Best Mullvad VPN Alternatives: Top VPN Options Compared
Mullvad is exceptional for privacy purists — but its flat monthly pricing model, smaller server network, and less beginner-friendly experience lead users to explore alternatives.
5
VPNs Compared
6
Categories
Mar 2026
Updated
Objective
Verdict
TL;DR Summary
Mullvad VPN is a well-established VPN, but alternatives exist for users who want different pricing models, broader protocol support (especially Shadowsocks for censorship bypass), unlimited devices, stronger privacy documentation, or a flat monthly billing option. This guide compares five VPN services across pricing, protocols, devices, and use cases so you can make an informed decision.
Why Users Look for Mullvad Alternatives
Understanding why users seek alternatives helps you identify whether any of these factors apply to your situation.
No annual billing discount
Mullvad charges a flat €5/month with no yearly discount option. For users who want to save money by committing annually, alternatives like KloudVPN or Surfshark offer rates below €3/month on 1-year plans.
Smaller server network
Mullvad operates around 700 servers across 45 countries — significantly fewer locations than NordVPN (60 countries), Surfshark (100 countries), or ProtonVPN (110+ countries). Users who need servers in specific countries may find better coverage elsewhere.
Less beginner-friendly interface
Mullvad's client apps are functional but lean toward technical users. Beginners who want guided setup, protocol auto-selection, and a more polished onboarding experience may prefer alternatives with more consumer-oriented design.
Limited streaming optimization
Mullvad does not market itself as a streaming VPN and lacks the streaming-focused server optimization found in NordVPN or Surfshark. Users who want reliable access to geo-restricted streaming content often find other options more consistent.
How to Choose the Right VPN
Before comparing specific services, establish your selection criteria. These are the most important factors when evaluating VPN alternatives.
Pricing model flexibility
Mullvad is unique in flat monthly pricing. If you want to save money through annual billing, compare providers that offer significant yearly discounts — typically 50–65% off monthly rates.
Server network coverage
Map out the countries you need VPN servers in and verify each provider covers them. Server density in your region directly affects connection speed and reliability.
Privacy vs. convenience trade-off
Mullvad maximizes privacy at the cost of convenience. Alternatives like ProtonVPN offer strong privacy with better onboarding and a more accessible interface.
Protocol requirements
All major alternatives support WireGuard and OpenVPN. For censorship bypass, check for Shadowsocks. For enterprise environments, look for OpenConnect.
Streaming and use-case optimization
If streaming is a primary use case, choose a service that explicitly supports and maintains streaming server compatibility, with a dedicated support process for unblocking streaming services.
Quick Comparison Table
Side-by-side overview of the five VPN services covered in this guide.
| VPN Provider | Protocols | Devices | Monthly Rate | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NordVPN One of the most recognized names in consumer VPN with a large server network. | NordLynxOpenVPNIKEv2 | 6 simultaneous | $12.99/mo | from $3.99/mo 2-year plan |
Surfshark Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited simultaneous device connections. | WireGuardOpenVPNIKEv2 | Unlimited simultaneous | $10.99/mo | from $2.49/mo 2-year plan |
ProtonVPN Privacy-first VPN from the makers of ProtonMail, based in Switzerland. | WireGuardOpenVPNStealth | 10 simultaneous | $9.99/mo | from $4.99/mo 1-year plan |
Mullvad VPN Privacy-maximalist VPN with anonymous account numbers and no email required. | WireGuardOpenVPNShadowsocks | 5 simultaneous | €5/mo flat | €5/mo Flat monthly — no annual option |
ExpressVPN Long-established premium VPN known for reliability and streaming support. | LightwayOpenVPNIKEv2 | 8 simultaneous | $12.95/mo | from $6.67/mo 1-year plan |
CyberGhost Feature-rich VPN with dedicated streaming and torrenting servers. | WireGuardOpenVPNIKEv2 | 7 simultaneous | $12.99/mo | from $2.19/mo 2-year plan |
KloudVPNThis Site Four protocols, five devices, and the same stack on consumer and partner plans. | WireGuardOpenVPNOpenConnectShadowsocks | 5 simultaneous connections | $7.99/mo | from $2.83/mo Yearly plan |
Protocol Support Matrix
Protocol availability directly affects performance, compatibility, and censorship bypass capability. Verify that your preferred protocols are available before choosing a service.
| Provider | WireGuard | OpenVPN | OpenConnect | Shadowsocks | IKEv2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | |||||
| Surfshark | |||||
| ProtonVPN | |||||
| Mullvad VPN | |||||
| ExpressVPN | |||||
| CyberGhost | |||||
| KloudVPN This Site |
Detailed Comparison: Mullvad VPN and Alternatives
Each provider below is assessed on strengths, limitations, ideal use cases, and who it is not the right choice for. This detail goes beyond feature checkboxes to help you understand which service fits your situation.
NordVPN
One of the most recognized names in consumer VPN with a large server network.
from $3.99/mo
2-year plan
Protocols
Simultaneous Devices
6 simultaneous
Server Network
5,800+ servers in 60 countries
Strengths
- Large, well-maintained server network
- Threat Protection ad/malware blocker
- Double VPN and Onion over VPN options
- Fast speeds on NordLynx protocol
- Independently audited no-logs policy
Limitations
- Best pricing requires a 2-year commitment
- Monthly and 1-year rates are notably higher
- Feature set may be more than casual users need
- Devices limited to 6 per subscription
Best for
Users who want a trusted, feature-rich VPN with a proven track record and don't mind committing to a 2-year term for the best price.
Not ideal for
Users looking for flexible monthly billing at a low rate, Shadowsocks/censorship-bypass protocol support, or white label VPN infrastructure.
Surfshark
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited simultaneous device connections.
from $2.49/mo
2-year plan
Protocols
Simultaneous Devices
Unlimited simultaneous
Server Network
3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Strengths
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- CleanWeb ad and tracker blocker
- Wide country coverage (100+ countries)
- Camouflage and NoBorders obfuscation modes
- Affordable 2-year pricing
Limitations
- Best price tied to 2-year commitment
- Newer brand than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
- Speeds can vary by server location
- No built-in split tunneling on all platforms
Best for
Families or households with many devices who want broad coverage under one affordable subscription without worrying about device limits.
Not ideal for
Users who need OpenConnect protocol for enterprise firewall traversal, Shadowsocks for censorship bypass, or a white label VPN business platform.
ProtonVPN
Privacy-first VPN from the makers of ProtonMail, based in Switzerland.
from $4.99/mo
1-year plan
Protocols
Simultaneous Devices
10 simultaneous
Server Network
7,000+ servers in 110+ countries
Strengths
- Swiss-based jurisdiction with strong privacy laws
- Open-source client apps
- Verified no-logs policy
- Stealth protocol for censorship-heavy regions
- Free tier available for basic use
Limitations
- Higher price point compared to alternatives
- Free plan limited to slower servers and one device
- Stealth protocol available on higher-tier plans only
- No white label or B2B platform
Best for
Privacy-conscious users who prioritize audited open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction, and are willing to pay a premium for verified privacy guarantees.
Not ideal for
Budget users who want strong value for money, those needing OpenConnect, or businesses looking for white label VPN infrastructure.
Mullvad VPNPrimary Comparison
Privacy-maximalist VPN with anonymous account numbers and no email required.
€5/mo
Flat monthly — no annual option
Protocols
Simultaneous Devices
5 simultaneous
Server Network
700+ servers in 45 countries
Strengths
- No email or personal data required to sign up
- Anonymous account number system
- Flat monthly pricing with no lock-in
- Strong privacy reputation
- Accepts cash and cryptocurrency
Limitations
- No annual pricing discount
- Smaller server network than competitors
- Less beginner-friendly UI
- Limited streaming server optimization
- Smaller brand with less community support
Best for
Privacy maximalists who want anonymous sign-up, no personal data collection, cash/crypto payment, and flat monthly pricing with no commitment.
Not ideal for
Users who want a discounted annual plan, a large streaming-optimized server network, easy onboarding, or OpenConnect enterprise protocol support.
ExpressVPN
Long-established premium VPN known for reliability and streaming support.
from $6.67/mo
1-year plan
Protocols
Simultaneous Devices
8 simultaneous
Server Network
3,000+ servers in 105 countries
Strengths
- Strong reputation and long track record
- Reliable streaming and global coverage
- Lightway protocol for speed
- Good customer support
- Router and browser extensions
Limitations
- Among the most expensive consumer VPNs
- No Shadowsocks or OpenConnect
- Owned by Kape Technologies (same as CyberGhost)
- No open-source client apps
Best for
Users who want a well-known brand and are willing to pay a premium for reliability and streaming.
Not ideal for
Budget-conscious users, those needing Shadowsocks for censorship bypass or OpenConnect for enterprise, or users who prefer open-source or audited apps.
CyberGhost
Feature-rich VPN with dedicated streaming and torrenting servers.
from $2.19/mo
2-year plan
Protocols
Simultaneous Devices
7 simultaneous
Server Network
9,000+ servers in 100+ countries
Strengths
- Large server network
- Dedicated streaming and torrenting server lists
- NoSpy servers in Romania
- Competitive long-term pricing
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Limitations
- Best price requires 2-year commitment
- No Shadowsocks or OpenConnect
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- Some features only on higher-tier plans
Best for
Users who want a large server list and streaming/torrenting presets and are comfortable with a 2-year plan for the best rate.
Not ideal for
Users who need monthly flexibility, Shadowsocks for restricted regions, or OpenConnect for corporate networks.
KloudVPNThis Site
Four protocols, five devices, and the same stack on consumer and partner plans.
from $2.83/mo
Yearly plan
Protocols
Simultaneous Devices
5 simultaneous connections
Server Network
100+ locations across 60+ countries
Strengths
- WireGuard plus legacy-friendly OpenVPN
- OpenConnect for picky corporate Wi‑Fi
- Shadowsocks when plain VPN ports get messy
- Straightforward yearly pricing and partner programs
- Same feature set on every subscription tier
Limitations
- Smaller marketing footprint than household-name VPNs
- No permanent free tier—trial is the money-back window
- Brand recognition still growing in some regions
Best for
People who want protocol choice without paying extra SKUs, travelers, remote workers, and teams evaluating white-label or reseller VPN.
Not ideal for
Anyone who needs anonymous cash-by-mail signup (see Mullvad) or a VPN brand already baked into their enterprise procurement list.
Pricing Comparison
VPN pricing varies significantly by billing term. Monthly rates are often 3–5x the annual rate for the same service.
| Provider | Monthly Rate | Best Annual Rate | Commitment Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $12.99/mo | from $3.99/mo | 2-year plan |
| Surfshark | $10.99/mo | from $2.49/mo | 2-year plan |
| ProtonVPN | $9.99/mo | from $4.99/mo | 1-year plan |
| Mullvad VPN | €5/mo flat | €5/mo | Flat monthly — no annual option |
| ExpressVPN | $12.95/mo | from $6.67/mo | 1-year plan |
| CyberGhost | $12.99/mo | from $2.19/mo | 2-year plan |
| KloudVPN This Site | $7.99/mo | from $2.83/mo | Yearly plan |
When KloudVPN Is the Right Mullvad Alternative
Mullvad owns the anonymous signup story. KloudVPN is for people who want yearly discounts, router configs, and OpenConnect/Shadowsocks without juggling €5 flat math forever.
- You want annual billing with a significant discount (Mullvad has no yearly plan)
- You need a larger server network than Mullvad's 700 servers
- You want Shadowsocks and OpenConnect alongside WireGuard and OpenVPN
- You prefer a more consumer-oriented onboarding experience
- You are interested in router VPN support for whole-network coverage
Who Each VPN Is Best For
Choose the VPN that matches your actual priorities — not just the most recognized name.
NordVPN
Users who want a trusted, feature-rich VPN with a proven track record and don't mind committing to a 2-year term for the best price.
Not ideal for: Users looking for flexible monthly billing at a low rate, Shadowsocks/censorship-bypass protocol support, or white label VPN infrastructure.
Surfshark
Families or households with many devices who want broad coverage under one affordable subscription without worrying about device limits.
Not ideal for: Users who need OpenConnect protocol for enterprise firewall traversal, Shadowsocks for censorship bypass, or a white label VPN business platform.
ProtonVPN
Privacy-conscious users who prioritize audited open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction, and are willing to pay a premium for verified privacy guarantees.
Not ideal for: Budget users who want strong value for money, those needing OpenConnect, or businesses looking for white label VPN infrastructure.
Mullvad VPN
Privacy maximalists who want anonymous sign-up, no personal data collection, cash/crypto payment, and flat monthly pricing with no commitment.
Not ideal for: Users who want a discounted annual plan, a large streaming-optimized server network, easy onboarding, or OpenConnect enterprise protocol support.
ExpressVPN
Users who want a well-known brand and are willing to pay a premium for reliability and streaming.
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious users, those needing Shadowsocks for censorship bypass or OpenConnect for enterprise, or users who prefer open-source or audited apps.
CyberGhost
Users who want a large server list and streaming/torrenting presets and are comfortable with a 2-year plan for the best rate.
Not ideal for: Users who need monthly flexibility, Shadowsocks for restricted regions, or OpenConnect for corporate networks.
KloudVPN This Site
People who want protocol choice without paying extra SKUs, travelers, remote workers, and teams evaluating white-label or reseller VPN.
Not ideal for: Anyone who needs anonymous cash-by-mail signup (see Mullvad) or a VPN brand already baked into their enterprise procurement list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mullvad VPN Alternatives
Conclusion: Which VPN Should You Choose?
The right VPN depends entirely on your specific requirements. Mullvad VPN is a capable service — but it is not the only option, and it is not the best fit for every user.
For anonymous sign-up and flat monthly pricing
→ Mullvad VPN
For Swiss jurisdiction and open-source apps
→ ProtonVPN
For unlimited simultaneous devices
→ Surfshark
For the largest server network
→ NordVPN
For Shadowsocks, OpenConnect, and competitive yearly pricing
→ KloudVPN
For white label VPN as a business
→ KloudVPN
Looking for a Mullvad VPN alternative?
Try KloudVPN — Competitive Pricing, Broader Protocols
WireGuard, OpenVPN, OpenConnect, and Shadowsocks in one subscription. Apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Router.