts, and what you get with each plan.
11. Customer support: We test available support channels, response times, and the quality of assistance.
12. Value: We consider overall performance, features, and pricing to determine what each VPN offers for the money.

VPN apps

	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Apps	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Browsers	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Firefox, Mullvad Browser
Other	Android TV, Fire TV, gaming systems, and more	Android TV, Fire TV (via APK), Chromebook

Both providers offer clean, intuitive apps for desktop and mobile. However, NordVPN has the edge in device compatibility, with native apps for platforms such as Fire TV and Android TV. Mullvad also works on Fire TV, but requires a manual APK installation because it isn’t available through the Amazon Appstore.

NordVPN stands out with a polished, feature-rich app offering extras like ad blocking and automatic server selection. Mullvad keeps things simpler with a lightweight, minimalist interface on desktop and mobile.

NordVPN supports Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extensions, while Mullvad supports Firefox only. However, Mullvad stands out with its standalone Mullvad Browser, developed with the Tor Project to improve privacy and reduce fingerprinting, making it a solid choice among secure browsers.

NordVPN’s wider platform coverage and polished apps give it an advantage, especially if you need one of the best VPNs for multiple devices.

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Speed tests

VPN speed matters for everything from streaming and gaming to everyday browsing. In our tests on a 1,000 Mbps connection, NordVPN consistently delivered higher speeds than Mullvad on both nearby and long-distance servers.

Much of NordVPN’s performance comes from its NordLynx protocol, which is based on WireGuard and designed for fast, efficient connections. Mullvad also uses WireGuard and performed well, but NordVPN maintained better speeds and stability, particularly when connecting to distant servers.

That extra speed can make a noticeable difference when streaming in 4K, gaming, or transferring large files. NordVPN wins this category, offering faster and more consistent performance in our testing.

Speed test results

We ran multiple speed tests across different server locations to compare NordVPN and Mullvad VPN. NordVPN consistently came out ahead for streaming, torrenting, and everyday browsing on both nearby and distant servers.

Mullvad server in Seattle: 384 Mbps

This was an impressive first test result for Mullvad. Let’s see how it compares to NordVPN.

NordVPN server in Seattle: 903 Mbps

This is the fastest VPN speed test result we have ever clocked, at over 903 Mbps. While Mullvad’s speed was solid, this result is more than double!

Next, I tested servers in Los Angeles, California.

Mullvad server in Los Angeles: 125 Mbps

This is a disappointing speed, particularly after the Seattle result.

NordVPN server in Los Angeles: 868 Mbps

NordVPN was almost equally impressive on this test as on the Seattle connection, clocking in at more than seven times the speed of Mullvad.

I then ran tests for servers in New York, with similar test results.

Mullvad server in New York: 87 Mbps

Slower yet.

NordVPN server in New York: 825 Mbps

Both VPNs were slower connecting to New York than to the other locations. But where NordVPN was only a bit slower, Mullvad was much slower.

Long-distance speed tests in the UK

For completeness, we also did long-distance speed testing with servers in the UK. The results were even worse for Mullvad.

Mullvad server in the UK: 62 Mbps

This is another disappointing result for Mullvad VPN.

NordVPN server in the UK: 658 Mbps

Again, NordVPN is significantly faster than Mullvad. Even with the long distances, NordVPN was able to maintain extremely high speed, over twelve times as fast as the competition.

Here is a table summarizing these results:

Location	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Seattle	903 Mbps	384 Mbps
Los Angeles	868 Mbps	125 Mbps
New York	825 Mbps	87 Mbps
United Kingdom	658 Mbps	62 Mbps

Across every test, NordVPN offers serious performance advantages. But this is not just a Mullvad vs NordVPN issue. We have seen similar speed test results with NordVPN vs ExpressVPN as well. NordVPN is simply faster than virtually anything on the market right now. This is one of the reasons that we rank NordVPN as the best VPN for gaming, where ping and speeds are important.

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Core features comparison

While VPN speed is important, there are other features that are also significant factors to look into. Mullvad VPN primarily provides basic VPN services. In contrast, NordVPN offers a more comprehensive set of features.

Feature	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Split tunneling	✅	✅
RAM-only servers	✅	✅
Kill Switch	✅	✅
Private DNS	✅	✅
Logs	No logs (audited)	No logs (audited)
Multiple VPN protocols	✅	✅
Double VPN servers	✅	✅
Obfuscated servers	✅	✅
Dedicated IP servers	✅	❌
P2P servers	✅ Dedicated	✅ All nodes
Browser Extensions	✅	✅ Firefox only
Built-in ad blocking	✅	✅
Best Deal	75% off coupon	(No discounts)

Standard features

Both NordVPN and Mullvad VPN provide standard features instrumental for a secure and private online experience:

• An audited no-log policy to keep your personal information private.
• Robust encryption to prevent outsiders from viewing your traffic
• A kill switch to keep your data from being exposed if the VPN connection fails
• Split tunneling to control which traffic passes through the VPN
• Private DNS that keeps your ISP from knowing which sites you visit

These features ensure that your internet traffic remains secure and your personal information private while using either VPN.

Advanced features

Mullvad VPN includes advanced options tailored for privacy purists, such as:

• Lockdown mode: An enhancement to the kill switch that completely disables internet access if you manually disconnect or close the app.
• IPv6 support: Native routing for the next version of the Internet Protocol.
• DNS content filtering: Features that cause Mullvad’s DNS servers to block Ads, Trackers, Malware, Gambling, and Adult content.
• Multihop: Passes your traffic through multiple VPN servers in different jurisdictions for increased security.
• Obfuscation: Disguises your VPN traffic to look like standard web traffic.

NordVPN includes its own set of advanced, versatile features, many of which Mullvad lacks:

• Threat Protection Pro: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware while scanning downloaded files for vulnerabilities on Windows and macOS.
• Specialty servers: Includes Double VPN, Dedicated IP, P2P-optimized nodes, and Onion Over VPN servers.
• SmartPlay: Blends Smart DNS technology with VPN encryption to safely unblock geo-restricted streaming content.
• Optional security tools: Access to a cross-platform password manager (NordPass), data breach scanner, and 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage (NordLocker).

See all NordVPN features here >

Our NordVPN Double VPN tests reached speeds of up to 616 Mbps using the Canada-US server connection:

Server networks

Servers	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Total	9,500+	600+
Countries	149	49
Virtual Locations	✅	❌
Specialty Servers	✅	✅

A comprehensive server network is crucial to avoid server congestion and optimize performance. NordVPN operates one of the largest server footprints in existence, with over 9,500 RAM-only servers across 149 countries, allowing users to easily connect to nearby nodes for fast streaming and gaming.

In comparison, Mullvad VPN manages a smaller network layout of over 600 servers in 49 countries. While Mullvad provides solid coverage for basic anonymity, its lack of virtual locations or deep international routing options falls short when compared to NordVPN’s expansive global network.

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Security and privacy

Both NordVPN and Mullvad VPN excel in providing robust security and privacy features to their users. They both offer:

	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Encryption standard	AES-256 / ChaCha20	AES-256 / ChaCha20
Protocols supported	OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard)	WireGuard only (GotaTun)
No-logs audits passed	6 independent audits	15+ independent audits
Core safeguards	Kill switch, split tunneling, private DNS	Kill switch, split tunneling, private DNS

NordVPN supports both OpenVPN and NordLynx, while Mullvad now relies exclusively on WireGuard after removing OpenVPN. Mullvad uses its own open-source WireGuard implementation, GotaTun, which has also undergone independent security testing.

Both providers take independent security testing seriously. NordVPN has completed multiple third-party audits, including its latest no-logs audit by Deloitte, while Mullvad regularly commissions security audits of its apps, web services, and backend systems.

NordVPN pulls ahead on extra security features, however. Its Threat Protection Pro blocks ads and trackers, helps protect against malware, and scans downloaded files for threats. NordVPN also includes a Dark Web Monitor that alerts you if your credentials appear in known data leaks.

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Logging policies and audits

	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
No-logs policy	Verified / Audited	Verified / Audited
Audit frequency	6 independent sudits	15+ independent audits
Real-world testing	Confirmed by audits	Proven via law enforcement raid

Both NordVPN and Mullvad VPN follow strict no-logs approaches designed to prevent the storage of user activity and connection data.

NordVPN has passed six independent no-logs audits by firms including PwC and Deloitte, providing repeated third-party verification of its privacy claims.

Mullvad has an even longer audit record, with 15+ independent audits across its apps and infrastructure. Its privacy protections were also put to a real-world test in 2023, when Swedish authorities searched its offices but found no customer data to seize. Mullvad’s account system and infrastructure are designed to minimize the data it can retain in the first place.

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Jurisdictions

A VPN’s jurisdiction plays an important role in the privacy protections it can offer.

	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Corporate headquarters	Panama	Sweden
Intelligence-sharing alliance	❌	✅ 14 Eyes member
Mandatory data retention laws	❌	❌ Excludes VPNs

NordVPN is based in Panama, which has no mandatory data retention laws. This legal framework ensures that the provider is under no domestic statutory requirement to store, compile, or monitor consumer traffic.

In contrast, Mullvad VPN is based in Sweden, a member of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. However, Swedish data-retention requirements for traditional ISPs do not apply to VPN services, and VPN providers cannot be forced to secretly begin logging users.

Both VPNs have strong privacy protections, but NordVPN gets a slight edge from its Panama jurisdiction, which sits outside the 14 Eyes alliance.

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Usability

In terms of usability, NordVPN is rock solid. In our tests for this report, NordVPN’s apps did not crash, stall, or lag. Similarly, testing NordVPN for different use cases was also successful. In summary, NordVPN worked well for torrenting, streaming, and everyday browsing. No issues to report.

Mullvad’s lightweight apps were also stable, but everyday browsing was less seamless. We encountered frequent CAPTCHA challenges and Cloudflare verification checks, which added noticeable friction to routine browsing.

These issues likely stem from Mullvad’s shared IP addresses, which can trigger extra security checks on some websites. Mullvad offers a SOCKS5 proxy as a workaround.

By comparison, NordVPN didn’t trigger any CAPTCHA issues during our tests.

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Netflix and streaming

	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Netflix	✅ 20+ regions	❌
Amazon Prime Video	✅	❌
Hulu and Disney+	✅	❌
BBC iPlayer	✅	❌

Streaming with NordVPN

NordVPN remains an industry leader for bypassing geographical content blocks. Its integrated SmartPlay technology automatically changes DNS settings in the background to access blocked content without slowing your connection.

In our tests, it seamlessly unblocked regional libraries for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

Streaming with Mullvad VPN

In contrast, Mullvad VPN is a poor choice for streaming. The provider doesn’t optimize its servers for unblocking major streaming platforms, and some services block its shared IP addresses, which can result in proxy errors or restricted access.

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Torrenting support

	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Torrenting support	All servers	All servers
Dedicated P2P servers	✅	❌
Download Speeds	Fast	Slow
Port forwarding	❌	❌

Torrenting with NordVPN

Both providers allow secure peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, but their infrastructure setups are vastly different. NordVPN routes torrent traffic through thousands of dedicated, high-speed P2P servers optimized for handling massive bandwidth loads without throttling.

Torrenting with Mullvad VPN

Mullvad allows torrenting across its entire server network, rather than restricting P2P traffic to a dedicated group of servers. Its nearby connection speeds are solid, but there’s one important limitation: Mullvad removed port forwarding support after widespread security vulnerabilities and network abuse made the feature increasingly risky. T

This puts both VPNs on relatively equal footing when it comes to manual port mapping, but NordVPN’s dedicated P2P servers and purpose-built configuration give it an edge for users who regularly handle large file transfers.

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Plans and pricing

	NordVPN (Basic plan)	Mullvad VPN
1-month contract	$14.99/month	~$5.40/month (€5)
1-year contract	$5.49/month	~$5.40/month (€5)
2-year contract	$3.49/month	~$5.40/month (€5)
Money-back guarantee	30 days (all methods)	14 days (excludes cash/crypto)

NordVPN follows a typical tiered pricing model. Its month-to-month plan is fairly expensive, but the cost drops considerably with a 2-year subscription, bringing the monthly price down to under $4.00.

Mullvad keeps things much simpler. There are no long-term discounts or complicated pricing tiers: it charges a flat €5 per month (around $5.40/month), whether you pay for one month or two years upfront. It also doesn’t require an email address when you sign up, adding another layer of privacy for users who want to keep their personal details out of the account.

Both accept privacy-friendly payment methods such as Bitcoin and Monero. Mullvad also accepts cash sent by post. However, its 14-day refund policy doesn’t cover cash or cryptocurrency payments, while NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For long-term users, NordVPN offers better value, with a lower monthly cost on its 2-year plan, making it a strong option among the cheapest VPNs. Mullvad is the better fit if you prefer straightforward pricing and don’t want to commit to a long subscription.

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Customer support

Reliable customer support matters when you’re dealing with a sudden connection drop, router setup, or a server that simply refuses to cooperate.

	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
24/7 live chat	✅	❌
Email ticketing	✅	✅
Knowledge base	✅	✅

NordVPN has the stronger support setup, with 24/7 live chat for quick help when something goes wrong. Its support team can troubleshoot connection issues in real time, while the extensive help centre covers everything from basic setup to more technical configurations.

Mullvad VPN takes a more stripped-back approach. There’s no live chat, so technical issues have to go through email support or its text-based guides. Its support team is knowledgeable, but waiting for an email response can be frustrating when you’re trying to fix a connection problem right now.

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Is NordVPN or Mullvad VPN a better value?

Choosing between NordVPN vs Mullvad comes down to your priorities. NordVPN focuses on speed and everyday convenience, while Mullvad puts anonymity and simple pricing first:

	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Best for	Daily browsing, streaming, gaming	Maximum anonymity
Core advantage	Industry-leading speeds and unblocking	No email required and cash payments
Overall value winner	NordVPN	❌

In short:

• Choose NordVPN if: You want fast speeds, reliable streaming access, a large server network, and 24/7 live chat. Its long-term plans also offer strong value, with prices dropping below $4.00 per month and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Choose Mullvad VPN if: Anonymity is your top priority. You can sign up without an email address, pay with physical cash, and use the service for a flat €5 per month without committing to a long-term plan.

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Conclusion

Our hands-on infrastructure testing concludes with NordVPN winning 11 categories and 1 category ending in a tie.

Category	Winner
VPN Apps	NordVPN
Speed	NordVPN
Feature Set	NordVPN
Security and Privacy	NordVPN
Logging Policies and Audits	Tie
Jurisdiction	NordVPN
Usability	NordVPN
Streaming	NordVPN
Torrenting	NordVPN
Pricing and Subscription Plans	NordVPN
Customer Support	NordVPN
Value	NordVPN

While Mullvad VPN remains a strong choice for privacy-focused users, NordVPN’s fast speeds, broad feature set, and competitive long-term pricing make it the better option for most people looking for a versatile VPN. You can also get the maximum available savings with our active 75% off NordVPN coupon code:

That said, Mullvad VPN is still an excellent option for users who put anonymity first. Its no-logs approach, anonymous numeric account system, and open-source apps appeal to those who want to minimise the personal information tied to their VPN account. Its simple flat-rate pricing is also refreshingly transparent, although its 14-day money-back guarantee excludes cash and cryptocurrency payments:

NordVPN vs Mullvad FAQs