Mullvad VPN: The ultimate privacy-first VPN

What it lacks in flashy features, it makes up for in unrivaled privacy.

- SAM SINGLETON

Sweden-based Mullvad (fave.co/3DI2Sil) is like the Swiss bank account of VPNs—it doesn't ask questions and gives you the best privacy and security possible. When I say that Mullvad takes your privacy seriously, I mean it. Unlike other VPNs, Mullvad goes so far as to disconnect your account from an email by auto-generating an account number for you. They will even let you pay in cash. And this level of anonymity goes well beyond just registration, permeating everything you do with the app.

Since our last review, the service has undergone another independent audit and adopted post-quantum encryption on all platforms, further cementing its place as one of the most secure and trustworthy VPNs on the market.

Read on to learn more, and then see our roundup of the best VPNs (fave.co/3FtTTMs) for comparison.

Mullvad VPN in brief:

P2P allowed: Yes

Device connections: 5 simultaneous connections

Business location: Sweden

Number of servers: 650-plus

Number of country locations: 44

Cost: $5.16 per month

FEATURES AND SERVICES

When you open Mullvad’s Windows app, it strikes one as modern and clean. It starts with a noninteractive map in the primary section of the window and a red banner up top to indicate you're not currently connected, with the device name and remaining time left on your account listed.

Toward the bottom of the app screen, you'll find a button showing your currently selected VPN server, and below that a Connect button, which you can click to connect to the chosen server.