Comparison · VPN services
ExpressVPN vs Mullvad VPN: which is better in 2026?
Mullvad VPN ranks higher in our list of VPN services (#1 against #6, score 92.5 against 83.0).
- 83.0Editorial score92.5
- 5Platforms5
- NoFree to useNo
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose ExpressVPN if you want
Broad device coverage, including routers and TVs.
Apps for almost every device, including routers, smart TVs and game consoles, with servers in 113 countries. It has no free plan, only a 30-day money-back guarantee, and its site lists no open-source apps.
Choose Mullvad VPN if you want
Anonymous, flat-rate VPN with open-source apps.
Open-source apps, anonymous account numbers and one flat 5 euro monthly price, but no free plan and no port forwarding. It offers fewer extras than the larger brands in this list.
The main differences
- Mullvad VPN is open source; ExpressVPN is not.
Side by side
 ExpressVPN |  Mullvad VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 83.0 | 92.5 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 11 | #1 of 11 |
| Price | SubscriptionSubscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee | PaidFlat 5 euros per month for the VPN; no free plan |
| Free to use | No | No |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Made by | Not stated | Mullvad VPN AB |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Company base | Not stated on site | Sweden |
| Best for | Broad device coverage, including routers and TVs | Anonymous, flat-rate VPN with open-source apps |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about ExpressVPN vs Mullvad VPN
- Is Mullvad VPN better than ExpressVPN?
- Mullvad VPN ranks higher in our list of VPN services (#1 against #6, score 92.5 against 83.0). ExpressVPN is best for: broad device coverage, including routers and TVs. Mullvad VPN is best for: anonymous, flat-rate VPN with open-source apps.
- Which is cheaper, ExpressVPN or Mullvad VPN?
- ExpressVPN: Subscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Mullvad VPN: Flat 5 euros per month for the VPN; no free plan.
- Do ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN run on the same platforms?
- ExpressVPN supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Mullvad VPN supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.Read more about ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN
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