Mullvad vs PIA
The right VPN isn’t about choosing the flashiest features, it’s about finding one that aligns with your core digital values. Mullvad and Private Internet Access (PIA) represent two distinct visions of online privacy and performance, each with a loyal following.
In this detailed analysis, we evaluate their differences across key criteria: from infrastructure and usability to streaming capabilities and privacy protections. Whether you prioritize anonymous access or in-depth customization, this guide will help you determine which service fits your digital lifestyle, and when an alternate approach might be the smarter fit.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Mullvad prioritizes privacy above all, offering anonymous account creation, open‑source apps, state-of-the-art encryption, and a verified no‑logs policy, making it a top pick for users who demand maximum anonymity.
- PIA offers a massive global server network, supports unlimited simultaneous devices, and includes valuable features like ad‑blocking (MACE), split tunneling, SOCKS5 proxy, and optional dedicated IPs, ideal for streaming, torrenting, and family use.
- Other VPN options include ultra-simple apps or hardware-based devices designed for ease-of-use. These can appeal to non-technical users but often trade away some privacy features or advanced configuration tools.
Quick Comparison: Mullvad vs PIA
| Feature | Mullvad | PIA (Private Internet Access) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing (monthly equivalent) | ≈€5/month (flat rate) | ≈$3.33/month (2‑year plan sale) |
| Server Count | ~900 servers in 38 countries | ~35,000 servers in 84 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Encryption & Protocols | OpenVPN & WireGuard; AES‑256 | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2; AES‑256 |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Ad‑Blocker/Malware Protection | None built-in | PIA MACE (DNS‑level) |
| Split Tunneling | No | Yes (per‑app/device) |
| Open‑Source Clients | Yes | No |
| Based in | Sweden | USA |
Both VPNs deliver robust security, unlimited connections, and support for modern protocols like WireGuard. Mullvad keeps it minimal by focusing on core privacy protections and maintaining transparency through open‑source software. PIA leans into flexibility, offering more tools for streaming, privacy customization, and family use, especially when discounted.
That said, Shellfire VPN offers an alternative model with straightforward flat pricing and an emphasis on simplicity. While it doesn’t boast the same feature density as Mullvad or PIA, its plug-and-play setup can be a relief for users overwhelmed by the technical depth of more advanced VPNs, particularly those who want to secure multiple devices with minimal effort.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | Mullvad | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Server Locations | 38 countries | 84 countries |
| Total Servers | ~900 | ~35,000 |
| Virtual IP Options | No | Yes (multiple virtuals) |
| DDoS-Protected / P2P Servers | All support P2P; no special label | P2P/DDoS optimized servers |
| Dedicated IP | No | Optional add-on |
Mullvad focuses on stability and simplicity. Its smaller, carefully curated server fleet is sufficient for privacy-focused users who don’t need broad location spoofing. PIA, on the other hand, offers one of the most extensive global networks, making it highly attractive for users needing reliable access across countries, ideal for streaming, gaming, or bypassing regional restrictions with minimal latency.
Speed & Performance
| Metric | Mullvad | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard Download (avg) | ≈360 Mbps | ≈380 Mbps |
| WireGuard Upload (avg) | ≈120 Mbps | ≈130 Mbps |
| Latency (EU to US) | ~90 ms | ~85 ms |
| Performance Consistency | High (low congestion) | Moderate (varies by server) |
Mullvad offers impressive speeds with minimal fluctuation, thanks to its lean infrastructure and optimized use of WireGuard. This results in excellent performance for activities like browsing, file transfers, and casual gaming. PIA slightly outpaces Mullvad in download speed on average, particularly on high-demand servers, though it can experience dips during peak traffic hours due to its massive network scale.
If performance is a deciding factor, it can be useful to see how PIA compares to NordVPN, another popular service known for its high-speed infrastructure and WireGuard integration.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | Mullvad | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Sweden (14-Eyes, no retained logs) | USA (14-Eyes, no-logs policy + court-tested) |
| Logging Policy | Verified zero-logs, audited | No-logs, court records confirm |
| Account Identification | Anonymous (number-based, cash option) | Email-based + payment pseudonymity |
| Open-Source Clients | Fully open source | Closed source |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256 / ChaCha20 | AES-128/AES-256 |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Independent Audits | Client & server audits (Transparency Report) | Client audit (2023) |
| Kill Switch | Yes (all platforms) | Yes (all platforms) |
Mullvad sets a gold standard in privacy: users can sign up anonymously, pay with cash, and rely on open-source software and regular audits. These features make it a trusted tool for whistleblowers, journalists, and users in restrictive environments. PIA also maintains a strong no-logs reputation, backed by court records, and supports a wide array of encryption protocols, but lacks the same transparency and account anonymity as Mullvad.
For a broader look at how Mullvad compares to other security-focused VPNs, it’s worth exploring how it fares against ExpressVPN, another leader in privacy and encryption strategies.
Streaming Performance
| Platform | Mullvad | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix US/UK | Unreliable, moderate success | Consistently works with high-quality streams |
| Disney+, Hulu | Spotty access | Reliable access on dedicated servers |
| Amazon Prime Video | Sometimes works | Usually works well |
| Streaming Quality | Up to 1080p with buffer occasionally | 1080p–4K stable |
PIA clearly leads in streaming capabilities, offering dedicated servers that unlock major platforms in high definition. Mullvad is usable for occasional streaming but lacks infrastructure optimized for bypassing geo-blocks, resulting in inconsistent access and occasional buffering.
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 | Mullvad | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Windows/macOS/Linux | All major OS, full GUI & CLI | All major OS, GUI only |
| iOS/Android | Yes (open-source apps) | Yes (feature-rich apps) |
| Browser Extensions | No | Chrome, Firefox |
| Routers | Manual config only | Apps + manual config |
| Consoles/TVs | Via router only | Router + SOCKS5 option |
Mullvad shines for tech-savvy users and Linux enthusiasts but lacks the convenience tools casual users may expect. PIA offers a broader range of user-friendly apps and extensions, ideal for households and users who want smooth cross-device support without technical hurdles.
Performance in Censorship‑Heavy Countries
| Country/Region | Mullvad | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| China | Unreliable without manual obfuscation | Obfuscation + Stealth servers, more reliable |
| Iran | WireGuard works occasionally | Works better with OpenVPN + obfuscation |
| Russia | Basic access, but highly throttled | More stable via obfuscated servers |
| Censorship Resistance | Low–Moderate | Moderate–High |
PIA offers greater reliability under digital censorship through its stealth and obfuscation tools. Mullvad is still usable but typically requires manual workarounds, making it more suitable for users with technical knowledge operating in such environments.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | Mullvad | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Minimalist, no-nonsense | Feature-rich, guided UI |
| Ease of Use | Tech-savvy users only | Beginner-friendly |
| App Stability | Rock-solid | Generally stable; occasional UI quirks |
| Configuration Options | Manual & CLI control | GUI with granular settings |
Mullvad delivers a streamlined experience that appeals to experienced users who prefer command-line tools and minimal interfaces. PIA is more welcoming to all levels, offering guided interfaces and detailed settings without technical jargon.
Alternatively, Shellfire Box presents a unique advantage here: it’s a hardware-based VPN router that pre-configures protection for all connected devices out of the box. This hands-off approach eliminates the learning curve, making it a strong fit for households or small offices that want security without installing software on each device individually.
Customer Support
| Support Channel | Mullvad | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | No | Yes |
| Email/Ticket | Moderate response time | Fast (~24h) |
| Knowledge Base & Guides | Exists, sparse | Extensive tutorials & FAQs |
| Community Forum | Active Reddit | Active Reddit & Discord |
PIA provides better support infrastructure, especially for less experienced users, live chat, comprehensive help guides, and community channels are all in place. Mullvad offers quality email support and a loyal user community but is best suited for users who are comfortable with self-guided troubleshooting.
Additional Features
| Feature | Mullvad | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Ad/Malware Blocker | None | PIA MACE |
| Split Tunneling | No | Yes |
| Socks5 Proxy | No | Included |
| Dedicated IP | No | Available add‑on |
| Custom Port Selection | No | Yes |
| Server Profiles | No | Yes |
For users looking for customization and extra functionality, PIA offers the clear advantage with its suite of additional features. Mullvad stays intentionally simple, favoring a minimalist privacy-first setup over convenience features.
However, users looking for balanced simplicity and practicality may find Shellfire VPN compelling. While it doesn’t aim to rival the extensive toolset of PIA, it offers solid baseline protection and device coverage with fewer decisions to make, especially beneficial for non-tech users who still want to protect their browsing and media consumption.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use Case | Mullvad | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting / P2P | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote Work | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget-Conscious Users | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship-Heavy Countries | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
PIA earns a perfect score here. With dedicated servers built to bypass streaming blocks, it reliably supports high-resolution content on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. It’s ideal for binge-watchers who demand consistency and quality.
Mullvad receives a low rating because, while it can occasionally access some services, it’s not designed with streaming in mind. It lacks optimized servers and DNS-level streaming support, making it unreliable for regular use.
Still, for users who stream occasionally and value simplicity, Shellfire VPN provides consistent access to region-blocked content through its intuitive interface and pre-configured nodes, especially helpful when streaming from TVs or smart devices via the Shellfire Box.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
Mullvad shines for torrenting with its privacy-focused architecture, no-logs enforcement, and support for P2P on all servers. It’s the top pick for users who value anonymity above all.
PIA also performs well, thanks to features like a SOCKS5 proxy, port forwarding, and MACE ad-blocking. It’s fast and functional, but slightly edged out by Mullvad in terms of privacy purity.
Best VPN for Gaming
PIA leads for gamers. Its extensive server list, port customization, and lower latency provide a smooth, responsive experience, especially in competitive or cross-region gaming.
Mullvad offers good speeds, particularly with WireGuard, but lacks the gamer-oriented features and tuning options PIA provides. It’s serviceable but not specialized.
Alternatively, Shellfire VPN may appeal to casual gamers who prioritize ease of setup and consistent regional routing over granular configuration. Its infrastructure is designed for low-maintenance use, which can benefit players who want lag-free access without needing to adjust server profiles or port settings manually.
Best VPN for Remote Work
Mullvad takes the lead here, especially for professionals handling sensitive data. Its minimalist, transparent setup, free from account identification, offers strong peace of mind in high-risk professions.
PIA is suitable too, particularly for general productivity and VOIP use, but less ideal for users who demand strict anonymity and open-source scrutiny.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
PIA wins clearly due to its promotional discounts, often bundling features like MACE, SOCKS5, and multi-year plans at low annual costs. This makes it appealing for value-seekers.
Mullvad has a consistent flat rate without discounts. While transparent and fair, it’s a bit costlier over time, especially for those needing extra tools.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
PIA stands out with obfuscation and stealth server features, making it more adaptable to restricted environments like China or Iran. It offers built-in options to bypass deep packet inspection with minimal user intervention.
Mullvad can be configured to work in these regions but requires manual tweaking or advanced setups, practical for technical users, but less effective out-of-the-box.
Conclusion
Mullvad and PIA are both excellent VPN choices, but their philosophies differ. Mullvad appeals to those who want uncompromising privacy, transparency, and anonymity without distractions. PIA caters to users looking for a balance of performance, usability, and robust features, especially beneficial for streaming, gaming, and family use.
If simplicity and privacy are your goals, Mullvad is a great fit. If you value additional tools, extensive global access, and affordability in longer plans, PIA stands out.
For users seeking an alternative path, both Shellfire VPN and Shellfire Box are worth exploring. They offer simple, plug-and-play protection across devices, ideal for families or non-technical users who still want strong encryption and seamless multi-device support without the need for advanced setup.
