ExpressVPN vs Mullvad VPN
In today’s rapidly shifting digital landscape, selecting the right VPN has become more crucial than ever. With a wide array of services touting enhanced privacy and speed, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Among the standout options, two providers frequently emerge in user discussions: ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN. While both are highly respected in the cybersecurity community, they serve distinct audiences with different priorities.
ExpressVPN is well known for its global reach, lightning-fast servers, and polished, user-friendly applications. It’s often favored by users who prioritize streaming, gaming, or effortless access to geo-blocked content. Meanwhile, Mullvad VPN sets itself apart by championing privacy to the core. It offers truly anonymous account creation, requires no personal data, and maintains a flat, transparent pricing model. This minimalist but powerful approach appeals especially to privacy advocates and tech-savvy users who value discretion over convenience.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- ExpressVPN delivers superior performance for streaming and browsing through a broad global server network spanning 94 countries.
- Mullvad VPN ensures maximum user anonymity with its no-logs policy and anonymous account setup—ideal for users focused solely on privacy.
- There are also VPN options designed for simplicity or household-wide protection, including devices that plug directly into routers to cover all connected equipment.
Quick Comparison: ExpressVPN vs Mullvad VPN
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Server Count | 3,000+ servers in 94 countries | 650+ servers in 39 countries |
| Speed Performance | Consistently high speeds across various locations | Variable speeds; excels in certain regions |
| Privacy & Anonymity | Strong privacy policies with third-party audits | Anonymous account setup; no personal data required |
| Streaming Capabilities | Unblocks major streaming platforms reliably | Limited streaming support; may struggle with some platforms |
| Pricing | Starts at $6.67/month (annual plan) | Flat rate of €5/month |
While both services are reputable, their distinctions are clear: ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive package well-suited for general users looking for speed, access, and ease.
Mullvad VPN, on the other hand, is laser-focused on delivering airtight privacy with a no-frills philosophy.
Still, for users who prioritize simplicity and whole-home coverage without juggling multiple apps, the Shellfire Box provides a compelling alternative. Unlike ExpressVPN or Mullvad, it doesn’t require software installation or technical setup. It’s ideal for households with multiple users or devices that don’t support VPNs natively.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Servers | 3,000+ | 650+ |
| Countries Covered | 94 | 39 |
| Server Types | RAM-only servers | RAM-only servers |
The server infrastructure is a crucial consideration for VPN performance. ExpressVPN clearly dominates in terms of global reach, helping users find low-latency connections virtually anywhere.
Mullvad VPN may have fewer locations, but its focus on high-security RAM-only servers and strong regional performance—especially in Europe and North America—makes it a capable contender for privacy-driven users.
Speed & Performance
| Location | ExpressVPN Speed | Mullvad VPN Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 329 Mbps | 384 Mbps |
| Los Angeles | 296 Mbps | 125 Mbps |
| New York | 270 Mbps | 87 Mbps |
| United Kingdom | 246 Mbps | 62 Mbps |
When it comes to speed, ExpressVPN maintains impressive consistency across various global servers, ensuring reliable performance for everything from high-definition streaming to cloud gaming.
Mullvad VPN excels in select cities like Seattle but shows notable drop-offs elsewhere—something users with global needs should consider.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256, ChaCha20 | AES-256, ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, Lightway | OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes (including “lockdown mode”) |
| No-Logs Policy | Audited by KPMG, Cure53 | Audited by Assured AB |
| Anonymous Signup | No | Yes |
Both services implement leading-edge encryption and have passed independent audits, but Mullvad VPN takes the lead in anonymity.
Its refusal to collect any personal information—even for signup—marks a gold standard in privacy-first practices, while ExpressVPN ensures trustworthy operation through regular third-party scrutiny and robust security protocols.
Streaming Performance
| Streaming Service | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Yes | Limited |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | No |
| Other Major Platforms | Yes | Limited |
Streaming is one of the clearest areas where ExpressVPN excels. It reliably unblocks not only Netflix but also services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+. This makes it a top pick for entertainment lovers seeking unrestricted content globally.
Mullvad VPN, by contrast, doesn’t cater to streaming as a use case, and while it may occasionally access certain libraries, it struggles to provide consistent results.
Other providers like Surfshark also compete in this space with comparable streaming capabilities, as explored in our comparison of ExpressVPN and Surfshark.
Looking for reliable streaming access across all devices?
Our Shellfire Box is designed to provide consistent access to your favorite streaming platforms, which can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing issues with other VPNs.
Platform Compatibility
| Platform | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Firefox |
| Routers | Yes | Manual setup required |
Both VPNs are compatible with all major operating systems, but ExpressVPN goes a step further with browser extensions for multiple platforms and native router support—ideal for covering entire home networks.
Mullvad VPN supports the basics well, but its lack of a Chrome or Edge extension and the need for manual router configuration might be a barrier for casual users.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Country | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| China | Reliable access with obfuscation | Limited; requires advanced setup |
| Russia | Yes | Yes |
| Iran | Yes | Limited |
When it comes to bypassing censorship, ExpressVPN continues to be a leader. It employs automatic obfuscation to navigate firewalls in countries like China and Iran, maintaining a steady reputation as a reliable tool in restrictive regions.
Mullvad VPN, while technically capable with the right tweaks, doesn’t offer the same out-of-the-box performance and requires manual configurations that may deter less-experienced users.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| UI Design | Sleek and modern interface | Minimalist and technical |
| Ease of Use | Very beginner-friendly | Moderate; best for experienced users |
| App Stability | Highly stable across platforms | Stable but less polished on mobile |
The apps themselves tell a story of differing priorities. ExpressVPN invests in design and usability, offering intuitive apps that make it easy for newcomers to connect securely. Its applications are visually engaging, smooth, and stable across devices.
Mullvad VPN opts for minimalism and functionality, a design that appeals more to experienced users comfortable with less hand-holding and fewer visual flourishes.
For those who prefer an even simpler approach—without digging through menus or tweaking numerous settings—there are apps like those from Shellfire, which focus on delivering essential protection with minimal user input. Prioritizing clarity and straightforward use, they can be especially appealing for users who want to stay protected without the complexity of feature-rich interfaces.
Customer Support
| Support Channel | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | 24/7 available | No |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Help Center / FAQ | Extensive and well-organized | Comprehensive, developer-focused |
| Response Time | Under 5 minutes (chat), ~1 hour (email) | Few hours (email) |
Support availability can greatly influence the user experience, especially for beginners. ExpressVPN excels here, offering fast and friendly 24/7 live chat alongside an intuitive help center.
Mullvad VPN, though detailed and transparent in its documentation, lacks real-time support, which may frustrate users who encounter issues and need immediate help.
Additional Features
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Ad Blocker | No (recommended through third-party apps) | No |
| Port Forwarding | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes (on Windows, Android, and macOS) | Yes (desktop only) |
| Obfuscation | Yes (automatic) | Manual configuration required |
| Multi-Hop | No | No |
Advanced users will appreciate that Mullvad VPN includes features like port forwarding and precise split tunneling—particularly beneficial for torrenting and secure app-specific routing.
ExpressVPN, while more limited in technical tools, focuses on making features like obfuscation seamless and automatic. This is especially useful for users in restrictive regions or those who want privacy without manual configuration.
For users less concerned with granular settings and more focused on protecting multiple devices effortlessly, the Shellfire Box presents an interesting alternative worth considering. While it doesn’t offer niche tools like port forwarding or multi-hop, it provides instant VPN coverage to any device connected to your home network—smart TVs, consoles, and IoT gadgets included.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use Case | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting / P2P | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote Work | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget Users | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship Resistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
If streaming is your main goal, ExpressVPN is the superior choice. With fast servers and excellent geo-unblocking abilities, it provides hassle-free access to services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hulu. UHD content plays smoothly with minimal buffering—even across long distances.
In contrast, Mullvad VPN is not optimized for entertainment use. It avoids advertising streaming features and is frequently blocked by major platforms, making it less reliable for users looking to expand their viewing libraries.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
Here, Mullvad VPN really shines. The combination of WireGuard support, port forwarding, and a strict no-logs approach with anonymous payments makes it one of the best VPNs for P2P sharing and torrenting—especially for users prioritizing discretion.
While ExpressVPN supports torrenting across all servers with decent speeds, it lacks the finer control that advanced users may need, such as port forwarding, which can impact seeding performance for some.
Best VPN for Gaming
Gamers looking for the lowest ping and the broadest range of stable connections will benefit more from ExpressVPN. Its extensive server list and robust infrastructure help reduce lag and avoid regional throttling.
Mullvad VPN performs well in specific areas like North America, but its performance can be inconsistent globally. With fewer optimization tools for gamers, it might not satisfy those looking for peak gaming performance.
Alternatively, our Shellfire Box offers an intuitive way to secure gaming consoles and devices that don’t support VPN apps directly. While it may not offer specialized gaming servers, its automatic protection and consistent connection stability make it a practical solution for casual gamers who want added security without tweaking settings or routing traffic manually.
Best VPN for Remote Work
In professional settings, ExpressVPN is a strong fit for remote workers needing reliable access to apps, secure public Wi-Fi, and cross-platform compatibility. Its intuitive design makes it easy to stay connected without tech headaches.
Mullvad VPN is better suited for those in high-risk professions—such as activists, journalists, or whistleblowers—who require privacy above all else. However, the lack of live support and integrations may hinder productivity for the average remote worker.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
When cost is a primary concern, Mullvad VPN delivers exceptional value. The €5/month flat rate is straightforward, affordable, and doesn’t pressure users into long-term commitments. Its transparency and privacy-first pricing model are hard to beat.
While ExpressVPN offers excellent features, its higher price tag makes it better suited for those who prioritize seamless functionality, polished apps, and premium customer service over budget.
For users weighing cost versus value among top-tier VPNs, our ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN comparison offers a closer look at how pricing and features align across the premium spectrum.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
Few VPNs still work well under harsh censorship—but ExpressVPN remains one of them. With obfuscated servers that work out of the box in places like China and Iran, it’s a dependable solution for users seeking unrestricted internet access.
Mullvad VPN, while privacy-focused, may struggle in these regions. Although it can be configured to work, it requires technical expertise and frequent manual adjustments, making it less convenient for users without advanced knowledge.
Conclusion
ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN each bring something valuable to the table, but they cater to markedly different audiences. For users seeking a seamless, high-performing VPN experience with robust streaming support, intuitive apps, and reliable speed around the globe, ExpressVPN is a natural fit. It’s especially well-suited for families, frequent travelers, and those new to VPN technology who want dependable performance without the need for manual configurations.
On the flip side, Mullvad VPN champions privacy like no other. Its unwavering commitment to anonymity—backed by a transparent no-logs policy, anonymous payments, and open-source philosophy—makes it the top choice for users who place digital privacy above all else. While it may not offer the same ease of use or streaming flexibility as ExpressVPN, it fills a critical niche for privacy purists and technically adept users.
However, for some users, even these tailored solutions might feel too complex or fragmented. Those looking for maximum simplicity may prefer alternative solutions. The Shellfire VPN and Shellfire Box stand out in this regard. They offer a truly plug-and-play experience that covers entire households, making online privacy accessible even for those who don’t want to fuss with software settings.
