Mullvad VPN vs OpenVPN: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Mullvad VPN and OpenVPN comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Mullvad VPN wins this matchup. Proton VPN is our overall VPN pick. Proton VPN is our free VPN pick. Pick OpenVPN if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Mullvad VPN
Anonymous VPN with no personal info required
Best for you if:
- • You want anonymous signup
OpenVPN
Open-source VPN protocol and software
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | Mullvad VPN | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5/mo Mullvad VPN | Free Free plan |
Category | Security Privacy Management | Security VPN |
Rating | 3.7/5 Trustpilot 3.3 · G2 4.6 · SourceForge 5.0 154 reviews | 4.3/5 G2 4.5 · Capterra 4.5 · Trustpilot 2.7 574 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | 10% crypto discount requires specific payment method. | n/a |
Choose Mullvad VPN or OpenVPN?
Choose Mullvad VPN if
- You want anonymous signup
- You want simple pricing
Choose OpenVPN if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want industry standard VPN
- You want self-hostable
In-Depth Analysis
Mullvad VPN
Anonymous VPN with no personal info required
Mullvad VPN's single flat rate of $5/month is fair and highly competitive, especially considering its strong privacy focus and support for up to 5 devices.
Watch out
10% crypto discount requires specific payment method.
Strengths
- Pro: Anonymous signup
- Pro: Simple pricing
- Pro: Open source apps
Weaknesses
- Con: Smaller server network
- Con: No streaming focus
Key features
OpenVPN
Open-source VPN protocol and software
OpenVPN offers a very generous entry point with its free Community and Access Server tiers, making it highly accessible.
Strengths
- Pro: Industry standard VPN
- Pro: Self-hostable
- Pro: Good security
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Wide compatibility
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex setup
- Con: Performance vs WireGuard
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Manual management
- Con: UI dated
Key features
Pricing: Mullvad VPN vs OpenVPN
| Plan | Mullvad VPN | OpenVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $5/month Mullvad VPN | Free Community |
| Tier 2 | N/A | Free Access Server |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $7 /connection/month Cloud |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $5 /connection/month Connect |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Mullvad VPN pricing and OpenVPN pricing.
Key Takeaways
Mullvad VPN
- Our pick for this comparison
OpenVPN
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 3.7/5
- Larger review base (574 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Mullvad VPN wins this matchup. Proton VPN is our overall VPN pick. Proton VPN is our free VPN pick. OpenVPN has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad VPN or OpenVPN better in 2026?
Mullvad VPN wins this matchup. Proton VPN is our overall VPN pick. Proton VPN is our free VPN pick. Pick Mullvad VPN for security workflows (main strength: anonymous signup). Pick OpenVPN for security workflows (main strength: industry standard VPN).
What are Mullvad VPN and OpenVPN used for?
Mullvad VPN: Anonymous VPN with no personal info required. OpenVPN: Open-source VPN protocol and software.
What does Mullvad VPN cost vs OpenVPN?
Mullvad VPN's paid plans start at $5/mo (Mullvad VPN). OpenVPN's paid plans start at Free (Connect).
What's the main difference between Mullvad VPN and OpenVPN?
Mullvad VPN's main strength: anonymous signup. OpenVPN's main strength: industry standard VPN.