Mullvad VPN vs Surfshark
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Privacy-first VPN with flat pricing.
The verdict
Both Mullvad VPN and Surfshark are credible vpn tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Mullvad VPN — Privacy-first VPN with flat pricing.
Choose Surfshark if you'd rather have a lower starting price (from $2.50/mo). Affordable VPN with unlimited devices.
Mullvad VPN vs Surfshark: side by side
| Dimension | Mullvad VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $5.50/mo | From $2.50/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Privacy Conscious | Budget Conscious, Families |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Mullvad VPN key facts
- Vendor
- Mullvad
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $5.50/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Privacy Conscious
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2009
- Headquarters
- Gothenburg, Sweden
Surfshark key facts
- Vendor
- Surfshark
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $2.50/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Budget Conscious, Families
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
Is Mullvad VPN better than Surfshark?
Neither is universally better — Mullvad VPN edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Mullvad VPN or Surfshark cheaper?
Surfshark is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $2.50/mo. Mullvad VPN starts at from $5.50/mo; Surfshark starts at from $2.50/mo.
Can Mullvad VPN replace Surfshark?
Yes for most teams — both are vpn tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.