Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze. You want top-notch privacy without sacrificing speed.
But with so many options, how do you decide?
In this head-to-head matchup, we’re diving deep into two popular VPNs: PureVPN vs Mullvad.
Both promise to keep your online activity private, but which one delivers?
We’ll break down their features, security measures, and ease of use to help you find the perfect VPN for your needs. Let’s get started!
Overview
We’ve spent weeks testing both PureVPN and Mullvad to give you the most accurate comparison.
We’ve evaluated their performance in real-world scenarios, examining factors like streaming, torrenting, gaming, and overall browsing experience.
This hands-on approach allows us to provide you with insights you can trust.
Ready to see if PureVPN is the real deal? Let’s dive in. Thousands of servers in 78+ countries.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan starts at $2.16/month
Key Features:
- 10 Gbps Servers
- Quantum-Resistant Encryption
- 10 Multi-Logins
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! It offers access to over 800 servers in 40 countries!
Pricing: Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5.00/month.
Key Features:
- Port Forwarding
- Bridge Mode
- Multihop Connections
What is PureVPN?
Ever heard of PureVPN? It’s a popular VPN service. They’ve been around for a while.
They have tons of servers all over the world. Want to watch your favorite shows while traveling?
PureVPN can help. Need to secure your connection on public Wi-Fi?
PureVPN has you covered. It’s easy to use, even for beginners.
Also, explore our favorite PureVPN alternatives…
Our Take
Experience ultimate online freedom with PureVPN! Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and access over 6,500 servers in 78+ countries.
Key Benefits
- Extensive server network: Over 6,500 servers in 78 countries.
- Wide range of features: Includes split tunneling, port forwarding, and dedicated IPs.
- No-logs policy: Audited by independent firms.
- 31-day money-back guarantee: Gives you a little extra time to decide.
Pricing
- Standard: $2.16/month.
- Plus: $2.66/month.
- Max: $3.33/month.
Pros
Cons
What is Mullvad?
Looking for a VPN that’s serious about privacy? You need to check out Mullvad.
They’re all about keeping your data safe and secure. There is no logging or tracking; it’s pure anonymity.
They even let you pay with cash if you want to be extra careful!
Mullvad might not have all the bells and whistles of other VPNs, but it’s worth considering if privacy is your top priority.
Also, explore our favorite Mullvad alternatives…
Our Take
Enhance your online privacy with Mullvad VPN. Benefit from robust encryption 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
- 1 month: €5/month.
- 1 Year: €5/month.
- 1 decade: €5/month.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
This comparison analyzes PureVPN and Mullvad as leading vpn providers with fundamentally different approaches.
While a purevpn review highlights its feature set, a mullvad vpn review underscores absolute anonymity.
We examine the core differences in server infrastructure, privacy commitment, and advanced features like port forwarding and dedicated ip.
This will help you choose the best virtual private network for securing your internet connection and internet traffic.
1. Privacy and Anonymity
The most significant difference between the vpn providers is their approach to user anonymity and tracking.
- PureVPN: The purevpn review confirms an independently audited no-logs policy & it is mainly based in the british virgin islands. Higher-tier subscriptions may include a password manager for added security.
- Mullvad: It excels in anonymity. It does not require any personal information like an email address, instead generating a unique account number. Payment methods include cash, a unique option for protecting ip addresses.
2. Server Network and Scale
The size of the network is key for performance in speed tests and accessing content globally.
- PureVPN: It boasts a massive network of over 6,500 servers in 65+ countries, utilizing virtual servers to enhance its global presence. This large scale helps to distribute internet traffic.
- Mullvad: Operates a relatively small server network of around 850 servers in 40+ countries. Mullvad VPN prioritizes quality, with all mullvad servers being RAM-only to ensure data is wiped on reboot.
3. Dedicated IP and Port Forwarding
These features cater to users with their specific needs, such as hosting or reducing CAPTCHA requests.
- PureVPN: Offers a dedicated ip address as a paid add-on, giving the user a unique ip addresses for consistency. It is one of the few vpn providers that still offers port forwarding (as an add-on).
- Mullvad: Does not offer a dedicated ip address, as this would compromise user anonymity. It has discontinued port forwarding to protect the integrity of the mullvad service from abuse.
4. Connection Security Features
Fundamental security features like the vpn kill switch are non-negotiable for protecting the internet connection.
- PureVPN: Includes a reliable kill switch to prevent dns leaks and features dns leak protection across its vpn apps. split tunneling is also available for selective internet traffic routing.
- Mullvad: Features a robust, mandatory vpn kill switch on its desktop vpn apps. It prioritizes dns leak protection by default and uses a unique system to prevent dns requests from leaking outside the vpn tunnel.
5. Split Tunneling
Split tunneling gives users control over which apps use the virtual private network and which access the web directly.
- PureVPN: Provides split tunneling on major platforms, allowing users to choose which programs bypass the virtual private network for local network access or increased speed tests on certain apps.
- Mullvad: Offers split tunneling on Windows, Linux, and android tv apps, allowing precise vpn settings for application-specific internet connection rules.
6. VPN Protocols and Speed Tests
The underlying vpn protocol significantly impacts the internet connection quality and performance.
- PureVPN: Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Recent speed tests show generally fast speeds, though this can vary depending on the use of virtual servers.
- Mullvad: Mullvad is an early and strong adopter of WireGuard, which contributes to its fast and reliable speed tests results, despite having a smaller server network than competitors.
7. Device Compatibility and Apps
Both vpn providers offer native vpn apps, but with different levels of android tv support.
- PureVPN: Provides native vpn apps for all major platforms, including a dedicated app for android tv, making it accessible for streaming enthusiasts.
- Mullvad: Offers mullvad vpn’s vpn apps for all major operating systems, including android tv. It also offers the privacy-focused mullvad browser and detailed guides for setting up a vpn compatible router.
8. Ecosystem and Extra Tools
The core business model of the virtual private network dictates the focus on additional tools.
- PureVPN: On higher tiers, PureVPN bundles extra tools such as a password manager & encrypted cloud storage.
- Mullvad: True to its privacy focus, mullvad vpn’s additional offerings are aimed at anonymity, such as the mullvad browser and a focus on open-source code rather than a password manager.
9. Streaming Capabilities
The ability to unblock major geo-restricted content is a primary point of comparison for general internet connection use.
- PureVPN: Is known for its efforts to unblock geo-restricted content and server locations, with the purevpn review suggesting it generally performs well for streaming services.
- Mullvad: The mullvad vpn review clearly states that bypassing streaming geo-blocks is not a priority for the mullvad service, and it is generally inconsistent or unreliable for unblocking services like Netflix.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Security Features: Ensure the VPN offers essential security features, such as the kill switch, DNS leak protection, and strong encryption protocols (such as OpenVPN and WireGuard).
- Privacy Policy: Scrutinize the VPN’s privacy policy to understand their logging practices and data retention policies. Look for a strict no-logs policy.
- Server Network: Consider the size & distribution of the VPN’s server network. A more extensive network offers more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content.
- Speed and Performance: Choose a VPN that provides fast and reliable connections, especially if you plan to use it for streaming or downloading.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN is compatible with all your devices and operating systems.
- Customer Support: If you encounter any issues, look for a VPN provider with responsive and helpful customer support.
- Pricing: Compare pricing plans and consider your budget. Look for discounts and long-term plans for better value.
- Free Trials and Money-Back Guarantees: Opt for a VPN that offers you a free trial or a money-back guarantee so you can test it risk-free.
Final Verdict
In the Mullvad vs PureVPN showdown, privacy-focused users will favor PureVPN.
PureVPN beats Mullvad with its strict no-logs policy and RAM-only servers.
However, PureVPN doesn’t offer the vast server network that Mullvad does.
PureVPN takes the lead in streaming and bypassing geo-blocks.
PureVPN boasts a massive server network and faster speeds. Mullvad, based on pricing plans, also offers more flexibility.
Ultimately, the best choice depended on your needs. Do you need a VPN but want to explore other options?
Remember, even the best free VPN has limitations. For proper online security and privacy, we recommend a paid VPN subscription.
More of PureVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to PureVPN, so let’s see how PureVPN measures up directly against them:
- PureVPN vs NordVPN: It is generally faster and better for streaming, though PureVPN can be more budget-friendly. NordVPN also has a larger server network.
- PureVPN vs ExpressVPN: It is typically faster, more reliable for streaming, and has better apps. PureVPN boasts a larger server count, but ExpressVPN has a stronger privacy record.
- PureVPN vs ProtonVPN: It tends to be faster and better for streaming, while ProtonVPN prioritizes stronger security and privacy features.
- PureVPN vs PrivadoVPN: It is often favored for its more consistent speeds and stronger privacy focus, while PureVPN has a larger server network.
- PureVPN vs AdGuard VPN: It’s key feature is its ad-blocking integration, while PureVPN is a more comprehensive VPN service.
- PureVPN vs Virtual Shield: It offers a wider range of features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- PureVPN vs StrongVPN: It is known for strong encryption, but PureVPN has a larger server network and more features.
- PureVPN vs FastestVPN: It is generally faster and has a larger server network than the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
- PureVPN vs AuraVPN: It includes identity theft protection, while PureVPN focuses on VPN features and a wider server selection.
- PureVPN vs CyberGhost: It is user-friendly with specialized servers, while PureVPN offers a larger server network.
- PureVPN vs McAfee VPN: It is a dedicated VPN service with more features than the basic VPN included with McAfee.
- PureVPN vs Private Internet Access: It is often faster, while PureVPN can unblock more streaming services. PIA allows unlimited connections.
- PureVPN vs Mysterium: It uses a traditional server network, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different approach to anonymity.
More of Mullvad
We’ve explored alternatives to Mullvad, so how does Mullvad stack up directly against them?
- Mullvad vs NordVPN: It prioritizes privacy, while NordVPN excels with a massive server network and extra features.
- Mullvad vs ExpressVPN: It is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly interface, and strong streaming capabilities. Mullvad prioritizes privacy with anonymous accounts, but its speeds might not be as consistently high, and it’s not as effective for unblocking streaming services.
- Mullvad vs PureVPN: It boasts a larger server network, which can be advantageous for bypassing geo-restrictions. Mullvad is often favored for its stronger commitment to privacy and transparent practices.
- Mullvad vs SurfsharkVPN: It is generally more affordable for long-term plans and allows unlimited connections. Mullvad stands out for its strong privacy focus and anonymous account creation. Surfshark tends to be faster in speed tests.
- Mullvad vs ProtonVPN: It offers a balance of strong security and good speeds, with a more feature-rich interface. Mullvad emphasizes simplicity and anonymous use, sometimes at the cost of speed and additional features.
- Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN: It offers a decent free plan and good speeds, while Mullvad has a wider server network and a longer-standing reputation for privacy.
- Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN: It’s primary strength is its ad-blocking integration. Mullvad is a more comprehensive VPN focused on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs Virtual Shield: Mullvad offers more advanced security features and a stronger focus on privacy than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- Mullvad vs StrongVPN: It is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. Mullvad also prioritizes security, but with a different approach to user anonymity.
- Mullvad vs FastestVPN: It is a budget-friendly option. Mullvad, while having a simple pricing structure, isn’t the cheapest but focuses on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs AuraVPN: It includes identity theft protection, while Mullvad’s core focus is on providing a private and secure VPN service.
- Mullvad vs CyberGhost: It is user-friendly with specialized servers for various activities. Mullvad prioritizes privacy and simplicity over a wide array of server types.
- Mullvad vs McAfee VPN: It is a basic VPN often bundled with security software. Mullvad is a dedicated VPN service with a strong emphasis on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for its customization options and a large server network. Mullvad focuses on a no-frills approach with strong privacy.
- Mullvad vs Mysterium: It uses a traditional server network focused on privacy and security, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different anonymity model and potentially less consistent speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PureVPN or Mullvad faster for streaming?
PureVPN is generally faster than Mullvad for streaming, thanks to its more extensive VPN server network and optimized servers. However, Mullvad supports the WireGuard VPN protocol, which offers excellent speeds. Decide which one is best for your needs.
Can I use a free VPN service instead of PureVPN or Mullvad?
While free VPNs exist, they often have limitations. Some may even block VPN traffic or log your data. A premium service like PureVPN or Mullvad is recommended for a trustworthy VPN. Avira Phantom VPN is one example of a free VPN service with limitations.
Does Mullvad VPN offer Double VPN, and what is it?
No, Mullvad doesn’t offer a Double VPN. This feature routes traffic through a VPN server and then through a second VPN server for increased anonymity. PureVPN provides this feature.
How do I compare PureVPN vs Mullvad based on pricing?
Compare Mullvad vs PureVPN based on your budget. Mullvad VPN offers a simple, one-price plan. PureVPN, based on pricing plans, provides more flexibility. Consider which VPN subscription best fits your business needs.
Why do VPN users need to use a VPN?
Do you need to use a VPN? A VPN encrypts your VPN connection and masks your IP address, protecting your privacy. Since Mullvad and PureVPN are strong contenders, you must decide which suits your business needs best. Mullvad is the best VPN for privacy, while PureVPN is a strong all-arounder.
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