We tested Mullvad (4.2/5) and Private Internet Access (3.7/5) across speed, privacy, streaming, and price. Mullvad leads on overall score. Here is what drives the gap.
| Criteria | Mullvad | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.2/5 ★ | 3.7/5 |
| Jurisdiction | Sweden | USA |
| 14-Eyes / 5-Eyes | Fourteen | Five |
| No-logs policy | Audited 4/5 | Not audited 4/5 |
| Speed score | 5/5 ★ | 4/5 |
| Protocols score | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Streaming score | 2/5 | 3.5/5 ★ |
| Leak protection | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| RAM-only servers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Encryption score | 5/5 ★ | 2/5 |
| Security subtotal | 4.6/5 ★ | 3.8/5 |
| Trust subtotal | 4.0/5 ★ | 2.0/5 |
| Price (monthly) | $5.50/mo | $11.95/mo |
| Price (1-year total) | $66.00/yr | $39.95/yr |
| Price (2-year total) | N/A | $52.56/yr |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes, 30 days | Yes, 30 days |
| Pricing score | 4.5/5 ★ | 4.0/5 |
Where Mullvad wins
Where Mullvad pulls ahead: speed (5/5 vs 4/5), privacy and security (4.6/5 vs 3.8/5), value for money (4.5/5 vs 4.0/5), transparency and trust (4.0/5 vs 2.0/5). If those criteria matter most to you, Mullvad is the stronger pick.
Where Private Internet Access wins
Private Internet Access’s strongest argument is streaming (3.5/5 vs 2/5). It also leads on features (4.3/5 vs 3.2/5).
Who should pick what
Both VPNs cover the basics well. Mullvad is the stronger pick for speed, while Private Internet Access makes more sense if you need features. When in doubt, check our VPN quiz for a personalised recommendation.
Want to compare all VPNs side by side? Check our full VPN comparison table with scores across 18 criteria.
For most users, Mullvad (4.2/5) is the better pick. Its advantage over Private Internet Access (3.7/5) comes from stronger transparency performance. The only reason to go with Private Internet Access is if features matters most to you. Get Mullvad risk-free.
For more context, check our full VPN comparison table or the best cheap VPN guide. Read our full Mullvad review for a complete breakdown. See our Private Internet Access review for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mullvad scores 4.2/5 vs 3.7/5 for Private Internet Access. Mullvad leads on speed. That said, Private Internet Access may be the better fit if features is your main priority.
In our speed tests, Mullvad scores 5/5 and Private Internet Access scores 4/5. Mullvad has the edge in our data, though real-world results vary by server and location.
Mullvad costs $5.50/mo month-to-month, or $66.00/yr for a 1-year plan. Private Internet Access is $11.95/mo monthly, or $39.95/yr per year. Both offer a money-back guarantee.