Private Internet Access vs Mullvad vs Opera VPN Pro 2024

Christine Johansen

Senior Editor

Comparing Private Internet Access (PIA), Mullvad, and Opera VPN Pro reveals a number of shared features that make choosing between them difficult. All three provide no-logs policies and a range of servers in multiple countries. However, these VPNs differ significantly in key areas that can affect your user experience.

In our tests, we focused on several important factors, including speed, streaming reliability, and privacy policies. We also evaluated how well each VPN performed during torrenting and gaming sessions. Finally, we assessed their customer support and how they handle user data. Pricing and plan flexibility were also key areas we examined.

After reviewing all the data, I recommend PIA due to its combination of a widespread network, strong privacy, and flexibility in pricing. Mullvad's biggest drawback is its lack of dedicated customer support, while Opera VPN Pro doesn't provide the same level of privacy assurance or server diversity as its competitors.

Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

Best alternative to Private Internet Access

Our Score: 9.9

The VPNs compared here each have their own strengths, but the most versatile service we’ve found is ExpressVPN. It has the fastest speeds we’ve tested, reliable streaming capabilities, and industry-leading privacy protection. You can also try it risk-free since it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Our Score: 9.9

Read more about ExpressVPN

See ExpressVPN's Best Deals

Compare ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access

Visit ExpressVPN

www.expressvpn.com

Streaming — Private Internet Access Works With More Platforms

When testing major services like Netflix and Hulu, PIA consistently provided safe access. Mullvad struggled more with platforms like Hulu and Disney+, while Opera VPN Pro, although functional, had intermittent success with Netflix, particularly in different regions.

PIA has a huge network and even includes streaming servers in 11 popular locations, including the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia. These are optimized for reliable, secure access from anywhere. During our tests, both its streaming and regular servers let us stream HD content on just about every platform we tried it with. For instance, its US servers worked with Max and Hulu, and the UK connections let us enjoy Hocus Pocus on Disney+ UK.

Both its streaming servers and regular servers provided safe access to popular platforms

While Mullvad worked with a few platforms, it struggled more than PIA. For instance, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer wouldn’t load at all. Even after trying a few different servers. Luckily, we were able to get it to work with Netflix US, though.

Its fast speeds are ideal for HD streaming from anywhere

We couldn’t get Opera VPN to work with much at all, but at least it could stream Netflix in a couple of regions. Still, its speeds were pretty slow, so it took a few seconds for episodes to load each time.

We could also safely access Netflix UK with Opera VPN Pro

PIA’s huge network is great for avoiding overcrowded, unstable connections — especially during peak hours. I also appreciate that PIA provides a smart DNS feature that allows you to stream on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, like older smart TVs and game consoles. Mullvad and Opera VPN Pro lack smart DNS entirely, so your streaming device options are more limited.

Winner

Private Internet Access is the better option for streaming because it supports more platforms and devices with its smart DNS feature. Plus, its specialized streaming servers enhance performance during high-traffic times.

Server Network — PIA Has a Massive Global Network

PIA offers one of the biggest networks of any VPN, with over 29,650 servers in diverse locations across the globe. It also offers a selection of streaming-optimized connections to provide reliable HD content from popular locations.

You get access to a much smaller network with Mullvad, but luckily, it covers a decent amount of key locations in the Americas and Europe for instance. We were also impressed to see how stable and fast its speeds are, considering how much smaller its network is compared to PIA.

Opera VPN Pro’s limited server count makes it less effective for global connectivity. This might make it more difficult to find a fast, nearby server and can also lead to slowdowns during peak hours. However, it’s fine for basic protection while you browse.

Of the three, only PIA supports dedicated IPs (as an add-on), making it a more reliable option for safely accessing content from anywhere, which Mullvad and Opera do not offer.

You also get a mix of physical and virtual servers with PIA, providing flexibility in hard-to-reach regions, though Mullvad relies solely on physical servers. Opera VPN Pro doesn’t clarify its server types, making it difficult to verify its physical-to-virtual server balance.

In terms of security, Mullvad and PIA both utilize RAM-based servers, while Opera VPN Pro uses hard drives that store data. RAM servers are key if you’re more focused on privacy protection since they delete user data automatically upon each reboot.

Winner

PIA has a massive global network with a strong reach across numerous regions and unique features like dedicated IPs. Its extensive server count and network stability make it a versatile choice, especially for global connectivity.

Speed — Mullvad Sped Past Both of Its Rivals

We conducted thorough speed tests on each VPN to identify the fastest option. With an initial baseline of approximately 250 Mbps, our tests were performed from the US. We chose the WireGuard protocol for Mullvad and PIA due to its speed, while Opera was tested on IKEv2 as it was the primary available option. The results showed a clear distinction in performance.

Note: As baseline connections often fluctuate, we experienced a dip in upload speeds at the time of testing Mullvad, so you’ll notice that this looks a little off in the table. However, when factoring in speed loss percentages, it still came out ahead in performance next to PIA and Opera VPN Pro.

In our tests, Mullvad VPN demonstrated superior speed performance in most cases compared to both PIA and Opera VPN Pro. While PIA boasts a larger server network, which contributes to stable connections, Mullvad still managed to outpace it in terms of raw speed. This speed advantage gives Mullvad an edge for users prioritizing fast connections for activities like streaming, gaming, and large file downloads.

Its fast speeds gave us smooth performance during data-intensive tasks, like torrenting

Despite being slightly slower than Mullvad, PIA also offers fast enough speeds for data-intensive activities. Its extensive server network helps maintain consistent performance even during peak usage times. We were impressed with how little the speed drop was while connected to Japan, for instance.

We had no issues streaming in HD or downloading torrents quickly

In contrast, Opera VPN Pro exhibited disappointingly slow speeds during testing, even on nearby servers. This poor performance resulted in buffering issues during streaming, slower download speeds for torrents, and lag in online gaming.

It's ok for basic browsing, but streaming can be quite annoying

Winner

Mullvad was the fastest in our tests. It outperformed PIA and Opera VPN Pro in almost all cases, providing steady performance. However, PIA was still fast enough for data-intensive tasks and showed impressive speeds while connected across the globe.

Gaming — PIA Is More Versatile for Gaming

PIA’s broad network provides an advantage for international gaming, but Mullvad’s superior speeds also make it a solid choice for stable gameplay. While PIA’s ping was slightly higher than Mullvad's in some cases, PIA delivered consistent speeds, ensuring smooth gaming sessions during our tests. Opera VPN Pro, while capable, gave us more noticeable speed drops on distant servers compared to PIA and Mullvad.

We used the WireGuard protocol for smooth gaming

Additionally, PIA's customizable encryption levels allow you to optimize your connection for gaming, striking an ideal balance between security and performance. Plus, it offers robust anti-DDoS protection on all servers, providing gamers with a strong defense against potential attacks that could disrupt gameplay.

In contrast, while Mullvad and Opera VPN Pro don't explicitly advertise specific DDoS protection features, they still offer basic protection against such attacks by masking your IP address.

Winner

PIA wins as it provides more connection options, stable speeds, and robust protection against DDoS attacks.

Torrenting — PIA Offers a Proxy and Port Forwarding

We tested how well each VPN integrates with popular torrent clients like uTorrent and qBittorrent. While PIA and Mullvad both support these clients without issues, PIA offers extra compatibility by providing a built-in SOCKS5 proxy. This gives you the option to streamline torrenting speeds with reduced latency, especially useful if you rely on multiple torrent clients. Opera VPN Pro and Mullvad don’t include SOCKS5 support.

PIA’s simple port forwarding setup can help you maintain optimal download and upload rates, which can be crucial for larger files. While Mullvad also allows for port forwarding, the setup is more user-friendly with PIA, giving it a slight edge for ease and flexibility. Opera VPN Pro, however, doesn’t offer port forwarding.

I also like that PIA’s built-in ad and malware blocker (MACE) works actively throughout P2P sessions. This makes it easier to avoid malicious ads, a feature that Mullvad and Opera VPN Pro don’t offer directly for torrenting purposes.

Please note that downloading copyrighted material is illegal in most regions. We advise you to use your VPN responsibly; the vpnMentor team does not condone copyright infringement.

Winner

PIA stands out for its additional torrenting features, including SOCKS5 proxy support, more intuitive port forwarding, and an ad blocker. Together, these options make it a more robust choice for consistent torrent speeds and privacy.

Security — PIA Has Tons of Customization Options

There’s no competition here — PIA has all the goodies for a tech lover looking to optimize their connections. Mullvad offers some robust security features, too, so you know your data is protected. However, it’s not packed with nearly as many options as PIA. Opera VPN, on the other hand, can’t keep up with either and offers very limited features and is also very vague about what it provides.

PIA and Mullvad offer high-grade AES 256-bit encryption, while Opera VPN Pro doesn’t specify. For protocols, PIA and Mullvad both include WireGuard and OpenVPN for balancing speed and security. I really like that you can easily adjust PIA’s encryption level from 256- to 128-bit. While 128-bit is slightly less secure, it usually gives you faster speeds.

You have to have OpenVPN enabled for encryption options

Opera VPN Pro’s fewer protocol choices limit the control you get over performance and security trade-offs.

The three VPNs offer leak protection across IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC, activating these by default to ensure data privacy across connections. However, while Opera VPN Pro passed the IP leak test, the DNS tests showed multiple locations, which didn't happen with the other two VPNs.

Kill switch reliability is also essential, and both PIA and Mullvad provide this to block internet access if the VPN disconnects, preventing IP leaks. I found PIA’s kill switch easily accessible across its apps, giving it a few extra points. Opera VPN Pro lacks a kill switch entirely.

RAM-based servers are another area where Mullvad and PIA both stand out, as these servers are designed to wipe user data on reboot.

I like that PIA’s MACE feature offers you a layer of protection against ads and malware, making it ideal for minimizing web tracking. Mullvad’s ad-blocking feature is reliable but lacks specific malware protection, which could matter if you want both ad blocking and malware defense. Opera VPN Pro didn’t perform so well in our ad/malware prevention tests.

For protection against these threats, it's best to install an ad and malware blocker in conjunction with Opera

You also get obfuscation options with both Mullvad and PIA. Mullvad offers obfuscation through its Bridge Mode (via OpenVPN) and v2ray methods (requires manual configuration). PIA obfuscates traffic with its Multi-Hop feature via Shadowsocks. This makes it easier to overcome network restrictions, like at work or school.

This is the same as a multi-hop feature as it routes your traffic through 2 servers (proxy and VPN)

In terms of extra features, PIA also stands out. For one, it uses multi-factor authentication (MFA), adding an extra step to secure account access. In addition, it provides access to Identity Guard, which scans the internet for data breaches.

Winner

PIA takes the lead by offering extensive customization options, airtight data leak protection, and access to bonus features, like Identity Guard.

Privacy — PIA Has Court-Proven Privacy Practices

Our tests revealed that both PIA and Mullvad offer strong privacy measures, including open-source apps, while Opera VPN Pro lacks essential privacy features.

We gave the win to PIA since its no-logs claims are backed by audits and previous court cases when it withheld user data. So, even though PIA is based in the US, which is a part of the 14 Eyes Alliances, I feel secure knowing that it takes additional precautions to prevent user data from being compromised.

As a close runner-up, Mullvad (based in Sweden) is the only VPN of these three that operates in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. It also takes a privacy-first approach by requiring minimal user information, avoiding the need for even an email address. Although, I’d like to see it undergo a third-party audit to confirm that it’s no-logs policy is trustworthy.

Opera VPN Pro is headquartered in Norway, which like the US, is also a country subject to data-sharing partnerships. Plus, Opera VPN Pro lacks both third-party audits or legal tests of its privacy claims, which can raise questions about its no-logs practices.

For anonymous payment options, Mullvad accepts both Bitcoin and Monero, maximizing privacy by supporting hard-to-trace payment methods. PIA also offers cryptocurrency options, though it lacks Monero support. Opera VPN Pro doesn’t provide any cryptocurrency payment options.

Winner

PIA’s legally verified no-logs policy makes it a strong choice for privacy. Mullvad remains highly secure, too, but PIA’s tested claims offer a measurable edge in reliability.

Works in China — PIA and Mullvad Might Work in China

PIA and Mullvad both offer obfuscation options that help disguise VPN traffic, which can improve their success rate of working in China. Opera VPN Pro doesn’t offer obfuscation, so you’re likely to face issues in areas with stringent censorship.

When we reached out to the support agents of each service, PIA and Mullvad gave signs of hope that they might work in China with a bit of configuration. Both services don’t make any guarantees, but PIA is known to be more reliable. Opera VPN Pro hasn’t responded to my email, and I didn’t find any evidence on its site that suggests it would work in China.

Please note that many VPNs and their websites are blocked in China, as non-government-approved VPNs aren't permitted there. There haven't been any publicly reported cases of tourists getting fined for using one in the country. However, we strongly recommend consulting local laws and complying with regulations.

Winner

Both PIA and MUllvad offer strong, though not guaranteed, features that might let them work in China, but PIA is known to be more reliable.

Installation & Ease of Use — PIA Is Easy to Set Up on a Variety of Devices

Private Internet Access is straightforward to install, allowing you to set it up in just a few minutes. It supports a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, offering flexibility for users with different devices.

Navigating the app might be a bit tricky for first-timers, as it’s filled with configuration options for optimizing your connections. However, it comes pre-configured with the most essential security settings, so you don’t necessarily have to change anything for basic functionality. Still, if you’re a techie like me, you’ll appreciate the control it gives you through these intuitive settings.

You can use the search bar to find specific servers — we typed "streaming" when seeking a connection for Hulu

Mullvad requires a bit more attention during the setup due to its unique account management and payment model. Plus, for some reason, while attempting to install Mullvad, my browser raised a flag of suspicion and blocked the process. I actually had to connect PIA before my browser would allow me to download Mullvad. However, the app layout is comprehensive and packed full of information.

Local network sharing is handy for creating secure connections between different devices, and it's easy to set up

Opera VPN Pro simplifies the installation process by integrating directly into the Opera browser, eliminating the need for additional downloads. However, my experience with Opera VPN Pro was marred when it blocked my debit card entirely after I accidentally entered an incorrect digit. Once I worked around that, I did find that it’s easy to use. But it also has limited overall functionality compared to standalone VPNs.

The problem is that Opera VPN Pro was full of bugs, glitches, and error screens

Both PIA and Mullvad provide reliable APKs on their official sites. I did find that the documentation for Mullvad’s APK was slightly less detailed than PIA's. Opera VPN Pro does not require a separate APK as it operates directly within the browser.

Winner

PIA is the better choice for installation because it offers extensive platform support and a straightforward setup process. Although it has numerous configuration options that may present a learning curve, the overall experience is generally more efficient compared to Mullvad and Opera VPN Pro.

Reliability & Support — You Get Fast, Reliable Support With PIA

PIA offers a variety of support options, which allows you to get help quickly and easily. In my tests, I was impressed with PIA’s knowledgeable staff, who provided thorough and helpful responses to my questions. It also has a comprehensive collection of articles addressing a wide range of topics, which makes finding answers to common questions straightforward.

In contrast, Mullvad primarily provides email support and a ticketing system without the immediate assistance of live chat. Its support was competent, but I noticed that response times were slower, and the guidance I received was not as detailed as I would have liked. Its knowledge base was informative but sometimes didn’t address my specific questions.

Even though Opera VPN Pro offers live chat (Monday to Friday, 8AM-4PM CET), I couldn’t reach anyone when I tried on a Monday during these hours. In general, response times for Opera VPN Pro were the slowest, leaving me with a few unanswered questions. Its FAQs are also minimal and lack depth, making it challenging to find detailed guidance for more complex issues.

Winner

PIA stands out due to its 24/7 live chat and fast response times, plus a well-rounded knowledge base.

Pricing

	PIA	Mullvad VPN	Opera VPN Pro
Starting Price	$2.03/month	$5.39/month	$4/month
Price (On Renewal)	$39.96 per year (subject to change)	$64.80 per year (subject to change)	$48 per year (subject to change)
Money-Back Guarantee (Days)	30 days	30 days	30 days
Number of Devices per License	Unlimited	5	6
Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices)	Some routers (with manual installation)	Some routers (with manual installation)	Not compatible with routers

PIA offers a variety of pricing plans covering an unlimited number of devices. The monthly plan is competitively priced, while the annual and 2-year plans provide additional savings, making it appealing for those looking to save over time. It also provides add-on features, like dedicated IP addresses. You have various payment options, such as credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies.

There’s a simpler pricing structure with Mullvad as it offers a flat monthly rate that does not vary based on commitment length (monthly, yearly, and even 10-year plans). It also stands out by offering all features in a single plan without tier differentiation. I like that this offers clarity, but it’s not as budget-friendly for long-term users.

You can try Opera VPN with a 7-day free trial. It also has a free version, but it’s much more limited than the Pro plan. Its paid plan is reasonably priced but falls short in terms of value next to PIA, which is feature-backed and budget-friendly. Opera VPN Pro also limits its payment methods mainly to credit cards and standard digital payments. It has monthly, 6-month, or annual Pro plans available.

Winner

With a well-rounded pricing structure with competitive discounts for longer subscriptions, PIA is ideal for budget-conscious users. Plus, you can cover as many gadgets as you want under one plan, making it ideal for large households.

Our Methodology for Testing PIA vs Mullvad vs Opera VPN Pro

My international team and I performed a comprehensive evaluation of the three VPN services, focusing on key areas such as streaming, P2P file sharing, and online gaming. Our assessments also include an in-depth analysis of overall speed, security features, and privacy protections. To provide a well-rounded perspective, we considered these factors in relation to each service's pricing structure to determine which offers the most value.

Feel free to visit our testing methodology page to see the specific criteria and procedures we use. That way, you can conduct your own analysis and make an informed decision.

PIA vs Mullvad vs Opera VPN Pro — Reddit Opinions

Most Redditors generally view Mullvad and PIA as superior options compared to Opera VPN Pro. Mullvad is often praised for its strong privacy features, faster speeds, and fewer CAPTCHA issues. However, some users note that Mullvad isn’t the best for streaming, as it doesn't officially support this use case. While PIA is appreciated for its dedicated streaming servers and unlimited device connections, some users report occasional connectivity issues.

Opera VPN Pro receives less favorable opinions on Reddit, with many users pointing out that it's more of a browser proxy than a true VPN. It's generally not recommended for activities like torrenting or accessing content in HD. Some users appreciate its simplicity and integration with the Opera browser, but for more serious privacy and security needs, Redditors overwhelmingly suggest opting for either Mullvad or PIA instead of Opera VPN Pro.