Mullvad VPN vs. NymVPN: Which Private Network Offers Greater Anonymity?
When you need privacy, a VPN becomes a fundamental tool to hide your location. However, you may be sharing data with the VPN provider that could help identify your identity and place of residence, as well as financial information. Fortunately, some VPN providers make an extra effort to protect your identity.
A VPN has become an essential tool for those looking to maintain online privacy and disguise their location. However, it's important to keep in mind that you might be sharing sensitive information with the VPN provider, which could reveal your identity, location, and even financial details. Fortunately, there are providers that strive harder to protect their users' identities and make payment tracking more difficult.
Recently, a review was conducted on Mullvad VPN, a service noted for its focus on anonymity, and NymVPN, a new decentralized service with advanced anti-tracking features. Both services offer protection for user identity and hide online activities, although they differ in features, pricing, and performance.
Specifications
| Features | Mullvad VPN | NymVPN | |---------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------| | Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | | Devices | 5 | 10 | | Support | Email | Live chat | | Free version | No | No |
Pricing and Plans
Mullvad VPN has a unique pricing structure with a fixed charge of five euros per month, which has not changed since 2009. This is approximately $5.40 today. It is not a subscription-based plan, as the user can choose to pay monthly or for periods of up to one year, maintaining the same price.
On the other hand, NymVPN offers several pricing tiers: $13 monthly, $84 annually, or $132 for two years, with a reduction in the average monthly cost for longer plans.
Although Mullvad is presented as a more affordable option, caution should be taken with promotions that may lead to significant price increases after their expiration. There are also free VPN options that guarantee basic privacy protection.
Security Features
Mullvad VPN stands out for its advanced security features, including quantum-resistant tunnels and multiple jump servers. The technology it incorporates aims to prevent decryption by quantum computers and confuse AI trackers, thus achieving safer use of the service.
NymVPN, while it has robust privacy features, is in the process of implementing quantum threat protection measures and adding noise to the network to make data tracking more difficult.
Performance
In terms of speed, Mullvad VPN showed outstanding performance with a connection to a US server, reaching 71% of native speed. However, enabling double jump mode significantly decreased speed. Comparatively, NymVPN launched with a minimalist design, but its performance dropped by 65% in its best configuration.
Customer Support
NymVPN's live chat support was efficient and friendly, while Mullvad primarily operates through email, responding relatively quickly. Although NymVPN provides assistance during extensive daily hours, other services may offer support 24/7.
Conclusions
Both services take privacy and security very seriously, allowing users to remain anonymous. Both Mullvad and NymVPN have undergone independent audits ensuring no log retention. If cost and ease of use are determining factors, Mullvad VPN would be the more appropriate choice for most. However, NymVPN may be preferable for those needing a higher level of anonymity, despite its lower download speeds.
For those seeking more options, there is a wide range of VPNs that balance performance, privacy, and features at competitive prices.