Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad leads ExpressVPN by 0.2 points overall (8.2 vs 8.0).
8.2/10, Very good
8.0/10, Very good
Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
Mullvad9.5
No email needed to sign up, anonymous payment options and published audits.
Privacy & audits
30% weight
ExpressVPN8.5
Has published multiple third-party audits of its apps, servers and policy.
Mullvad9.0
WireGuard, multi-hop, DAITA traffic obfuscation and open-source apps.
Security features
20% weight
ExpressVPN8.5
Lightway protocol, kill switch and RAM-only server design.
Mullvad7.5
Flat, honest pricing, though no discount for paying upfront.
Value for money
20% weight
ExpressVPN6.5
Historically one of the pricier options, though the newer tiers narrow the gap.
Mullvad7.5
Clean but basic apps; fewer convenience features than mainstream rivals.
Apps & ease of use
15% weight
ExpressVPN9.0
Clean apps on all major platforms plus router firmware.
Mullvad6.0
Five simultaneous devices is lower than most competitors.
Devices & flexibility
15% weight
ExpressVPN7.0
Device allowance depends on the tier, so check the plan before buying.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | Mullvad | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | No |
| Money-back window | Not published | 30 days |
| Simultaneous devices | 5 | Not published |
| Independent audit published | Yes | Yes |
| Company jurisdiction | Sweden | British Virgin Islands |
| Main platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose Mullvad if…
You want something best for people who want minimal personal data handed over.
- + Account-number sign-up with no email
- + Same price every month
- + Open-source apps
Choose ExpressVPN if…
You want something best for people who value very simple, polished apps.
- + Very easy-to-use apps
- + Own Lightway protocol
- + Router app support
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN: quick answers
Is Mullvad better than ExpressVPN?
Mullvad leads ExpressVPN by 0.2 points overall (8.2 vs 8.0). Mullvad scores higher on privacy & audits, security features, value for money. ExpressVPN scores higher on apps & ease of use, devices & flexibility.
Who should choose ExpressVPN over Mullvad?
ExpressVPN is best for people who value very simple, polished apps. Mullvad is best for people who want minimal personal data handed over.
How were Mullvad and ExpressVPN scored?
Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for VPN services, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.