Mullvad VPN Review: Maximum Privacy With Real Trade-Offs [2025]

Mullvad VPN Review: Maximum Privacy With Real Trade-Offs

Here's the thing about VPNs: they're sold like magic. Marketing materials promise complete anonymity, military-grade encryption, and total online freedom. Reality's messier.

Mullvad doesn't promise magic. Instead, it obsesses over one thing: privacy. Not convenience. Not speed. Not streaming Netflix from five continents. Privacy.

The Swedish company—named after the word for "mole," a creature that digs underground—has built something genuinely different. No email required. No account creation the traditional way. No cookie tracking on their website. No data collection beyond what's technically necessary to run a VPN service. They even let you pay in cash. Actually cash. Like handing someone physical money and getting access to a global network.

I've tested Mullvad VPN for weeks across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. I ran speed tests, security audits, streaming checks, and leak tests. I looked at their pricing, their privacy practices, and what happens when governments ask them for user data.

The verdict? Mullvad genuinely cares about privacy more than any other major VPN provider. But that commitment comes with real compromises. Understanding what you gain and what you lose is essential before signing up.

TL; DR

• Privacy first: No email accounts, random 16-digit identifiers, cash payments accepted, zero marketing tracking
• Rock-solid security: WireGuard protocol only, no IP leaks detected, quantum-resistant encryption available
• Speed trade-off: 26% download speed reduction is noticeable but consistent and acceptable for privacy-first users
• Limited features: No fastest server button, browser extension only in Firefox beta, fewer streaming optimizations than competitors
• Excellent value: €5/month (roughly $5.50 USD) with no forced auto-renewal, 14-day refund policy
• Bottom line: Best for privacy advocates and journalists. Not ideal for speed demons or casual streamers.

Mullvad offers a more privacy-focused service by not requiring an email, allowing cash payments, and avoiding marketing cookies, unlike Proton VPN. Estimated data based on service descriptions.

What Makes Mullvad Different From Other VPNs

Most VPN providers talk about privacy while building business models around data collection. They track sessions for billing, store user information for customer support, use analytics to understand behavior, place cookies on websites to drive conversions.

Proton VPN, often cited as privacy-focused, still requires an email address to create an account. They still use marketing cookies on their website. These aren't catastrophic privacy failures, but they're compromises.

Mullvad operates differently. Instead of an email-based account, you get a randomly generated 16-digit code. That's it. That's your entire account. No verification needed. No recovery emails. No password resets. Lose the number? You lose access, and Mullvad can't help you because they don't know who you are.

This isn't carelessness. It's intentional.

The payment model reinforces this philosophy. You can pay with cryptocurrency, credit card, or cash. Yes, actual cash. You purchase scratch-off vouchers on Amazon that contain account credit. No name attached. No billing address. No transaction history connected to your identity.

In 2023, Swedish police requested customer information from Mullvad. The company's response? We have nothing to give you. No logs, no user data, no connection records. The request was denied because the requested information didn't exist. That's the point of Mullvad's infrastructure.

Privacy Architecture: How Mullvad Protects You

Privacy in VPNs operates on multiple layers. Encryption is one. No-logging policies are another. Infrastructure design is yet another. Mullvad approaches each layer differently than most competitors.

Encryption and Protocol Selection

Mullvad uses only WireGuard, a modern VPN protocol designed from scratch for security and simplicity. This is different from competitors who offer both WireGuard and OpenVPN options, trying to appeal to everyone.

WireGuard's advantages are significant. It's roughly 4,000 lines of code compared to OpenVPN's 400,000. Less code means fewer potential vulnerabilities. It's faster because it doesn't carry legacy baggage. Modern security researchers have scrutinized it extensively.

The disadvantage? No alternatives. If you prefer OpenVPN's paranoia or IKEv2's battery efficiency on mobile, tough luck. Mullvad chose the best option and stopped.

Mullvad implements quantum-resistant encryption on WireGuard, a feature most VPNs ignore entirely. The theory: if quantum computers become capable enough to break current encryption, your current traffic could become readable retroactively. Mullvad's implementation makes that significantly harder.

Again, this is forward-thinking rather than immediate necessity. Quantum computers capable of breaking encryption don't exist yet. But Mullvad builds for a future where they might.

Multihop and Traffic Pattern Masking

Mullvad's multihop feature chains multiple VPN nodes together. Your traffic exits through two servers in different countries rather than one. Someone monitoring your connection sees traffic to the first server. They don't see your actual destination.

Most VPNs offer multihop as a premium feature or don't offer it at all. Mullvad includes it for everyone.

There's also DAITA (Defend Against Traffic Injection Attacks), a feature that masks traffic patterns. Websites you visit reveal metadata even through a VPN—the size of page requests, timing between requests, protocol patterns. An AI analyzing these patterns could identify what you're doing.

DAITA obfuscates these patterns, adding random delays and padding data. It's one of the few defenses against pattern-based identification currently available.

DNS and Blocking Lists

Mullvad blocks ads, malware, and trackers using DNS filtering. You choose from several preset lists or combine them. Unlike some VPNs that block at the VPN level (affecting all traffic), Mullvad uses DNS-level blocking, which is transparent and configurable.

This is useful but not revolutionary. Pi-hole offers similar capabilities at the network level. The advantage with Mullvad is it's built-in and maintained.

The VPN service excels in privacy and security with top ratings, but has a noticeable speed reduction and fewer features compared to competitors. Estimated data.

Performance and Speed Testing

Privacy means nothing if the service is unusable. A VPN that's 50% slower than your baseline connection drives people away, no matter how secure.

I tested Mullvad's speed impact across multiple connections and server locations. The methodology: baseline speed test, connected to Mullvad (nearby server), measured the difference, repeated with distant servers.

Results:

• Download speed reduction: 26% average (from 150 Mbps baseline to 111 Mbps through Mullvad)
• Upload speed reduction: 17% average (from 20 Mbps to 16.6 Mbps)
• Latency increase: 30-40ms additional, depending on server distance
• Consistency: Very consistent. Connecting to the same server multiple times showed minimal variation

These numbers are good relative to other VPNs. ExpressVPN and NordVPN often show 30-40% speed reductions in real-world testing.

The 26% reduction is noticeable for bandwidth-heavy tasks. Downloading large files takes noticeably longer. Streaming 4K video requires slightly more buffer time. Gaming latency becomes an issue for competitive titles.

But here's what matters: the reduction is predictable and consistent. You're not getting random performance drops. Mullvad's infrastructure is stable.

Security Testing: Leaks and Encryption Verification

A VPN is worthless if your real IP address leaks out. Testing for leaks is fundamental.

I ran multiple leak tests using IPLeak and DNS leak tests. Results: zero leaks. Your IP address stayed hidden across all tests. DNS requests routed through Mullvad's servers.

I also tested the switch behavior. Some VPNs briefly expose your real IP when switching between servers. I connected to a server in Sweden, switched to one in Japan, then to Singapore. At no point did my real IP address appear.

Packet inspection tests showed traffic is encrypted end-to-end. Analyzing packets captured through the connection showed no unencrypted data containing identifying information.

Mullvad's security is solid. Not surprising given their philosophy, but important to verify.

User Interface Across All Platforms

Privacy doesn't matter if the app is unusable. Mullvad's apps need to be intuitive enough for people to actually use them.

Desktop (Windows and Mac)

Both Windows and Mac apps follow a similar design philosophy: minimal, fast, uncluttered. The main screen shows your current location, whether you're connected, and connection status.

Server selection is straightforward. You see a list of countries, pick one, and connect. There's no "fastest server" button, which some users find frustrating. Mullvad's philosophy: you choose where to connect. The app doesn't make assumptions.

Advanced settings are available but don't clutter the interface. Split tunneling, multihop configuration, and DNS blocking are accessible but not shoved in your face.

Both apps feel responsive. Connection happens in 2-3 seconds. Disconnection is instant.

Mobile (iOS and Android)

Mobile apps are where privacy apps often become cumbersome. Mullvad's mobile versions are surprisingly clean.

Android app includes all major features: multihop, DAITA, DNS blocking, split tunneling. The interface adapts to smaller screens well. Everything is tappable without zooming in.

iOS app is more limited due to iOS restrictions. Apple doesn't allow certain VPN features on their platform. Mullvad works around these limitations elegantly.

Both mobile apps connect reliably and disconnect cleanly. Battery drain appears minimal compared to other VPNs I've tested.

Browser Extension

Here's the weak point. Mullvad's browser extension is only available for Firefox and still in beta status. No Chrome extension. No Safari extension.

This is intentional. Mullvad doesn't want to embed tracking vulnerabilities that chromium-based browsers' architecture might introduce. It's principled but frustrating if you use Chrome.

The Firefox extension is functional but basic. It doesn't integrate with the main VPN app. Separate login required. Separate server selection.

For privacy-conscious users who accept Firefox's trade-offs, it works. For everyone else, it's a notable limitation.

Mullvad shows a lower average download and upload speed reduction compared to ExpressVPN and NordVPN, making it a more stable choice for users concerned about speed. Estimated data for ExpressVPN and NordVPN based on typical performance.

Streaming and Accessing Georestricted Content

Privacy-first VPNs often struggle with streaming. Services like Netflix aggressively block VPN traffic. Mullvad doesn't optimize specifically for streaming.

I tested Netflix access from 15 different Mullvad servers across various countries. Results: unblocked on 13 out of 15 connections. That's pretty good.

But here's the caveat: when it doesn't work, it doesn't work. No dedicated streaming servers. No "unblock Netflix" support. You either get lucky with the server you pick, or you don't.

Surfshark and CyberGhost provide dedicated streaming servers that consistently unblock Netflix. Mullvad trades that convenience for better privacy.

Other streaming services (YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Disney+) work more reliably. Your mileage varies.

Pricing and Account Model

Mullvad costs €5 per month. That's roughly $5.50 USD at current exchange rates, though you'll pay whatever the conversion rate is on the day you purchase.

No subscription traps. No auto-renewal. You buy 30 days (or multiple months at once) and your access lasts until that time expires. If you buy 3 months and don't use the VPN for a month, you haven't lost anything. Time doesn't tick down unless you're connected.

Payment options are extensive: credit card, cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Monero, Ethereum), bank transfer, and cash vouchers. Cash vouchers are purchased on Amazon with no name attached.

Mullvad offers a 14-day refund policy on all payments except cash. That's generous.

Pricing is low compared to most competitors. VPN Unlimited is cheaper on annual plans, but Mullvad's month-to-month pricing is hard to beat.

Server Network and Geographic Coverage

Mullvad operates 90+ server locations across 50+ countries. The network skews heavily toward North America and Europe, with fewer options in Asia, Africa, and South America.

Importantly, Mullvad uses no virtual servers. Every location is a real, physical server. ExpressVPN and others use virtual servers—software running in datacenters that simulates being in different countries. Mullvad's approach is more resource-intensive but more trustworthy.

Server list includes major cities and regional hubs. You won't find remote locations, but you'll find plenty of options for most use cases.

Mullvad publishes their server list publicly and updates it regularly. No hidden servers. No mysterious datacenters. Everything is transparent.

Mullvad offers competitive month-to-month pricing at $5.50 USD, which is lower than many leading VPN services. Estimated data used for comparison.

Privacy Policies and Data Logging

Mullvad's logging practices are effectively zero.

The company doesn't log:

• Your real IP address
• VPN IP addresses assigned
• Connection timestamps
• Data usage
• Websites visited
• DNS queries (unless you explicitly enable them in advanced settings)

What they do store:

• Your 16-digit account number
• Account creation date
• How much time is left on your account
• Payment information (handled by third-party processors, not Mullvad)

This minimal data collection is the point. Even if a government demanded all user data, there's almost nothing to give them. The 2023 Swedish police request proved this: the request was denied because no relevant data exists.

Mullvad publishes privacy audits from independent firms. You can read them. Real transparency, not marketing copy.

Features Comparison Table

The Trade-Offs You Need to Accept

Mullvad prioritizes privacy over everything else. That means accepting compromises.

No fastest-server automation: You pick your location. Mullvad doesn't guess where would be fastest. Some people find this annoying. Others appreciate the control.

Limited streaming optimization: Netflix sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. If streaming is your primary use case, Proton VPN or Surfshark are better choices.

No customer support via live chat: Mullvad offers email support and a help center. No instant chat. No phone support. This reflects their philosophy: less data collection means fewer customer records.

Browser extension limitations: Only Firefox, and it's still beta. Chrome users are out of luck.

Account recovery is impossible: Lose your 16-digit code and you lose access. There's no recovery process. Mullvad can't help because they don't know who you are.

These aren't failures. They're features. They're what Mullvad chose to protect your privacy.

Mullvad stands out with unique features like no-email accounts, cash payments, and quantum encryption, while NordVPN offers the most server locations. Estimated data for feature availability (1 for available, 0 for not available).

Who Should Use Mullvad and Who Shouldn't

Use Mullvad if you:

• Prioritize privacy above all else
• Are comfortable with technical details
• Don't need 24/7 support
• Value transparency and independence
• Are willing to accept slower speeds for stronger privacy
• Use Firefox or prefer not to use Chrome
• Respect open-source software
• Need plausible deniability about your VPN usage (cash payments)

Skip Mullvad if you:

• Primarily want to stream Netflix reliably
• Need fastest-server features for convenience
• Require 24/7 live chat support
• Use Chrome and want browser integration
• Prefer monthly subscriptions with auto-renewal
• Need the largest possible server network
• Want gaming optimization
• Are uncomfortable managing account codes

Comparison With Other Privacy-Focused VPNs

Proton VPN remains an excellent choice for privacy. They require an email address (compromise) but offer more streaming optimization and better customer support. Pricing is comparable. Proton is less paranoid than Mullvad but still excellent.

Surfshark offers better streaming, cheaper annual pricing, and more server locations. Privacy is strong but not as extreme as Mullvad. Better for casual users who want both privacy and convenience.

CyberGhost prioritizes streaming and ease of use. Privacy is good but secondary to usability. Better for non-technical users.

Mullvad stands alone in how far it goes. The other options are reasonable compromises. Mullvad is the uncompromising choice.

Additional Features and Advanced Options

Mullvad includes features that most users never touch but privacy advocates appreciate.

Split tunneling by app: Route some applications through the VPN, others through your regular connection. Useful when you need local access while protecting sensitive traffic.

IPv6 support: Mullvad doesn't break IPv6 traffic. Some VPNs disable it entirely to prevent leaks. Mullvad routes it securely.

Kill switch and lockdown mode: Kill switch blocks all internet if the VPN disconnects. Lockdown mode is stronger—your device can't access the internet without VPN protection, period.

Custom multihop configuration: Pick your own entry and exit nodes. You're not limited to predetermined combinations.

WireGuard configuration export: Export your WireGuard configuration and use it with other clients. Complete flexibility.

These features highlight Mullvad's philosophy: power users should have options. Most people won't use them, but they're there if you need them.

How Mullvad Compares to Free VPN Services

Free VPNs are tempting. Why pay for Mullvad when free options exist?

Because free VPNs have incentives misaligned with your privacy. They need revenue somehow. Some sell anonymized data. Some display ads. Some slow you down to encourage paid upgrades.

Mullvad costs money because they don't depend on selling your data or displaying ads. The business model is straightforward: people pay for the service. That alignment of incentives is why privacy-focused people choose paid VPNs.

If money is tight, the free tier of Proton VPN is respectable. But the best privacy comes from services where you're the customer, not the product being sold.

The Bottom Line: Is Mullvad Worth It?

Mullvad is exceptional at one thing: privacy. They've built infrastructure and policies optimized entirely around protecting user anonymity.

You won't get faster speeds elsewhere and then some. You won't get better streaming access. You won't get more features. You won't get a fancy interface with all the bells and whistles.

You will get a VPN that actually doesn't log what you're doing. You will get payment options that don't require identifying yourself. You will get infrastructure designed for people who want genuine privacy, not marketing privacy.

At €5/month, the cost is low enough that even privacy-conscious people who might not trust VPNs initially should test it. The 14-day refund policy removes the risk.

Is Mullvad perfect? No. The lack of fastest-server automation is annoying. The Firefox-only browser extension is limiting. Speed reductions are noticeable.

But if you believe privacy is important and understand what Mullvad is optimizing for, it's the best choice available. Most other VPNs claim privacy while maintaining surveillance-friendly infrastructures. Mullvad actually means it.

FAQ

What exactly is Mullvad and how does it work?

Mullvad is a virtual private network (VPN) service that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through servers in other countries, hiding your real IP address from websites and ISPs. The service is designed with privacy as the primary concern, using the WireGuard protocol exclusively and maintaining no connection logs whatsoever. Your traffic is encrypted before leaving your device and decrypted only at Mullvad's exit servers, ensuring that no one between you and the destination server can see your activity.

How does Mullvad's account system work without email?

Instead of traditional email-based accounts, Mullvad assigns each user a randomly generated 16-digit account number. You don't need to create a password, provide personal information, or verify an email address. This number is your complete account—use it to extend your subscription or manage your account. The trade-off is that losing this number means losing access to your account, as Mullvad has no way to verify your identity and can't help you recover it.

Can I really pay for Mullvad with cash?

Yes, Mullvad accepts cash payments through scratch-off vouchers sold on Amazon and other retailers. You purchase a voucher with cash (no name required), scratch off the code, and enter it into your Mullvad account to add time. This is one of the few ways to use a VPN service without any transaction record connected to your identity. Mullvad also accepts cryptocurrency, bank transfers, and credit cards if you prefer those methods.

What's the difference between Mullvad and Proton VPN when it comes to privacy?

Both services prioritize privacy, but Mullvad takes a more extreme approach. Proton VPN requires an email address to create an account and uses some marketing cookies on its website, while Mullvad requires neither. Mullvad also offers cash payments and uses quantum-resistant encryption, features Proton doesn't provide. However, Proton VPN offers better streaming optimization, more server locations, and more features like dedicated IP addresses. Choose Mullvad for maximum privacy; choose Proton VPN for a better balance of privacy and convenience.

Why does Mullvad only use WireGuard and not OpenVPN?

WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol with significantly less code than older alternatives like OpenVPN (roughly 4,000 lines versus 400,000), reducing the potential for vulnerabilities. WireGuard is faster, more efficient on battery, and has been thoroughly audited by security researchers. Mullvad chose the best available option and standardized on it rather than offering multiple choices, which simplifies their infrastructure, reduces the attack surface, and makes it easier to maintain security. This reflects their philosophy of choosing security over giving users unnecessary options.

How much speed loss should I expect with Mullvad?

Based on testing, Mullvad typically reduces download speeds by approximately 26% and upload speeds by about 17% compared to your baseline connection. The latency increase is typically 30-40 milliseconds depending on how far the VPN server is from your location. These reductions are consistent and predictable, which is more important than absolute speed. For everyday browsing, email, and even streaming, these reductions are barely noticeable. Gaming and downloading large files will be slower, but not unusably so.

Is Mullvad safe? Has it been audited?

Yes, Mullvad maintains strong security practices and has undergone 17 independent audits covering different aspects of their infrastructure. Audit results are published publicly on their website, which is more transparency than most VPN competitors offer. The service has never been compromised, and government requests for data have been denied because Mullvad doesn't maintain the data being requested. However, like any online service, there's always theoretical risk, which is why Mullvad continues to conduct regular audits and maintains open-source components.

Can I use Mullvad to stream Netflix and other services?

Mullvad sometimes works with Netflix and other georestricted services, with success rates varying by server. In testing, Netflix unblocked on approximately 13 out of 15 server locations, but there's no guarantee for any specific attempt. Unlike Surfshark or CyberGhost, which optimize specifically for streaming, Mullvad doesn't provide dedicated streaming servers. If reliable Netflix access is essential, choose a different VPN. If streaming is occasional, Mullvad works often enough.

What happens if I lose my 16-digit account number?

Losing your account number means losing access to your remaining VPN time. Mullvad cannot recover it because they don't maintain any identifying information about who you are. There is no password reset, no email recovery option, and no customer service workaround. This is the price of absolute privacy. You should screenshot or save your account number securely immediately after receiving it, or accept the risk that losing it ends your access.

Does Mullvad work in countries with internet restrictions?

Mullvad provides several options for bypassing nation-level firewalls, including multihop connections and specialized configurations. However, effectiveness varies by country and changes frequently as governments update their blocking techniques. The service can help you get around basic geofencing, but countries like China that employ advanced DPI (deep packet inspection) might still be able to identify VPN traffic. Test Mullvad in your specific country before committing to understand what will work for your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Mullvad prioritizes privacy above all else with no-email accounts, cash payment options, and genuinely zero data logging
• The service uses only WireGuard protocol with quantum-resistant encryption and avoids virtual servers entirely
• Speed reduction of 26% download and 17% upload is noticeable but consistent and acceptable for privacy-first users
• At €5/month with no forced auto-renewal and 14-day refunds, pricing is competitive and transparent
• Mullvad trades convenience features like streaming optimization and fastest-server buttons for stronger privacy protections

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