Mullvad VPN

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Mullvad VPN Review [2025]: The Ultimate Choice for Privacy Purists?

Mullvad VPN, based in privacy-friendly Sweden, operates with an almost unparalleled focus on user anonymity and security transparency. It utilizes a unique account system that doesn’t require any personal information (not even an email address) and accepts cash payments by mail. But does this hardcore privacy approach come at the expense of usability or features in [2025]?

For users whose absolute top priority is minimizing their digital footprint and using a verifiably secure, ethically-run VPN, Mullvad is often the gold standard. Let’s see what makes it different.

Mullvad VPN Highlights at a Glance:

  • Maximum Anonymity: Unique account number system (no email required), accepts cash payments.
  • Strong No-Logs Policy: Independently audited multiple times, transparent practices.
  • Open Source & Audited: Both client apps and infrastructure undergo regular security audits.
  • Excellent Speeds: Fast performance using WireGuard by default.
  • Simple Flat-Rate Pricing: One low price (€5/month) regardless of subscription length.
  • Advanced Security Features: Robust Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, DNS leak protection, MultiHop bridges.
  • Based in Sweden: Operates under strong Swedish privacy laws (though part of 14 Eyes).

Uncompromising Privacy & Anonymity

Mullvad goes further than almost any other VPN to protect user identity:

  • Account Numbers: You don’t create an account with an email or username. Instead, you generate a random 16-digit account number which is all you need to log in and manage your subscription.
  • Payment Options: Accepts anonymous cash payments mailed to their HQ, alongside Bitcoin, Monero, credit cards, PayPal, etc. They actively discourage methods that link payment to identity.
  • Minimal Data Collection: Designed from the ground up to collect the absolute minimum data required to operate the service.
  • Audited & Transparent: Regularly publishes independent audits of its apps, servers, and no-logs policy.

While Sweden is technically a 14 Eyes country, Mullvad’s operational design and verified no-logging practices aim to make surveillance cooperation practically impossible, as there’s simply no user activity data to provide.

Security Features

Beyond anonymity, Mullvad provides robust security:

  • Protocols: Uses modern, secure protocols like WireGuard (as the default) and OpenVPN.
  • Kill Switch: A reliable kill switch is built-in to prevent leaks.
  • Split Tunneling: Available on most platforms to route specific app traffic outside the VPN.
  • MultiHop (Bridges): Allows routing traffic through two VPN servers (using Shadowsocks or V2Ray bridges) for extra obfuscation, helpful against censorship.
  • DNS Protection: Uses its own DNS servers or allows custom DNS.
  • Port Forwarding: (Note: Mullvad has significantly restricted or removed automatic port forwarding due to abuse potential. Verify the current status if this is crucial.)

Performance and Speed

Using WireGuard as its primary protocol, Mullvad offers excellent speeds that compete well with top providers. Connections are generally fast and stable, suitable for most activities including browsing, downloading, and even gaming.

Streaming & Torrenting

P2P traffic is fully supported and encouraged on Mullvad’s network, making it a great choice for secure torrenting.

Streaming is not Mullvad’s focus. While you might get lucky and unblock US Netflix or your local services sometimes, they make no guarantees and don’t optimize servers for it. Users whose primary goal is unblocking diverse streaming libraries should look elsewhere.

Simple, Fair Pricing

Mullvad has a refreshingly simple pricing model: a flat rate of €5 per month (approximately $5.50 USD, check current exchange rates). There are no long-term contracts or tricky discounts – you pay the same low price whether you subscribe for a month, a year, or top up with cash. This transparency is part of their ethical approach. They allow 5 simultaneous connections and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Potential Drawbacks?

  • Streaming Unreliability: Not designed or optimized for unblocking geo-restricted streaming content.
  • Smaller Network: Fewer servers and country locations compared to giants (though servers are high quality).
  • No Live Chat Support: Support is via email only.
  • App Interface: Functional but perhaps less visually polished than some mainstream competitors.
  • Port Forwarding Restrictions: This advanced feature is now limited or unavailable.

The Verdict: Who is Mullvad For?

Mullvad VPN is the top choice for users who prioritize verifiable privacy, anonymity, security, and ethical business practices above all else. Its unique account system, acceptance of cash, open-source nature, and consistent audits make it highly trustworthy.

We highly recommend Mullvad for:

  • Privacy purists and security experts.
  • Users wanting to pay as anonymously as possible (cash/crypto).
  • Torrenters seeking a secure, fast, and P2P-friendly VPN.
  • Anyone who appreciates transparent, flat-rate pricing.

If you need a VPN primarily for unblocking streaming services or require hand-holding via live chat support, Mullvad might not be the ideal fit. But for uncompromising privacy and security with excellent speeds, Mullvad is arguably one of the best choices available.