NordVPN vs Mullvad: When Privacy Actually Costs Less

Most VPN comparisons pit expensive option A against expensive option B. This one’s different.

Mullvad charges €5/month. Forever. No intro discount. No renewal spike. No email required. No affiliate program. April 2023: Swedish police raided their Gothenburg office looking for user data. Left empty-handed.

NordVPN charges $3.09 intro, $12.99 renewal. Requires email. Hid a 2018 breach for 18 months.

One company optimizes for privacy. The other optimizes for affiliate conversions.

My actual ranking:

1. Mullvad - Raid-tested privacy, €5/mo forever
2. ProtonVPN - Swiss laws + streaming
3. NordVPN - Fast speeds, breach cover-up baggage

Here’s why the cheapest option is the best one.

⚡ The Honest Comparison

Bottom line: Mullvad wins on privacy, price honesty, and proven no-logs (police raid). NordVPN wins on speed, streaming, and features. Choose based on what matters more: privacy or Netflix.

Winner: Mullvad for privacy. NordVPN for streaming/speed.

Try Mullvad (€5/mo Forever, No Email)

Why Mullvad wins: Cheaper long-term, no email, raid-tested privacy, open source, no renewal tricks, no affiliate manipulation. Only loses on streaming and raw speed.

Why NordVPN still matters: Faster, works with Netflix, more devices. But you pay for it - both in price jumps and privacy compromises (email requirement, 2018 cover-up).

The Companies Behind Them

Mullvad (Swedish independent):

• My ranking: #1 - Best privacy, proven by police raid
• Pricing: €5/mo since 2009, never changed
• Ownership: 100% owned by founders Fredrik Strömberg & Daniel Berntsson
• Email required: No (16-digit account number only)
• Open source: Yes (GitHub)

NordVPN (Panama-registered NordSec):

• My ranking: #3 - Good product, trust issues
• Pricing: $3.09 intro → $12.99 renewal (320% jump)
• Ownership: NordSec (also owns Surfshark since 2022)
• Email required: Yes
• Open source: No (closed, trust-based)

ProtonVPN (Swiss independent):

• My ranking: #2 - Swiss privacy + streaming
• Open source: Yes, port forwarding available

I’m ranking Mullvad #1 despite no commission. That should tell you something about the typical VPN review ecosystem where higher commissions = higher rankings.

April 2023: The Raid That Proved Everything

What Happened

April 18, 2023: Six police officers from Sweden’s National Operations Department (NOA) arrived at Mullvad’s Gothenburg office with a search warrant. International legal cooperation with Germany. Target: customer data.

The demand: Seize computers containing user logs, connection data, anything identifying specific users.

Mullvad’s response: Demonstrated their architecture. No logs exist. Can’t seize what doesn’t exist.

The outcome: Police consulted prosecutor. Left without taking anything. Zero customer data compromised. Zero equipment seized.

Why this matters:

Most VPNs claim no-logs. Mullvad proved no-logs when armed police came looking. The raid validated years of privacy promises.

Mullvad’s public statement:

“We argued they had no reason to expect to find what they were looking for and any seizures would therefore be illegal under Swedish law.”

Sources: Mullvad official statement, TechRadar coverage, Techdirt analysis

Compare this to:

• NordVPN 2018: Breach happened, hid it 18 months
• IPVanish 2016: Claimed no-logs, handed everything to Homeland Security
• PIA 2016: Same problem, different agency

Mullvad is the only major VPN that’s been tested by actual law enforcement and passed.

October 2019: What NordVPN Concealed

March 2018: Datacenter added unauthorized remote management interface. NordVPN server compromised.

April 2019: NordVPN discovered breach. Destroyed server.

October 2019: Public disclosure - 18 months late.

Compromised data:

• One expired TLS key
• Zero user logs (none existed)
• No personal data

The problem:

Breach itself was minor. 18-month silence destroyed trust. Privacy companies must disclose immediately. NordVPN chose concealment.

Recovery since 2019:

• Deloitte audits (2024)
• RAM-only servers
• Transparency reports
• Bug bounties
• Cure53 testing

Sources: NordVPN disclosure, TechCrunch

My take: Six years of reputation rebuilding doesn’t erase the cover-up. When choosing privacy tools, remember who kept secrets.

Privacy Comparison: Anonymity vs Email

Mullvad’s Privacy Architecture

Account creation:

• No email required
• No name required
• No phone number required
• 16-digit random account number generated
• That number IS your identity

Payment options:

• Cash: Mail €5+ in envelope to Sweden (seriously)
• Crypto: Bitcoin, Monero (anonymous)
• Cards/PayPal: Available but defeats anonymity purpose

Data collected:

• Payment method (if not cash/crypto)
• Account number
• Nothing else

Data NOT collected:

• IP addresses
• Connection timestamps
• Traffic logs
• DNS queries
• Bandwidth usage

Result: Genuinely anonymous VPN service. Police raid proved it.

NordVPN’s Privacy Model

Account creation:

• Email required (minimum)
• Payment details linked to email
• Can use anonymous email, but friction exists

Payment options:

• Credit cards
• PayPal
• Crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
• Google Pay, Amazon Pay

Data collected (per Deloitte 2024 audit):

• Email address
• Payment information
• App version used
• No traffic logs, IP addresses, or timestamps

Data NOT collected:

• Connection logs
• Traffic data
• Browsing history

Result: No-logs policy verified by five audits. But email requirement creates identity link Mullvad avoids.

Sources: Mullvad privacy policy, NordVPN Deloitte audit

Privacy Winner

Mullvad wins comprehensively. Email-free signup + cash payment + raid-tested = unmatched anonymity.

NordVPN has verified no-logs, but email requirement creates unnecessary identity link.

Pricing: €5 Forever vs $3.09 Then $12.99

Mullvad Pricing

The only price:

• €5/month (approximately $5.42 USD)
• No intro discount
• No renewal increase
• No annual plans (month-to-month only)
• Same price since 2009

5-year cost: €300 (~$325)

Refund: 14-day money-back guarantee (most payment methods, not cash)

Source: Mullvad pricing

NordVPN Pricing

The tiered model:

• Month-to-month: $12.99
• 2-year intro: $3.09/mo ($83.43 upfront for 27 months)
• Renewal: $12.99/mo ($155.88/year)
• Increase: 320%

5-year cost: $935.64 (intro period + renewals)

Refund: 30-day money-back (first purchase only)

Source: NordVPN pricing

Pricing Winner

Mullvad destroys NordVPN on long-term cost:

• 5-year total: Mullvad ~$325 vs NordVPN $935.64
• Savings: $610.64 over 5 years
• Renewal honesty: Mullvad never changes, NordVPN jumps 320%

NordVPN only wins first 2 years ($83.43 vs Mullvad’s $130.08). After that, Mullvad cheaper every single month.

Or Try ProtonVPN (Swiss Privacy + Streaming)

Speed & Infrastructure: NordVPN Faster

NordVPN Network

Coverage:

• 7,900+ servers in 118 countries
• NordLynx protocol (WireGuard implementation)
• RAM-only infrastructure

Performance:

• 90%+ base speed retention
• 4K streaming smooth
• Best-in-class speeds

Protocols: NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2

Mullvad Network

Coverage:

• 750+ servers in 47 countries
• WireGuard protocol
• OpenVPN available

Performance:

• Good speeds, slower than NordVPN
• Adequate for browsing/torrenting
• Not optimized for streaming

Protocols: WireGuard (default), OpenVPN

Sources: Independent tests from Cyberinsider, VPNOverview, PrivacyJournal

Speed Winner

NordVPN wins comprehensively:

• More servers (7,900 vs 750)
• More countries (118 vs 47)
• Faster speeds (90%+ retention vs lower)

When Mullvad’s speed matters: Torrenting, browsing, general privacy. Just not streaming.

Streaming: NordVPN Dominates, Mullvad Doesn’t Try

NordVPN Streaming

What works:

• Netflix: 30+ regional libraries
• Disney+, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer: All work
• SmartPlay technology: Auto-detects and bypasses blocks

Why it works: NordVPN actively maintains IP pools, refreshes blocked addresses, invests in streaming infrastructure.

Mullvad Streaming

What works:

• Basically nothing

Netflix: Blocked across all servers

Why it doesn’t work: Mullvad doesn’t try. They’ve never prioritized streaming, don’t refresh IPs for geo-blocks, don’t play cat-and-mouse with Netflix.

Mullvad’s stance: “We’re a privacy VPN, not a streaming VPN.”

Sources: Top10VPN Mullvad Netflix testing, Comparitech review

Streaming Winner

NordVPN wins by default. Mullvad isn’t competing.

If you need streaming: Choose NordVPN or ProtonVPN (works with 10 Netflix libraries).

If you don’t care about streaming: Mullvad’s privacy > NordVPN’s Netflix.

Torrenting: Mullvad Has Port Forwarding

NordVPN Torrenting

P2P support:

• Dedicated P2P servers
• No port forwarding (removed)
• Downloads work fine
• Seeding severely limited

Privacy:

• Panama jurisdiction (no DMCA)
• Deloitte-verified no-logs
• Can’t identify users

Grade: B (downloads yes, seeding no)

Mullvad Torrenting

P2P support:

• All servers allow P2P
• Port forwarding available (random port per session)
• Downloads work great
• Seeding works properly

Privacy:

• Sweden (GDPR protection)
• Raid-proven no-logs
• Can’t identify users

Grade: A (full torrenting functionality)

Source: Mullvad port forwarding guide

Torrenting Winner

Mullvad wins. Port forwarding makes the difference for serious torrenters who seed.

NordVPN removed port forwarding citing security. Mullvad kept it, implemented securely.

Open Source: Mullvad Transparent, NordVPN Closed

Mullvad Open Source Commitment

GitHub repository: mullvad/mullvadvpn-app

What’s open:

• Desktop apps (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Mobile apps (iOS, Android)
• Daemon/service code
• CLI tools
• Build systems

Why it matters: Anyone can audit the code, verify claims, find vulnerabilities, contribute improvements.

Independent audits: Cure53 (multiple), Assured AB

NordVPN Closed Source Model

Code: Proprietary, closed

What’s audited:

• Server infrastructure (Deloitte 2024)
• No-logs policy (Deloitte 2024)
• Apps (Cure53 2024)

Why closed: NordVPN claims proprietary technology needs protection.

The trade-off: Trust third-party auditors instead of community verification.

Open Source Winner

Mullvad wins. Open source allows independent verification. Closed source requires trust.

Both have third-party audits, but Mullvad’s transparency exceeds NordVPN’s audit-based model.

Features: NordVPN More Tools, Mullvad More Focus

NordVPN Features

Security tools:

• Threat Protection Pro (malware/ad blocking)
• Double VPN (multi-hop routing)
• Onion over VPN
• Dark Web Monitor
• Kill switch
• Split tunneling

Extra services:

• Meshnet (private networking)
• Encrypted cloud storage (Complete plan)
• Password manager (Complete plan)

Device support: 10 simultaneous connections

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, browser extensions, smart TVs

Mullvad Features

Security tools:

• Kill switch
• Split tunneling
• DNS leak protection
• Port forwarding
• Custom DNS
• Bridge mode (VPN over VPN)

Extra services: None (VPN only)

Device support: 5 simultaneous connections

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers

Philosophy: Do VPN extremely well. Nothing else.

Features Winner

NordVPN wins on quantity. More tools, more devices, more platforms.

Mullvad wins on focus. Does one thing (privacy) better than anyone.

Choose based on needs: All-in-one suite (Nord) vs laser-focused privacy (Mullvad).

Customer Support: NordVPN 24/7, Mullvad Email/Guides

NordVPN Support

Availability: 24/7 live chat

Response time: 2-3 minutes typical

Quality: Helpful, trained staff

Resources: Knowledge base, setup guides, troubleshooting

Grade: A- (excellent availability and response)

Mullvad Support

Availability: Email only (no live chat)

Response time: Hours to days

Quality: Detailed when they respond, but slow

Resources: Extensive guides, FAQ, community forum

Grade: C+ (knowledgeable but not immediate)

Support Winner

NordVPN wins. 24/7 chat beats email-only support for most users.

Mullvad’s counter: Privacy-focused users prefer email over real-time chat that might leak metadata.

Why You’re Comparing the Wrong Things

Most people search “NordVPN vs Mullvad” and focus on:

• Speed tests
• Server counts
• Streaming capability

What actually matters for a VPN:

1. Can law enforcement extract your data? (Mullvad: No, proven. NordVPN: Probably not, audited)
2. Does the company profit from surveillance capitalism? (Mullvad: No affiliate program. NordVPN: $40/sale drives reviews)
3. Can you use it anonymously? (Mullvad: Yes, cash payment. NordVPN: No, email required)
4. Will the price double after intro period? (Mullvad: No, €5 forever. NordVPN: Yes, 320% jump)

The honest trade-off:

Choose Mullvad if privacy > convenience. €5/mo forever, raid-tested, open source, no email, no affiliates corrupting reviews.

Choose NordVPN if convenience > maximum privacy. Faster speeds, Netflix works, 24/7 support, but email required and price jumps.

There’s no wrong answer - just different priorities.

When to Choose Mullvad

Choose Mullvad if you:

• Want genuine anonymity (no email, cash payment)
• Prioritize privacy over streaming
• Prefer open source verifiable code
• Don’t trust affiliate-driven reviews
• Want honest pricing (€5 forever)
• Seed torrents (need port forwarding)
• Trust raid results over audit reports

You’ll sacrifice:

• Streaming (Netflix blocked)
• Speed (slower than Nord)
• Devices (5 vs 10)
• Support (email vs live chat)

Mullvad’s perfect user: Privacy purist who doesn’t stream, values transparency, prefers paying €5 forever over playing renewal games.

Read full Mullvad review

Try Mullvad VPN (€5/mo, Raid-Tested)

When to Choose NordVPN

Choose NordVPN if you:

• Need Netflix (30+ libraries)
• Want fastest speeds
• Need 24/7 live chat support
• Use 10+ devices simultaneously
• Don’t mind email requirement
• Can tolerate renewal price jumps
• Trust third-party audits

You’ll sacrifice:

• Anonymity (email required)
• Price honesty (320% renewal jump)
• Open source verification (closed code)
• Port forwarding (removed)
• Independence (affiliate program drives reviews)

NordVPN’s perfect user: Wants privacy + convenience. Streams Netflix, tolerates email requirement, accepts renewal pricing as normal.

Read full NordVPN review

Try NordVPN (Fast Speeds + Streaming)

The Middle Ground: ProtonVPN

Can’t decide? ProtonVPN splits the difference:

• Privacy: Swiss jurisdiction, open source (like Mullvad)
• Features: Port forwarding, streaming works (like NordVPN)
• Pricing: Honest renewals, no 320% jumps

ProtonVPN gives you:

• 10 Netflix libraries (vs Mullvad’s 0, NordVPN’s 30+)
• Port forwarding (vs NordVPN’s removal)
• Open source (vs NordVPN’s closed code)
• Swiss privacy laws with teeth

Trade-off: Costs more than Mullvad (starts ~$4.49/mo), slower than NordVPN.

Read full ProtonVPN review

Try ProtonVPN (Swiss Privacy + Streaming)

What Reddit Actually Says

Mullvad Reddit Sentiment

Common praise (r/VPN, r/privacy, r/mullvadvpn):

• “Only VPN I trust after the police raid proved no-logs”
• “€5 forever, no games, no bullshit”
• “Open source means I can verify everything”
• “No affiliate program = no corrupt reviews”
• “Mail them cash in envelope, ultimate privacy”

Common complaints:

• “Netflix doesn’t work, tried every server”
• “Slower than NordVPN in speed tests”
• “Only 5 devices vs 10 elsewhere”
• “Email support slow, miss live chat”

Consensus: Best for privacy, worst for streaming. Reddit’s #1 for anonymity.

NordVPN Reddit Sentiment

Common praise:

• “Fastest VPN I’ve tested”
• “Netflix works on 30+ libraries”
• “24/7 support actually helpful”
• “Rebuilt trust since 2018 breach”

Common complaints:

• “Still angry about 18-month cover-up”
• “Renewal from $3.09 to $12.99 feels scammy”
• “Removed port forwarding, screwed torrenters”
• “Email required kills anonymity”
• “$40 commission corrupts every review”

Consensus: Great product, trust issues linger. Too many affiliate-driven recommendations.

Sources: r/VPN, r/privacy, r/vpnreviews, r/mullvadvpn, r/nordvpn

Final Verdict: Privacy vs Convenience

If I could only choose one: Mullvad.

Why: Raid-tested privacy, €5 forever, open source, no affiliates corrupting ecosystem. I rank it #1 despite earning $0.

When NordVPN makes sense: You need Netflix, fastest speeds, 24/7 support, and can tolerate email requirement + renewal jumps.

The honest recommendation hierarchy:

1. Mullvad - Maximum privacy
2. ProtonVPN - Privacy + streaming
3. NordVPN - Speed + features

What to do:

• Privacy purist? → Mullvad
• Need streaming? → ProtonVPN or NordVPN
• Maximum speed? → NordVPN
• Can’t decide? → ProtonVPN (splits the difference)

Verify Everything Yourself

Don’t trust me. Check sources:

Mullvad 2023 raid:

• Official statement: Mullvad blog
• Media coverage: TechRadar, Techdirt

Mullvad transparency:

• Open source code: GitHub
• Privacy policy: Mullvad no-logs
• Pricing: €5/mo forever

NordVPN 2018 breach:

• Official disclosure: NordVPN response
• Media: TechCrunch
• 2024 audit: Deloitte no-logs

Pricing verification:

• Mullvad: Official pricing
• NordVPN: Official pricing

Better research:

• Try Mullvad: €5, 14-day refund
• Try NordVPN: 30-day refund
• Independent: NYTimes/WireCutter, Wired

Want to see the raw data behind my claims? Check out the data spreadsheets - technical details, ownership records, pricing, and more.

Legal disclaimer: Facts sourced and linked. Opinions clearly marked. Mullvad’s raid outcome and NordVPN’s breach concealment are documented events.

Affiliate disclosure: I earn from NordVPN and ProtonVPN affiliate links. I earn $0 from Mullvad (no affiliate program exists). Ranking Mullvad #1 despite zero commission.