NordVPN vs. Mullvad: Which is better for you in 2026?
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Last updated: May, 2026
NordVPN vs. Mullvad: Key differences
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of NordVPN and Mullvad across the criteria that users care about most.
| Features |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.99/mo | $5.96/mo |
| Plans | 2-year, 1-year, 1-month | 1-month |
| Speed (WCL opens in a new tab) | 817 Mbps | 739 Mbps |
| Protocols | OpenVPN®, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx, NordWhisper | WireGuard® |
| Encryption | AES-256, ChaCha20, post-quantum encryption | ChaCha20, quantum-resistant tunnels |
| Leak protection | DNS, IPv6, WebRTC | DNS, WebRTC |
| No-logs audit | Yes, 2025 | Yes, 2022 |
| Ownership | Nord Security | Amagicom |
| Bug bounty | | |
| Network size | 224 locations | 90 locations |
| Colocated servers | | |
| RAM-only | | |
| Ad blocker | | |
| Customer support | 24/7 chat and email | Email only |
| Additional features | Dark Web Monitor Pro™, Call Protection, | DAITA, quantum-resistant tunnels |
Data in this table was collected from providers’ official websites between February 10 and 15, 2026 with the user location set to Lithuania. Pricing information was collected with the user location set to the US. This information may vary by source or location and is subject to change over time.
NordVPN vs. Mullvad: Pricing comparison
NordVPN and Mullvad take fundamentally different approaches to pricing.
NordVPN provides four plan tiers on its pricing page, each adding more features on top of the VPN functionality: the next-gen antivirus, password manager, Dark Web Monitor Pro™, cloud storage, identity theft protection benefits, or a personal data removal tool. All four tiers are available as 2-year, 1-year, or 1-month subscriptions, with longer commitments offering lower monthly rates. On a month-to-month basis, NordVPN’s Basic plan starts at $12.99/mo.
Mullvad keeps things simple with a single flat rate, no long-term commitments, and no promotions. Mullvad charges a flat $5.96 per month with no tiers — every user gets the same feature set at the same price, regardless of how long they stay.
Pricing: Bottom line
There are clear advantages to each model. Mullvad’s approach appeals to users who value simplicity and flexibility — there’s no upfront commitment, no auto-renewal concerns, and the price is predictable month to month.
However, for people willing to commit to a longer subscription, NordVPN is the more affordable option. At $3.39/mo on the 2-year Basic plan, NordVPN costs roughly 43% less per month than Mullvad — and the higher-tier plans bundle additional security tools that Mullvad doesn’t offer at any price.
NordVPN vs. Mullvad: Security features comparison
Both NordVPN and Mullvad are built on strong security foundations, but they take different approaches to how those features are presented and delivered. Here’s how they compare on logging policies, bug bounty programs, encryption, and protocols.
No-logs policy
Both providers have strong no-logs policies — neither tracks users’ browsing activity, connection timestamps, or IP addresses. Additionally, Mullvad allows its users to remain anonymous — you can create an account without entering an email address or any personal details.
NordVPN
NordVPN’s policy has been independently verified in 2025.
Mullvad
The last time Mullvad announced its audit was in 2022.
Bug bounty
NordVPN
NordVPN runs an active public bug bounty program through HackerOne platform, inviting the public to identify vulnerabilities in its infrastructure.
Mullvad
Mullvad doesn’t currently have a bug bounty program.
Protocols
NordVPN
NordVPN supports four protocols — OpenVPN®, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx, and NordWhisper (designed for restrictive network environments).
Mullvad
Mullvad offers only WireGuard®. It’s a solid VPN protocol that’s become the industry standard, but Mullvad’s single-protocol approach limits flexibility for users who need the compatibility of OpenVPN® compatibility with older devices or require advanced configuration options.
Encryption
NordVPN
NordVPN uses AES-256 and ChaCha20 VPN encryption and recently implemented post-quantum encryption to protect against future quantum computing threats.
Mullvad
Mullvad relies on ChaCha20 and also offers its own quantum-resistant tunnels.
Kill switch
NordVPN
Depending on your OS, you can set NordVPN’s kill switch to cover your whole device, or pick a few apps that would be disconnected from the internet when the connection is interrupted.
Mullvad
Mullvad offers only a system-wide kill switch. It’s enabled by default and is always on — Mullvad chooses security over customization.
Security features: Bottom line
Both providers offer solid security features, but they reflect different philosophies.
NordVPN
NordVPN offers a larger toolkit with more protocol options, wider leak protection (covering DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC versus Mullvad’s DNS and WebRTC), and more frequent independent verification of its no-log VPN status.
Mullvad
Mullvad prioritizes minimalism and anonymity — a single protocol, anonymous sign-up, and a lean feature set designed to do one thing well.
NordVPN vs. Mullvad: Speed and performance
According to independent testing done by the West Coast Labs (WCL), NordVPN is currently the fastest VPN provider on the market. Both NordVPN and Mullvad were among only five VPN providers independently tested by the WCL — making this one of the few recent comparisons where verified, apples-to-apples speed data is available.
Speed
In the WCL report, both providers delivered strong results. NordVPN recorded an average connection speed of 817 Mbps, Mullvad averaged 739 Mbps.
These results come from the same controlled testing environment, making them a reliable apples-to-apples comparison:
Platforms: Windows 11 Pro and macOS Sonoma
Locations: The UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Sydney, California
Tests per VPN: 98 (7 locations × 7 destinations × 2 platforms)
Protocols: Each VPN was tested using its fastest protocol (NordLynx, WireGuard)
Timing: Tests repeated across multiple days to account for network variations
However, always keep in mind that real-world speeds will vary depending on your baseline internet connection, physical distance to the server, device, and the protocol you use. The WCL report measures general connection speed under standardized conditions — it does not test for specific use cases like streaming, gaming, or downloading large files. Testing results serve as a reasonable way to compare providers, but the best way to evaluate VPN speeds is to test each service yourself.
Ease of use
Both providers are straightforward to set up, but they cater to different audiences. NordVPN prioritizes feature-rich apps that support many devices, and Mullvad keeps things stripped back for those who prefer a lean, efficient interface.
NordVPN
NordVPN offers native apps for all major platforms — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can also get browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. The app interface on all platforms is designed to be accessible for users of all experience levels, allowing you to connect with a single button. NordVPN supports router-level configuration and even provides dedicated apps for smart TVs (both Android and tvOS).
Mullvad
Mullvad has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The interface is minimal, and the accounts aren’t tied to email addresses — users enter a randomly generated account number to log in. While this approach appeals to privacy-conscious users, Mullvad doesn’t offer browser extensions or dedicated smart TV apps, which may be inconvenient for users who want VPN protection on all their devices.
NordVPN vs. Mullvad: Servers comparison
Beyond VPN server network size (NordVPN covers 224 locations versus Mullvad’s 90), the two providers differ significantly in the types of specialty servers they offer.
Double VPN servers
Both providers offer a way to route traffic through two VPN servers for an additional layer of encryption. NordVPN calls this feature Double VPN, and Mullvad offers Multihop. The end result is the same — your connection is encrypted twice in two separate servers.
Onion servers
NordVPN
NordVPN offers dedicated Onion Over VPN servers that route your traffic through the Tor network without requiring a separate Tor browser.
Mullvad
Mullvad does not provide a built-in equivalent, though users can manually configure Tor routing alongside their Mullvad connection.
Obfuscated servers
NordVPN
NordVPN’s obfuscated servers are designed to disguise VPN traffic, making them useful in countries where VPNs may be blocked.
Mullvad
Mullvad doesn’t have obfuscated servers, but it offers Lightweight WireGuard Obfuscation (LWO), a protocol that’s built on top of WireGuard® and allows users to avoid VPN blocks.
Servers comparison: Bottom line
NordVPN offers a wider variety of specialty servers, which makes it straightforward for users to select the right server type for a specific task. Mullvad has fewer categories, but its WireGuard®-based network, the Multihop feature, and LWO cover several of the same use cases. Regular users might prefer NordVPN’s clearly labeled server selection, while advanced users might opt for Mullvad’s lean DIY approach.
NordVPN vs. Mullvad: Extra features
The two providers differ significantly when it comes to additional features. NordVPN aims to offer its users additional digital security features. Mullvad keeps its feature set minimal, sticking to the core VPN functionality.
Threat protection
NordVPN
NordVPN includes a next-gen antivirus, which actively blocks scams and phishing attempts, ads, trackers, and malicious websites, and scans files as you download them for malware — all without needing to be connected to a VPN server.
Mullvad
Mullvad offers a built-in ad and tracker blocker, but it does not include malware scanning or phishing protection.
Data monitoring
NordVPN
NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor Pro™ scans dark web databases and instantly alerts users if their information (such as login credentials, credit card details, Social Security numbers) appears in a data breach.
Mullvad
Mullvad doesn’t offer a comparable monitoring feature.
Meshnet
NordVPN
Meshnet allows NordVPN users to create private, encrypted networks between devices or route traffic through another device — useful for secure file sharing, remote access, or LAN gaming. It’s also free to use, even without a NordVPN subscription.
Mullvad
Mullvad doesn’t offer an equivalent functionality.
Dedicated IP
NordVPN
NordVPN offers a dedicated IP — users can buy a static IP address that only they will use. This is particularly useful for accessing IP-restricted services.
Mullvad
Mullvad doesn’t offer dedicated IP addresses, sticking with its philosophy of minimizing any identifiable user footprint.
SmartDNS
NordVPN
NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature combines VPN security with SmartDNS, designed to make your home content access on smart TVs and other devices more straightforward when you travel.
Mullvad
Mullvad doesn’t offer a SmartDNS feature.
Customer support
NordVPN
NordVPN provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, offering real-time help at any time.
Mullvad
Mullvad offers support exclusively through email, which aligns with its privacy-focused, low-contact approach but may result in longer response times — something to consider for urgent issues.
Extra features: Bottom line
While Mullvad’s feature list is shorter, it still offers tools that reflect its privacy-first mindset. DAITA (defense against AI-guided traffic analysis) is a specialized feature designed to counter advanced surveillance techniques — something NordVPN doesn’t offer.
NordVPN has a significantly broader set of extras that extend its functionality well beyond a traditional VPN. Mullvad takes the opposite approach — fewer features, less complexity, and a deliberate focus on privacy. Both philosophies have merit, and the right fit depends on whether you need a comprehensive security suite or a streamlined, privacy-focused tool.
NordVPN pros and cons
Pros
Independently verified no-logs policy, most recently verified in 2025
Four VPN protocol options
Comprehensive leak protection covering DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC
Extensive additional features included in the subscription, like the next-gen antivirus, Dark Web Monitor Pro™, Meshnet, and SmartPlay
Active public bug bounty program
24/7 customer support
Cheaper per-month cost when choosing long-term plans
Cons
More expensive when choosing monthly plans
Requires an email address to create an account — no anonymous sign-up option
Multiple security features may feel unnecessary for users who only need a VPN connection
Doesn’t offer defense against AI traffic analysis
Mullvad pros and cons
Pros
Anonymous sign-up
Simple, transparent pricing with no long-term commitments
Supports cash and cryptocurrency payments for more privacy
Includes DAITA — a specialized privacy feature that few competitors offer
Quantum-resistant tunnels already implemented
Lightweight app with minimal bloat
Cons
No recent independent no-logs report
No bug bounty program
Only supports WireGuard — no OpenVPN® or IKEv2 options
Server network on the smaller side
No dedicated IP, SmartDNS, or Meshnet functionality
Customer support is limited to email only
No integrated protection against digital threats
Higher per-month cost than competitor’s long-term plans
No dedicated apps for smart TVs
Why should you choose NordVPN?
Get more than just a VPN — a NordVPN subscription gives you an online security toolkit built for speed, privacy, and digital protection.
A fast and private VPN connection
NordVPN is the fastest1 VPN on the market, recording the highest independently verified speed at 817 Mbps. Don’t wonder if you should choose speed or security — choose NordVPN.
Extra security features
The next-gen antivirus blocks scams, phishing, and malware. Dark Web Monitor™ alerts you to leaked credentials and credit card details. Call Protection helps filter out scam and spam calls. NordVPN has your back, offering the most advanced VPN app on the market.
Apps for all devices
NordVPN offers dedicated apps for all major operating systems, browser extensions for Firefox, Edge, and Chrome, as well as apps for your smart TV. Need more? Install NordVPN on your Wi-Fi router and protect your whole network.
One of the largest server networks
224 server locations worldwide mean there’s always a VPN server nearby. Connect in a moment and experience a safer internet.
What do users have to say about NordVPN?
We have millions of happy users worldwide. See what people have to say about NordVPN.
NordVPN vs. other VPN providers
Seeing the big picture is useful, but not always enough to make the final decision. Read through the head-to-head comparisons to see how NordVPN stacks up against specific competitors.
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