Surfshark is a great virtual private network (VPN) that provides unlimited simultaneous connections and bundled services like antivirus and identity theft protection. If you’re less concerned about a bundled security stack and more concerned about strict anonymity, you’ll likely appreciate Mullvad VPN.
We found Surfshark to be more well-rounded. It offers a variety of features that support streaming and torrenting, as well as strong protection against data leaks.
Mullvad VPN falls short when supporting streaming and customer support but includes a fixed price that fits almost any budget.
We’re always searching for the best VPNs, so we’ve compared these two side-by-side.
Surfshark vs. Mullvad at a glance
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your actual IP address and location, but you may want more than anonymity. Surfshark includes a host of features like split tunneling and unlimited simultaneous access, and it also allows you to bundle its VPN service with other security necessities like antivirus and even personal data removal.
Mullvad focuses heavily on anonymity and privacy and includes essential features like split tunneling and multiple protocol options.
Surfshark: Best for a bundled security stack
Mullvad: Best for anonymity
How do Surfshark and Mullvad compare?
How we test and rate VPNs
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
Surfshark VPN pros and cons
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a rare feature for most VPNs. It also has extras like CleanWeb, which keeps you safe from ads and trackers.
Surfshark ranges between $1.99–$20.65/mo and offers the most overall savings when you purchase longer-term plans.
Mullvad VPN pros and cons
Mullvad has only one price, €5.00/mo, which will stay unchanged no matter how long you use it. It offers necessary VPN features like split tunneling and has a strict no-logs policy.
Anonymity is a top priority for Mullvad, and its users tend to value it over any other feature.
Surfshark VPN vs. Mullvad VPN: Prices
Surfshark ranges $1.99–$20.65/mo depending on your plan, how long of a term you purchase, and if you want any extras. We think the 24-month Surfshark One plan for $2.49/mo (billed every two years) that includes antivirus is a great compromise between features and price.
Mullvad offers only one price, €5.00/mo, no matter how long you use the VPN, which can help you save money on a VPN if you only need it for a short time. While this simplifies things, it also means you miss out on features and services that other VPNs offer, like a live customer support representative.
Still, the simple pricing structure and adherence to strict anonymity make Mullvad a favorite of those who favor extreme privacy.
Payment options
In some parts of the world or for some customers, absolute anonymity is a must when using a VPN. However, all of Surfshark’s payment options can be tied to some form of identification, which might not sit well with a person in a region where VPNs are illegal (like Russia).
Even Surfshark’s crypto option has to be through CoinGate, which may keep some records of your identity.
Mullvad offers several options, including cash and vouchers, that lend themselves to complete anonymity.
Which VPN is faster?
We test internet speeds to make sure the VPN you choose is usable. If you activate your VPN and it makes your connection worse than dial-up, you’ll likely turn it off and never use it again.
Below, we compare the percentage of slowdown we experienced when testing these VPNs on different servers. Anything under 10% is excellent, but you won’t notice a lag until it begins getting up around 30%.
Even then, depending on the base speeds, your internet is likely to still be usable. If you start with slower base speeds — under 100 Mbps download — then you’ll find it more difficult to use your VPN the higher the slowdown percentage.
You should know that the further you are physically from the server you’re trying to access, the more likely your connection will be slower. This lag time increases when you use a double VPN or have other processes running in the background.
If you’re unsure of your base speed, you can always use the Ookla speed test to find out before you turn on your VPN.
Surfshark slowed to a noticeable 33.83% on the Australian server but held up well with the other servers we tested. The Australian slowdown was significantly less than many of the other VPNs we see, so this was worth noting.
Mullvad VPN had okay speed test results for the U.S. and Canada, but it took a few tries to get a stable connection to a U.K. server. The download speed test results when connected to the Manchester server were surprisingly poor compared to other international servers. The AU server test was on par with Surfshark, but overall, we noticed a significant impact on system performance when connected to Mullvad VPN servers.
Which VPN is more secure?
A lot of discourse online surrounding Mullvad says it offers strict anonymity, and considering its independent third-party audits, ability to pay anonymously, and tight security, we would agree.
However, it lacks a reliable kill switch, doesn’t disclose its encryption style, only offers two protocols, and lists fewer servers in fewer locations than Surfshark.
Kill switches protect your personal information in the event the VPN connection drops. In our testing, Mullvad disabled our internet when we switched servers, but it created a massive glitch that caused us to troubleshoot our connection. It was definitely not a seamless kill switch.
Surfshark, on the other hand, worked seamlessly. It offered us at least one more VPN protocol, had an actual kill switch, and gave us plenty of server options. We also liked that Surfshark disclosed its encryption.
Given that both protect us from DNS and WebRTC leaks, we prefer Surfshark for its greater transparency and cleaner security features.
Winner: Surfshark. It offers more features and transparency, and its security features work seamlessly.
Surfshark VPN vs. Mullvad VPN: Compatibility and customer support
Surfshark has a clean, modern look with easily accessible controls. If you bundle, your antivirus and data broker removal information are also housed in an easy-to-use dashboard that lets you toggle between features.
Mullvad’s features are easy to find and use, but we found its interface a bit more dated.
Is Surfshark VPN or Mullvad VPN better?
Overall, Surfshark is the better VPN choice. It offers more servers, consistent speeds, 24/7 live support, and the option to use more features and services.
Mullvad is great for anonymity, but its useability is sometimes hindered. Depending on the device you are using, the VPN services may create glitches or issues.
For a cleaner and smoother experience, Surfshark is the better choice.
Surfshark VPN vs. Mullvad VPN alternatives
If you’ve compared Surfshark and Mullvad, but neither meets your needs, try one of our other suggestions below. These are some of the best VPNs available on the market, and we’ve tested each one for quality.
