Mullvad VPN vs Private Internet Access
Mullvad VPN has the higher grade on both axes: Safety 7.6 against 6.3, and Privacy 9.7 against 6.2.
Mullvad VPN
Swedish VPN using numbered accounts; accepts cash by post and Monero
Privacy
9.7/ 10
Excellent
Safety
7.6/ 10
Strong
ID never required KYC 0 Docs reviewed Full review →
Private Internet Access
US VPN with open-source apps; crypto is no longer listed, gift cards still are
Privacy
6.2/ 10
Fair
Safety
6.3/ 10
Fair
No ID mentioned KYC 1 Docs reviewed Full review →
Side by side
| Mullvad VPN | Private Internet Access | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | VPNs | VPNs |
| KYC policy | ID never required | No ID mentioned |
| Custody | N/A | N/A |
| Sign-up | Random account number | Email required |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Tor onion address | Yes | No |
| Coins | BTC, BCH, XMR | Not published |
| Pay with | Crypto, Monero, Cash, Bank transfer, Card, PayPal | Card, PayPal, Gift card |
| Fees | Flat monthly price; 14-day money-back guarantee except for cash payments | Subscription plans; 30-day refund window per the terms |
| Founded | 2009 | Not published |
| Jurisdiction | Sweden | United States |
| Incidents on record | 1 | 0 |
| Published tests (180 days) | 0 | 0 |
Only Mullvad VPN
No email neededNo phone neededAccount-number loginTor onion serviceAccepts MoneroAccepts cash5+ years operatingRefund without ID
Both
Open sourceNo-logs policyLegal entity disclosed
Only Private Internet Access
Requires email
Where they sit among vpns
Questions
Is Mullvad VPN or Private Internet Access safer?
Mullvad VPN has the higher Safety grade: Mullvad VPN 7.6, Private Internet Access 6.3, out of 10.
Does Mullvad VPN or Private Internet Access require KYC?
Mullvad VPN is KYC level 0 (ID never required). Private Internet Access is KYC level 1 (no ID mentioned).
Which has more incidents on record?
Mullvad VPN has 1 and Private Internet Access has 0 documented incidents in the registry.