Choosing a VPN can feel like navigating a minefield.
You want something that keeps your online activity private and secure, but you don’t want to break the bank.
Two popular options that often come up are Mullvad vs Windscribe.
Both are known for their strong focus on privacy, but which one comes out on top regarding security?
In this post, we’ll explain the key security features of each VPN to help you decide which one is the best choice for you.
Mullvad vs Windscribe: Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both Mullvad and Windscribe.
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! For just €5 per month, you can access over 800 servers in 40 countries.
Pricing: Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month.
Key Features:
- DVPN
- Pay-As-You-Go System
- No-Logs Policy
Enhance your online experience with Windscribe and enjoy an ad-free internet with enhanced privacy.
Pricing: Free plan available. Premium Plan Starts at $5.75/month
Key Features:
- R.O.B.E.R.T. (ad blocker)
- Split Tunneling
- WireGuard Support
What is Mullvad?
Have you ever heard of a VPN that doesn’t even want your email address? That’s Mullvad.
They are serious about privacy. No accounts are needed.
Just generate a random account number, and you’re off!
They do not keep logs of your activity. They are also based in Sweden, a country with strong privacy laws.
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! For just €5 per month, you can access over 800 servers in 40 countries and a strict no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on anonymity: No email address is required to sign up.
- Open-source: Transparent and trustworthy.
- Strong security: Uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
- Accepts Bitcoin: For anonymous payments.
Pricing
Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month. That’s it! No discounts for longer subscriptions.
Pros
Cons
What is Windscribe?
Looking for a VPN that’s a bit more playful? Windscribe might be your style.
They don’t take themselves too seriously. But don’t let that fool you.
Windscribe is serious about your privacy. It offers a good balance of security, features, and affordability. It even has a free version with decent data!
Enhance your online experience with Windscribe and enjoy an ad-free internet with enhanced privacy. Choose your plan and reclaim control over your digital life today!
Key Benefits
- Strong privacy focus: They have a strict no-logs policy. They don’t track your activity.
- R.O.B.E.R.T. is awesome: This tool blocks ads, malware, and even social media trackers.
- Free plan available: Get 10GB of data each month for free. Not bad, right?
- Secure and reliable: They use strong encryption to keep your data safe.
Pricing
Windscribe has a free plan. But you can upgrade for more features.
- Monthly Plan: $9.00/month
- Yearly Plan: $5.75/month
- Build A Plan: $0.00/month
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s explore the differences between Mullvad and Windscribe regarding some of the most essential features of a VPN service.
This will help you see which one comes out on top for your specific needs.
Security and Privacy
- Mullvad: Mullvad is a true privacy champion. It has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store any information about your online activity. It also offers strong encryption with AES-256-GCM and supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Bridge mode. Plus, it is based in Sweden, outside of the Five Eyes alliance.
- Windscribe: Windscribe also takes privacy seriously. It has a no-logs policy and offers AES-256-cipher encryption with SHA512 auth and a 4096-bit RSA key. It supports various protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard.5 Windscribe also includes features like a firewall and a sea cure hotspot.
Server Network
- Mullvad: Mullvad has a decent server network with servers in 39 countries. While not as extensive as some VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark, it’s still sufficient for most users.
- Windscribe: Windscribe has a more extensive server network in 63 countries and 110 cities. This gives you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding a fast server.
Speed and Performance
- Mullvad: Mullvad consistently delivers fast speeds, making it an excellent choice for streaming and downloading. They have unlimited bandwidth, so you don’t have to worry about data caps.
- Windscribe: Windscribe’s speeds can be inconsistent depending on the server location. However, they are generally fast enough for most online activities.
Streaming and Torrenting
- Mullvad: Mullvad is a good choice for streaming. It can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. They also allow torrenting on all servers.
- Windscribe: Windscribe can also unblock some streaming services, but it’s less reliable than Mullvad. However, it does allow torrenting on specific servers.
Apps and Devices
- Mullvad: Mullvad offers user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. They also have browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
- Windscribe: Windscribe offers apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It also offers browser extensions and a command-line interface.
Customer Support
- Mullvad: Mullvad offers excellent customer support via email and is known for its quick and helpful responses. It also has a comprehensive knowledge base and an active Reddit community.
- Windscribe: Windscribe provides customer support through email and a ticketing system. They also have a helpful knowledge base and an active social media presence.
Audits
- Mullvad: Mullvad has undergone multiple independent security audits to verify its no-logs policy and security claims. This gives users extra assurance that their privacy is protected.
- Windscribe: Windscribe also underwent a security audit, but it was less comprehensive than Mullvad’s audits.
This detailed comparison should give you a clearer picture of how these two VPN services stack up.
Ultimately, your best choice will depend on your needs and priorities.
Consider factors like your budget, the level of privacy you require, and the most important features to you.
Don’t forget to explore other options like ProtonVPN and NordVPN to make a well-informed decision.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Strong encryption: Look for a VPN that uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard.
- No-logs policy: Make sure the VPN has a clear and transparent no-logs policy, meaning they don’t store any information about your online activity.
- Server network: Consider the size and location of the VPN’s server network. A larger network gives you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding a fast server.
- Speed and performance: Choose a VPN that offers fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for smooth streaming and downloading.
- Streaming and torrenting support: If you plan to use the VPN for streaming or torrenting, ensure it supports these activities.
- Apps and devices: Ensure the VPN has user-friendly apps for all your devices.
- Customer support: Look for a VPN with responsive and helpful customer support.
- Price: Compare the pricing of different VPNs and choose one that fits your budget.
- Independent audits: Check if the VPN has undergone any independent security audits to verify its claims.
- Additional features: Consider any extra features that might be important to you, such as ad blockers, split tunneling, or a kill switch.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best VPN for your needs and ensure your online privacy and security.
Final Verdict (Our Pick)
So, which VPN reigns supreme? For us, it’s Mullvad. Why?
Mullvad truly prioritizes your privacy. They have a strict no-logs policy, strong encryption, and don’t even need your email address.
Plus, their speeds are consistently fast, which is great for streaming and downloading.
However, both Mullvad and Windscribe are excellent VPN services.
They offer strong security features, a good selection of VPN servers, and user-friendly apps.
Ultimately, your best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.
We’ve spent countless hours testing and reviewing VPNs. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your online security.
We believe everyone deserves to be safe and private online. We hope this comparison has helped you find the perfect VPN for your needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windscribe a good free VPN?
Windscribe offers a free plan with 10GB of monthly data and access to servers in 10 countries. It’s a decent option for basic browsing and privacy, but you’ll need to upgrade to their Pro plan for unlimited data and more features. Windscribe is often considered one of the best free VPN services available.
Does Windscribe work with Netflix?
Windscribe can unblock Netflix, but it’s less reliable than other VPNs like NordVPN or Mullvad. They do have dedicated “Windflix US” and “Windflix Canada” servers designed explicitly for streaming Netflix.
How do I obtain Windscribe’s private key?
You can find your private key in the “My Account” section of the Windscribe website. Click on the “VPN Credentials” tab and select “Manual Setup.” Your private key will be displayed there. You’ll need this key if you manually configure Windscribe on a device.
How does Mullvad encrypt my data?
Mullvad uses AES-256-GCM encryption, one of the most vigorous encryption standards available. This ensures that your online activity is secure and private from prying eyes. Mullvad also supports secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.
What are the best VPNs for streaming?
Some of the best VPNs for streaming include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Surfshark. These VPNs offer fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth and can reliably unblock Netflix and other streaming services. Mullvad also performs well for streaming, though it may not have as many specialized streaming servers as others.
