Shellfire

When you wander beyond the mainstream VPN brands that plaster YouTube with celebrity endorsements, a different breed of service emerges. IVPN and Mullvad are cut from that cloth: small teams that publish their source code, accept anonymous payments and even welcome independent audits. I’ve spent months using both for everything from securing hotel Wi‑Fi to cloaking my home office, and their ethos feels refreshing compared with providers that shout about limited‑time discounts.

These two aren’t identical, though. IVPN hides behind no marketing fluff; its app foregrounds technical tools like a system‑wide firewall, MultiHop routing and a built‑in anti‑tracking firewall. Because the company insists on self‑hosting every server, the network is tiny, roughly 48 locations across 35 countries, so latency climbs as soon as you connect far from home. By contrast, Mullvad strikes a balance between privacy and practicality. It runs more than 700 servers in around 49 countries, adding features like DNS‑level ad blocking and quantum‑resistant tunnels without complicating the interface. Whether you need raw speed or enjoy tinkering will shape your choice.

Below I’ll dissect how these two privacy purists compare in terms of network coverage, speed, security, streaming support and overall usability. I’ll also point out where neither may fit your needs and suggest alternatives that suit families or binge‑watchers better. By the end you’ll know whether the bare‑bones precision of IVPN or the streamlined power of Mullvad is right for you.

Key Points

• IVPN layers on technical features like MultiHop routing, AntiTracker and a system‑wide firewall, offers quantum‑resistant pre‑shared keys and accepts anonymous cash or crypto payments; its network is small and concentrated in North America and Europe, resulting in inconsistent speeds.
• Mullvad operates a much larger server fleet, more than 700 servers in roughly 49 countries, and pairs anonymous account numbers with DNS‑based ad blocking, MultiHop bridge mode and optional post‑quantum tunnels, delivering consistently fast downloads on WireGuard connections.
• Mainstream VPNs often focus on massive networks and entertainment features, while hardware devices can protect every gadget on your home network without installing software on each one.

Quick Comparison: IVPN vs Mullvad

Criteria	IVPN	Mullvad
Price	Standard plan from about US$3.89 per month on three‑year subscription; Pro plan from US$6.11 per month	€5 per month flat rate
Money‑back guarantee	Thirty days	Thirty days
Server network	Approximately 48 locations across 35 countries; all self‑hosted	More than 700 servers in about 49 countries
Device limit	Two devices (Standard) or seven devices (Pro)	Five devices
Supported protocols	WireGuard, OpenVPN; IKEv2 on iOS	WireGuard, OpenVPN
Unique features	AntiTracker ad and malware blocker, system‑wide firewall, MultiHop routing (Pro), quantum‑resistant keys	MultiHop bridge mode, DNS‑based ad and tracker blocking, quantum‑resistant tunnels
Streaming support	Occasionally unblocks US Netflix and Amazon Prime Video	Rarely unblocks major services
Best suited to	Privacy advocates and tinkerers who need granular controls	Privacy seekers who value speed and simplicity

The core differences between these two services become obvious in this snapshot. IVPN sells itself through features, offering extras such as anti‑tracking, a hardened firewall, MultiHop routing and quantum‑resistant handshakes; however, its Standard plan supports only two devices and the tiny network means you may connect to a distant server with high latency.

Mullvad charges a single flat fee regardless of term, runs hundreds of servers across almost every continent and still manages to deliver MultiHop, DNS‑level ad blocking and optional post‑quantum tunnels. Neither provider is ideal for streaming, but both excel at preserving your anonymity and avoiding intrusive logging.

If you prefer a turn‑key solution or need to protect every device in your home, Shellfire offers alternatives that combine ease of use with reasonable privacy. For instance, the Shellfire VPN app simplifies secure connections on your mobile devices, while the Shellfire Box plugs into your router to protect smart TVs and gaming consoles without additional setup. These hardware and app‑based options aren’t as feature‑rich as Mullvad or IVPN but may suit families who want one‑click protection.

Infrastructure & Global Coverage

Metric	IVPN	Mullvad
Total servers/locations	About 48 locations across 35 countries; all servers self‑hosted and run in secure data centres	More than 700 servers in around 49 countries, a mix of physical and virtual machines with many running in RAM
Americas coverage	Primarily the United States, Canada and Mexico; few Latin American nodes	United States, Canada, Brazil and several others
Europe coverage	More than twenty countries, mostly Western Europe	About thirty‑five countries across the continent
Asia Pacific coverage	Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia	Eight or more countries including Japan and Hong Kong
Middle East/Africa	One location each in Israel and South Africa	Limited presence, including South Africa
Server types	Self‑hosted physical and virtual servers; no third‑party hosting	Physical and virtual servers, many running in RAM
Dedicated/static IP	Not available	Not available

IVPN deliberately keeps its network small and self‑hosted, with about forty‑eight locations across thirty‑five countries. This minimal footprint minimises third‑party risk, every server is controlled by the company, but it also means you’re likely to connect to a server in another continent if you live outside North America or Western Europe.

Mullvad spreads its hundreds of servers across nearly fifty countries and uses a mix of physical and RAM‑only nodes, giving travellers and remote workers far more options and typically lower latency.

Readers concerned about global coverage might compare IVPN to mainstream providers like NordVPN; our IVPN vs NordVPN article demonstrates how larger networks can boost performance without sacrificing privacy.

Speed & Performance

Location	IVPN, download/upload (latency)	Mullvad, download/upload (latency)
United States	31.06 Mbps down, 5.71 Mbps up, ping around 69 ms via Los Angeles server	Approximately 189 Mbps down, uploads vary, low latency
United Kingdom	22.05 Mbps down, 5.61 Mbps up, ping around 325 ms (London)	237 Mbps down with minimal latency
Brazil	13.94 Mbps down, 4.90 Mbps up, very high latency	Data not available (Mullvad typically faster than IVPN in South America)
Asia Pacific	24.33 Mbps down, 5.33 Mbps up in Singapore, ping 405 ms; 21.47 Mbps down in Sydney	Approximately 198 Mbps down, low latency in Hong Kong
Average latency impact	High, average ping around 380 ms and speeds vary widely	Low, typically adds less than 40 ms

Performance testing reveals the downside of IVPN’s small footprint. On a 30 Mbps baseline connection, the fastest server (Los Angeles) returned 31.06 Mbps down and 5.71 Mbps up, but the network often directed us to slower locations. The London server, for example, dropped download speeds to 22 Mbps with a 325 ms ping, and Brazil fell below 14 Mbps with more than 380 ms of latency.

Mullvad maintains much higher throughput thanks to 10 Gbps links on many nodes: independent tests found it delivered around 189 Mbps down in the US and 237 Mbps in the UK. In short, both providers can handle everyday browsing and downloading, but Mullvad is better for gaming and video calls where low latency matters.

Readers interested in the fastest possible downloads might prefer mainstream services with larger networks and specialised speed technologies; our Surfshark vs Mullvad comparison highlights how some providers prioritise speed while still offering reasonable privacy.

Security & Privacy

Feature	IVPN	Mullvad
Encryption	AES‑256‑GCM and ChaCha20	AES‑256‑GCM and ChaCha20
Protocols	WireGuard and OpenVPN; IKEv2 on iOS	WireGuard and OpenVPN
Kill switch	System‑wide firewall acts as a kill switch; removed on iOS due to security concerns	Permanent kill switch integrated in all apps
Split tunnelling	Available on Android and iOS only	Available on Linux and Android
Audits	Annual independent security audits by Cure53; sixth audit conducted in March 2024	Independent audits and open‑source clients
Logging policy	No logs; random account numbers; accepts cash, Bitcoin and Monero	No logs with anonymous account numbers; accepts cash and cryptocurrency
Additional tools	AntiTracker and hardcore mode block ads and trackers; system‑wide firewall; MultiHop routing on Pro; obfsproxy; quantum‑resistant pre‑shared keys	DNS‑based ad and tracker blocking, MultiHop bridge mode, post‑quantum tunnels

Both services take privacy as seriously as encryption. IVPN uses industry‑standard ciphers (AES‑256‑GCM and ChaCha20) and supports OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2 on iOS. Every server is self‑hosted, and the provider runs an annual Cure53 audit to prove its no‑logs policy. Extras like AntiTracker and its hardcore mode block ads, trackers and even sites owned by surveillance‑heavy companies such as Google and Meta; a system‑wide firewall acts as the ultimate kill switch; and you can pay with cash or cryptocurrencies to remain anonymous.

Mullvad matches these credentials, offering open‑source apps, independent audits and anonymous account numbers. It adds DNS‑level ad blocking, built‑in MultiHop bridge mode and optional post‑quantum tunnels, which encrypt connections beyond current cryptographic standards For pure privacy, both are excellent; Mullvad edges ahead with a slightly broader toolkit and more transparent audits.

Streaming Performance

Platform	IVPN	Mullvad
Netflix US	Yes, works on selected servers	No, rarely works
Other Netflix regions	Inconsistent, some regions blocked	No
Amazon Prime Video	Sometimes works	No
Disney+	No	No
Hulu & BBC iPlayer	Yes for Hulu and BBC iPlayer on some servers	No
Other services	Variable	Rarely unblocks
Smart DNS or media streamer	Not offered	Not offered

Neither of these privacy‑first VPNs claims to be a streaming champion, and the tests bear that out. IVPN has made progress: it unblocked Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and BBC iPlayer in Cloudwards’ 2025 tests. However, success varies by server, and you may need to try several locations before finding one that works. Disney+ and Max remain out of reach.

Mullvad fares worse; it almost never accesses any major streaming platforms and offers no Smart DNS to simplify configuration on TVs. If binge‑watching is a priority, look elsewhere.

Platform Compatibility

Platform/Device	IVPN	Mullvad
Windows & macOS	Yes, open‑source clients with AntiTracker and firewall toggles	Yes, open‑source clients
Linux	Yes, GUI and CLI support	Yes, GUI and CLI support
iOS & Android	Yes, apps include AntiTracker and split tunnelling options	Yes, apps include split tunnelling and custom DNS
Browser extensions	No	Browser privacy extensions (Proxy & WebRTC blocker) available
Streaming devices	Manual configuration via router or network settings	Manual configuration via router
Game consoles	Requires router setup	Requires router setup
Router support	OpenVPN and WireGuard profiles available	OpenVPN and WireGuard profiles available
Simultaneous connections	Two (Standard) or seven (Pro)	Five

Both providers deliver open‑source clients for desktop and mobile platforms, with the option to install them on routers for whole‑home protection. IVPN’s apps are minimalist but loaded with toggles: AntiTracker and firewall controls sit on the main page, and the connection menu exposes advanced settings like protocol and port selection. The Standard tier covers only two devices, which feels stingy; the Pro tier raises this to seven but costs more.

Mullvad’s interface is equally simple but more polished. It adds split tunnelling on Linux and Android, custom DNS settings and a browser extension that disables WebRTC and routes traffic through a SOCKS5 proxy. Neither offers Smart DNS or dedicated apps for streaming boxes, so you’ll need to configure a router or rely on manual settings for consoles and smart TVs.

Performance in Censorship‑Heavy Countries

Country	IVPN	Mullvad
China	Occasionally works via Obfsproxy and MultiHop; success is inconsistent	Works with Bridge mode using Shadowsocks; higher success rate
Iran	Mixed results with Obfsproxy	Bridge mode helps bypass some filters
United Arab Emirates	Unreliable	Limited success
Russia	Works on some servers with obfuscation	Variable
Turkey	Works with MultiHop or Obfsproxy	Works with Bridge mode

Both services offer obfuscation tools to evade government firewalls, but neither specialises in censorship circumvention. IVPN provides Obfsproxy support and MultiHop routing on its Pro plan; these features disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS or scatter it across multiple locations, but results vary in places like China and Iran.

Mullvad’s Bridge mode chains a Shadowsocks proxy with a VPN tunnel, giving it a slightly higher success rate in China and Turkey. Neither provider can guarantee access in countries with aggressive filtering, so travellers should test connections before departure and consider providers that focus on stealth if bypassing censorship is critical.

User Experience & Apps

Aspect	IVPN	Mullvad
Interface design	Minimalist and functional; technical language	Minimalist and modern; cleaner layout
Ease of use	Moderate, clear controls but many settings	Easy, simple menus and sensible defaults
Server selection	List view with latency and load; no automatic fastest‑server option	Map and list with load indicators; favourites function
Settings & customisation	Rich settings: AntiTracker, firewall, protocol and port selection, MultiHop (Pro), obfsproxy	Rich settings: MultiHop bridge, DNS and split tunnelling controls
Stability & bugs	Stable but interface can feel dense	Very stable and polished
Language support	Limited	Multiple languages

Both apps favour substance over gloss. IVPN presents servers in a list with live latency values but lacks an option to automatically select the fastest node. Its preferences menu exposes a dizzying array of settings, from AntiTracker block lists and firewall modes to custom ports and obfsproxy, which power users will appreciate but novices may find confusing.

Mullvad keeps most settings tucked away yet easily accessible: the main screen shows a map with server loads, you can favourite locations and enabling features like bridge mode or DNS blocking is just a tap away. Both clients are open source, but Mullvad’s interface feels cleaner and more responsive. If you love diving into technical options, IVPN delivers; if you’d rather connect and forget, Mullvad is more user‑friendly.

For those who want simplicity across multiple devices without the hassle of configuring software, the Shellfire Box can secure every gadget on your network with minimal setup. Likewise, the Shellfire VPN app offers one‑tap protection on phones and tablets. These alternatives lack advanced tools like MultiHop or AntiTracker, but they make online privacy accessible to non‑experts.

Customer Support

Support channel	IVPN	Mullvad
Live chat	Available via website	Not available
Email support	Yes, replies within 24 hours	Yes, replies usually within a day
Knowledge base	Extensive but disorganised articles	Comprehensive guides and FAQs
Community forum	No dedicated forum; engages via social media and issue trackers	Active forum and GitHub issue tracker
Tutorial videos	No official videos	Some unofficial resources

Support channels reflect the size of each company. IVPN offers live chat on its website, a searchable knowledge base and email tickets, promising responses within 24 hours. However, the knowledge base can be hard to navigate, and there is no dedicated forum, help mostly comes via email or social media.

Mullvad lacks live chat but compensates with detailed guides, an active community forum and a GitHub issue tracker; email responses usually arrive within a day. Neither offers official tutorial videos, but both maintain transparency by publicly addressing bugs and updates. If you value instant answers, IVPN’s chat may be useful; if you prefer community interaction, Mullvad is more engaging.

Additional Features

Feature	IVPN	Mullvad
MultiHop / Multi‑server routing	Available on Pro plan; configurable routes	Available via Bridge mode
AntiTracker / Ad blocking	AntiTracker blocks ads, trackers and malware; Hardcore mode targets surveillance companies	DNS‑based ad and tracker blocking
Port forwarding	Removed in 2023; not offered	Removed in 2023
Quantum‑resistant tunnels	Pre‑shared keys on WireGuard add post‑quantum protection	Optional post‑quantum tunnels available
Obfuscation/Stealth	Obfsproxy support disguises VPN traffic	Bridge mode using Shadowsocks
Split tunnelling	Available on mobile apps	Available on Linux and Android
Open‑source apps	Yes	Yes

Extras highlight the philosophical differences. IVPN packs its Pro plan with MultiHop routing, allowing you to chain servers for redundancy and improved anonymity. AntiTracker offers granular control over which blocklists you use and even a Hardcore mode that blocks Facebook and Google trackers. A system‑wide firewall acts as an always‑on kill switch, and WireGuard connections use pre‑shared keys to defend against quantum attacks. Obfsproxy disguises traffic to bypass basic censorship.

Mullvad responds with simpler, integrated tools: Bridge mode chains a Shadowsocks proxy with a VPN tunnel, DNS‑based ad and tracker blocking works system‑wide and optional post‑quantum tunnels future‑proof your encryption. Both services removed port forwarding in 2023 to reduce abuse, and both apps are fully open source. If you thrive on control and customisation, IVPN offers more toggles; if you want a streamlined yet powerful toolset, Mullvad delivers.

Users seeking a plug‑and‑play solution might prefer hardware like the Shellfire Box, which protects every device on your home network without manual configuration. Combined with the Shellfire VPN app for travel, it provides basic security across the household at the cost of advanced features like MultiHop or AntiTracker.

VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More

Use case	IVPN	Mullvad
Streaming	⭐⭐	⭐
Torrenting / P2P	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gaming	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Remote work	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Budget‑conscious	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Censorship bypass	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best VPN for Streaming

If you insist on using a privacy‑centric VPN for streaming, IVPN has a slight edge. It managed to access Netflix’s US library, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and BBC iPlayer in recent tests, though success is inconsistent and may require switching servers. Max, Disney+ and most regional catalogues remain blocked.

Mullvad, on the other hand, rarely unblocks any major streaming platform and offers no Smart DNS feature to simplify setup on smart TVs or consoles. Serious streamers should consider mainstream providers built for entertainment rather than privacy.

For a hassle‑free alternative, the Shellfire Box can secure your entire home network without software installations. Combined with the Shellfire VPN app, you can easily toggle encryption when streaming on mobile devices. These options won’t beat dedicated streaming VPNs for access but provide basic privacy with minimal effort.

Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P

Both services permit peer‑to‑peer traffic on all servers and maintain strict no‑logs policies. IVPN’s small network means you might encounter congested servers, but speeds on nearby nodes are respectable; the absence of port forwarding after 2023 reduces seeding efficiency but protects against abuse Mullvad’s larger network provides consistently higher download speeds and integrated DNS‑level ad blocking, making it more convenient for torrenting. Since neither service supports port forwarding any longer, you won’t be able to host servers or seed large files as effectively as with some competitors. Overall, Mullvad offers a smoother P2P experience.

If you’re curious how IVPN stacks up against a mainstream competitor for torrenting, there are comparisons online that examine download speeds, port forwarding and logging policies across boutique and mainstream VPNs.

Best VPN for Gaming

Low latency is crucial for online gaming. IVPN’s limited server network often forces you to connect across continents, increasing ping times into the hundreds of milliseconds. Multiplayer games become laggy and unresponsive as a result. Mullvad’s wider network keeps you closer to a 10 Gbps server, maintaining latency under 40 ms in many regions and delivering download speeds near your baseline. Gamers who value both privacy and performance should choose Mullvad over IVPN.

For families or casual players who want basic privacy without the technical fuss, the Shellfire Box offers a simple way to encrypt traffic from consoles and PCs through your home router. It may not achieve Mullvad’s low latency, but its plug‑and‑play design makes gaming security painless.

Best VPN for Remote Work

Remote work requires secure connections and dependable bandwidth. IVPN offers robust encryption and features like MultiHop and AntiTracker to protect sensitive data, but its limited network can force you onto distant servers, reducing upload speeds and causing jitter during video calls. Mullvad delivers more stable performance thanks to its expansive server list and optional split tunnelling, which lets you route only work‑related traffic through the VPN. If you travel often or collaborate across time zones, Mullvad is generally the safer bet for remote work.

However, if cost is your main concern and you only need to protect a few devices, IVPN’s Standard plan is inexpensive and includes all core security features. For those who prefer a hardware solution with minimal configuration, the Shellfire Box can secure home office equipment while still allowing you to use a more feature‑rich VPN on your primary devices.

Best VPN for Budget‑Conscious Users

IVPN offers one of the cheapest ways to access a privacy‑first VPN if you choose its Standard plan: a three‑year subscription brings the monthly cost down to about US$3.89. You lose MultiHop and port forwarding, and you’re limited to two devices, but for individuals with a single phone and laptop it’s unbeatable value. The Pro plan costs more and still restricts you to seven devices, which may feel restrictive compared with mainstream services.

Mullvad charges a flat €5 per month, which works out slightly more expensive than IVPN Standard but includes five simultaneous connections, MultiHop bridge mode, DNS blocking and more. Over a year, the price difference is marginal, and Mullvad’s consistent speeds and larger network arguably justify the extra cost. If absolute frugality is your priority, IVPN Standard earns a five‑star rating; if you want a better balance of performance and convenience, Mullvad is a better value.

Best VPN for Censorship‑Heavy Countries

Bypassing government censorship is tricky even for privacy‑centric services. IVPN includes Obfsproxy and MultiHop features on its Pro plan, which can disguise VPN traffic and hop through multiple servers to evade detection, but success in countries like China or Iran is inconsistent. Because the network is small, available obfuscated servers may be overloaded or blocked at short notice.

Mullvad uses Bridge mode with Shadowsocks proxies, giving it a slightly higher success rate in restrictive regions. Nonetheless, both providers recommend downloading the apps and configuration files before you travel, as local app stores may be blocked.

If your primary goal is to bypass firewalls reliably, you might need a service specifically tailored to stealth. Providers that specialise in obfuscation and server diversity often invest heavily in censorship circumvention, which could be a better fit than either IVPN or Mullvad.

Conclusion

Choosing between IVPN and Mullvad is like selecting between two meticulously crafted instruments. IVPN appeals to privacy obsessives who relish fine‑tuning every parameter: its AntiTracker, system‑wide firewall, multi‑hop routes and quantum‑resistant keys provide unique tools for those who know how to use them. The trade‑off is a small network that can lead to inconsistent speeds and a restrictive device limit on the affordable Standard plan. For solo travellers or activists who value total control and are willing to tinker, it’s a compelling option.

Mullvad takes a more pragmatic approach. It maintains a substantially larger network, delivers faster speeds and still upholds an ironclad privacy policy with anonymous account numbers and independent audits. Features like DNS ad blocking, MultiHop bridge mode and post‑quantum tunnels are baked in rather than bolted on, and the flat monthly fee simplifies budgeting. For most people who want to protect a handful of devices without losing performance, Mullvad offers a better balance of privacy and usability.

Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you crave granular control or a smooth, reliable experience. If you need multi‑hop routing, a robust anti‑tracking shield or the anonymity of cash payments, IVPN delivers. If you’d rather set your VPN and forget about it while enjoying fast speeds and comprehensive privacy tools, Mullvad is the clear winner. Neither service is ideal for streaming, but both prove that independent companies can compete with corporate giants on ethics and security.

Finally, remember that software isn’t the only path to online privacy. For households that find configuration tedious, the Shellfire Box provides plug‑and‑play protection for every device on your network, while the Shellfire VPN app offers secure mobile browsing on the go. These options may not match Mullvad’s advanced features or IVPN’s depth, but for those who prioritise simplicity, they are worthwhile alternatives.