Mullvad VPN Review

Automatic Kill Switch

Expert Advice:

Mullvad VPN includes an automatic kill switch designed to maintain your privacy by disconnecting your internet if the VPN connection drops. This feature is always active, which helps to prevent accidental exposure of your real IP address—a notable advantage over many VPNs that have their kill switches disabled by default, such as Surfshark.

However, Mullvad has issued a warning about potential DNS leaks on its Android app, even with the native “Block connections without VPN” feature enabled. This issue is attributed to a bug within the Android OS.

For users with sensitive data or activities on Android devices, it is advisable to avoid Mullvad until this issue is resolved.

Automatic Kill Switch

Mullvad VPN’s iOS kill switch operates continuously in the background, ensuring that your connection is securely maintained.

On Android devices, users need to configure their network settings by enabling both “Always-on VPN” and “Block connections without VPN.” Ideally, these settings would be integrated directly into the Android app.

Additional Security Features

Mullvad provides an array of supplementary security features, including an ad blocker, IPv6 support, and enhanced protocols.

Regular Security Audits

Mullvad demonstrates its commitment to security through regular external audits and penetration tests of its server infrastructure and applications. These audits are instrumental in identifying and addressing bugs and vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing the overall security of the VPN service.

Below are some recent security audits conducted for Mullvad and their outcomes:

Year	Critical	High-level	Medium-level	Low-level
2022 – Mullvad Apps	0	0	2	2
2023 – Mullvad Account & Payment Services	0	0	0	7
2023 – Mullvad Servers	1	6	4	10

Ad, Tracker, and Malware Blocker

In the Preferences section, Mullvad VPN provides options to enable app startup, auto-connect, and activate its ad, tracker, and malware blockers.

While Mullvad’s ad blocker is not the most advanced we’ve tested, it effectively blocks most social and analytic trackers, as well as some pop-up ads. It is useful if you are already using Mullvad, though it may not be as effective as tools like uBlock Origin.

Open-Source Apps

All Mullvad’s desktop and mobile applications are open-source, available for review on GitHub. This transparency allows users to examine the code and report any vulnerabilities. Although some other privacy-focused VPNs, such as PIA and IVPN, also offer open-source code, it remains relatively uncommon in the VPN industry.

Full IPv6 Support

Unlike many VPNs that either block IPv6 connections or redirect them to IPv4—potentially causing leaks—Mullvad provides a solution for full IPv6 support. This feature ensures that users with ISPs supporting IPv6 can benefit from enhanced security and connectivity.

Advancements in WireGuard

Mullvad is at the forefront of VPN security innovations. The recent introduction of the Defense against AI-guided Traffic Analysis (DAITA) feature on Windows exemplifies this commitment. DAITA adds random background traffic to obscure identifiable data patterns, providing protection against extensive surveillance, such as that conducted by the FBI. However, users should be aware that this feature may increase data usage and impact connection speeds.

In addition, Mullvad has implemented quantum-resistant WireGuard connections as of 2023, further strengthening its security measures.

Mullvad Browser

Developed in collaboration with the Tor Project, the Mullvad Browser is designed to prevent tracking and browser fingerprinting. It accomplishes this by:

• Deactivating telemetry data collection
• Blocking third-party trackers
• Clearing cookies, cache, and history after each session

The Mullvad Browser is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux users.

Speed

Exceptional Performance on Local Servers

Speed Rating: 8.7/10

Mullvad VPN delivers impressive speeds with both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. Its performance is particularly strong on local servers, exhibiting only a 7% reduction in speed compared to our baseline internet connection. While speeds decrease more noticeably with long-distance connections, the performance remains within expected limits.

Ranked #33 out of 62 VPNs for Speed

We tested Mullvad’s servers across six continents using a 100 Mbps internet connection, akin to typical home speeds.

Speed Test Results:

No VPN (New York)	US (New York)	Canada (Toronto)	US (Los Angeles)	UK (London)	Germany (Berlin)	Brazil (São Paulo)	Japan (Tokyo)	South Africa (Johannesburg)	Australia (Sydney)
Server Location
Download Speed	100Mbps	93Mbps	95Mbps	88Mbps	87Mbps	86Mbps	90Mbps	84Mbps	77Mbps	77Mbps
Upload Speed	100Mbps	84Mbps	92Mbps	92Mbps	74Mbps	93Mbps	88Mbps	79Mbps	61Mbps	94Mbps
Ping	1ms	6ms	14ms	80ms	74ms	84ms	112ms	145ms	393ms	212ms
Distance	0mi	5mi	300mi	2,500mi	3,500mi	4,000mi	4,800mi	6,700mi	8,000mi	9,900mi

A 7% reduction in speed when using Mullvad VPN is commendable, though not the fastest compared to some other VPN services.

We recorded speeds exceeding 95 Mbps when connecting to Canada, which is impressive for such a long-distance connection. Similarly, speeds reached 90 Mbps when connecting to Brazil.

However, the average download speed to the UK was around 87 Mbps, which is somewhat less impressive. As illustrated in the chart, Mullvad’s performance lags behind some of its popular competitors.

While VPNs like Hotspot Shield may offer better speeds for long-distance connections, Mullvad’s performance remains satisfactory for most users.

Server Locations

674 Servers Across 44 Countries

Server Locations Rating: 7.9/10

Mullvad operates 674 physical servers distributed across 44 countries. While this is not an extensive network, it should meet the needs of most users, particularly those in Europe where the majority of Mullvad’s servers are located. Most of these servers are rented but have been thoroughly vetted to ensure their safety and reliability.

Ranked #21 out of 62 VPNs for Server Locations

Mullvad VPN’s servers are distributed across the following continents:

Continent	Number of Countries
Europe	29
Asia	6
North America	3
South America	3
Africa	1
Oceania	2

Mullvad operates 674 servers in 44 countries, which is less expansive compared to some competitors, such as ExpressVPN with servers in 106 countries. However, this network should suffice for most users, and server congestion does not significantly affect speeds.

City-Level Server Options

Mullvad offers a substantial number of city-level servers globally, including:

• Australia: Five cities (Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney)
• Canada: Four cities
• France: Three cities
• Germany: Three cities
• Japan: Two cities
• UK: Three cities
• US: Eighteen cities

Expert Tip: Some city-level servers may not be available when using certain protocols. For instance, Osaka and Marseille are not accessible with OpenVPN. To maximize city-level options, it is advisable to use Mullvad’s automatic protocol selection.

The US stands out with 18 city-level server options, which is superior to some VPNs but not as extensive as PIA’s coverage across all 50 US states. Australia is also well-represented, with five cities available, which is more than many VPNs offer. However, other regions, such as Africa, only have a presence in South Africa, and Asia and the Middle East are less well-served.

Server Ownership and Transparency

Mullvad maintains transparency regarding its server network. You can view detailed information about whether servers are owned or rented, their capacity (10Gbps), and their compatibility with WireGuard or OpenVPN on the Mullvad website.

Most of Mullvad’s servers are rented, but the company rigorously vets these servers and ensures they are not shared with other entities. Although rented servers are subject to strict security measures, Mullvad also provides the option to connect to Mullvad-owned servers for enhanced security.

All-Physical Server Network

Mullvad operates exclusively with physical servers, avoiding virtual servers that provide IP addresses from different locations than their actual physical location. This approach, while limiting the number of available countries, is generally considered less vulnerable to cyberattacks compared to virtual servers.

No Static IP Addresses

Mullvad does not offer static or dedicated IP addresses, ensuring that users are never assigned the same IP address twice. This enhances privacy but may impact the ability to unblock streaming services, as static IP addresses can appear more like typical internet traffic compared to dynamic IPs.

Streaming

Limited Success with Major Streaming Services

Streaming Rating: 3.0/10

Mullvad’s performance in streaming is notably underwhelming. It struggles to unblock major services such as US Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. The only exceptions are US Amazon Prime Video and Max, which are accessible via the Raleigh server.

Ranked #35 out of 62 VPNs for Streaming

Streaming Services Unblocked by Mullvad:

• US Amazon Prime Video
• Max

Despite its robust privacy and security features, Mullvad’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access popular streaming content is limited.

Streaming Platform	Works with Mullvad VPN
Amazon Prime Video	Yes
BBC iPlayer	No
Channel 4	Yes
Disney+	No
Hotstar India	No
Hulu	No
ITVX	No
Max	Yes
Netflix US	No

Mullvad does not prioritize unblocking streaming sites and does not make any claims in this area. It no longer supports Netflix and has not developed streaming-optimized servers or an app for Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Our testing across major streaming platforms revealed minimal success. Currently, Mullvad can only access US Amazon Prime Video and Max outside their respective regions. It does not bypass Hulu’s restrictions.

While Mullvad’s emphasis on privacy is commendable, there is potential for the VPN to excel in both privacy and streaming capabilities. Expanding its functionality to include effective unblocking of streaming sites, particularly Netflix, would make Mullvad a more comprehensive recommendation.

Torrenting

P2P Servers & Fast Download Speeds

Torrenting Rating: 9.1/10

Mullvad excels in torrenting compared to streaming. All of its servers support P2P activity, and it achieves an average download speed of 9.8 MiB/s. The privacy policy is robust, and the inclusion of a SOCKS5 proxy enhances file-sharing speeds. However, it is worth noting that Mullvad has removed port forwarding.

Ranked #6 out of 62 VPNs for Torrenting

Summary of Mullvad VPN’s Torrenting Performance:

• P2P Server Support: All servers
• Average Download Speed: 9.8 MiB/s
• Privacy Policy: Strong
• Additional Features: SOCKS5 proxy
• Port Forwarding: Not available

Mullvad offers strong performance for torrenting with excellent speeds and privacy features, although the removal of port forwarding is a notable limitation.

Torrenting Attribute	Result
Average Download Bitrate	9.8MiB/s
No. of P2P Servers	674
Logging Policy	No Identifying Data
Kill Switch	Yes
Port Forwarding	No

Mullvad is a leading choice for torrenting. All its servers are optimized for P2P activity, and unlike some VPNs, such as TorGuard, which now restrict access to popular torrenting sites, Mullvad imposes no such limitations.

In our tests using secure torrent clients like qBittorrent, Mullvad demonstrated impressive performance. We recorded a stable and high average download speed of 9.8 MiB/s.

Although Mullvad may not match the speed of the top VPNs for torrenting, it remains a strong option due to its fast speeds, robust privacy features, including kill switch protection and a stringent no-logs policy.

SOCKS5 Proxy Available, but Port Forwarding Removed

Mullvad offers SOCKS5 proxy support across all its servers, which can be activated for specific applications. This feature is beneficial for torrenting and helps minimize the occurrence of CAPTCHAs.

However, Mullvad has removed the option for port forwarding, citing concerns about potential abuse. Port forwarding was previously a valuable tool for optimizing speeds, adjusting NAT types, and reducing lag, particularly for gamers using VPNs.

Bypassing Web Censorship

Inconsistent Performance in China

Bypassing Censorship Rating: 6.0/10

Mullvad VPN offers a Bridge Mode designed to circumvent web restrictions in countries such as Russia and China. However, its effectiveness does not always meet expectations. Currently, it struggles to overcome stringent web censorship in China.

Ranked #31 out of 62 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship

Mullvad’s Bridge Mode operates by first connecting you to one of Mullvad’s ‘Bridge servers,’ which utilize the Shadowsocks proxy to mitigate fingerprinting. It then routes you into the target country to bypass web blocks.

Despite this approach, our tests revealed that Bridge Mode was ineffective in bypassing the Great Firewall of China, which is known for its extensive and rigorous web censorship.

Bridge Mode is more effective in countries with less advanced censorship technology, such as the UAE, Turkey, and Russia.

For bypassing Russian web blocks and accessing restricted sites like Twitter and BBC News, Mullvad offers nearby servers in Estonia and Latvia.

Expert Tip: To activate Mullvad’s Bridge Mode and circumvent web restrictions, navigate to Settings > Advanced > OpenVPN > OpenVPN Settings > Bridge Mode > On. From there, you can select your Entry and Exit locations from the available list.

Device & OS Compatibility

Support for Popular Devices, but No Smart DNS

Device Compatibility

Mullvad VPN supports installation on a variety of devices, including Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. Although it lacks a smart DNS feature, Mullvad can be set up on a router, allowing use with smart TVs and gaming consoles. Additionally, Mullvad permits connections on up to five devices simultaneously, making it ideal for household coverage.

Supported Devices:

• Windows
• Mac
• iOS
• Android
• Linux
• Router

The Mullvad application maintains a consistent interface across all devices, with slight variations in settings depending on the platform.

Platforms	Kill Switch	Ad & Tracker Blocker	Multi-Hop Servers	Port Forwarding	Split Tunneling	Always Require VPN	Custom DNS Server	Local Network Sharing	SOCK5 Proxy	IPv6 Compatibility
macOS	Yes	Yes	WireGuard Only	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Windows	Yes	Yes	WireGuard Only	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
iOS	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	No

Device Compatibility

Mullvad VPN supports a wide array of devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. While it lacks a smart DNS feature, it can be installed on compatible routers, enabling use with smart TVs and gaming consoles. Mullvad allows up to five simultaneous connections, which is typical for many VPNs. However, services like Surfshark and Windscribe offer unlimited simultaneous connections without device restrictions.

Games Consoles & Streaming Devices

Mullvad can be used with various consoles and streaming devices, including:

• Apple TV
• Amazon Fire TV
• Android TV
• Chromecast
• Nintendo
• PlayStation
• Roku
• Smart TV
• Xbox

To connect these devices, you can install Mullvad on a compatible router, download the Mullvad APK for Fire TV and Android TV, or share a VPN connection from a Windows or macOS device. For comprehensive coverage across a household, installing Mullvad on a router is the most effective solution. Compatible routers include those running DD-WRT, pfSense, Merlin, and OpenWRT, which can be configured manually or via a WireGuard client.

Browser Extensions

Mullvad provides a proxy browser extension for:

• Firefox

The browser extension is available for free and functions as an encrypted SOCKS5 proxy. It can mask your geolocation and encrypt web traffic within the browser, but it does not extend this encryption to other applications or outside the browser environment. Mullvad does not recommend using the extension as a standalone product and advises connecting to the full VPN service for comprehensive protection.

Overall, if you choose to sign up for Mullvad, we recommend using the VPN app to connect to a server rather than relying on the browser extension. This approach ensures full protection across all your internet activities.

Ease of Use

Mullvad: Sleek and User-Friendly

Ease of Use Rating: 8.0/10

Mullvad’s applications are designed with a clean, user-friendly interface that is both visually appealing and straightforward. The apps are intuitive, featuring clear explanations for each function, which makes them accessible for both new and experienced users. Throughout our testing, we found Mullvad’s apps to be reliable, with no bugs reported, and the interface remains consistent across all platforms.

Ranked #23 out of 62 VPNs for Ease of Use

Mullvad stands out for its exceptional usability and design. The app’s interface is simple and effective, with a central connect button, a server location list, and a settings menu, providing everything needed for a seamless user experience.

In the settings menu, users can access account information, preferences, and advanced options. While these features are presented clearly, the lack of uniformity across different devices can lead to some confusion. For example, features like Mssfix might not be immediately obvious.

Although Mullvad offers a generally excellent user experience, some advanced features, such as WireGuard Keys, require configuration through the Mullvad website, which detracts from a fully integrated app experience.

Multilingual Support

A notable feature is Mullvad’s support for 20 languages, allowing users to switch languages easily with just a click. This feature enhances accessibility for a global audience.

Desktop Apps: macOS & Windows

The Mullvad applications for macOS and Windows are identical in functionality and design. Both platforms include the full range of features and offer a consistent user experience.

Mobile Apps: iOS & Android

Mullvad’s VPN applications for iOS and Android are similar to their desktop counterparts, though they feature fewer settings. The Android app includes split tunneling, a feature not available on iOS. Conversely, the iOS app incorporates an ad, tracker, and malware blocker.

Neither mobile app supports OpenVPN, which also means that the OpenVPN-exclusive Bridge Mode is unavailable. Additionally, both mobile versions lack the “Always Require VPN” option.

Both iOS and Android apps utilize the WireGuard protocol, along with automatic WireGuard key rotation, which refreshes your WireGuard keys every four days to enhance security.

Customer Support

Rating: 7.5/10

Mullvad’s website offers comprehensive and well-crafted support resources, providing users with clear and transparent information. The email support service is efficient, with prompt responses to inquiries. However, the absence of live chat support is a notable drawback, as it limits the availability of instant assistance. Compared to other VPN providers, Mullvad’s support infrastructure could be enhanced with the addition of live chat options.

Ranked #31 out of 62 VPNs for Customer Support

Customer Support	Available in Mullvad VPN
24/7 Email Support	No
24/7 Live Chat Support	No
Chatbot	No
Email	Yes
Email Support via Online Form	No
Live Chat Support	No
Online Resources	Yes
Tutorial Videos	No

Mullvad’s help center is highly effective, featuring concise troubleshooting guides, user instructions, and detailed explanations of its features. The help center can be accessed via the FAQ & Guides link in the app, and users can also report issues directly through the app.

For direct support, Mullvad offers email communication. Our test email, sent at 2:37 PM, received a response at 2:50 PM, demonstrating a commendable 13-minute response time.

While Mullvad’s email support is prompt, the addition of 24/7 live chat support would enhance its customer service. Most leading VPN providers offer this level of immediate assistance.

Price & Value

$5.50 Per Month Flat Rate

Price & Value Rating: 7.5/10

Mullvad offers a straightforward pricing model with a flat rate of $5.50 per month, regardless of the subscription duration. This single-tier, one-time payment system stands out for its simplicity and lack of long-term commitments. However, this pricing is higher compared to other VPNs that offer lower rates for longer-term subscriptions, with some providers charging as little as $3.00 per month on extended plans.

Ranked #12 out of 62 VPNs for Price & Value

Mullvad’s pay-as-you-go approach requires a monthly top-up at the same rate of $5.50, with no discounts for longer-term plans. You can also purchase subscriptions via physical Amazon vouchers.

Monthly Subscription

$5.50/month
(Price converted from 5.00 EUR. Subject to currency fluctuations.)

In the long term, Mullvad is more expensive than many competitors, as it does not provide discounts for extended contracts. For instance, PrivateVPN offers a three-year plan at approximately $2.00 per month. However, for those preferring a month-to-month plan, Mullvad remains relatively inexpensive compared to many VPNs that charge over $10.00 per month for similar flexibility.

Payment & Refund Options

Mullvad accepts various payment methods, including:

• American Express
• Bank Wire / Direct Transfer
• Bitcoin
• Bitcoin Cash
• Cash
• Giropay
• iDeal
• Mastercard
• PayPal
• Voucher

Mullvad is one of the few VPN services that accepts cash payments, offering a highly anonymous payment option. Payments can be made in most major currencies, and a 10% discount is available for Bitcoin transactions. Additionally, Mullvad partners with resellers, including Selfridges in London, and offers physical Amazon vouchers for purchase.

Refund Policy

Mullvad provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is standard among most VPN services. Some providers, like CyberGhost, offer longer refund periods. To request a refund, email support@mullvad.net with your account details and payment information. Note that refunds are not available for cash payments.

No Free Trial Available

Mullvad does not offer a free trial. To evaluate the service, you must purchase a subscription and utilize the 30-day refund period, requesting a refund before the period expires.