Why Use a VPN with Mullvad Browser on Windows
When you’re rocking the Mullvad Browser on Windows, you’re already taking privacy seriously. But pairing it with a top-tier VPN supercharges your anonymity, shields your traffic from ISPs, blocks WebRTC/DNS leaks, and bypasses geo-blocks. Let’s dive into the geeky details and find the best VPNs that play nicely with Mullvad Browser Stable on Windows! 🚀🔒
Key Criteria for Choosing a VPN
- Strong Encryption: AES-256, ChaCha20, rock-solid handshake protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard).
- No-Logs Policy: Proven independently audited or warrant canary.
- High Speed Low Latency: Optimal for streaming, downloads, and secure browsing.
- Leak Protection: DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak blocking on Windows.
- Kill Switch: Ensures zero traffic if VPN drops.
- Global Server Network: Wide coverage to bypass geo-restrictions.
- Compatibility: Seamless Windows app, CLI or GUI, and light resource footprint.
Comparison Table
| VPN Provider | Servers | Protocols | Speed | Price (from) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullvad VPN | 800 | WireGuard, OpenVPN | Excellent | €5/month flat | Official Site |
| NordVPN | 5,600 | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 | 🚀 Very Fast | 3.29/month | Official Site |
| ProtonVPN | 1,900 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | High | 4/month | Official Site |
| ExpressVPN | 3,000 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | 🚀 Ultra-Fast | 6.67/month | Official Site |
| Surfshark | 3,200 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Very Fast | 2.49/month | Official Site |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Mullvad VPN 🛡️
The gold standard for privacy enthusiasts. Built by the same team as the Mullvad Browser, it offers flat pricing (€5/month), true no-logs, and simple account numbers instead of emails. WireGuard integration is fantastic on Windows: tiny codebase, lightning speeds, minimal CPU load. DNS WebRTC leak protections are baked in, perfect for keeping Mullvad Browser airtight.
- Encryption: WireGuard with ChaCha20, OpenVPN with AES-256-GCM
- Kill Switch: App-level and system-wide
- Leak Proof: auto-blocks IPv6 kills DNS leaks
2. NordVPN 🔥
Speed demon with robust security features. NordLynx (a WireGuard-based protocol) offers stellar throughput without sacrificing security. Their Windows client has built-in WebRTC leak protection, customizable kill switch, and automatic obfuscation via Obfsproxy. Good choice if you crave global servers and streaming unblocking.
- Double VPN Onion over VPN: extra hops for hardcore privacy
- Independent Audit: no-logs policy verified
- Threat Protection: blocks ads malware at the network level
3. ProtonVPN 🔐
Privacy-first with a Swiss pedigree. Proton’s Windows app is lean, open-source, and rock-steady. WireGuard support delivers low-latency tunnels, plus Secure Core servers route traffic through hardened Swiss Icelandic hosts. Perfect pairing with Mullvad Browser’s zero-trust approach.
- Secure Core: multi-hop through privacy-friendly jurisdictions
- Built-in Tor Access: .onion support for ultimate anonymity
- Independent Audits: source code regularly scrutinized
4. ExpressVPN ⚡
Premium performance with a user-friendly edge. The Lightway protocol is designed for Windows: rapid connection times, stable reconnection, and low CPU overhead. Built-in leak protection is solid, and the kill switch (Network Lock) is rock steady. Great for streaming geo-restricted content alongside Mullvad Browser’s anti-fingerprinting tools.
- Lightway Protocol: low-latency, fast reconnection
- TrustedServer Technology: RAM-only servers wiped on reboot
- Audited: privacy claims independently verified
5. Surfshark 🦈
Feature-rich wallet-friendly option. Unlimited simultaneous devices make this a steal. Windows app offers CleanWeb (ad tracker blocker), kill switch, and robust leak protections. WireGuard ensures you get top speeds for torrenting or streaming, and the no-logs policy has been audited twice.
- MultiHop: chain up to two VPN servers for layered security
- NoBorders Mode: bypass strict censorship zones
- Camouflage Mode: hides VPN traffic from ISPs
How to Choose the Right VPN
Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities. For maximum transparency and a lean setup, stick with Mullvad VPN. If you want blazing speeds and extra features, NordVPN or ExpressVPN are your best bets. ProtonVPN is ideal for Tor enthusiasts, while Surfshark is perfect for families or power users needing unlimited connections. Pair any of these with Mullvad Browser on Windows, and you’ve got a fortress of privacy and performance. Happy secure browsing! 🤓🔒