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Mullvad vs AirVPN pits the two privacy services that need no email against each other. Mullvad, run by Amagicom AB in Sweden, has more than 10 audits in our table, charges a flat price of about $5.40 a month, allows five devices and needs no email. AirVPN, based in Perugia, Italy, publishes live statistics for every server, runs open-source clients, offers free port forwarding on up to 20 ports and needs no email, our review found. It has no independent audit, allows five devices and fails with major streaming services. The biggest practical difference is port forwarding: Mullvad removed it in July 2023, while AirVPN still offers it free.
This guide compares them on audits, torrenting, price and fit.
Mullvad vs AirVPN on Audits
Mullvad has more than 10 audits by Cure53 and Assured AB in our table. AirVPN has none, relying instead on live server statistics and open-source clients. Our VPN audit tracker explains what audits check.
Port Forwarding
Mullvad stopped new forwarded ports in May 2023 and removed all of them on 1 July 2023, citing abuse, our tables record. AirVPN still offers up to 20 free. For seeders and self-hosters, that decides it. Our port forwarding guide explains why.
Price
Mullvad charges a flat €5 a month, about $5.40, with no discounts for longer terms. AirVPN costs around €7 for one month, falling to about €2.75 a month on its longest term. Over long periods, AirVPN costs less.
Anonymity
Both issue accounts without an email. Mullvad uses account numbers and accepts cash by post among other methods; AirVPN accepts seven cryptocurrencies. Our Mullvad vs NordVPN page compares Mullvad with a market leader.
Protocols
Mullvad removed OpenVPN on 15 January 2026 and runs WireGuard with post-quantum key exchange by default on desktop. AirVPN runs OpenVPN and WireGuard only, with no proprietary protocol. Our post-quantum VPN guide explains the difference.
Apps
Mullvad’s apps are plain and consistent across platforms. AirVPN’s Eddie client has twelve tabs of preferences and no graphical client on iOS, our review notes.
Streaming
Neither markets streaming. Reviewers report AirVPN failing on the major platforms. Our Netflix VPN guide lists providers that stream reliably.
Censored Networks
Mullvad has held on in Russia through Shadowsocks bridges with interruptions, our tables record. AirVPN’s Eddie treats every port as its own connection option, which helps where networks block common ports.
Refunds
Mullvad refunds within 14 days of payment. AirVPN’s refund position is unclear, so its three-day plan is the safe test.
Families
Five devices on each suit one person or a couple with a phone, laptop and tablet each. A router counts as one device and covers TVs, consoles and smart speakers.
Linux and Self-Hosting
AirVPN suits home servers thanks to its free forwarded ports. Mullvad publishes WireGuard configuration files and a Linux app, but without port forwarding a home server cannot accept incoming connections through it.
Quick Check
After connecting, run our DNS leak guide and test the kill switch or network lock.
Who Each Suits
Mullvad suits journalists, activists and anyone who values proof of no-logs over features. AirVPN suits seeders and self-hosters who want anonymous sign-up with forwarded ports.
Keeping It Updated
After app updates, recheck the kill switch and protocol on both.
Value Over Four Years
Our tables put Mullvad near $260 over four years at its flat price. AirVPN’s longest term, at about €2.75 a month, works out lower over the same period.
Privacy on Public Wi-Fi
Both encrypt traffic on café and hotel networks. Turn on the kill switch or network lock before joining. Our public Wi-Fi guide explains the risks.
Support
Mullvad answers by email and publishes detailed help pages. Check AirVPN’s forum and support options before relying on it for a home server or a trip abroad.
Routers
Both work on routers through WireGuard or OpenVPN configs. Our router setup guide explains the options.
Quick Rule
Proof of no-logs and simple apps: Mullvad. Forwarded ports and live server data: AirVPN. Both suit privacy purists who prefer anonymous accounts.
Payment
Mullvad accepts cash by post among other methods, and AirVPN seven cryptocurrencies. Neither needs an email to open an account, so the payment method is the main link to you.
Jurisdiction
Sweden and Italy are both Fourteen Eyes members. Mullvad’s audits and a police visit that left with nothing give it evidence AirVPN lacks; AirVPN’s exit from Italy shows its priorities in a different way.
Devices
Both allow five devices. A router counts as one and covers TVs and consoles.
Is Mullvad vs AirVPN a Close Call?
Yes, for privacy purists. Mullvad wins on audits and protocol choices; AirVPN wins on port forwarding and long-term price. Our TunnelBear vs AirVPN comparison sets the two side by side.
Who Should Pick Which
Pick Mullvad for the strongest audit record and simple, anonymous privacy. Pick AirVPN for forwarded ports, self-hosting and live server transparency. Our AirVPN review covers it in depth.
How We Research
This page draws on our AirVPN review, our Mullvad, audit, port forwarding and price tables, and Mullvad’s pricing page. We cross-checked these sources against each other, and where they conflict or something can’t be verified, we say so in the text rather than guessing. We checked time-sensitive figures, including prices in US dollars, on 8 October 2026. The main source we relied on is Mullvad’s pricing page. Our full approach lives on the About Us page.
Mullvad vs AirVPN FAQ
Mullvad for audits; AirVPN for port forwarding.
No; it removed it in July 2023.
Yes; both issue anonymous accounts.
AirVPN, at about €2.75 a month on its longest term.
Five on both.
The Verdict
Mullvad vs AirVPN: Mullvad for proof and simplicity; AirVPN for forwarded ports and transparency.