1. What Is Mullvad VPN?
Mullvad VPN is a Sweden-based, privacy-focused virtual private network service that has gained popularity due to its transparency, minimal data collection, and commitment to user anonymity. Unlike most VPN providers, it does not require an email address or personal information during signup. It operates using randomly generated account numbers, creating a truly anonymous user experience.
Founded in 2009 by Amagicom AB, Mullvad has consistently placed privacy before profit. It supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard, the two most secure VPN protocols available, ensuring your data stays encrypted and your identity shielded at all times.
Whether you’re a journalist avoiding censorship or a regular user protecting your digital footprint, Mullvad VPN delivers simple, robust protection without frills.
2. Why Privacy Matters More Than Ever
In 2025, online privacy is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. With governments expanding surveillance powers, ISPs tracking browsing activity, and corporations harvesting data for profit, your online behavior is constantly at risk of being exploited.
VPNs help by creating encrypted tunnels between your device and the internet, hiding your IP address, masking your location, and securing your data from snoops.
Mullvad stands out because it goes beyond typical VPN protections—it enforces complete anonymity from the moment you create your account.
3. No-Logs Policy: Zero Tracking, Zero Worries
Mullvad’s strict no-logs policy ensures that:
- No browsing history is recorded
- No connection timestamps are stored
- No bandwidth usage is tracked
- No identifying logs are ever saved
This policy has been verified by independent audits, reinforcing Mullvad’s reputation as a genuinely private VPN.
Unlike many providers who make vague promises, i puts it in writing and proves it through external code reviews and system audits.
4. Anonymous Accounts: No Email, No Problem
Most VPNs ask for your email and create a user profile. Mullvad doesn’t.
Instead, when you sign up, it gives you a 12-digit account number. This number is all you need to:
- Sign in
- Pay for service
- Access support
That means no usernames, no passwords, and no email addresses—cutting off one of the most common privacy vulnerabilities right at the source.
5. Payment Options That Respect Privacy
Mullvad allows for a wide range of privacy-friendly payment options:
- Cash by mail (yes, actual currency!)
- Bitcoin and Bitcoin Lightning
- Monero (via resellers)
- Credit card and PayPal (if anonymity isn’t a concern)
The ability to pay anonymously is rare, making it ideal for those who truly want to disappear from the data economy.
6. Mullvad’s Open-Source Commitment
Transparency builds trust. Mullvad’s apps are 100% open-source, meaning their code is publicly available for anyone to review, inspect, or improve.
This prevents backdoors, promotes accountability, and allows independent developers to verify there are no hidden surveillance tools.
Mullvad also publishes:
- Reproducible builds
- Detailed change logs
- Security audit reports
Few VPNs are this transparent.
7. WireGuard and OpenVPN Support
Mullvad gives users the choice of two industry-leading VPN protocols:
- WireGuard: Lightweight, ultra-fast, highly secure
- OpenVPN: Tried-and-tested, highly configurable, great for tricky networks
You can switch between these protocols depending on your need—whether it’s speed for streaming or stealth for high-censorship environments.
8. Blazing Speeds With Maximum Security
Most people assume privacy means slower speeds—but not with Mullvad. Thanks to WireGuard and high-performance server infrastructure, Mullvad achieves:
- Fast download and upload speeds
- Minimal latency for gaming
- Stable performance even with multiple devices
Even better, Mullvad has no bandwidth caps, letting you browse, stream, or game without limits.
9. Mullvad on Multiple Devices: Seamless Protection
Mullvad offers up to 5 simultaneous connections per account.
It works on:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
- Routers
With a single account number, you can secure your entire digital ecosystem.
Plus, Mullvad has dedicated apps for every major OS—simple interfaces for beginners and advanced options for tech-savvy users.
10. Security Audits and Independent Verification
Mullvad doesn’t just claim privacy—it proves it.
Recent third-party audits from Cure53 and others have verified:
- No leaks or data collection vulnerabilities
- Proper implementation of VPN protocols
- Secure handling of payment information
These audits are published publicly, allowing full transparency. You can view the latest one here.
11. Comparing Mullvad with Other Top VPNs
| Feature | Mullvad | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Logs Policy | ✅ Verified | ✅ Claimed | ✅ Verified |
| Anonymous Sign-Up | ✅ No email | ❌ Email needed | ❌ Email needed |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ Full access | ❌ Partial | ❌ No |
| Payment via Cash | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Protocol Support | WireGuard/OpenVPN | WireGuard/OpenVPN | Lightway/OpenVPN |
| Streaming Capability | ❌ Limited | ✅ Great | ✅ Great |
Mullvad wins on privacy and transparency. If you’re looking for streaming, other VPNs might work better—but for anonymity, it is unmatched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad better than NordVPN or ExpressVPN?
If your top priority is privacy and anonymity, it is the clear winner. For broader features like streaming and global server networks, NordVPN or ExpressVPN may be more versatile.
Can I use Mullvad for streaming or gaming?
Mullvad works for basic streaming and gaming, but it’s not optimized for unblocking geo-restricted content like Netflix or Disney+. It’s built more for privacy than entertainment.
Is Mullvad legal to use worldwide?
Yes, using Mullvad is legal in most countries. However, some authoritarian governments may block or discourage VPN usage, so check your local laws.
Does Mullvad work in countries with VPN blocks?
Yes, but with limitations. Mullvad’s OpenVPN over TCP and port 443 can bypass some firewalls. Still, it may not work reliably in places like China without advanced configurations.
How does Mullvad protect my identity during payment?
By accepting cash and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Mullvad enables completely anonymous payment options. No need to share your name or financial details.
What happens if I lose my Mullvad account number?
You lose access. Mullvad doesn’t store personal info, so there’s no way to recover a lost account. Always back up your account number safely.
Conclusion
Mullvad VPN is the gold standard for privacy-focused users in 2025. With its zero-logs policy, anonymous sign-up process, and commitment to open-source development, it redefines what digital privacy can look like.
If you’re tired of bloated apps and vague promises, it offers something rare: authentic, transparent, and uncompromising protection.
