Mullvad Browser

Mullvad Browser is a privacy-focused web browser for Windows that aims to reduce tracking and profiling as much as possible. Built as an open source collaboration between Mullvad VPN and the Tor Project, it combines strong anti-fingerprinting techniques, strict privacy defaults, and modern encryption technologies to help keep your activity difficult to monitor.

It suits users who put online anonymity and data protection ahead of convenience, such as privacy enthusiasts, journalists, and anyone tired of constant tracking across the web.

Built for privacy, not data collection

A key strength of Mullvad Browser is its clear focus on protecting user privacy rather than gathering usage data. The browser does not include telemetry, so it does not collect information about how you browse for optimization or analytics. This approach aligns with its transparent, non profit-driven business model, which deliberately distances itself from common practices that rely on user data.

Private browsing behavior is enabled by default, so you start from a more cautious stance without adjusting settings. The project is also open source, which lets independent developers and researchers inspect the code and contribute improvements.

Anti-fingerprinting and tracking protection

Mullvad Browser uses anti-fingerprinting methods drawn from the Tor Project’s experience. By trying to keep users’ browser fingerprints consistent and hard to distinguish from one another, it makes it more difficult for trackers to uniquely identify you across sites. This collective style of anonymity helps resist profiling techniques that rely on subtle device and configuration differences.

To tackle more traditional tracking methods, the browser includes uBlock Origin for blocking third-party trackers and other intrusive content. This helps reduce the number of ads and scripts that can follow you around the internet.

A particularly handy privacy feature is the reset button, which lets you quickly start a fresh session. With a single action, you can wipe traces of the current session and begin again as if you had just opened the browser, which is useful when you want a clean slate between different activities.

Encryption and security controls

The browser uses modern encryption technologies to protect your connections and reduce the risk that your data will be exposed while you browse. On top of that, a dedicated security section in the settings lets you manage how much information the browser keeps.

From this panel you can:

- Clear cookies

- Remove browsing history

- Empty the cache

- Manage stored passwords

- Adjust site permissions according to your preferences

These tools give you direct control over what traces remain on your device and what websites are allowed to access.

Search engines and day-to-day use

Mullvad Browser behaves in many familiar ways for everyday browsing. You can open multiple tabs as needed and use a private or “incognito” style mode so that visited pages do not end up in your history.

For searching, the browser offers several engines that focus less on advertising profiles. By default you can choose from DuckDuckGo, Mojeek, Brave Search, MetaGer, and Startpage, so you are not limited to using a single large search provider. This variety lets you pick the search experience and privacy approach you prefer.

How it works with Mullvad VPN and what is missing

Mullvad Browser is designed to complement Mullvad VPN. When used together, the browser’s fingerprinting protections and tracking defenses can be combined with a VPN’s network-level encryption, which strengthens your overall privacy compared with using just one of them.

However, the browser itself does not include a built-in VPN. For users who expected a one-in-one tool that hides both their IP address and their browser fingerprint, this separation may be disappointing.

Another limitation is that DNS over HTTPS, which can help protect domain name lookups from certain types of monitoring, is not enabled by default. Users who want this extra protection must turn it on manually in the settings.

Overall, Mullvad Browser is a strong choice if your priority is minimizing tracking and preserving anonymity rather than integrating lots of cloud-based services and personalizations.