Choosing a VPN can feel like navigating a minefield especially with so many contenders vying for your attention.
Surfshark and Mullvad two reputable VPN providers often find themselves in head-to-head comparisons.
Let’s have a relaxed coffee-chat style discussion weighing their strengths and weaknesses in 2024. Think of me as your seasoned slightly cynical but ultimately helpful guide through this digital jungle.
Privacy and Anonymity: A Deep Dive
Privacy is paramount.
Both Surfshark and Mullvad boast robust no-logs policies claiming to store zero information about your online activities.
However there’s a crucial difference: Surfshark has undergone independent audits confirming their adherence to this policy giving them a slight edge in transparency.
Mullvad while seemingly reputable hasn’t subjected itself to the same level of public scrutiny.
This isn’t necessarily a red flag but it’s a factor to consider if absolute transparency is your top priority.
RAM-Only Servers: The Security Game Changer
The use of RAM-only servers is becoming the gold standard.
Data stored on RAM is volatile; it disappears when the server powers down minimizing the risk of data breaches.
Surfshark has proudly adopted this technology across its network since 2020. Mullvad while transitioning still maintains a small percentage of servers using hard drives.
This difference however small could be a deciding factor for some users.
Jurisdiction: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Both Surfshark (Netherlands) and Mullvad (Sweden) are based in countries with strong privacy laws and no mandatory data retention policies.
This means even if a government demanded user data neither provider would have anything to hand over – a significant advantage in today’s climate of heightened surveillance.
The Anonymity Factor: Going Truly Incognito
While privacy and anonymity are related they’re not identical.
Mullvad takes anonymity a step further.
You can create an account without providing any personal information not even an email address.
Your login is a randomly generated 16-digit code.
While Surfshark keeps your email secure Mullvad’s approach caters to those seeking maximum anonymity.
Server Network: Size Matters (But Not Always)
The size and location of a VPN’s server network directly impact speed and reliability.
A larger network generally means less server congestion.
More locations offer better chances of finding a nearby server leading to faster connection speeds.
A Numbers Game: Surfshark vs. Mullvad
At the time of writing Surfshark boasts over 3200 servers in 100 countries while Mullvad offers over 650 servers in 43 countries.
While Mullvad’s smaller user base might mitigate potential congestion on its servers their comparatively limited geographical reach is a significant disadvantage.
Still undecided on which VPN to choose? 🤔 You’re not alone. Surfshark and Mullvad both have their strengths and weaknesses. If you want a reliable and speedy VPN with access to all the streaming platforms, Surfshark is your winner. 🏆 But if you’re a privacy purist who prioritizes anonymity above all else, Mullvad is the way to go. 😎 Dive deeper into the world of VPNs and make your decision!
Surfshark’s sheer scale offers broader coverage and a higher likelihood of finding a less congested server regardless of your location.
Speed Tests: The Race for Bandwidth
A VPN shouldn’t drastically slow down your internet speed.
To compare I used Ookla’s speed test tool comparing speeds with and without a VPN using both local and international servers (Dallas Tokyo and Johannesburg). WireGuard the fastest protocol offered by both was used for testing.
Results and Interpretations: A Tale of Two Speeds
Surfshark’s results were predictable.
Speeds decreased slightly on the local server and further on international servers but remained reasonably fast.
Mullvad’s performance was more erratic.
While averaging slower download speeds it consistently delivered impressive upload speeds.
Note that these are single-user tests; your experience may vary significantly.
The inconsistency of Mullvad’s results was noteworthy; tests on the same server within seconds showed wide fluctuations.
While Surfshark also experienced some variance it was far more consistent.
Streaming Performance: Netflix and Chill (or Not)
Many of us rely on the internet for streaming.
Still undecided on which VPN to choose? 🤔 You’re not alone. Surfshark and Mullvad both have their strengths and weaknesses. If you want a reliable and speedy VPN with access to all the streaming platforms, Surfshark is your winner. 🏆 But if you’re a privacy purist who prioritizes anonymity above all else, Mullvad is the way to go. 😎 Dive deeper into the world of VPNs and make your decision!
A good VPN shouldn’t interfere with this offering both speed and access to streaming services.
The Streaming Showdown: A Clear Winner
During my tests Surfshark seamlessly streamed content on major platforms like Netflix Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
Mullvad however struggled frequently experiencing frequent blocks on Netflix Hulu BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.
While Mullvad suggests using split tunneling for streaming (routing only streaming traffic through the VPN) this compromise weakens the security benefits.
Protocols Customer Support and Audits: The Nitty-Gritty
Let’s delve into the finer details that often separate the wheat from the chaff.
Protocol Prowess: OpenVPN WireGuard and More
Both Surfshark and Mullvad utilize top-tier protocols: OpenVPN (reliable and secure though slower) and WireGuard (fast and secure). Surfshark adds IKEv2 another fast and stable protocol particularly useful for mobile devices.
This extra protocol provides Surfshark with a minor advantage for mobile users.
Customer Support: A Helpline’s Value
Mullvad offers a decent searchable knowledge base but lacks live chat and a formal ticketing system relying solely on email support.
Response times were reasonable during business hours in my experience but you’re at their mercy outside those times.
Surfshark in contrast offers live chat a ticketing system YouTube tutorials a comprehensive knowledge base and email support – a broader and more responsive support structure.
Independent Audits: Proof in the Pudding
Independent audits provide crucial validation of a VPN provider’s claims.
Surfshark has been audited multiple times by reputable firms like Cure53 and Deloitte confirming its no-logs policy.
Mullvad has also undergone audits though not by the same high-profile firms.
Still undecided on which VPN to choose? 🤔 You’re not alone. Surfshark and Mullvad both have their strengths and weaknesses. If you want a reliable and speedy VPN with access to all the streaming platforms, Surfshark is your winner. 🏆 But if you’re a privacy purist who prioritizes anonymity above all else, Mullvad is the way to go. 😎 Dive deeper into the world of VPNs and make your decision!
While both providers have demonstrated a commitment to transparency Surfshark’s more extensive and publicly available audit results provide greater reassurance.
Advanced Features: Extra Security and Convenience
Let’s examine the extra features that can enhance your VPN experience.
Security Enhancements: Kill Switches Camouflage and More
Both providers offer kill switches to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops.
Mullvad’s kill switch is always active which is a good thing if you’re focused on continuous protection.
Surfshark offers CleanWeb a suite of features that blocks ads trackers and malware.
Mullvad offers ad blocking but requires manual configuration.
Surfshark also provides MultiHop (connecting through two servers for enhanced privacy) Smart DNS (for devices incompatible with VPNs) dedicated IP addresses (for enhanced privacy and bypassing IP-sensitive websites) and GPS spoofing (to mask your location). Mullvad lacks these additional features.
Pricing and Payment Options: The Bottom Line
Pricing models significantly differ.
Surfshark offers tiered subscription plans with discounts for longer commitments – a standard industry practice.
Mullvad adopts a straightforward €5 monthly fee regardless of subscription length and subscriptions don’t auto-renew.
Mullvad is cheaper in the short term while Surfshark offers better value for longer commitments.
Both providers offer a range of payment methods including PayPal credit cards and cryptocurrencies.
Mullvad’s unique offering of cash payments enhances anonymity but removes the possibility of refunds.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Champion
Surfshark excels in speed tests offers a more extensive server network provides better streaming capabilities and boasts superior customer support and a broader range of advanced features.
Mullvad prioritizes anonymity with its cash payment option and the ability to create accounts without any personal information.
Ultimately the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Both providers offer secure and reliable VPN services.
Consider what features are most important to you – anonymity speed streaming capabilities or comprehensive customer support – and choose the VPN that aligns best with those preferences.