Private Internet Access vs Mullvad VPN Gaming Performance and Port Forwarding Compared

Choosing the right VPN for gaming means balancing speed, security, and features like port forwarding. If you get it wrong, you could face laggy matches, strict NAT types, and connection timeouts. We put two popular privacy-focused providers, Private Internet Access (PIA) and Mullvad VPN, through rigorous gaming tests to see which one delivers a superior experience. This head-to-head comparison will give you the data you need to make an informed decision for your setup.

What you’ll learn:

• Real-world gaming performance metrics for PIA and Mullvad, including ping and download speeds.
• A detailed breakdown of each service's port forwarding capabilities and ease of use.
• Which VPN is the better overall choice for different types of gamers.

Gaming Performance: Ping, Speed, and Stability

For online gaming, low latency (ping) is non-negotiable. A high ping turns a competitive shooter into a slideshow. We tested both Private Internet Access and Mullvad VPN on servers geographically close to our location to simulate realistic gaming conditions.

Private Internet Access consistently delivered lower average pings in our tests. Connecting to a server within 300 miles resulted in a ping increase of only 8-12ms over our base connection. This is barely noticeable in fast-paced games. Download speeds took a hit of around 15%, which is excellent for a VPN and ensures game updates and patches download quickly.

Mullvad VPN also performed admirably, but its ping was slightly higher, averaging an increase of 15-20ms. While still very playable for most titles, this extra latency might be a disadvantage in highly competitive esports scenarios. Its download speeds were robust, with a reduction of about 18% from our baseline.

Stability is another critical factor. Over a 3-hour gaming session, PIA maintained a rock-solid connection without a single drop. Mullvad was also stable but had one minor, automatic reconnection that lasted less than a second. For most, this won't be an issue, but for tournament play, every second counts.

Server Network and Geographic Spread

A larger server network often means a server is closer to you, which translates to better performance. PIA boasts one of the largest networks in the industry with thousands of servers globally. This density is a significant advantage for finding a low-latency connection.

Mullvad takes a more curated approach with a smaller but still substantial network spread across many countries. You might not have as many city-level options, but you'll likely find a server in your region. For a deeper look at how server locations affect performance, check out our guide on VPNs for gaming.

The Port Forwarding Showdown

This is where the two services diverge significantly. Port forwarding is a crucial feature for gamers who host multiplayer games, use peer-to-peer connections, or want to achieve an Open NAT type for the best connectivity in console games.

Private Internet Access and Port Forwarding

PIA offers automated, dynamic port forwarding. When you enable the feature in the app, it automatically assigns a random port for your session. This is incredibly user-friendly; you don't need to manually configure anything. The port is active for the duration of your connection, making it ideal for torrenting or temporarily hosting a game server. However, because the port number changes with each connection, it's not suitable for applications that require a persistent, static port.

Mullvad VPN and Port Forwarding

Mullvad takes a different approach. It allows you to manually configure and reserve up to 5 specific ports directly from your account page on their website. Once reserved, these ports are permanently assigned to your account and can be used on any server that supports forwarding. This is a powerful feature for users who run dedicated game servers or need a consistent port for specific applications. The trade-off is that it requires manual setup in your router or game client, which has a steeper learning curve.

Security and Privacy Foundations

Both VPNs have strong reputations for security, but their philosophies differ. PIA is based in the United States (a Five Eyes country), which may concern some privacy purists. However, it has a proven no-logs record that was verified in court. It uses strong AES-256 encryption and offers a reliable kill switch.

Mullvad, based in privacy-friendly Sweden, is often lauded for its radical transparency. It requires no email to sign up, accepting anonymous payments like cash. Its no-logs policy is also robust. Both services provide excellent security for protecting your gaming traffic from DDoS attacks and snooping ISPs. For more on this, explore our privacy guides.

Ease of Use and Platform Support

PIA provides custom apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The interface is intuitive, and features like port forwarding are just a toggle switch away. It also allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, perfect for protecting all your gaming devices.

Mullvad also offers well-designed apps for the same set of platforms. Its interface is minimalist and straightforward, though some advanced features like manual port forwarding require you to use the website. It permits up to 5 simultaneous connections, which is still ample for most users.

PIA vs. Mullvad: Which VPN Wins for Gaming?

So, which one should you choose? The answer depends on your primary need.

Choose Private Internet Access if your priority is the best possible gaming performance with low ping and you want dead-simple, automated port forwarding for casual hosting or torrenting. Its massive server network and user-friendly app make it a fantastic all-around choice.

Choose Mullvad VPN if you are a power user who requires static, manually configured port forwarding for a dedicated game server and values maximum anonymity above all else. Its performance is still very good, though not quite as fast as PIA's.

Both are excellent VPNs, but for the gamer seeking a blend of top-tier speed, simplicity, and effective port forwarding, Private Internet Access has a slight edge. Its automated approach removes technical barriers, letting you focus on the game.

Ready to eliminate lag and secure your connection? Get started with Private Internet Access today and experience a smoother, more protected gaming session.