ExpressVPN vs Mullvad VPN

ExpressVPN and Mullvad could not be more different. ExpressVPN is the most expensive mainstream VPN, marketed heavily, with the most polished apps in the industry. Mullvad does not advertise, charges a flat rate with no discounts, and does not even ask for your email. One is built for convenience; the other is built for privacy. Your choice depends entirely on your priorities.

Quick Verdict

ExpressVPN is the better consumer VPN. Best-in-class apps, perfect streaming scores, and strong speeds. Mullvad is the better privacy tool. Anonymous signup, cash payments, fully open-source, and the highest transparency score in our database. These VPNs do not compete - they serve fundamentally different users.

At a Glance

| Category | ExpressVPN | Mullvad | Winner | |----------|------------|---------|--------| | Overall Score | 9.0 | 8.4 | ExpressVPN | | Privacy Score | 8.8 | 9.8 | Mullvad | | Speed | 87.5 Mbps | 82.4 Mbps | ExpressVPN | | Streaming | 9.4 | 5.5 | ExpressVPN | | App Quality | 9.5 | 7.2 | ExpressVPN | | Transparency Score | 72 | 95 | Mullvad | | Open Source | Partial | Full | Mullvad |

Speed Comparison

| Location | ExpressVPN | Mullvad | Difference | |----------|------------|---------|------------| | US (New York) | 87.5 Mbps | 82.4 Mbps | +6.2% | | UK (London) | 83.2 Mbps | 78.9 Mbps | +5.4% | | Germany (Frankfurt) | 80.4 Mbps | 80.1 Mbps | +0.4% | | Japan (Tokyo) | 69.8 Mbps | 63.2 Mbps | +10.4% | | Australia (Sydney) | 66.3 Mbps | 60.7 Mbps | +9.2% |

Winner: ExpressVPN, marginally. Lightway is 0-10% faster depending on location. In Europe, where Mullvad has strong server presence, the gap is negligible. Both VPNs provide more than enough speed for any common use case.

Pricing Comparison

| Metric | ExpressVPN | Mullvad | |--------|------------|---------| | Monthly | $12.95/mo | ~$5.48/mo (5 EUR) | | 1-Year | $6.67/mo | ~$5.48/mo | | 2-Year | Not available | ~$5.48/mo | | Renewal | $8.32/mo (yearly) | ~$5.48/mo | | 3-Year True Cost | $279.72 | ~$197.28 |

Winner: Mullvad. Mullvad is cheaper at every comparison point. Its flat rate is honest and predictable - no introductory teaser pricing, no renewal shock. ExpressVPN is the most expensive major VPN, and the gap against Mullvad's simple pricing is stark.

Streaming

Winner: ExpressVPN, completely. ExpressVPN scored 12/12 in our streaming tests - a perfect score. Mullvad scored 0/12. Mullvad does not unblock any streaming services and does not try to. If you need streaming, Mullvad is not an option.

Privacy

| Factor | ExpressVPN | Mullvad | |--------|------------|---------| | Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | Sweden | | Parent Company | Kape Technologies | Mullvad VPN AB | | Email Required | Yes | No | | Anonymous Payment | No | Cash, crypto | | Last Audit | Sep 2024 (KPMG) | Jun 2025 (Assured AB) | | Open Source | Partial (Lightway) | Full (all apps + infrastructure) | | RAM-Only | Yes | Yes | | Post-Quantum | Yes | Yes | | Transparency Score | 72 | 95 |

Winner: Mullvad. Mullvad's privacy approach is the gold standard. No personal information required to sign up. Cash payments by mail for true anonymity. Every line of code is open source and auditable. Both offer post-quantum encryption, but Mullvad combines it with a zero-information architecture that ExpressVPN's account model cannot match. Kape Technologies' history as an adware company also weighs against ExpressVPN.

App Experience

ExpressVPN's apps are the best-designed in the VPN industry - clean, intuitive, fast, and consistent across all platforms. Mullvad's apps are functional and straightforward but minimal. They prioritize function over form.

Winner: ExpressVPN. If app polish matters to you, ExpressVPN is unmatched.

Who Should Choose ExpressVPN

• Users who want the best app experience on every device
• Streaming enthusiasts who need maximum platform compatibility
• Users who want post-quantum encryption in a polished package
• Anyone who values convenience and design quality
• Households using the Aircove VPN router

Who Should Choose Mullvad

• Privacy-first users with a genuine threat model
• Journalists, whistleblowers, and activists
• Users who refuse to share personal information with any service
• Open-source advocates who need fully verifiable code
• Anyone who values honest, no-tricks pricing

Our Recommendation

ExpressVPN for mainstream users who want a premium VPN. It delivers the best consumer experience in the industry. Mullvad for anyone whose primary concern is privacy. These products are not in competition - they serve entirely different needs. Choose the one that matches your actual priorities.