- Pick it if you are:
- Privacy-focused users and journalists; Linux users
- Top complaint:
- Mullvad removed port forwarding
- Price:
- From $5.53/mo
- Pick it if you are:
- Torrent / P2P users; Households with many devices
- Top complaint:
- PIA not working with Netflix: proxy error on many servers
- Price:
- From $11.95/mo
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
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)
Private Internet Access
- PIA keeps disconnecting or stuck on 'Connecting'(7/10)
- Connected to PIA but no internet(7/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad removed port forwarding(7/10)
Private Internet Access
No signals
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad OpenVPN stopped working in 2026(7/10)
Private Internet Access
No signals
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad has no live chat support(5/10)
- Users left Mullvad over co-founder's political donation(4/10)
Private Internet Access
- Refund only if you contact support within 30 days(6/10)
- PIA support slow or generic(5/10)
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)
Private Internet Access
- PIA auto-renews and the cheap price needs a 3-year commitment(6/10)
- Dedicated IP and antivirus cost extra(4/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Google CAPTCHAs and website blocks on Mullvad(4/10)
- Mullvad is too technical for beginners(4/10)
Private Internet Access
- CAPTCHAs and sites blocking PIA (banks, Google, Amazon)(5/10)
- Too many settings for beginners(3/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Mullvad Android leak on Android 16(7/10)
Private Internet Access
- PIA owned by Kape Technologies and based in the US(6/10)
Mullvad VPN
- Why is Mullvad so slow on some servers?(5/10)
Private Internet Access
- PIA not working with Netflix: proxy error on many servers(7/10)
- Why is PIA so slow on distant servers?(6/10)
- PIA port forwarding not available on US servers(5/10)
Mullvad VPN
No signals
Private Internet Access
- Missing kill switch on Android TV / Fire Stick(4/10)
Pricing Comparison
Mullvad VPN
Limits: 5-device limit, no port forwarding, no streaming-optimized servers, email-only support
Limits: Same features as the monthly option
Private Internet Access
Users: Unlimited devices
Users: Unlimited devices
Users: Unlimited devices
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mullvad VPN | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | ||
| WireGuard protocol WireGuard only since January 2026 | ||
| OpenVPN Removed January 15, 2026 | ||
| Core | ||
| WireGuard and OpenVPN OpenVPN with UDP/TCP and selectable ports | ||
| Unlimited devices | ||
| Networking | ||
| Port forwarding Removed in 2023 | ||
| Split tunneling Needs Full Disk Access on macOS | ||
| Security | ||
| Kill switch Always on; lockdown mode optional | ||
| Multihop | ||
| Multi-hop / Shadowsocks obfuscation | ||
| DAITA traffic analysis protection Limited server locations | ||
| Quantum-resistant tunnel | ||
| Open-source apps | ||
| Add-on | ||
| Dedicated IP Paid extra | ||
| Privacy | ||
| DNS content blockers Ads, trackers, malware | ||
| Anonymous account (no email) | ||
| Cash and crypto payments Crypto 10% off | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Free plan 7-day trial on mobile only, 30-day money-back guarantee | ||
| Streaming | ||
| Streaming-optimized servers | ||
| Support | ||
| Live chat support Email only | ||
| Platforms | ||
| Fire TV app | ||
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