⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Mullvad charges a flat €5/mo ($5.50 USD). StrongVPN starts at $3.97/mo on its annual plan.
- Best for: Mullvad for maximum privacy and anonymity. StrongVPN for streaming and multi-device households.
- Key difference: Mullvad requires zero personal information. StrongVPN needs an email and payment details.
- Our pick: Mullvad for most privacy-focused users — its audited no-logs policy and anonymous signup set it apart.
Mullvad and StrongVPN take opposite approaches to VPN services.
Mullvad puts privacy above everything else.
StrongVPN focuses on ease of use and streaming access.
The right choice depends on what you value most in a VPN.
Overview
This Mullvad vs StrongVPN comparison covers pricing, security features, and ease of use.
We also break down server networks, connection speeds, and VPN apps on mobile devices.
Our sources include published specs, documentation, and other users’ reviews on G2 and Reddit.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN service fits your needs in the VPN market.
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN service based in Sweden.
It doesn’t ask for your name, email, or any personal data.
You get a random 16-digit account number instead of a username.
The entire app is open-source and regularly audited by firms like Radically Open Security.
Mullvad’s VPN apps work on Windows, macOS, Linux apps, Android, and iOS.
Mullvad VPN
A privacy-first VPN with anonymous accounts and open-source apps. No email, no name — just a number and full encryption.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple. One flat rate, no tricks.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €5 per month | Short-term privacy needs |
| 1 Year | €5 per month | Long-term anonymous browsing |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Maximum commitment savings |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No free trial. 14-day money-back guarantee on most payment methods.
Money-back guarantee: 14 days for card and PayPal payments. Cash payments are excluded.
📌 Note: Mullvad has never changed its price since launching in 2009. You pay the same rate whether you sign up for one month or ten years. Crypto payments get a 10% discount.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad doesn’t offer long-term discounts like most VPN providers. If you’re looking for a cheap multi-year deal, this isn’t the VPN for that.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s what makes Mullvad worth considering:
- True Anonymity: Mullvad generates a random 16-digit account number. No email, no name, no phone number required.
- Independent Audits: Multiple third-party audits confirm Mullvad’s no-logs policy. These include assessments by Cure53 and Assured.
- Open-Source Code: The entire Mullvad app is open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for security flaws.
- RAM-Only Servers: All Mullvad servers run on RAM. Data is wiped automatically on every reboot.
- Anonymous Payments: You can pay with cash mailed in an envelope, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, or Monero. These payment options keep your identity hidden.
- Built-in Ad Blocker: Mullvad blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains at the DNS level. All DNS requests go through encrypted servers.
- Multi-Hop & DAITA: Route traffic through two servers. DAITA protects against AI-guided traffic analysis. This helps hide your true IP address from advanced surveillance.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Mullvad and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- No personal information required to sign up
- Multiple independent audits verify no-logs policy and user activity data is never stored
- Fully open-source apps across all operating systems
- Flat pricing with no surprise renewal increases
- Built-in Mullvad Browser for extra browsing privacy
❌ Cons
- Relatively small server network with around 684 servers in 44 countries
- Poor streaming unblocking — Netflix and BBC iPlayer often blocked
- Only up to five devices can connect simultaneously
What is StrongVPN?
StrongVPN is a U.S.-based VPN company founded in 2005.
It focuses on fast speeds, streaming access, and multi-device support.
A StrongVPN subscription bundles 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage with every plan.
It supports up to 12 devices StrongVPN can connect at the same time.
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android devices, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV.
StrongVPN
A reliable VPN with fast speeds and streaming support. Includes 250GB cloud storage and 12 device connections per account.
StrongVPN Pricing
StrongVPN offers two simple plans. The annual deal saves you about 67%.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Plan | $3.97/month | Budget-friendly long-term use |
| Monthly Plan | $11.99/month | Short-term or testing |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No free trial available.
Money-back guarantee: 30 days, but only on the annual plan. The monthly plan has no refund.
📌 Note: Every StrongVPN subscription includes 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage at no extra cost. Both plans give you the same features and 12 device connections.
⚠️ Warning: The annual plan renews at a higher rate after the first year. Check the renewal price before committing long-term.
Key Benefits of StrongVPN
Here’s what makes StrongVPN worth considering:
- 12 Device Connections: StrongVPN lets you connect up to 12 devices at the same time. That’s more than double what most VPN providers offer.
- Free Cloud Storage: Every plan includes 250GB of SugarSync encrypted cloud storage at no added cost.
- Streaming Support: StrongVPN works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. It also includes SmartDNS for faster unblocking.
- Physical Servers Only: StrongVPN uses only physical server locations. No virtual servers that pretend to be in a country they’re not.
- Multiple Protocols: Choose from WireGuard protocol, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, or L2TP based on your needs. This gives you strong encryption options.
- P2P on All Servers: Torrenting is allowed on every StrongVPN server. No need to search a server list for P2P-friendly options.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer installed StrongVPN and explored its features across several sessions. Here’s what stood out:
StrongVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 12 simultaneous connections per account on all devices
- Free cloud storage of 250GB with SugarSync included
- Works with major streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+
- Phone, email, and live chat customer support available
- Setup guides available for routers and less common devices
❌ Cons
- Based in the U.S. — part of the Five Eyes alliance, which could affect user privacy
- No independent security audit of its strict no logging policy
- Annual plan price increases after the first year — check the StrongVPN subscription renewal rate
Feature Comparison
Let’s compare Mullvad vs StrongVPN across 10 key areas. This breakdown covers everything from privacy to streaming.
| Feature | Mullvad | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | €5/month (~$5.50) | $3.97/month (annual) |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Simultaneous Devices | 5 | 12 |
| Server Count | ~684 in 44 countries | 950+ in 30+ countries |
| Independent Audit | ✅ Multiple audits | ❌ Not audited |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Always on | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ (Android only) |
| Streaming Unblocking | ❌ Unreliable | ✅ Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best For | Privacy and anonymity | Streaming and families |
1. Privacy & Anonymity
Mullvad: Mullvad doesn’t collect any personal information at all. You get a random 16-digit account number instead of a username. You can even pay with cash in an envelope. The company has passed multiple independent audits from firms like Cure53 and Assured, confirming its strict no-logs policy.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN claims a strict no logging policy, but this has not been verified by an independent security audit. The only personal information StrongVPN collects is your email and payment information. StrongVPN is based in the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance. This VPN company has not responded to a search warrant publicly.
2. Encryption & VPN Protocols
Mullvad: Mullvad now uses WireGuard exclusively as of January 2026. It retired OpenVPN to focus on speed and security. Mullvad also offers quantum-resistant VPN tunnels, which prepare your connection for future threats from quantum computing.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN supports multiple VPN protocols. You can choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP. This gives you more flexibility. StrongVPN uses AES-256 encryption across all connections.
3. Server Network
Mullvad: Mullvad runs a smaller server network with around 684 servers in 44 countries. All servers are RAM-only. Many are physically owned by Mullvad rather than rented from data centers.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN has over 950 servers in 30+ countries. Every server is a physical server — no virtual locations. While StrongVPN has more servers, it covers fewer countries than Mullvad.
4. Speed & Performance
Mullvad: According to Mullvad’s documentation, speeds are stable across devices and protocols. Third-party reviews report an average speed loss of around 13.5% on nearby servers. Speeds drop more on distant connections — upload speed and download speed can fall 40% to 50%. Connecting to the nearest server or nearby servers gives the best results.
StrongVPN: Based on published specs, StrongVPN shows a 5–7% speed loss on nearby servers. Upload speeds and download speeds are adequate for streaming and gaming. You can connect to the closest server for the best connection speeds. StrongVPN doesn’t limit bandwidth usage on any plan.
5. Streaming & Content Access
Mullvad: Mullvad focuses on privacy, not streaming. It can sometimes access Netflix and Hulu, but results are unreliable. BBC iPlayer is often blocked. If streaming is your main goal, Mullvad is not the right pick.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN works well with major streaming platforms. It can access Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. It also includes a SmartDNS service for faster geo-restriction bypassing without full encryption overhead.
6. Device Support & Connections
Mullvad: Mullvad supports up to five devices simultaneously. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can also set it up on a VPN compatible router for whole-home coverage. There are no separate mobile apps for Android TV, but the Android app works on most devices.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN allows 12 simultaneous device connections. That’s more than double Mullvad’s limit. Native apps cover Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Manual setup guides are available for routers and Chrome OS.
7. Kill Switch & Leak Protection
Mullvad: Mullvad’s VPN kill switch is enabled by default and cannot be turned off. It also has a Lockdown mode that blocks all internet traffic unless you’re connected through the Mullvad service. DNS leak protection routes all DNS requests through encrypted servers, so your browsing history stays private. Leak tests confirm Mullvad passed without exposing your true IP address.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN includes a kill switch that cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops. It also offers DNS leak protection to prevent DNS leaks. However, StrongVPN’s kill switch can be toggled on and off from the settings menu.
8. Split Tunneling
Mullvad: Mullvad offers split tunneling on its desktop and mobile apps. You can choose which apps go through the VPN tunnel and which use your regular internet connection.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN only offers split tunneling on its Android app. Windows, macOS, and iOS users don’t have this option. This is a notable gap for desktop users who need selective routing.
⚠️ Warning: If you need split tunneling on a Windows laptop or macOS, StrongVPN won’t help. Mullvad supports this feature across more platforms.
9. Browser Extensions
Mullvad: Mullvad offers a browser extension and its own Mullvad Browser for safe online browsing. The browser is built on Firefox and strips out trackers and fingerprinting by default. It helps protect your online activity and browsing activity from third-party tracking.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN does not offer a browser extension. You must use the full desktop or mobile app to connect. There’s no lightweight option for browser-only protection.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Mullvad | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | €5/month (~$5.50) | $11.99/month |
| Annual | €5/month (~$5.50) | $3.97/month |
| Long-term discount | None (same price always) | 67% off first year |
| Renewal price | Same forever | Increases after year 1 |
Mullvad: You pay €5/month no matter how long you subscribe. No intro pricing tricks. No renewal surprises. This makes it cheaper than StrongVPN on a month-to-month basis ($5.50 vs $11.99).
StrongVPN: The annual plan starts at $3.97/month, which is cheaper than Mullvad per month. But the monthly plan is $11.99 — more than double Mullvad’s rate. The annual price also jumps after the first year.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum privacy | Mullvad | Anonymous signup, audited no-logs |
| Streaming access | StrongVPN | Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ |
| 12+ device connections | StrongVPN | 12 devices vs Mullvad’s 5 |
| Month-to-month flexibility | Mullvad | $5.50/mo vs $11.99/mo |
| Verified security claims | Mullvad | Multiple independent audits |
| Cloud storage included | StrongVPN | 250GB SugarSync bundled free |
💰 Your Budget
StrongVPN’s annual plan is cheaper at $3.97/month, but watch out for the renewal price increase. Mullvad charges a flat €5/month with no changes — ever. Pick the server closest to you for the best speeds on either VPN.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
StrongVPN supports more VPN protocols and works on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Chrome OS. Mullvad sticks to WireGuard only but offers its own Mullvad Browser and browser extension. StrongVPN features also include a Windows app and Android app available on the Google Play Store.
🔒 Your Privacy Needs
If you need true anonymity, Mullvad is the clear choice. No email, no name — just a number. StrongVPN requires an email and billing info, and it hasn’t been independently audited.
🎓 Your Experience Level
StrongVPN has a simpler interface and phone support. Mullvad’s app is clean but more suited to users who understand VPN settings and DNS options.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Neither VPN service offers a free trial. Mullvad has a 14-day money back guarantee. StrongVPN gives you 30 days, but only on the annual plan. We strongly advise testing whichever VPN you choose during the refund window.
🛟 Support Options
StrongVPN wins here with live chat, phone, and a support team available by email. To contact Mullvad, you can only use email — no phone line and no live chat. A few VPNs in the VPN industry offer phone support, so StrongVPN stands out here.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPN services? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to StrongVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 12 simultaneous device connections instead of 5
- Reliable streaming access for Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+
- 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage at no extra cost
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Anonymous signup — StrongVPN requires email and payment info
- Independent audit verification of the no-logs policy
- Open-source apps and the Mullvad privacy browser
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Mullvad subscription (no long-term contract to break)
- Sign up for a StrongVPN annual plan at strongvpn.com
- Download the StrongVPN app on all your devices and log in
🔄 Switching from StrongVPN to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Full anonymity — no email or personal data needed
- Audited no-logs policy confirmed by third parties
- Open-source apps and the Mullvad privacy browser
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 12 device connections — Mullvad allows only 5
- Reliable streaming unblocking for Netflix and Hulu
- 250GB SugarSync cloud storage and phone support
📋 How to switch:
- Request a refund from StrongVPN within the 30-day guarantee window
- Generate a Mullvad account number at mullvad.net (no email required)
- 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 households. We didn’t test enterprise-level deployments, gambling sites access, or port forwarding features. We also didn’t run full leak tests across every server location or measure customer data handling under a search warrant. Our observations are based on published specs and user reviews from May 2026 — features and pricing may change. If you’re managing a large team or need site-to-site VPN tunnels, your priorities may differ from what we’ve covered here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Privacy & Anonymity | Mullvad |
| 🚀 Speed & Performance | StrongVPN |
| 📺 Streaming Access | StrongVPN |
| 🛡️ Security & Audits | Mullvad |
| 📱 Device Connections | StrongVPN |
| 🔌 Split Tunneling | Mullvad |
| 💰 Pricing Transparency | Mullvad |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Mullvad |
🏆 WINNER: Mullvad
Mullvad wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, journalists, anonymous browsing, and anyone who values audited security claims.
Mullvad and StrongVPN serve very different types of VPN users. Mullvad is built for people who want to be invisible online. StrongVPN is built for people who want a reliable VPN connection across many mobile devices and platforms.
Based on this StrongVPN review, it’s a solid choice if you need streaming support and lots of devices. However, StrongVPN’s unaudited no-logs claims and U.S. headquarters raise questions for VPN users who care about privacy.
This Mullvad VPN review confirms that anonymous accounts, open-source code, and independent audits make Mullvad the stronger good VPN for security overall. It’s a top pick among the best VPNs for 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 code, flat pricing with no renewal traps
NordVPN wins on: Server count (6,400+ vs 684), streaming unblocking, dedicated IP addresses
Mullvad vs Proton VPN
Mullvad wins on: Zero personal data collection, cash payment option, simpler pricing model
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan available, larger server network, Secure Core multi-hop routing
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: Lower monthly price, anonymous accounts, independently audited apps
ExpressVPN wins on: Wider server coverage (105 countries), better streaming, 24/7 live chat support
Mullvad vs Surfshark
Mullvad wins on: True anonymous signup, open-source apps, RAM-only server infrastructure
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited device connections, cheaper long-term plans, CleanWeb ad blocker
More of StrongVPN Compared
Here’s how StrongVPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
StrongVPN vs NordVPN
StrongVPN wins on: 12 device connections (vs 10), bundled cloud storage, simpler pricing tiers
NordVPN wins on: Far larger server network, audited no-logs policy, dedicated IP and Meshnet features
StrongVPN vs ExpressVPN
StrongVPN wins on: More device connections (12 vs 8), included SugarSync storage, lower annual price
ExpressVPN wins on: Faster speeds, wider country coverage, 24/7 live chat, Lightway protocol
StrongVPN vs CyberGhost
StrongVPN wins on: Physical servers only (no virtual locations), SmartDNS included, P2P on all servers
CyberGhost wins on: Larger server fleet (11,000+), dedicated streaming servers, 45-day money-back guarantee
StrongVPN vs Private Internet Access
StrongVPN wins on: Bundled 250GB cloud storage, higher device limit, SmartDNS streaming tool
PIA wins on: Open-source apps, cheaper long-term plans, proven no-logs policy in court cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad VPN better than StrongVPN?
Mullvad is better for privacy and anonymity. It requires no personal data and has been independently audited. StrongVPN is better for streaming and families who need 12 device connections.
Is StrongVPN free?
No, StrongVPN is a paid service. The annual plan costs $3.97/month and the monthly plan is $11.99. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on the annual plan only.
How much does Mullvad cost per month?
Mullvad charges a flat rate of €5 per month (about $5.50 USD). The price stays the same regardless of subscription length. No discounts, no renewal increases.
How many devices can you use with StrongVPN?
StrongVPN allows up to 12 simultaneous connections on a single account. Both the monthly and annual plans include the same device limit.
Is Mullvad really anonymous?
Yes. Mullvad doesn’t require an email address or any personal information. You receive a random 16-digit account number. You can also pay with cash or cryptocurrency for full anonymity.
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