Mullvad
Mullvad VPN is operated by Mullvad VPN AB in Sweden. Instead of creating an account with an email address and password, users receive a random account number. This design reduces the amount of identity data Mullvad needs to associate with VPN access.
At a glance
- Best for
- Privacy enthusiasts who value anonymous-style account creation, transparent flat pricing and a provider that minimizes identifying account data.
- Verified starting price
- €5/month flat rate
- Free plan
- Not available
Overview
Mullvad is one of the least marketing-driven VPN services in the market. It charges a flat €5 per month regardless of whether the user pays for one month or a longer period, runs no seasonal sales, does not require an email address to create an account and accepts privacy-preserving payment methods including cash and Monero. The trade-offs are intentional: five devices per account, no port forwarding, no free plan and less emphasis on guaranteed streaming access.
Pricing is intentionally simple at €5 per month with no loyalty discount and no seasonal sales. Mullvad accepts card, PayPal, bank payments, cryptocurrencies, cash and other region-dependent methods, with a 10% discount for accepted cryptocurrencies because of lower processing overhead.
Mullvad has moved fully toward WireGuard: it announced the complete removal of OpenVPN support effective January 15, 2026. Its apps include kill-switch behavior, multihop, split tunneling on supported platforms, censorship-circumvention options and the DAITA traffic-analysis defense.
Key features
- Random numbered accounts with no email requirement for standard signup.
- Flat €5 monthly pricing with no long-term lock-in or promotional renewal trap.
- WireGuard-based service with multihop and strong kill-switch/firewall integration.
- DAITA feature designed to make traffic-analysis attacks more difficult.
- RAM-only server design with transparent disclosure of owned versus rented dedicated servers.
- Privacy-focused payment options including cash and Monero, plus open-source clients and recurring external security assessments.
Pricing and plans
| Plan / term | Current price | What matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | €5 | Same service and rate as longer periods; no promotional pricing. |
| Any longer period | €5/month equivalent | Mullvad deliberately avoids long-term discounts and sales. |
| Crypto payments | 10% discount | Mullvad states accepted cryptocurrencies receive a 10% discount due to lower fees/administration. |
| Refund window | 14 days | Exceptions include cash and crypto payments under Mullvad's refund rules. |
Mullvad's pricing model is unusually stable: the service costs €5 per month regardless of term. Resellers may offer different effective pricing, but Mullvad itself states that it does not run holiday or event sales.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Minimal signup data: no email address or conventional username/password is required.
- Flat pricing avoids introductory-versus-renewal surprises and long contracts.
- Strong no-activity-logging policy and unusually detailed privacy documentation.
- RAM-only infrastructure, open-source clients and recurring third-party security assessments strengthen transparency.
- Excellent fit for advanced privacy users, especially with multihop and DAITA.
Cons
- Only five devices per account.
- No free tier or conventional long-term discount.
- No port forwarding since 2023.
- Streaming access is not the product's central promise and can be less predictable than mainstream streaming-focused VPNs.
Who is it for?
Who should use Mullvad?
Mullvad is ideal for users who consider minimizing provider-held identity data more important than having the biggest feature bundle. It particularly suits technically aware privacy users who appreciate transparent infrastructure, WireGuard, multihop and account anonymity.
Who should consider an alternative?
Choose Proton VPN if you want a strong free tier and more mainstream streaming features. Choose Windscribe or PIA if unlimited device connections matter. ExpressVPN or CyberGhost may be easier for users whose top priority is streaming convenience and broader consumer-facing support.
ToolRankers verdict
Mullvad is one of the clearest examples of a privacy product whose business model matches its messaging. It asks for very little account information, charges the same price every month and avoids promotional renewal games.
The trade-off is that it deliberately does less hand-holding around entertainment and bundled security extras. For a user whose first question is 'how little does my VPN provider know about me?', Mullvad remains one of the strongest answers.
ToolRankers research on Mullvad
Best VPN Services in 2026: 7 VPNs Worth Paying For
The best VPN services in 2026 compared for privacy, value, streaming, travel and everyday security, with current pricing and audit evidence.
Best NordVPN Alternatives in 2026
Looking for a NordVPN alternative? Compare Surfshark, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN and five others on price, privacy, devices, streaming and value.
Surfshark Alternatives: 7 VPNs That Make More Sense in 2026
Surfshark is hard to beat on unlimited devices, but NordVPN, Proton VPN, Mullvad and others win on privacy, free access, simpler pricing or specific use cases. See which switch is actually worth it.
How to Choose a VPN in 2026: A Practical Buyer's Guide
Learn how to choose a VPN in 2026. Compare privacy, audits, protocols, speed, device support, streaming, pricing and the red flags to avoid.
Sources and fact-checking
Product details and pricing were checked against these official sources on 7 October 2026. Prices and plan limits can change; confirm the current terms with the provider.