Mullvad VPN review 2024: Is it any good?
Mullvad VPN offers privacy-focused services with no-logs policy, transparent pricing, and multihop connections, supporting up to five simultaneous devices.
Our Verdict
Our Verdict
Mullvad VPN stands out for its exceptional transparency in business practices and a commitment to user privacy that surpasses many other VPN providers. Notably, users can open and operate an account without needing to disclose personally identifiable information (depending on the chosen payment method). Despite our admiration for Mullvad's dedication to privacy, we hesitate to fully recommend it for business purposes due to its limited server count and absence of essential features like Dedicated IP.
Pros
- Simple pricing
- Multihop connections
- Strict no-logs policy
- Minimal personal information required
Cons
- Limited server network
- Potentially slower speeds
- Lack of dedicated IP option
Plan costs
$5.35 per month or about $62.40 per yearNumber of servers
641Number of simultaneous connections
FiveUnderstanding Mullvad VPN
Established in 2009, Mullvad (Swedish for "mole") is a VPN provider based in Sweden known for its robust commitment to safeguarding user privacy and security. It achieves this through transparent practices, a stringent no-logs policy, and a distinctive account setup that doesn't mandate personal information during registration. Though not currently ranked on our best VPN services list, Mullvad remains highly esteemed among users as one of the leading providers in the industry.
What makes Mullvad VPN unique
Mullvad stands out due to its unwavering commitment to user privacy and security online. Unlike many VPNs, Mullvad employs a unique account system that prioritizes anonymity by avoiding traditional identifiers like emails or phone numbers, similar to IVPN.
Recognized for its top-tier privacy standards, Mullvad has been endorsed by the Freedom of the Press Foundation, underscoring its reputation as a leader in VPN privacy. Notably, Mullvad collaborates with Mozilla on Mozilla VPN, further leveraging its robust server infrastructure.
Advantages
Mullvad's unparalleled dedication to privacy is its standout feature. Its credibility as a champion of digital privacy makes it a trustworthy choice for users entrusting their internet traffic to a VPN provider rather than an ISP. Mullvad also performs well in speed tests, demonstrating minimal impact on device performance. Moreover, its pricing is straightforward and affordable, devoid of complex tiered plans.
Disadvantages
Despite its strengths, Mullvad lacks Dedicated IP options and imposes limits on simultaneous connections per account, which may deter potential business users and remote workers. The unique account system, while enhancing privacy, may pose usability challenges for less tech-savvy customers.
Core features of Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN offers standard features typical of VPN services, including a kill switch, split tunneling, and multihop capabilities. While these features are effective, Mullvad lacks a Dedicated IP option, which may be a drawback for some businesses.
Anonymous browsing
Mullvad VPN does not inherently provide anonymous browsing. Instead, it suggests using Mullvad in conjunction with Shadowsocks, an open-source proxy project that routes internet traffic through a SOCKS5 proxy. This combination theoretically allows users to bypass regional censorship, although it may be complex for less tech-savvy users and isn't integrated into Mullvad VPN's main app.
Kill switch
The kill switch functions as expected, cutting off internet traffic if the VPN connection drops due to network issues. Additionally, Mullvad includes a Lockdown Mode that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN is not active.
Split tunneling
Split tunneling is available on Mullvad VPN, allowing users to select specific applications to route through the VPN while excluding others. However, it's worth noting that split tunneling is currently not supported on Mullvad's iOS and Mac applications.
These features highlight Mullvad VPN's capabilities and areas where it may not fully meet all user needs, particularly in terms of integration and platform support.
Customer service and support at Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN offers satisfactory customer support, although it may not meet the needs of businesses seeking extensive support options. Support is limited to email communication during Mullvad's business hours, which may be inconvenient for customers outside of Europe. For instance, customers in regions like the American West Coast might find it challenging to reach support due to time zone differences. However, Mullvad's support agents are knowledgeable and helpful, and the provider offers a comprehensive knowledge base. Users can also submit support requests directly through the app, similar to other applications in the industry.
Alternatives to Mullvad VPN and their comparisons
Mullvad VPN vs. NordVPN
In terms of features, NordVPN surpasses Mullvad by offering Dedicated IP and in-app Anonymous Browsing. However, Mullvad is more cost-effective on a monthly basis. NordVPN allows six simultaneous connections compared to Mullvad's five, but this difference may not be decisive. Mullvad's strong privacy reputation and lower pricing make it preferable for individual users, while NordVPN might be better suited for small businesses or remote workers needing VPN for professional purposes.
Mullvad VPN vs. TorGuard VPN
TorGuard VPN offers extensive features and robust technology, but its ambiguous privacy policy and lack of transparency in audits raise concerns. For personal privacy, Mullvad is recommended over TorGuard. Business users seeking reliable privacy features should consider other VPN options.
Mullvad VPN vs. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN and Mullvad VPN are comparable in features, with ExpressVPN having Anonymous Browsing and supporting eight simultaneous connections, while Mullvad supports five. Neither service offers Dedicated IP, which limits their suitability for business use. Mullvad's affordability and strong privacy protection make it a favorable choice for personal VPN users.
These comparisons highlight the strengths and considerations for each VPN service relative to Mullvad VPN.
Is Mullvad VPN suitable for you?
For personal use, Mullvad VPN stands out as one of our top choices. It may not be the best option for streaming region-locked content, but its unique account management approach, affordable pricing, and robust no-logs policy are significant advantages. Whether you're an individual or a family seeking enhanced privacy and security online, Mullvad remains among the top contenders.
On the other hand, for business use, Mullvad VPN has limitations that might not meet expectations. Its restricted number of simultaneous connections and absence of Dedicated IP features make it less ideal for businesses needing to support multiple users or remote teams. Additionally, its account system complexity could pose challenges for some businesses.
