Mullvad is independently operated and built around minimizing what the service retains about users. PureVPN provided user logs to the FBI in 2017 while claiming a no-logs policy, and has since introduced independent audit coverage. Both have current audit programs; the underlying philosophies differ significantly.

What you get that Mullvad doesn't offer

Port forwarding included. Streaming access maintained as a product commitment. More accommodating long-term value position. Broader simultaneous connection limit. BVI jurisdiction. Current independent audit coverage.

What you give up

The 2017 logging incident: PureVPN provided user connection records to law enforcement while operating a stated no-logs policy. The current audit addresses current practices going forward. GZ Systems is a Hong Kong-based parent. Mullvad's 2023 field test demonstrated that its architecture performs under real law enforcement conditions — PureVPN's 2017 incident demonstrated the opposite under its prior architecture. Account registration and payment processing require more identifying information than Mullvad's number-based model.

What you get that PureVPN 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 — the architecture was verified under real law enforcement conditions. Fully public audit reports, downloadable without account. Independent ownership — no parent company. Flat pricing, no tiers. Privacy architecture built around minimization rather than policy commitment.

What you give up

PureVPN includes port forwarding; Mullvad does not. PureVPN supports streaming access; Mullvad doesn't position around geo-unblocking. PureVPN's connection limit is broader than Mullvad's five. PureVPN's long-term value position is more accommodating.