Mullvad Review: flat pricing and a different tradeoff

Our view

Mullvad is a useful benchmark for readers who prefer a simple monthly commitment. Its published standard rate is €5 per month including VAT, with the same monthly rate across term lengths. That lets you compare a short commitment against another provider’s prepaid introductory deal.

We include Mullvad even though the visit link on this site is not an affiliate link. It is a different option, not an automatic winner for every task.

The value of a flat monthly price

A two-year promotional rate and a one-month payment are different commitments. Mullvad’s pricing is easier to reason about when you only need a VPN for a short period or do not want to prepay. Check the final currency conversion and payment conditions for your own purchase.

Longer terms at another provider may still cost less per month. Compare them on the basis of the total amount due and the renewal, rather than assuming either pricing model is always cheaper. Our cheap VPN guide shows the calculation.

Accounts and device allowance

Mullvad uses an account-number model. Its FAQ says an account can be used on up to five devices. Count active devices across the household before deciding that this is enough.

That allowance is smaller than the ten-device paid accounts on some shortlists and the unlimited personal-device allowance advertised by Surfshark and PIA. Whether that matters depends on your actual setup.

Protocol and app choices

The current Mullvad documentation focuses on WireGuard and provides configuration options for compatible devices. Use the current app and help pages rather than instructions written for an older protocol or a discontinued setup.

Check supported operating-system versions, especially on an older computer. A provider offering configuration files does not guarantee that your ISP-supplied router supports the necessary VPN-client functionality.

Streaming is not our reason to recommend it

We have not verified Mullvad’s access to Netflix, other streaming catalogues, or specific TV applications. Do not choose it on the assumption that a privacy-focused service will unlock every destination.

If streaming is your primary requirement, first read Netflix’s own VPN limitations, then evaluate the relevant device and plan. We do not publish an unblocking score for Mullvad.

Who may prefer another option?

A larger household may want more active connections. Someone wanting a permanent free tier can compare Proton VPN Free. A reader who values bundled products may prefer another subscription, provided those additions solve a real need.

Mullvad belongs in a serious shortlist because its payment and account model differ from the usual long-term promotion. It remains a service to evaluate on your own network, not a claim of complete anonymity or universal compatibility.