Best Mullvad Alternatives [Free + Paid]

Mullvad has carved out a niche as a no-nonsense VPN, championing privacy above all else. Its anonymous sign-up process and flat pricing are refreshing in an industry often marked by upsells and vague policies. However, Mullvad’s laser focus on privacy comes at a cost—it’s not the best fit for casual audiences.

Here are some common complaints users have about Mullvad:

• Low Streaming Speeds: While great for privacy, Mullvad isn’t optimized for streaming, leading to slow playback on platforms like Netflix or Hulu.
• Confusing User Interface: Its minimalist, no-frills design is functional but can feel unintuitive for those who prefer a polished, user-friendly app.
• Limited Server Network: Mullvad’s smaller server network, only covering 47 countries, may not offer the variety needed for speed or location flexibility.
• Focus on Technical Audiences: Mullvad caters to tech-savvy users, which can leave beginners feeling overwhelmed by its lack of hand-holding.

If you’re searching for a VPN that balances privacy with usability, streaming, and accessibility, you’ve got plenty of options. Below, we’ll explore the best free and paid Mullvad alternatives that cater to different needs.

Best Free Alternatives to Mullvad

Windscribe

Windscribe’s free plan is a fantastic alternative for users who want privacy without sacrificing usability. It offers advanced features rarely found in free VPNs while maintaining an intuitive interface.

• Generous Bandwidth: Windscribe’s free plan gives you 10GB of data per month—far more than most free VPNs. If you need more, you can easily earn extra bandwidth by tweeting about the service or referring friends.
• R.O.B.E.R.T: This feature is a standout. It blocks ads, trackers, and malware but goes further by letting you customize what’s filtered—like social media or gambling sites. It’s like having a personal internet bodyguard, even on the free plan.
• Simultaneous Connections: Mullvad allows multiple connections, but so does Windscribe—even on its free plan. Connect as many devices as you like without extra costs.
• Global Server Access: While Mullvad’s server network is smaller, Windscribe gives free users access to servers in several major regions, offering more flexibility for location switching.
• User-Friendly Interface: Where Mullvad feels barebones, Windscribe shines with a clean, easy-to-navigate app that doesn’t sacrifice functionality.

Windscribe’s combination of user-friendliness and robust features makes it an ideal choice for users looking for a more accessible yet powerful VPN alternative to Mullvad.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a well-respected free VPN that, like Mullvad, puts privacy at its core. But it adds some perks that make it a strong contender.

• Unlimited Data: ProtonVPN’s free plan is one of the few that doesn’t limit your data usage. This is perfect for regular browsing, though speeds are throttled to keep servers stable.
• Three Server Locations: Free users can connect to servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. While limited, these locations cover major regions and are sufficient for casual use.
• Privacy Protections: Like Mullvad, ProtonVPN takes privacy seriously. It’s based in Switzerland, benefits from strict privacy laws, and adheres to a transparent no-logs policy.
• One Device Limit: Unlike Windscribe, ProtonVPN restricts free accounts to one device, which could be a drawback if you need multi-device coverage.

ProtonVPN’s unlimited data and privacy focus make it an excellent choice for users who value privacy but want a free option with more accessible features than Mullvad.

Hide.me

Hide.me is a free VPN that strikes a good balance between ease of use and robust performance, making it a great Mullvad alternative for casual users.

• Eight Server Locations: Free users can connect to servers in the US, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, and more.
• Ad-Free Experience: Unlike some free VPNs, Hide.me doesn’t include ads, ensuring a smooth browsing experience.
• No Speed Throttling: Hide.me’s free plan doesn’t cap speeds, making it a decent option for casual streaming.

Hide.me’s simplicity and performance make it an attractive choice for those who find Mullvad’s technical setup too cumbersome.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield’s free plan is a decent backup alternative to designed for speed, making it a better option for streaming than Mullvad’s privacy-focused setup.

• Single Server Location: Free users can only connect to a US-based server, which limits location flexibility but works well for accessing US-based content.
• Good Speeds: Thanks to its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, Hotspot Shield provides better speeds than most free VPNs, making it a strong pick for streaming.
• Ad-Supported: The free plan includes ads, which might be a downside for users who prefer an uninterrupted experience.

Hotspot Shield’s focus on speed and daily data caps makes it an appealing alternative for users frustrated with Mullvad’s slow streaming capabilities.

Best Paid Alternatives to Mullvad

Windscribe

Windscribe’s paid plan builds on the strengths of its free version, offering advanced features and better performance, making it a great Mullvad alternative.

• Streaming Optimization: Windscribe’s servers are optimized for streaming, ensuring smooth playback on multiple platforms. This solves one of Mullvad’s biggest issues—slow streaming speeds.
• Polished User Interface: Where Mullvad’s design feels barebones, Windscribe’s intuitive and polished interface is easy to navigate, even for VPN beginners.
• Pricing: On annual plans, Windscribe costs $5.75/month, making it easy on your pocket. It also runs frequent promotions helping you save even more.
• Transparent and Ethical: Like Mullvad, Windscribe is committed to transparency and privacy, with clear policies and ethical data handling.
• Customizable Features: With options like R.O.B.E.R.T and server whitelisting, Windscribe allows for more customization than Mullvad, catering to a broader range of users.

If you’re looking for a VPN that combines usability, strong privacy, and better streaming performance, Windscribe is an excellent choice.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a simple, user-friendly VPN that caters to casual users who may find Mullvad’s technical focus overwhelming.

• Beginner-Friendly Design: TunnelBear’s playful bear animations and straightforward interface make it a great option for VPN novices.
• Transparent Practices: TunnelBear undergoes independent security audits, giving users confidence in its privacy practices.
• Affordable Pricing: TunnelBear’s paid plans are budget-friendly, though they lack the advanced features Mullvad offers for power users.

TunnelBear’s simplicity and affordability make it a strong alternative for casual users who prioritize ease of use.

Surfshark

Surfshark is a feature-packed VPN that offers excellent value for money, making it an appealing alternative to Mullvad.

• Unlimited Device Connections: Surfshark allows you to secure an unlimited number of devices under one account, which is ideal for families or users with multiple gadgets.
• Streaming-Friendly: Surfshark’s servers are optimized for streaming, ensuring smooth playback on services like Netflix—a major improvement over Mullvad’s slower speeds.
• CleanWeb Feature: Like Windscribe’s R.O.B.E.R.T, Surfshark’s CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware, enhancing your browsing experience.

Surfshark’s combination of affordability, streaming capabilities, and device flexibility makes it a versatile alternative to Mullvad.

AirVPN

AirVPN is tailored for users who appreciate Mullvad’s focus on privacy but want more advanced features and transparency.

• Advanced Features: AirVPN’s open-source client, Eddie, allows for deep customization, including VPN over Tor for added privacy.
• Transparency: AirVPN provides real-time server information and follows ethical data practices, appealing to users who prioritize transparency.
• Smaller Server Network: Like Mullvad, AirVPN’s server network is smaller than that of some competitors, but its reliable performance compensates for this limitation.

AirVPN is a great choice for privacy-conscious users who want more control and customization than Mullvad offers.

Conclusion

Mullvad has its strengths, especially for privacy enthusiasts, but it’s not for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a VPN with better streaming speeds, a more intuitive interface, or broader server options, these alternatives provide plenty of choices.

From Windscribe’s feature-rich plans to Surfshark’s streaming optimization, you’re sure to find a VPN that fits your needs without compromising on privacy or performance.