Mullvad VPN review: Features, pros & cons

Mullvad VPN is one of the many VPN services on the market that is considered reliable in terms of security and privacy, and it has earned a solid reputation among users who want a VPN that does not compromise their personal data; however, many users have reported poor experiences when it comes to unblocking streaming content. Is this really true? Does Mullvad VPN meet all the requirements a VPN should have, and is it on par with the biggest providers in the market? In this Mullvad VPN review, we analyze user opinions, technical features, user experience, as well as its advantages and disadvantages, so that by the end you can determine whether it lives up to its promises and whether it is the right VPN for your needs.

What is Mullvad VPN and what is it used for?

Mullvad VPN is a Virtual Private Network service based in Sweden. Although the country is part of the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance, the provider is open source and has undergone independent audits since 2017, with the reports available on its website, which undoubtedly gives users greater peace of mind.

Founded in 2009, the company was created with the goal of protecting user privacy. Although it remains relatively unknown in the broader market, an analysis of Mullvad VPN user opinions reveals positive feedback regarding its strict no logs policy and solid performance. As a result, it stands out as a reliable option for those who prioritize online anonymity.

What does Mullvad VPN offer?

Overall, Mullvad VPN brings together all the essential features needed to provide users with a secure and private connection. It is compatible with the main operating systems, delivers solid speeds, and includes advanced security features such as Kill Switch and Multi Hop, along with AES 256 encryption and support for WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. As a result, it is a strong choice for users who want to protect their data on public networks or keep their online activity fully private.

Another notable aspect of Mullvad VPN is that it does not require any personal information to sign up, not even an email address, and it supports payment methods that are ideal for users who want to remain anonymous, such as cryptocurrencies.

Below is a table with the main technical features of Mullvad VPN, followed by a more detailed look at some of them:

Server fleet and locations

With more than 600 servers across over 40 countries, Mullvad VPN provides decent global coverage. While it does not have the largest network on the market, its servers are highly reliable and strategically located to ensure fast and stable connections.

When it comes to server distribution, Mullvad’s servers are mainly located in the United States and Sweden. This can be limiting for users who need connections in regions with fewer server options, especially since there are no servers in countries such as Argentina, India, or Egypt.

Advanced security features

Mullvad VPN focuses on providing top-notch security to ensure user privacy. Here is a brief overview of its main features:

• No-logs policy and anonymous logging system: Mullvad VPN guarantees that it does not store any user browsing data, such as IP addresses or DNS queries. It also does not require an email or personal information to create an account. Instead, an anonymous account number is generated, which you use to access the service. This approach ensures that the VPN delivers strong privacy protection.
• Independent audits: Its strict no-logs policy has been independently audited, which means you can be confident that the company actually follows its own rules and that trust isn’t the only factor. In addition, the service is open source, allowing users to review and even contribute to its code.
• AES-256 encryption: It uses military-grade encryption to protect user data. This is the most secure type of encryption available, making your online activity virtually impenetrable to ISPs, hackers, or spies.
• Ad, tracker, and malware blocker: It stands out from other providers that only block ads. In addition to trackers and malware, it can also block specific types of content, such as gambling sites or adult websites, making it a great option for parents who share devices with their children.
• WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols: These are some of the most recognized and reliable protocols, ensuring fast and secure connections. Mullvad VPN also allows users to tweak certain advanced WireGuard settings to further enhance its performance. With OpenVPN, you can choose between TCP, which offers more stable connections, and UDP, which prioritizes speed.
• Obfuscated servers: They allow you to hide the fact that you are using a VPN, making them ideal for countries with strict censorship. Mullvad VPN also includes a Bridge mode (available for OpenVPN) to help users who have trouble connecting due to strict firewalls, bypassing censorship while maintaining a high level of privacy. It’s worth noting, however, that this feature is not available on mobile devices.
• Kill Switch: This essential security feature prevents data, such as your IP or DNS queries, from leaking if the VPN connection drops. Mullvad VPN has this feature enabled by default, with no option to turn it off. Unlike other providers, it goes a step further by offering a Lockdown mode. Even if you disconnect from the VPN server voluntarily, your internet connection remains blocked until you reconnect, providing an extra layer of protection.
• MultiHop: This feature is available when using the WireGuard protocol. It routes your traffic through two VPN servers in different locations, enhancing your privacy. It works similarly to the Double VPN offered by Nord.
• Split tunneling: This is another advanced security feature offered by most providers. It allows you to choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which ones bypass it.
• IP and DNS leaks: Users who ran DNS and IP leak tests reported no leaks, which reflects positively on Mullvad VPN. In other words, it strengthens confidence in the provider.

Is Mullvad VPN suitable for streaming and gaming?

Mullvad VPN works well for everyday tasks, but it is not the best choice if you are looking for top performance. Services like Proton VPN generally provide faster and more stable connections, especially for streaming and gaming. Since Mullvad is not specifically designed for unblocking content, results can vary. Some users can access platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime, but many report difficulties switching catalogs or maintaining a stable connection, so its reliability for streaming is limited.

The same applies to gaming. Mullvad can provide a decent experience when connected to a nearby server, with low latency and sufficient speeds for playing on PC or mobile. However, using distant servers can quickly increase ping, which impacts real-time games, especially those that demand fast reactions.

On the other hand, Proton VPN delivers more consistent performance for these activities. Its optimized servers make it easier to access content reliably and maintain speeds suitable for high-definition streaming. Additionally, its use of modern protocols helps keep latency low, even when connecting from high-demand regions, improving the experience in competitive gaming. While Mullvad may be adequate for occasional use, those who prioritize consistency usually see better results with Proton VPN.

Device and operating system compatibility

Mullvad VPN is compatible with a wide range of devices:

• PCs and laptops: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Mobile devices: Android and iOS.
• Routers: Mullvad VPN only works with routers running DD-WRT, OpenWrt, Asus Merlin, or pfSense firmware. Additionally, some users have reported that the setup process can be quite complicated.

A major downside of Mullvad VPN is that it does not support Smart TVs, which can be frustrating for many users. Since it lacks native apps for these devices, it cannot be used with an Amazon Fire TV Stick. However, it is compatible with Android-based smart TVs, including models from Philips and Xiaomi.

Casual gamers who enjoy Fortnite and similar titles may also be disappointed with this provider. Mullvad VPN does not support popular gaming consoles such as the PS5 or Xbox Series X. If console gaming is a priority for you when choosing a VPN, you will likely be better off with another provider, such as ProtonVPN.

Impact on speed

Experiencing a drop in speed when using a VPN is normal. With the WireGuard protocol, Mullvad VPN performs well on nearby servers, with tests showing average speed losses below 10%. This makes it capable of handling demanding activities like 4K streaming and online gaming. Speeds can, however, take a bigger hit when connecting to servers that are farther away.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Mullvad VPN user experience

Another advantage of Mullvad VPN is that, overall, the user experience is very smooth. You can easily install the app, which allows you to connect to the VPN in no time.

The interface is simple and features a clean, minimalist design, making it ideal for users with little experience with this type of tool. The app focuses on ease of use and functionality, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. These qualities are consistent across all platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

Mullvad’s apps for macOS and Windows are very similar, with the main difference being that split tunneling is only available on Windows, while all other features are present on both platforms. The mobile apps closely resemble the desktop version but offer fewer configuration options. The Android app includes split tunneling, making it slightly more advanced than the iOS version, which, in turn, comes with a tracker, malware, and ad blocker.

Advantages and disadvantages of Mullvad VPN

Every VPN provider has its strengths and areas for improvement. In the case of Mullvad VPN, the balance is fairly even, though its advantages likely outweigh its drawbacks. We’ve summarized this in the table below.

Mullvad VPN: user reviews

What users say about this provider shows that, overall, they are satisfied with Mullvad VPN. That said, the provider could improve certain areas, particularly its ability to unblock geo-restricted content.

On Trustpilot, Mullvad VPN holds an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars. Users tend to praise its pricing, privacy, and security features, while complaints usually revolve around slower speeds on faraway servers and struggles with streaming. Some also recommend that customer support could be improved.

When it comes to remote work, users appreciate Mullvad VPN’s stability and security when connecting from public networks. For instance, John M. notes on Trustpilot that with Mullvad, he can access his office from any café without worrying about his privacy.

Alternatives to Mullvad VPN

There are several alternatives to Mullvad VPN that cater to different needs, budgets, and experience levels. The VPN market is vast and constantly evolving, so you can always find options with more advanced features or more consistent performance depending on your intended use.

For those seeking a VPN with stronger streaming performance, more reliable speeds, and advanced security features, Proton VPN is a top choice. It offers around 15,000 servers in 120 countries, an independently audited no-logs policy, a free tier, and premium plans starting at $3.46 per month. Its overall speed and stability are typically better than Mullvad VPN, making it a more dependable option for gaming, video calls, or streaming in high definition.

On the other hand, if raw speed is your top priority, providers like NordVPN can deliver fast connections, though they may not be the best choice for those seeking a balance of privacy, transparency, and reliability. There are also other premium services that offer extensive server networks, support for multiple simultaneous connections, and modern protocols to ensure smooth performance.

For those looking for more budget-friendly options, there are basic choices like Avast SecureLine or even free services such as Urban VPN. However, these tend to have limited features and do not provide the same level of privacy, performance, or transparency as more advanced solutions like Proton VPN.

Frequently asked questions about Mullvad VPN review

Plans that may interest you

eSIM Singapore

eSIM Australia

Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

Read full bio

Related reading