Mullvad VPN Price vs SafeShell: Worth It?

Are you tired of overpaying for VPN services that promise the world but deliver mediocre performance? The VPN market is saturated with options, and Mullvad VPN has gained attention for its straightforward pricing model. But is it really worth your money in 2025, especially when compared to newer alternatives like SafeShell VPN? Let's dive deep into Mullvad's pricing structure and see how it stacks up against the competition.

Mullvad's Unique Pricing Approach

Mullvad VPN stands out in the crowded VPN market with its refreshingly simple pricing model. Unlike most VPN providers that offer tiered pricing structures with discounts for longer commitments, Mullvad has maintained a consistent price since its launch in 2009:

• €5.00/month (approximately $5.21/month)
• Same price regardless of subscription length
• No complicated discounts or promotional gimmicks

This never-changing price point is Mullvad's signature approach to transparency. Whether you subscribe for one month or one year, you'll pay the same rate – a rarity in an industry that typically rewards long-term commitments with steep discounts.

Mullvad also offers unique payment options that enhance anonymity:

• Cash payments (accepts EUR, USD, GBP, and several other currencies)
• Cryptocurrency (with a 10% discount)
• Traditional methods like credit cards and PayPal
• Vouchers available from retailers like Amazon

The cash payment option is particularly notable for privacy enthusiasts, as it's virtually unheard of in the VPN industry. You simply mail cash to their headquarters along with your account token – though be aware that refunds aren't available for cash payments due to anti-money laundering regulations.

How Does Mullvad's Price Compare to Other VPNs?

When comparing Mullvad's pricing with other popular VPN services in 2025, it sits somewhere in the middle of the spectrum:

For short-term users needing a VPN for just a month or two, Mullvad offers excellent value. However, for those willing to commit to longer subscription periods, services like SafeShell VPN or Surfshark become significantly more cost-effective.

What Do You Get for Your Money with Mullvad?

Mullvad's €5.00/month gets you:

• Connection for up to 5 devices simultaneously
• Access to 600+ servers across 49 countries
• WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols
• Strict no-logs policy (independently audited)
• Split tunneling capabilities
• Kill switch feature

The service is particularly focused on privacy and security, with features like:

• No email required for account creation (just a generated account number)
• IPv6 support
• DNS content filtering
• Multihop functionality

However, during testing, users have reported recurring captcha issues when accessing various websites through Mullvad servers, which can become a significant usability hurdle.

Performance: Is Mullvad Worth the Price?

In speed tests, Mullvad's performance has been inconsistent. Some servers provide excellent speeds (up to 384 Mbps on Seattle servers), while others deliver significantly slower connections (as low as 62 Mbps on London servers). This variability could be frustrating for users who require consistent high-speed connections for streaming or gaming.

Speaking of streaming, Mullvad has historically struggled with accessing popular streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, though recent tests show some improvement with Netflix access. This is a critical consideration if streaming is your primary reason for using a VPN.

SafeShell VPN: A Compelling Alternative?

While Mullvad focuses primarily on privacy, SafeShell VPN has positioned itself as a streaming-optimized service with competitive pricing. For those prioritizing entertainment over anonymity features, SafeShell offers several advantages:

• High-speed servers specifically optimized for streaming services - SafeShell's network is engineered for buffer-free playback and HD streaming
• Exclusive "App Mode" feature that allows access to multiple regional libraries simultaneously
• Consistent performance across server locations, avoiding the speed variability seen with Mullvad
• Superior streaming capabilities with reliable access to Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and other platforms
• More cost-effective long-term plans starting at $3.99/month

SafeShell's proprietary "ShellGuard" VPN protocol also ensures security isn't sacrificed for speed, providing robust protection for private browsing sessions.

The Verdict: Is Mullvad's Price Justified?

For privacy-focused users who value anonymity features like cash payments and no-email signup, Mullvad's €5.00/month price point offers fair value, especially for short-term use. The consistent, transparent pricing is refreshing in an industry full of marketing tactics and discount schemes.

However, if you're looking for:

1. The best price-to-performance ratio for long-term use
2. Consistent high speeds across server locations
3. Reliable streaming access
4. More devices connected simultaneously

Then alternatives like SafeShell VPN provide better value for your money in 2025.

Making Your Decision

When evaluating the mullvad vpn price against competitors, consider your primary use case:

• Privacy above all else? Mullvad's straightforward pricing and anonymity features might justify the cost.
• Streaming and entertainment? SafeShell VPN 's optimized servers and reliable unblocking capabilities offer better value.
• Budget-conscious? Look at longer-term plans from providers like SafeShell or Surfshark.

Remember that the "best" VPN isn't necessarily the one with the most features or the lowest price, but the one that best aligns with your specific needs.