Skip to main content
ClienteleCLNTL
Home/VPN Services/Mullvad vs Private Internet Access (PIA)

Mullvad vs Private Internet Access (PIA)

Head-to-head across 5 dimensions — speed, privacy, value, and more. Scores are independent and not influenced by affiliate relationships.

Reviewed by the Clientele Research Team · Last checked 9 days ago (2026-07-15)
Mullvad
No email, no account name, accepts cash by mail
6.2/10
vs
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Open-source apps, granular protocol settings, unlimited devices
7.8/10WINNER
SCORE BREAKDOWN
DIMENSION
Mullvad
Private Internet Access (PIA)
EDGE
Speed & Performance
How much the VPN slows your connection in real-world tests, and whethe…
7.0
6.0
Mullvad ↑
Privacy & No-Logs Credibility
Whether the no-logs promise has been independently verified — by audit…
10.0
9.0
Mullvad ↑
Streaming & Torrenting
How reliably the VPN unblocks Netflix and other major platforms across…
3.0
5.0
Private ↑
Device Compatibility & Simultaneous Connections
How many devices you can protect at once under one subscription, and w…
4.0
10.0
Private ↑
Pricing & Subscription Flexibility
What it costs per month on the cheapest long-term plan, how much price…
7.0
9.0
Private ↑
Overall Score
6.2
7.8
Private wins
OUR VERDICT
Mullvad

Best for: Privacy hardliners who want the most anonymous VPN signup possible. Mullvad requires zero personal information, generates a random 16-digit account number, and accepts payment by cash or Monero.

Get Mullvad
Private Internet Access (PIA)

Best for: Technically advanced users who want manual control over VPN protocols, encryption ciphers, and DNS settings. PIA exposes more configuration options than any other mainstream VPN, with fully open-source apps.

Get PIA
ALSO COMPARE