Mullvad Review
Privacy-first VPN accepting Bitcoin with anonymous account numbers, no email required, and quantum-resistant encryption.
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Why We Recommend Mullvad
Mullvad stands out in the VPN space by taking privacy seriously at every level. You sign up with just an account number—no email, no name, no personal information whatsoever. Pay with Bitcoin or even cash mailed in an envelope, and there's genuinely no way to connect your identity to your usage. Their strict no-logs policy has been verified through independent third-party audits, with the most recent 2024 audit finding no critical vulnerabilities. Every app is open-source, GPG-signed, and the infrastructure runs on RAM-only servers that physically cannot retain data after reboot.
The technical implementation is equally impressive. Mullvad offers quantum-resistant tunnels using post-quantum cryptography, DAITA protection against AI-based traffic analysis, and multihop routing for additional anonymity. WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols are both supported with proper kill switch implementation that blocks all non-VPN traffic by default. Speed loss stays under 5% on downloads, which is exceptional for a privacy-focused service. The apps work as genuine set-and-forget tools with auto-connect on startup and seamless transitions between desktop and mobile.
Best For
Privacy-conscious Bitcoiners who understand that financial sovereignty extends to digital privacy will find Mullvad perfectly aligned with their values. The anonymous signup process and Bitcoin payment option mean you can protect your internet traffic without creating yet another identity trail. Journalists, activists, and anyone operating in surveillance-heavy environments benefit from the multihop routing and obfuscation features that help bypass censorship in restrictive regions.
Users who prioritize genuine privacy over streaming convenience will appreciate Mullvad's approach. Unlike VPNs that optimize for Netflix unblocking, Mullvad focuses entirely on anonymity and security. The flat €5/month pricing with no lock-in contracts respects users who don't want to commit to multi-year deals just to get reasonable rates.
Technical users and security researchers value the open-source codebase, regular audits, and advanced features like custom DNS configuration, port selection, and bridge mode. The minimalist interface keeps things simple while still exposing powerful options for those who need them.
Services & Features
Considerations
Mullvad deliberately skips streaming optimization, so Netflix and similar services often won't work through their servers. There's no live chat support—only email—and no port forwarding for torrenting power users. The flat €5/month pricing offers no discounts for longer commitments.
