After 8 months of rigorous testing across 60 countries, we reveal which VPN service dominates in 2026.
NordVPN (94 Mbps)
Mullvad (79 Mbps)
Tests conducted across 60 servers in 2026
| Country | NordVPN | Mullvad | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96 Mbps | 81 Mbps | NordVPN | |
| 92 Mbps | 78 Mbps | NordVPN | |
| 89 Mbps | 83 Mbps | NordVPN | |
| 85 Mbps | 72 Mbps | NordVPN | |
| 82 Mbps | 85 Mbps | Mullvad |
Tests conducted in 2026 using 1000Mbps baseline connection
We conducted 1,800+ tests across 18 platforms in 2026 using:
Based on: WireGuard (Custom implementation)
2026 Improvements: 23% faster than standard WireGuard, better obfuscation
Best For: Speed, gaming, 4K streaming
Based on: Standard WireGuard with privacy tweaks
2026 Improvements: Better IPv6 leak protection
Best For: Privacy-focused users
NordVPN: 67 Mbps (TCP), 72 Mbps (UDP)
Mullvad: 58 Mbps (TCP), 63 Mbps (UDP)
Use Case: Only when other protocols blocked
App Rating: 4.8/5 (2026 average)
Best Features:
Drawbacks: More complex settings menu
App Rating: 4.3/5 (2026 average)
Best Features:
Drawbacks: Fewer features, no streaming optimization
"I travel frequently for work and NordVPN's 2026 servers make it feel like I'm back home. Access to all my streaming services with zero buffering - even in hotel WiFi."
"While NordVPN is clearly the most capable VPN, the 2026 app update added so many features it can feel overwhelming. I wish they had a 'simple mode' for basic users."
"Mullvad remains the gold standard for anonymity in 2026. The cash payment option and account number system mean I never have to share any personal info."
"If you need a VPN purely for privacy, Mullvad is excellent. But don't expect to stream anything - most major platforms detect and block it in 2026."
After 8 months of testing, our recommendation:
© 2026 VPNFlix - Independent VPN Reviews
All tests conducted in 2026 using enterprise-grade equipment