Mullvad VPN Review

Does Mullvad VPN Unblock Netflix and Other Streaming Services?

Although Mullvad VPN is more than capable of handling streaming in terms of speeds and network reliability, unfortunately, it’s not always great at overcoming geographical restrictions. The good news? Mullvad does unblock Netflix US, which is one of the biggest and most popular Netflix versions.

You might want to find Mullvad alternatives if you plan on unblocking Netflix in other countries. Although you can get a VPN server almost anywhere globally, you won’t always be able to unblock Netflix content in those locations with this VPN. This isn’t necessarily a fault with Mullvad, but more a continuous effort from Netflix to keep blocking VPNs and those using them. This is an ongoing battle in the VPN industry, and it’s going to keep getting harder for providers to overcome.

If you prefer Amazon Prime Video, then you’re in luck. Mullvad VPN’s servers work great on the platform so that you can enjoy your favorite TV series and movies from around the world. It also works with BBC iPlayer but not consistently, so you may need to switch virtual servers a few times before having any success.

Although we haven’t tested Mullvad with every streaming service, we’ve covered the major ones, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Unlike some other VPN services, Mullvad can bypass geo-restrictions easily but does run into some issues with Netflix. You can even choose to connect to two VPN servers for additional privacy.

How Much Does Mullvad VPN Cost?

Mullvad VPN pricing is refreshingly simple. Instead of complicated tiers, yearly discounts, or pricey addons, Mullvad is one monthly price, now and forever. It doesn’t matter if you use it for one month or one decade, the price is 5 EUR per month, which is around $5.68. This is relatively cheap compared to other VPNs but could be considered expensive for those who often subscribe for longer-term plans and enjoy significant discounts. A single Mullvad account protects five devices, meaning that you can cover everything you own for just over $1 each.

Paying for Mullvad is just as flexible as its subscriptions. They accept Bitcoin, wire transfer, debit and credit cards, PayPal, and many others. Mullvad even accepts cash payments. This perfectly complements the fact that they don’t collect any personal information. You can register anonymously and pay anonymously – it doesn’t get any more secure than that. You can put the cash and your payment token (randomly generated on the website) in the envelope and post it.

So in conclusion, Mullvad costs 60 EUR (around $68) per year, making it very affordable. You can choose from any number of secure payment methods that are designed to protect your privacy. PayPal purchases can be set to recurring payments so that you don’t have to resubscribe every month, but over methods will need manual renewal.

What Devices Does Mullvad VPN Work on?

Mullvad is compatible with several different devices and operating systems. There are also dedicated VPN apps for each. The is a desktop app for Windows and macOS, and there is even a Linux app. The mobile apps are available on both Android and iOS too. Despite the advanced Mullvad VPN features, the apps are surprisingly easy to use. They’re beginner-friendly and have a quick-connect function without having to navigate through any complicated setup processes.

The standard Mullvad subscription (which is the only option) allows for five simultaneous connections. So technically, you can install the app on as many devices as you like, but only five can connect at any one time. This is relatively low when compared to other VPNs, with some providers like Surfshark allowing unlimited connections. That said, Mullvad is cheaper than most others, so that has to be taken into consideration.

There is a way to install Mullvad on a router, but this is an advanced process and only recommended for very experienced VPN users. It’s also only available on a couple of particular routers that would usually require an upgrade. The obvious advantage of installing Mullvad VPN on your router is that you can connect an unlimited number of devices. Any device on your WiFi network will be covered, and this is known as local network sharing.

Does Mullvad VPN Support Torrenting?

Many VPN services don’t allow torrent or file sharing on their servers. This is usually for two reasons, security and resources. Torrents can be risky, and so it’s no surprise that some VPN providers ban them entirely. Risk aside, using a torrent client to download large files is a significant drain on resources. You will need a powerful VPN server capable of handling it. Thankfully, Mulvad’s servers are up to the job.

There are no data, downloading, or speed limits with Mullvad VPN, so you won’t encounter any issues while downloading files, even during busy periods. This is one of the best VPN providers on the market for torrenting with some of the fastest speeds. The lack of personal information stored also makes you undetectable and so there is no risk while downloading your favorite torrents. The enhanced security features will help to keep you safe if you do accidentally download a file that contains an obvious threat, so it’s a no-brainer for torrent users.

Can You Use Mullvad for Gaming?

Many of us take gaming very seriously. Unfortunately, it can come down to split seconds, so lag, and buffering can be a huge problem. If you want a VPN for gaming, you want to ensure that it’s fast, reliable, and won’t let you down. The good news is that Mullvad had been tried and tested with online gaming and passed with flying colors.

The OpenVPN connection and super-fast servers help to maintain incredible speeds even when gaming for hours on end. You can trust Mullvad to keep you online the entire time, including during busy periods when plenty of users are online.

Does Mullvad Have Split Tunneling?

Yes, the Mullvad VPN apps have split tunneling, which isn’t always available with a VPN. It’s particularly useful if you plan on switching between different apps, as some will not work with a VPN connection. In addition, you can manually select which apps you want to bypass the VPN and which you want to use it.

This saves you from disconnecting and reconnecting every time you want to read an email or check something else out on another app. It also reduces the risk of being caught using a VPN or having your IP address blacklisted from specific websites and platforms.

What Customer Support Does Mullvad VPN Offer?

The Mullvad website has a wealth of help and support available. Their health center has user guides and frequently asked questions that can fix many of the most common issues. However, it’s the customer support offering where Mullvad VPN lets itself down. Firstly, there is no live chat function, which we have come to expect with most providers.

Mullvald VPN offers only email support, which is lackluster in itself. You will wait around 24-48 hours for a response, which is no good if you’re in a rush like trying to get your stream to work. Unfortunately, most of the support is centered around redirecting back to the help guides, so it could do with some serious improvement.

Does Mullvad Have a Free Trial?

Unfortunately, Mullvad does not have a free trial. Mullvad VPN offers such competitive pricing that a free trial would almost be too big of an ask. However, there is a way that you can enjoy Mullvad VPN risk-free. You can pay your first-month subscription cost of just under $6, and if you’re not 100% satisfied, you can claim a 30-day money-back guarantee.

So you will need to foot the bill initially, but you will get a refund if Mullvad doesn’t work in the way that you hoped it would. The best part is that it’s no hassle and no questions asked – you won’t face a challenging sales or retention pitch. Instead, you will get your refund quickly and be on your way.

How Many Server Locations are Covered by Mullvad?

Mullvad has 760 servers at the time of writing. These cover 38 countries and 63 cities. Although it’s not the most extensive collection of servers you will see from a VPN provider, it is ample enough. In addition, you can still get IP addresses in many different parts of the world and unblock content on streaming platforms.

The large majority of Mullvad’s servers are rented. This is relatively common and means that Mullvad doesn’t own the servers; instead, it pays for a space. This doesn’t impact the performance, and you shouldn’t let it put you off. You can choose from the WireGuard VPN protocol or OpenVPN, both new and modern types of servers.

How Good is Mullvad’s App?

As explained above, Mullvad VPN has an app for many different devices. But how good are they? The answer is very. When you compare Mullvad VPN to many of its competitors, its app platform is much more user-friendly. Beginners can navigate and connect to a server quickly and easily, whereas power users can tap into the advanced settings and tweak things to their liking.

The app has been designed to be lightweight and doesn’t take up very much space on any device. It runs well, connects quickly, and is lag-free on any modern smartphone or computer.

Is My Personal Information Safe with Mullvad?

Yes, it couldn’t be safer. Why? Because Mullvad doesn’t need or ask for any personal information. You don’t need to share a thing with this VPN service. When you register anonymously, you receive an account number. This account number is how you will be identified going forward, not your email address or other contact information.

Don’t worry about DNS leaks or your real IP address being exposed, either. Mullvad VPN has some of the tightest security features we have ever seen, all of which will protect your IP address and DNS requests. You will struggle to find a VPN service that does safety and security better than Mullvad.

How Does the Mullvad Kill Switch Work?

A kill switch is a premium feature of a VPN, and we would only recommend using a service with one. Mullvad doesn’t just have a kill switch, but it’s always switched on, keeping you protected at all times. Hopefully, you’ll never need it. In an ideal world, your VPN server will remain connected without interruption. However, things do happen, and that’s where a kill switch comes in handy.

If your VPN connection drops, even temporarily, the kill switch will engage and cut your internet connection. This means the websites and services you’re visiting only ever see your virtual location and never your real IP address. This is very important as many sites actively block VPN usage, and if you’re exposed, it could result in a blacklisted IP address. Once your VPN connection is back up and running, the kill switch will restore the internet to your device.

How Does Mullvad VPN Compare to Other VPNs?

Mullvad doesn’t just have a couple of the premium features you would expect from a VPN; it has most of them. When it comes to security and privacy, Mullvad is equal to or better than the highest-rated VPNs in the world. The unique account number feature and lack of personal identifying information take online security to a new level. The split tunneling, network kill switch, and port forwarding are some examples of things Mullvad does very well.

When it comes to servers and virtual locations, Mullvad falls short of the market leaders. With providers like Surfshark and ExpressVPN offering up to 5,000, and CyberGhost with over 7,000. This is one real area for improvement as some countries only have a handful of servers. During busy periods this could become quite frustrating and result in slow speeds. On the subject of servers, we’d also like to see Mullvad owning more of its own. Renting space isn’t an issue, but a VPN service that owns its servers is likely to be more reliable in the long run.

The lack of live chat is disappointing. It’s a pretty standard function available with most good VPN services. Some of the largest VPN companies in the world are even providing 24/7 support. Unfortunately, Mullvad falls very short in this department, as the customer service it does have isn’t quite up to scratch.

A 30-day guarantee aligns with what’s available elsewhere, but its simple and affordable pricing is where Mullvad shines. It has a lot to offer, like some much more expensive subscriptions, but the cost is low and has remained that way. The lack of optional extras or upgrades leaves no room for confusion, and everybody pays the same low price.

For example, for 5 EUR per month, you would expect to protect just one device, but with Mullvad, you can cover 5. If we had one criticism of the Mullvad VPN pricing structure, it’s that there are no discounts for longer subscriptions. A low monthly cost all the time is great, but there are users that would be happy to commit to a 2, 3, or even 5-year plan if it meant that there was a discount for doing so. A free trial would also be an additional extra that would be popular, particularly with VPN beginners.

Its compatibility is also up there with some of the best. There are very few VPNs outside of the top brands with a dedicated app for Linux, for example. The apps are well designed for each platform and more than easy enough to use.

Unfortunately, Mullvad has some difficulty with streaming content on Netflix. This is a big problem when compared to some other providers, as it’s one of the main reasons that people use a VPN in the first place. It’s great that it works with other platforms, but with Netflix being one of the largest streaming services in the world, the lack of compatibility could be a real sticking point with potential customers.

Author Cliff Durward

Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids. I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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