Comparison
Mullvad review vs. Surfshark review
Mullvad and Surfshark are two popular VPN services that offer top-notch online security and privacy features. Both VPNs have a strong reputation for providing fast and reliable connections, as well as a range of advanced security features to keep your online activities private and secure. In this article, we'll compare Mullvad vs Surfshark in detail, looking at their main features and pricing to help you decide which one is best for you.
Short on time? Here's a summary of Mullvad VPN vs Surfshark VPN
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| Feature | Mullvad VPN | Surfshark VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Servers | 773 servers in 36 countries | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, SOCKS5 | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Shadowsocks |
| Encryption | AES-256-CBC, AES-256-GCM | AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20 |
| No-logs Policy | Yes | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | No | Yes |
| Ad & Tracker Blocker | No | Yes |
| Multi-Hop (Double VPN) | Yes | Yes |
| Price (per month) | €5 ($6) | $2.49 (2-year plan) |
Service and Protocol Features
Mullvad offers 773 servers spread across 36 nations, whereas Surfshark has over 3200 servers spread over 65 nations, making it a superior option if you require a greater variety of server locations. Compared to Surfshark, Mullvad supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Shadowsocks while WireGuard, OpenVPN, and SOCKS5 are supported by Surfshark. Although it is a more recent protocol than OpenVPN and is thought to be quicker and more secure, WireGuard is not as extensively used as OpenVPN.
No-Logs Policy and Encryption
To protect your online activity, Mullvad and Surfshark both employ robust encryption. When it comes to encryption, Mullvad employs AES-256-CBC and AES-256-GCM while Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20. Both VPNs adhere to a rigorous no-logs policy, which prevents them from storing any data related to your personal information or online activities.
Split tunneling and the kill switch
To stop your IP address from being revealed, both VPNs offer a kill switch feature that disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection stops. Split tunneling, on the other hand, is a feature of Surfshark that enables you to choose which apps or websites you wish to use with the VPN while leaving others to use your standard internet connection.
Multi-Hop, Ad & Tracker Blocker
Moreover, Surfshark provides the CleanWeb ad and tracker blocker tool, which helps you avoid seeing obtrusive pop-ups and adverts as you browse the web. Mullvad and Surfshark both have the multi-hop (double VPN) option, which enables you to transit your internet traffic across various VPN servers, making it more difficult for others to monitor your online activities.
Pricing
When evaluating the pricing structure of Mullvad and Surfshark VPNs, there is a clear distinction between the two services. Mullvad offers a simple, flat-rate pricing model at €5 (approximately $5.50) per month, regardless of the subscription length. This straightforward approach appeals to users who prefer consistency and transparency in their billing. Conversely, Surfshark employs a tiered pricing system, offering significant discounts for longer commitments. Their monthly rate is $12.95, but the cost drops to $6.49 per month for a six-month plan, and an even more competitive $2.49 per month for a two-year subscription. While Mullvad's pricing is more straightforward, Surfshark's long-term plans provide a cost-effective alternative for users seeking a budget-friendly VPN solution without compromising on features.
Summary
When it comes to choosing between Mullvad and Surfshark, the decision ultimately depends on your individual needs. Mullvad shines in privacy protection, thanks to its anonymous account system and strict no-logs policy. The service also supports WireGuard, a cutting-edge protocol offering superior speeds and security. On the other hand, Surfshark offers a budget-friendly option with a rich feature set, including unlimited simultaneous connections, an ad-blocker, and robust security features. While both VPNs provide excellent performance, privacy-conscious users may prefer Mullvad, while those seeking a balance of affordability and functionality should consider Surfshark.