PIA vs. Mullvad

Affiliate links present. Disclosure

PIA

Mullvad

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

PIA

Mullvad

Privacy

7.4

9.5

Security

2.0

8.9

Streaming

7.4

6.5

Speed

8.1

Apps

7.5

7.9

Devices

8.4

7.6

Value

8.3

PIA leads in 2Mullvad leads in 3

Feature

PIA

Mullvad

Jurisdiction

USA

Sweden

Eyes alliance

5-eyes

14-eyes

Independent audit

✓

Max connections

10+

Streaming access

✓

Free tier

Quick pick

→ 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

→ 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 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 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.

Visit PIA

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