Mullvad VPN Review 2025: Privacy Champion Tested

Is Mullvad VPN truly the privacy-focused champion it claims to be in 2025? With so many VPN providers making bold promises about protecting your data, it's easy to get lost in marketing hype and end up with a service that doesn't actually deliver.

Many users mistakenly believe that all VPNs offer the same level of privacy protection, or that a higher price automatically means better security. After spending weeks testing Mullvad alongside other top providers, I've discovered some surprising truths about what this Swedish VPN actually delivers versus what it promises.

Key Findings from My Mullvad VPN Testing

🔒 Privacy & Anonymity : Mullvad offers truly anonymous sign-up (no email required) and accepts cash payments

🚀 Performance : Excellent WireGuard speeds, though connection times vary by location

🎬 Streaming : Limited success with streaming platforms (only unblocked US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4)

💻 Apps & Usability : Clean but basic interface lacking some convenience features

💰 Pricing : Simple flat rate of €5/month ($5.39) with no long-term discounts

Privacy Features That Actually Work

Mullvad's approach to privacy isn't just marketing talk—it's built into their entire business model. Unlike most VPNs that require your email and payment details, Mullvad generates a random account number and lets you pay anonymously with cash or cryptocurrency.

During my testing, I was impressed by their transparency. Their apps are open-source, and they've undergone multiple independent security audits (most recently in late 2022). Their RAM-only server infrastructure ensures no data persists after reboots.

What really caught my attention was Mullvad's handling of a real-world security test: when Swedish police arrived with a search warrant in April 2023, they left empty-handed after Mullvad demonstrated they simply had no user data to give. That's walking the walk!

Speed Performance: Better Than Expected

I tested Mullvad's speeds across multiple servers and protocols, and the results were impressive. Using WireGuard, download speeds remained consistently above 85% of my baseline connection, even on distant servers. Connection times were lightning-fast at 2-3 seconds.

However, when comparing to SafeShell VPN 's performance, I noticed Mullvad occasionally suffered from higher latency on certain long-distance connections. SafeShell's optimized streaming servers consistently delivered 90-95% of my baseline speeds with minimal latency, which made a noticeable difference during HD streaming sessions.

Streaming Capabilities: The Achilles' Heel

This is where Mullvad falls short. During my tests, I could only access US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4. It failed to unblock Disney+, Prime Video, and Netflix libraries from other regions.

In comparison, SafeShell VPN easily unblocked all major streaming platforms I tested, including regional Netflix libraries, Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu. SafeShell's dedicated streaming servers and App Mode feature (which allows accessing multiple regions simultaneously) give it a significant edge for entertainment purposes.

App Experience: Functional but Basic

Mullvad's apps have a clean, unified design across platforms, which I appreciate. The interface is straightforward, with a map showing your location and a simple connection button.

However, I found several limitations:

• No "fastest server" option to automatically connect to the nearest location
• No favorites system for commonly used servers
• Limited sorting and filtering options for the server list
• No automatic connection for specific networks

The apps do include some advanced features like split tunneling (on desktop and Android) and multi-hop connections, though the latter is oddly hidden in the OpenVPN settings.

Pricing: Simple but Not the Best Value

Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple: €5 ($5.39) per month, period. No discounts for longer commitments, no complicated tiers. While this transparency is refreshing, it means you're paying more than necessary if you're willing to commit to a longer term with other providers.

SafeShell VPN offers more competitive long-term plans while delivering superior streaming capabilities and comparable security features. For streaming enthusiasts, SafeShell's specialized servers and unblocking capabilities offer better value despite Mullvad's privacy credentials.

Customer Support: Room for Improvement

Mullvad's support is email-only, with no live chat option. When I sent a test question, I received a helpful response in about 90 minutes—not terrible, but far behind the instant support offered by top-tier providers like SafeShell VPN with their 24/7 live chat.

The help center contains decent information but isn't well-organized, making it difficult to find specific solutions quickly. Technical articles often assume significant prior knowledge, which could frustrate less experienced users.

Who Should Use Mullvad VPN?

After thorough testing, I believe Mullvad is ideal for:

• Privacy purists who prioritize anonymity above all else
• Users who value transparency and open-source software
• Those who prefer simple pricing without commitments
• People who need solid speeds but don't care about streaming

However, if streaming is important to you, or if you want more user-friendly features and responsive support, SafeShell VPN offers a more complete package with comparable security but superior entertainment capabilities.

The Verdict: Excellent for Privacy, Limited for Entertainment

Mullvad VPN delivers exceptionally well on its core promise of privacy and anonymity. Its no-logs policy, anonymous signup, cash payment option, and open-source apps make it a standout choice for privacy-focused users.

However, its limited streaming capabilities, basic app features, and lack of live support prevent it from being a truly comprehensive VPN solution. For users who want both privacy and entertainment value, SafeShell VPN offers a more balanced approach with superior streaming performance while maintaining strong security standards.