Wednesday, January 22nd
2025 VPN Service Provider Reviews
Mullvad
- $5.41/month flat rate since 2009
- Unique account system that doesn't require email or personal information
- Anonymous payment options, including cash and cryptocurrency
- Cutting-edge security features like DAITA and quantum-resistant VPN tunnels
- Strict no-logging policy with external audits
- Open-source VPN client software
- Multihop capability for routing through multiple servers
- In-house support team for knowledgeable assistance
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
- 30-day money-back guarantee (except for cash payments)
Mullvad VPN, based in Sweden, is an oft-recommended competitor in tech forums around the internet, known for its stalwart commitment to user privacy. With over 600 servers spread across 47+ countries, Mullvad offers fewer servers and locations than some competitors, but they go above and beyond when it comes to protecting user anonymity and staying ahead of potential security threats.
Simple pricing with anonymous payment options
Mullvad keeps pricing straightforward with a flat rate of €5 per month (approximately $5.41). They've never raised their prices since 2009 and have no plans to. What's just as impressive is their commitment to user privacy right from the start: you don't need to provide an email or any personal information to create an account. Instead, you're assigned a unique, randomly-generated account number. (Just be sure you save it somewhere, or else you'll be locked out of your account with no way to get back in.) Mullvad even allows you to make totally anonymous payments, accepting cash and cryptocurrency alongside traditional methods. If you need a refund, you can get one within 30 days of signing up, but not if you paid in cash.
Cutting-edge security features
In collaboration with universities, Mullvad has pioneered some impressive security measures, like DAITA (Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis), which combats sophisticated traffic analysis attempts. Mullvad also offers quantum-resistant VPN tunnels, preparing for potential future threats from quantum computing. Other security features you can enjoy with Mullvad VPN include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and multihop capabilities for routing through multiple servers.
Strong privacy practices
Mullvad's privacy policy is refreshingly clear while still being detailed. They maintain a strict no-logging policy and have undergone external audits to verify their security practices. The company's Swedish jurisdiction is considered favorable for privacy, but if they ever were legally compelled to spy on users, they promise to shut down operation of their VPN service in the affected jurisdiction until it's safe to resume. We found their transparency about server ownership and detailed server information particularly impressive - they list the ownership status and providers of their VPN servers (owned outright or rented), and you can filter the full list of servers by way more criteria than just location.
Only 5 devices
You can use Mullvad on Windows 10 and newer, macOS 12+, various Linux distributions, iOS, and Android. However, one drawback is the limit of 5 simultaneous device connections, which is fewer than many competitors offer. Mullvad's VPN tunnel supports OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols.
Good for beginners, too
Mullvad strikes a good balance between simplicity and advanced features. While tech-savvy users will appreciate the depth of options available, the straightforward account creation process and clean app interface make it accessible for beginners as well. We had no difficulty getting Mullvad up and running on our own devices.
Knowledgeable in-house support
Mullvad has an in-house support team, which lends itself to more knowledgeable assistance. The lack of a 24/7 live chat might be inconvenient for some cases, but you'll have the assurance that you're speaking to someone who really knows what they're talking about. If you get stuck after-hours, their website has dozens of step-by-step guides.
User reviews and reputation are usually glowing
Customer feedback for Mullvad is generally positive. Those who like this VPN service say they appreciate the company's no-nonsense approach and commitment to privacy. One reviewer noted, "Unlike many other VPN providers, this one doesn't use slimy marketing and fake promises." Other users are enthusiastic about Mullvad's reliability and continued affordability. A few users mentioned slower response times from customer support and trouble accessing particular streaming services, but neither of these are deal-breakers. While Mullvad VPN is geared towards privacy over bypassing geoblocks for streaming services, you can still try switching servers to access your streaming service - if it doesn't work, it's likely because the streaming service has blocked that server's IP address. Mullvad has fewer servers than some major competitors, though, so that could be a drawback. However, users report excellent speeds across the board.
The best VPN service for price and privacy
Mullvad is our top choice for VPN users for whom privacy and trustworthiness is of the utmost importance. We think it's also a pretty good deal - just over $5 a month for their full set of features and no price hikes in the foreseeable future make this VPN service hard to pass up. That's why Mullvad earns our 5 star rating.
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The 11 Best VPN Service Providers
What is the Best VPN Service?
When you browse the internet, your personal information can be at risk. Whether you're checking your bank account from a café, streaming content from abroad, or simply browsing from home, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect your privacy. A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through secure servers, making it harder for hackers, governments, or companies to track your online activity.
VPNs are especially useful for frequent travelers, remote workers, or anyone concerned about security when using public Wi-Fi. They can also help bypass geographical restrictions, so you can access websites or content not available in your region. But not all VPNs are created equal.
VPN Service Provider FAQ
Continued from above...
Some offer blazing-fast speeds, while others might slow your connection. Some provide extra security features, like multi-hop encryption or malware protection, while others focus on ease of use and broad device compatibility. Free VPNs exist, but they often come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, or even questionable privacy practices. (Ironic, no?)
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a VPN is the availability of advanced features like split tunneling and kill switches. Split tunneling lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which ones connect directly to the internet. This feature is helpful if you want to protect sensitive activities, like online banking, while still using your regular internet speed for things like streaming or gaming. A kill switch, on the other hand, is a safety feature that automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops. This prevents your data from being exposed during those brief moments when you're not protected, ensuring that your privacy remains intact at all times.
You should carefully consider the country where the company operates. This is important because of international surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes. These alliances are agreements between countries to share intelligence information, which could potentially include data collected by VPNs. If you're using a VPN based in a country within these alliances, your data might be at risk due to laws requiring VPN providers to collect and share user information. For maximum privacy, you might want to choose a VPN provider based outside of these alliances, in countries with strong privacy laws. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of your data being shared or accessed by government agencies, even if requested.
Here are a few things to think about when choosing a VPN provider:
- Speed. If you stream movies, download large files, or play online games, speed should be a priority. Some VPNs slow your connection significantly, while others offer minimal disruption. Look for services that are known for high performance in your region.
- Security and privacy. Not all VPNs offer the same level of protection. Check if the VPN uses military-grade encryption (AES-256) and has a no-logs policy to prevent your data from being stored or shared. Features like kill switches (which disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops) and DNS leak protection add extra layers of security.
- Device compatibility. If you need a VPN for more devices than just your computer (like your phone, tablet, or even a smart TV) it's a good idea to go with a VPN that supports all your devices. Some services allow multiple simultaneous connections, while others limit you to one or two.
- Server locations. A VPN with more server locations allows you to access content from different countries. If you need a specific location, like for streaming services or online shopping, verify that the VPN provider has servers there.
- Ease of use. Some VPNs come with complex setups, while others offer user-friendly apps that require just a tap to protect your connection. Choose a provider that matches your comfort level with technology.
- Customer reviews. Feedback from real users can give you insight into a VPN's reliability and performance. Look for patterns in reviews, like frequent mentions of connection drops, poor customer support, or ease of use, to make a more informed decision.
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the leading VPN providers available. We hope this review helps you find the best protection for your needs.
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