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OpenDNS vs Mullvad DNS: Which is Safer for Your Data Privacy?

Discover how US-based OpenDNS and Sweden's Mullvad DNS differ in protecting your data privacy and security. Make an informed choice today.

Last updated: February 6, 2026Reviewed by Built in EU Team

Should You Switch to Mullvad DNS?

What You Gain

Full GDPR compliance and enhanced privacy protections.

Privacy advantage
Trade-offs

Potentially fewer features compared to OpenDNS.

OpenDNS has more features
Bottom Line

Switch if privacy is your priority; consider features if needed.

At a Glance

Data Location
🇺🇸US

US data laws

🇸🇪SE

GDPR protected

Pricing

OpenDNS

Contact

Mullvad DNS

Contact

Migration
Medium difficulty~1-2 hours

Privacy & Compliance Comparison

Critical data sovereignty factors at a glance

CriteriaOpenDNSMullvad DNS
Server Location
US (Cisco data centers), EU (optional)EU (Sweden)
GDPR Compliance
Partial (SCCs)Full
Open Source
E2E Encryption
Enterprise onlyOptional
Data Portability
LimitedUnknown

CLOUD Act Notice

OpenDNS is a US company and must comply with CLOUD Act data requests, even for data stored in EU data centers. Mullvad DNS is not subject to US jurisdiction.

Switching from
OpenDNS logo

OpenDNS

🇺🇸

Cisco

VS
Switching to
Mullvad DNS logo

Mullvad DNS

🇸🇪

Mullvad DNS

US Data Storage

Data subject to US CLOUD Act and may be accessed by US authorities

EU Data Protection

Data protected under GDPR with EU-only data residency

Certifications & Compliance

No certifications listed

EU-Based
Open Source
GDPR Compliant
EU-hosted

Reasons to Switch

  • Mullvad DNS servers are located in Sweden, ensuring EU data protection.
  • Full GDPR compliance enhances user privacy and data rights.
  • Optional end-to-end encryption protects DNS queries from eavesdropping.
  • Mullvad's focus on privacy aligns with their no-logs policy for users.

Things to Consider

  • !Migration may require reconfiguring devices for new DNS settings.
  • !Mullvad lacks some advanced features found in OpenDNS, like phishing protection.
  • !Learning curve for users unfamiliar with Mullvad's interface and options.
Migration difficulty:
Medium
~1-2 hours

Migration Overview

Full guide
Difficulty
Medium
Time Estimate
~1-2 hours

Depends on data size and complexity

Quick Steps

1

Create Mullvad DNS account and configure settings

2

Export and prepare data from OpenDNS

3

Import data, test integrations, and migrate users

Other alternatives to OpenDNS

Ready to make the switch?

Start using Mullvad DNS today and take control of your data privacy.