PIA vs. Mullvad

Affiliate links present. Disclosure

Mullvad

PIA

Data Minimization Architecture vs. US/Kape Open-Source Infrastructure

Mullvad

PIA

Privacy

9.5

7.4

Security

8.9

2.0

Streaming

6.5

7.4

Speed

8.1

Apps

7.9

7.5

Devices

7.6

8.4

Value

8.3

Mullvad leads in 3PIA leads in 2

Feature

Mullvad

PIA

Jurisdiction

Sweden

USA

Eyes alliance

14-eyes

5-eyes

Independent audit

✓

Max connections

10+

Streaming access

✓

Free tier

Quick pick

→ Mullvad fits if no personal data at signup, cash payment, and a trust model built on architecture minimization — with a real field test — are the operating requirements.

Visit Mullvad

→ PIA fits if a published client codebase, DNS-layer blocking, generous connection limits, and streaming access matter more than account-level anonymity and ownership independence.

Visit PIA

PIA operates from the US under Kape Technologies with fully open-source clients. Mullvad operates from Sweden under independent ownership and is built around collecting as little user information as the service can structurally avoid. Both position around transparency — through different technical approaches.

If you choose Mullvad

What you get that PIA doesn't offer

Account creation with no personal data — number only, no email. Physical cash accepted. 2023 police office search: hardware seized, zero data recovered. Fully public audit reports, no login required. Independent ownership — no parent company. Flat pricing, no plan tiers.

What you give up

PIA publishes its full client codebase for independent review — Mullvad publishes desktop clients but mobile client source availability differs. MACE DNS-layer blocking is not available at Mullvad. Generous connection limits vs five. PIA optimizes for streaming access; Mullvad trades that for privacy architecture built around minimization. US jurisdiction is a structural concern for PIA, but Kape's ownership concentration across three providers is the more immediate corporate-level risk.

Visit Mullvad

If you choose PIA

What you get that Mullvad doesn't offer

Client code published across all platforms — Windows, macOS, iOS, Android — available for independent review. MACE DNS-layer ad, tracker, and malware blocking. Generous simultaneous connection limits — Mullvad caps at five. Highly configurable interface: encryption cipher, protocol, port, and MTU all user-accessible. PIA is optimized for streaming access; Mullvad doesn't position around geo-unblocking.

What you give up

Mullvad accounts require no personal information — a generated number is the only identifier; no email. Cash accepted as payment. A 2023 police office search at Mullvad's premises yielded zero data — architecture verified in the field. Mullvad's audit reports are fully downloadable without account login. Independent ownership with no parent group. US is a 5-eyes member; Mullvad's Sweden is 14-eyes, but Mullvad's architecture has been tested under that jurisdiction.