Mullvad VPN alternatives
Top VPN like Mullvad VPN
The most popular alternative to Mullvad VPN is IVPN. Other great alternatives to Mullvad VPN are Proton VPN, Windscribe, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN.
Most alternatives to Mullvad VPN are in the VPN category, compared here by price, platform and features.
All Mullvad VPN alternatives
IVPN is a Gibraltar-based VPN service focused on privacy and transparency: accounts need no email, you can pay in cash or Monero, the apps are open source and the no-logs policy has been audited. It offers WireGuard, multi-hop connections, a firewall-based kill switch, split tunneling on some platforms and AntiTracker for blocking ads and trackers, and runs no affiliate program.
8 IVPN alternativesPros
- Signup needs no email and accepts cash or Monero payments
- Open source apps and an independently audited no-logs policy
- Multi-hop routing and AntiTracker blocking are built in
Cons
- Smaller server network than the big commercial VPNs
- No free plan is available
- Not designed for unblocking streaming catalogs
Cost / LicensePaidOpen sourceCategoriesProton VPN is the VPN service of Proton, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail. Its apps are open source, its no-logs policy has been independently audited, and the free plan has no data limit and no ads. Paid plans unlock servers in many more countries, streaming support, NetShield ad and malware blocking, Secure Core multi-hop routing and more devices.
11 Proton VPN alternativesPros
- Free plan with no data cap and no ads
- Open source apps and an audited no-logs policy from a Swiss company
- Secure Core multi-hop routing on paid plans
Cons
- Free plan offers few locations and no streaming support
- Paid plans cost more than many mainstream VPNs
- Free servers can slow down at peak times
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesWindscribe is a Canadian VPN service with a free plan that includes a monthly data allowance and a choice of locations, along with paid plans and a build-your-own option billed per location. Its apps include a firewall that acts as a kill switch, split tunneling, WireGuard and R.O.B.E.R.T., a customizable DNS blocker for ads, trackers and malware.
10 Windscribe alternativesPros
- Free plan with a monthly data allowance and several locations
- R.O.B.E.R.T. offers customizable DNS blocking of ads and malware
- Build-your-own plan lets you pay only for the locations you need
Cons
- Free data allowance is too small for heavy use
- Many options and some jargon can confuse newcomers
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesNordVPN is a paid VPN service from Nord Security with servers in many countries, apps for all major platforms and an audited no-logs policy. Its NordLynx protocol is built on WireGuard, and extras include Threat Protection against ads, trackers and malware, Meshnet for linking your own devices, dark web monitoring, split tunneling and a kill switch.
10 NordVPN alternativesPros
- NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard keeps connections fast
- Large server network that works well with streaming services
- Meshnet and Threat Protection go beyond a basic VPN
Cons
- Renewal prices are much higher than introductory deals
- Apps and checkout push bundled add-ons and upgrades
- Closed source apps, unlike some privacy-focused rivals
Cost / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesExpressVPN is a subscription VPN with servers in many countries and apps for desktop, mobile, routers and browsers. It uses its own open source Lightway protocol, runs its servers from RAM only (TrustedServer) and has had its no-logs policy audited. Features include the Network Lock kill switch, split tunneling, ad and tracker blocking, and servers that work with popular streaming services.
10 ExpressVPN alternativesPros
- Open source Lightway protocol designed for speed and reliability
- RAM-only servers and an audited no-logs policy
- Works with popular streaming services across many countries
Cons
- Priced higher than most rival VPN services
- Simplicity means fewer advanced settings than some rivals
Cost / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesSurfshark is a paid VPN service that allows an unlimited number of devices on a single subscription, which suits households with many devices. Apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and browsers, with WireGuard, a kill switch, split tunneling (Bypasser) and CleanWeb ad and tracker blocking. Higher tiers bundle data breach alerts, antivirus and a private search engine.
10 Surfshark alternativesPros
- Unlimited devices on a single subscription
- CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers across devices
- Apps for every major platform, including Linux and browsers
Cons
- Renewal prices are higher than the first-term deals
- Antivirus and breach alerts require pricier tiers
- Closed source apps, unlike some privacy-first VPNs
Cost / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesPrivate Internet Access (PIA) is a US-based paid VPN with open source apps, unlimited simultaneous connections and a no-logs policy that has held up in court cases and an independent audit. It supports WireGuard and OpenVPN with configurable encryption, port forwarding, split tunneling, a kill switch and MACE, which blocks ads, trackers and malicious domains.
8 Private Internet Access alternativesPros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on one subscription
- Port forwarding and configurable encryption for advanced users
- Open source apps and a no-logs policy tested in court
Cons
- US jurisdiction is less appealing for privacy than some alternatives
- The many settings can overwhelm beginners
- Renewal prices are higher than introductory offers
Cost / LicensePaidOpen sourceCategoriesCloudflare WARP, delivered through the 1.1.1.1 app, encrypts traffic between your device and Cloudflare's network and uses its 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver. Unlike a classic VPN, it does not let you pick a server country or hide your general location, so it is meant for securing connections on public networks rather than unblocking content. The base service is free, and WARP+ is a paid upgrade.
7 Cloudflare WARP alternativesPros
- Free base service with no data cap
- Encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi with minimal setup
- Built on WireGuard and Cloudflare's network for low overhead
Cons
- Cannot pick a server country or unblock streaming content
- Does not hide your general location like a classic VPN
- All traffic goes through Cloudflare, so you must trust one company
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesTor Browser is a free, open source browser from the nonprofit Tor Project that sends your traffic through the volunteer-run Tor network, hiding your IP address from the sites you visit and your browsing from your network provider. Based on Firefox ESR, it isolates each site, resists fingerprinting by making users look alike, clears history on exit and can open .onion services.
7 Tor Browser alternativesPros
- Hides your IP address by routing traffic through the Tor network
- Fingerprinting resistance makes users look alike
- Built-in access to .onion services
Cons
- Browsing is noticeably slower because of multi-relay routing
- Many sites block Tor or show frequent CAPTCHAs
- No official app for iPhone
Cost / LicenseFreeOpen sourceCategories
Mullvad VPN vs its alternatives at a glance
Pricing, platforms and the key features of Mullvad VPN, compared with its most popular alternatives.
| App | Pricing | Platforms | Built-in ad blocker | Kill switch | No-logs policy | Split tunneling | WireGuard protocol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PaidOpen source | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android | ||||||
| PaidOpen source | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android | ||||||
| FreemiumOpen source | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension | ||||||
| Freemium | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension | ||||||
| Paid | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension | ||||||
| Paid | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension |
Mullvad VPN alternatives: frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Mullvad VPN?
The most popular alternative to Mullvad VPN is IVPN: Privacy-focused VPN with open source apps and anonymous signup. Other great alternatives are Proton VPN, Windscribe, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN.
Is there a free alternative to Mullvad VPN?
Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Proton VPN, Windscribe, Cloudflare WARP, and Tor Browser.
Is there an open source alternative to Mullvad VPN?
Yes, 4 open source alternatives are listed, including IVPN, Proton VPN, Private Internet Access, and Tor Browser.
Is Mullvad VPN free?
No, Mullvad VPN is a paid app.
Compare Mullvad VPN with its alternatives
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