Surfshark vs Mullvad: which VPN should you choose?

Privacy and logging

What each provider logs

• Surfshark: States a no-logs policy, with some data kept for uptime, system and network maintenance, and to prevent abuse. They have independent audits and publish a privacy policy detailing data handling.
• Mullvad: Famous for its privacy-first stance. It does not require personal information to create an account. Users are assigned a random number. They minimize data collection and have a transparent privacy policy.

Jurisdiction and outside pressures

• Surfshark: Based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), which has no mandatory data retention laws. This generally supports privacy, though local legal frameworks still apply to user data.
• Mullvad: Based in Sweden, subject to Swedish laws and European data protection frameworks (GDPR). The company has a long-standing reputation for privacy advocacy.

Transparency and audits

• Surfshark: Has undergone independent audits for a portion of their app and business practices. Audits focus on privacy and security controls.
• Mullvad: Regularly emphasizes transparency, including public disclosure of its server locations and audit practices. Focused on privacy and minimal data collection.

Features and user experience

Platform coverage

• Surfshark: Broad support across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox, and extensions. Also supports routers.
• Mullvad: Also supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, with a strong emphasis on manual configuration and privacy-focused setup. Not all features are as polished on every platform compared to Surfshark.

Core features that matter

• Surfshark:
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• CleanWeb ad/tracker blocker
• Kill switch
• MultiHop (double VPN), VPN for Wi-Fi router, and a large network of servers
• Obfuscated mode for restrictive networks
• Strict no-logs stance, with independent audits
• Mullvad:
• No-logs by design. Anonymous account creation via account number
• WireGuard and OpenVPN support
• Multihop is not a core feature. Relies on config choices
• Kill switch, DNS leak protection
• Strong emphasis on privacy in every design choice

Ease of use

• Surfshark: Very user-friendly, with simple connection flows, quick connect, and preset profiles for streaming, gaming, and privacy. The apps are polished and provide consistent experiences.
• Mullvad: Extremely privacy-focused and somewhat more technical. Setup can involve more manual steps, especially if you want to customize servers or WireGuard configurations.

Streaming and torrenting

• Surfshark: Known for good streaming support across platforms (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, etc.) and practical P2P policies in many regions.
• Mullvad: P2P is allowed on many servers, but streaming support is less consistent, and accessing some streaming services may require more manual setup or less reliable results.

Speed and performance

Speed characteristics

• Surfshark: Generally strong speeds with a global server network. Performance varies by server load and distance, but the network is tuned for everyday use, including streaming.
• Mullvad: Strong performance due to the WireGuard protocol and a focus on lean operations. Users often report stable, fast connections, particularly in regions with good server coverage.

Server network

• Surfshark: Extensive server network with thousands of servers in many countries. Frequent server refreshes and optimization for speed.
• Mullvad: Fewer servers than Surfshark, but a straightforward, well-maintained network. Emphasis on reliable privacy-preserving connections over sheer size.

Connection stability

• Surfshark: Generally reliable with robust kill switch behavior and consistent client software.
• Mullvad: Extremely reliable for privacy-safe connections. Some users may need to fine-tune configurations for best results.

Pricing and value

Pricing structure

• Surfshark: Flexible plans, including monthly, yearly, and two-year options. Often features promotional discounts and a single subscription covers unlimited devices.
• Mullvad: Fixed monthly price, with no long-term contracts. Pricing is straightforward and transparent. They do not offer promotional discounts.

Value drivers

• Surfshark: Excellent value if you want a feature-rich VPN with multi-device support, streaming compatibility, and an easy setup for families or casual users.
• Mullvad: Superior value if your primary goal is privacy protection and a simple, transparent pricing model without tying you to a long-term commitment.

Money-back and trials

• Surfshark: 30-day money-back guarantee in most regions.
• Mullvad: No traditional trials, but they offer a 14-day window for refunds in certain cases and a straightforward cancellation process. Their billing is transparent and can be paid anonymously.

Security and privacy controls

Encryption and protocols

• Surfshark: Uses strong encryption (AES-256) with modern protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. Obfuscated mode helps in restrictive networks.
• Mullvad: Strong emphasis on WireGuard and OpenVPN with a minimal, robust approach. No-logs design reduces data exposure risk.

Additional privacy tools

• Surfshark: CleanWeb, tracker and ad-blocking. Phishing protection; Multihop for extra privacy. Split tunneling in some apps. Can route traffic through various countries to improve privacy.
• Mullvad: Anonymous account creation with no personal data. No cookies in the app to the extent possible; DNS and IP handling with a privacy-first mindset. Minimal telemetry.

Kill switch and DNS leakage protection

• Surfshark: Has a reliable kill switch and DNS leak protection across supported platforms.
• Mullvad: Strong kill switch and DNS leak protection. Privacy-first approach means leak protection is central to the design.

Comparison at a glance: Surfshark vs Mullvad

Which should you pick?

• If your top priority is privacy and minimal data exposure, Mullvad is the stronger choice. Its account anonymity and strict no-logs policy align with a privacy-centric mindset. If you value a clear, transparent stance on data collection and prefer a straightforward pricing model, Mullvad is compelling.
• If you want a VPN that makes everyday use easy and enjoyable, Surfshark wins on user experience. The app quality is high across platforms, you get streaming-friendly servers, and features like CleanWeb and MultiHop help with a broad range of tasks. It’s a solid pick for families, mixed-use households, and media consumption.

Consider your use case:

• Are you primarily concerned with privacy and minimizing data trails? Mullvad is likely the better fit.
• Do you want a feature-rich VPN with easy streaming access, broad platform support, and a user-friendly experience? Surfshark is probably the practical choice.

Final take: neither option is “wrong”, they represent two different philosophies. Mullvad trades away some conveniences to maximize privacy and simplicity. Surfshark trades a touch of privacy rigidity for a richer feature set and smoother day-to-day use.

Recommendation: For most casual users who want seamless streaming and a polished app, Surfshark is the practical pick. If you are a privacy purist or you want to avoid any potential data exposure and don’t mind a more manual setup, Mullvad is worth your consideration. If budget allows, you can even try both via their refund policies to see which aligns with your daily workflow.