Mullvad is a VPN service founded in 2009 and based in Sweden, owned by its founders (Amagicom AB). Its software stack is open-source and has passed repeated independent security audits. Mullvad runs no affiliate program by policy, so we cover it editorially for completeness and credibility — there is no commission for us to earn here, and we would never imply a partnership. Facts as of 23 June 2026.
Privacy by design
Mullvad's distinguishing feature is how little it asks of you: anonymous account numbers instead of email sign-up, a flat monthly price, and an open-source software stack that independent auditors have repeatedly examined — including the WireGuard implementation, its GotaTun protocol, and the web app (assessed by Assured). For the privacy-first use case it is one of the strongest reference points in the category.
Open-source code and published audits let outside researchers check the claims directly, rather than asking you to trust marketing. Collecting no email and using account numbers reduces the data that could be compelled in the first place. Confirm the latest audit on Mullvad's own audits page before relying on any specific finding.
Jurisdiction & ownership
Mullvad is based in Sweden and owned by its founders through Amagicom AB — not a private-equity group with a portfolio of VPN brands. Founder ownership is a governance fact worth weighing if owner incentives factor into how you assess a privacy provider.
Sweden is an EU member, which some users weigh against the no-retention jurisdictions; Mullvad's answer is its data-minimising design — no email, account numbers, and a stack built so there is little to hand over. Weigh the jurisdiction and the design together rather than either alone.
Why we cover a provider we cannot monetise
Mullvad has no affiliate program, so featuring it earns us nothing. We include it because an honest privacy comparison cannot leave out one of the most-audited, most-private options simply because it does not pay. That is the test of an independent comparison — and where conversions are routed to providers that do run programs, we say so.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Open-source software stack with repeated independent security audits (WireGuard, GotaTun, web app).
- Anonymous account numbers, no email required; flat monthly pricing.
- Founder-owned (Amagicom AB) — no portfolio-owner incentives.
Cons
- No affiliate program — covered editorially only; we earn nothing from listing it.
- Based in Sweden, an EU member — weigh against its data-minimising design.
- We have run no hands-on tests, so we publish no speeds or rating.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mullvad open-source?
Yes. Mullvad's software stack is open-source and has been examined in repeated independent security audits, including its WireGuard implementation, its GotaTun protocol and its web app (assessed by Assured). You can review the published audits on Mullvad's own audits page.
Does VPN Atlas earn a commission from Mullvad?
No. Mullvad runs no affiliate program by policy, so we earn nothing from featuring it. We cover it editorially because an honest privacy comparison should include one of the most-audited, most-private options regardless of commission.
How does Mullvad keep sign-up anonymous?
Mullvad issues anonymous account numbers instead of requiring an email address, and charges a flat monthly rate. Collecting no email reduces the data that could be compelled in the first place — a data-minimising design that pairs with its Swedish base and open-source stack.