⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Mullvad charges a flat €5/mo (~$5.50). OysterVPN starts at $2.50/mo on the yearly plan, with a $59.99 lifetime deal.
- Best for: Mullvad for privacy-first users who want audited security. OysterVPN for budget users who need basic VPN protection.
- Key difference: Mullvad has open-source apps and multiple independent audits. OysterVPN has no third-party audit.
- Our pick: Mullvad for most users — proven privacy with transparent pricing and verified no-logs policy.
Privacy and price pull VPN buyers in two different directions.
Mullvad VPN doesn’t even ask for your email address.
OysterVPN offers lifetime access for under $60.
Both VPN providers claim to protect your internet connection.
But they take very different approaches to get there.
This comparison breaks down which VPN service fits your needs.
Overview
This Mullvad vs Oyster VPN comparison covers pricing, privacy features, and server networks.
We also break down streaming, speed, and ease of use for both VPN apps.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN provider fits your needs.
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a privacy-focused VPN service based in Sweden.
It encrypts your internet connection and hides your true IP address.
You don’t need an email address or personal info to sign up.
Instead, Mullvad generates a unique 16-digit account number for each user.
The VPN apps are fully open-source and have been audited multiple times.
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad keeps zero logs and requires zero personal data. Pay with cash or crypto for total anonymity. Flat €5/mo pricing has stayed the same since 2009.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad’s pricing is the simplest in the VPN market. One flat rate. No discounts. No tiers.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €5 per month | Short-term privacy needs |
| 1 Year | €5 per month | Long-term users wanting simplicity |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Maximum commitment at the same rate |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No free trial. Mullvad offers a 14-day money-back guarantee instead.
Money-back guarantee: 14 days for most payment methods. Cash payments are excluded.
📌 Note: Mullvad has never raised its price since launching in 2009. You pay the same rate whether you subscribe for one month or ten years. Crypto payments get a 10% discount.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad does not offer long-term subscription discounts. If you want a cheaper monthly rate, you’ll need to look elsewhere. The tradeoff is total pricing transparency with no surprise renewal hikes.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s what makes Mullvad worth considering:
- Anonymous Sign-Up: No email, no name, no personal data required. Mullvad generates a random account number. You can even pay with cash mailed in an envelope.
- Audited No-Logs Policy: Independent auditors have confirmed that Mullvad stores zero user activity data. The audits cover both the apps and the server infrastructure.
- Open-Source Apps: Every Mullvad app is open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for vulnerabilities or backdoors.
- RAM-Only Servers: Mullvad’s servers run entirely on RAM. All data is wiped on every reboot, so nothing is stored on disk.
- WireGuard Protocol: Mullvad fully transitioned to WireGuard as of January 2026. This protocol is known for fast connection speeds and strong encryption.
- Multi-Hop & DAITA: Mullvad offers multi-hop routing and DAITA (Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis) for extra privacy layers.
- Always-On Kill Switch: The VPN kill switch is enabled by default and cannot be turned off. Your IP address stays hidden even if the VPN connection drops.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Mullvad and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- No personal data required to sign up — total anonymity from day one
- Multiple independent security audits confirm no-logs policy
- Open-source apps that anyone can verify for security flaws
- Flat pricing with no surprise renewal increases since 2009
- Accepts cash and cryptocurrency for anonymous payments
❌ Cons
- Smaller server network with around 690 servers in 44 countries
- Poor streaming support — fails to unblock most major platforms
- No long-term subscription discounts available
- Customer support limited to email only — no live chat
What is OysterVPN?
OysterVPN is a budget-friendly VPN provider based in Ireland.
It encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address.
The service supports multiple VPN protocols including OpenVPN and IKEv2.
OysterVPN stands out for its $59.99 lifetime access deal.
It also includes dedicated streaming servers and a built-in ad blocker.
OysterVPN
OysterVPN offers lifetime access for a one-time $59.99 payment. It covers up to five devices simultaneously with AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy.
OysterVPN Pricing
OysterVPN has three payment options. The lifetime deal is the main draw.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Month + 2 Months Free | $5.99/month | Quick test before committing |
| 1-Year | $29.99/year ($2.50/mo) | Annual users on a tight budget |
| Lifetime Access | $59.99 one-time | Long-term users wanting no renewals |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No free trial or free plan. You must purchase an OysterVPN subscription to test the service.
Money-back guarantee: All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
📌 Note: The 1-year plan includes a free password manager. The lifetime plan bundles 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage with FolderFort for the first year.
⚠️ Warning: OysterVPN only accepts major credit cards and PayPal. No cryptocurrency payment is available. Lifetime plans depend on the company staying in business long-term.
Key Benefits of OysterVPN
Here’s what makes OysterVPN worth considering:
- Lifetime Access Deal: Pay $59.99 once and use OysterVPN forever. No monthly bills or annual renewals.
- Dedicated Streaming Servers: OysterVPN has special servers for unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services.
- P2P on All Servers: Every OysterVPN server supports torrenting. No need to hunt for specific P2P server locations.
- Split Tunneling: The split tunneling feature lets you choose which apps use the VPN connection and which don’t. Available on Windows and Android.
- Ad & Malware Blocker: OysterVPN includes a built-in blocker that stops ads and blocks malicious websites.
- Based in Ireland: Ireland is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence alliances. This offers some jurisdictional privacy advantages.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for OysterVPN and spent time testing the apps across devices. Here’s what stood out:
OysterVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Lifetime access for $59.99 — no recurring fees ever
- Dedicated streaming servers for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Torrenting allowed on all servers with P2P support
- 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans
❌ Cons
- No independent audit of its no-logs policy
- Small server network with roughly 150-400 servers in 17-35 countries
- Speeds drop significantly on distant servers — up to 55% slower
- No native Linux app, no smart TV or gaming console support
Feature Comparison
Let’s compare Mullvad VPN and OysterVPN across 10 key features. Each section explains how both VPN providers handle the feature differently.
| Feature | Mullvad | OysterVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | €5/month (~$5.50) | $2.50/month (yearly) |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Independent Audit | ✅ Multiple audits | ❌ Not audited |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Always on | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ❌ | ✅ Windows & Android |
| Streaming Servers | ❌ No dedicated | ✅ US & UK servers |
| Server Network | ~690 in 44 countries | ~150-400 in 17-35 countries |
| Anonymous Signup | ✅ No email needed | ❌ Email required |
| Best For | Privacy-first users | Budget users & streamers |
1. Privacy & Anonymity
Mullvad: Mullvad does not require an email address, name, or any personal information to create an account. It generates a random 16-digit account number instead. You can pay with cash mailed in an envelope, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. This makes Mullvad one of the few VPN services where your identity stays completely separate from your account.
OysterVPN: OysterVPN requires a standard email-based signup process. Payment methods are limited to major credit cards and PayPal. There are no cryptocurrency options. OysterVPN claims a strict no logs policy, but it has not undergone a third-party independent audit to verify that claim. This is a gap compared to other vpns that have been audited.
2. Security Features
Mullvad: Mullvad uses WireGuard as its only VPN protocol after retiring OpenVPN in January 2026. The VPN tunnel is designed to be quantum-resistant. Mullvad includes multi-hop routing, DAITA for traffic analysis defense, and a kill switch that is always enabled. DNS leak protection routes all DNS requests through the encrypted tunnel.
OysterVPN: OysterVPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols including OpenVPN and IKEv2. It includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and IP leak protection to prevent accidental data leaks. OysterVPN also offers DDoS protection. The split tunneling feature lets you route specific apps outside the VPN tunnel.
3. Server Network
Mullvad: Mullvad operates around 690 servers across 44 countries. The server network is smaller than major VPN providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. However, Mullvad owns many of its servers rather than renting them. All servers are RAM-only, which means data is wiped on every reboot.
OysterVPN: OysterVPN has a relatively small server network with roughly 150 to 400 servers in 17 to 35 countries. Most servers are located in North America and Europe. Coverage in Africa and the Middle East is minimal. All OysterVPN servers are rented, not owned.
4. Connection Speeds
Mullvad: Mullvad’s speeds are stable on nearby servers. The WireGuard protocol helps keep speed loss low. According to third-party reviews, the average speed drop is around 13.5% on nearby servers. Performance can drop 40% to 50% on distant servers depending on location.
OysterVPN: OysterVPN’s speeds are decent on nearby servers. However, download speed can drop by an average of 55% on distant servers. This makes long-distance connections less suitable for streaming 4K content or high-bandwidth activities. Upload speed also suffers over longer distances. A speed test on nearby server locations showed acceptable results for basic browsing.
⚠️ Warning: Both VPN providers experience speed drops on distant servers. If you need consistent global speeds, consider a larger VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN with more server locations.
5. Streaming & Content Access
Mullvad: Mullvad is not built for streaming. It focuses on privacy over content unblocking. According to recent reviews, Mullvad fails to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer on most servers. If streaming geo-restricted content is your goal, Mullvad is not the right choice.
OysterVPN: OysterVPN includes dedicated streaming servers in the US and UK. It can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Max, and ESPN+. However, it struggles with Hulu and Disney+. Streaming performance depends on server load and your distance from the server location. The OysterVPN app lets you access geo restricted content from multiple devices.
6. Apps & Device Support
Mullvad: Mullvad has desktop apps and mobile apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The Linux apps are fully supported. Mullvad also offers a dedicated browser called Mullvad Browser. All apps are open-source. You can connect up to five mobile devices or desktops simultaneously.
OysterVPN: OysterVPN supports Windows, macOS, iOS app, and Android app platforms. It also has browser extensions for quick online security. However, it does not support native Linux apps. There is no dedicated app for smart TVs, Android TV, or gaming consoles. The desktop app and mobile apps support up to five simultaneous connections.
7. Kill Switch & Leak Protection
Mullvad: Mullvad’s kill switch is always on by default and cannot be disabled. It also has a “Lockdown mode” that blocks all internet connections unless connected to a Mullvad server. DNS requests are routed through the encrypted VPN tunnel to prevent DNS leaks.
OysterVPN: OysterVPN includes an internet kill switch that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. It also prevents IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. The kill switch is a standard toggle in the VPN settings — unlike Mullvad, you can turn it on or off.
8. Customer Support
Mullvad: Mullvad’s support team is available only through email. There is no live chat or phone support. Response times can be slow. The website has a help section with guides, but it’s designed for users who are comfortable with VPN settings and troubleshooting.
OysterVPN: OysterVPN offers 24/7 live chat support along with email support. According to recent reviews, the live chat responses are quick. Email responses can take a few hours. The OysterVPN app also has a built-in FAQ section for common questions.
9. Torrenting & P2P
Mullvad: Mullvad supports torrenting on all servers. The always-on kill switch protects your IP address if the VPN connection drops during a download. Port forwarding was previously available but has been removed. Mullvad’s audited no-logs policy means your P2P activity is not recorded.
OysterVPN: OysterVPN allows torrenting on all of its servers. The kill switch prevents IP leaks during downloads. However, OysterVPN’s no-logs policy has not been independently verified. Speeds may slow down on distant servers during large downloads.
10. Pricing & Cost
| Plan | Mullvad | OysterVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | €5/month (~$5.50) | $5.99/month |
| Yearly | €5/month (~$5.50) | $29.99/year ($2.50/mo) |
| Lifetime | ❌ Not available | $59.99 one-time |
| Money-Back | 14 days | 30 days |
Mullvad: Mullvad’s flat €5/month pricing means no surprises. The same rate applies whether you subscribe monthly, yearly, or for a decade. Crypto payments get a 10% discount. There are no promotional prices or renewal hikes.
OysterVPN: OysterVPN is cheaper on paper, especially with the $2.50/month yearly plan or the $59.99 lifetime deal. However, the lifetime plan depends on OysterVPN staying in business. Only credit cards and PayPal are accepted — no anonymous payment methods.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum privacy | Mullvad | Anonymous signup + audited no-logs |
| Lowest long-term cost | OysterVPN | $59.99 lifetime deal |
| Streaming support | OysterVPN | Dedicated streaming servers |
| Verified security | Mullvad | Multiple independent audits |
| Linux support | Mullvad | Full native Linux apps |
| Live chat support | OysterVPN | 24/7 chat available |
💰 Your Budget
Mullvad costs a flat €5/month with no discounts. OysterVPN’s yearly plan drops to $2.50/month, and the lifetime deal costs $59.99 once. If budget is your top concern, OysterVPN saves more money long-term.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Mullvad has full Linux support and works on most operating systems. OysterVPN lacks a native Linux app and has no smart TV or gaming console support. If you use Linux or need wide device coverage, Mullvad is the better pick.
🔒 Your Privacy Needs
Mullvad requires zero personal data and accepts anonymous payments. OysterVPN needs an email and only takes credit cards or PayPal. For maximum anonymity, Mullvad is the clear choice.
🎓 Your Experience Level
OysterVPN has a simpler user-friendly interface for beginners. Mullvad’s apps are more utilitarian and built for VPN veterans who want full control over VPN settings. Beginners may find OysterVPN easier to set up.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Neither VPN offers a free plan. Mullvad has a 14-day money-back guarantee. OysterVPN gives you 30 days to test the service risk free. If you want a longer trial window, OysterVPN is the better option.
🛟 Support Options
Mullvad only offers email support — you cannot contact Mullvad by phone or live chat. OysterVPN provides 24/7 live chat support with quick responses. If fast support matters, OysterVPN wins here.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPN providers? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to OysterVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Dedicated streaming servers for Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Split tunneling on Windows and Android apps
- 24/7 live chat support instead of email-only
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Anonymous signup — OysterVPN requires an email address
- Audited no-logs policy — OysterVPN has no independent audits
- Open-source apps and Linux support
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Mullvad subscription (no auto-renewal, just let it expire)
- Purchase an OysterVPN subscription and install the OysterVPN app
- Uninstall Mullvad and connect to an OysterVPN server
🔄 Switching from OysterVPN to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Anonymous account with no email or personal data required
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Open-source apps with full Linux support
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Dedicated streaming servers — Mullvad does not focus on content unblocking
- Split tunneling feature
- Lifetime pricing — Mullvad charges €5/month with no long-term discount
📋 How to switch:
- Request a refund from OysterVPN within 30 days if eligible
- Generate a Mullvad account number and choose a payment method
- Install the Mullvad app and enter your account number to connect
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small teams. We didn’t test how either VPN performs in restrictive countries like China or UAE. Enterprise features, custom API access, and VPN-compatible router setups weren’t part of this review. Our observations are based on the May 2026 versions of both apps — features may have changed since then.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | OysterVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity | Mullvad |
| ⚡ Speed | Mullvad |
| 🎬 Streaming | OysterVPN |
| 🔌 Device Support | Mullvad |
| 🛟 Customer Support | OysterVPN |
| 🔐 Security Verification | Mullvad |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Mullvad |
🏆 WINNER: Mullvad
Mullvad wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, journalists, developers, and anyone who wants verified no-logs security.
Mullvad and OysterVPN serve very different types of VPN users. Mullvad is built for people who put privacy above everything else. It hides your ip addresses and keeps zero logs. OysterVPN is built for budget-conscious users who want basic protection and streaming access in the VPN market.
OysterVPN’s lifetime deal is hard to beat on price. But its lack of independent audits and smaller server network hold it back from competing with verified VPN providers.
If you need a VPN you can trust with your data, Mullvad is the stronger choice. Its open-source code, audited infrastructure, and anonymous signup process set a high bar for user privacy.
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other VPN providers:
Mullvad vs NordVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, open-source apps, no personal data collection
NordVPN wins on: Server count (7,000+ vs 690), streaming support, long-term pricing discounts
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: Flat pricing with no renewal hikes, RAM-only servers, cash payment option
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming unblocking across 100+ services, 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, 24/7 live chat
Mullvad vs Proton VPN
Mullvad wins on: Simpler pricing (no tiers), no email needed, always-on kill switch
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan available, 8,600+ servers in 112 countries, Secure Core routing through privacy-friendly nations
Mullvad vs Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: Zero personal info required, independently verified no-logs claims, quantum-resistant tunnels
Private Internet Access wins on: Larger server network, split tunneling support, lower long-term pricing options
More of OysterVPN Compared
Here’s how OysterVPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
OysterVPN vs NordVPN
OysterVPN wins on: Lifetime pricing option, lower upfront cost, simpler plan structure
NordVPN wins on: 7,000+ servers in 118 countries, multiple independent audits, dedicated IP option
OysterVPN wins on: $59.99 one-time lifetime deal, no recurring charges
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited connections on all plans, larger server network, CleanWeb ad blocker, cheaper monthly rates on 2-year plans
OysterVPN vs CyberGhost
OysterVPN wins on: Lifetime access option, Irish jurisdiction outside intelligence alliances
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming servers in 20+ countries, larger server fleet, independently audited no-logs policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad VPN better than OysterVPN?
Based on our Mullvad VPN review, Mullvad is the better choice for privacy. It has open-source apps, multiple independent audits, and requires zero personal data. OysterVPN is better for budget users who want streaming access and a low one-time price. Read our OysterVPN review for a deeper look at its strengths.
Is Mullvad really anonymous?
Yes. Mullvad generates a 16-digit account number instead of asking for an email. You can pay with cash or bitcoin cash for full anonymity. Independent audits have confirmed that Mullvad stores no user activity data. This strict no logs policy is verified, not just claimed.
Is Oyster VPN legit?
OysterVPN is a legitimate VPN service based in Ireland. It uses AES-256 encryption and claims a no logs policy. However, it has not been independently audited. The lifetime access deal is real but depends on the company remaining operational. All plans include a 30 day money back guarantee.
Can Mullvad be used for Netflix?
Mullvad is not reliable for Netflix or other popular streaming services. It focuses on privacy over streaming. Most Mullvad servers are blocked by major platforms. If you need a VPN for streaming, OysterVPN or a larger provider like NordVPN are better options. OysterVPN has dedicated streaming servers that handle multiple devices at once.
How much does Mullvad VPN cost per month?
Mullvad charges a flat rate of €5 per month (roughly $5.50 USD). The price stays the same regardless of subscription length. There are no discounts, sales, or promotional pricing. This rate has not changed since the Mullvad service launched in 2009. OysterVPN is cheaper with its yearly plan at $2.50/month, but it lacks the user friendly interface and verified privacy of Mullvad.
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Italian 
Turkish 
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