Mullvad vs OpenVPN
Mullvad and OpenVPN serve vastly different masters despite being VPNs. Mullvad is the king of personal anonymity and simple flat-rate payment structures. OpenVPN provides complex, enterprise-grade Zero Trust solutions for large organizations. The choice comes down to personal privacy simplicity versus corporate compliance control.
Unmatched Privacy with Fixed Ethical Pricing
We admire Mullvad's radical transparency and ethical pricing structure, setting a benchmark for strictly privacy-focused VPNs. Overall, this service delivers exceptional speed and true anonymity, making it the top choice for discerning users who prioritize security over non-essential streaming access.
Pros
- True anonymity from day one (account number only, no personal data required).
- Remarkably simple, flat-rate pricing (€5/month) since 2009.
- Excellent speeds, high performance, and low latency using WireGuard.
- Supports flexible, privacy-focused payments (cash, crypto with 10% discount).
Cons
- Customer support response times are frequently reported as slow.
- Lack of dedicated, user-friendly apps for key mobile operating systems (iOS/Android).
- Inconsistent unblocking of major streaming services and often blocked by search engines.
Flexible security built for compliance.
We see OpenVPN provides a strong foundation for Zero Trust access, featuring flexible deployment options and robust security controls that meet strict compliance goals like HIPAA and SOC 2. Overall, it is a feature-rich solution economical for businesses, but they must weigh the compliance focus against reported issues related to functional reliability and performance lag.
Pros
- Provides flexible security solutions (CloudConnexa or Access Server).
- Robust Zero Trust features and access controls are implemented.
- Meets strict regulatory compliance standards (HIPAA, SOC 2).
- Feature-rich Free plan is available for up to three seats.
Cons
- External users report serious issues with platform lag and poor UX.
- Setup and onboarding can be difficult and time-consuming.
- Customer support responsiveness is reported as inadequate by users.
- Self-hosted Access Server is considered extremely overpriced by some clients.
AboutMullvad
Mullvad VPN is a privacy service built to fight for a free and open internet. They strongly believe society improves when people have the right to privacy. The service works to prevent mass surveillance and censorship. By using a trustworthy VPN, you ensure your online behavior is not treated as a commodity. Mullvad VPN is perfect for anyone seeking a dependable and straightforward method to stabilize their digital freedom. 💡
AboutOpenVPN
OpenVPN is a trusted provider of secure networking solutions tailored for small, medium, and enterprise businesses. It's recognized as the #1 Business VPN and is specifically trusted by over 20,000 organizations. This widely used solution provides a protected, encrypted tunnel for sensitive data. It ensures your devices can securely connect to business assets, even when crossing unsecured public networks. The core product is a high-performance, fast-deploying Zero Trust VPN solution. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Anonymity & Identity
Mullvad offers true anonymity right from signup; OpenVPN requires identity for per-seat business access.
Mullvad requires only a unique account number to connect. Mullvad actively avoids gathering personal data like emails or phone numbers. OpenVPN uses a per-seat model tied directly to a user's identity. OpenVPN enforces security policies based on identity, device, and IP verification. Mullvad sets the benchmark for genuine privacy seekers. OpenVPN adheres strictly to corporate access control requirements.
Regulatory Compliance
OpenVPN addresses strict rules like HIPAA and SOC 2; Mullvad is solely focused on personal anonymity.
OpenVPN is engineered to meet strict regulatory standards like HIPAA and GDPR. OpenVPN provides enterprise-grade security controls necessary for regulated businesses. Mullvad prioritizes evading surveillance and general anonymity above all else. Mullvad's structure avoids linking user identity, making corporate compliance impossible. If compliance is mandatory, OpenVPN is the necessary choice.
Pricing Structure
Mullvad is flat-rate and hyper-stable; OpenVPN is complex, scalable, and per-seat based.
Mullvad’s price has been fixed at €5 per month since 2009. Mullvad offers consistency and maximum payment flexibility with no contracts. OpenVPN’s CloudConnexa starts at $11/seat/month, typically billed annually. OpenVPN uses volume discounts and is designed for scaling headcount up or down dynamically. Mullvad is cheaper, predictable, and better for the individual budget.
Zero Trust Features
OpenVPN implements ZTNA with IDS/IPS and access controls; Mullvad offers only a basic VPN tunnel.
OpenVPN provides CloudConnexa with advanced features like IDS/IPS and content filtering. OpenVPN enforces the principle of least privilege access organization-wide. Mullvad focuses on hiding your IP address from outside trackers. Mullvad offers security but lacks the detailed controls needed for internal network segmentation. OpenVPN is crucial for granular corporate security needs.
Payment Flexibility
Mullvad accepts cash and crypto for anonymity; OpenVPN strictly uses standard business billing methods.
Mullvad’s unique acceptance of physical cash ensures maximum purchase anonymity. Mullvad offers a 10% discount for payments made using cryptocurrencies like Monero. OpenVPN primarily uses standard per-seat billing and annual contracts for discounting. OpenVPN’s payment methods are designed for business accounting needs, not user privacy. This highlights Mullvad's commitment to user privacy.
Performance & Reliability
Mullvad is praised for excellent speeds; OpenVPN is widely criticized for platform lag and poor UX.
Mullvad users report blazing fast speeds and low latency using WireGuard protocols. Mullvad’s reliable performance makes it suitable for everyday heavy use and gaming. OpenVPN users report serious issues with browser authentication complexity and extreme lag. OpenVPN’s reported performance issues contradict its promised reliability. Mullvad delivers superior speed and stability according to users.
Deployment Options
OpenVPN offers self-hosted Access Server or managed CloudConnexa; Mullvad is solely a consumer managed service.
OpenVPN can be deployed via Access Server on Docker, Linux, or VMware ESXi for full architectural control. OpenVPN’s CloudConnexa offers simpler, managed cloud connectivity for mobile teams. Mullvad users simply download the dedicated app and enter their account number. Mullvad works instantly but gives the user zero control over server deployment. OpenVPN provides IT teams flexibility in deployment choices.
Free and Trial Access
OpenVPN provides generous free plans forever; Mullvad offers only a limited 14-day money-back guarantee.
OpenVPN offers the CloudConnexa Free plan for up to three seats indefinitely. OpenVPN also allows two free concurrent connections on the self-hosted Access Server. Mullvad offers no free plan, instead providing a simple 14-day money-back guarantee. OpenVPN is better for teams seeking long-term, functional testing at zero cost.
Our Verdict
Mullvad and OpenVPN target wildly different markets, so the choice is simpler than you think. Mullvad dominates for individual privacy; OpenVPN is built exclusively for corporate security. Unless you run a regulated business, Mullvad wins hands-down for general users. Mullvad’s superpower is radical transparency and remarkable pricing stability since 2009. Mullvad guarantees true anonymity by requiring only an account number, not your email or name. You can even pay Mullvad with physical cash to separate money from identity. It delivers excellent speeds and performance for everyday use. OpenVPN’s superpower is its enterprise-grade security and stringent regulatory compliance capabilities. OpenVPN helps management implement Zero Trust policies and meets requirements like HIPAA and GDPR. OpenVPN offers deployment flexibility with managed CloudConnexa or self-hosted Access Server options. The deciding factor boils down to control versus anonymity. If your business needs centralized user access control and compliance, OpenVPN is your necessary choice. If you want a simple, blisteringly fast service that ensures your identity remains private, Mullvad is consistently better. For most consumers, Mullvad provides unbeatable privacy value at €5 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for securing a small business team, Mullvad or OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is better suited for small teams because it offers a Free plan for up to three seats. OpenVPN also allows centralized access control and features the flexibility to scale as your business grows. Mullvad is capped at 5 devices and lacks business compliance features needed for teams.
Does Mullvad offer the same Zero Trust security features as OpenVPN?
No. OpenVPN is explicitly built to support ZTNA, enforcing least privilege access based on identity and device. Mullvad is a straightforward VPN designed for personal anonymity. Mullvad lacks the necessary internal network controls like content filtering or IDS/IPS provided by OpenVPN.
Can I use either Mullvad or OpenVPN for streaming geo-restricted content?
You should choose Mullvad if streaming is a priority, but be aware that its IPs are often blocked by services. OpenVPN is a B2B product not designed or marketed for personal streaming. Mullvad, while inconsistent, is the only choice marketed toward consumer use cases.
Mullvad uses a fixed price. How does OpenVPN pricing work?
Mullvad famously charges a flat €5 per month regardless of subscription length. OpenVPN uses a per-seat subscription model with automatic volume discounts. OpenVPN pricing starts with a Free plan and includes paid seats starting at $11 per user monthly.
Will I have a better experience using Mullvad or OpenVPN on mobile devices?
OpenVPN has universal client support across operating systems, despite user complaints about lag. Mullvad users frequently report a poor, sometimes complicated experience with mobile devices. For ease of mobile connectivity, OpenVPN may be slightly better equipped, even with performance issues.
Can OpenVPN match Mullvad's focus on user anonymity?
No. Mullvad is the gold standard for anonymity, asking only for a temporary account number and accepting cash payments. OpenVPN requires linking identity to seats and uses standard billing necessary for corporate management. OpenVPN must track users for compliance; Mullvad refuses to track users for privacy.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.