- Pick it if you are:
- VPN beginners; Frequent travellers
- Top complaint:
- Why is ExpressVPN so expensive after the first term? Renewal jumps to $99.95-$199.95/year
- Pick it if you are:
- Privacy-focused users and journalists; Linux users
- Top complaint:
- Mullvad removed port forwarding
- Price:
- From $5.53/mo
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN price increase 2026 - 2-year plans up about 25%(6/10)
- Why is ExpressVPN so expensive after the first term? Renewal jumps to $99.95-$199.95/year(7/10)
- ExpressVPN auto-renewal class action lawsuit (2025)(6/10)
- ExpressVPN Basic vs Advanced vs Pro - extras locked behind higher tiers(4/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Only 5 devices per Mullvad account(5/10)
- Is Mullvad expensive? No long-term discount(4/10)
- Mullvad refund not possible for cash or crypto(5/10)
ExpressVPN
- Charged again after cancelling ExpressVPN auto-renewal(7/10)
- ExpressVPN refund denied - 30-day guarantee has limits(6/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad has no live chat support(5/10)
- Users left Mullvad over co-founder's political donation(4/10)
ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN not working with Netflix - proxy error M7111-5059(6/10)
- ExpressVPN unable to connect or stuck on connecting(7/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad not working with Netflix and streaming sites(6/10)
- Mullvad stuck on connecting or blocking internet(7/10)
- Small server network compared to big VPNs(4/10)
ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN keeps disconnecting on Android and iPhone(6/10)
Mullvad VPN
No signals
ExpressVPN
- Why is ExpressVPN so slow? Speeds vary a lot by test and server(5/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Why is Mullvad so slow on some servers?(5/10)
ExpressVPN
- Is ExpressVPN safe after the Kape takeover? Ownership trust concerns(4/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad Android leak on Android 16(7/10)
ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN device limit 10-14 vs unlimited devices on Surfshark(3/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Google CAPTCHAs and website blocks on Mullvad(4/10)
- Mullvad is too technical for beginners(4/10)
ExpressVPN
- ExpressVPN Lightway Turbo hides the VPN adapter on Windows - torrent binding breaks(4/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad OpenVPN stopped working in 2026(7/10)
ExpressVPN
No signals
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad removed port forwarding(7/10)
Pricing Comparison
ExpressVPN
Users: 10
Limits: No tracker blocking, no ExpressKeys password manager, no eSIM data, dedicated IP costs extra
Users: 12
Limits: No ExpressAI, dedicated IP not included
Users: 14
Limits: Most of the extra cost goes to bundled extras (AI, email relay, eSIM) rather than the VPN itself
Mullvad VPN
Limits: 5-device limit, no port forwarding, no streaming-optimized servers, email-only support
Limits: Same features as the monthly option
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | ||
| Lightway protocol (UDP/TCP) Default; Lightway Turbo on Windows | ||
| WireGuard protocol WireGuard only since January 2026 | ||
| WireGuard Listed as a fallback protocol in current apps | ||
| OpenVPN TCP and UDP | ||
| Networking | ||
| Port forwarding Removed in 2023 | ||
| Security | ||
| Kill switch (Network Lock) | ||
| Kill switch Always on; lockdown mode optional | ||
| Multihop | ||
| Ad/tracker blocking Tracker blocking only on Advanced and Pro | ||
| DAITA traffic analysis protection Limited server locations | ||
| Quantum-resistant tunnel | ||
| Features | ||
| Split tunneling Needs Full Disk Access on macOS | ||
| Dedicated IP Paid add-on on Basic/Advanced, included in Pro; Lightway only | ||
| Extras | ||
| Password manager (ExpressKeys) Advanced and Pro | ||
| Plans | ||
| Unlimited devices 10 / 12 / 14 devices by tier | ||
| Free plan 30-day money-back guarantee for new customers only | ||
| Privacy | ||
| DNS content blockers Ads, trackers, malware | ||
| Anonymous account (no email) | ||
| Cash and crypto payments Crypto 10% off | ||
| Platforms | ||
| Router app Asus, Linksys, Netgear, Aircove/Fortify | ||
| Fire TV app | ||
| Streaming | ||
| Streaming-optimized servers | ||
| Support | ||
| Live chat support Email only | ||
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