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SurfsharkVPN vs Mullvad: Best for Privacy in 2025?

by | Last updated Jan 1, 2025

Winner
Surfshark
9.0
Runner Up
mullvad logo
8.5
  • Super Fast VPN
  • Browser Extension
  • Search Engine
  • Encrypted DNS
  • Private Browser
  • Simple Pricing Structure
  • Paid Plans from €5/month
SurfsharkVPN vs Mullvad

Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze.

You want strong security features, blazing-fast speeds, and, of course, top-notch privacy.

But with so many options out there, how do you decide?

In this head-to-head matchup, we’re comparing SurfsharkVPN vs Mullvad.

We’ll compare their privacy features, ease of use, and overall performance to help you determine which one will be the best in 2025.

Let’s get started!

Surfshark VPN vs Mullvad Overview

We’ve spent weeks testing both Surfshark VPN and Mullvad to give you the most accurate comparison. 

We’ve evaluated their features, analyzed their privacy policies, and tested their speeds in real-world scenarios.

Now, let’s see how they stack up!

Surfshark logo

Surfshark also delivers exceptional value, and its network spans 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.

10out of 10

Pricing: Starts at $15.45/month

Key Features:

  • CleanWeb
  • Bypasser
  • NoBorders mode
Mullvad VPN logo

Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! For just €5 per month, you can access over 800 servers.

10out of 10

Pricing: Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month.

Key Features:

  • Port Forwarding
  • Bridge Mode
  • Multihop Connections

What is Surfshark VPN?

Have you ever wished for an invisibility cloak online? Surfshark VPN is kind of like that.

It hides your internet activity and makes it look like you’re browsing from a different location.

Pretty cool, right? You can use it on all your devices, and it’s super easy to set up, even for beginners.

Surfshark logo
Surfshark
9.0

Unleash the internet’s full potential with Surfshark! Join 3200+ servers in 100 countries and experience true online freedom. Give it a try now!

Key Benefits

  • Unlimited connections: Connect all your devices – no limits!
  • Global network: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, so you can always find a good connection.
  • CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware, keeping your browsing experience squeaky clean.

Pricing

  • Starter: $15.45/month.
  • One: $17.95/month.
  • One+: $29.65/month.
Surfshark Pricing

Pros

  • Wallet-friendly
  • Unlimited connections
  • Speedy performance

Cons

  • Fewer features
  • Smaller server network
  • Customer support could be better

What is Mullvad VPN?

Okay, picture this: a VPN that acts as a vault for your online data. That’s Mullvad.

They’re all about privacy, no fancy bells and whistles, just serious security.

No need to even give them your email address! Sounds intriguing, right?

Mullvad VPN logo
Mullvad
8.5

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.

Mullvad VPN Pricing

Pros

  • Truly anonymous browsing.
  • Strong encryption protocols.
  • Simple and affordable pricing.
  • Excellent for torrenting.
  • Based in privacy-focused Sweden.

Cons

  • Fewer servers than NordVPN.
  • Not as many extra features.
  • Can be a bit complex for beginners.
  • No live chat support option.

Surfshark VPN vs Mullvad Feature Comparison

Choosing the best VPN in 2024 can be challenging. There are so many VPNs to choose from! 

To help you decide between these two VPN providers, we’ll compare key features that impact your online experience.

This Surfshark vs Mullvad VPN showdown will cover everything from privacy and security to speed test results.

Let’s dive in!

VPN Protocol

Both Surfshark and Mullvad offer strong VPN protocols to encrypt your internet traffic.

Surfshark uses WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Mullvad offers WireGuard and OpenVPN.

While both provide secure options, Mullvad’s focus on open-source protocols might appeal to those who prioritize transparency. 

Privacy and Security

When it comes to online privacy, Mullvad leads the way. 

As a VPN service, it has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store any information about your VPN connection or browsing activity.

Surfshark also has a no-logs policy but has undergone an independent audit to verify this claim. 

Secure your internet connection in Surfshark

VPN Server Network

Surfshark boasts a more extensive VPN server network with over 3200 servers in 100 countries.

This gives you more options for bypassing geo restrictions and finding the fastest VPN server.

Mullvad has a smaller network but is strategically located in key countries.

Speed Test

In our speed test, both VPNs performed well.

Surfshark delivered slightly faster download speeds, making it a good choice for streaming and downloading large files.

However, Mullvad provided more consistent speeds across different server locations.

VPN App and Ease of Use

Surfshark’s VPN app is user-friendly and packed with features.

It’s easy to navigate, even for beginners. Mullvad’s app is more minimalist, focusing on essential functions.

While both are effective, Surfshark might be preferable for those who prefer a more polished interface. 

Special Features

Surfshark offers some extra features that Mullvad doesn’t, such as split tunneling (allowing you to choose which apps use the VPN) and a kill switch (which cuts internet connection if the VPN drops).

These can enhance your online privacy and security.

Mullvad VPN

Pricing

As discussed earlier, Surfshark offers various pricing plans, while Mullvad has a simple, single-price option.

The best choice for you depends on your budget and how long you plan to use a VPN.  

Ultimately, both Surfshark and Mullvad are strong contenders in the VPN comparison.

Mullvad excels in privacy, while Surfshark offers a broader range of features and faster speeds.

Consider your priorities when choosing a VPN.

Remember: Whether you choose Surfshark, Mullvad, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Proton VPN, the fact that you’re using a VPN significantly enhances your online security.

Mullvad doesn’t track your activity, and a VPN provider’s logging policy is crucial when selecting a secure VPN.

Surfshark and Mullvad are excellent choices for a premium VPN experience in Mullvad VPN 2024.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

  • Strong encryption: Look for VPNs that use AES-256 encryption, the industry standard.
  • No-logs policy: Ensure the VPN provider doesn’t store your browsing data.
  • Server locations: Consider where you need servers based on your needs (e.g., accessing geo-restricted content).
  • Speed and reliability: Choose a VPN with fast speeds and stable connections.
  • Device compatibility: Make sure the VPN works on all your devices.
  • Customer support: Having easy access to helpful customer support can be crucial.
  • Price: Compare pricing and features to find the best value.
  • Free trials and money back guarantees allow you to easily test the VPN before committing.

Final Verdict

In this VPN review, we’ve explored many VPN options, but comparing Mullvad vs Surfshark reveals distinct strengths.

While Surfshark’s servers offer speed and features, Mullvad prioritizes security and privacy.

Mullvad says “no” to logging, making it a strong contender for privacy-focused VPN users.

They even allow you to pay with cash to protect your identity further! 

However, Surfshark’s user-friendly interface and broader location for VPN choices make it a great all-rounder.

Ultimately, the best choice fully depends on your needs. If privacy is paramount, Mullvad is the top VPN.

But Surfshark is a fantastic option if you need a balance of features, speed, and ease of use. 

We’ve extensively tested Surfshark and Mullvad VPNs; you can trust our recommendation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark or Mullvad better for torrenting?

Mullvad performs better for torrenting due to its strong commitment to privacy, port forwarding capabilities, and consistent speeds. However, Surfshark also allows torrenting on specific servers.

Can I use a VPN to watch Netflix?

Both Surfshark and Mullvad can bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions, allowing you to easily access content from different locations. However, Surfshark tends to have more reliable access to a broader variety of Netflix libraries.

Do these VPNs work in China?

Both Surfshark and Mullvad have failed to bypass China’s strict internet censorship. Customers should contact their customer support for the latest information on server availability in China.

Which VPN is better for gaming?

Surfshark generally offers faster speeds and lower latency, making it a better choice for gaming. However, if you choose a server close to your location, Mullvad can also provide a stable connection for gaming.

Can I try these VPNs for free?

While neither VPN offers an entirely free version, Surfshark and Mullvad provide a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to simply try their services risk-free and get a refund if you are unsatisfied.

Fahim Joharder

Fahim Joharder

Author

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for AI and software innovations. He simplifies complex topics to help readers stay ahead in the digital world.

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