# OpenVPN Connect vs Mullvad VPN

The clearest difference is rating: OpenVPN Connect at 4.8 against Mullvad VPN's 4.1. OpenVPN Connect also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ratings volume (40K vs 1.5K). Mullvad VPN's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months) and review sentiment (58% vs 45%). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Mullvad VPN sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. OpenVPN Connect asks for nothing beyond the download.

OpenVPN Connect holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OpenVPN Connect has 40K ratings behind it against 1.5K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 45% of OpenVPN Connect's written reviews are positive against 58% of Mullvad VPN's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

OpenVPN Connect ships an update every 4 months, Mullvad VPN monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OpenVPN Connect | Mullvad VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (40K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openvpn-connect/id590379981/reviews)** | [4.1 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mullvad-vpn/id1488466513/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **40K** | 1.5K |
| Positive reviews | 44.9% of reviews | **58.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | #165 | **#49** |
| Size | 31 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [OpenVPN Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/590379984) | [Mullvad VPN AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1507150430) |

## What reviewers say

### OpenVPN Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openvpn-connect/id590379981)

**Currently charting:** #165 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

This official client app provides secure remote access to internal networks and cloud resources using a zero-trust VPN protocol. It ensures continuous verification for every access request, regardless of location.  It requires a compatible OpenVPN business solution to function.

**Highlights:** Secure VPN tunneling, AES-256 encryption & TLS 1.3, MDM-friendly configuration, Device posture checks, Seamless split-tunneling, Kill switch protection, MFA authentication support

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and reliable VPN connection
- 🔒 Secure and trustworthy VPN client
- 👍 Easy to set up and use
- 🌟 Excellent customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connection issues and disconnects
- 🔋 Drains battery life
- 📱 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- 🤔 Confusing setup process for some users

**Reported bugs**

- Black screen issue after app update
- Profiles not working after app update
- Inability to connect to home network after update
- Slow performance and intermittent connectivity

**Requested features**

- Add support for Elliptic Curve Crypto
- Improve profile management and editing
- Integrate with iOS Files app for easier configuration
- Implement automatic reconnect and kill switch features


### Mullvad VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mullvad-vpn/id1488466513)

**Currently charting:** #49 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This service encrypts your internet traffic, masking your identity and location to protect your online privacy. It offers anonymous accounts, no activity logs, and uses a secure VPN protocol. Enhance your privacy further by using it with a companion browser.

**Highlights:** Anonymous account creation, No activity logs, Anonymous payment options, WireGuard protocol, Encrypted traffic tunnel, Blocks third-party cookies (with companion browser)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 30 day subscription | $5.69 | one-time |
| 30 days subscription | $5.89 | one-time |
| 90 day subscription | $16.90 | one-time |
| 90 days subscription | $17.49 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and reliable connection
- 🔒 Excellent privacy and security
- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
- 💰 Affordable pricing
- 🌐 Wide server selection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent disconnects and reconnection issues
- 🔋 High battery drain
- ⚠️ Blocked by some websites and services
- 🌍 Limited server availability in certain regions

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes or becomes unresponsive
- Inability to connect or reconnect after device idle or network changes
- Inconsistent behavior across iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Split tunneling support
- Favorite/frequently used server options
- Automatic server selection based on performance
- Integration with iOS features (e.g., Control Center, Shortcuts)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OpenVPN Connect free?

OpenVPN Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Mullvad VPN free?

Mullvad VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, OpenVPN Connect or Mullvad VPN?

OpenVPN Connect is rated higher. OpenVPN Connect averages 4.8 out of 5 from 40K ratings, while Mullvad VPN averages 4.1 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do OpenVPN Connect or Mullvad VPN have ads?

Neither OpenVPN Connect nor Mullvad VPN shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, OpenVPN Connect or Mullvad VPN?

OpenVPN Connect ships an update every 4 months, and Mullvad VPN monthly. Most recently, OpenVPN Connect was updated on October 28, 2026 and Mullvad VPN on October 27, 2026.

### Which is more popular, OpenVPN Connect or Mullvad VPN?

OpenVPN Connect currently peaks at #165 in the App Store charts, and Mullvad VPN at #49. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*