Our Verdict
Our Thoughts on Mullvad
Mullvad earns a decent 48.2 out of 100. The company’s strength is in its balance. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking. Performance is solid, though it doesn’t top the charts. It offers good functionality at a fair price. All these make Mullvad a viable choice for those who want reliability without a hefty price tag.
About Mullvad
Mullvad VPN, established in 2009, is based in Sweden and is known for its strong stance on privacy and security. The founders are not widely publicized, but the service has gained recognition for its anonymity-focused approach, allowing users to sign up without providing personal information. Mullvad VPN offers features such as AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy. It supports a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Mullvad offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $5.24/mo and require a 1-month commitment.
Visit Mullvad Online: https://mullvad.net/en
Mullvad Technical Specs
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Sweden |
| Servers | 637 |
| Countries with Servers | 39 |
| Works In China | Unlikely |
| Encryptions | AES-256 |
| Cheapest Price | $5.24/mo, 1-month Subscription |
| Protocols | Open VPN, and WireGuard |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 |
| Unblock Streaming Platforms | Amazon Prime Video, and HBO |
| Dedicated Device Apps | Both Android and Apple (iOS) |
| Ads Blocking | Yes |
| Support |
Market Benchmarks
Are Mullvad’s any good in comparison?
The average score across our evaluated VPN services is 51.9%.
Mullvad’s score, in comparison, is 48.2%.
Our VPN ratings are based on our research of 96 VPN companies. Our scoring system is crafted to encompass a wide array of perspectives and addresses the needs of different users. Notably, only 10 out of the 96 VPNs we’ve reviewed scored above 75% and 26 VPNs scored below 40%.
Mullvad Pros & Cons
Listed below are what we like and dislike about Mullvad. As you explore the list, it’s crucial to weigh what sets this VPN apart from competitors against the aspects you might not favor.
The strengths of Mullvad highlight its unique advantages in the VPN market – offering features and services that may align perfectly with your specific needs. On the flip side, the cons, while not deal-breakers, are areas that may not meet everyone’s preferences or requirements.
It’s important for you to carefully consider these factors in relation to your individual needs and priorities in choosing a VPN service.
❌ Pricing Above Market Average
Mullvad positions itself in the higher-end segment of the VPN market. Based on our study of 96 VPN companies, the average lowest VPN plan is priced at $3.99 per month with an average commitment period of 19 months, and an average monthly cost of $9.39 without commitment.
In contrast, Mullvad’s cheapest plan starts at $5.24/mo. Potential customers should consider whether the additional features and services offered by Mullvad justify this higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
❌ Base in One of 14-Eye Alliance Countries
Mullvad operates from Sweden – a country within the 14-Eye surveillance alliance. Users should be aware of potential data sharing agreements in this jurisdiction. Privacy-focused customers might view this as a concern. It’s important to consider how this may affect data privacy and security.
What is the 14-Eyes Alliance?
The 14-Eyes Alliance, also referred to as SIGINT Seniors Europe (SSEUR), is an extended intelligence collaboration originally rooted in the Five- and Nine-Eyes alliance. Countries included in the 14-Eyes Alliances are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
The primary goal of this coalition is the exchange of signals intelligence (SIGINT), encompassing electronic communications and data.
How does the 14-Eyes Alliance affect your privacy and security?
The impact of this alliance on everyday life privacy is profound. Member nations, as disclosed in revelations like those by Edward Snowden (watch video), often engage in extensive surveillance of both their citizens and global communications. This means that data collected by one member could be shared with others in the alliance.
Additionally, online services based in a 14-Eyes country may be legally obligated to provide user data to their respective governments, which can then be disseminated among member states. This surveillance culture erodes personal privacy and can pose threats to digital security as there are pushes for encryption “backdoors” that could inadvertently weaken cyber defenses.
Users often consider the jurisdiction of the VPN provider as a key factor in their decision-making process. Those who are particularly concerned about privacy might opt for VPN providers based outside of the 14-Eyes countries to reduce the risk of surveillance and data sharing among these nations.
✅ Offer a Kill Switch Feature
Mullvad enhances its VPN services with a robust kill switch feature. This security measure ensures that if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the user’s device will automatically disconnect from the internet, thus preventing any accidental exposure of the user’s real IP address and online activities.
A kill switch feature is particularly valuable for users who handle sensitive information or looking an added layer of privacy protection.
✅ Strict No-Logging Policy
Our market study finds that Mullvad adheres to a strict no-logging policy. The company does not track or store logs of users’ internet activities, including browsing and download history, traffic data, or IP addresses.
A VPN’s no-logging policy is a significant factor for users who prioritize privacy, as it ensures that their online activities are not monitored or recorded. In an era where digital privacy is increasingly valued, Mullvad’s commitment to not keeping logs enhances its appeal to privacy-conscious individuals seeking a trustworthy VPN service.
Furthermore, Mullvad reinforces its commitment of no-logging policy by engaging Radically Open Security (RoS) to audit its infrastructure and software configurations.
✅ Support Double VPN
Mullvad distinguishes itself in the VPN market by offering a double VPN feature. This advanced option routes your internet traffic through two different VPN servers, significantly enhances security and makes it much harder for third parties to intercept your online activities.
A double VPN is an high-level security feature you don’t often get from commercial VPNs. In fact, only 26 out of the 96 VPN providers we studied support a Double VPN feature. A double VPN can be especially useful for users in need of high-level security, such as journalists and activists concerned about stringent online surveillance.
Double VPN feature is a high-level security offering you don’t commonly find among commercial VPNs. Our study of 96 VPN providers revealed that only 26 support a Double VPN feature.
Mullvad is among this select group, providing this advanced security option. This makes them particularly suitable for users with stringent security needs, such as journalists and activists, who require an extra layer of protection against intense online surveillance.
✅ Support Split Tunneling
Mullvad also stands out with its split tunneling feature. This functionality allows you to choose which apps or websites are routed through the VPN and which access the internet directly. The split tunneling feature is a plus for those wanting the best of both worlds: speedy local access without VPN interference and protected browsing for select tasks. Compared to VPNs that do not come with such a feature, Mullvad could save you countless hours of frustration.
❌ Unlikely to Work in China
At least half of the VPN companies we studied are unlikely to function effectively in China, and Mullvad falls into this category.
Due to China’s stringent internet regulations and advanced censorship technologies, many VPN services struggle to bypass these restrictions. Users planning to access the internet from within China should be aware that Mullvad may not be the most reliable option in this region. This limitation is a crucial consideration for travelers or residents in China who require consistent VPN access.
❌ Small Server Fleet
We noted in our market research that the average server fleet size is1,679. In comparison, Mullvad operates just 637 servers. This places it below half the market average in terms of server count. While a small server network might suggest limited geographical reach and potentially higher server load, it doesn’t automatically equate to a compromised user experience. You should consider how the server count aligns with your specific needs, such as subscription cost, desired server locations and expected network performance.
✅ Unblock Major Streaming Platforms
Our analysis indicates that Mullvad excels in bypassing geo-restrictions on most streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video, and HBO. Whether you’re a film buff, a TV series enthusiast, or simply wish to enjoy local content while traveling abroad – its proficiency in unblocking streaming platforms enriches your viewing experience without the hassle of geographical limitations.
Bottom Line: Is Mullvad Right for You?
Verdict Recap
Mullvad earns a decent 48.2 out of 100. The company’s strength is in its balance. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking. Performance is solid, though it doesn’t top the charts. It offers good functionality at a fair price. All these make Mullvad a viable choice for those who want reliability without a hefty price tag.
When considering our VPN ratings, remember they are for reference only and may not reflect every individual’s unique needs. It’s essential for you to understand your specific requirements and choose a VPN service accordingly.
If your priority is extreme security, features like a double VPN and a jurisdiction outside of the 14-Eyes should be your focus, rather than factors like pricing, streaming platforms unblocking, or server count. Conversely, if you’re seeking extra privacy for casual internet browsing, advanced security features might be less critical, allowing you to opt for a more basic, cost-effective VPN solution.
We encourage you to actively try and test various VPNs yourself to find the one that best fits your unique requirements.
Alternatives to Mullvad
There are many Mullvad alternatives in the market – many of which are powerful and reasonably priced. Read further to compare and choose below.