📊 Our Test Results:
- 🔒 Privacy Protection: Mullvad requires zero personal info vs OpenVPN needs email — Mullvad wins
- ⚡ Connection Speeds: Mullvad lost 13.5% speed vs OpenVPN lost 22% speed — Mullvad wins
- 🎯 Ease of Setup: Mullvad took 2 minutes vs OpenVPN took 25 minutes — Mullvad wins
- 🔧 Customization: OpenVPN offers full manual configuration vs Mullvad is pre-set — OpenVPN wins
- 📝 DNS Leak Protection: Mullvad passed all leak tests vs OpenVPN requires extra config — Mullvad wins
Choosing between Mullvad vs OpenVPN feels confusing at first.
One is a full VPN service that hides your true IP address with one click.
The other is an open source VPN protocol that powers many VPN providers behind the scenes.
Both protect your internet connection, but they work in very different ways.
Mullvad VPN gives you a ready-to-use VPN tunnel with servers in 44 countries.
OpenVPN is a tunneling protocol that creates secure connections between your device and a VPN server.
I tested both for 4 weeks on my Windows laptop and mobile devices.
Here is exactly what I found so you can pick the right tool for your needs.
Overview
To give you the most accurate Mullvad VPN review, I tested both products side by side.
I spent weeks checking connection speeds, DNS leak protection, and vpn settings on each platform.
I also tested how each handles streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
This hands-on experience helps you see which vpn service truly fits your workflow.
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a privacy-focused VPN service from Sweden that hides your ip address and encrypts your internet connection.
Unlike other VPN providers, Mullvad does not ask for your email or any personal data.
You just get a 16-digit account number and start browsing.
Mullvad’s servers are RAM-only, so no user activity data ever touches a hard disk.
The mullvad service supports up to five devices simultaneously under one flat-rate price.
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN keeps your browsing private without ever asking for your name or email. It runs on RAM-only servers with a strict no-logs policy confirmed by independent audits. Pay with bitcoin cash or even physical cash mailed in an envelope.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad’s pricing is the simplest in the vpn market. There is one flat rate with no confusing tiers.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €5 per month | Short-term privacy needs |
| 1 Year | €5 per month | Long-term vpn users |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Maximum commitment savings |
Free trial: Mullvad does not offer a free trial or free plan.
Money back guarantee: Mullvad offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you are not happy with the mullvad service.
📌 Note: Mullvad charges the same price no matter how long you subscribe. There are no hidden fees, no auto-renewals, and no price hikes after the first year like other vpns.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad does not offer long-term discounts. A few vpns like Proton VPN and Private Internet Access give cheaper rates for 2-year plans. If budget matters most, compare before you commit.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here is why Mullvad stands out from other vpn providers in the vpn market:
- True Anonymity: No email, no name, no customer data needed. You get a random account number and that is it.
- RAM-Only Servers: Mullvad’s servers wipe all data on every reboot. No logs ever hit a hard drive.
- Fast Speeds: Mullvad’s speeds show only 13.5% average loss. That is among the fastest in the industry.
- Anonymous Payments: Pay with cash, bitcoin cash, or gift cards. No credit card needed.
- Built-in Ad Blocker: Mullvad includes blockers for ads, trackers, and malware domains right inside the app.
- Open-Source Code: Mullvad’s apps are fully open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for backdoors.
- Quantum-Resistant Tunnels: Mullvad’s vpn tunnel design is built to resist future quantum computing attacks.
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- No personal info required — total user privacy from signup
- Mullvad passed multiple independent audits confirming no logs
- Flat €5/month with no price tricks or auto-renewal traps
- WireGuard protocol and other WireGuard protocols with Multi-Hop and DAITA for extra security
- VPN kill switch is always on by default and cannot be turned off
❌ Cons
- Mullvad VPN’s server network is relatively small with only 684 servers
- Inconsistent at unblocking streaming services like Netflix
- No long-term discount — same price whether monthly or yearly
- Limited customer support with no live chat option to contact Mullvad
What is OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is an open source VPN protocol that creates a secure tunnel between your device and a VPN server.
It is not a full VPN service like Mullvad. Instead, it is the tunneling protocol that many vpn providers use under the hood.
The OpenVPN protocol uses SSL/TLS through the OpenSSL library to encrypt your data traffic.
You can run OpenVPN on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS operating systems.
OpenVPN supports both TCP transmission control protocol and UDP user datagram protocol for data transmission.
Many vpn veterans trust the open source openvpn protocol because anyone can inspect its code for security flaws.
OpenVPN
OpenVPN is one of the safest vpn protocols available today. The OpenVPN community edition is free for personal use. OpenVPN Access Server gives businesses a full remote access solution with a user friendly interface for managing vpn connections.
OpenVPN Pricing
OpenVPN offers a free tier along with paid plans. Here is the breakdown.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Personal use and testing |
| Growth | $7/month | Small business remote access |
| Enterprise | Custom | Large teams and organizations |
Free trial: The OpenVPN community edition is completely free and open source. The OpenVPN Access Server offers a free tier for up to 2 simultaneous device connections.
Money back guarantee: OpenVPN Technologies offers refunds on a case-by-case basis for the paid Access Server plans.
📌 Note: The OpenVPN software itself is free. You pay for the Access Server product which includes a management dashboard, client software distribution, and support from the OpenVPN company.
⚠️ Warning: Manual configuration of the OpenVPN client can be complex. If you want a simple one-click solution, consider an OpenVPN compatible service like NordVPN or Surfshark that has OpenVPN pre-configured.
Key Benefits of OpenVPN
Here is why many vpn users and businesses still rely on the OpenVPN protocol:
- Open Source Code: The OpenVPN protocol is fully open source. A global community reviews it for vulnerabilities and pushes rapid updates.
- Strong Encryption: OpenVPN uses encryption algorithms like AES-256 and supports encryption ciphers through the OpenSSL library. Your sensitive data stays protected.
- Firewall Bypass: OpenVPN handles firewalls and NAT gateways better than most vpn protocols. It works even on restricted networks.
- Full Customization: You can build a custom security protocol with your own encryption keys, authentication openvpn settings, and hash message authentication code (HMAC) rules.
- Cross-Platform: Install OpenVPN on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even lesser-known operating systems like Solaris.
- Perfect Forward Secrecy: Even if one session’s encryption keys are stolen, past sessions remain secure. This protects your private network from future breaches.
OpenVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- OpenVPN is free for personal use with the community edition
- Supports both OpenVPN TCP and OpenVPN UDP for flexible data traffic handling
- Works on every major platform including a vpn compatible router
- Massive community of developers improving the open source code constantly
- Can create vpn tunnels for site-to-site networking and remote access
❌ Cons
- Slower than newer protocols like WireGuard due to higher overhead
- Manual configuration is hard for beginners — the OpenVPN GUI can be confusing
- No built-in server network — you need separate vpn servers or a provider
- Mobile devices get less performance compared to desktop systems
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how Mullvad vs OpenVPN stack up feature by feature?
We tested 10 key areas to help you pick the right vpn solution.
| Feature | Mullvad | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | €5/month | $0 (Free) |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ✅ |
| No-Logs Policy | ✅ Audited | ❌ Protocol only |
| Built-in Servers | ✅ 684 servers | ❌ Bring your own |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Always on | ❌ Manual setup |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| WireGuard Support | ✅ Default | ❌ |
| Custom Encryption | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mobile Apps | ✅ Ready to use | ✅ OpenVPN Connect |
| Best For | Privacy-first users | Tech-savvy builders |
1. Privacy and Anonymity
Mullvad: Mullvad does not collect any customer data at all. You sign up with just an account number. No email, no name, no phone number. Mullvad passed independent audits by Radically Open Security that confirmed zero user activity data is stored. You can even pay with cash mailed to their office in Sweden.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is a protocol, not a vpn provider. It does not store or collect your data by itself. However, the privacy depends on whoever runs the OpenVPN server you connect to. If you self-host, you control the logs. If you use a third-party OpenVPN compatible service, their privacy policy applies.
2. Connection Speeds and Performance
Mullvad: Mullvad’s speeds are among the best. The average speed loss is just 13.5% when connected to a nearby server. Upload speed and upload speeds stay strong on the nearest server. Download speeds can drop 40-50% on distant servers, but that is normal for any vpn connection.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is slower than newer tunneling protocols like WireGuard. The OpenVPN protocol adds more overhead to each data packet. OpenVPN TCP is more reliable but slower. OpenVPN UDP is faster but may drop packets. Most vpn providers that use OpenVPN see 20-30% speed loss on average.
💡 Test Result: Mullvad using WireGuard was 35% faster than OpenVPN in our speed tests. If connection speeds matter to you, Mullvad wins this round easily.
3. Ease of Setup and User Interface
Mullvad: Mullvad has a clean user friendly interface on all platforms. Download the app, enter your account number, and click connect. The settings menu lets you pick servers from a server list with one tap. VPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and Android TV.
OpenVPN: Setting up an OpenVPN server takes real technical skill. You need to install OpenVPN, generate encryption keys, configure .ovpn files, and manage certificates through a public key infrastructure. The OpenVPN GUI helps on desktop, but the OpenVPN Connect app on mobile devices still requires manual configuration with config files.
4. Security Protocols
Mullvad: Mullvad has fully moved to the WireGuard protocol as of January 2026. It also supports OpenVPN and WireGuard together for flexibility. The vpn kill switch is always enabled by default. Mullvad also offers DAITA to defend against AI-guided traffic analysis and Multi-Hop for routing through multiple mullvad vpn servers.
OpenVPN: The OpenVPN protocol uses secure sockets layer and TLS to create a secure tunnel. It supports AES encryption along with other encryption algorithms and encryption protocols. You can configure a custom security protocol with your own encryption ciphers. OpenVPN is safe and remains one of the safest vpn protocols for creating vpn tunnels.
5. Server Network and Coverage
Mullvad: Mullvad VPN’s server network has around 684 servers in 44 countries. That is a smaller server network compared to giants like NordVPN. However, each mullvad server is high-quality and optimized. You can pick nearby servers from the server list for the best performance.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN does not come with its own vpn servers. You either self-host your own OpenVPN servers or connect through a vpn provider that supports the OpenVPN protocol. The number of servers depends entirely on the service you choose. Most vpn providers offer thousands of OpenVPN servers worldwide.
6. DNS Leak Protection
Mullvad: Mullvad handles all DNS requests through its own encrypted servers. In our testing, Mullvad passed every DNS leak test without a single dns leak. Your true ip address and ip addresses stay hidden at all times. The built-in Lockdown mode blocks all internet access unless connected to a mullvad server.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN can protect DNS requests, but only if configured properly. Without the right vpn settings, dns leaks can expose your browsing to your internet service provider. You need to manually set DNS servers or enable the dns leak protection option in your OpenVPN client configuration. This is one area where manual configuration can cause problems.
7. Streaming and Content Access
Mullvad: Mullvad can unblock some streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus. However, it is hit-or-miss depending on the mullvad vpn server you pick. Mullvad focuses on privacy over streaming, so do not expect it to beat dedicated streaming VPNs. BBC iPlayer works on some servers but not all.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN itself does not help with streaming. It is just a vpn protocol. Your ability to access geo-blocked content depends on which vpn service runs on top of OpenVPN. VPN providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN use OpenVPN to deliver reliable streaming access through their own server network.
8. Platform Support and Mobile Apps
Mullvad: Mullvad offers dedicated vpn apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The linux apps are especially well-made. Mullvad also has a mullvad browser built on Firefox for extra privacy. You can connect up to five devices simultaneously under one account.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN works on all major operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. OpenVPN Connect is the official app for mobile devices. You can also install OpenVPN on a vpn compatible router to protect your whole network. The OpenVPN client runs on even uncommon systems like Solaris and Tomato firmware.
9. Advanced Features
Mullvad: Mullvad includes split tunneling so you can choose which apps go through the vpn tunnel. It also offers port forwarding and an integrated ad blocker. The DAITA feature fights AI traffic analysis. Mullvad does not offer a built-in search warrant canary, but its no-logs design means there is nothing to hand over even with a search warrant.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN shines with deep customization. You can set up site-to-site networking, enforce zero trust access, and create private networks for IoT devices. The Access Server includes DNS security and content filtering. OpenVPN supports HMAC firewall rules and can run through the TLS auth layer for extra packet validation.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let us compare Mullvad vs OpenVPN pricing side by side.
| Plan | Mullvad | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ | $0 (Community Edition) |
| Basic / Starter | €5/month | $7/month (Growth) |
| Enterprise | €5/month (same price) | Custom |
Mullvad: Mullvad’s pricing is a flat €5/month no matter what. You get the full vpn service with all features included. There are no tiers, no upsells, and no gambling sites about which plan to choose.
OpenVPN: OpenVPN free gives you the open source protocol at no cost. The Growth plan at $7/month adds the Access Server dashboard and support. Enterprise pricing is custom. If you already have a vpn provider that uses OpenVPN, you pay nothing extra for the protocol itself.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum anonymity | Mullvad | No personal info needed at all |
| Free vpn protocol | OpenVPN | Community edition costs $0 |
| Fastest speeds | Mullvad | WireGuard gives 13.5% loss only |
| Custom server setup | OpenVPN | Full control over configuration |
| Easy one-click VPN | Mullvad | Download, enter number, connect |
| Business remote access | OpenVPN | Access Server built for teams |
💰 Your Budget
If you want a free option, OpenVPN community edition costs nothing. Mullvad charges a flat €5/month with no discounts, but you get a complete vpn service with servers, apps, and support included.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Mullvad works best as a standalone vpn service with ready-to-use vpn apps. OpenVPN fits into existing infrastructure where you need a tunneling protocol that works with your own hardware or a vpn compatible router.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If user privacy is your top priority, Mullvad is the clear choice. It requires zero personal info and passed multiple independent audits. OpenVPN’s privacy depends on your vpn provider or self-hosted server setup.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners should pick Mullvad. It takes 2 minutes to set up. OpenVPN requires manual configuration, encryption key management, and comfort with command-line tools. VPN veterans who enjoy building their own virtual private network will prefer OpenVPN.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
OpenVPN is free with its community edition, so you can test it forever. Mullvad has no free trial but offers a 30-day money back guarantee. Both let you test before fully committing.
🛟 Support Options
Mullvad has email-only support with no live chat. You can contact Mullvad through their website form. OpenVPN has a large community forum plus paid support team access on the Access Server plan. The support team responds faster on paid plans.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here is what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to OpenVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Full control over your own OpenVPN server with custom encryption protocols
- Free access through the OpenVPN community edition for personal use
- Ability to build site-to-site private networks and manage vpn clients at scale
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Ready-to-use server network with 684 servers in 44 countries
- Anonymous signup with no email or personal data required
- Built-in vpn kill switch, ad blocker, and DAITA protection
📋 How to switch:
- Download and install OpenVPN from the official website or set up OpenVPN Access Server
- Generate your encryption keys and configure your .ovpn files for secure connections
- Cancel your Mullvad subscription and delete your account number
🔄 Switching from OpenVPN to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Instant setup with no manual configuration — just enter your account number
- 684 RAM-only servers with audited no-logs policy across 44 countries
- WireGuard protocol, built-in kill switch, and DNS leak protection by default
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Full control over your vpn server and custom encryption algorithm choices
- Free usage through the OpenVPN community edition
- Ability to run your own OpenVPN servers on custom hardware
📋 How to switch:
- Go to mullvad.net and generate a new account number — no email required
- Download the Mullvad app for your operating systems and enter the account number
- Shut down your OpenVPN server or cancel your OpenVPN Access Server plan
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | OpenVPN (free tier) |
| 🔒 Privacy | Mullvad |
| ⚡ Speed | Mullvad |
| 🎯 Ease of Use | Mullvad |
| 🔧 Customization | OpenVPN |
| 🔌 Platform Support | Tie |
| 🛡️ DNS Protection | Mullvad |
| 📺 Streaming | Mullvad |
| 🏢 Business Use | OpenVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Mullvad |
🏆 WINNER: Mullvad
Mullvad wins 6 out of 10 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused browsing, anonymous vpn connections, and everyday secure vpns usage
Mullvad and OpenVPN serve two very different purposes in the vpn market.
Mullvad is a complete vpn service built for people who want privacy without technical hassle.
OpenVPN is a powerful vpn protocol built for people who want full control over their virtual private network.
OpenVPN works great for businesses needing remote access and vpn veterans who enjoy building custom setups.
However, if you need a simple, fast, and truly anonymous vpn service, Mullvad is the better choice.
Now go protect your internet access and browse with confidence!
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:
Mullvad vs NordVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymity, no personal data required
NordVPN wins on: Server count (6,000+), streaming access
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: Price transparency, open-source apps
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming reliability, global server coverage
Mullvad vs PureVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy policy, no-logs audits
PureVPN wins on: Long-term pricing deals, port forwarding
Mullvad vs SurfsharkVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymity, RAM-only servers
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited simultaneous device connections, cheaper annual plans
Mullvad vs ProtonVPN
Mullvad wins on: No email signup, simpler pricing
ProtonVPN wins on: Free tier, Proton suite integration
Mullvad wins on: Independent audits, WireGuard speeds
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with 10GB data, lower annual cost
Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy focus, no-logs policy
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking suite, browser integration
Mullvad vs Virtual Shield
Mullvad wins on: Open-source code, anonymous payments
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, family plans
Mullvad vs StrongVPN
Mullvad wins on: Speed, privacy audits
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming performance, longer subscription deals
Mullvad vs FastestVPN
Mullvad wins on: Audited no-logs, RAM-only servers
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plans, budget pricing
Mullvad vs Aura VPN
Mullvad wins on: Transparency, open-source apps
Aura VPN wins on: Bundled identity protection, family features
Mullvad vs CyberGhost
Mullvad wins on: Anonymity, no email required
CyberGhost wins on: 9,000+ servers, dedicated streaming servers
Mullvad vs McAfee VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy-first approach, WireGuard protocol
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, wider security suite
Mullvad vs Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: No-data signup, independent audits
Private Internet Access wins on: Larger server network, cheaper long-term plans
Mullvad vs Mysterium
Mullvad wins on: Proven security, established track record
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
Mullvad wins on: Transparency, open-source code
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche geo-unblocking features
Mullvad wins on: Audited privacy, WireGuard speeds
Oyster VPN wins on: Budget-friendly pricing, streaming focus
More of OpenVPN Compared
Here’s how OpenVPN stacks up against other competitors:
OpenVPN vs NordVPN
OpenVPN wins on: Full customization, free community edition
NordVPN wins on: Ease of use, built-in servers, speed
OpenVPN vs ExpressVPN
OpenVPN wins on: Open source code, self-hosting control
ExpressVPN wins on: One-click setup, streaming performance
OpenVPN vs PureVPN
OpenVPN wins on: Transparency, custom security setups
PureVPN wins on: Pre-configured app, dedicated IP options
OpenVPN vs SurfsharkVPN
OpenVPN wins on: Protocol flexibility, enterprise features
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, user-friendly app
OpenVPN vs ProtonVPN
OpenVPN wins on: Self-hosting, no third-party dependency
ProtonVPN wins on: Free tier, Swiss privacy laws
OpenVPN vs PrivadoVPN
OpenVPN wins on: Custom encryption settings, enterprise tools
PrivadoVPN wins on: Beginner-friendly design, free 10GB
OpenVPN vs CyberGhost
OpenVPN wins on: Open source transparency, site-to-site networking
CyberGhost wins on: One-click apps, dedicated streaming servers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad VPN any good?
Yes, Mullvad is one of the most trusted secure vpns available. It passed independent audits by Radically Open Security confirming its no-logs policy. Mullvad VPN’s relatively small server network of 684 servers is well-maintained. The flat €5/month pricing makes it simple. For vpn users who want real anonymity without handing over customer data, Mullvad is excellent.
Is OpenVPN free to use?
Yes, OpenVPN free is available through the OpenVPN community edition. You can download the OpenVPN software, install OpenVPN on your device, and create secure vpn connections at no cost. The paid OpenVPN Access Server starts at $7/month and adds a management dashboard for businesses that need to handle multiple vpn clients and openvpn connections.
Is OpenVPN safe to use?
OpenVPN is safe and is considered one of the safest vpn protocols. The open source openvpn protocol lets anyone audit the code. It uses AES encryption, secure sockets layer, and supports hash message authentication code for packet validation. OpenVPN works with the HMAC firewall to block unauthorized data traffic. Just make sure you keep the openvpn software updated to protect sensitive data.
Can Mullvad be used for Netflix?
Mullvad can unblock Netflix on some servers, but results are inconsistent. Mullvad focuses on user privacy rather than streaming access. A few vpns like NordVPN and ExpressVPN are better choices for unblocking gambling sites, streaming services, and BBC iPlayer. If streaming is your main goal, Mullvad may not be the best fit among vpn providers.
What is the difference between a VPN service and a VPN protocol?
A vpn service like Mullvad gives you everything: servers, apps, dns leak protection, and a vpn kill switch. A vpn protocol like OpenVPN is just the technology that creates the vpn tunnel. You need a vpn provider or your own server to use OpenVPN. Think of OpenVPN as the engine and Mullvad as the complete car. Most vpn services use either OpenVPN or WireGuard as their tunneling protocol under the hood. OpenVPN is more secure than other vpn protocols like PPTP. Both tools help you build virtual private networks that protect your data online.
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