Mullvad DNS vs Google DNS: Privacy Comparison
This in-depth comparison weighs Mullvad DNS against Google DNS along six decisive privacy dimensions: how data is collected, how encryption is implemented, how data is shared with third parties, what privacy controls users get, how transparent each service is, and what their historical track record looks like. The two cover much the same ground, yet they handle user privacy in very different ways. What our review shows is that Mullvad DNS delivers a clearly stronger privacy experience on balance, even though each option has its own relative pluses and minuses that are worth examining closely.
Where the Scorecard Lands
Before the dimension-by-dimension breakdown, here is the summary our scoring produced. Across the six privacy dimensions we score, Mullvad DNS finishes ahead of Google DNS, 48/60 to 36/60. That total reflects a privacy comparison in which one service is consistently the more privacy-respecting choice, even though both cover the same functional ground.
Data Collection produced the widest separation between the two, with Mullvad DNS ahead 8 to 6 out of 10. The tightest race is Data Collection, separated by just 2 points (Mullvad DNS 8/10, Google DNS 6/10). Read on for the dimension-by-dimension reasoning behind these figures.
How Each Service Collects Data
Data collection is the foundation of any privacy assessment. The extent to which a service collects, retains, and processes user data directly determines the privacy risks associated with its use. Mullvad DNS demonstrates more restrained data collection practices, gathering only the minimum data necessary for service functionality. The other service collects a broader range of data including behavioral patterns, device identifiers, and usage analytics that extend beyond core service requirements. We scored Mullvad DNS 8/10 and Google DNS 6/10 in this category. The difference reflects not just the volume of data collected but the purpose and necessity of that collection.
Encryption Implementation
Encryption protects user data both in transit and at rest, and the implementation quality varies dramatically between services. Mullvad DNS implements stronger encryption measures, including more robust protocols for data in transit and better protection for stored data. The specific encryption implementations differ in their coverage (which data is encrypted), their strength (which algorithms and key lengths are used), and whether end-to-end encryption is employed (preventing even the service provider from accessing user content). Mullvad DNS scored 9/10 while Google DNS scored 7/10 for encryption.
Who Else Gets Your Data
How services share data with third parties is a critical privacy dimension. This includes sharing with advertising networks, analytics providers, business partners, and in response to government requests. Mullvad DNS maintains more restrictive policies regarding third-party data access. The data sharing practices affect not just privacy but also the security of user information, as each additional party with access represents a potential breach vector. Scores: Mullvad DNS 10/10, Google DNS 8/10.
What You Can Manage Yourself
How much say people have over their own data depends on whether the privacy controls a service offers are both present and actually useful. That spans opt-out switches for data collection, the ability to download and delete information, fine-grained permission settings, and how simply users can act on the rights granted to them under relevant privacy regulations. Mullvad DNS delivers broader, easier-to-reach privacy controls. Scores: Mullvad DNS 6/10, Google DNS 4/10.
Transparency
At its core, transparency is about how clearly a service tells users what happens to their data. That means how understandable the privacy policy is, whether transparency reports exist, how promptly privacy inquiries are addressed, and whether changes to policy are flagged proactively. Mullvad DNS is the stronger performer on transparency overall. Without clear and accessible privacy communication, informed consent and trust are impossible. Scores: Mullvad DNS 7/10, Google DNS 5/10.
Historical Track Record
The record of privacy incidents, regulatory run-ins, and how a service answers vulnerabilities offers context you cannot ignore. Mullvad DNS holds the stronger track record here, with a smaller count of incidents and a more responsible response to the problems that did surface. More often than not, what a service did in the past is the best guide to its future privacy conduct. Scores: Mullvad DNS 8/10, Google DNS 6/10.
The Final Verdict
When the full analysis is tallied, Mullvad DNS finishes at 48/60 and Google DNS at 36/60. On privacy grounds, the overall winner is Mullvad DNS. Both products meet similar functional needs, yet the winner brings a more privacy-respecting approach to the dimensions that carry the most weight. Still, perfection is off the table for any service, so no matter which you choose you should actively set up its privacy options. Our advice is to round out your pick with additional privacy tools, a VPN, DNS-level ad blocker, and privacy-focused browser, to assemble a thorough privacy posture. Should your threat model call for the strongest privacy possible, weigh whether an even more privacy-focused alternative exists in this category beyond the two compared here.