Private Internet Access vs Mullvad VPN
Head-to-head comparison based on published specifications and independent benchmarks. Pricing and specs verified August 2026.
Winner: Private Internet Access wins in 5 out of 7 categories
Category-by-Category
| Category | Private Internet Access | Mullvad VPN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 8.8 | vs | 8.5 |
| Privacy | 9.2 | vs | 9.8 |
| Streaming | 8.5 | vs | 6.0 |
| Security | 9.0 | vs | 9.8 |
| Price | from $2.03/mo | vs | from €5.00/mo |
| Servers | 10,000+ | vs | 589 |
| Devices | Unlimited | vs | 5 |
Speed Comparison
Private Internet Access has a -12% speed drop while Mullvad VPN shows -7%. Private Internet Access takes this category on reported speed figures. Speed data is based on independent benchmarks across multiple protocols and server locations, not our own testing.
Privacy Comparison
Private Internet Access is based in USA while Mullvad VPN operates from Sweden. Mullvad VPN edges ahead in privacy with a stronger overall privacy profile. Scores are based on no-logs policies, audit history, jurisdiction, encryption standards, and leak protection.
Streaming Comparison
Private Internet Access unblocks 4 streaming services while Mullvad VPN unblocks 1. Private Internet Access wins this category with more reliable streaming access across platforms. Streaming compatibility is evaluated across multiple platforms and server locations.
Security Comparison
Both Private Internet Access and Mullvad VPN offer AES-256 encryption and kill switch protection. Mullvad VPN scores higher in security due to additional features and infrastructure hardening. Security scores are based on encryption, protocol implementation, DNS/IP leak protection, kill switch reliability, and server infrastructure.
Full Specification Comparison
| Feature | Private Internet Access | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Multi-hop | No | Yes |
| Ad Blocker | Yes | No |
| Obfuscation | Multi-Hop obfuscation (Shadowsocks) | Shadowsocks, QUIC, UDP-over-TCP, LWO |
| Fire TV App | Amazon Appstore | Sideload only |
| Smart DNS | Smart DNS | Not recorded |
| Jurisdiction | USA | Sweden |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 5 |
| Server Count | 10,000+ | 589 |
| Country Count | 90 | 50 |
| Speed Drop (reported) | -12% | -7% |
| Lowest Price | from $2.03/mo | from €5.00/mo |
| Plan Length | 3yr + 3mo plan | flat rate |
| Streaming Services | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime | Limited streaming support |