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DataSF vs Mullvad VPN

DataSF logo

DataSF

Government

San Francisco Open Data Portal

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite
M

Mullvad VPN

Cybersecurity

Privacy-first VPN with one flat price and no email required to sign up

From
$5/month
Free plan
No
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only DataSF has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • They diverge on capability: DataSF covers Open Datasets, Mullvad VPN covers Flat single pricing.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DataSF and Mullvad VPN actually diverge.

Attributes where DataSF and Mullvad VPN differ
AttributeDataSFMullvad VPN
Starting priceFree$5/month
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebwindows, mac, linux, ios, android
CategoryGovernmentCybersecurity

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), founded (2009).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in DataSF

  • Open Datasets
  • Data API
  • Visualizations
  • Data Catalog
  • Automated Updates
  • Socrata
  • ArcGIS
  • Analysis Tools

Only in Mullvad VPN

  • Flat single pricing
  • Account-number signup
  • Cash and crypto payments
  • WireGuard support
  • Independent audits

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

DataSF

  • Citizen Servicesnot Mullvad VPN
  • Records Managementnot Mullvad VPN
  • Public Safetynot Mullvad VPN
  • Civic Engagementnot Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN

  • Paying for a VPN anonymously with cash or cryptocurrencynot DataSF
  • Avoiding tiered upsells with a single flat-rate plannot DataSF
  • Signing up without providing an email addressnot DataSF
  • Verifying a provider's privacy claims via independent auditsnot DataSF

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

DataSF

Nothing recorded yet. See the DataSF review.

Mullvad VPN

  • Offers no free trial or free tier, unlike several consumer VPN competitors.
  • Lacks a bundled tiered structure, so there is no cheaper limited plan for occasional users.
  • Server network and streaming-unblocking performance is smaller than large mainstream VPN providers.
  • No annual discount, meaning long-term subscribers pay the same monthly rate as short-term users.

Pricing, plan by plan

DataSF

Free
  • Public AccessFree
    • Dataset Access
    • API Access
    • Visualizations

Mullvad VPN

$5/month
  • Mullvad VPN$5/month
    • Flat rate regardless of subscription length
    • 5 simultaneous devices
    • No email required

Which should you pick?

Choose DataSF if

  • You need open datasets.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want data api.
DataSF review

Choose Mullvad VPN if

  • You need flat single pricing.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux, ios, android.
  • You also want account-number signup.
Mullvad VPN review

Questions people ask

Is DataSF or Mullvad VPN better?
Neither clearly leads. DataSF starts at Free and Mullvad VPN at $5/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DataSF or Mullvad VPN?
DataSF has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for DataSF and $5/month for Mullvad VPN.
Does DataSF or Mullvad VPN run on more platforms?
DataSF runs on Web. Mullvad VPN runs on windows, mac, linux, ios, android.
Can I use DataSF for free?
Yes. DataSF has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Mullvad VPN starts at $5/month.
What is DataSF best used for?
DataSF is most often used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement. Of those, citizen services and records management are not what Mullvad VPN is typically brought in for.
What can DataSF do that Mullvad VPN cannot?
DataSF covers Open Datasets, Data API, Visualizations, Data Catalog. Mullvad VPN covers Flat single pricing, Account-number signup, Cash and crypto payments, WireGuard support.
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