Our verdict: Mullvad Browser gives you Tor Browser's anti-fingerprinting protection without the slow Tor network. It works best together with a trustworthy VPN, because on its own it does not hide your IP address. Every session starts fresh, so it is a tool for private browsing, not a daily browser that remembers logins.
About Mullvad Browser
Mullvad Browser is developed by Mullvad VPN together with the Tor Project. It is based on Firefox and shares Tor Browser's privacy design, but connects directly to the internet instead of through the Tor network. It is free whether or not you use Mullvad VPN, and contains no telemetry.
The goal is for all users to look the same to websites. Techniques such as letterboxing, which adds grey bars around pages to hide your window size, reduce browser fingerprinting. Private mode is always on, so cookies are not kept between sessions, and uBlock Origin is included to block third-party trackers.
What it does well
- Anti-fingerprinting. Makes every user's browser look alike to tracking scripts.
- Always private mode. No cookies or history are saved between sessions.
- uBlock Origin included. Blocks third-party trackers out of the box.
- No telemetry. The browser does not send usage data.
- Works with any VPN. Use it with Mullvad VPN, another VPN or without one.
Who it is for
Good fit
Privacy-conscious users who already use a VPN and want a browser that resists fingerprinting.
Look elsewhere
People who want their logins, history and tabs remembered, or who expect it to hide their IP address alone.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong anti-fingerprinting from the Tor Project
- Faster than browsing over Tor
- No telemetry
- Free and open source
Cons
- Does not hide your IP address without a VPN
- Forgets logins and history after every session
- Letterboxing and strict settings can break some sites
How to install Mullvad Browser
Download the Windows installer from mullvad.net and run it. Do not add many extensions or change privacy settings, because that makes your browser stand out from other users. Combine it with a VPN if you also want to hide your IP address.
Questions about Mullvad Browser
Is Mullvad Browser free?
Yes. It is free and open source, and you do not need a Mullvad VPN subscription to use it.
What is the difference from Tor Browser?
Mullvad Browser uses the same privacy protections but does not route traffic through the Tor network. Use it with a VPN to hide your IP address.
Why are there grey bars around websites?
That is letterboxing. It hides your exact window size, which trackers could otherwise use to identify you.
