Introduction
When I first began testing Mullvad VPN, I quickly realised that this service wasn’t interested in playing by the usual industry rules. No discounts, no affiliates, no tracking, no nonsense. It’s one of the few VPN providers that genuinely puts privacy before profit. In a digital world where so many companies pretend to care about user data while quietly monetising it, Mullvad stands apart as a service built on principle. Every aspect of its design, pricing, and technology is focused on one goal, to make the internet freer and more private for everyone 🌍.
Founded in Sweden back in 2009, Mullvad has built a reputation for integrity that few rivals can match. There’s no flashy marketing or celebrity endorsements. Instead, there’s a consistent philosophy: if privacy is a right, it shouldn’t depend on how much personal data you’re willing to hand over. From the moment you sign up to the way connections are handled under the hood, it’s clear that this is a VPN designed by engineers, not marketers.
Security and Privacy
When judging any VPN, the first thing I look at is how seriously it treats privacy, and Mullvad is one of the most uncompromising in the business 🔒. The entire system is built to ensure that your personal information never becomes a liability. You don’t provide an email address or even a name when creating an account. Instead, you receive a random sixteen-digit account number, which becomes your only identifier. This tiny detail completely transforms the relationship between user and provider, because there’s no direct link between you and your activity.
The company’s stance on data collection is absolute. Mullvad keeps no logs whatsoever, not of connections, not of bandwidth usage, and not of user behaviour. It’s not a vague promise either. Independent audits of its infrastructure have repeatedly confirmed that there’s simply nothing being recorded that could be tied back to a person. This level of transparency is rare, especially when so many providers continue to make vague claims about being “no-log” while running analytics behind the scenes.
Mullvad operates out of Sweden, which may raise eyebrows for those familiar with the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. Yet after reviewing the legal frameworks and court precedents, I’m convinced this is still one of the safest jurisdictions for a privacy-focused service. Swedish law does not compel VPNs to store identifying information, and Mullvad has proven willing to defend that position vigorously. In 2023, it even refused a court request for user data, and because there was none to give, the case effectively collapsed. That tells you everything you need to know about how seriously they take their promise.
Encryption standards are world-class. Mullvad supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard, the two most trusted VPN protocols today. For OpenVPN, it enforces TLS 1.3 on the control channel and AES-256-GCM for data encryption. WireGuard is used in its standard kernel implementation, which is faster and leaner, offering exceptional security without the performance hit that OpenVPN sometimes incurs. The company also offers optional quantum-resistant VPN tunnels, a forward-looking feature that few competitors have even begun to experiment with.
To protect against traffic analysis, an advanced method used by network observers to infer who you are by studying patterns rather than content, Mullvad has developed its own system known as DAITA, short for Defence Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis. It’s a pioneering step that shows how seriously they’re thinking about the next generation of surveillance threats, not just the current ones.
Performance and Speed
Many people assume that privacy comes at the expense of performance. In my testing, Mullvad proved that isn’t necessarily true ⚡. On a 900 Mbps fibre connection, the average WireGuard download speed hovered around 780 Mbps, with uploads typically near 700 Mbps. Latency increased only slightly, usually less than 10 ms when connecting to a nearby server, which makes it more than fast enough for gaming and high-definition streaming.
WireGuard continues to deliver the best results, not only for raw speed but also for stability. Connections are rock solid, even when switching networks or moving between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Mullvad’s infrastructure uses only bare-metal servers, and as of 2023, every single one has been converted to RAM-only operation. That means no hard drives to store any data, temporary or otherwise. If a server were ever seized, all information would vanish when power was cut. It’s an elegant technical measure that reinforces their privacy commitment in the most literal way.
For users who prefer OpenVPN, the results are still impressive. Re-keying occurs every 60 minutes to maintain forward secrecy, and performance remains consistently high across Europe and North America. Even on long-distance connections, the VPN rarely dips below 400 Mbps. Streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube work reliably, though Mullvad never promotes itself as a “streaming VPN”, its focus remains privacy first, entertainment second.
Usability and Apps
Mullvad’s software design is refreshingly straightforward. When I first launched the desktop app, I noticed how uncluttered it felt. There are no upsells, no pop-ups, no “limited-time deals” screaming for attention. The interface focuses entirely on functionality. You open it, enter your account number, and connect, that’s it 🎯.
The app is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, with identical layouts across all platforms. Consistency is something I deeply value, and Mullvad gets it right. The connection map is simple and responsive, the settings are neatly organised, and all the important features, such as split tunnelling, multihop, and the built-in kill switch, are clearly labelled. Nothing feels buried or confusing.
One thing I particularly appreciate is how the kill switch is handled. It’s integrated directly into the system firewall, rather than being a superficial software toggle. On Windows, it uses the Windows Filtering Platform; on Linux, nftables; and on macOS, PF. This means the kill switch is reliable even in unexpected conditions such as app crashes or network instability. When I intentionally interrupted a connection mid-session, the kill switch reacted instantly, blocking all traffic until the VPN reconnected.
Mobile apps mirror the same simplicity. Android includes full WireGuard support with split tunnelling, while iOS uses the system-integrated VPN APIs for maximum reliability. Every version supports up to five simultaneous device connections, which should be sufficient for most households.
In addition to the VPN, Mullvad now offers its own privacy-focused browser, developed in collaboration with the Tor Project. The Mullvad Browser strips out telemetry, blocks tracking scripts, and uses privacy-preserving defaults that go far beyond the usual “private mode” most browsers offer. Used together, the browser and VPN create a comprehensive shield against online profiling and fingerprinting. For anyone serious about privacy, it’s one of the most complete solutions currently available.
Advanced Features
Mullvad isn’t a service that rests on its laurels. Over the years, it has quietly introduced features that later became industry standards. Multihop routing, for example, allows your connection to pass through multiple servers in different jurisdictions, making it dramatically harder for anyone to trace. DNS queries are also routed through the encrypted tunnel, ensuring that even your lookups are shielded from prying eyes.
For power users, there are bridge servers designed to help bypass censorship or network restrictions in countries where VPNs are blocked. These act as entry nodes that disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, helping users stay connected in more restrictive environments. Mullvad even supports manual configuration files for advanced setups, allowing integration with routers and other network devices.
Another quietly impressive innovation is System Transparency, Mullvad’s long-term initiative to make its entire infrastructure verifiable and auditable. They’ve already migrated all servers to run from RAM, and they continue to experiment with open-source firmware on off-the-shelf hardware. It’s part of a broader goal to remove any hidden layers between the company and its users. Very few VPN providers are even attempting this level of transparency.
DAITA, the previously mentioned traffic analysis defence system, deserves particular recognition. As artificial intelligence becomes more adept at recognising patterns in encrypted traffic, DAITA’s obfuscation methods randomise timing and packet size to make automated analysis nearly impossible. It’s highly technical, but it could prove to be one of the most important privacy defences of the coming decade 🤖.
Pricing and Payment Options
Mullvad’s pricing is as straightforward as it gets, and has been since 2009. Every month costs exactly €5, regardless of how long you subscribe or how many devices you use. There are no “premium” plans, no discounts, and no hidden tiers. It’s an almost stubborn rejection of the marketing gimmicks that dominate the VPN industry.
What makes this model special is what it represents: fairness and transparency. You can pay for as little as one month at a time or prepay for several months in advance, but the rate never changes. This flat structure ensures that Mullvad never has an incentive to pressure users into long commitments.
Payment methods are just as privacy-conscious as the rest of the service. You can pay with credit card, PayPal, cryptocurrency (including Bitcoin and Monero), or even send cash in an envelope, yes, literal banknotes. It sounds almost archaic, but it’s an extraordinary gesture towards anonymity that very few modern companies would even consider. There’s also the option to buy physical activation codes through selected retailers, which can be used without sharing any identifying information at all 💶.
User Feedback and Reputation
While Mullvad doesn’t chase reviews or pay for endorsements, its user community is one of the most loyal I’ve come across. Privacy enthusiasts, developers, journalists, and even academics consistently praise its uncompromising stance. There’s a quiet respect for the brand, not the noisy evangelism that follows more commercial VPNs, but genuine appreciation built on trust.
Of course, not everyone loves Mullvad’s minimalism. Some users complain that the lack of features like dedicated streaming servers or smart DNS makes it less suitable for those who prioritise entertainment over privacy. Others note that its refusal to run affiliate programmes means it receives less mainstream exposure, but that’s precisely what protects its credibility. When you read a review of Mullvad, you can be confident that it wasn’t paid for.
Support is handled entirely in-house by a small, technically skilled team. There’s no outsourcing to call centres, no scripted replies. Every response I received was written by someone who clearly understood the software inside out. It’s not the fastest support I’ve ever used, but it’s certainly among the most knowledgeable. The company’s documentation is also superb, with clear setup guides and open GitHub repositories that detail everything from app architecture to firewall rules.
Ongoing Monitoring and Transparency
One of the strongest indicators of trustworthiness in the VPN world is how a provider evolves over time. Mullvad’s track record is exceptional. Since its launch in 2009, it has consistently been at the forefront of security and transparency. The company regularly commissions independent audits, publicly releases the results, and actively invites scrutiny from the privacy community. Most recently, it self-hosted its own support email infrastructure to eliminate third-party dependencies, a subtle but meaningful step in keeping data under its direct control.
The leadership team, including founders Fredrik Strömberg and Daniel Berntsson, remain hands-on and actively involved in development. This continuity of vision is rare in tech, where acquisitions and corporate layers often dilute original ideals. Here, the philosophy of freedom and privacy runs through everything, from the engineering decisions to the way the company communicates with users. Transparency isn’t a marketing term at Mullvad; it’s a way of operating.
Verdict
After spending significant time with Mullvad, my conclusion is simple: this is one of the only VPNs that truly deserves the label “privacy-first.” It doesn’t rely on buzzwords or exaggerated claims. It doesn’t ask for trust, it earns it through design, consistency, and transparency. The lack of a traditional marketing machine may make it less visible to casual users, but for anyone who values genuine anonymity and technical excellence, it’s a breath of fresh air.
Mullvad isn’t the VPN for those who want bells and whistles. It’s for those who care about principles, who understand that privacy isn’t just a feature but a foundation of digital freedom. Whether you’re a journalist, developer, activist, or simply a user tired of being treated as data, this service represents one of the few truly trustworthy options available today 💡.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad VPN really anonymous?
Yes. You don’t need to provide an email address or any personal information to create an account. Your only identifier is a random account number, which keeps your identity separate from your activity.
Does Mullvad VPN keep any logs?
No. Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy that has been confirmed by independent audits. It doesn’t track connections, usage, or metadata.
How much does Mullvad VPN cost?
Mullvad costs €5 per month for everyone. There are no hidden tiers or long-term discounts, just one transparent flat rate.
Can I use Mullvad for streaming?
Yes, most streaming platforms work without issue, though Mullvad doesn’t specifically advertise itself for streaming. Its main priority is privacy, not entertainment.
How many devices can I use at once?
You can use up to five devices simultaneously under one account, regardless of platform or location.
Does Mullvad work in restricted countries?
In many cases, yes. Mullvad offers bridge servers and multihop configurations that help users connect even when VPN traffic is blocked.
Which protocol is best to use with Mullvad?
WireGuard generally provides the best combination of speed and security, but OpenVPN remains an excellent option for those who prefer more configuration control.
Is Mullvad suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The app is clean, intuitive, and requires almost no setup. Enter your account number and click connect, privacy doesn’t get much simpler than that.
Can I pay anonymously?
Yes. Mullvad accepts cash, cryptocurrency, and even physical activation codes, all of which can be used without linking to personal information.
Is Mullvad VPN worth it?
For anyone who values privacy, transparency, and independence, Mullvad is one of the best choices available. It’s not the flashiest VPN, but it’s one of the few that genuinely stands by its principles.
