Mullvad VPN vs NordVPN
Which is better in 2026? Five scores, side by side.
Mullvad VPN is the better app overall, scoring 8.8 to 8.6. Mullvad VPN wins on 2 of the 5 scores, NordVPN on 3.
People who want a VPN that knows as little about them as possible
Travelers and streamers who want a fast VPN that just works
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Mullvad VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Privacy & Security | Privacy & Security |
| Category rank | #5 of 8 | #7 of 8 |
| Developer | Mullvad VPN AB | Nord Security |
| Pricing | Subscription | Subscription |
| Usable for free | No | No |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mac | ✓ | ✓ |
| Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Linux | ✓ | ✓ |
Strengths and weaknesses
Mullvad VPN
- Collects almost nothing about you
- One flat price with no renewal surprises
- Open-source apps and independent audits
- Less reliable for unblocking streaming services
- No free plan, and no port forwarding
Mullvad is the most privacy-focused VPN you can use. You sign up with a random account number instead of an email, can pay with cash or cryptocurrency, and get one flat monthly price with no upsells or long-term deals. The apps are open source, servers run from RAM, and DAITA helps hide your traffic patterns. It has fewer streaming tricks than mainstream VPNs.
Full Mullvad VPN review
NordVPN
- Consistently fast connections
- Reliable for streaming services abroad
- Lots of extras like Threat Protection and dark web alerts
- Frequent upsells to bundles and add-ons
- Renewal prices are much higher than introductory deals
NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs, and it's packed with extras. NordLynx connections are quick, servers cover many countries, streaming unblocking is reliable, and Threat Protection blocks ads, trackers and malicious sites. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited. The catch is constant upselling and renewal prices that jump after the first term. Get it if speed and streaming matter most.
Full NordVPN review
