ExpressVPN vs. Mullvad VPN 2024: Who Wins, Privacy Purist or Streaming Buff?
Discover why Mullvad VPN is perfect for privacy purists who want to stay anonymous, while ExpressVPN is the go-to choice for streaming buffs.
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Last updated Jul 1, 2024
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The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
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Best for streaming
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Editorial Rating
Learn More
On ExpressVPN's website
ExpressVPN
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Easily unblocks geo-restricted streaming content
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Offers AES-256-GCM encryption
- Significantly more expensive than most VPNs
Easily unblocks geo-restricted streaming content
Best for privacy purists
/images/2022/12/01/logo-mullvad.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Mullvad's website
Mullvad
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Displayed faster speeds and lower latency than ExpressVPN
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Allows you to pay with cash to retain anonymity
- Its headquarters are in a Nine Eyes alliance country
There are many factors to consider when searching for a virtual private network (VPN). If your focus is streaming content across various platforms, like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others, then ExpressVPN is a solid choice. It can unblock geo-restricted content with ease, offers reliable connections, and comes with a suite of powerful features.
On the flip side, privacy enthusiasts will appreciate Mullvad VPN more for helping protect your anonymity if you desire true privacy. It has a strict no-logs policy that has been audited by third-party companies, and you can generate an account number without handing over your personal information, among other features. It also caters to those on a low budget with its affordable flat rate of €5.00/mo (about $5.45/mo) for all plans. It's a great deal, but keep in mind that its ability to unblock content across major streaming services doesn't quite match ExpressVPN's capabilities.
Keep reading to learn more about ExpressVPN vs. Mullvad VPN on features, pricing plans, streaming ability, and more.
In this article
ExpressVPN vs. Mullvad VPN at a glancePrices
Which VPN is faster?
Which VPN is more secure?
Compatibility and customer service
FAQs
Is ExpressVPN or Mullvad VPN better?
ExpressVPN vs. Mullvad VPN at a glance
If you are seeking a virtual private network (VPN) that can safeguard your privacy while offering security, you may be trying to decide between ExpressVPN and Mullvad. Although both VPN solutions use military-grade encryption and offer various features that optimize your online experience, they have some key differences.
For one, ExpressVPN is more expensive, with a higher starting price of $6.67/mo (billed annually) versus Mullvad's starting price of €5.00/mo (about $5.45/mo) (a flat rate for all of its pricing plans). But ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, whereas Mullvad only accepts email inquiries during weekday office hours — a potential deal breaker if you need the assurance of available help around the clock.
- ExpressVPN: Best for streaming
- Mullvad VPN: Best for privacy purists
How do ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN compare?
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| Starting price | Starts at $6.67/mo (billed annually) | Starts at €5.00/mo (about $5.45/mo) |
| Max # of connected devices | 8 | 5 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, game consoles | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| # of servers | Servers in 105 countries | 675+ servers in 40+ countries |
| VPN protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | ||
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Mullvad VPN |
How we test and rate VPNs
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
ExpressVPN pros and cons
ExpressVPN was capable of unblocking geo-restricted content on all of the streaming platforms we tested from VPN servers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. We really enjoyed that ExpressVPN could access Netflix libraries from across the world. Of the two VPNs, ExpressVPN is certainly our winner when it comes to streaming. In fact, it's one of the best VPNs for streaming available. Plus, ExpressVPN boasts its proprietary Lightway protocol, which ensures steady speeds and enhanced security.
The only real downside to ExpressVPN is its higher-than-average costs. Comparable VPN providers offer secure services at up to half the price of ExpressVPN.
Pros
- Server locations in 105 countries
- In-house Lightway protocol for more speed and security
- Strict no-logs policy with independent audit
- 24/7 live chat for all (not just customers)
- Free features such as MediaStreamer and Threat Manager
Cons
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
Mullvad VPN pros and cons
Mullvad VPN is perfect for privacy-minded users who want to purchase a VPN anonymously. Its novelty is that it has a forever-fixed price and monthly subscriptions only, so there's no long-term commitment. Plus, Mullvad VPN comes with the Mullvad Browser, which offers strong WebRTC protection and is one of the best privacy browsers.
Compared to top-tier VPN services, Mullvad VPN lacks robust security features and has a significantly lower server count in fewer countries. Most reliable VPNs boast a much larger server network of thousands of servers in 100+ countries. Mullvad VPN also ost its advantage over other services when it removed its port forwarding capabilities.
Pros
- Strict no-logs policy with independent audits
- Never-changing price of about $5 per month
- Anonymity features, such as cash payments and no email required
- Unblocks Netflix
Cons
- Low server count and smaller server network compared to other VPNs
- Struggles with non-Netflix streaming platforms
- No 24/7 customer service or live chat option
Prices
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Our Pick |
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| Price range | $6.67–$12.95/mo | €5.00/mo (about $5.45/mo) |
| Best value plan | 12 Months for $6.67/mo (billed annually) | 1 Month for €5.00/mo (about $5.45/mo) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days (except for cash payments) |
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Mullvad VPN |
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“[Mullvad VPN] also caters to those on a low budget with its affordable flat rate of €5.00/mo (about $5.45/mo) for all plans. It's a great deal, but keep in mind that its ability to unblock content across streaming services doesn't quite match ExpressVPN's capabilities.”
ExpressVPN is costlier than Mullvad VPN with a starting price of $6.67/mo (billed annually). Its most expensive plan costs $12.95/mo. ExpressVPN offers subscription plans for one month, six months, and one year.
Mullvad’s pricing is competitive, only charging a flat fee of €5.00/mo (about $5.45/mo) for its one-month, one-year, and one-decade plans. You can try the VPN for one month for the same price a long-time subscriber pays per month.
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans if you are not satisfied with its service. Mullvad VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren't satisfied with its service, with the exception of refunds for cash payments due to anti-money laundering regulations.
ExpressVPN vs. Mullvad VPN: payment options
Both ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN offer various payment options, ranging from credit cards to PayPal to cryptocurrency. If you’re seeking more private payment options, Mullvad allows you to pay with cash by sending it in the mail with your generated account number. This helps you retain anonymity since no name or other identifying information is needed.
Keep in mind that if you do pay with cash, Mullvad can't provider any refunds or money-back guarantees to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.
ExpressVPN payment options
- Credit cards
- PayPal
- bitcoin
- Other payment options, including UnionPay, IDeal, QIWI, Sofort, Giropay, SEPA, and more
Mullvad VPN payment options
- Credit or debit card
- PayPal
- Cash via mail
- Voucher
- Cryptocurrencies (e.g., bitcoin, bitcoin cash, Monero)
- Other payment options, including bank wire, Swish, Giropay, Eps transfer, Bancontact, iDEAL, and Przelewy24
Winner: Mullvad VPN wins when it comes to pricing, blowing ExpressVPN out of the water by charging only a €5.00/mo (about $5.45/mo) flat fee for its one-month, one-year, and one-decade plans. You can save money on a VPN by opting for Mullvad. Plus, Mullvad has an edge when it comes to privacy since it allows cash as a payment method and has more cryptocurrency payment options than ExpressVPN.
Which VPN is more secure?
| Feature | Our Pick
|
|
| Number of servers | Servers in 105 countries | 675+ servers in 40+ countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | British Virgin Islands | Sweden |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256-GCM |
| VPN protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | Yes (for Windows, macOS, and Android only) | Yes (for Windows, Linux, and Android only) |
| DNS leak protection | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Mullvad VPN |
ExpressVPN has a larger server presence, with servers in 105 countries worldwide, even though its exact number of servers is unknown at the time of this review. Mullvad is more forthcoming, with 675+ servers stationed in 40+ countries.
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Both ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN come with standard features, like a kill switch and split tunneling. However, Mullvad’s split tunneling function is only available for Windows, Linux, and Android. ExpressVPN has split tunneling for Windows, macOS, and Android, but it is not available on macOS 11 and above.
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Both services place a high value on privacy in addition to military-grade encryption for security, with strict no-logs policies in place that have been audited by independent third-party companies to protect your privacy as you engage in online activities.
Another thing to consider is the jurisdiction of their headquarters. ExpressVPN’s base is in the British Virgin Islands, outside of any intelligence alliances, while Mullvad is headquartered in Sweden, part of the Nine Eyes alliance.
When it comes to VPN features, ExpressVPN boasts a robust set of protocols, including its proprietary Lightway, as well as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2. ExpressVPN also offers more advanced security features, such as stronger encryption with AES-256-GCM, smart DNS to help you unblock geo-restricted content, static and dedicated IP addresses, and TrustedServer technology that is routinely audited and ensures VPN servers never write your data to a hard drive for your privacy.
As far as VPN protocols go, Mullvad sticks with OpenVPN and WireGuard. Additionally, it blocks both ads and trackers, while ExpressVPN only blocks trackers and malicious sites.
Winner: ExpressVPN is packed with a wider range of features, offering more server locations globally, smart DNS, and stronger encryption than Mullvad.
Which VPN is faster?
We evaluated our internet speeds while using ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN to determine how fast their servers are in locations worldwide. Prior to our speed tests, we obtained our baseline speed on our test device, a 2017 Macbook Pro running the latest OS version of Ventura, while based in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
| Server location | Our Pick
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| U.S. |
|
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| U.K. |
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| AU |
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| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Mullvad VPN |
ExpressVPN is clearly the faster VPN compared to Mullvad, with its faster download speeds across server locations in the U.S., the U.K., and Australia. It's expected that connecting to a VPN server will reduce your internet speeds because the VPN encrypts and routes your internet traffic. What's unexpected is for a VPN to actually boost your speeds, as we see with ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
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Mullvad VPN has marginally better upload speeds when connected to some servers, but we noticed a significant impact on overall system performance when using Mullvad. ExpressVPN is the better choice for streaming and gaming enthusiasts alike.
Winner: ExpressVPN is our winner with its significantly faster download speeds in all of the server regions we tested.
Compatibility and customer support
Our Pick
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| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Router | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| 24/7 live chat | ||
| Phone | ||
| Support forums | ||
| Online guides | ||
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Mullvad VPN |
Both ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN have simple and intuitive interfaces that are easy to navigate. We didn’t have any trouble finding the settings on either VPN. Both VPNs are also compatible with popular operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux and offer mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Additionally, both offer support for various routers. However, ExpressVPN provides a broader range of support for smart devices like smart TVs and gaming consoles. Mullvad appears only to offer support for Android TV, as stated on its website. Sadly, it doesn't seem to support any gaming consoles.
When considering customer support, ExpressVPN appears to have the upper hand. Its 24/7 live chat is a plus if you want readily available access to help with time-sensitive problems. Mullvad lacks 24/7 live chat support, and it only accepts email inquiries during weekday office hours in Central European Time. This is a significant downside when it comes to customer service.
That being said, ExpressVPN and Mullvad both offer comprehensive online guides and blogs, which are very helpful in troubleshooting common issues, setting up the VPN, and explaining their features better. We really appreciate that ExpressVPN offers instant live chat support, however, so it gets more brownie points from us.
Winner: ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN provides a broader range of compatibility and support for various platforms and devices, including smart devices and gaming consoles. Additionally, ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support and email. This trumps Mullvad, which only accepts email inquiries that are not responded to immediately.
FAQs
+
Why is Mullvad blocking my internet?
Mullvad has a built-in kill switch that automatically blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. If Mullvad VPN’s connection is interrupted, its kill switch will protect your data. To prevent your data from being exposed, make sure that your VPN is connected and that the kill switch is enabled.
+
Does ExpressVPN have P2P servers?
Yes, ExpressVPN P2P support is available. ExpressVPN offers a dedicated network of P2P servers that are located in countries with stringent privacy laws and are optimized for file sharing. Additionally, ExpressVPN supports the SOCKS5 proxy that Tor uses.
+
Can Mullvad stream Netflix?
Yes, Mullvad can unblock Netflix in some regions. Keep in mind that Netflix is increasingly blocking VPNs, so you may have trouble unblocking Netflix libraries. If you’re having difficulty streaming Netflix shows with Mullvad, try connecting to a different server or using another protocol.
+
Has ExpressVPN ever been hacked?
No, ExpressVPN has never been hacked. The company prioritizes security and utilizes several measures to protect its users' data, such as military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and advanced tunneling protocols. Additionally, it has a strict no-logs policy that is routinely audited by an independent, third-party company.
Is ExpressVPN or Mullvad VPN better?
When weighing ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN in a head-to-head comparison, ExpressVPN is the better VPN service for a few reasons. It's capable of unblocking a wide variety of geo-restricted content on multiple streaming services, has a larger network of server locations, offers more advanced security features, and provides 24/7 live chat support.
However, ExpressVPN's pricing is expensive compared to other top-tier VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, or CyberGhost.
Mullvad is a great VPN choice for privacy purists with its features that help protect anonymity and privacy-focused payment methods like cash in the mail and cryptocurrency. More importantly, Mullvad doesn't require any user information, such as your name and email, to generate an account. Instead, Mullvad lets you generate a random account number as your identifier, which is all you need to log into your account after paying for a plan.
But not all that glitters is gold. Mullvad VPN lacks support for popular streaming services in multiple regions globally, has a smaller network of servers, and doesn't offer live 24/7 chat support for those who require immediate help.
/images/2022/11/08/logo-expressvpn-2.png){kind=logo}
ExpressVPN
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Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
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Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
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Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
ExpressVPN vs. Mullvad VPN alternatives
if you're looking for a better price point, need even more robust security features, or simply want unlimited simultaneous connections, consider these tested VPN alternatives.
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| Price | $3.39–$15.99/mo | $2.19–$17.95/mo | $2.03–$12.99/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Max # of connected devices | 10 | Unlimited | 7 |
| # of servers | 6,300+ servers in 111 countries | 3,200 in 100 countries | Servers in 100 countries |
| VPN protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256-GCM | AES-256 |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Headquarters | Panama | The Netherlands | Romania |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost |
ExpressVPN
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Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
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Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
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Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
Author Details
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Mars is a California-based cybersecurity professional and writer currently pursuing a B.S. in Cybersecurity. With interests ranging from OSINT to ethical hacking and threat intelligence, Mars leverages his two years of writing experience to produce informative content on topics such as Internet guides and VPNs.
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Kate is an Editor at All About Cookies. She has 8+ years of digital publishing experience as a content manager, developmental editor, and curriculum writer. She leverages specializations in EdTech and educational publishing to create impactful, well-researched content that aids learners of all ages.
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