Choosing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) often involves committing to lengthy subscriptions. However, Mullvad and Windscribe offer flexible monthly options, catering to evolving needs. Beyond just price, performance, privacy, and features are crucial. This head-to-head comparison dives deep into Mullvad and Windscribe, examining their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine the best monthly VPN for your needs.
Key Features Compared
| Feature | Mullvad | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 | Unlimited |
| Support | Email, Chatbot | |
| Free Version | No | Yes |
Pricing and Plans: A Detailed Look
Mullvad and Windscribe VPNs offer unique monthly pricing.Mullvad’s pricing model is refreshingly straightforward: a flat €5 (approximately $5.31 USD) per month. This is significantly lower than the average VPN subscription, making it an attractive budget-friendly option. While other VPN providers might offer enticing annual deals, Mullvad’s simplicity eliminates the need for large upfront payments. Five simultaneous connections are included, sufficient for most users to protect their devices. Despite its competitive price, Mullvad offers a comprehensive VPN experience with dedicated apps for all major operating systems.
Windscribe, on the other hand, presents a tiered pricing structure. Alongside a standard $9 monthly plan and a $69 annual option, they offer a free version with data limits ranging from 2GB to 15GB and restricted server access.
Their most compelling monthly option is the “Build-a-Plan.” Starting at $3 per month, users choose three server locations with 10GB data each (totaling 30GB). Additional locations cost $1 each. Unlimited data is available for an extra $1, bringing the total to $4 for three locations with unlimited data. Windscribe allows location changes mid-month and prorates billing accordingly. However, the Build-a-Plan doesn’t include port forwarding, a feature essential for activities like game hosting, VoIP, and P2P file sharing.
Performance: Speed and Reliability
I enjoyed good upload and download speeds with a nearby Mullvad VPN server.Beyond pricing, performance is paramount. Both Mullvad and Windscribe deliver speeds suitable for browsing and, in most cases, streaming. However, real-world performance can fluctuate based on various factors.
In tests conducted across different locations and times, Mullvad generally exhibited faster speeds, reaching up to 521Mbps download and 100Mbps upload on a U.S. server.
I measured the best Windscribe speed from a U.S. server.Windscribe’s U.S. server performance was comparable in downloads (451Mbps) but lagged in uploads (27Mbps). International server tests revealed mixed results for both providers, with Mullvad consistently delivering higher speeds in European locations while Windscribe performed surprisingly well in Australia. Overall, Mullvad provided a more consistent high-speed experience, while Windscribe’s performance varied considerably depending on the server location.
Features: Beyond the Basics
While premium VPNs like NordVPN and Proton VPN boast extensive feature sets, both Mullvad and Windscribe offer essential functionalities, including ad blocking, basic malware protection, split tunneling, and obfuscation.
Customer Support: Responsiveness and Resources
While WindscribeBoth providers offer adequate customer support for their price point. Mullvad relies primarily on email support and a comprehensive help center. Response times were reasonable, typically within eight hours. Windscribe utilizes a chatbot for immediate assistance and also provides email support and a knowledge base. While they advertise 24/7 chat support, accessing a human agent proved challenging. Email responses were received within a few hours.
Privacy and Security: A Critical Assessment
Both Mullvad and Windscribe prioritize user privacy and security. Their open-source apps allow for independent scrutiny, and independent audits confirm their no-logging policies. Neither company has experienced any reported data breaches. Mullvad enhances anonymity by assigning account numbers instead of requiring email addresses, while Windscribe offers email as optional. This minimizes the risk of data exposure in the event of a security incident.
The Verdict: Which VPN Reigns Supreme?
Mullvad and Windscribe offer compelling alternatives to traditional long-term VPN subscriptions. Mullvad stands out with its simple pricing, strong privacy features, and consistently fast speeds across a global server network. Windscribe’s flexible Build-a-Plan allows for customized and potentially very affordable options, especially for users with limited location needs. However, the data caps and lack of port forwarding might be limiting for some.
Ultimately, Mullvad emerges as the victor in this monthly VPN showdown. Its combination of affordability, robust privacy, and excellent performance makes it the best all-around choice for users seeking a reliable and flexible monthly VPN solution.
