I’ve always been a bit paranoid about my online privacy—ever since that one time my friend got hacked because he clicked on a sketchy link. It was a nightmare watching him scramble to recover his accounts, swearing up and down he’d never make the same mistake again. That experience stuck with me, and ever since, I’ve been extra cautious about how I navigate the digital world. This Mullvad VPN Review has helped me feel more secure online, knowing my data is safe while I browse.
So, when I stumbled across Mullvad VPN and its bold claim of requiring no personal data to use their service, I was intrigued. Could this be the ultimate solution for someone like me who values privacy above all else? In this Mullvad VPN Review, we’ll dig deep into its features, performance, and user experience to help you decide if Mullvad is the VPN for your needs. Stick around as we uncover, let’s dive in and break it all down step by step! Everything in between!
What is Mullvad VPN? Understanding the Basics
Mullvad VPN Review: Mullvad VPN is a Sweden-based virtual private network service founded in 2009 with a singular mission: providing privacy as a universal right. Unlike most VPN providers that require your email, name, or other personal information during signup, Mullvad takes a radically different approach by generating a random account number—that’s it. No email, no personal details, nothing that could link the service back to you.
This Mullvad VPN Review highlights how the provider is owned by parent company Amagicom AB and has built a reputation for being one of the most privacy-focused VPN services available. Their philosophy is simple: they believe your online activities should remain private, and they’ve designed their entire service around this principle.
Key Features of Mullvad VPN in 2025
Mullvad has continued to evolve its feature set in 2025, adding more robust privacy protections while maintaining its core focus. Here’s what stands out:
Advanced Privacy Features
- Anonymous Account System: Uses randomly generated account numbers instead of email/password
- True No-Logs Policy: Independently audited multiple times, most recently in December 2024
- MultiHop Capability: Routes your traffic through two secure VPN locations for double encryption
- RAM-Only Servers: Diskless servers that boot from read-only media and run purely in RAM
- Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN connection and which use your regular internet
Technical Specifications
- WireGuard Protocol: Default across all platforms, providing fast and modern encryption
- OpenVPN Support: Available on desktop apps for those who prefer this established protocol
- AES-256 Encryption: Industry-standard encryption for OpenVPN connections
- ChaCha20 Encryption: Used for WireGuard connections, offering robust security
- Bridge Mode: For bypassing network restrictions and censorship
Privacy and Security: Mullvad’s Top Priority
When it comes to privacy and security, Mullvad VPN sets the gold standard in the industry. Here’s why privacy enthusiasts swear by this service:
No-Logs Policy That’s Verified
Mullvad maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited multiple times, most recently in December 2024. According to their policy, they “go to great lengths in order not to collect and store data about users’ activities and identities.” This means that even if authorities requested information, there would simply be nothing to hand over.
This commitment to privacy extends to their technical infrastructure:
Anonymous Payment Options
True anonymity requires anonymous payment. Mullvad accepts:
- Cash payments sent via postal mail
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Monero, etc.)
- Traditional payment methods for those less concerned with anonymity
Advanced Security Features
Mullvad doesn’t just talk about security—they implement it thoroughly:
- Kill Switch: Automatically blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops
- DNS Leak Protection: Ensures your DNS requests don’t reveal your activities
- IPv6 Leak Protection: Prevents exposing your real IP address
- MultiHop Routing: Double VPN technology for enhanced security
- Obfuscation Options: Helps bypass VPN blocking
Performance and Speed Analysis
While privacy is Mullvad’s primary focus, performance remains crucial for any VPN service. Let’s analyze how Mullvad performs in 2025:
Speed Test Results
Based on extensive testing across multiple server locations, Mullvad delivers impressive speeds that work well for most online activities. Here’s a breakdown of typical performance metrics:
| Connection Type | Download Speed Reduction | Upload Speed Reduction | Latency Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Servers (Same Country) | 10-15% | 5-10% | 3-8ms |
| Regional Servers (Same Continent) | 15-25% | 10-20% | 20-40ms |
| International Servers | 30-50% | 25-45% | 80-150ms |
| MultiHop Connections | 40-60% | 35-55% | 100-180ms |
Server Network
As of 2025, Mullvad operates approximately 650+ servers across 44-45 countries. While this isn’t the largest network compared to some competitors like NordVPN (with thousands of servers), the quality and security of Mullvad’s servers are top-notch.
Server highlights:
- Diskless server infrastructure
- Owned (not rented) hardware in many locations
- Strategically placed for global coverage
- Regular security audits of infrastructure
Pricing: Transparent and Straightforward
One of Mullvad’s most refreshing qualities is its straightforward pricing model. Unlike competitors with complicated tiered plans and “limited-time offers,” Mullvad charges a simple flat rate:
Mullvad VPN Pricing 2025
€5 per month (~$5.16 USD)
That’s it. No annual plans, no discounts, no gimmicks.
- Same price whether you use it for one month or ten years
- No auto-renewal to worry about
- Pay only for what you need, when you need it
- 30-day money-back guarantee
This pricing model reflects Mullvad’s commitment to transparency. They’ve maintained this €5 price point since 2009, effectively making the service cheaper over time due to inflation.
User Experience and Interface
Mullvad’s apps are designed with simplicity in mind, focusing on functionality rather than flashy aesthetics. The interface is straightforward but might feel basic compared to more consumer-oriented VPNs.
Desktop Application
The desktop application (available for Windows, macOS, and Linux) features:
- A simple connect/disconnect button
- Location selector with search functionality
- Settings menu with advanced configuration options
- Connection status and IP address information
Mobile Experience
Mullvad’s mobile apps for Android and iOS offer:
- Similar streamlined interface to desktop
- WireGuard protocol support
- Split tunneling on Android
- Local network sharing options
Expert opinion: While Mullvad’s interface may feel basic to newcomers, its straightforward design serves a purpose: simplicity and reliability. The app doesn’t need to be flashy because it focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well—protecting your privacy. In this Mullvad VPN Review, the focus on privacy becomes crystal clear.
Mullvad VPN Setup Guide: Easy Installation
Getting started with Mullvad is remarkably simple, especially compared to services that require account creation with personal details. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Generate Your Account Number
- Go to Mullvad’s website
- Click the “Generate account number” button
- Important: Save this number securely—it’s your only way to access your account.
2. Payment
- Enter your generated account number
- Select your preferred payment method:
- Credit/debit card
- PayPal
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, or Monero)
- Cash (mail an envelope with cash to their office in Sweden)
- Bank wire
- Swish (for Swedish users)
3. Download and Install
- Download the appropriate app for your device
- Install the application following the standard procedure for your OS
- Enter your account number when prompted
- That’s it—you’re ready to connect!.
Streaming Capabilities: Not Its Strong Suit
If you’re primarily looking for a VPN to access geo-restricted streaming content, Mullvad may not be your best choice. In this Mullvad VPN Review, it’s clear that unlike services that focus on bypassing streaming restrictions, Mullvad prioritizes privacy over entertainment access.
Streaming Platform Compatibility
| Streaming Service | Reliability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Limited | Works occasionally on some servers, but Netflix has blocked most Mullvad IPs |
| Amazon Prime Video | Poor | Rarely works with Mullvad |
| Disney+ | Poor | Most servers are blocked |
| Hulu | Poor | Consistently blocked |
| BBC iPlayer | Limited | Occasionally works with UK servers |
| HBO Max/Max | Limited | Inconsistent results |
Expert Advice: If streaming is your priority, consider services like ExpressVPN or NordVPN that actively work to maintain access to streaming platforms. However, in this Mullvad VPN Review, it’s worth noting that Mullvad does offer split tunneling, which allows you to route streaming apps through your regular connection while protecting other activities with the VPN.
How Mullvad Compares to Competitors
To provide context, let’s compare Mullvad to some of its most prominent competitors:
NordVPN vs Mullvad
- Privacy Focus: Mullvad has a stronger privacy-first approach with anonymous accounts and a verified no-logs policy
- Server Network: NordVPN offers significantly more servers (5,500+ vs. Mullvad’s 650+)
- Streaming: NordVPN excels at streaming with dedicated IP options
- Speed: NordVPN is about 16% faster on average, based on recent tests
- Price: NordVPN can be cheaper with long-term plans (around $3.39/month for 2 years), but Mullvad’s flat €5 rate is more transparent
Mullvad vs. ExpressVPN
- Ease of Use: ExpressVPN offers a more user-friendly interface
- Server Locations: ExpressVPN has servers in 105+ countries vs. Mullvad’s 45
- Privacy: Both have strong privacy features, but Mullvad’s anonymous account system provides an edge
- Streaming: ExpressVPN consistently unblocks most streaming platforms
- Price: ExpressVPN is significantly more expensive at around $8.32/month with a 12-month plan
Mullvad vs. Proton VPN
- Free Option: Proton VPN offers a limited free tier; Mullvad doesn’t
- Security: Both have excellent security features and are popular among privacy advocates
- Jurisdiction: Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, Mullvad in Sweden (both outside the 14-Eyes Alliance)
- Additional Services: Proton offers integrated Mail, Calendar, and Drive services
- Price: Proton VPN Plus is about $4.99/month with a 2-year plan, comparable to Mullvad’s €5.
Pros and Cons: The Complete Breakdown
After thorough testing and research, here’s my assessment of Mullvad VPN’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros of Mullvad VPN
- Unmatched Privacy: The anonymous account system and no-logs policy set the gold standard
- Transparent Pricing: Simple, consistent €5/month with no hidden fees or gimmicks
- Anonymous Payment Options: Cash and cryptocurrency payments allow for complete anonymity
- Open-Source Applications: All apps are open source and can be audited by anyone
- Advanced Security Features: MultiHop, kill switch, and leak protection
- Regular Security Audits: Undergoes frequent third-party security assessments
- Diskless Server Infrastructure: RAM-only servers that can’t store data
- WireGuard Support: Fast, modern protocol across all platforms
Cons of Mullvad VPN
- Limited Server Network: 650+ servers in 45 countries is smaller than many competitors
- Poor Streaming Performance: Not reliable for accessing Netflix and other streaming platforms
- No Email Support or Live Chat: Customer service is primarily through a ticket system
- Basic User Interface: Functional but lacks the polish of more consumer-friendly VPNs
- No Long-Term Discounts: The flat-rate pricing means no savings for commitment
- Limited Extra Features: No dedicated IPs or advanced threat protection features
Final Verdict: Is Mullvad VPN Worth It?
After extensively testing Mullvad VPN in 2025, I can confidently say it remains one of the best privacy-focused VPN services available. Its commitment to anonymity and security is unmatched in the industry, and its transparent business practices set a standard that other providers should follow.
Who Should Use Mullvad VPN?
- Privacy enthusiasts who prioritize anonymity above all else
- Security-conscious users who want verified no-logs policies
- Technical users who appreciate open-source software
- Journalists, activists, or anyone requiring strong privacy protections
- Users who value simplicity and transparency in pricing
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Heavy streamers seeking consistent access to Netflix and other platforms
- Users wanting many simultaneous connections (Mullvad limits to 5)
- Those seeking the absolute lowest price (better deals exist with long-term plans elsewhere)
- Users needing extensive customer support with live chat
In sum, Mullvad VPN Review excels at its core mission: providing robust privacy and security. If these are your primary concerns, few services can match what Mullvad offers. However, if entertainment unblocking or advanced features are your priority, you might want to consider alternatives like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mullvad VPN
Is Mullvad open-source?
Yes! Mullvad’s apps are open-source, which means anyone can review the code. That kind of transparency is rare—and pretty refreshing.
Is Mullvad VPN trustworthy?
Definitely. Their no-logs policy, anonymous signup, strong encryption, and transparency all point to a company that truly values privacy, not just talks about it.
How many devices can I use with one Mullvad account?
Mullvad allows up to 5 simultaneous connections per account. This is standard in the industry but less than some competitors who offer unlimited connections.
Can I get a refund from Mullvad?
Yes. Mullvad offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked—unless you paid with cryptocurrency or cash, which are non-refundable.
