Protecting your online privacy is paramount in today’s digital landscape. A VPN is a crucial tool for masking your location and encrypting your internet traffic. However, standard VPNs might still collect user data, potentially compromising your anonymity. Mullvad VPN and NymVPN are two services designed with a strong focus on anonymity. This article compares these two privacy-focused VPNs, analyzing their features, pricing, performance, and security to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Mullvad VPN and NymVPN are open on a PC monitor.
Features and Performance: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Both Mullvad VPN and NymVPN offer advanced security features to protect your online identity. Mullvad VPN boasts quantum-resistant tunneling, anti-AI tracking, multi-hop servers, and obfuscation. These features aim to safeguard against future decryption threats, thwart AI-powered trackers, route your traffic through multiple servers, and disguise VPN usage.
NymVPN, while newer, is also committed to robust security. It plans to implement post-quantum encryption and utilizes network noise to disrupt AI data tracking and obfuscate its VPN fingerprint. NymVPN routes traffic through two servers by default and even offers a five-hop option for enhanced anonymity.
Mullvad VPN has advanced security features like DAITA, quantum-resistant tunnels, and more.
Performance-wise, Mullvad VPN generally offers faster speeds. In tests, it achieved 71% of native internet speed when connected to a local U.S. server. Enabling multi-hop or obfuscation reduced speeds, a common trade-off for increased privacy.
Mullvad VPN delivered the fastest speeds with a U.S. server.
NymVPN’s performance is generally slower, particularly with the five-hop anonymous mode. While usable on mobile devices, the five-hop option can significantly impact download speeds on desktops. The two-hop mode offered the best performance for NymVPN.
NymVPN was fastest when I chose a U.S. entry and a Netherlands exit.
Pricing and Support: Choosing the Right Plan
Mullvad VPN offers a simple, fixed pricing structure of 5 euros (approximately $5.40) per month. This fixed price applies regardless of subscription length. NymVPN’s pricing varies depending on the subscription term: $13 monthly, $84 annually (averaging $7/month), or $132 for two years (averaging $5.50/month).
Mullvad VPN prices are shown with a fixed cost of 5 euros monthly
NymVPN offers three subscription options and the two-year plan offers the most savings.
Support options differ between the two providers. Mullvad VPN offers email support, with responses typically within eight hours. NymVPN provides live chat support 16 hours a day on weekdays.
NymVPN
Privacy and Security: A Top Priority
Both Mullvad VPN and NymVPN prioritize privacy and security. They have undergone independent security audits and claim to maintain no logs of user activity. Both services allow for anonymous account creation and cryptocurrency payments. While Mullvad VPN currently includes malware blocking, NymVPN plans to incorporate this feature in the future.
The Verdict: Which VPN is Right for You?
For users seeking strong anonymity and privacy at an affordable price, Mullvad VPN is a compelling choice. Its feature set rivals NymVPN, and its simple pricing model is attractive.
NymVPN only has a few options in settings.
However, if absolute anonymity is paramount, even at the cost of some performance, NymVPN’s five-hop mode and decentralized server approach might be preferable. This is especially relevant for individuals facing significant privacy risks. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.
