...
Back to Home

Mullvad VPN Review

A privacy-first choice with transparent, flat-rate pricing—excellent security and speed, but not ideal for streaming.

Mullvad Key Features
Server Network≈700+ physical, RAM‑only servers in ~49 countries
Speeds (WireGuard)Typically 76–87% of base speed; local tests show averages of 650–820 Mbps in lab
AuditsApp audits by Atredis Partners (2022), X41 D‑Sec (2024), Cure53 (infrastructure)
Encryption & ProtocolsWireGuard & OpenVPN; AES‑256; no-logs; supports MultiHop, Shadowsocks, obfuscation
StreamingMixed success: Amazon, some regional platforms—many services blocked
Device LimitUp to 5 simultaneous connections
Privacy & SignupAnonymous accounts (no email), accepts cash/crypto, Sweden-based
Pros
  • Very strong privacy & transparency—anonymous signup, no-logs, cash payments
  • Security audited regularly (2022 by Atredis, 2024 by X41 D‑Sec, infrastructure by Cure53) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  • Impressive speeds—lab tests show averages of ~666 Mbps, with real-world retention under 25% (often better) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • Advanced features: MultiHop, Shadowsocks, obfuscation for extra privacy workarounds :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • Fully transparent server infrastructure, RAM-only, no virtual servers :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Cons
  • Limited streaming support—many platforms like Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Netflix vary or fail :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • Smaller server network—around 700 servers in ~49 countries :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  • Only 5 devices allowed; no port forwarding (removed 2023) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • No live chat support and slower customer service :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Privacy & Audits

Mullvad prioritizes privacy: users register with anonymous account numbers and can pay via cash, crypto, or standard methods—no email required. Hosted in Sweden, it keeps no logs. Apps and infrastructure have been audited multiple times: Atredis Partners (2022), X41 D‑Sec (2024) for client apps, plus infrastructure reviews by Cure53 :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Speed & Performance

Mullvad delivers excellent speeds. In lab testing, average throughput exceeded 650 Mbps, with real-world results showing speed retention often within 76–87% of baseline—meeting the threshold of “fast VPN” by industry standards :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Users on Reddit frequently report performance close to connection limits when configured well :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

Server Infrastructure

Mullvad operates ~700 physical, RAM-only servers across ~49 countries, with transparent details available online (owned vs rented, protocol type, etc.). No virtual locations are used; servers are wiped automatically on reboot for extra security :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

Streaming & Unblocking

Streaming isn’t Mullvad’s strong suit. While there are occasional hits (e.g., Amazon Prime, select UK or Australian platforms), most major services like Hulu, Disney+, Netflix catalogs, and BBC iPlayer are inconsistent or blocked entirely :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

Advanced Features & Support

Tailored to privacy-conscious users: supports MultiHop, Shadowsocks, obfuscation, and strong kill-switch protection. However, support is limited to email forms only—there’s no live chat—and response times can take 12–24 hours :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

Visit Mullvad Back to reviews