Is Mullvad VPN Safe? Security Review
5/5
Overall Safety Score
★
★
★
★
★
Verdict: Mullvad is the most privacy-respecting VPN available. Its anonymous account system, cash payment option, and minimal data collection set the standard for privacy-first VPN design.
Mullvad VPN is a Swedish VPN service designed for maximum anonymity. It requires no email, no name, and generates a random account number. You can pay with cash mailed in an envelope. It is the gold standard for VPN privacy.
Security Ratings Breakdown
| Category | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | 5/5 | |
| Privacy | 5/5 | |
| Track Record | 5/5 |
Security Features
- No email or personal info required for signup
- Random account number system
- Cash payment accepted (mail an envelope)
- WireGuard and OpenVPN support
- Open-source clients
- Independently audited (repeatedly)
- RAM-only servers
- DAITA (defense against AI traffic analysis)
Privacy Concerns
- Swedish jurisdiction (EU member, but strong privacy track record)
- Smaller server network than commercial competitors
- No dedicated streaming unblocking (privacy focus, not entertainment)
Past Security Incidents
- 2023 Swedish police searched Mullvad's offices; no customer data was seized because none existed to take
- This incident demonstrated the effectiveness of Mullvad's no-logs infrastructure
How to Stay Safe Using Mullvad VPN
- Pay with cryptocurrency or cash for maximum anonymity
- Use WireGuard protocol
- Enable the kill switch
- Enable DAITA for AI traffic analysis protection
Safer Alternatives
- ProtonVPN (more features, free tier)
- IVPN (similar privacy focus)
Last updated: February 10, 2026