About Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN is a Swedish VPN service that takes a radically different approach to user privacy. While most VPN providers ask for your email, payment details, and personal information during signup, Mullvad requires none of it. Instead, you generate a random account number, and that 16-digit number is your entire identity on the platform. You can even pay with cash sent in an envelope — a level of anonymity that no other commercial VPN matches.
Founded in 2009, Mullvad has built its reputation on being unwavering in its commitment to privacy. The company was one of the first VPN providers to adopt WireGuard and has contributed code to the protocol's development. Mullvad's infrastructure runs on RAM-only servers (no hard drives), which means all data is automatically wiped every time a server reboots, making it physically impossible to retain logs.
Mullvad's pricing model is refreshingly simple: €5 per month, no discounts, no tiered plans, no upsells. Whether you sign up for one month or ten years, the price never changes. This transparent approach eliminates the misleading "as low as $1.99/month" marketing that requires multi-year commitments from competitors. You get the full feature set from day one with no hidden limitations.
The service supports up to 5 simultaneous connections and has servers in 44 countries. While Mullvad's server count and country coverage is smaller than mainstream providers, its network is meticulously curated for speed and security. Mullvad also operates its own WireGuard key infrastructure and offers SOCKS5 proxy support, multi-hop connections, and a robust kill switch. For users who place privacy above all else — journalists, activists, security researchers — Mullvad is the gold standard.
Key Features
Pros
- Truly anonymous — no email or personal info required
- Flat €5/month pricing with no commitments
- RAM-only servers ensure zero data retention
- Independently audited security infrastructure
- Significant contributor to WireGuard development
- Accepts cash and cryptocurrency payments
Cons
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
- Smaller server network than competitors
- No streaming-optimized servers
- Limited customer support options
- No mobile app on iOS until recently
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Mullvad not require an email address?
Mullvad's philosophy centers on collecting as little information as possible. By using randomly generated account numbers instead of email-based accounts, Mullvad ensures it has no personal data to store, breach, or hand over to authorities. This design choice reflects their commitment to genuine privacy.
How much does Mullvad cost?
Mullvad costs €5 per month, always. There are no annual plans, no discounts, and no pricing tiers. This flat-rate approach means you are never locked into a long-term contract and always pay the same fair price regardless of subscription length.
Is Mullvad good for streaming?
Mullvad is not optimized for streaming. While it may work with some streaming platforms, it does not actively maintain dedicated streaming servers or guaranteed access to services like Netflix. If streaming is your primary use case, a different VPN may be more suitable.
Does Mullvad keep any logs?
No. Mullvad operates a strict no-logs policy verified by independent audits. Their servers run entirely on RAM with no hard drives, meaning all session data is wiped on reboot. They do not log connection timestamps, IP addresses, bandwidth usage, or any browsing activity.
Can I pay for Mullvad anonymously?
Yes, Mullvad is one of the few VPNs that accepts cash payments sent by mail. You can also pay with Bitcoin, Monero, and other cryptocurrencies for additional anonymity. Traditional payment methods like credit cards and PayPal are also available.
What platforms does Mullvad support?
Mullvad offers native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It also supports manual configuration via WireGuard and OpenVPN config files on routers and other devices.
Is Mullvad safe to use?
Mullvad is one of the safest VPN services available. It has undergone multiple independent security audits by firms like Cure53 and Assured AB, uses state-of-the-art encryption, runs RAM-only servers, and has a transparent open-source codebase. Its privacy credentials are among the strongest in the industry.
How many devices can I use with Mullvad?
Mullvad allows up to 5 simultaneous connections per account. While this is fewer than some competitors offering unlimited connections, the 5-device limit is sufficient for most individual users.
Does Mullvad work in China?
Mullvad offers bridge servers and obfuscation tools that can help bypass internet censorship. However, it does not specifically optimize for use in highly restrictive countries like China, and success may vary depending on current censorship measures.
Security & Privacy
Supported Protocols
Supported Platforms
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User Reviews
Community Ratings
Based on 2 user reviews
Hana Novak
Flat €5/month pricing is refreshingly simple. No logging, audited, and open source. The DAITA (AI traffic analysis defense) feature is cutting edge. Highly recommend.
Erik Lindqvist
Mullvad is the gold standard for anonymity. You can pay with cash or crypto. No email required to sign up. WireGuard speeds are exceptional. Privacy nerds rejoice.