Mullvad VPN

What is Mullvad VPN?

Mullvad VPN is a privacy-focused Swedish VPN service that takes a unique, uncompromising approach to anonymity. Founded in 2009 by Amagicom AB in Gothenburg, Sweden, Mullvad has built a reputation as the VPN of choice for privacy advocates, journalists, activists, and security researchers who prioritize genuine anonymity over flashy features or streaming capabilities.

What makes Mullvad truly unique is its commitment to anonymous service. You don’t need an email address, name, or any personal information to sign up—just generate a random 16-digit account number and pay (even with cash mailed anonymously if desired). This approach ensures Mullvad literally cannot identify their users, even if compelled by authorities.

Mullvad charges a flat €5 per month regardless of subscription length—no confusing pricing tiers, no pressure to commit to multi-year plans, and no price increases for month-to-month users. This transparent, ethical approach has earned Mullvad deep respect in the privacy community, and the service was chosen as the VPN partner for Mozilla’s Firefox VPN product.

Key Features

• True Anonymity: No email, name, or personal information required—just a random account number and payment.
• Transparent Pricing: Flat €5/month regardless of subscription length—no manipulative pricing tactics.
• Cash Payment: Accept cash mailed anonymously for ultimate payment privacy, along with crypto and cards.
• WireGuard Native: One of the first VPNs to implement WireGuard, offering excellent speeds and security.
• Open Source: All client applications are open source and publicly auditable on GitHub.
• Owned Servers: Operates its own physical servers rather than relying entirely on rentals.
• Port Forwarding: Supports port forwarding for torrenting, gaming, and self-hosted services.
• Multi-hop: Route traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy protection.
• DNS Leak Protection: Comprehensive leak protection including DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC.
• No-Logs Verified: Commissioned independent infrastructure audit to verify security practices.

Latest Updates

Mullvad continues to innovate while maintaining its privacy-first principles.

• DAITA Protection: New Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis to prevent AI-based traffic fingerprinting.
• Post-Quantum Encryption: Implemented quantum-resistant encryption for future-proof security.
• Owned Infrastructure: Continued expansion of Mullvad-owned server infrastructure for better security.
• RAM-Only Servers: All servers run diskless for enhanced security and privacy.
• Browser Extension: Improved browser extensions for additional proxy and privacy options.
• Mullvad Browser: Launched privacy-focused browser in collaboration with Tor Project.
• Enhanced Android: Improved Android app with better connection stability and features.
• Infrastructure Audits: Regular third-party security audits of server infrastructure.

System Requirements

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 10 or later
• RAM: 512 MB minimum
• Storage: 50 MB available space

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.13 or later
• Storage: 50 MB available space

Linux

• Debian 10+, Ubuntu 18.04+, Fedora 33+
• Storage: 50 MB available space
• GUI and CLI options available

iOS

• Operating System: iOS 13.0 or later
• Storage: 30 MB available space

Android

• Operating System: Android 8.0 or later
• Storage: 30 MB available space

How to Install Mullvad VPN

Getting Started

1. Visit mullvad.net
2. Click “Generate account” to get random 16-digit number
3. Add time via payment (credit card, crypto, or mail cash)
4. Download app for your platform
5. Enter your account number
6. Connect to any server
7. No email verification or personal data needed

Linux Installation

# Debian/Ubuntu
sudo curl -fsSLo /usr/share/keyrings/mullvad-keyring.asc https://repository.mullvad.net/deb/mullvad-keyring.asc
echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/mullvad-keyring.asc arch=$( dpkg --print-architecture )] https://repository.mullvad.net/deb/stable $(lsb_release -cs) main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mullvad.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mullvad-vpn

# Launch and enter account number
mullvad account login

Mobile Setup

1. Download Mullvad from App Store or Google Play
2. Open app and enter 16-digit account number
3. Allow VPN configuration
4. Select server and connect
5. Enable always-on VPN in system settings

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Maximum Anonymity: No personal information required—truly anonymous account creation and usage.
• Honest Pricing: Flat €5/month with no manipulative long-term discount tactics.
• Cash Payment: Can pay with mailed cash for complete payment anonymity.
• Security Leadership: Early WireGuard adoption, post-quantum encryption, and owned infrastructure.
• Open Source: All clients are open source and independently auditable.
• Ethical Company: Privacy-focused values reflected in every business decision.
• Mozilla Partnership: Selected as the infrastructure provider for Firefox VPN.

Cons

• Limited Servers: Smaller server network than major competitors like NordVPN or CyberGhost.
• 5 Device Limit: Only 5 simultaneous connections compared to unlimited competitors.
• No Streaming Focus: Not optimized for unblocking streaming services—not its purpose.
• Basic Support: Email-only support without live chat option.
• Higher Monthly Cost: €5/month is more expensive than competitors’ multi-year deals.

Mullvad vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Mullvad VPN?

Mullvad VPN is ideal for:

• Privacy Maximalists: Those who want the most anonymous VPN experience possible with no personal data exposure.
• Journalists & Activists: People in sensitive situations who need untraceable communications.
• Security Researchers: Professionals who appreciate open-source, auditable software and ethical practices.
• Ethical Consumers: Users who want to support privacy-focused companies with honest business practices.
• Linux Users: Excellent Linux support with both GUI and CLI applications.
• Torrent Users: Port forwarding and no-logs make it suitable for P2P activities.

Mullvad VPN may not be ideal for:

• Streaming Users: Mullvad doesn’t focus on unblocking Netflix or other streaming services.
• Budget Seekers: €5/month is more than the effective rate of multi-year deals elsewhere.
• Many Devices: 5-device limit is restrictive for large households.
• Support Dependent: Those needing immediate live chat support should look elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pay Mullvad anonymously?

Mullvad accepts cash mailed to their office in Sweden. Simply send euros or equivalent in your local currency with your account number written on a piece of paper. They also accept cryptocurrency including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Monero for digital anonymous payment. No personal information is ever linked to your account.

Why doesn’t Mullvad offer discounts for longer subscriptions?

Mullvad believes the common VPN pricing model of expensive monthly rates but cheap multi-year deals is manipulative and designed to lock users in. Their flat €5/month demonstrates confidence in their service—if you’re unhappy, you can leave anytime without having paid years in advance.

Does Mullvad work with Netflix?

Mullvad is not designed or optimized for streaming. While some servers may work with some streaming services some of the time, Mullvad doesn’t make streaming unblocking a priority. If streaming is your main use case, consider CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, or NordVPN instead.

What is the Mullvad Browser?

Mullvad Browser is a privacy-focused web browser developed in collaboration with the Tor Project. It’s essentially Tor Browser without the Tor network—optimized for use with VPNs. It includes anti-fingerprinting features, private browsing by default, and no telemetry.

How secure is Mullvad compared to other VPNs?

Mullvad is among the most secure VPNs available. They own significant server infrastructure, all servers are diskless (RAM-only), they’ve implemented post-quantum encryption ahead of most competitors, and regularly commission independent audits. The open-source clients can be verified by anyone.

Final Verdict

Mullvad VPN represents the gold standard for privacy-focused VPN services. In an industry full of marketing hype and manipulative pricing, Mullvad takes an refreshingly honest approach—anonymous accounts, transparent pricing, and unwavering commitment to user privacy. For those who understand and value true privacy, Mullvad delivers like no other.

The technical implementation matches the philosophical commitment. Post-quantum encryption, owned infrastructure, RAM-only servers, and open-source clients demonstrate genuine security leadership. The Mozilla partnership and selection as Firefox VPN’s infrastructure provider validates Mullvad’s reputation among those who understand the technology.

Mullvad isn’t for everyone—it won’t unblock Netflix reliably, and €5/month costs more than deeply discounted multi-year plans elsewhere. But for privacy advocates, journalists, activists, and anyone who believes in supporting ethical technology companies, Mullvad is worth every cent. If genuine anonymity and maximum privacy are your priorities, Mullvad earns our highest recommendation.