Mozilla VPN vs Mullvad VPN
Privacy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and when it comes to VPNs, even similar technologies can be used to serve very different goals. Mozilla VPN and Mullvad VPN may both rely on WireGuard and claim no-logs, but their philosophies diverge in ways that matter.
Mozilla VPN makes privacy approachable with smooth integration into the Firefox ecosystem and a user-friendly design. Mullvad, by contrast, is for those who demand total anonymity, no emails, no profiles, just pure privacy. This breakdown will help you navigate their differences and decide which path to secure browsing best matches your lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Mozilla VPN delivers strong brand trust and a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for casual users or those already familiar with Firefox.
- Mullvad VPN goes all-in on privacy with anonymous signups and transparent open-source software, catering to advanced users and privacy enthusiasts.
- For those seeking full-network protection with less setup, hardware-based or mesh VPNs can be an attractive route.
Quick Comparison: Mozilla VPN vs Mullvad VPN
| Feature | Mozilla VPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard support | Yes | Yes |
| No-logs policy | Yes, audited | Yes, audited |
| User account needed | Yes (via email) | No, randomized account number only |
| Platform support | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Simultaneous connections | 5 devices | 5 devices |
| Payment methods | Email-based payments (card, PayPal, crypto) | Card, cash, cash by mail, crypto |
| Monthly cost | $4.99–$9.99 (depending on region) | €5 flat (~$5.40) |
While both providers embrace WireGuard and enforce strict no-logs policies, their methods diverge when it comes to user interaction. Mozilla VPN maintains a conventional model with email-based accounts and regionally priced plans, offering simplicity at the expense of anonymity. Mullvad VPN, in contrast, simplifies billing with a single global price and ensures privacy from the first click, even allowing cash payments mailed in an envelope. If you value ease of use, Mozilla might be your pick. If anonymity matters more, Mullvad takes the crown.
Alternatively, users looking for a balance between usability and broader device coverage might find our Shellfire Box a worthwhile option. Unlike Mozilla or Mullvad, which require software installation on each device, Shellfire’s hardware approach allows you to protect an entire home network from a single point, ideal for families or households with multiple connected devices.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | Mozilla VPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Server count | ~400+ servers in 30+ countries | 820+ servers in 36+ countries |
| Server types | Virtual & physical, WireGuard | Physical preferred, WireGuard/OpenVPN |
| Dedicated IP option | Coming soon | No |
Mozilla’s infrastructure leans on a balanced mix of virtual and physical servers spread across over 30 countries, ensuring coverage in major global hubs. Mullvad VPN goes further, operating over 820 servers in 36+ countries, with a strong preference for physical machines, key for stable performance and resilience in high-surveillance regions. If global reach and low server-to-user ratios are important to you, Mullvad pulls ahead.
Speed & Performance
| Metric | Mozilla VPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Average download | 150–200 Mbps (on 300 Mbps line) | 170–230 Mbps (on 300 Mbps line) |
| Average upload | 80–120 Mbps | 90–130 Mbps |
| Latency (Europe) | 30–50 ms | 25–45 ms |
Both services deliver excellent performance thanks to WireGuard, but Mullvad VPN consistently posts higher speeds and lower latency, especially in Europe, due to its use of physical servers. Casual users may not notice the difference, but gamers and heavy streamers will appreciate the extra performance headroom. For those curious how these speeds compare to major players like ExpressVPN, there’s a detailed Mozilla VPN vs ExpressVPN breakdown that offers a broader view of performance benchmarks.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | Mozilla VPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | WireGuard with ChaCha20‑Poly1305 | WireGuard & OpenVPN with ChaCha20‑Poly1305 / AES‑256‑GCM |
| Protocols | WireGuard only | WireGuard by default, OpenVPN optional |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Security audits | Independent audit in 2022 | Multiple audits (2021, 2023) |
| Logs retention | No‑logs, session‑minimal metadata until disconnect | No‑logs, no user metadata retained |
Both VPNs offer solid encryption and reliable kill switch implementations. Mozilla VPN sticks solely to WireGuard and underwent a recent independent audit, affirming its security posture. Mullvad VPN, however, has a longer audit history, supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN, and retains absolutely no metadata, not even session timestamps. In terms of privacy transparency, Mullvad is often benchmarked against top-tier providers. A recent Mullvad vs ExpressVPN comparison sheds light on how both handle data privacy and protocol flexibility.
Streaming Performance
| Platform | Mozilla VPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Works with US/UK libraries | Occasional access, less reliable |
| Disney+, Hulu, HBO | Consistent access | Inconsistent, manual server selection required |
| BBC iPlayer | Reliable UK access | Functional but not optimized |
For users focused on entertainment, Mozilla VPN delivers more consistent results across major streaming platforms. It’s clearly optimized for media access with minimal user effort. Mullvad VPN can work for streaming, but often requires trial and error. Those seeking a plug-and-play streaming experience will find Mozilla far more reliable.
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 | Mozilla VPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Windows/macOS/Linux | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Android/iOS | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Browser Extension | Firefox only (limitation) | None |
| Routers | Manual WireGuard config | Config files/scripts provided |
Both VPNs offer wide platform support. Mozilla VPN provides integration with Firefox, which is convenient for users who want browser-specific VPN functionality. Mullvad VPN, meanwhile, offers deeper customization for routers, making it the better choice for advanced users wanting network-wide encryption.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Country/Region | Mozilla VPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| China | Limited success; may require manual configs | More reliable via custom WireGuard configs |
| Russia | Occasional blocks; support team may assist | Strong resistance, user-configurable bridges |
| Iran | Unstable due to IP blocks | Better via stealth techniques |
In countries with heavy censorship, Mullvad VPN proves more adaptable. It offers stealth tools, bridges, and the ability to configure custom WireGuard profiles, which allows it to better navigate firewalls. Mozilla VPN may still work but often requires contacting support or advanced manual setups, better suited to moderately censored environments.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | Mozilla VPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| UI design | Sleek, modern, beginner-friendly | Minimalist, functional |
| Ease of use | Simple with email account signup | Anonymous, but setup requires more steps |
| App stability | Solid, regular updates | Stable, open-source; updates rely on community |
Mozilla VPN shines in user experience, offering an intuitive interface ideal for newcomers or users who prioritize simplicity. It blends seamlessly into everyday workflows, and its apps are polished across platforms. Mullvad VPN, though more utilitarian in design, appeals to advanced users who value transparency and control. Its setup may involve more steps, but once configured, it’s rock-solid and lightweight.
That said, users who want simplicity without sacrificing full-network protection might consider the Shellfire Box. Its plug-and-play setup makes it especially accessible for non-technical users, while still offering consistent coverage across all devices connected to the router, no need to install separate apps or deal with platform limitations.
Customer Support
| Channel | Mozilla VPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✔️ (limited hours) | ✖️ |
| Support ticket system | Email (fast responses) | |
| Knowledge base | Detailed guides & FAQs | Extensive config-oriented docs |
| Response time | Within a few hours | Often within 1 business day |
If having responsive support is a priority, Mozilla VPN offers a slight advantage with live chat during certain hours and a structured ticket system. Mullvad VPN opts for a leaner support model, email only, but it’s responsive and backed by a comprehensive knowledge base with strong technical depth. Users who prefer hands-on guidance will appreciate Mozilla’s real-time options, while those comfortable troubleshooting independently may lean toward Mullvad.
Additional Features
| Feature | Mozilla VPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Ad/tracker blocking | No built-in | No built-in |
| Split tunneling | ✔️ (mobile only) | ✔️ (manual config) |
| Dedicated IP | Coming soon | ❌ |
| Mesh / device-to-device | ❌ | ❌ |
While neither VPN offers ad-blocking or mesh networking, both support split tunneling to varying degrees. Mozilla VPN includes a user-friendly version on mobile apps, whereas Mullvad VPN provides manual configuration options suitable for power users. Mozilla plans to roll out dedicated IPs soon, which may appeal to remote workers and streamers who need consistent IP addresses.
In that context, Shellfire Box stands out by offering a hardware-driven alternative that simplifies advanced setups like split tunneling and full-network encryption. While it doesn’t include built-in ad-blocking, its design makes it easy to route all traffic through a secure VPN tunnel without manual configuration on each device.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use Case | Mozilla VPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting / P2P | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote Work | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget-conscious | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship-heavy regions | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
This comparative chart illustrates how each VPN performs in different real-world scenarios. From streaming and gaming to privacy in hostile environments, it’s clear each service has its own strengths depending on your needs and technical comfort level.
Best VPN for Streaming
Mozilla VPN clearly leads for streaming. Its ability to consistently access Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer without needing manual configuration makes it the preferred option for users who want entertainment without hurdles. If you’re the type who just wants to hit “play” and start watching, Mozilla’s smart platform compatibility and streaming reliability will serve you well.
Mullvad VPN is capable of streaming but isn’t optimized for it. Users may need to switch servers and experiment, which can be frustrating if your goal is simple, uninterrupted playback.
Still, it’s worth noting that the Shellfire Box can also be a smart solution for home entertainment setups. By securing all streaming devices on a single network through a centralized point, it removes the need for configuring VPNs on each individual device, especially helpful for smart TVs or consoles that don’t support VPN apps natively.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
When it comes to torrenting, Mullvad VPN stands out. Its anonymous signup process, no-logs policy, strong speeds, and support for privacy-friendly payment methods make it a favorite among users who want secure and anonymous peer-to-peer transfers.
While Mozilla VPN supports P2P traffic on select servers, its email-based account model and minimal privacy metadata practices make it less suitable for users who prioritize anonymity over convenience.
Best VPN for Gaming
For latency-sensitive gamers, Mullvad VPN offers a slight performance advantage. Lower ping, fast throughput, and a wide network of physical servers, especially across Europe, make it ideal for fast-paced online gaming.
Mozilla VPN performs well for casual gaming and offers steady speeds, but if you’re gaming competitively and every millisecond counts, Mullvad is likely the better fit.
However, gamers seeking both stability and convenience may benefit from using Shellfire VPN on a router-level device like the Shellfire Box. While it may not always match Mullvad’s low latency in competitive play, its ability to cover multiple gaming devices at once, without per-device setup, can simplify things for families or shared households with more than one gamer.
Best VPN for Remote Work
Mozilla VPN excels for professionals who value polished apps, seamless multi-device support, and accessible help via live chat. Whether you’re using cloud tools, video calls, or sensitive portals, its user-friendly design supports productivity without tech stress.
Mullvad VPN still works well for remote work, but its lack of dedicated support channels and more involved setup process may not appeal to all users, especially those who aren’t tech-savvy.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
At a flat €5 per month, Mullvad VPN delivers unbeatable pricing clarity. There are no promotional gimmicks or regional price differences, it’s the same fair rate for everyone, everywhere.
Mozilla VPN, by contrast, uses variable pricing that changes depending on location, sometimes reaching nearly double the base rate. This inconsistency can be off-putting for budget-sensitive users.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
In restrictive environments, Mullvad VPN is a clear winner. Its support for bridge connections, stealth configurations, and advanced manual setups give users tools to bypass government blocks and surveillance effectively.
Mozilla VPN can function in censored regions but usually requires direct support or manual tweaks, making it less suitable for environments where flexibility and adaptability are crucial.
Conclusion
Both Mozilla VPN and Mullvad VPN are standout players in the privacy-first VPN space, but they serve distinct user bases. Mozilla VPN is designed for simplicity and ease, making it ideal for beginners, streamers, and everyday users seeking a straightforward experience. Its polished interface, dependable speeds, and live support make it a great choice for those who want security without hassle.
On the other hand, Mullvad VPN is tailored for advanced users, privacy purists, and those who want full control without handing over personal information. Its open-source model, anonymous account structure, and robust performance, especially in censorship-heavy areas, make it a powerful ally for serious privacy advocates.
It’s also worth noting that Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box offer compelling alternatives. Our Shellfire Box, in particular, simplifies network-wide protection by covering all connected devices with a single configuration, ideal for families and households that want consistent, secure coverage without technical complexity. Shellfire VPN’s simple interface and versatile deployment options also make it a strong contender alongside these two powerhouses.
Thanks for following this detailed breakdown. Whether your priority is ease of use or maximum anonymity, this guide should help you navigate the landscape with clarity and confidence.
