Mullvad Review

Quick Verdict

Mullvad is the best choice for privacy purists in 2025. It’s the only mainstream VPN that doesn’t require an email or account password to sign up. Its apps are open-source, infrastructure fully audited, and no-logs policy rigorously upheld. That said, Mullvad is not for everyone — it lacks support for Netflix and other streaming platforms, has a barebones interface, and can feel overly technical for beginners.

✔ Best for: Privacy absolutists, journalists, developers, and Linux users

✘ Not ideal for: Streaming, beginners, or users needing polished features

Pros and Cons

Privacy and Logging Policy

Privacy is where Mullvad is in a league of its own.

Instead of creating an account, Mullvad gives you a random 16-digit account number, which becomes your identity. No email, username, or password is needed. You can even send cash in an envelope to pay anonymously.

Mullvad does not log user activity, and this claim has been independently audited multiple times, including full infrastructure and codebase reviews. All apps are open-source, and the service operates under Swedish privacy laws.

Unique privacy features:

• Anonymous signup via numbered account

• Cash, crypto, and prepaid payments accepted

• RAM-only servers across the network

• No trackers, analytics, or telemetry in apps

• Transparency reports and reproducible builds

This is as private as a VPN gets — and it’s not even close.

Speed and Performance

Mullvad uses WireGuard by default, providing fast and stable connections across its global server fleet. Speeds are competitive with top-tier VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Speed test results (500 Mbps baseline, WireGuard)

Even Secure DNS and firewall rules are optimized for performance. The VPN starts quickly, connections are stable, and there’s no noticeable lag in real-world use.

Server Network and Locations

Mullvad operates a modest but independently verified server network. While not as vast as CyberGhost or PIA, all servers are owned or colocated, and the network is 100% diskless (RAM-only).

Server stats (as of 2025):

• ~650 servers

• 40+ countries

• No virtual locations

• All servers run without persistent storage

The global spread is decent in Europe and North America, but limited in Africa and South America. That said, Mullvad prioritizes quality over scale.

Torrenting and P2P

Mullvad is a top-tier VPN for torrenting. All servers support P2P traffic, and its privacy policy ensures your IP and activity remain hidden. Port forwarding is available, though it must be enabled manually via the web dashboard.

Torrenting strengths:

• P2P allowed on all servers

• Port forwarding (manual)

• Kill switch and DNS leak protection

• WireGuard + no logs = optimal for privacy

• Works with qBittorrent, Transmission, and Deluge

There are no limits on bandwidth, and Mullvad doesn’t throttle or inspect traffic — making it ideal for frequent file sharers.

Streaming Capabilities

Streaming is where Mullvad falls behind.

The VPN does not actively support streaming platforms and does not rotate or optimize IP addresses to bypass geo-blocks. Users may occasionally get lucky with Netflix or YouTube, but success is inconsistent.

Tested results (2025)

If streaming is a core need, you’re better off with Surfshark, NordVPN, or ExpressVPN.

Security and Encryption

Mullvad is engineered for security. It uses modern encryption standards, supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard, and offers extensive manual configuration options. All traffic is routed through secure, no-logs servers.

Security features include:

• AES-256 and ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption

• WireGuard and OpenVPN support

• Built-in firewall (blocks non-VPN traffic)

• DNS and IPv6 leak protection

• Optional Bridge mode (obfuscation)

• No telemetry, trackers, or analytics

The company also publishes warrant canaries and open security audits.

User Experience and Interface

Mullvad’s apps are simple, clean, and intentionally minimalistic. There are no flashy dashboards or features. Just a list of countries, protocol toggle, and a big “Connect” button.

Supported platforms:

• Windows, macOS, Linux (GUI and CLI)

• Android, iOS

• Firefox and Chrome extensions

• Routers (OpenWRT, pfSense, etc.)

The UI is fast and functional, but lacks guidance or automation. There’s no live chat, only email support, which can take time. Mullvad is not designed for hand-holding — it’s made for users who know what they want.

Device Compatibility

Mullvad allows up to 5 simultaneous connections per account number. There’s no option to extend this, though router installation can cover all home devices.

It works across all major operating systems and includes first-class support for Linux — including a full GUI and CLI tool. This makes it a favorite among developers and security professionals.

Additional Features

Mullvad isn’t overloaded with gimmicks, but offers key advanced tools:

Notable extras

There’s no Smart DNS, streaming optimization, or password manager integration — and that’s by design. Mullvad keeps it simple, secure, and transparent.

Pricing and Plans

Mullvad uses a flat-rate pricing model: €5/month, no matter how long you subscribe. There are no discounts, no upsells, and no fake urgency tactics. Pay anonymously, cancel anytime.

Pricing (2025):

• €5.00/month — no contracts, no tracking

• No discounts for annual plans

• 30-day money-back guarantee

• Accepts cash, Bitcoin, Monero, PayPal, and cards

This pricing structure reflects Mullvad’s mission: no tricks, just trust.

Frequently Asked Questions