Mullvad

Mullvad is unlike any other VPN service. While most VPNs compete on features, speed, and server count, Mullvad focuses exclusively on one thing: privacy. It is the VPN of choice for journalists, activists, security researchers, and anyone who considers online anonymity a fundamental right.

The sign-up process is revolutionary in its simplicity. There is no email address, no name, no phone number, and no payment details required. Users are assigned a random account number, and that is their entire identity with the service. Payment can be made anonymously via Bitcoin, Monero, or even cash sent by post. This means Mullvad genuinely cannot identify its users, even if compelled by law enforcement.

This claim was put to the ultimate test in 2023 when Swedish police raided Mullvad's offices. The officers left empty-handed because there was simply no customer data to seize. This real-world verification of Mullvad's privacy claims is more compelling than any audit.

Mullvad operates 700+ bare-metal servers across 49 countries. Unlike most VPN providers that rent virtual servers, Mullvad uses exclusively bare-metal hardware that it physically controls. This eliminates the risk of virtualisation-based attacks and ensures that no third party has access to the server hardware.

The pricing model is refreshingly simple: €5 per month (approximately £4.30), with no long-term contracts, no discounts, and no price increases. Mullvad has maintained this price since 2009, demonstrating a commitment to fairness over profit maximisation.

For UK users concerned about the expanding scope of the Online Safety Act and government surveillance powers, Mullvad offers the strongest possible protection. However, it is not designed for streaming. Users looking to unblock BBC iPlayer or UK Netflix will be better served by other providers on this list.