Mullvad Review

In this Mullvad review, we examine the Sweden-based VPN that’s highly popular with privacy enthusiasts. The service has a watertight no-logs policy, a decent server network, and is an anonymous VPN you can pay for with cash or Bitcoin. You don’t even need an email address to sign up. Instead, Mullvad generates a numbered account ID. This makes it attractive to users who take digital privacy seriously.

Mullvad is a secure VPN for Windows, Mac, and Android, offering a wide range of advanced features. It’s a fast VPN that offers superb performance for torrenting, streaming, and other high-risk activities. The WireGuard protocol gives Mullvad fast VPN speeds and stable performance across platforms.

When it comes to VPN features, you get open-source apps, a kill switch, AES-256 encryption, a choice of protocols, and DNS-based ad and tracker blocking. However, it removed its port forwarding feature, which had been a significant draw for many people.

A subscription costs €5 per month, with no discounts available, which is pretty pricey.  Users who prefer to pay monthly (or want a VPN for a vacation) will find the €5 price point competitive. However, those wanting a VPN for streaming may prefer another WireGuard VPN, such as NordVPN or Surfshark.

Keep reading this VPN review to learn why Mullvad is a reliable VPN for privacy.

Mullvad VPN review key data

* Vitesse moyenne obtenue depuis différents pays, basée sur plusieurs tests de vitesse par jour.

Mullvad VPN pros and cons

If you want a VPN that prioritizes privacy, user anonymity, transparency, and bypassing censorship over things like streaming access and gaming servers, Mullvad might be your favorite VPN.

At €5 per month, with no rolling contract, it is an excellent VPN for traveling, remote work, and vacations. However, the lack of streaming servers and port forwarding, as well as its smaller network, make it a touch expensive for what you get.

Below, I’ve summarized the pros and cons of Mullvad based on my detailed tests. You can learn more about each of these points later in my VPN review.

Do I recommend Mullvad VPN?

Yes. Mullvad VPN is a reliable option, but only if your top priority is privacy, not streaming. The VPN has 683+ servers in 49 countries, which means it can’t compete with the very best providers in terms of locations. The smaller server VPN network and lack of streaming access make it a poor choice for many home internet users. However, it does work with Netflix, which is a win.

That caveat aside, Mullvad has an impressive reputation. It is one of the most secure and trusted VPNs for privacy on the market. Being based in Sweden means Mullvad enforces a watertight no-logs policy, and the VPN never has to worry about mandatory data retention directives. It’s also an anonymous VPN that allows Bitcoin payments or cash. And it’s one of the only VPNs that doesn’t require an email to sign up.

Mullvad is ideal if you have an elevated threat model. It offers many advanced VPN features, including customizable MultiHop connections, full support for WireGuard and OpenVPN, DNS-based ad and tracker blocking, obfuscation, and AES-256 encryption. The VPN offers superb transparency thanks to its third-party audits, as well as GitHub-published ad and tracker blocklists.

In terms of performance, Mullvad competes with the top VPN brands. It’s a fast WireGuard VPN for torrenting that keeps no logs or tracks your activity, protecting you against local networks and ISPs. It also protects you against hackers in torrent swarms and on public Wi-Fi. However, it no longer offers port forwarding, which is a disappointment.

If you want a VPN that works with Netflix in the US and UK but not BBC iPlayer, Mullvad might be a good option. But for the most part, this VPN is better suited for users who value security over general home VPN needs.

Mullvad VPN features

Mullvad VPN is known for its strong privacy protections, with many advanced features designed to protect you against online tracking and hacking.

It doesn’t bundle its service with cloud storage, password managers, identity protection tools, or any other features. So, if you want a VPN that bundles these features with a VPN, you’ll need to shop elsewhere.

You never get annoying ads or flashy upsell prompts. The apps are dedicated to the VPN, without confusion. Mullvad’s simplicity even extends to its pricing structure (more on this later).

Each Mullvad subscription lets you connect up to five devices at once—fewer than what some rivals provide. Some VPNs allow unlimited connections, so larger families may prefer an alternative.

Mullvad also offers full support for OpenVPN-compatible routers and makes it easy to configure the VPN manually on models like DD-WRT, ASUS Merlin, OpenWRT, and pfSense. So you can protect every device in your home with just one of those five connections.

Below, I’ve broken down every feature that Mullvad VPN offers.

Core VPN features

Mullvad makes custom apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora). The Linux app features a full graphical user interface (GUI) and is one of the best we’ve ever seen. Mullvad also offers OpenVPN and WireGuard configuration files on its website for use with third-party clients.

The server list in the app lets you filter servers by protocol, provider, or whether they’re rented or owned by Mullvad. You can also create custom server lists. This gives you a lot of granular control. You also get split tunneling to route some apps through the VPN and some outside.

Each app includes protocol selection, a kill switch (enabled by default), auto-connect, split tunneling (available on Windows, Android, and Linux), and the option to use custom DNS resolvers with full DNS leak protection. Local network sharing is available with VPN bypass.

Mullvad encrypts OpenVPN traffic with AES-256-GCM and uses ChaCha20 for WireGuard connections. Mullvad employs quantum-resistant tunnels by default when you connect with the WireGuard protocol. It’s one of the most advanced VPNs in terms of security.

Port selection is also available, allowing users to connect via specific ports to avoid firewalls. And as you’d expect from a premium VPN, there are no bandwidth restrictions or data caps.

Advanced security & privacy features

Here are some of the key security and privacy features included in a Mullvad subscription:

• Strict no-logs policy (verified by independent audits)
• Diskless servers (RAM-only) for enhanced privacy
• DNS leak protection and custom DNS support
• Obfuscation via Shadowsocks proxy and OpenVPN bridge mode
• Lockdown Mode (prevents internet access unless VPN is connected, AKA permanent kill switch)
• MultiHop (manual entry and exit server selection)
• Accepts cash and cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Monero, Bitcoin Cash)
• GPG-signed apps for verification
• DAITA: A new feature that prevents AI traffic analysis using dummy packet injection. Helps to keep your VPN activities safe against AI.
• Quantum-resistant WireGuard tunnels are enabled by default
• Fully open-source apps
• Digitally signed apps with available GPG keys
• Servers in 48+ countries
• Third-party audits (most recently by Cure53)
• Tailscale support: Lets you connect to Mullvad VPN servers through a Tailscale network (Tailnet).

Additional features

There are some other notable features of a Mullvad subscription:

• Mullvad Privacy Companion browser extension for Firefox (includes WebRTC disable, SOCKS5 proxy support, and privacy extension suggestions)
• Searchable server list: Let’s you filter by ownership, type, and location
• LETA search engine: A privacy-focused search engine available exclusively to subscribers
• Advert, tracker, malware, adult, gambling, and social media blocking via DNS filtering (doubles up as a useful parental controls feature)
• Custom server lists
• OpenVPN and WireGuard config files for use with third-party clients

Mullvad VPN price and plans

Mullvad VPN is one of the few VPNs that charges a flat rate for its service. Its pricing structure is simple. However, it also means that you won’t be able to get a discount by subscribing for longer.

There is only one plan, so you know what you are getting: A VPN designed to be private, transparent, and easy to understand. You pay one flat monthly fee, and all features are included. No gimmicks, no renewal tricks, and no bait-and-switch pricing.

Price breakdown

Mullvad VPN costs €5 per month, regardless of the subscription length. That’s about $5.50 USD (you will need to check the current exchange rate for an exact price).

Paying $ 5.50 per month is very affordable if you only need a VPN for a short period, such as for a vacation or a work trip. Competing platforms like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN all charge over $ 10 per month, so when it comes to monthly VPN subscriptions, Mullvad comes out on top.

On the other hand, the lack of 6-month, annual, and 2-year plans means you cannot get a discount for longer commitments. This differs from popular providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish, which all offer significant discounts to users who are willing to commit for longer periods.

Instead of a traditional subscription model, Mullvad uses a pay-as-you-go model. You add funds to your account for the number of months you want, and your account balance is displayed in the app. There are no automatic renewals to worry about—just add more credit when you want to use the VPN.

Payments and refunds

Mullvad accepts a wide range of payment options:

• Credit or debit cards
• Swish, Giropay, Eps, Bancontact, iDEAL, and Przelewy24
• Bank transfers
• Mullvad prepaid vouchers
• Cash (sent by post)
• Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Monero

Unfortunately, Mullvad no longer accepts PayPal. The decision was made as part of the company’s efforts to prevent user tracking.

Testing the money-back guarantee

Mullvad offers a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, it is essential to note that the refund does not apply if you pay using cash or cryptocurrency. If you use one of those payment methods, the payment is final.

To claim a refund, follow the steps outlined on Mullvad’s official refund page. The policy applies only to purchases made directly on its website, so always take out your subscription directly to avoid scams.

I tested the policy by contacting support via email and requesting a refund for my one-month payment. The VPN agreed to refund me and returned the money to my account within five working days (I paid via debit card).

Does Mullvad offer value for money?

Yes, particularly if you only need a VPN for a month or two. Mullvad’s monthly price is cheaper than any other premium VPN. However, it gets pricey quickly if you intend to use a VPN all year round.

For example, a year with Mullvad costs around $68. With NordVPN, it’s $59.88, and with Surfshark, it’s just $47.85. You can get an even bigger discount for a two-year plan.

The cost of Mullvad might be a deal breaker for some people, particularly when you consider the drawbacks involved: a smaller network and a lack of access to streaming platforms.

Unless you require a VPN solely for data privacy and security and have an elevated threat model (or specifically need one of its more advanced features), Mullvad probably won’t give you the best bang for your buck.

Speed – Is MullvadVPN fast?

A VPN must encrypt your data and route it to a remote server location before it can access the online services you want to use. With many VPNs, these processes can slow down your internet speeds.

I understand that most people need a fast VPN that keeps their internet running near the speed they pay their ISP for. This is why I always perform in-depth speed tests that let you see exactly how each VPN performs.

Nowadays, the best VPNs offer WireGuard, a protocol designed to give you even faster speeds for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Mullvad has this modern protocol. Below are the results of my Mullvad WireGuard VPN tests. I tested using a dedicated test server in the UK, which has a baseline cap of 250 Mbps.

Here’s how I conducted the tests:

• I tested in the morning, afternoon, and evening
• I used three server locations: New York, London, and Hong Kong
• I ran all tests using the Speedtest by Ookla standalone desktop app
• You can see the results of my tests in the table below.

Speed test results

As you can see, Mullvad’s speed is superb. It provides plenty of bandwidth for tasks like torrenting, gaming, and streaming. It’s an excellent choice for making private VoIP calls in countries where VoIP is blocked, such as the UAE.

I even measured decent speeds when connected to distant servers such as the USA and Asia, which shows that this VPN’s infrastructure has been optimized for speed across its network.

Device compatibility (VPN apps)

Mullvad VPN has custom apps for all major operating systems. Each subscription supports up to five simultaneous connections, which should be enough for most families and power users. Though for $5 per month, larger families may prefer a VPN with unlimited connections, such as Surfshark or IPVanish.

Mullvad does not provide a dedicated Firestick app in the Amazon App Store. However, it lets you download its Android APK from its website, so you can sideload it onto your FireOS device.

Windows

Mac

Android

iOS

Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora)

Mullvad is one of the few VPN providers that offers a full-featured graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux. The Linux app mirrors its Windows and macOS counterparts’ design and functionality, making it one of the most feature-packed Linux VPNs on the market.

The VPN supports Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora distributions. It’s ideal for Linux users who prefer a fully featured VPN that can be controlled using the command line interface.

Browser extensions

Mullvad Privacy Companion is available for Firefox. No other browser extensions are currently available.

Ease of use

I tested Mullvad VPN on Windows, iOS, Android, and Firefox (browser extension) to evaluate the VPN’s ease of installation, everyday usability, and overall user experience.

Mullvad is one of the most secure and private VPNs available. Many of its advanced features come pre-set when you download it, so even beginners can jump right in and start enjoying reliable online privacy.

Admittedly, some users may find the advanced features confusing. However, you don’t need to learn them all at once. You can add these to your toolkit as you go along, when you decide you need them.

On the other hand, if you don’t understand what some of these features are used for, you may never use them. That’s why I consider Mullvad a VPN better suited to tech-savvy users.

If you don’t think that’s you, Mullvad might feel like overkill, and you will probably get better value for money using an alternate service. However, for anyone who values privacy and wants granular control, it’s an attractive option.

Mullvad on Windows experience

Subscribing and installing Mullvad on Windows is straightforward. I paid for a month using my debit card and downloaded the installer from Mullvad’s members’ area on their website.

The installer automatically added all necessary drivers, making setup non-technical. Total noobs can start using Mullvad right out of the box. It comes pre-configured and ready to go.

Mullvad doesn’t require an email address, username, or password to sign up. Instead, the website assigns you a unique account number when you pay for your account. You will use this code to log in to the member’s area and the apps. So be sure to keep it safe.

While this might seem a bit strange at first, it is actually a well-thought-out advantage that allows Mullvad to improve user privacy by providing account-level anonymity.

Intuitive design

The Mullvad Windows app interface is minimalist and well-designed. To access your account code, click on the head and shoulders symbol at the top of the app. If you ever lose the code, head to the app and make a note of it again. The app stays logged in, so it is best to grab the code again and put it somewhere safe as soon as possible.

The Windows client features a map, but you can’t use it to select a server location (as with some competitors). Instead, it shows you that your location changed when the VPN connects.

To switch server, click on the selected server country (Sweden in the screenshot above). This will take you to the server location list:

Use the search bar at the top to find the server you need. You can search by country or city. If the VPN has a server in that city, it will appear in the results.

Each location has a drop-down menu that shows all the servers available. This lets you choose between OpenVPN or WireGuard servers. You can also choose self-owned servers over rented ones and various other options.

You can note the server number you want on its website. I selected a self-owned WireGuard server with DAITA protection in the example below.

Once you have found a server that has the criteria you require, copy the server number and search for it directly in the app:

This system is highly efficient. It gave me greater control over choosing a server than on any other VPN I tested.

Something I liked about the desktop interface is that it feels more like a mobile app. Transitioning from the desktop version to a tablet or smartphone is seamless and familiar.

Settings menu

The Mullvad settings menu is extremely easy to navigate, which surprised me considering the VPN has so many features. This is a testament to the VPN’s design team, which has clearly been refining it carefully since it was launched in 2009.

All of the settings menu options appear on a single page, so you don’t have to scroll or search. Here, you can select between DAITA, Multihop, VPN Settings, User interface settings, and Split tunneling:

You will need to click on VPN settings to change the VPN protocol, enable the kill switch, tinker with DNS blocking, or switch to a custom DNS provider (such as OpenDNS, Quad9, ControlD, NextDNS, or DNSWatch).

The VPN is set to “Automatic” protocol by default, but you can switch to WireGuard if you want to get the best possible speeds at all times. Hitting the arrow next to DNS content blockers lets you choose whether to block ads, trackers, malware, gambling sites, adult sites, and social media.

The VPN doubles as a decent parental control app that can make it safer for children to use the internet without stumbling on inappropriate content.

Bridge mode

Advanced features like Bridge mode are buried deeper within the OpenVPN settings. Head to VPN Settings and select the OpenVPN protocol. Now, click OpenVPN settings, and you will see the following options:

You can pick between OpenVPN UDP or TCP, and turn on bridge mode here for added obfuscation. This helps the VPN to connect to networks (and in countries) that block OpenVPN connections. If this feels confusing, no worries: Mullvad lets you set Bridge to Automatic, allowing the app to enable it only when it’s needed!

Port selection

If you have any issues connecting to the VPN, you can also switch to OpenVPN TCP to get access to additional port selection settings. Here you can switch to OpenVPN TCP over port 443, which ensures that your VPN traffic travels over the same port as website traffic (this makes it extremely hard for local networks (such as work networks) to block your VPN connection.

Overall, I found the settings menu very easy to navigate.

However, I was a little disappointed that the auto-connect only works to connect to the VPN when you launch the app. It cannot be set to protect you when you join an untrusted or unprotected wifi network. This feature is useful for users who often work remotely and want to protect themselves against tracking and the threat of hackers.

Split tunneling

The Mullvad split tunneling feature is extremely effective, allowing you to choose both apps or domains that you want to exclude from the VPN tunnel. I tested it by setting my Firefox browser to use the VPN and my Chrome browser to access the web without VPN protection. I then ran IP tests and was happy to find that only Firefox was protected.

Kill switch

I tested the Windows kill switch to check whether it offers app-based or system-level protection. To carry out this test, I used a browser extension to refresh an IP checking tool every 0.4 seconds. I then purposely crashed the VPN application using Windows Task Manager.

I was happy to find that the VPN software kept me connected to the VPN server, even when the app was forced to crash, and it did not leak my home IP address when I relaunched the app. The VPN has a system-level kill switch, which is the safest and most reliable type.

Mullvad does not allow you to turn the kill switch off. It is set up to protect you automatically at all times. However, you can select whether you want to enable Lockdown mode, which is a permanent kill switch. Enabling this will ensure you can’t access the internet without first connecting to the VPN.

This differs from the regular kill switch, which will provide unprotected internet when you disconnect from the VPN on purpose (and is preferable unless you strictly never want to use the internet without a VPN).

Does Mullvad for Windows have any weaknesses?

The only features Mullvad lacks are a “connect to fastest server” option and visible server statistics like ping and load.

These tools are common among its competitors and can help users choose the best server based on performance and location.

That said, I consistently got excellent speeds on all servers during testing, so the lack of congestion data never caused any real issues.

Did Mullvad for Windows work as advertised?

Yes. All features worked reliably in my testing. The kill switch functioned perfectly and stayed active even when I crashed the app through Task Manager. Auto-connect reliably engaged the VPN on system reboot, and DNS blocking was effective during browsing.

Mullvad impressed me with how quickly it connected to servers. Unlike some VPNs, it established a connection almost instantly, which meant I could get on with what I was doing without waiting around.

I also appreciated the app’s color scheme. It strikes a good balance (not too bright or dark), which makes it a pleasure to use at any time of day, including during my late-night browsing sessions.

As you can see below, the VPN connection on Windows suffered no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks. The VPN is completely reliable for privacy and data security purposes.

Mullvad for Android experience

Mullvad’s Android app feels nearly identical to the Windows version, which makes it easy to switch between versions. Installation is simple as the app is available in the Google Play Store. Anybody who wants to install it on an Android TV, set-top box, Firestick, or other Android device without access to Google Play, can find the APK on its website.

I tested the app on a Samsung tablet, and it performed flawlessly. It connected quickly, delivered excellent speeds, and the OS-level kill switch (always on VPN) functioned exactly as expected.

As on Windows, the VPN includes split tunneling, MultiHop, and ad/tracker/malware blocking. You can still pick whether you want to block adult content and gambling sites. During tests, it established connections quickly, and speeds were ideal for streaming on YouTube without buffering.

My only real gripe is the lack of an auto-connect feature for public wifi. This is something I consider essential, especially given how often people connect to unsecured networks nowadays. For a VPN with such a strong focus on privacy, I found it surprising that this isn’t available. Being able to auto-connect on untrusted networks would definitely be the icing on the cake for me.

Still, other than this small complaint, I found the VPN to be a highly reliable and speedy mobile VPN that is perfect for users wanting to hide their activities from local networks, switch their IP address, and make VoIP calls without being tracked.

Does Mullvad for Android have any drawbacks?

• No auto-connect to protect you on pubic wifi (protects you against hackers and Evil Twin hotspots)
• No « Fastest server » or ping-based sorting in the server list
• It is not possible to select favorite servers
• No streaming servers
• Some advanced features can be a touch hard to find
• Logging in using the account number means you have to keep the code safe

Did Mullvad for Android work as advertised?

Yes. During my tests, the Android Mullvad VPN app was easy to use and extremely reliable. It connected quickly, gave me fast speeds, and suffered from no bugs, crashes, or leaks.

The kill switch functioned perfectly. It leverages the Always On VPN feature, which is the best type of VPN kill switch for Android.

I also found it easy to use, even though it has so many features, which makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. It even has information icons next to each feature where you can figure out what they do.

Server network

Mullvad VPN has a small but reliable network of Tier-1 servers. The network spans 683 bare-metal servers in 49 countries and 87 cities. These are a mix of self-owned and rented servers. The great thing about Mullvad is that it tells you which servers are rented on its website (as well as many other details) so that you can pick exactly which server you need.

This level of transparency is far beyond what you typically find with most other providers, and it’s one of the reasons Mullvad stands out. You can see detailed information about every server, including its protocol support, city, country, hosting status (owned or rented), and other searchable details, on its website.

What’s more, unlike many competitors, Mullvad does not use any virtual server locations. Every server in the network is physical and runs entirely on RAM-only infrastructure. Mullvad finished upgrading its entire network to diskless servers earlier in 2025.

These diskless servers automatically wipe all data when the provider reboots them. This enhances security by ensuring nothing is written to a hard disk, which would  need to be wiped at the end of each VPN session.

Diskless servers also allow Mullvad to pull the plug on a server during an emergency, instantly deleting everything stored on it. Data is held only in limited RAM, and it’s constantly overwritten as new traffic flows through. This means data is constantly purged as new data passes through its servers, adding an extra layer of privacy.

Mullvad has servers in eight US cities:

• Ashburn
• Atlanta
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Denver
• Houston
• Los Angeles
• New York

This gives you plenty of options for accessing US services and should help you bypass blackout sports games. That said, this VPN does not always work with streaming platforms, so you must test it using the 14-day money-back guarantee to be sure.

Mullvad apps don’t show server load, ping times, or a “fastest server” button. It does not let you select servers by use case, such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting. These are conveniences you get with its biggest rivals. These limitations make it harder to choose the best server for the task at hand.

Comparison with competitors

Mullvad’s network is smaller than many of its main rivals. It also lacks specialty servers for streaming, gaming, or P2P. However, Mullvad excels in infrastructure transparency and trust.

Its combination of RAM-only servers, zero virtual locations, and a filterable server list makes it one of the most transparent and granularly controlled networks on the market. It’s an extremely good VPN for security-conscious users.

Below, you can see how Mullvad compares to the best VPNs on the market:

Unique or rare locations

Mullvad’s server network is smaller than many of its top competitors. This is largely due to its decision not to provide any virtual locations. It hosts fewer servers in continents like Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Despite this, it offers excellent coverage in useful core VPN locations. And it still has a few niche server locations:

• Reykjavík, Iceland
• Chișinău, Moldova
• Riga, Latvia
• Tallinn, Estonia

Does Mullvad VPN work in China?

Yes, Mullvad VPN has the privacy features you need to bypass online censorship in China. It provides reliable obfuscation for OpenVPN, which works to bypass ISP-imposed firewalls in countries such as China, Iran, and the UAE.

The most useful feature is Bridge mode, which is available when you use the OpenVPN protocol. Once enabled, it routes your traffic through a Shadowsocks proxy. This hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, making it much harder for the Great Firewall of China (or any DPI-based firewall) to detect and block your connection.

For users who find obfuscation confusing, Bridge mode can be set to Auto. This allows the Mullvad app to decide whether to apply obfuscation based on your network environment/location. This is helpful for users who want the VPN to work even if they travel to highly censored regions, or on networks that are doing their best to block VPNs (such as some work networks).

Another stealth feature that can help to get you connected to the VPN is routing OpenVPN through TCP port 443. As port 443 is the same one used by most HTTPS websites, your VPN traffic seems like normal website traffic. It makes it much harder for firewalls to spot or block the VPN connection.

VPN access in China can vary depending on your location and how aggressive the local filtering is. If you’re heading there, we strongly advise that you get your VPN subscription and software installed before you arrive in mainland China.

WireGuard does not offer obfuscation options. However, if you want fast speeds and suspect that your local network has blocked ports associated with VPNs, then you can switch WireGuard to ports like 443 or 5001.

Streaming and unblocking

The very best consumer VPNs understand that home internet users want to use a VPN to access international streaming services. Popular providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, and Total VPN regularly update their servers to stay ahead of streaming blocks.

Mullvad VPN, by contrast, is marketed and designed as a privacy-enabling technology, so it is not as good for bypassing streaming blocks. You can check out our guide to the best streaming VPNs to find a better fit.

Below, you can see exactly how Mullvad performed for streaming during my tests:

Streaming overview

Mullvad offers exceptionally fast connections, which, in theory, are well-suited for HD streaming. So, how did it perform in my tests?

First, I tested Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime USA, but unfortunately, the VPN did not work with any of those platforms when testing the New York, Ashburn, and LA servers. Some good news, however: It did work to access HBO Max.

When I connected to the Los Angeles server, I could stream live TV and on-demand shows on CBS. However, I tried Ashburn, New York, and Los Angeles and could not watch ABC Network.

Next, I tested its UK servers (Manchester and London). Unfortunately, I could not access BBC iPlayer. ITVX and Channel 4 were also blocked.

Netflix

In my tests, Mullvad worked to access Netflix US when using the USA Ashburn server. I could watch US exclusives like Grey’s Anatomy, which is great news for Mullvad users wanting to stream their account while on vacation.

Below, you can see how it performed in my other Netflix tests:

• The London server also worked to watch Netflix UK. I could stream the UK-exclusive show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia without any errors.
• I tested a server in Germany. I was happy to find that the Berlin server let me watch the Germany-exclusive movie Türkisch für Anfänger.
• I tested the Japanese server. I was able to stream the Japan-exclusive show The Apothecary Diaries.
• The French Mullvad server worked to watch Sous les Jupes des Filles. This is a movie that is available exclusively on Netflix France.
• Australia. I tried connecting to Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide servers, but I could not access the Australian catalog.

As you can see, Mullvad performed better than expected for accessing international Netflix regions. So, if your primary streaming service is Netflix, Mullvad could be a good candidate.

International streaming platforms

Mullvad VPN performed better than expected for streaming international streaming services. It did not pass all of my tests, but I was still pleased with the results:

• ARD Mediathek (Germany): Worked perfectly to watch on-demand and live TV shows when connected to the Mullvad Frankfurt server.
• France.tv (France): I used the Paris servers to watch France 2 on France.tv without blocks.
• GloboPlay (Brazil): Did not work using any protocol.
• CBC Gem (Canada): Worked to watch on-demand TV shows and live TV for free when connected to the Toronto Mullvad server.
• 10play (Australia): I tried to watch 10 Play and 7Plus, but they did not work.

Overall streaming service compatibility

Does Mullvad VPN allow torrenting?

Yes. Mullvad allows torrenting throughout its network. However, Mullvad used to be one of the best VPNs for torrenting due to its port forwarding feature. Since 2023, however, it has decided to remove port forwarding. This makes it far less attractive to regular torrenters who want better seeding performance. Thus, if you’re specifically looking for a full torrent-optimized VPN with port forwarding, you may prefer alternatives like ProtonVPN, PureVPN, or PrivateVPN.

Is Mullvad VPN safe?

Mullvad VPN was designed with privacy in mind. The provider does everything in its power to collect as little personal data as possible. It does not require your name, email address, a password for your account, or any other PII.

Each user gets a random account number when they sign up, and that’s all Mullvad ever sees when they use the VPN. You can sign up and log in without the need to provide an email address or password. The practice means Mullvad has nothing to link users to their accounts.

The company is based in Sweden. Although this is an EU country and part of the 14 Eyes alliance, the country has no mandatory data retention laws that apply to VPNs. This means that the VPN can enforce a completely robust no-logs policy. Additionally, its apps are open-source and have undergone regular audits (2018, 2020, 2021, and 2023).

Logging policy

Mullvad enforces a fully audited no-logs policy. It never stores any records of VPN usage logs, user IP addresses, VPN servers used, connection times, bandwidth usage, DNS requests, or any other data that could be tied to your account.

Mullvad’s pay-as-you-go model means no recurring billing, and you are free to pay without providing your name or payment information.

Anonymous payments are also accepted in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, or Monero. Pay by cash or a pre-paid card for added anonymity.

Mullvad doesn’t publish transparency reports or operate a warrant canary.

Encryption protocols

Mullvad supports OpenVPN and WireGuard, both of which are implemented to a very high standard.

WireGuard

• Encryption: ChaCha20
• Authentication: Poly1305
• Perfect Forward Secrecy: Curve25519

OpenVPN

• Encryption: AES-256-GCM
• Handshake: 4096-bit RSA
• Authentication: SHA512
• Forward Secrecy: DHE-4096
• TLS 1.3 is used on the control channel

WireGuard is the default, and OpenVPN will be fully phased out by January 2026.

Controversies

Mullvad VPN has never been involved in any controversies. The VPN has never reported any breaches, leaks, or data scandals.

In fact, in April 2023, law enforcement approached Mullvad with a warrant that allowed them to seize hardware. Mullvad explained they didn’t have any user data, and eventually the police had to be content with leaving with nothing. This incident has concretely proven that Mullvad is living up to all its privacy promises.

Most recently, Mullvad commissioned an audit of its Android app carried out by NCC Group. The tests concluded that Mullvad passed the Mobile Application Security Assessment (MASA) without the need for any changes or improvements.

These audits occasionally uncovered minor vulnerabilities, which is their purpose. Mullvad patched them before they could be exploited in the wild.

Customer support

When it comes to customer support, Mullvad falls short compared to its top competitors. Especially considering the added costs involved in subscribing long-term.

Unlike popular services such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, which all have 24/7 live chat, Mullvad still relies on email. The lack of live chat (or phone support) means you can’t talk to an agent in real time. Instead, you need to fill in the contact form and wait. So, how did the email support fare?

In testing, I found the response times to be decent. I received a clear and helpful reply in under two hours. While that isn’t instant, it’s fast enough that I didn’t feel hard done by.

The answers I received to my questions were technically able: written by someone who understood the VPN features in question. This is one advantage of using a tech and privacy-first VPN with a smaller client base—it can have fewer, more knowledgeable support agents.

Mullvad posts excellent support documents on its website.

I dug through the Help Center and found the guides and FAQs impressive. The setup instructions provide clear explanations and include plenty of useful screenshots. And it covers everything users are likely to need, from Android sideloading to manually configuring a VPN-compatible router.

Mullvad Blog

The blog section dates back to  2010 and covers info about its audits, VPN encryption, guides for bypassing censorship, and general commentary on privacy legislation and important privacy news.

Mullvad is one of the few VPNs that is forthcoming with technical info, such as details about its OpenVPN encryption implementation, or explainers on how its obfuscation works, which I appreciate.

The only real issue is that Mullvad sometimes feels a bit techy, which can feel off-putting for beginners. If this is you, and you don’t want to feel overwhelmed, I would probably suggest shopping elsewhere.

What are the best Mullvad VPN alternatives?

If Mullvad feels too technical or lacks VPN features you need, such as streaming servers or port forwarding, consider the best alternatives below.

NordVPN is our top recommendation for most home VPN users. It’s cheaper than Mullvad, easier to use, and packed with features that make it better for day-to-day use. It works with every streaming service we’ve tested, has reliable 24/7 live chat support, and its apps are a lot more beginner-friendly.

Surfshark is the best pick if you want a cheap VPN that offers a fully featured service.  It represents unbeatable value for money, and comes with a massive server network, apps for all platforms, WireGuard support, amazing speeds, and access to all popular streaming services. It also supports unlimited devices with a single account.

If Mullvad’s removal of port forwarding annoyed you, consider switching to Proton VPN. It’s an advanced, privacy-focused VPN like Mullvad that still offers port forwarding.