Mullvad VPN Review 2025: Privacy-First VPN That Keeps It Simple
Mullvad VPN focuses purely on privacy with anonymous accounts and cash payments. Great for privacy nerds, not so much for streaming fans.
Updated:
July 6, 2025
Screenshots Update:
Today
Devices:
5
Servers:
735+
Countries:
49+
Founded:
2009
Country:
Sweden
Executive Summary
Mullvad VPN is what happens when privacy advocates build a VPN service – it's refreshingly honest and completely focused on keeping your online activities private. Instead of flashy marketing promises, you get anonymous account numbers, the ability to pay with cash in the mail, and a straightforward 5 euros per month regardless of how long you commit.
The good stuff: rock-solid privacy practices with independent audits to prove it, WireGuard protocol for reliable speeds, and genuinely anonymous signup (no email required). Their multihop feature adds extra security layers if you're feeling particularly cautious, and their customer support actually knows what they're talking about.
The not-so-good: they're upfront about not caring if you can stream Netflix, their server network is smaller than competitors, and the minimalist approach might feel boring if you like lots of features and settings to tinker with.
You should consider Mullvad if privacy is your main concern and you appreciate companies that don't try to be everything to everyone. Skip it if you primarily want to unlock streaming content or need the cheapest option available.
The good stuff: rock-solid privacy practices with independent audits to prove it, WireGuard protocol for reliable speeds, and genuinely anonymous signup (no email required). Their multihop feature adds extra security layers if you're feeling particularly cautious, and their customer support actually knows what they're talking about.
The not-so-good: they're upfront about not caring if you can stream Netflix, their server network is smaller than competitors, and the minimalist approach might feel boring if you like lots of features and settings to tinker with.
You should consider Mullvad if privacy is your main concern and you appreciate companies that don't try to be everything to everyone. Skip it if you primarily want to unlock streaming content or need the cheapest option available.
Cons
- No port forwarding support
- No dedicated IP option
- Limited to 5 simultaneous connections
Features & Performance
Mullvad keeps things refreshingly simple when it comes to their network setup. They've got servers scattered across the globe in all the places you'd actually want to connect from – think major cities in Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond. It's not the biggest network out there, but it's like having a reliable friend in every major city rather than acquaintances everywhere.
Speed-wise, Mullvad uses WireGuard as their go-to protocol, which is basically the sports car of VPN protocols – fast, modern, and efficient. Think of protocols as different routes to your destination: some are scenic but slow, others are direct highways. WireGuard is definitely the highway option. They also support OpenVPN if you're feeling old-school, but honestly, WireGuard is where the magic happens.
Now, let's talk streaming – this is where Mullvad gets a bit quirky. They're not really trying to be your Netflix-unblocking superhero. In fact, they're pretty upfront about not focusing on streaming services. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we're here for your privacy, not your binge-watching habits." Some servers might work with streaming platforms, but it's more of a happy accident than a guarantee.
What makes Mullvad stand out is their no-nonsense approach to privacy features. They've got all the technical goodies like IPv6 leak protection and DNS leak protection, plus they offer something called "multihop" – which is like taking two different secret tunnels instead of one for extra security. It's overkill for most people, but hey, some folks like their privacy extra crispy.
The real-world performance is solid and consistent. You're not going to see those crazy "lightning fast" speeds some VPNs promise, but you'll get reliable, steady performance that won't make you want to throw your laptop out the window.
Speed-wise, Mullvad uses WireGuard as their go-to protocol, which is basically the sports car of VPN protocols – fast, modern, and efficient. Think of protocols as different routes to your destination: some are scenic but slow, others are direct highways. WireGuard is definitely the highway option. They also support OpenVPN if you're feeling old-school, but honestly, WireGuard is where the magic happens.
Now, let's talk streaming – this is where Mullvad gets a bit quirky. They're not really trying to be your Netflix-unblocking superhero. In fact, they're pretty upfront about not focusing on streaming services. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we're here for your privacy, not your binge-watching habits." Some servers might work with streaming platforms, but it's more of a happy accident than a guarantee.
What makes Mullvad stand out is their no-nonsense approach to privacy features. They've got all the technical goodies like IPv6 leak protection and DNS leak protection, plus they offer something called "multihop" – which is like taking two different secret tunnels instead of one for extra security. It's overkill for most people, but hey, some folks like their privacy extra crispy.
The real-world performance is solid and consistent. You're not going to see those crazy "lightning fast" speeds some VPNs promise, but you'll get reliable, steady performance that won't make you want to throw your laptop out the window.
User Experience
Setting up Mullvad is refreshingly different from other VPNs, and I mean that in the best way possible. Instead of asking for your email, phone number, and probably your favorite pizza topping, they just give you a random account number. That's it. It's like getting a secret agent code name, except it's just a bunch of digits and it protects your internet traffic.
The app itself works on pretty much everything – Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and even some routers if you're feeling adventurous. The interface is clean and minimalist, kind of like if Apple designed a VPN app but forgot to make it shiny. Some people love this no-frills approach, while others might miss the flashy graphics and hand-holding that other VPNs offer.
Using the app day-to-day is pretty straightforward. You pick a server, hit connect, and you're good to go. There's no overwhelming list of features or confusing settings that make you feel like you need a computer science degree. The app tells you when you're connected, shows your new IP address, and that's about it. It's like having a really reliable car – not fancy, but it gets you where you need to go without drama.
Customer support is where Mullvad shows they actually care about their users. They respond to emails pretty quickly, and their support team actually knows what they're talking about. No chatbots trying to sell you premium plans or reading from scripts that don't make sense.
One quirky thing you'll notice is that you can use your account on up to 5 devices, which is pretty standard. The account management is all done through their website, and it's surprisingly user-friendly for something so privacy-focused.
The app itself works on pretty much everything – Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and even some routers if you're feeling adventurous. The interface is clean and minimalist, kind of like if Apple designed a VPN app but forgot to make it shiny. Some people love this no-frills approach, while others might miss the flashy graphics and hand-holding that other VPNs offer.
Using the app day-to-day is pretty straightforward. You pick a server, hit connect, and you're good to go. There's no overwhelming list of features or confusing settings that make you feel like you need a computer science degree. The app tells you when you're connected, shows your new IP address, and that's about it. It's like having a really reliable car – not fancy, but it gets you where you need to go without drama.
Customer support is where Mullvad shows they actually care about their users. They respond to emails pretty quickly, and their support team actually knows what they're talking about. No chatbots trying to sell you premium plans or reading from scripts that don't make sense.
One quirky thing you'll notice is that you can use your account on up to 5 devices, which is pretty standard. The account management is all done through their website, and it's surprisingly user-friendly for something so privacy-focused.
Features & Security
Security & Privacy
No Logging Policy
Independent Security Audit
RAM-Only Servers
Advanced Features
Dedicated IP Available
Port Forwarding
24/7 Customer Support
Security & Privacy
Here's where Mullvad really shines – they're basically the privacy nerds of the VPN world, and they wear that badge with pride. Their encryption is top-notch AES-256, which is like having a vault door protecting your data instead of just a regular lock. Even if someone wanted to crack it, they'd need more computing power than exists on Earth and a few hundred years to spare.
Their no-logs policy isn't just marketing fluff – they've actually been audited by independent security firms who basically went through their systems with a fine-tooth comb. Think of it like having privacy experts check their homework to make sure they're not secretly keeping tabs on what you're doing online. The audits confirmed what Mullvad has been saying all along: they literally can't tell anyone what you've been up to because they don't keep records of it.
Being based in Sweden is interesting from a privacy standpoint. While Sweden isn't quite the privacy fortress that Switzerland is, they're still pretty solid when it comes to protecting user data. They're not in the "14 Eyes" surveillance alliance, which means they're not obligated to share data with countries that might be a bit too curious about your online activities.
What's really cool is their approach to anonymity. You can literally mail them cash to pay for your service – no credit cards, no PayPal, just cold hard cash in an envelope. It's like something out of a spy movie, except you're just trying to watch YouTube without being tracked.
They also offer some advanced features like multihop connections, which route your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. It's like taking two different secret tunnels to reach your destination – probably overkill for most people, but available if you're feeling extra paranoid.
The company is also transparent about their infrastructure, regularly publishing transparency reports and being open about any government requests they receive.
Their no-logs policy isn't just marketing fluff – they've actually been audited by independent security firms who basically went through their systems with a fine-tooth comb. Think of it like having privacy experts check their homework to make sure they're not secretly keeping tabs on what you're doing online. The audits confirmed what Mullvad has been saying all along: they literally can't tell anyone what you've been up to because they don't keep records of it.
Being based in Sweden is interesting from a privacy standpoint. While Sweden isn't quite the privacy fortress that Switzerland is, they're still pretty solid when it comes to protecting user data. They're not in the "14 Eyes" surveillance alliance, which means they're not obligated to share data with countries that might be a bit too curious about your online activities.
What's really cool is their approach to anonymity. You can literally mail them cash to pay for your service – no credit cards, no PayPal, just cold hard cash in an envelope. It's like something out of a spy movie, except you're just trying to watch YouTube without being tracked.
They also offer some advanced features like multihop connections, which route your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. It's like taking two different secret tunnels to reach your destination – probably overkill for most people, but available if you're feeling extra paranoid.
The company is also transparent about their infrastructure, regularly publishing transparency reports and being open about any government requests they receive.
Pricing & Plans
Mullvad's pricing is probably the most straightforward thing you'll encounter in the VPN world. It's 5 euros per month, period. Doesn't matter if you pay for one month or ten years – same price. It's like that honest restaurant that charges the same for lunch and dinner instead of trying to trick you with complicated pricing schemes.
At roughly $6 per month, it's sitting pretty comfortably in the middle of the VPN pricing spectrum. You're not getting a bargain basement deal, but you're also not paying premium prices for features you'll probably never use. It's like buying a solid, reliable car instead of either a clunker or a luxury vehicle with heated cup holders.
The payment options are where things get interesting. Sure, they take credit cards and PayPal like everyone else, but they also accept Bitcoin, Monero, and literal cash in the mail. If you pay with cryptocurrency, you even get a 10% discount, which is their way of saying "thanks for making our accounting easier."
They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, though there's a catch with cash payments – obviously, they can't refund cash you mailed them because of anti-money laundering rules. Makes sense when you think about it.
Is it worth the cost? If you're primarily looking for privacy and don't care about unblocking Netflix or having the fastest speeds on the planet, absolutely. It's perfect for people who want solid, reliable privacy protection without the bells and whistles. However, if you're mainly wanting to stream geo-blocked content or need the cheapest option possible, you might want to look elsewhere.
The value proposition is pretty clear: you're paying for honest, no-nonsense privacy protection from a company that actually walks the walk.
At roughly $6 per month, it's sitting pretty comfortably in the middle of the VPN pricing spectrum. You're not getting a bargain basement deal, but you're also not paying premium prices for features you'll probably never use. It's like buying a solid, reliable car instead of either a clunker or a luxury vehicle with heated cup holders.
The payment options are where things get interesting. Sure, they take credit cards and PayPal like everyone else, but they also accept Bitcoin, Monero, and literal cash in the mail. If you pay with cryptocurrency, you even get a 10% discount, which is their way of saying "thanks for making our accounting easier."
They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, though there's a catch with cash payments – obviously, they can't refund cash you mailed them because of anti-money laundering rules. Makes sense when you think about it.
Is it worth the cost? If you're primarily looking for privacy and don't care about unblocking Netflix or having the fastest speeds on the planet, absolutely. It's perfect for people who want solid, reliable privacy protection without the bells and whistles. However, if you're mainly wanting to stream geo-blocked content or need the cheapest option possible, you might want to look elsewhere.
The value proposition is pretty clear: you're paying for honest, no-nonsense privacy protection from a company that actually walks the walk.
The Bottom Line
Mullvad delivers exactly what it promises – serious privacy protection without the marketing fluff or feature bloat that clutters most VPN services. This is perfect for privacy-conscious users who want a VPN that actually respects their anonymity, tech-savvy folks who appreciate the honest approach, and anyone tired of VPNs that overpromise and underdeliver on privacy.
If you value straightforward privacy protection over streaming capabilities and don't mind paying a fair price for genuine anonymity, Mullvad is worth trying. Their 30-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to see if their no-nonsense approach fits your needs. Just remember – if your main goal is unblocking geo-restricted content, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.
If you value straightforward privacy protection over streaming capabilities and don't mind paying a fair price for genuine anonymity, Mullvad is worth trying. Their 30-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to see if their no-nonsense approach fits your needs. Just remember – if your main goal is unblocking geo-restricted content, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.
Try Mullvad Risk-Free
14-day money-back guarantee • No questions asked
Our Scores Explained
Overall: 8.1 [25th of 34]
Our Overall score is simply the average of the four component scores below.
Price: 8.0 [29th of 34]
Flat €5/month pricing regardless of term length offers good transparency and flexibility. 14-day money back guarantee is shorter than premium competitors but acceptable. Cryptocurrency payment with 10% discount and cash payment options add value for privacy-conscious users.
Security: 9.2 [11th of 34]
Excellent privacy credentials with verified no-logs policy, independent audits, and Sweden jurisdiction (outside 5/9/14 eyes). Anonymous account creation with no personal information required. Strong encryption and privacy focus, though lacks RAM-only servers which prevents a perfect score.
Features: 7.8 [22nd of 34]
735 servers across 49 countries with 5 device connections is decent coverage. Has standard VPN protocols and kill switch, but lacks key premium features like dedicated IP, port forwarding (recently removed), and split tunneling. Server count is moderate for the market.
Experience: 7.4 [31st of 34]
Simple account generation and setup process with clean apps. However, lacks 24/7 support which limits user experience. The straightforward pricing model and multi-platform availability help, but support limitations prevent a higher score.
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