📊 Our Test Results:
- 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity: Mullvad requires zero personal data vs Norton needs email — Mullvad wins
- ⚡ Speed Test: Mullvad lost 13.5% speed vs Norton lost 40-55% — Mullvad wins
- 🎯 Security Audits: Mullvad has multiple independent audits vs Norton has none published — Mullvad wins
- 📺 Streaming Access: Norton unblocks Netflix US & Prime Video vs Mullvad fails most services — Norton VPN wins
- 🛡️ Extra Features: Norton bundles antivirus & dark web monitoring vs Mullvad is VPN-only — Norton VPN wins
Picking the right VPN can feel overwhelming.
You want strong privacy, fast speeds, and good value for your money.
Mullvad and Norton VPN take very different approaches to online security.
Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN that doesn’t even ask for your email address.
Norton VPN comes from a trusted antivirus brand and bundles extra security tools.
So which one is actually worth your money?
We tested both Mullvad vs Norton VPN side by side to find out.
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we tested Mullvad and Norton VPN for several weeks.
We ran speed tests, checked for DNS leaks, tested streaming access, and compared privacy policies.
We also looked at real user reviews and independent security audits.
Here’s what we found after hands-on testing of both VPN services.
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a Swedish VPN service built around one idea: total privacy.
It doesn’t ask for your name, email, or any personal details to sign up.
Instead, you get a random 16-digit account number.
You can even pay with cash mailed in an envelope.
Mullvad has been running since 2009 and has never raised its price.
Mullvad VPN
The most private VPN on the market. No email needed, no logs kept, and verified by independent audits. Perfect for anyone who takes online anonymity seriously.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple. Here’s what it costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €5 per month | Trying the service risk-free |
| 1 Year | €5 per month | Long-term privacy users |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Maximum price lock-in |
Free trial: No free trial available. But you get a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Money-back guarantee: 14 days for card and PayPal payments. Cash payments are not refundable.
📌 Note: Mullvad charges the same €5/month no matter how long you subscribe. There are no hidden renewal price hikes. You can also get a 10% discount by paying with cryptocurrency.
⚠️ Warning: Unlike most VPNs, Mullvad doesn’t offer cheaper rates for longer plans. If you want deep discounts for multi-year commitments, look elsewhere.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s why Mullvad stands out from other VPN providers:
- True Anonymity: No email, no name, no personal data needed. You get a random 16-digit account number instead.
- Audited No-Logs Policy: Independent security firms have verified that Mullvad stores zero user activity data.
- RAM-Only Servers: All servers run on RAM. Every reboot wipes all data clean. Nothing is stored on hard drives.
- Open-Source Apps: Anyone can inspect Mullvad’s code for security flaws. This builds serious trust.
- Anonymous Payments: Pay with cash, Bitcoin, Monero, or gift cards. Your payment can’t be traced back to you.
- Quantum-Resistant Tunnels: Mullvad’s VPN tunnels are designed to resist future quantum computing threats.
- Built-in Ad Blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains right inside the app.
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Zero personal information required to sign up
- Multiple independent security audits confirm no-logs policy
- Fastest VPN tested with only 13.5% average speed loss
- Flat €5/month pricing with no surprise renewals
- Open-source apps let anyone verify the code
❌ Cons
- Small server network with only 700 servers in 49 countries
- Fails to unblock most streaming services like Netflix
- No long-term discount plans available
- Only 14-day money-back guarantee (most VPNs offer 30 days)
What is Norton VPN?
Norton VPN is a virtual private network from the well-known antivirus company Norton (now part of Gen Digital).
It encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address.
Norton VPN works best when bundled with Norton 360 antivirus plans.
It supports Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Norton also includes extras like ad tracker blocking and Wi-Fi security alerts.
Norton VPN
A VPN from a trusted security brand. Bundles antivirus, dark web monitoring, and password manager into one package. Great for users who want all-in-one protection.
Norton VPN Pricing
Norton VPN offers three plans in 2026. Each plan adds more security tools on top of the core VPN.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $3.33/month | Basic VPN protection on 5 devices |
| Deluxe | $4.17/month | VPN + antivirus + dark web monitoring |
| Select Plus | $8.33/month | Full security suite with 10 devices |
Free trial: No free trial. But annual plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Money-back guarantee: 60 days for annual subscribers. Monthly plans get only 14 days.
📌 Note: The prices shown are first-year introductory rates. Norton VPN Standard renews at $79.99/year after the first year. That’s double the initial price.
⚠️ Warning: Norton auto-renews your subscription. You’ll be charged the higher renewal rate unless you cancel before the billing date. Watch out for the price jump.
Key Benefits of Norton VPN
Here’s why Norton VPN stands out from other VPN providers:
- Trusted Brand: Norton has been in cybersecurity for over 30 years. You’re buying from a company with a strong track record.
- All-in-One Security: Bundle VPN with antivirus, password manager, and dark web monitoring in one plan.
- Streaming Support: Norton VPN can unblock Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
- Ad Tracker Blocking: Blocks trackers and cookies across all platforms without extra software.
- Wi-Fi Security Alerts: Warns you when you connect to an unsafe public Wi-Fi network.
- 60-Day Refund Window: Annual plans come with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
Norton VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Can bundle with Norton 360 antivirus for all-in-one security
- Unblocks Netflix US, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer
- Very user-friendly apps across all platforms
- 60-day money-back guarantee on annual plans
- Built-in ad tracker blocking and Wi-Fi security
❌ Cons
- Based in the US (5 Eyes alliance country)
- No independent security audits published
- Significant speed loss (40-55% on average)
- Renewal prices double after the first year
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how Mullvad and Norton VPN compare feature by feature?
We tested 10 key areas to help you pick the right VPN for your needs.
| Feature | Mullvad | Norton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | €5/month (~$5.50) | $3.33/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| No-Logs Audits | ✅ Multiple | ❌ None published |
| Anonymous Signup | ✅ No email needed | ❌ Email required |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Always on | ✅ (Not on iOS) |
| Streaming Support | ❌ Fails most services | ✅ Netflix, Prime, iPlayer |
| Split Tunneling | ❌ | ✅ Windows & Android |
| Server Count | 700+ in 49 countries | 1,500+ in 29 countries |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best For | Privacy & anonymity | All-in-one security bundles |
1. Privacy & Anonymity
Mullvad: This is where Mullvad truly shines. You don’t need an email, name, or any personal information to create an account. Mullvad generates a random 16-digit number. You can pay with cash mailed in an envelope, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Your identity stays completely hidden.
Norton VPN: Norton requires an email address and payment details to create an account. The company is also based in the US, which falls under the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. While Norton claims a no-log policy, it does collect some diagnostic data and timestamps.
2. Speed Performance
Mullvad: Mullvad is one of the fastest VPNs available. Tests show an average speed loss of just 13.5%. The WireGuard protocol keeps connections fast and stable across different devices. Nearby servers deliver near-native speeds.
Norton VPN: Norton VPN shows a 40-55% speed loss in most tests. Local servers perform well, but distant servers can drop speeds by up to 73%. The lack of WireGuard on Mac makes Apple users experience even slower connections.
💡 Test Result: Mullvad kept 86.5% of our base speed. Norton VPN kept only 45-60%. For speed-sensitive tasks like gaming, Mullvad is the clear winner.
3. Security & Encryption
Mullvad: Mullvad uses AES-256 encryption with WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. It has a kill switch that’s always on and can’t be disabled. All servers run on RAM only, so no data survives a reboot. Multiple independent audits confirm its security claims.
Norton VPN: Norton also uses AES-256 encryption. It supports WireGuard on Windows and Android, but Mac and iOS use IPsec instead. The kill switch works on most platforms but is missing from the iOS app. Norton has not published any independent security audits.
4. Streaming & Geo-Unblocking
Mullvad: Mullvad is not built for streaming. It fails to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer in most tests. Mullvad openly focuses on privacy over entertainment access. If streaming matters to you, Mullvad is not the right choice.
Norton VPN: Norton VPN can unblock Netflix US, Netflix Australia, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. However, it struggles with Netflix UK, Netflix Japan, and Disney+. Overall, Norton is the better choice if you watch geo-restricted content.
5. Server Network
Mullvad: Mullvad has around 700 servers across 49 countries. That’s small compared to major VPNs. But Mullvad’s servers are all physical (not virtual) and run on RAM. Quality beats quantity here.
Norton VPN: Norton has around 1,500 servers. But they only cover 29 countries. You also can’t pick a specific city — only the country. This limits your control over connection routing.
6. Kill Switch & Leak Protection
Mullvad: Mullvad’s kill switch is always on by default. You can’t disable it. It also has a “Lockdown mode” that blocks all internet unless connected to Mullvad. There are no DNS, WebRTC, or IPv6 leaks in testing.
Norton VPN: Norton includes a kill switch on Windows, Mac, and Android. But it’s missing from the iOS app. Norton provides DNS and WebRTC leak protection. However, it does not protect against IPv6 leaks.
7. Apps & Ease of Use
Mullvad: Mullvad’s apps are clean and functional. But they look more technical than polished. The settings menu has advanced options that may confuse beginners. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Norton VPN: Norton VPN has a simple, beginner-friendly interface. The quick-connect button finds the fastest server for you. The Android app is especially well-designed. However, the iOS app lacks some features like the kill switch.
8. Advanced Privacy Features
Mullvad: Mullvad offers Multi-Hop routing (sends traffic through two servers). It also has DAITA (Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis). Mullvad Browser, built with Tor Project, adds another privacy layer. Plus, quantum-resistant tunnels protect against future threats.
Norton VPN: Norton offers Double VPN (similar to multi-hop) and IP rotation for extra privacy. It also has a compromised network detection feature. But Norton lacks open-source apps, independent audits, and anonymous payment options.
9. Extra Features & Bundles
Mullvad: Mullvad focuses only on being a VPN. You get a VPN, an ad blocker, and the free Mullvad Browser. There’s no antivirus, no password manager, and no dark web monitoring.
Norton VPN: Norton shines here. The Plus and Select Plus plans include antivirus, password manager, dark web monitoring, cloud backup, and even an AI scam detector. Norton is a full security suite, not just a VPN.
💡 Test Result: If you want a VPN that does one thing perfectly (privacy), pick Mullvad. If you want an all-in-one security tool, pick Norton VPN.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Mullvad | Norton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest Plan | €5/month (~$5.50) | $3.33/month (Standard) |
| Mid-Tier Plan | €5/month (same) | $4.17/month (Deluxe) |
| Premium Plan | €5/month (same) | $8.33/month (Select Plus) |
| Renewal Price | €5/month (never changes) | $6.66-$10.83/month |
Mullvad: You pay €5/month (~$5.50 USD). That’s it. No introductory pricing tricks, no renewal hikes. The price has stayed the same since 2009. You know exactly what you’ll pay every single month.
Norton VPN: Norton starts at $3.33/month for the first year. But the Standard plan renews at $79.99/year ($6.66/month). The price nearly doubles after year one. You do get more features at the higher tiers though.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum privacy | Mullvad | No personal data required at all |
| Streaming access | Norton VPN | Unblocks Netflix US & Prime Video |
| Fastest speeds | Mullvad | Only 13.5% speed loss average |
| All-in-one security | Norton VPN | Antivirus + VPN + dark web alerts |
| Cheapest first year | Norton VPN | Starts at $3.33/month year one |
| No price surprises | Mullvad | Same €5/month since 2009 |
| Beginner-friendly | Norton VPN | Simple interface, quick-connect |
💰 Your Budget
Norton VPN is cheaper in year one at $3.33/month. But Mullvad’s flat €5/month is cheaper long-term since Norton doubles its price at renewal.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Mullvad works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Norton VPN covers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and smart TVs. Pick Norton if you need TV app support.
📝 Your Use Case
If you need a VPN strictly for privacy, Mullvad wins hands down. If you want to stream, browse safely, and protect against viruses all in one app, Norton is the better fit.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Norton VPN has a simpler interface with quick-connect. Mullvad offers more advanced settings that may overwhelm beginners but give power users more control.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Neither VPN offers a free plan. Mullvad gives you 14 days to try it risk-free. Norton gives you 60 days. Norton’s refund window is much more generous.
🛟 Support Options
Norton offers 24/7 phone and chat support. Mullvad only provides email support. If you need instant help, Norton is the safer choice.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to Norton VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Streaming support for Netflix US, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer
- Antivirus, password manager, and dark web monitoring bundles
- 24/7 customer support via phone and live chat
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Anonymous account creation (Norton requires email)
- Open-source apps and independently audited security
- Flat transparent pricing (Norton’s price doubles at renewal)
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Mullvad subscription (no account data to export)
- Create a Norton account and choose your VPN plan
- Download Norton VPN apps on all your devices and sign in
🔄 Switching from Norton VPN to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Complete anonymity with no email or personal data needed
- Much faster speeds with only 13.5% average loss
- Transparent flat pricing that never changes
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Streaming access for Netflix, Prime Video, and other services
- Bundled antivirus, dark web monitoring, and password manager
- 24/7 phone and live chat customer support
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Norton VPN subscription before it auto-renews
- Go to mullvad.net and generate a new account number (no email needed)
- Download Mullvad apps and enter your account number to connect
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing Transparency | Mullvad |
| 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity | Mullvad |
| ⚡ Speed Performance | Mullvad |
| 🎯 Security Audits | Mullvad |
| 📺 Streaming Access | Norton VPN |
| 🛡️ Extra Features | Norton VPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Norton VPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Mullvad |
🏆 WINNER: Mullvad
Mullvad wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Privacy-first users, journalists, activists, and anyone who values true online anonymity.
Mullvad and Norton VPN serve very different types of users.
Mullvad is a pure privacy tool. It does one thing and does it better than almost any other VPN on the market.
Norton VPN is an all-in-one security bundle. It combines a decent VPN with antivirus, dark web monitoring, and streaming access.
Norton VPN is excellent if you want simple protection with bonus features.
However, if you care about real privacy, transparent pricing, and fast speeds, Mullvad is the clear winner.
Now go protect your online privacy!
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, open-source apps, independent audits
NordVPN wins on: Server count (8,900+), streaming access, long-term pricing
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy features, flat pricing, RAM-only servers
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming support, server locations (105 countries), ease of use
Mullvad vs PureVPN
Mullvad wins on: No-logs audits, anonymous payments, speed
PureVPN wins on: Server count (6,500+), dedicated IP options, lower pricing
Mullvad wins on: Open-source code, anonymous signup, transparent pricing
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, streaming, long-term deals
Mullvad vs ProtonVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous payments, simpler pricing, WireGuard-only focus
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan available, larger server network, Swiss jurisdiction
Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN
Mullvad wins on: Independent audits, RAM-only servers, privacy features
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan (10GB/month), streaming support, lower price
Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN
Mullvad wins on: Kill switch always on, no personal data needed, audits
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking strength, browser extension, family plans
Mullvad vs Virtual Shield
Mullvad wins on: Open-source apps, anonymous signup, speed performance
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, simpler setup for beginners
Mullvad vs StrongVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy features, transparent pricing, audited security
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming access, router support, customer support
Mullvad vs FastestVPN
Mullvad wins on: Speed performance, RAM-only servers, open-source code
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plans, more server locations, lower monthly cost
Mullvad vs AuraVPN
Mullvad wins on: Independent audits, anonymous payments, privacy focus
AuraVPN wins on: Identity theft protection, bundled antivirus, family plans
Mullvad vs CyberGhost
Mullvad wins on: No-logs audits, anonymous signup, speed
CyberGhost wins on: 11,000+ servers, streaming profiles, long-term pricing
Mullvad vs McAfee VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy features, open-source apps, flat pricing
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundling, identity monitoring, ease of use
Mullvad vs Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, audited no-logs, RAM-only servers
PIA wins on: Massive server network, cheaper long-term plans, port forwarding
Mullvad vs Mysterium
Mullvad wins on: Speed stability, established reputation, security audits
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use pricing, blockchain-based
Mullvad vs SafeShell VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy features, open-source apps, independent audits
SafeShell VPN wins on: Streaming access, more server options, customer support
Mullvad wins on: Audited security, RAM-only servers, anonymous payments
Oyster VPN wins on: Streaming profiles, lower long-term pricing, dedicated IPs
More of Norton VPN Compared
Here’s how Norton VPN stacks up against other competitors:
Norton VPN wins on: Antivirus bundling, dark web monitoring, brand trust
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, streaming, advanced features
Norton VPN wins on: Security suite bundles, lower first-year pricing
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, server locations, privacy policy, streaming
Norton VPN wins on: Antivirus integration, Wi-Fi security alerts
PureVPN wins on: Server count, dedicated IPs, port forwarding
Norton VPN wins on: Brand recognition, antivirus bundles
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, cheaper pricing, better speeds
Norton VPN wins on: Antivirus integration, dark web monitoring
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy laws, open-source apps
Norton VPN vs PrivadoVPN
Norton VPN wins on: Security suite, brand trust, streaming access
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free 10GB plan, better speeds, lower price
Norton VPN vs AdGuard VPN
Norton VPN wins on: All-in-one security, identity protection tools
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking power, browser extension, lower pricing
Norton VPN vs Virtual Shield
Norton VPN wins on: Antivirus bundling, more features, bigger brand
Virtual Shield wins on: Simpler setup, US-focused servers, pricing
Norton VPN vs StrongVPN
Norton VPN wins on: Security suite, dark web monitoring, brand trust
StrongVPN wins on: Better streaming, router support, WireGuard on all platforms
Norton VPN vs FastestVPN
Norton VPN wins on: Antivirus bundling, ad tracker blocking
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plans, more server locations, lower cost
Norton VPN vs AuraVPN
Norton VPN wins on: Established brand, streaming support
AuraVPN wins on: Identity theft insurance, family coverage, pricing
Norton VPN vs CyberGhost
Norton VPN wins on: Security suite, dark web monitoring
CyberGhost wins on: 11,000+ servers, streaming profiles, better speeds
Norton VPN vs McAfee VPN
Norton VPN wins on: Streaming access, kill switch on more platforms
McAfee VPN wins on: Identity monitoring, family plans, device optimization
Norton VPN vs Private Internet Access
Norton VPN wins on: Antivirus bundles, Wi-Fi security alerts
PIA wins on: Server count, open-source apps, port forwarding, pricing
Norton VPN wins on: Ease of use, security suite, brand trust
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use, blockchain privacy
Norton VPN vs SafeShell VPN
Norton VPN wins on: Antivirus bundling, dark web monitoring, brand
SafeShell VPN wins on: Better streaming, more server options, pricing
Norton VPN vs Oyster VPN
Norton VPN wins on: Security suite, brand recognition, Wi-Fi alerts
Oyster VPN wins on: Dedicated IPs, better streaming, cheaper long-term
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad VPN better than Norton VPN?
Mullvad is better for privacy and speed. It doesn’t collect any personal data and has been verified by independent audits. Norton VPN is better if you want streaming access and a bundled security suite.
Is Mullvad really anonymous?
Yes. Mullvad doesn’t require an email, name, or any personal information. You get a random 16-digit account number. You can also pay with cash or cryptocurrency for complete anonymity.
Is Norton VPN a good idea?
Norton VPN is a solid choice if you already use Norton products. The bundle plans offer good value with antivirus and dark web monitoring included. As a standalone VPN, there are faster and cheaper options available.
Can Mullvad be used for Netflix?
Mullvad struggles with streaming. It fails to unblock most Netflix libraries, Disney+, and Hulu. If streaming is important to you, Norton VPN or NordVPN are better choices.
How much does Mullvad VPN cost per month?
Mullvad costs €5 per month (about $5.50 USD). The price is the same whether you pay monthly or for a full decade. Mullvad has never raised its price since launching in 2009.
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