<top10vpns>

Private Internet Access vs Mullvad VPN

Head-to-head comparison based on real testing data — February 2026

Winner: Private Internet Access wins in 5 out of 7 categories

WinnerPrivate Internet Access logo
Private Internet Access
8.9/10
Great
$2.03/mo
3yr plan
VS
Mullvad VPN logo
Mullvad VPN
8.4/10
Good
€5.00/mo
flat rate
// BREAKDOWN

Category-by-Category

CategoryPrivate Internet AccessMullvad VPN
Speed8.8vs8.5
Privacy9.2vs9.8
Streaming8.5vs6.0
Security9.0vs9.8
Price$2.03/movs€5.00/mo
Servers35,000+vs700+
DevicesUnlimitedvs5
Private Internet Access5
Mullvad VPN2
// PERFORMANCE

Speed Comparison

Private Internet Access8.8
Mullvad VPN8.5

Private Internet Access has a -12% speed drop while Mullvad VPN shows -7%. Private Internet Access takes this category with faster real-world performance. Speed data is based on independent benchmarks across multiple protocols and server locations.

SPEED Winner: Private Internet Access
// PRIVACY

Privacy Comparison

Private Internet Access9.2
Mullvad VPN9.8

Private Internet Access is based in USA while Mullvad VPN operates from Sweden. Mullvad VPN edges ahead in privacy with a stronger overall privacy profile. Scores are based on no-logs policies, audit history, jurisdiction, encryption standards, and leak protection.

PRIVACY Winner: Mullvad VPN
// STREAMING

Streaming Comparison

Private Internet Access8.5
Mullvad VPN6.0

Private Internet Access unblocks 4 streaming services while Mullvad VPN unblocks 1. Private Internet Access wins this category with more reliable streaming access across platforms. Streaming compatibility is evaluated across multiple platforms and server locations.

STREAMING Winner: Private Internet Access
// SECURITY

Security Comparison

Private Internet Access9.0
Mullvad VPN9.8

Both Private Internet Access and Mullvad VPN offer AES-256 encryption and kill switch protection. Mullvad VPN scores higher in security due to additional features and infrastructure hardening. Security scores are based on encryption, protocol implementation, DNS/IP leak protection, kill switch reliability, and server infrastructure.

SECURITY Winner: Mullvad VPN
// SPECS

Full Specification Comparison

FeaturePrivate Internet AccessMullvad VPN
ProtocolsWireGuard, OpenVPNWireGuard, OpenVPN
EncryptionAES-256AES-256
Kill SwitchYesYes
Split TunnelingYesNo
Multi-hopNoYes
Ad BlockerYesNo
JurisdictionUSASweden
Simultaneous ConnectionsUnlimited5
Server Count35,000+700+
Country Count9146
Speed Drop-12%-7%
Lowest Price$2.03/mo€5.00/mo
Plan Length3yr planflat rate
Streaming ServicesNetflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon PrimeLimited streaming support