1
IVPN
Best for: Privacy hardliners
Pros
- No logs
- Open source
- Audited
Cons
- Small network
Mullvad Alternatives
The 10 best Mullvad alternatives in 2026, ranked for privacy, anonymity, and streaming.
10
Alternatives
Docs
Analysis
5
FAQs
Based on product documentation, 12 Mullvad alternatives are compared to find VPNs with similar privacy stance or better streaming and speed. Mullvad is privacy-pure, but some users need streaming or larger networks.
Decision Summary
Mullvad is the privacy-pure VPN (account number, flat fee) with weak streaming support. Switch when streaming matters or when you want mainstream convenience — accepting a less absolute privacy stance.
Why Switch Away From Mullvad
- No account email — number-based (some find odd)
- Streaming unblocking is limited
- Fewer consumer extras
How Each Alternative Changes the Trade-off
Privacy purity
Mullvad: Mullvad's number-based accounts and audits are privacy gold-standard.
Alternative: Mainstream VPNs are convenient but less pure.
When this matters: Keeps Mullvad for privacy absolutists.
Streaming
Mullvad: Mullvad does not prioritize unblocking services.
Alternative: Nord/Express unblock streaming reliably.
When this matters: Decides it for streamers.
Simplicity
Mullvad: Mullvad's flat fee and minimal account are simple.
Alternative: Feature-rich rivals add complexity.
When this matters: Keeps Mullvad for users who want VPN, not a suite.
Best For / Not For
Switch If
Users who need streaming support or mainstream convenience Mullvad deliberately omits.
Stay With Mullvad If
Privacy absolutists who value Mullvad's pure posture.
What Switching Costs
None — switch freely.
Real-World Switching Scenarios
- Streamer who needs unblocking — Netflix and sports viewers Mainstream VPNs prioritize the streaming Mullvad ignores.
- Privacy absolutist — Security professionals Staying preserves the gold-standard posture.
- User wanting extra features — Feature buyers Rivals bundle extras Mullvad refuses to add.
How This Was Researched
This guide is based on a structured review of official product documentation, published feature lists, current pricing, and community-reported limitations — the same methodology ToolStep describes on the /how-we-test/ page. We do not claim hands-on testing that did not happen.
Feature scope reflects official Mullvad documentation as of June 2026.
Alternatives Table
| # | Alternative | Best For | Rating | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IVPN | Privacy hardliners | ★★★★★ | $6/mo |
| 2 | ProtonVPN | Privacy suite | ★★★★★ | Free / $4.99/mo |
| 3 | NordVPN | Premium all-round | ★★★★★ | $3.39/mo |
| 4 | ExpressVPN | Streaming | ★★★★★ | $6.67/mo |
| 5 | Surfshark | Budget unlimited | ★★★★★ | $2.19/mo |
| 6 | Private Internet Access | Power users | ★★★★☆ | $2.19/mo |
| 7 | CyberGhost | Beginners | ★★★★☆ | $2.19/mo |
| 8 | Mozilla VPN | Mozilla users | ★★★★☆ | $4.99/mo |
| 9 | Windscribe | Free tier | ★★★★☆ | Free / $5.75/mo |
| 10 | TunnelBear | Casual use | ★★★★☆ | $4.99/mo |
Pros & Cons by Alternative
2
ProtonVPN
Best for: Privacy suite
Pros
- Free tier
- Open source
Cons
- Account required
3
NordVPN
Best for: Premium all-round
Pros
- Fast
- Streaming
Cons
- Account required
4
ExpressVPN
Best for: Streaming
Pros
- Reliable unblock
Cons
- Pricey
5
Surfshark
Best for: Budget unlimited
Pros
- Cheap
- Unlimited devices
Cons
- Account required
6
Private Internet Access
Best for: Power users
Pros
- Open source
- Split tunnel
Cons
- US-based
7
CyberGhost
Best for: Beginners
Pros
- Easy UI
- Streaming servers
Cons
- Speeds vary
8
Mozilla VPN
Best for: Mozilla users
Pros
- Backed by Mozilla
- Powered by Mullvad
Cons
- Smaller network
9
Windscribe
Best for: Free tier
Pros
- 10GB free
Cons
- Speeds vary
10
TunnelBear
Best for: Casual use
Pros
- Easy UI
Cons
- Limited free
Pricing Comparison
- IVPN $6/mo
- ProtonVPN Free / $4.99/mo
- NordVPN $3.39/mo
- ExpressVPN $6.67/mo
- Surfshark $2.19/mo
- Private Internet Access $2.19/mo
- CyberGhost $2.19/mo
- Mozilla VPN $4.99/mo
- Windscribe Free / $5.75/mo
- TunnelBear $4.99/mo
Why Choose an Alternative
- You want streaming — NordVPN and ExpressVPN beat Mullvad on unblocking.
- You want a larger network — NordVPN has 6,000+ servers vs Mullvad's 900+.
- You want a free tier — ProtonVPN offers unlimited data on free.
- You want a privacy suite — ProtonVPN bundles with Mail, Drive, and Pass.
- You want Mozilla trust — Mozilla VPN is powered by Mullvad with Mozilla's brand.
FAQ
What is the best Mullvad alternative?
IVPN is the best Mullvad alternative for privacy hardliners; NordVPN is best for streaming and speed.
Is Mullvad still the most anonymous VPN?
Mullvad remains one of the most anonymous VPNs — no account, no email, accepts cash. IVPN is similar.
What free Mullvad alternative is best?
ProtonVPN is the best free Mullvad alternative — unlimited data, no account fee.
Is ProtonVPN better than Mullvad?
For ecosystem, yes. Mullvad wins on anonymity with no account requirement.
Does Mullvad work for streaming?
Mullvad does not optimize for streaming. Use NordVPN or ExpressVPN for reliable unblocking.
Related Alternatives
- NordVPN Alternatives The 10 best NordVPN alternatives in 2026, ranked for speed, privacy, and streaming.
- ExpressVPN Alternatives The 10 best ExpressVPN alternatives in 2026, ranked for speed, privacy, and value.
- ProtonVPN Alternatives The 10 best ProtonVPN alternatives in 2026, ranked for privacy and streaming.
- Surfshark Alternatives The 10 best Surfshark alternatives in 2026, ranked for speed, privacy, and value.