Mullvad VPN

What is Mullvad VPN?

Mullvad VPN is a privacy-first virtual private network service that prioritizes user anonymity above all else, including marketing, user acquisition, and even ease of payment. Founded in Sweden in 2009 by Amagicom AB, Mullvad takes an unconventional approach to VPN service that emphasizes genuine privacy protection over business growth. The name “Mullvad” comes from the Swedish word for “mole” – an animal that burrows underground and remains hidden, perfectly reflecting the service’s philosophy of helping users disappear from surveillance and tracking. Unlike typical VPN services that require email addresses, collect user information, and push for growth, Mullvad allows completely anonymous registration using only randomly-generated account numbers.

What distinguishes Mullvad from virtually all other VPN providers is its extreme commitment to privacy that extends to unusual business practices most companies would consider counterproductive. Mullvad accepts cash sent anonymously through mail, allows cryptocurrency payments without requiring any user information, charges a simple flat rate of €5 monthly regardless of subscription length, and provides exactly the same service to free trial users as paying customers. The company maintains fully open-source applications, publishes detailed infrastructure information, undergoes regular independent security audits, and operates with transparency that sets industry standards. This philosophy attracts users who view privacy as paramount and appreciate a VPN provider that walks the walk rather than just talking about privacy in marketing materials.

Mullvad has built a reputation as the VPN for privacy purists, security professionals, and anyone who has researched VPN options thoroughly. While it lacks some conveniences found in mainstream VPNs—no yearly discounts, basic streaming support, limited customer hand-holding—Mullvad delivers uncompromising privacy protection with technical excellence. The service implements WireGuard protocol with custom improvements, operates over 800 servers across 40+ countries, supports port forwarding for torrenting, and maintains one of the strictest no-logs policies in the industry backed by real-world evidence. For users who prioritize genuine anonymity and privacy over marketing polish or extensive features, Mullvad represents the gold standard of what a privacy-respecting VPN should be.

Key Features

• Anonymous Account System: Registration requires only a randomly-generated account number with no email, name, or personal information, enabling completely anonymous VPN usage.
• Simple Flat-Rate Pricing: €5 per month regardless of subscription length, no discounts, trials, or promotional complexity—everyone pays the same fair price.
• Cash Payment Acceptance: Allows sending cash anonymously through mail with only account number, enabling VPN service without any digital payment trail.
• Fully Open Source: All client applications, server configurations, and custom infrastructure tools are open source allowing independent security verification and transparency.
• Audited No-Logs Policy: Independently verified commitment to maintaining no user activity logs, connection logs, or any data that could identify users or their behavior.
• WireGuard Focus: Primary support for modern WireGuard protocol delivering fast speeds with strong security, including custom improvements to the protocol.
• Diskless Infrastructure: Servers operate entirely from RAM without persistent storage, ensuring all data is automatically wiped when servers restart or lose power.
• Port Forwarding: Supports port forwarding for improved torrenting performance and applications requiring incoming connections, unusual among privacy-focused VPNs.
• Bridge and Multihop: Advanced routing options include SOCKS5 proxies, bridge servers for obfuscation, and multihop connections through multiple servers.
• Transparent Operations: Publishes detailed information about server locations, ownership structure, infrastructure providers, and security practices uncommon in VPN industry.

Recent Updates and Improvements

Mullvad continues enhancing privacy protections, expanding infrastructure, and improving technical capabilities while maintaining its privacy-first philosophy.

• DAITA Protocol Enhancement: Implementation of Defense Against AI-Guided Traffic Analysis adds cover traffic to prevent sophisticated traffic analysis attacks.
• Server Network Expansion: Continuous addition of servers in new locations improving global coverage and connection options.
• Quantum-Resistant Tunnels: Early implementation of post-quantum cryptography protecting against future quantum computing threats to encryption.
• Enhanced Obfuscation: Improved bridge servers and obfuscation techniques help circumvent VPN blocking in restrictive networks.
• App Performance Improvements: Optimized applications with faster connection establishment and reduced resource consumption across platforms.
• Content Blockers: Added built-in blocking for ads, trackers, malware, gambling, and adult content at the DNS level.
• Wireguard Refinements: Continuous improvements to WireGuard implementation with custom enhancements for privacy and performance.
• Transparency Enhancements: More detailed infrastructure disclosure including server ownership and third-party audit reports.
• Multi-Platform Support: Expanded platform coverage including improved Linux support and router compatibility.
• Security Audit Frequency: Increased frequency of independent security audits providing ongoing verification of privacy claims.

System Requirements

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 10, 11 (64-bit)
• Older versions: Windows 8.1 supported with limitations
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 2 GB minimum
• Storage: 80 MB available space
• Network: Active internet connection

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)
• RAM: 2 GB minimum
• Storage: 60 MB available space
• Network: Internet connectivity

Linux

• Distribution: Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, and derivatives
• GUI and CLI versions available
• Architecture: 64-bit systems
• Dependencies: WireGuard or OpenVPN

Mobile

• iOS: iOS 13.0 or later
• Android: Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
• F-Droid version available for Android

Other Platforms

• Routers: Configuration guides available
• Browser Extensions: None (by design for privacy)

How to Install Mullvad VPN

Getting an Account

# Unique anonymous account generation
1. Visit mullvad.net
2. Click "Generate account number"
3. Save your 16-digit account number (THIS IS YOUR ONLY CREDENTIAL)
4. No email, password, or personal information required
5. Add credit to account via card, PayPal, crypto, or cash

# Account number example: 1234 5678 9012 3456

Windows Installation

1. Download Mullvad VPN for Windows from mullvad.net
2. Run MullvadVPN-XXXX.exe installer
3. Follow installation wizard
4. Launch Mullvad VPN
5. Enter your 16-digit account number
6. Click “Connect” to activate VPN

macOS Installation

1. Download macOS app from Mullvad website
2. Open downloaded DMG file
3. Drag Mullvad VPN to Applications
4. Launch from Applications folder
5. Enter account number (no other credentials needed)
6. Grant VPN configuration permissions
7. Connect to VPN server

Linux Installation

# Debian/Ubuntu
wget https://mullvad.net/download/app/deb/latest --trust-server-names
sudo apt install ./MullvadVPN-XXXX_amd64.deb

# Fedora
wget https://mullvad.net/download/app/rpm/latest --trust-server-names
sudo dnf install ./MullvadVPN-XXXX.x86_64.rpm

# Arch Linux
yay -S mullvad-vpn

# Command line
mullvad account login XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX
mullvad connect

Mobile Installation

# iOS
1. Open App Store
2. Search "Mullvad VPN"
3. Download official Mullvad app
4. Launch and enter account number
5. Allow VPN profile
6. Connect

# Android (Google Play)
1. Open Play Store
2. Search "Mullvad VPN"
3. Install app
4. Enter account number
5. Connect

# Android (F-Droid)
1. Add Mullvad repository to F-Droid
2. Install Mullvad VPN
3. Completely open source version

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Maximum Privacy: Anonymous account system, cash payment option, no-logs policy, and Swedish jurisdiction create unmatched privacy protection without compromises.
• Fully Open Source: All applications are open source allowing complete transparency and independent security verification by researchers and users.
• Audited and Transparent: Regular independent security audits, published transparency reports, and disclosed infrastructure details exceed industry standards.
• Simple Honest Pricing: Flat €5 monthly rate with no promotional tricks, discounts, or pricing games—everyone pays the same fair price.
• Anonymous Payments: Cash-by-mail and cryptocurrency options enable completely untraceable payment without any digital footprint.
• Technical Excellence: WireGuard focus, diskless servers, custom protocol improvements, and advanced features demonstrate technical sophistication.
• No User Tracking: Complete absence of analytics, tracking, advertising, or any data collection about users sets Mullvad apart from commercial VPNs.
• Ethical Operation: Privacy-first philosophy evident in business practices, transparent operations, and refusal to compromise privacy for growth.

Cons

• No Discounts: Flat monthly pricing means no savings for annual subscriptions, making long-term use more expensive than competitors offering yearly discounts.
• Limited Streaming: Basic streaming support doesn’t match VPNs optimized for geo-unblocking; not ideal for users primarily wanting Netflix access.
• Fewer Servers: 800+ servers across 40+ countries is smaller than networks of 5,000+ servers offered by mainstream competitors.
• 5 Device Limit: Maximum 5 simultaneous connections is standard but less generous than VPNs offering unlimited devices.
• Minimalist Approach: Lack of extra features, customer hand-holding, or convenience tools may frustrate users accustomed to full-featured commercial VPNs.
• Account Number Management: Anonymous account numbers require careful safekeeping; losing your number means losing access with no email-based recovery.
• Limited Customer Support: Email and chatbot support is helpful but slower than 24/7 live chat offered by commercial competitors.

Mullvad VPN vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Mullvad VPN?

Mullvad VPN is ideal for:

• Privacy Purists: Those for whom privacy is non-negotiable and who appreciate a VPN that genuinely prioritizes anonymity over business growth and marketing.
• Security Professionals: IT security experts, penetration testers, and researchers who value technical transparency, open-source verification, and audited privacy claims.
• Journalists and Activists: Those facing potential surveillance who need anonymous account creation, cash payment options, and proven privacy protection.
• Cryptocurrency Users: People living in the crypto ecosystem who prefer payment without traditional financial system involvement.
• Open Source Advocates: Users who prioritize fully open-source software allowing community review and independent security verification.
• Torrent Users: Those downloading via P2P benefit from port forwarding support, strong privacy, and technical capabilities.
• Privacy-Educated Users: Those who’ve researched VPN options thoroughly and understand why Mullvad’s approach represents genuine privacy rather than marketing.

Mullvad VPN may not be ideal for:

• Budget Seekers: Those wanting lowest possible pricing through annual discounts won’t find value in Mullvad’s flat monthly rate.
• Streaming Enthusiasts: Users primarily wanting reliable Netflix and streaming access should choose VPNs optimized specifically for geo-unblocking.
• VPN Beginners: Newcomers may find Mullvad’s minimalist approach and technical focus less welcoming than hand-holding provided by mainstream VPNs.
• Feature Collectors: Users wanting extensive extra features, browser extensions, and convenience tools may find Mullvad too focused on core VPN functionality.
• Extensive Device Users: Those needing to protect more than 5 devices simultaneously should consider VPNs with higher device limits or unlimited connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t Mullvad require an email address?

Mullvad uses randomly-generated account numbers instead of email addresses to maximize user privacy. Email addresses are personally identifiable information that can link VPN usage to specific individuals. By using only anonymous account numbers, Mullvad ensures that even if their systems were compromised or legally compelled to provide user information, there’s no connection between accounts and real identities. You’re simply “account number 1234567891234567” with no name, email, or personal data attached. This approach demonstrates Mullvad’s genuine commitment to privacy over business convenience.

Can I really pay Mullvad with cash?

Yes, absolutely. Mullvad accepts cash sent through regular mail to their Swedish office. Simply put cash in an envelope with your account number (nothing else needed), mail it to Mullvad’s address, and they’ll credit your account when received. This creates zero digital payment trail – no credit card, bank account, PayPal, or any connection between payment and identity. It’s one of the most anonymous payment methods possible. Mullvad also accepts Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Monero cryptocurrency for anonymous payment, though cash is even more untraceable.

Is Mullvad good for streaming Netflix?

Mullvad works for streaming but isn’t optimized for it like some competitors. The service can access Netflix and other platforms, though reliability varies and isn’t Mullvad’s primary focus. The company prioritizes privacy over geo-unblocking entertainment services. If streaming is your main VPN purpose, consider services like ExpressVPN or NordVPN specifically optimized for reliable Netflix access. Mullvad works fine for occasional streaming but isn’t the best choice if bypassing streaming restrictions is your primary goal.

What happens if I lose my account number?

Since Mullvad uses only account numbers with no email addresses or personal information, there’s no recovery mechanism if you lose your account number. It’s completely gone – this is the tradeoff for maximum privacy. Save your account number securely in a password manager or written down in a safe location. The anonymity that protects you also means Mullvad cannot verify you own an account without the number. Consider this carefully and implement proper account number backup before adding significant credit to your account.

Why is Mullvad more expensive than competitors?

Mullvad’s €5 monthly pricing is actually very fair – it only seems expensive compared to promotional annual discounts other VPNs offer. Mullvad charges the same flat rate monthly whether you buy one month or twelve, rejecting the psychological pricing games common in VPN marketing. Many “cheap” VPNs cost $10-13 monthly but advertise heavily discounted 2-3 year commitments to appear affordable. Mullvad’s honest €5 monthly price with no tricks, plus the costs of running privacy-focused infrastructure and refusing to monetize user data, makes the pricing reasonable for genuine privacy protection.

Final Verdict

Mullvad VPN represents what a genuinely privacy-respecting VPN service looks like when built from the ground up around user anonymity rather than marketing and growth. The anonymous account system, cash payment acceptance, fully open-source applications, audited no-logs policy, and transparent operations demonstrate authentic commitment to privacy that exceeds virtually every competitor’s claims. For users who view privacy as a fundamental right rather than a marketing buzzword, Mullvad delivers uncompromising protection backed by technical excellence and ethical business practices.

The flat €5 monthly pricing without promotional games, extensive technical capabilities including WireGuard focus and port forwarding, and continuous independent security audits make Mullvad the gold standard for privacy-conscious users. While it lacks some conveniences found in mainstream VPNs—no annual discounts, basic streaming support, minimalist features—these are intentional choices prioritizing privacy over commercial appeal. Mullvad proves that a VPN can operate successfully while genuinely respecting user privacy rather than simply claiming to do so.

Mullvad VPN earns the highest recommendation for privacy purists, security professionals, journalists, activists, and anyone who has thoroughly researched VPN options and understands the difference between genuine privacy protection and marketing. Those prioritizing streaming, seeking bargain pricing through annual commitments, or wanting extensive hand-holding should consider alternatives better suited to those needs. For users who value authentic anonymity, transparent operations, and a VPN provider that views privacy as its primary mission rather than a selling point, Mullvad represents the pinnacle of what privacy-focused VPN service should be.