Mullvad vs CactusVPN – Which VPN is better?
In the 2026 VPN market, Mullvad and CactusVPN are popular options. Our comparison highlights the differences in speed, encryption and price.
Our winner
Mullvad
In this head-to-head comparison Mullvad delivers the better overall performance.
See Mullvad deal →Comparison table
Speed – Mullvad vs CactusVPN
The speed comparison shows a clear gap: Mullvad delivers 88 Mbit/s, CactusVPN reaches 66 Mbit/s. Both values are fine for everyday use.
Security – Mullvad vs CactusVPN
The security architecture is solid on both sides: AES-256, kill switch and no-logs are standard. Mullvad adds No-logs policy and AES-256 Encryption, CactusVPN adds No-logs policy and AES-256 Encryption.
- No-logs policy
- AES-256 Encryption
- Kill Switch
- Anonymous registration
- No-logs policy
- AES-256 Encryption
- Kill Switch
- Smart DNS Proxy
Streaming – which VPN works better?
Mullvad and CactusVPN both work for streaming. Mullvad supports Netflix (eingeschränkt) among others, CactusVPN works well with Netflix. For maximum compatibility we recommend Mullvad.
Mullvad
CactusVPN
Pricing
Which VPN is better for…
Streaming
Mullvad
Mullvad unblocks streaming services slightly more reliably.
Security
Mullvad
More security functions and features.
Value for money
CactusVPN
Lower price with comparable performance.
Our verdict – Mullvad or CactusVPN?
Mullvad secures the win in our comparison. That said: CactusVPN is a solid VPN service and pays off depending on your requirements and budget.
FAQ – Mullvad vs CactusVPN
Is Mullvad or CactusVPN faster? +
Mullvad is a bit faster on average (88 Mbit/s vs 66 Mbit/s). Both deliver good speeds for streaming and downloads.
Which VPN is cheaper – Mullvad or CactusVPN? +
CactusVPN is cheaper (from 2,77 €/month). Mullvad starts at 5,00 €/month.
Which VPN is more secure? +
Both offer AES-256 encryption and no-logs policies. Mullvad packs a few more security features.
Which VPN is better for streaming? +
Mullvad unblocks streaming services slightly more reliably in our test. Both VPNs work with Netflix and other platforms.
Should you still go with CactusVPN? +
Yes, in some scenarios. CactusVPN convinces with its own strengths and can be the more fitting choice depending on your needs.
