Mullvad VPN Review 2025
Mullvad VPN offers open-source apps and anonymous sign-up, making it a great choice for privacy in Australia. However, its limited app selection and inconsistent performance, along with being blocked on most streaming platforms, can hinder the overall experience.
Quick Facts
| Headquarters | Gothenburg, Sweden 🇸🇪 |
| Number of Countries | 47 |
| Max Connection Speed | 1 - 40 Gbps (depending on location) |
| Max Connection Bandwidth | Unlimited |
| Streaming Support | ✅ |
| Free to Use | ❌ |
| Independently Audited | ✅ |
Overview
Mullvad VPN, established in 2009 and based in Sweden, has carved out a reputation as a privacy-centric virtual private network (VPN) provider. With a strong commitment to user privacy, Mullvad operates under a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private and secure. One of its standout features is the option for anonymous sign-up, allowing users to maintain their privacy right from the start.
Privacy and Security
Mullvad VPN features a strict no-logging policy, which ensures that no traffic, DNS requests, connections, or IP addresses are recorded. This commitment to privacy is further reinforced by an independent audit from Radically Open Security, available for users to review online.
What truly sets Mullvad apart is its anonymous signup process. Unlike most popular VPN providers, Mullvad does not require a username, email, or password. Instead, users receive a unique account number for managing their accounts, adding an extra layer of privacy.
Mullvad employs industry-standard encryption protocols, including AES-256 for OpenVPN and ChaCha20 for WireGuard, ensuring your data remains secure. Looking to the future, Mullvad is also forward-thinking with its implementation of Quantum-resistant tunnels on WireGuard. As quantum computing progresses, the potential for cracking traditional encryption methods becomes a concern. Mullvad addresses this by utilising a method that protects shared secrets from being compromised by quantum attacks.
Compatibility
Mullvad VPN provides robust support for major desktop and mobile operating systems, allowing users to connect up to five devices simultaneously with a single account. However, it does fall short in terms of app availability, as there are no dedicated applications for smart TVs or browser extensions.
The apps can automatically connect to the fastest server, guaranteeing a seamless experience. Plus, the kill switch feature adds an extra layer of security by disconnecting your connection if the VPN disconnects for any reason.
For those who prefer flexibility, Mullvad supports connections via any OpenVPN or WireGuard clients, including routers. Impressively, all their apps are open-source which further enhance trust and transparency.
| Device Type | Supported |
|---|---|
| iOS | ✅ |
| Android | ✅ |
| MacOS | ✅ |
| Windows | ✅ |
| Linux | ✅ |
| ChromeOS | ❌ |
| Apple TV | ❌ |
| Android TV | ❌ |
| Amazon Fire Stick | ❌ |
| Mozilla Firefox | ❌ |
| Google Chrome | ❌ |
Performance
For our performance testing, we evaluated four different servers both in Australia and internationally. We simulated a typical internet plan with a network connection capped at 100 Mbps for downloads and 40 Mbps for uploads. Each speed test was conducted five times, and the averages are presented below.
During testing, we noticed significant speed fluctuations even among servers in the same region. Switching servers often caused dramatic increases or decreases in connection speed. The connection process could also be frustratingly slow, frequently cycling through multiple servers before successfully connecting.
The local Australian server saw a 59% drop in speed from the baseline. Similarly, international servers faced similar declines, with speeds falling 67% in Los Angeles and 70% in London. As expected, the WireGuard servers delivered better performance than the OpenVPN servers.
The local Australian server experienced only a slight increase in ping, indicating that it is still suitable for web browsing, video streaming, and even gaming. In contrast, the international servers showed significantly higher ping times, which could adversely affect the web browsing experience.
Streaming
Mullvad VPN is not primarily marketed as a tool for bypassing geo-restricted content. While it did demonstrate some capability in streaming, with successful access to platforms like Netflix and Max across various regions, its overall performance was inconsistent.
Specifically, Mullvad VPN faced challenges with popular streaming platforms such as Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu, where we were blocked from accessing content.
Given these limitations, it may not be the best choice for those whose primary goal is to stream a wide range of content across multiple services.
| Australia | United States | United Kingdom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Prime Video | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Disney+ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Max (HBO) | - | ✅ | - |
| Hulu | - | ❌ | - |
Pricing
Mullvad VPN stands out from the crowd with a wide array of payment options, including cash (sent by mail), cryptocurrencies like Monero, and traditional methods such as credit cards and PayPal.
However, Mullvad’s focus on privacy means there are no recurring payment options. Users must manually top up their accounts, which limits convenience, especially for those using third-party clients who can't easily check their balance. On the pricing front, Mullvad is competitive at around $5.00 AUD per month, cheaper than many rivals, but without discounts for longer-term plans.
