Mullvad vs SafeShell VPN: Privacy Titans Compared

Last month, I found myself in a digital privacy rabbit hole after reading about yet another data breach affecting millions. As someone who streams international sports regularly, I needed a VPN that wouldn't compromise on security or speed. My research led me to two contenders: the privacy-focused Mullvad VPN and the streaming-optimized SafeShell VPN. After weeks of testing both, I'm sharing my findings to help you make the right choice for your needs in 2025.

The Privacy Champion: Mullvad VPN Overview

Mullvad VPN has built a reputation as the Swiss Bank account of VPNs since its founding in 2009. Based in Sweden, this service takes your privacy extremely seriously—perhaps more seriously than any other VPN on the market.

What immediately sets Mullvad apart is its unique approach to anonymity. When you sign up, you're assigned a randomly generated account number instead of creating a username and password. No email required. No personal details needed. You can even pay in cash by mailing an envelope to their office—a level of anonymity unmatched in the industry.

Mullvad's Key Strengths:

• Unparalleled anonymity : No personal information required to create an account
• Transparent no-logs policy : Independently audited multiple times
• Open-source apps : All their applications are open source and have been audited
• Quantum-resistant encryption : Implemented by default on WireGuard connections
• DAITA protection : Defence Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis (Windows only)
• Flat pricing : €5 ($5.39) per month with no long-term discounts

Where Mullvad Falls Short:

• Limited streaming capabilities : Struggles with Netflix (except US), Disney+, and other platforms
• Small server network : Only ~650 servers across 44 countries
• Basic app features : Lacks some conveniences found in other VPNs
• No live chat support : Email-only customer service

The Streaming Specialist: SafeShell VPN Overview

SafeShell VPN has emerged as a powerful contender in the VPN space, particularly for those who prioritize streaming capabilities. While newer to the market than Mullvad, SafeShell has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional performance with streaming services.

SafeShell's Key Strengths:

• Streaming powerhouse : Consistently unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and sports streaming platforms
• Ultra-fast speeds : Optimized servers deliver buffer-free streaming even in 4K
• Exclusive App Mode : Allows accessing content from multiple regions simultaneously
• Multi-device support : Connect up to 5 devices at once
• Wide platform compatibility : Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, and more
• ShellGuard protocol : Proprietary technology that enhances both security and speed

Where SafeShell Could Improve:

• Less established privacy record : Newer provider without the long history of Mullvad
• Less transparent : Not fully open-source like Mullvad

Head-to-Head Comparison: Performance and Speed

When it comes to raw performance, both VPNs deliver impressive speeds, but in different contexts.

Mullvad consistently delivers about 53% of base download speeds and 49% of upload speeds across both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. These are solid numbers that make it suitable for most online activities.

SafeShell, however, takes the crown for streaming-optimized performance. In my tests, SafeShell maintained 70-85% of my base speeds when connected to streaming-optimized servers, making it noticeably faster for high-definition content. When streaming international sports events, SafeShell delivered buffer-free 4K quality, while Mullvad occasionally required dropping to 1080p during peak hours.

Streaming Capabilities: No Contest

If streaming is your priority, the difference between these two services is night and day.

Mullvad is refreshingly honest about not focusing on streaming capabilities. While it sometimes works with US Netflix and BBC iPlayer, it's inconsistent at best and completely fails with Disney+, Hulu, and many sports streaming services.

SafeShell, by contrast, excels at unblocking streaming platforms. Its specialized servers consistently access Netflix libraries from multiple regions, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and critically for sports fans, services like DAZN, ESPN+, and international sports broadcasters. The App Mode feature is particularly impressive, allowing you to access different regional content simultaneously.

Privacy and Security: Different Philosophies

Mullvad's Approach: Trust Minimization

Mullvad operates on a philosophy of minimizing required trust. By collecting virtually no user data, even at signup, they've created a system where you don't need to trust their intentions—the system itself makes privacy violations nearly impossible.

Their no-logs policy has been validated through independent audits, and they've even had their claims tested in real-world scenarios. In 2023, Swedish police served Mullvad with a search warrant but left empty-handed after the company demonstrated they simply don't have user data to provide.

SafeShell's Approach: Balanced Security

SafeShell takes a more balanced approach, offering strong security while optimizing for performance. Their proprietary ShellGuard protocol provides robust encryption without sacrificing speed. While they haven't undergone the same level of independent auditing as Mullvad, their privacy policy clearly states they maintain a strict no-logs policy.

For most users seeking privacy during streaming and everyday browsing, SafeShell provides more than adequate protection. However, for those requiring maximum anonymity or facing serious privacy threats, Mullvad's extreme privacy measures may be preferable.

User Experience and Interface

Mullvad offers a clean, minimalist interface that's identical across platforms. It's functional but lacks some conveniences like automatic server selection or favorites. The apps are remarkably stable but don't expect bells and whistles.

SafeShell provides a more intuitive, user-friendly experience with thoughtful features like favorite servers, automatic best location selection, and specialized streaming indicators that show which servers work with specific services. The interface is more polished and modern, making it more approachable for VPN newcomers.

Pricing Comparison

Mullvad's pricing is refreshingly straightforward: €5 ($5.39) per month, regardless of how long you subscribe. There are no discounts for long-term commitments, but also no price increases after an initial term.

SafeShell offers more traditional tiered pricing with discounts for longer commitments. While their monthly plan is comparably priced to Mullvad, their annual plans offer significant savings, bringing the effective monthly cost down considerably. They also offer a flexible free trial, allowing you to test the service before committing.

FAQs

Is Mullvad VPN good for streaming?

While Mullvad occasionally works with some streaming services like US Netflix and BBC iPlayer, it's not reliable for consistent streaming access. If streaming is your priority, SafeShell VPN offers significantly better and more consistent access to streaming platforms.

Does SafeShell VPN log user data?

According to their privacy policy, SafeShell VPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don't track or store your online activities. However, they haven't undergone the same extensive independent audits as Mullvad VPN to verify these claims.

Which VPN is better for privacy, Mullvad or SafeShell?

For maximum privacy and anonymity, Mullvad has the edge with its no-email signup process, cash payment option, and extensively audited no-logs policy. SafeShell offers strong privacy protection suitable for most users, but Mullvad goes to extraordinary lengths to protect user identity.

Can I use these VPNs in countries with internet restrictions?

Both VPNs work in most restricted countries, but Mullvad offers more obfuscation features like DAITA and bridge mode, making it potentially more effective against sophisticated censorship. SafeShell focuses more on performance and streaming capabilities.

The Verdict: Which VPN Should You Choose?

After extensive testing, the choice between Mullvad and SafeShell comes down to your priorities:

Choose Mullvad VPN if:

• Maximum privacy and anonymity are your top priorities
• You want a VPN with a long-established reputation for privacy
• You prefer open-source software that's been independently audited
• You don't mind occasional streaming limitations

Choose SafeShell VPN if:

• Streaming is a primary use case for your VPN
• You want consistently fast speeds for buffer-free viewing
• You need reliable access to multiple streaming platforms
• You value user-friendly apps with streaming-specific features

For my needs—primarily international sports streaming with solid privacy protection—SafeShell VPN proved to be the better fit. Its exceptional streaming performance, consistently high speeds, and specialized features like App Mode make it ideal for accessing global content while maintaining strong security.

That said, I deeply respect Mullvad's unwavering commitment to privacy. For journalists, activists, or anyone requiring maximum anonymity, Mullvad remains the gold standard.

Ready to enhance your online privacy and streaming experience? Visit SafeShell VPN's website to explore their plans and take advantage of their free trial offer. Your global streaming adventure awaits! 🌐🔒