Mullvad VPN isn’t a bad choice. It’s a low-cost option that keeps your privacy intact, handles Netflix, allows torrenting, and offers a few genuinely interesting extras, including the ability to sign up without ever handing over an email address. But even with those benefits, reasons to look at the best Mullvad alternatives exist. It can hold its own against the industry giants in some areas, but it falls short in others.
Customer support is disappointing, the single flat-rate pricing leaves you no flexibility, the server network is on the small side, and we’ve found it can struggle against tougher geo-blocks than Netflix. The good news is that plenty of VPNs improve on that offering. Below, we break down the best Mullvad VPN alternatives to help you pick the right one.
5 Best Mullvad Alternatives Compared
| Servers | Streaming & Geo-Unblocking | Speeds | Devices | Best Long-Term Price | Money-Back Guarantee | |
| Mullvad (Baseline) | 560+ in 50 countries | Netflix only, fails most others | Middling | 5 | $5.75/mo (Flat pricing) | 14 days |
| NordVPN | 9,400+ in 137 countries | Excellent across all platforms | Fastest | 10 | $3.49/mo | 30 days |
| Proton VPN | 20,000 in 148 countries | Netflix, iPlayer, and most others | Very fast | 10 | $2.99/mo | 30 days |
| ExpressVPN | 3,000+ in 105 countries | Strong across all platforms | Very fast | 10-14 | $2.49/mo | 30 days |
| PIA VPN | 30,000+ in 90 countries | Netflix, Max, iPlayer, etc. | Fast | Unlimited | $1.33/mo | 30 days |
| Surfshark | 4,500+ in 100 countries | Excellent across all platforms | Fast | Unlimited | $2.49/mo | 30 days |
5 Best Mullvad Alternatives Reviewed (2026 Update)
To arrive at this shortlist, we weighed Mullvad VPN’s strengths (and weaknesses) against 20 VPN services. Then, we curated the five providers that impressed the most across various factors. Ultimately, your choice comes down to your specific needs, of course, but generally, they are better than Mullvad VPN.
1. NordVPN: Best Mullvad Alternative Overall
Pros
- Large server network
- Audited no-log policy
- RAM-only servers
- Support for all devices
- Malware/virus protection
- 30-day refund policy
Cons
- Complex UI
- Rare VPN issues
The best Mullvad VPN alternative 2026 has a massive network comprising over 9,400 servers spanning 137 countries. That’s not just more than ten times Mullvad’s in terms of sheer size; it also offers more than double its country coverage. You have way more options for fast, stable connections wherever you are. No other VPN unblocks as many Netflix libraries as NordVPN, the preferred VPN for Netflix users.
Connecting to NordVPN’s servers helps you bypass geo-restrictions on any streaming service. That includes BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Prime Video, and Max. And because it’s the fastest provider thanks to its NordLynx protocol, bandwidth-intensive activities are always smooth. If you get NordVPN instead of Mullvad, you still keep your privacy. It uses 256-bit encryption, relies only on RAM servers, and has a no-log policy.
NordVPN has been audited by Deloitte SIX times, the last time in February 2026. Similarly, it has superior advanced security features, like Threat Protection to block malware and viruses, Meshnet for remote access, and Coveron for ID theft protection in higher plans. Compatibility is also better, as NordVPN natively works on Fire TV Stick and Apple TV, and supports 10 instead of 5 connections like Mullvad.
Price-wise, NordVPN may be costlier upfront since you pay for the entire 27-month period. But in the long run, it’s actually way less expensive, starting at $3.49 per month. A 30-day refund policy is also longer than Mullvad’s 14-day refund policy. Plus, you get a 3-day free trial, while Mullvad offers none.
2. Proton VPN: Most Secure Mullvad Alternative
Pros
- Open-source apps
- Secure Core servers
- Ad and tracker blocking
- Full disk encryption
- Stable and fast speeds
- Free tier with unlimited data
Cons
- No SmartDNS
- Higher renewal price
Proton VPN is a solid Mullvad VPN alternative if you’re looking for at least an equally secure VPN with the same level of transparency. It was developed by the team behind Proton Mail, which points to a strong commitment to protecting your data. A combo of AES 256-bit encryption and a diverse toolkit with Secure Core (Double Hop) servers, ad-blocking, and port forwarding makes Mullvad vastly inferior.
Proton VPN is Swiss-based, so it operates under strict privacy laws. In the same fashion, it relies on an audited no-log policy, full-disk encryption, and private DNS to keep your data safe. Proton VPN doesn’t like to brag about its unblocking capabilities, but they are stellar just the same. It consistently unlocks exclusive streaming libraries with help from its vast network of 20,000+ servers in 148 countries.
Not only does Proton have excellent performance, but its VPN Accelerator can optimize your connection for faster speeds in unstable network situations. Proton VPN has many apps across commonly used operating systems and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. Even its 24/7 live chat support is better than Mullvad’s ticketing system. For more info, read our Proton VPN vs Mullvad comparison.
3. ExpressVPN: One of the Fastest Mullvad Alternatives
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Good for streaming
- Lightway Turbo protocol
- Audited numerous times
- Works on Fire TV Stick
Cons
- Fewer features
- Higher renewal cost
If you’re looking for a lightweight Mullvad VPN alternative that’s super versatile and easy to use, you can’t do better than ExpressVPN. A clean, clutter-free UI, which contrasts starkly with Mullvad VPN’s tight UI, leaves a premium impression. While ExpressVPN can’t match NordVPN in network size, it beats Mullvad: Over 3,000 servers in 105 countries. That’s plenty to always find a fast and reliable server.
ExpressVPN unblocked every streaming service we threw at it during tests. Consequently, you’re always within reach of a ton of ordinarily restricted content libraries. Plus, the streaming experience is stellar, with little to no buffering thanks to Lightway Turbo, an in-house, speed-first VPN protocol. While it offers a few advanced features, it’s still very secure, blocking ads and using RAM-only VPN servers.
Plus, it has a no-log policy with several audits from KPMG, the last one in 2025. ExpressVPN is famous for its quantum-safe 256-bit encryption. Meanwhile, it supports all devices, including Fire TV Stick and Apple TV, where Mullvad’s support is far from great. You get 10 to 14 device connections at a time and 24/7 live chat support that Mullvad lacks. Read our ExpressVPN vs Mullvad comparison for more info.
4. Private Internet Access: Affordable Mullvad Alternative
Pros
- Customizable security
- Shadowsocks obfuscation
- Over 30,000 server globally
- Cheapest Mullvad alternative
Cons
- Cluttered apps
- Could be faster
As one of the top Mullvad VPN alternatives, PIA offers a massive network: 30,000 servers in 90 countries. Mullvad is just a speck compared to it. Additionally, PIA has streaming servers with easy access to Netflix, iPlayer, and other streaming sites. Speed-wise, PIA is no champ, but in my tests, it beat Mullvad by about 15% on average. WireGuard and 10 Gbps ports allow PIA to operate without margins.
Privacy-wise, it’s just as good, if not better. PIA uses Shadowsocks to hide VPN traffic, MultiHop to double your encryption, and a kill switch to stop IP leaks. The no-log policy, audited in 2022, 2024, and 2025, and proven in court, makes it very trustworthy. If that’s not enough, all of its apps are fully open-source. PIA beats Mullvad in two more aspects: Pricing and unlimited simultaneous connections.
It costs only $1.33 to $2.19 per month for 2 years, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android. However you look at it, it’s one of the most impressive Mullvad VPN alternatives with better value for money. Best of all, its 24/7 live chat service is among the best I’ve tested.
5. Surfshark: Best Mullvad Alternative for Unlimited Devices
Pros
- Virus protection
- Fast Dausos protocol
- Best VPN for streaming
- Unlimited devices
Cons
- Long connection times
- Expensive renewals
Surfshark is a top budget-friendly VPN, packed with features, and doesn’t compromise security. It comes with over 4,500 servers in 100 countries, a solid network that easily beats Mullvad VPN in terms of options. This is not the only reason why it’s one of the best alternatives to Mullvad. Surfshark’s unblocking prowess is a standout feature, even though, like Proton VPN, it doesn’t make a big deal of it.
The provider consistently bypasses geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Max. Since upgrading its entire network to 10-40 Gbps servers and introducing WireGuard and Dausos protocols, Surfshark has massively improved its connection speeds. Privacy is even stronger, with a no-log policy, Camouflage Mode, and virus protection on all devices.
Surfshark beats Mullvad in advanced features, introducing an Alternative ID for more privacy, dark web monitoring through Alerts, and rotating IP addresses. I explained all this in my test of Surfshark. But one thing I must praise is: Unlimited simultaneous connections. Surfshark costs pennies, about $2.49/mo, and it’s really not much for a VPN of this caliber. Mullvad costs two times more (and above that).
Why the Best Mullvad VPN Alternatives Are Better
Mullvad VPN can be a sensible choice if you only browse casually and strictly need a VPN for privacy. There’s probably no need to switch in that situation, especially considering the provider’s budget-friendly pricing and impressive commitment to transparency and privacy. However, you’ll quickly run up against its shortcomings when trying to access heavily geo-blocked websites, for example. Let’s look at some areas where the best alternatives to Mullvad VPN can up your VPN experience.
✅️ Server Network
Mullvad VPN has a collection of around 560 servers in 50 countries. Granted, small providers offer fewer servers, but this network doesn’t stack up well against the best VPN services. For instance, NordVPN’s network is 13 times that size. While size doesn’t always guarantee better performance, more is better. A larger network means you can unlock content in more countries and have more options for bypassing geo-restrictions. On top of that, it drastically reduces overcrowding and slowdowns.
✅️ Simultaneous Connections
Mullvad VPN allows you to connect 5 devices to the VPN at once. That’s pretty much the industry average, so we wouldn’t describe it as stingy. Still, it can be limiting if you have many gadgets. Sure, the VPN has router support, but that’s not the most convenient solution for devices outside your local network. Many VPNs, including our best Mullvad VPN alternatives, are increasingly extending their device allowances. NordVPN offers 10, while Surfshark and PIA offer unlimited connections.
✅️ Streaming Abilities
You may have to look elsewhere if you’re one of the many people who use a VPN for streaming. It masks your IP address well, but it looks like bypassing geo-restrictions is not a top priority. Mullvad VPN managed to unblock a few Netflix libraries (failing to unblock many others) when we tried, but generally, the results were spotty at best with many other popular streaming services. For instance, it failed to unblock BBC iPlayer on a server in London. Any of the VPNs discussed will do better in this area.
✅️ Customer Support
When you run into any issues while using Mullvad VPN, getting expert help could be trickier, at least compared to bigger VPNs. Granted, the provider’s resource base has self-help resources like an FAQ section and usage guides, and you can contact support through email. But that means you must find a solution or answer yourself or wait hours for it to arrive. On the other hand, the best Mullvad VPN alternatives have live chat channels that let you contact support around the clock.
✅️ Support for Streaming Devices
Mullvad VPN has native apps for mainstream platforms, like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Although it’s not a major drawback, we find that Mullvad’s app, for example, is still far from being one of the best VPN apps compatible with Windows. Streaming devices don’t enjoy the same attention, tying back to our earlier point that the provider doesn’t prioritize streaming. There’s no VPN app for Apple TV, and Fire TV Stick support is poor. Mullvad alternatives do way better in this aspect.
Are There Free Mullvad Alternatives in 2026?
No, and we don’t recommend using a free VPN as an alternative to Mullvad VPN. If it came down to choosing between the provider and even the best free VPN providers, we have to say it wins hands down in every area except cost. Free providers are limited in many areas, like server network, speeds, and unblocking. While it lags behind its best alternatives in some of these areas, the VPN is on another level compared to any free option. Even its small network is larger than what most free VPNs have.
What’s more, many free providers cut corners when it comes to privacy and security. They may log your data for profit or lack essential features. In stark contrast, Mullvad VPN is a privacy-first option with independent audits to show for its really strict no-logs policy. Plus, it’s loaded with industry-standard and advanced features that no other free VPN has offered, and honestly, never will, even the best one.
Summary of the Best Mullvad Alternatives
Mullvad VPN is a solid privacy protection option. No need to replace it if it meets your needs; an affordable, feature-packed VPN that focuses on delivering airtight privacy. But if that’s only the tip of the iceberg of your wishlist, other VPNs are pretty much inevitable, and NordVPN, the #1 Mullvad VPN alternative, has all you need. We even compared Mullvad to NordVPN directly, and NordVPN won by a long shot.
The best alternatives to Mullvad offer larger networks, faster connection speeds, superior unblocking, and broader compatibility. They also improve on the VPN’s disappointing customer support. Whichever VPN you try, you have 30 days to get a refund if you’re unsatisfied, plus all the best Mullvad alternatives have a free trial or a free tier, like Proton VPN. That said, you have nothing to lose.