User opinions: what are pros and cons of Mullvad VPN?

VPN
1

I hope it’s OK to post this as a question here. I recently signed up to a VPN for the first time, but it didn’t work well for me, so I’ve got a full refund and want to try a different provider. This time I’m doing more research!

I’d be interested to know what other users opinions are about Mullvad VPN, what you like and what you don’t like?

2

What are you using it for? That would determine what benefit you may get.

Edit to add- I use Mullvad VPN. No connection problems (Android/Linux Mint). Reasonably fast. Good privacy policy. Keeps my traffic out of my ISP’s hands.

3

Cons:

  • Regular DNS issues
  • IPs often banned from from services I visit regularly
  • Not fully compatible with streaming services
  • Connection limit (5 devices/connections/wireguard keys)
  • Port forwarding got cut down and might be cut down even further in the future

Pros: Basically everything else

4

Would recommend to take a look at the below few options:

  1. ProtonVPN : Pros: Good speeds, IP aren’t blacklisted as easily, apps are good and stable. Device limit of 10 actually allows all of them to be WireGuard profile. Cons : Port forwarding isn’t straight forward and works only on Windows. Expensive.
  2. IVPN : Pros : Apps are good and stable. Device limit of 7. Has port forwarding.
    Cons : Lesser number of servers. Speeds are hit and miss depending on time of day and server load. Expensive. IP more prone to be blacklisted.
  3. WindScribe : Similar to Proton. Good speeds. Has port forwarding (only the Pro plans). Build a plan is cheap. Unlimited devices (although for WireGuard still limited to 5.
    Cons : App stability.
5

I am probably leaving Mullvad for at least 1 reason. I am finding the speeds stall if not disconnect once in a while., I use Windows 10, and I have tried with OpenVPN and Wireguard, using different configs, and servers, but I still seem to randomly disconnect, or something., I really wanted to like Mullvad, but that is a hangup for me when it comes to a VPN., The other being the inconsistency with split-tunneling, but that is something, honestly, that a lot of VPNs struggle with and have a hard time with when it comes to VPN connections., That’s just my 2 cents, in regards to answering your question.

6

Never had any issues with Mullvad, previously used Nord, SurfShark, TorGuard, Avast and Google One (Still Have This One). Mullvad is super simple, with the least amount of connectivity issues, and still decent speeds. Also, those other VPN’s come with extras, and either I didn’t need them, or they didn’t quite work as advertised. Also, I trust Mullvad’s corporate privacy policy more than the others.

7

Pros: Privacy.

Cons: Reputation is not as good as Google and Cloudflare.

8

Mullvad=flawless=no paper trail.
Tried (still trying Tailscale)

9

Great thanks. 5 devices isn’t many.

10

I’d really like an increase in device count

11

Good question. It is entirely for the privacy, to “keep traffic out of my ISP’s hands” is a very good way of putting it. I am not interested in things like using location masking to access streaming services etc.

I’d say I have very mundane online habits, with very mundane privacy requirements, but it’s become impossible to stop every move being tracked and sold without spending way too long just doing that, so I’ve given in and will pay for a VPN.

My main priority is a reliable and transparent service so if I think I’m being protected online, I am being, no interruptions of service that I’m unaware of. Second is not having to constantly turn off the VPN in order to log in to websites either because authentication won’t work, or because the website blocks me due to IP overuse (I understand this is unavoidable to some extent, but when it’s constant it makes having a VPN largely worthless). Third is ease of use: decent UI, good support and trouble shooting, simple settings etc.

I need it to be compatible with Mac OS, iOS and Android.

I think that’s it!

ETA: I’ve assumed things like no logging and robust privacy policies by the VPN provider, because that’s actually my top priority!

12

I agree it all depends on what you are using it for that is a wonderful comment.

13

Thanks, I think IP banning is common across all VPNs from what I can gather, unfortunately.

14

I’m curious, what services you visit regularly are banned ?

15

Proton can’t be trusted. They tracked a French protester on behalf of the police. Perhaps good enough for torrenting though.

16

That’s very useful, thanks.

17

Google has a good reputation at what?

18

Thanks. I don’t understand the Google reference though?

19

I have no idea what most of those things mean! But I set great store in you knowing far more than me about how this stuff works (secure connections) and that you rate Mullvad highly. Thank you.

20

Imgur, chat.openai.com