“A very privacy-driven VPN service that doesn’t even take e-mail ID for registration and even accepts cash as payment for anonymity of users.”
A VPN, or virtual private network, serves as a secure tunnel connecting your devices to the internet, providing a shield for your online activities. Mullvad, for instance, offers this virtual tunnel, ensuring secure and private internet browsing, even when using public Wi-Fi networks at cafes or hotels. In today’s digital landscape, online privacy is a scarce commodity as internet service providers (ISPs) can track your web activity, websites can see your ISP, and some even maintain logs of your actions. Furthermore, government regulations in your country may require ISPs to record your website visits.
Virtual Private Network acts as a safeguard for your online privacy by disrupting the traceable link between you and your online activities. When you use a reputable VPN like Mullvad, which adheres to a strict no-logging policy, your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel to the VPN’s servers and then forwarded to the websites you visit. Consequently, websites will only recognize the VPN service’s identity instead of your own, and any data saved by your ISP cannot be linked directly to you. While using a VPN is a crucial first step in protecting your online privacy, it is important to remember that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and additional precautions may be necessary.
Mullvad VPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network service that prioritizes anonymity and security for its users. Based in Sweden, Mullvad is renowned for its stringent no-logging policy, ensuring that your online activities remain confidential. With robust encryption, a global server network, and features like a kill switch and Bridge mode, Mullvad offers a comprehensive solution for safeguarding your internet connection and browsing experience. Whether you’re concerned about online privacy, bypassing geographic restrictions, or staying secure on public Wi-Fi networks, Mullvad VPN is a reliable choice that places user privacy at the forefront of its service.
In this review of Mullvad VPN, we will look some of the key aspects of it that makes it stand out among the ocean of VPN services that are available today.
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What We Don’t Like
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| Bottom Line Mullvad VPN stands out as a top-tier service for those who prioritize online privacy and security. Its unwavering commitment to user anonymity is evident through its strict no-logging policy and the option to create an account without providing any personal information. The use of industry-standard encryption protocols ensures that user data remains impenetrable to external threats, offering peace of mind in an era of increasing digital vulnerabilities. |
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Initial Setup
- Safety and Privacy
- Account Anonymity
- Servers and Speed
- Apps
- Specifications
- Price
- Final Verdict
Initial Setup
Mullvad VPN is available for a variety of platforms, making it accessible to users across different devices and operating systems. At the time of writing this review, Mullvad VPN is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Setting up Mullvad VPN is a straightforward process, and the service provides dedicated clients for various operating systems.
Start by visiting the Mullvad website and signing up for an account. Unlike many other services, Mullvad respects your privacy by not requiring personal information. Instead, you’ll receive a randomly generated account number to maintain your anonymity. Once you’ve created your account, navigate to the Mullvad website and download the VPN client tailored to your specific operating system. Run the installation package you’ve downloaded and follow the on-screen instructions to install the Mullvad VPN client on your device. The installation process is typically straightforward and user-friendly.
After the installation is complete, launch the Mullvad VPN client. You will be prompted to log in using the credentials associated with your Mullvad account. This step ensures your access to the VPN service. With the client open, you’ll have access to a list of Mullvad servers located in various regions. Choose a server that best fits your needs, whether it’s for privacy, security, or bypassing geographic restrictions. Click “Connect” to establish a VPN connection to the selected server. You’ll receive confirmation within the client once the VPN connection is successfully established. To double-check, you can verify your new IP address, ensuring that your internet traffic is now being securely routed through the chosen Mullvad server.
Mullvad offers additional features, such as a kill switch, Bridge mode, and split tunneling, depending on your operating system. These features can be configured within the Mullvad client settings, allowing you to tailor the VPN experience to your specific preferences.
Safety and Privacy
Mullvad VPN offers a range of features that prioritize user privacy, security, and convenience. Mullvad’s no-logging policy is a foundational element of its commitment to user privacy. This policy means that Mullvad does not collect or store any information about your online activities. They don’t track your IP address, websites visited, or any other personal data, ensuring that your online behavior remains completely confidential. This transparency and dedication to privacy have made Mullvad a trusted choice for users who want assurance that their digital footprint is not being recorded or sold to third parties.
When you sign up for Mullvad, you receive a random 16-digit account number. Unlike many other VPN services, Mullvad doesn’t require you to provide your name, email address, or any personal information. This unique approach enhances your online anonymity, as there’s no identifiable information associated with your account.
Mullvad employs two VPN Protocols; OpenVPN and WireGuard with robust encryption mechanisms. These encryption methods ensure that your internet traffic is secure and virtually impenetrable to unauthorized access. Your data is encrypted before it leaves your device and remains protected throughout its journey to and from Mullvad’s servers, adding a critical layer of security to your online activities.
Like most VPN services out there, Mullvad VPN includes a built-in kill switch, a critical feature for maintaining your online privacy. If the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the kill switch immediately severs your internet connection to prevent any data leakage. This ensures that your online activities remain private, even in the event of a VPN interruption. Mullvad VPN implements a robust strategy to prevent data leaks and activate the kill switch feature by seamlessly integrating with the system firewall of the user’s operating system. The specific firewall technologies utilized vary by platform: Windows uses the “Windows Filtering Platform (WFP)”, Linux employs “nftables”, and macOS relies on “Packet Filter (PF)”. These integrations enable the Mullvad app to take control of network traffic, ensuring that all data is securely channeled through the VPN tunnel. In case of a VPN connection interruption, the kill switch is promptly triggered, instantly cutting off internet access to safeguard user privacy.
Account Anonymity
Mullvad VPN has designed an account creation process that prioritizes user privacy and anonymity. To get started, users need to visit the official Mullvad website where they are presented with a unique approach to registration. Instead of requesting personal information like names or email addresses, Mullvad assigns each user a randomly generated 16-digit account number. This ensures that online activities are associated with an anonymous identifier, enhancing privacy. After receiving the account number, users can download and install the Mullvad VPN client from the website. Upon launching the app, they are prompted to enter the 16-digit account number, which activates the VPN service. Users can then select a server from the provided list and establish a secure VPN connection to safeguard their online activities.
In terms of payment options, Mullvad offers a variety of choices to cater to different user preferences, especially those who prioritize anonymity. Users can opt to pay using major credit cards, which offer convenience but may not be the most private method. PayPal is another option for those seeking ease of payment. For users in Sweden, Swish is a popular choice for in-country transactions. Mullvad also accepts bank wire transfers, which provide a degree of anonymity by avoiding personal information sharing. To enhance privacy, Mullvad supports cryptocurrency payments, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum. These cryptocurrency options provide an extra layer of anonymity by avoiding the need for personal information, ensuring that users can make secure and private payments for their VPN service. Additionally, Mullvad offers an unconventional in-person cash payment option, where users can make payments with physical currency, guaranteeing an extra level of privacy by eliminating digital traces. The variety of payment methods aligns with Mullvad’s commitment to safeguarding user privacy throughout their VPN experience.
Servers and Speed
Mullvad maintains a diverse network of servers located in various countries worldwide. The server network is relatively (over 600 servers) but they are present in over 40 countries. This enables users to choose from a wide range of locations to connect to, allowing them to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from different regions. Additionally, users can select servers for optimal performance and privacy, depending on their needs and geographic preferences.
Mullvad is committed to providing top-notch security and encryption across its VPN servers. The default configurations and priority orders for encryption are meticulously designed to ensure the highest level of protection for each tunnel protocol.
OpenVPN servers are characterized by the use of powerful encryption measures. They employ 4096-bit RSA certificates for server authentication, enhancing security with the SHA512 hashing algorithm. The key exchange is strengthened with 4096-bit Diffie-Hellman parameters, and Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) is achieved through the use of DHE (Diffie-Hellman Ephemeral). The control channel enforces a minimum TLS version of 1.2, with TLS 1.3 also available for enhanced security. For the most recent OpenVPN client versions, Mullvad offers a selection of ciphers for data protection, including control channel ciphers like TLS_CHACHA20_POLY1305_SHA256 and TLS_AES_256_GCM_SHA384, used in that specified order unless a user customizes their configuration. Data channel ciphers comprise CHACHA20-POLY1305 and AES-256-GCM. Furthermore, re-keying of encryption keys occurs every 60 minutes to maintain the highest level of security.
WireGuard, known for its streamlined approach, utilizes a singular set of cryptographic primitives. WireGuard is highly regarded for its simplicity and effectiveness in providing secure connections. Mullvad’s bridge servers serve a unique purpose. They enable access to Mullvad’s website, API, and OpenVPN and WireGuard servers in regions where traditional access is restricted. As the focus of these connections is on bypassing restrictions rather than encrypting data, the type of encryption used is of secondary importance.
In our assessment, we conducted a series of speed tests, both with and without the use of a VPN, yielding interesting results. Initially, we examined the performance of our 300Mbps ISP Plan in the absence of a VPN, directly connecting to our ISP server. In this scenario, we achieved speeds of approximately 292Mbps for downloads and 289Mbps for uploads. Subsequently, we engaged the VPN and connected to a server located within our city, repeating the speed test while attempting to link to the same ISP server. With the VPN active and utilizing a server within our locality, we recorded speeds of 250Mbps for downloads and 222Mbps for uploads. This resulted in a reduction of around 15% for download speeds and roughly 20% for upload speeds compared to the non-VPN performance.
Apps
Mullvad provides dedicated clients for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Mullvad aims for a user-friendly and straightforward interface, making it easy for users to access and adjust settings.
Upon launching the Mullvad VPN app, you’re typically greeted with a dashboard or main screen. This screen typically displays your current connection status, including whether you are connected to a server or not. It might also show your new IP address. The app usually provides a list of available servers. Users can select a server from various locations around the world. You can often sort servers by region, city, or country, making it easy to choose a server that suits your specific needs.
A prominent “Connect” button is usually featured on the dashboard. Clicking this button initiates the connection to the chosen server. You may have the option to connect to the best server automatically based on your location or let the app choose the server for you. When you click on a server, the app may display additional information about it, such as its current load, the distance from your location, and the server’s IP address.
Mullvad VPN typically offers a settings menu, accessible through an icon or link in the app. Within the settings menu, you can configure various options to customize your VPN experience. Some common settings you might find include:
- General Settings: These may include options for auto-connecting when the app starts or when you connect to unsecured networks, customizing language preferences, and enabling or disabling notifications.
- Connection Settings: This is where you can often configure advanced options such as the kill switch, which disconnects your internet in case of VPN interruptions, and the Bridge mode for enhanced anonymity.
- DNS Settings: You can usually specify custom DNS servers or use Mullvad’s DNS service.
- Account Information: Access to account-related information or settings, such as your account number and current subscription status.
- Advanced Options: For users with specific needs, you might find advanced settings like split tunneling, IPv6 blocking, or the option to run the app as an administrator.
The app for Android and iOS carries the similarities from the desktop counterparts. The Android App supports Split Tunnelling while misses out on multihop feature. Sadly, the iOS app lacks both these features.
Specifications
| Name | Mullvad VPN |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| VPN Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Servers | 600+ |
| Countries | 40 |
| Infrastructure | Combination of 1Gbps, 10Gbps, and 20Gbps Servers |
| Free Trial | None |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30-Days |
| No. of Devices | 5 |
| Supported Devices | Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Features | Very Strict No Log Policy, Kill Switch, Content Blocker, Split Tunneling (not on Mac and iOS) |
Price
Mullvad offers a straightforward pricing model with a flat monthly fee. For European customers, the fee is €5 per month, whether you choose monthly, yearly, or even longer duration plans. In other regions, the price is straightforward conversion from Euro to the respective currency. For example, customers in the U.S. will have to pay $5.28 while people in the U.K. will have to pay £4.34.
The simplicity of this pricing structure makes it easy to understand and budget for your VPN service. Additionally, the 30-day money-back guarantee allows users to try Mullvad with confidence.
Final Verdict
Overall, if you are looking for a strictly anonymous VPN service, Mullvad VPN is a decent choice. It is a privacy-focused virtual private network service that prioritizes user anonymity and online security. It stands out for its commitment to privacy, allowing users to register without providing any personal information, relying on randomly generated account numbers. In addition to its privacy-oriented features, Mullvad’s pricing model is transparent and user-friendly, with a flat-rate structure, whether you go for monthly or yearly subscriptions. The service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the VPN risk-free.
The small number of servers is a let down but with servers in over 40 countries and most of the servers having highspeed bandwidth of 10Gbps or 20Gbps, you don’t have to worry about bottlenecks. Mullvad VPN also misses out on some essential features that most of the other popular VPN providers are offering.
