Mullvad VPN vs NordVPN: Which is better?

Today, we want to cover Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN, two leading VPNs, so you can compare features. Both tools protect privacy effectively and unlock location-restricted content. However, they bring differences and limits you should know.

Whilst Mullvad VPN focuses on maximum privacy, NordVPN stands out with its huge global server network. So, keep reading this comparison guide. You’ll discover technical details on protocols, security encryption, and device compatibility. Also, we compare plans, pricing, and free-trial options. Then, we review log policies and customer support channels. Protect your browsing by choosing the best VPN for you!

Comparison table: MullVad VPN vs. NordVPN

To make a good decision between the Mullvad VPN products vs. NordVPN, it’s essential to make a comparison of their main features to see if they fit your needs. Secure browsing with a VPN matters for every user. For example, you might work remotely as a digital nomad across countries. Also, you might use streaming and access platforms from the country you want. Or, you might protect your most sensitive personal information. So, note their features:

Features of Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN NordVPN

Reputation and reviews: PIA VPN vs. NordVPN

Beyond technical features in Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN, brand reputation can also guide your choice. So, check security and privacy coverage from leading digital outlets.

Regarding public recognition, NordVPN earned the No. 1 VPN title in 2024 from PCMag and CNN Underscored, among others. They highlighted its security, speed, and compatibility. Also, recognised creators discussed it positively on YouTube channels like La Media Inglesa, La Manzana Mordida, and BaityBait.

Reviews of Mullvad VPN

From user reviews, Mullvad VPN stands out for transparency, privacy, and anonymous accounts without personal data. Here are samples we collected from Trustpilot. It holds a 3.7 out of 5 rating.

“The best VPN available. Straight pricing, 100% privacy-respecting, one price for everyone. You can also pay with crypto and cash. What else could you want?” (Source: Natha – Trustpilot)

“I’ve used Mullvad for a while, and it’s one of the best VPNs I’ve tried. It really prioritises privacy and censorship resistance. It offers several obfuscation methods, four in total. That helps users in tougher regions like Russia or China, where typical VPN traffic gets blocked. (Source: Konstantín Yermolayevich – Trustpilot)

“It might not suit streaming from other countries. However, I care most about VPN privacy, and this one leads. It installs easily, the price feels fair, and it offers many options.” (Source: MO Alemán – Trustpilot)

Reviews of NordVPN

On the same Trustpilot platform, users rate NordVPN 4.2 out of 5. They praise NordVPN’s large server count, advanced features, and simple interface. However, some users also report technical issues:

“It simply works. Great server selection, and you usually get the same port on the same server for at least a few weeks with port forwarding enabled.” (Source: Acsdog – Trustpilot)

“NordVPN offers a good product, but it didn’t fully meet my needs. I needed access to a company in the continental US. They geolocated their online sales platform, so I couldn’t access it from the US Virgin Islands. With NordVPN, I logged in and selected the product. However, I couldn’t complete the purchase. It felt like the site still treated my connection as geolocated.” (Source: David – Trustpilot)

“The app works, but it needs improvement. First, the VPN turns off for no reason, so I check it regularly. Second, the app thinks I don’t have Threat Protection Pro, although I do. So, I open NordVPN Diagnostics to reset it.” (Source: Ben Pierce – Trustpilot)

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Customer support comparison: PIA VPN vs. NordVPN

If we compare customer support, NordVPN clearly beats Mullvad VPN. It offers 24/7 chat with near-instant replies and multilingual support. In contrast, Mullvad uses email support, so replies can take hours or days. However, it provides self-help resources that often fix issues. We’ve detailed it in the table below:

Customer support features of Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN NordVPN

Streaming tests: Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN NordVPN

NordVPN has invested in technology like SmartPlay so you can unlock Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or Max. This makes it one of the best VPNs for international streaming . On the other hand, MullvadVPN often struggles to access these platforms because it doesn’t prioritise streaming. If you must watch geo-blocked content, you should choose NordVPN.

Countries and servers: NordVPN

One key difference in Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN sits in server infrastructure. NordVPN beats Mullvad with over 8,600 servers, versus Mullvad VPN’s 650. More servers usually help you unblock content and improve connection performance.

Difference between servers from Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN

Performance and speed: Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN

Speed and performance matter because they shape your browsing experience. They affect loading, downloads, latency, and device resources. So, who wins Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN? Again, NordVPN leads thanks to its custom NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, and its global network. However, Mullvad VPN still delivers strong speed and competitive latency. Yet it trails NordVPN slightly, especially on long-distance routes or busy servers.

Dedicated IP for digital nomads

What is a dedicated IP, and how does it help you? It gives you an exclusive IP address that no other VPN user shares. If you’re a digital nomad who needs access to private content like banking, corporate email, or remote servers, a dedicated IP matters. With NordVPN, you can buy it as an add-on to your subscription, from €3.69 ($4.27) per month. In contrast, Mullvad VPN uses shared IPs, which often suit simple personal use.

Policy of not keeping records

You should also check the no-logs policy, so no VPN keeps your personal data. In this case, Mullvad VPN runs one of the strictest policies on the market, based in Sweden. It doesn’t store browsing history, IP addresses, or metadata.

Also, it won’t ask for personal details to create an account and download the app. NordVPN also uses independent audits and operates from Panama, which doesn’t enforce data retention rules. It also sits outside many international surveillance alliances. However, it requires an email-based account to access the app. So, it may keep some subscription management data.

Security quality

Both VPNs include a kill switch on their main platforms, so your traffic won’t leak if the connection drops. Therefore, you get stronger privacy. Also, both brands add extra protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Here’s how Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN handle protocols and encryption: NordVPN:

• Mullvad VPN: It uses modern protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. It uses high-grade encryption with AES-256 and ChaCha20.
• NordVPN: It combines its fast NordLynx protocol with OpenVPN and IKEv2. It uses AES-256-GCM encryption with secure keys.

However, NordVPN offers more tools, like Threat Protection against malware and trackers, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN. Mullvad VPN, instead, focuses on minimalist protection and keeps the experience simple and solid.

MullVad VPN vs. NordVPN. which one should you choose for travelling abroad?

At this point, you will have an idea of what you can get from Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN, so if you are travelling abroad, one of them may be more or less beneficial for your use. Both keep you protected, yet each targets a different user profile. Therefore, we’ll finish with a table that summarises key differences and best-use scenarios:

Support differences: Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN, depending on the purpose of the trip.

In short, digital nomads who travel often, need stronger work protection, and stream heavily should pick NordVPN. We recommend Mullvad VPN if you want private protection for personal use, don’t want to register your email, and prefer a simple VPN. And you, which one do you choose?

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