Mullvad VPN stands out for its unwavering commitment to privacy and security. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of other VPNs, its focus on protecting user anonymity and delivering strong performance makes it a compelling choice. This review examines Mullvad’s features, performance, security, and pricing to determine if it’s the right VPN for you.
A Simple, Secure, and Private VPN Experience
Mullvad VPN prioritizes privacy above all else. Unlike many VPN providers, Mullvad doesn’t require an email address for signup. Instead, it assigns users a unique account number, enhancing anonymity from the outset. This commitment extends throughout the app experience. A recent independent security audit further solidifies Mullvad’s reputation as a trustworthy VPN provider.
Mullvad VPN
Features and Functionality: Prioritizing Essentials
Mullvad VPN’s Windows and Android apps boast a clean, modern interface. The homescreen displays a map indicating your connected location or default country. Connecting to a server is as simple as clicking the “Secure my connection” button. Upon connection, options to switch locations or disconnect appear. A green banner confirms the active VPN connection.
Users can select specific countries, locations within countries, and even individual servers. While server metrics such as ping times and load aren’t displayed, green and red indicators clearly show server availability.
Mullvad VPN
With approximately 650 servers, Mullvad’s network is smaller than some competitors like CyberGhost and Private Internet Access. However, this hasn’t proven to be a significant limitation in practical use.
Mullvad emphasizes core VPN features over extensive extras. While it doesn’t guarantee access to Netflix or other streaming services (though it sometimes works), it provides essential features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and ad/tracker blocking. The “Lockdown Mode” enhances the kill switch by restricting internet access unless connected to a Mullvad server. These settings are easily accessible through the settings menu.
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, configurable within the app. A handy connection check webpage verifies VPN functionality and checks for DNS leaks and WebRTC vulnerabilities. Open-source apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Pricing: Simplicity and Transparency
Mullvad offers a straightforward pricing structure: €5 (approximately $5.37 USD) per month. While annual and even decade-long subscriptions are available, the price remains consistent at €5 per month. This makes Mullvad an affordable short-term option, but potentially pricier for long-term use compared to competitors offering discounted annual plans. Note that Mullvad has discontinued automatic renewals to minimize data storage and enhance user privacy.
Mullvad VPN
Performance: Speed and Reliability
Mullvad’s performance is impressive. Tests across various global servers using both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols showed average download and upload speeds around 47% and 49% of baseline speeds, respectively. This places Mullvad among the faster VPNs available. While WireGuard exhibited marginally faster speeds, the difference was negligible in practice. Overall, Mullvad’s performance is consistently good, though individual experiences may vary.
Security and Privacy: A Top Priority
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad’s dedication to security and privacy is paramount. From accepting cash payments to its strict no-logging policy, Mullvad goes the extra mile to protect user data. DNS leak tests confirmed the effectiveness of its leak protection. Supporting only OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols further emphasizes its security focus. Users can also customize port selection and obfuscation settings.
Mullvad’s privacy policy explicitly states it does not log user activity, traffic, or metadata. Only aggregate data like total connections and server load are recorded. The recent migration to RAM-only servers further enhances data security. An independent security audit in 2022 validated Mullvad’s no-logging claims. While based in Sweden, a 14 Eyes alliance member, Mullvad maintains transparency by publicly disclosing any warrant requests.
Conclusion: A Strong Choice for Privacy-Conscious Users
Mullvad VPN excels in privacy and security, delivering on its core promises. While it may not offer the broadest streaming service unblocking capabilities, its focus on user anonymity, robust performance, and transparent practices make it a highly recommended VPN, especially for users prioritizing privacy.
Note: This review may be updated to reflect ongoing changes and improvements to the Mullvad VPN service.
