Head-to-head · Virtual Private Network Software
Mullvad VPN vs OpenVPN Access Server
Mullvad VPN leads on 0 checks, OpenVPN Access Server on 2, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreMullvad VPN · 8.9/10
- Free planonly OpenVPN Access Server
- Most featuresOpenVPN Access Server · 1 of 3
Mullvad VPN scores higher on our rubric for virtual private network software: 8.9 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.
OpenVPN Access Server offers free plan; Mullvad VPN doesn't. OpenVPN Access Server offers site-to-site vpn; Mullvad VPN doesn't publish it.
Mullvad VPN is the better fit for privacy-focused users wanting simple flat pricing. OpenVPN Access Server is the better fit for organizations self-hosting managed remote-access VPN.
- Mullvad VPN fits best
Privacy-focused users wanting simple flat pricing
- OpenVPN Access Server fits best
Organizations self-hosting managed remote-access VPN
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Side by side
| Feature | Mullvad VPN 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | OpenVPN Access Server 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #4 in Virtual Private Network Software | #8 in Virtual Private Network Software |
| Best for | Privacy-focused users wanting simple flat pricing | Organizations self-hosting managed remote-access VPN |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Compliance | GDPR | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Mullvad VPN 0/3 · OpenVPN Access Server 1/3 | ||
| Remote access VPN | Not published | Not published |
| Site-to-site VPN | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| SSO support | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Supported VPN protocols | Not published | Not published |
| Client platforms | Not published | Not published |
| Concurrent sessions | Not published | Not published |
| Deployment model | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Mullvad VPN provides encrypted internet access, IP-address masking, and censorship-circumvention methods for people who prioritize privacy. Numbered accounts do not require an email address, and its no-activity-logging policy is paired… Read the review → |
OpenVPN Access Server provides remote access to private networks and resources, along with site-to-site VPN networking. It is aimed at organizations that want administrators to manage VPN settings, users, authentication, certificates, and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Mullvad VPN — where it wins
- Create a numbered account without providing an email address
- Default kill switch, WireGuard, and multihop routing
- Flat €5 monthly price across all listed plan terms
Where it doesn't
- Covers 50 countries and allows up to five devices
- Netflix traffic is excluded from the VPN tunnel when split tunneling is used
- No port forwarding; torrent guidance is older
OpenVPN Access Server — where it wins
- Supports remote-access and site-to-site VPN networking
- Offers varied authentication methods and granular access controls
- Includes PKI, connection logs, clustering, and REST API automation
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted administration adds operational work
- Free plan allows only 2 simultaneous connections
- Growth pricing scales with simultaneous connections
- Mullvad VPN8.9/10 · From €5/mo
A privacy-oriented VPN with anonymous accounts, core safeguards, and flat €5 monthly pricing.
Visit Mullvad VPNFull verdict → - OpenVPN Access Server8.4/10 · Free plan · paid from $7/mo · 14-day trial
A configurable business VPN for organizations that can manage self-hosted infrastructure.
Visit OpenVPNFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





