Mullvad is built around minimizing the information attached to a VPN account. It generates a random account number instead of requiring a name, email address, or password, and it charges one flat monthly rate rather than an introductory discount followed by a high renewal bill. The cost of that simplicity is a smaller feature set: five-device accounts, no port forwarding, no free tier, and less emphasis on guaranteed streaming access.
Quick verdict
| If you care most about… | Mullvad’s current position |
|---|---|
| Anonymous account creation | Random numbered accounts require no email or personal information. |
| Predictable pricing | €5/month whether you pay for one month or a year. |
| Anonymous payment | Cash and supported cryptocurrencies are available; payment method still affects what personal data a processor handles. |
| Large households | One account supports up to five devices, not unlimited simultaneous devices. |
| Port forwarding | Not available; new ports were disabled in May 2023 and existing ports were removed in July 2023. |
| Streaming | Privacy is prioritized over a permanent streaming-unblocking promise. |
Anonymous numbered accounts
Mullvad’s current no-logging policy says sign-up generates a random account number and does not require a username, password, or email address. The number and remaining account time are the core account data.
That design is valuable if you do not want an email address tied to your VPN account. It also creates a real recovery trade-off: if you lose the account number and payment cannot be traced, support may not be able to restore access. Save the number securely before adding substantial time.
Mullvad accepts cash, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Monero, bank wire, cards, PayPal, Swish, and other methods listed on its pricing page. Cash and some cryptocurrency options reduce the information attached to payment, while PayPal, card, and bank payments involve the relevant processor and may process personal data.
No-logging policy and current evidence
Mullvad says it does not store activity logs of any kind. Its policy still distinguishes activity logs from operational and payment data: for example, payment details may be processed, and aggregated server statistics can be retained for service health. That is a stronger and more useful statement than claiming that no data exists anywhere.
Mullvad’s 2025 review describes a website security audit by Assured AB and continued work on WireGuard-based obfuscation. Its public pentest report and current policies provide dated evidence about particular systems and reviews. Treat audits as scoped examinations, not permanent certification of every future app release.
Mullvad is based in Sweden. Swedish law and the provider’s published legislation guidance are relevant to its threat model, but jurisdiction should be considered alongside account design, payment method, device security, and the activity you conduct online.
Flat pricing and device limits
Mullvad’s current pricing page lists €5 per month whether you pay for one month, one year, or longer. There is no introductory rate to calculate against a future renewal price, and Mullvad says it does not run ordinary holiday sales.
One account supports up to five devices. That can suit an individual or small household, but it is not the right fit if you need unlimited simultaneous connections across a larger family. Mullvad offers a 14-day money-back guarantee, with exceptions for cash and cryptocurrency payments.
Protocols and app changes
Mullvad’s current apps use WireGuard and related obfuscation methods. Mullvad’s 2025 review says OpenVPN was scheduled for complete removal on January 15, 2026, so old reviews that present OpenVPN as a current app protocol are stale. If you need an OpenVPN configuration for a router or legacy device, verify current support before subscribing.
Mullvad’s app generally routes all traffic through the VPN by default. Its help center explains that inverse split tunneling—tunneling only selected apps—is not supported in the standard app because it can create difficult-to-detect leaks. Advanced users can use vanilla WireGuard configurations for more granular routing, but that requires understanding the security trade-off.
Port forwarding and peer-to-peer use
Mullvad’s current FAQ states plainly that it does not support port forwarding. This matters for some self-hosting, gaming, and peer-to-peer setups. Mullvad can still be used for lawful P2P traffic, but it is not the right choice if inbound connections or a forwarded port are essential.
Do not treat a VPN as permission to infringe copyright or as protection from unsafe files. Check current acceptable-use guidance and test the exact application you intend to run.
Streaming and server choice
Mullvad does not promise permanent access to every streaming library. VPN endpoints can be detected and blocked, and streaming availability varies by country, title, server, and date. If Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or another service is the reason you are subscribing, test it during the refund window and compare a provider that explicitly optimizes for streaming.
Mullvad does not publish a server-load ranking because it says those signals can create a false sense of certainty. Real-world speed depends on routing, distance, protocol, and your own connection. Test video calls, downloads, and gaming rather than trusting a single review’s benchmark.
Who should choose Mullvad?
Choose Mullvad if account/payment minimization, flat pricing, open documentation, and a privacy-first design matter more than bundled extras.
Choose another VPN if you need unlimited household devices, port forwarding, a free plan, a polished streaming guarantee, or broad legacy-protocol support.
Practical trial checklist
- Generate and securely store the numbered account before paying.
- Test the exact five devices you intend to use and check the account device list.
- Verify IP, DNS, and IPv6 leak behavior and test the app’s kill-switch behavior after a forced disconnect.
- Test WireGuard and any obfuscation method needed on your network.
- Confirm that your streaming service, P2P client, or self-hosted application works without port forwarding.
- Review the payment method, 14-day refund exception, and account-recovery path before adding a large balance.
Bottom line
Mullvad remains one of the clearest privacy-first VPN choices. Its numbered accounts, cash/crypto options, €5 flat pricing, and no-activity-logging policy are meaningful differentiators. The limitations are equally real: five devices, no port forwarding, no free tier, OpenVPN removal, and uncertain streaming access. Buy Mullvad for the privacy model and predictable price—not for features it intentionally does not provide.
Sources and verification
- Mullvad pricing, payment methods, devices, and refund terms
- Mullvad no-logging policy and numbered accounts
- Mullvad FAQ, port forwarding, device, and split-tunneling guidance
- Mullvad Review of 2025
- Mullvad VPN server pentest report
- Mullvad port-forwarding discontinuation
Last reviewed: August 2, 2026. Pricing, supported protocols, device limits, audits, server availability, payment options, and refund terms can change; verify Mullvad’s current documentation before purchasing.