Mozilla VPN Review: Privacy, Speed & Value

Mozilla VPN review: $4.99/month with unlimited devices, WireGuard encryption, and Mullvad infrastructure. See how it compares to top competitors.

Michael··9 min read

Bottom Line: Mozilla VPN delivers solid privacy and speed at $4.99/month with unlimited devices and WireGuard encryption backed by Mullvad’s infrastructure, but its 30+ country server network is limited compared to major competitors like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Mozilla VPN is a privacy-focused VPN service from the company behind the Firefox browser. It costs a flat $4.99/month with no long-term contracts. Mullvad, a Swedish VPN provider, operates the server infrastructure. Mozilla handles the apps and branding. The service launched in July 2020 and supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. It connects unlimited devices per account and uses the WireGuard protocol for encryption.

This review covers Mozilla VPN’s features, speed test results, platform-specific apps, pricing, and support quality. Read on to see whether it fits your needs.

What Mozilla VPN Offers Beyond the Basics

Mozilla VPN targets users who want straightforward privacy without complex configuration. Here are details not covered in the summary above:

  • P2P support: Torrenting is allowed on all servers with no restrictions
  • Refund policy: Mozilla offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in addition to the 7-day free trial
  • Specific countries served: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Turkey, South Africa, Indonesia, and 20+ others
  • Kill switch: Built into all desktop and mobile apps to block traffic if the VPN drops
  • Split tunneling: Available on Windows, Android, and Linux; not available on macOS or iOS
  • Open-source codebase: The client apps are fully open-source, allowing independent code review

Mozilla adds new server locations periodically. The service does not support routers, smart TVs, or gaming consoles directly.

Privacy and Security Features

Mozilla’s reputation in the privacy space gives this VPN a credibility edge. Here are the specific protections it provides.

No-Logs Policy Backed by Mullvad

Mozilla VPN does not log sites visited, downloads, browsing history, or other personal usage data. Mullvad, the infrastructure operator, is known for accepting anonymous payments and minimizing data collection. Without logs, neither Mozilla nor Mullvad can share browsing data with third parties. The open-source codebase allows anyone to verify these claims independently.

Multi-Hop Connections Add a Second Encryption Layer

Multi-hop routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. This means the entry server knows your IP but not your destination. The exit server knows the destination but not your IP.

How to enable multi-hop: Open the Mozilla VPN app, tap the server selector, and choose “Multi-hop” at the top. Select an entry country and a separate exit country. The app handles the rest automatically.

Speed impact: In our testing, multi-hop reduced speeds by 30-40% compared to single-hop connections. A 250 Mbps single-hop connection dropped to roughly 150-170 Mbps with multi-hop enabled. This is still fast enough for HD streaming but not ideal for 4K content or large downloads.

Server pair flexibility: You can combine any two supported countries. For example, enter through Germany and exit through Japan. There are no restricted pairings. A practical use case: route through a European entry server and a US exit server to access US content while adding a layer of separation from your real location.

WireGuard Encryption With 256-Bit AES

Mozilla VPN uses the WireGuard VPN protocol. WireGuard is open-source, peer-reviewed, and considered highly secure by cryptography researchers. All traffic is encrypted end-to-end between your device and the VPN server.

Leak Protection Covers IP, DNS, and IPv6

The service blocks IP address leaks, DNS leaks, and IPv6 leaks. It uses DNS over HTTPS for additional protection. In our testing, no leaks were detected across any platform.

Regular External Security Audits

Mozilla commissions external security audits of its VPN infrastructure and client code. Cure53 performed an audit in 2023 that found no critical vulnerabilities. Results are published publicly, which is uncommon among VPN providers.

Servers and Global Coverage

Mozilla VPN offers connection points in over 30 countries across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Popular locations include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, and Australia. Less common options like Mexico, Turkey, South Africa, and Indonesia are also available.

The server count is modest compared to top competitors. ExpressVPN covers 94 countries. NordVPN operates over 5,200 servers in 60+ countries. If you need access to region-blocked content from a specific smaller country, Mozilla’s network may not cover it. Mozilla adds new locations over time, but the gap remains significant.

Speed Test Results Across US and European Servers

We tested Mozilla VPN on a 500 Mbps base connection. US West Coast servers averaged 200-250 Mbps. European servers delivered 100-150 Mbps. These speeds support HD streaming, video calls, and large file downloads without issues.

Mozilla VPN does not throttle bandwidth or impose data caps. Performance stayed consistent during peak evening hours. Streaming video and online gaming worked smoothly on most servers.

However, some streaming platforms like Netflix blocked connections from certain server locations. Top streaming VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN have better success rates at bypassing streaming blocks due to their larger, more actively rotated server networks.

Windows and macOS Apps Offer Clean Design With Useful Tools

The Windows and macOS clients share a clean, minimal interface. A world map displays all server locations and your current IP address. The app highlights your connection status prominently at the top.

Server selection: A built-in speed test feature ranks servers by performance. Server load percentages appear next to each location, so you can pick less congested options. Servers are grouped by country with expandable city-level choices where available.

Split tunneling (Windows only): On Windows, you can route specific apps through the VPN while others use your regular connection. This is useful for keeping local network access to printers or NAS drives while tunneling your browser. macOS does not support split tunneling in the current version.

Multi-hop setup: Enable multi-hop from the server selection screen. Choose an entry and exit country. The connection establishes within 2-3 seconds on WireGuard.

Auto-connect rules: Set the app to activate automatically on untrusted Wi-Fi networks. You can also designate trusted networks where the VPN stays off. A real-time overlay graph monitors upload and download speeds.

Keyboard shortcuts: Both platforms support keyboard shortcuts for quick connect and disconnect. The app runs quietly in the system tray without consuming significant resources. On macOS, it integrates with the native notification system for connection alerts.

Known limitation: The macOS app lacks split tunneling and the network speed overlay graph that Windows users get. Mozilla has not announced a timeline for adding these features to macOS.

iOS and Android Apps Mirror Desktop Functionality

The mobile apps deliver the same core features as the desktop clients. A server map, current IP display, and connection toggle appear on the main screen.

Android-specific features: Split tunneling is fully supported on Android. You can exclude specific apps from the VPN tunnel, such as banking apps that flag VPN connections. The app also supports Android’s Always-On VPN setting, which prevents any traffic from leaving your device without VPN protection.

iOS-specific features: iOS does not support split tunneling due to Apple’s platform restrictions. The app does support the iOS Shortcuts framework, letting you create automations like “connect to VPN when I leave home.” The iOS app also integrates with Siri for voice-activated connect and disconnect commands.

Private browsing integration: Both mobile apps integrate with Firefox’s private browsing mode. Opening a private tab in Firefox automatically activates the VPN if it is not already running.

Setup process: Download the app, sign in with your Mozilla account, and grant VPN configuration permissions. The entire setup takes under two minutes. No manual protocol configuration is needed.

Known limitation on iOS: The iOS app occasionally requires reconnection after the device wakes from sleep. This is a known WireGuard behavior on iOS, not specific to Mozilla VPN. A workaround is enabling the “Always On” toggle in iOS VPN settings.

Browser Extensions Route Only Browser Traffic

Mozilla offers VPN browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome. These extensions encrypt only your browser traffic. Other apps on your device remain unprotected.

What the extensions do: They provide a quick-toggle VPN connection directly in your browser toolbar. You can switch server locations without opening the full VPN app. The extensions are useful for casual browsing privacy when you do not need full-device protection.

What the extensions do not do: They do not protect traffic from email clients, messaging apps, torrent clients, or any application outside the browser. For full-device encryption, you need the standalone desktop or mobile app.

When to use them: The extensions work well for users who only need VPN protection while browsing. They add minimal overhead and do not require admin privileges to install. If you switch between personal and work devices frequently, the extension offers a lightweight option.

Limitations: The extensions lack multi-hop support, split tunneling, and the kill switch found in the full apps. They also do not display server load information or speed test results.

Pricing and Plans

Mozilla VPN costs a flat $4.99/month with no multi-year discount options. Here is how it compares:

  • ExpressVPN: $8.32/month on a 1-year plan
  • NordVPN: $3.71/month on a 1-year plan
  • Mozilla VPN: $4.99/month regardless of subscription length

Key pricing details:

  • No long-term contracts required. Cancel anytime.
  • Unlimited devices connected simultaneously.
  • Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin.
  • A 7-day free trial is available to test before committing.
  • A 30-day money-back guarantee applies after the trial.
  • Occasional promotional discounts appear during holiday periods.

The unlimited device policy stands out. Most competitors cap connections at 5-10 devices per account. For households with many devices, this saves money compared to services that charge extra for additional connections.

Customer Support Options

Mozilla VPN’s website hosts a detailed knowledge base. It covers supported platforms, privacy policies, troubleshooting steps, and setup guides for each device type.

Ticket support: You can submit tickets directly within the VPN apps or through the website. Response times average a few hours based on user reports.

No live chat: Mozilla does not offer real-time live chat support. For urgent issues, submitting a ticket is the fastest path.

Community resources: The MozillaVPN Twitter account posts service status updates. Mozilla’s Reddit community and Discourse forum provide peer support.

Conclusion

FeatureMozilla VPNNordVPNExpressVPN
Price$4.99/mo$3.71/mo (1-year)$8.32/mo (1-year)
Server countries30+60+94
Simultaneous devicesUnlimited108
ProtocolWireGuardNordLynx / OpenVPNLightway / OpenVPN
Free trial7 days30-day money-back30-day money-back
InfrastructureMullvad-operatedNordVPN-ownedExpressVPN-owned
Open sourceYesNoNo

Pros

  • $4.99/month flat rate — no multi-year commitment required
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • WireGuard with AES-256 encryption, audited security
  • No-logs policy; infrastructure operated by privacy-focused Mullvad
  • Multi-hop connections for additional anonymity
  • 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Only 30+ server countries — far fewer than ExpressVPN (94) or NordVPN (60+)
  • No multi-year discount; price stays at $4.99 regardless of commitment
  • Netflix blocked connections from some server locations in testing
  • No smart TV, router, or gaming console app support
  • US/Europe speeds of 100–250 Mbps: solid but not industry-leading
  • macOS and iOS lack split tunneling

Mozilla VPN gets the privacy fundamentals right. The open-source code, Mullvad infrastructure, external audits, and strict no-logs policy create a trustworthy foundation. Speeds of 100-250 Mbps handle streaming and daily browsing without issues.

The service falls short on server coverage and streaming platform access. If you need servers in 60+ countries or reliable Netflix accessing, NordVPN or ExpressVPN are stronger options. Mozilla VPN also lacks router and smart TV support.

At $4.99/month with unlimited devices, no contracts, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, Mozilla VPN offers strong value for privacy-focused users who want a simple, audited VPN from a trusted name. It is best suited for users who prioritize transparency and privacy over maximum server coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Mozilla VPN’s partnership with Mullvad actually work?

Mozilla builds the apps and handles billing and support, while Mullvad, a Swedish VPN provider, operates the actual server infrastructure. This split lets Mozilla lean on Mullvad’s no-logs network and anonymous payment options while focusing on open-source client development. Mozilla VPN launched in July 2020 and uses the WireGuard protocol for every connection.

Can Mozilla actually see my browsing activity if Mullvad runs the servers?

No. Neither company logs sites visited, downloads, or browsing history: Mullvad operates the infrastructure and is known for accepting anonymous payments, while Mozilla’s client apps are fully open-source so researchers can verify the no-logs claims independently. Cure53 audited the service in 2023 and found no critical vulnerabilities, with results published publicly.

What does Mozilla VPN’s multi-hop feature actually do, and is it worth using?

Multi-hop routes traffic through two VPN servers so the entry server sees your IP but not your destination, while the exit server sees your destination but not your IP. Enable it from the server selector by picking separate entry and exit countries. It reduced speeds by 30 to 40 percent in testing, still fast enough for HD streaming but not ideal for 4K or large downloads.

How fast is Mozilla VPN, given it runs on Mullvad’s network?

Mozilla VPN rides on Mullvad’s infrastructure, which ranks #7 of 22 in our Speed Lab, aggregated from independent labs, giving it a solid throughput foundation. In our own testing, US West Coast servers outperformed European servers, with performance holding steady through peak evening hours and no bandwidth throttling or data caps applied.

Does Mozilla VPN reliably access Netflix and other streaming platforms?

Not consistently. Netflix blocked connections from certain Mozilla VPN server locations during testing, since the service lacks the dedicated streaming-optimized infrastructure that competitors maintain. NordVPN and ExpressVPN, both running larger, more actively rotated server networks, had noticeably better success rates bypassing streaming blocks in the same round of testing.

How many devices can I actually connect with one Mozilla VPN account?

Unlimited. That beats NordVPN’s 10-device cap and ExpressVPN’s 8 to 14 devices depending on plan tier. Mozilla places no limit on simultaneous connections per subscription, making it a strong fit for households running many phones, laptops, and tablets without paying extra for additional device slots the way most competitors require.

Is Mozilla VPN cheaper than NordVPN or ExpressVPN long-term?

It depends on commitment length. Mozilla VPN charges one flat promotional monthly rate with no multi-year discount, while NordVPN’s cheapest rate is from $3.49/month on its 2-year plan and ExpressVPN’s cheapest is also from $3.49/month on its longest term. Mozilla’s flat rate can favor short-term users who don’t want a multi-year lock-in.

What’s Mozilla VPN’s refund policy if it’s not for me?

Mozilla VPN pairs a 7-day free trial with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you over a month combined to test the service before committing financially. That matches NordVPN’s and ExpressVPN’s 30-day guarantees, though Mozilla is one of the few providers stacking a free trial on top of a full paid-plan refund window.

How do I set up split tunneling in Mozilla VPN, and does it work everywhere?

Split tunneling is available on Windows, Android, and Linux, letting you route specific apps outside the tunnel, such as a banking app that flags VPN traffic or a local network printer. It’s not available on macOS or iOS because of Apple’s platform restrictions. Enable it from the app’s settings menu on any supported platform.

What jurisdiction governs Mozilla VPN’s data handling?

Mullvad, which operates the infrastructure, is based in Sweden, while Mozilla itself builds and brands the apps as a US organization. Sweden has no mandatory data retention law, and combined with Mullvad’s anonymous payment options and strict no-logs policy, neither company holds browsing records to hand over even if legally compelled.

Does Mozilla VPN offer a free tier, or just a trial?

There’s no permanent free tier. Mozilla VPN offers a 7-day free trial before billing starts, followed by a 30-day money-back guarantee if you subscribe and change your mind. Unlike free VPNs that cap data or bandwidth, the trial gives full access to unlimited devices and WireGuard encryption with no restrictions.

What do I do if Mozilla VPN keeps disconnecting on iOS after my phone sleeps?

This is a known WireGuard behavior on iOS, not a Mozilla-specific bug, where the app occasionally needs reconnection after the device wakes. Enable the “Always On” toggle in iOS VPN settings as a workaround. If it persists, submit a support ticket, since Mozilla has no live chat and average ticket response runs a few hours.

Does Mozilla’s browser extension protect the same traffic as the full app?

No. The Firefox and Chrome extensions encrypt only browser traffic and let you switch server locations from the toolbar, leaving email clients, messaging apps, and other software unprotected. They also skip multi-hop, split tunneling, and the kill switch built into the full desktop and mobile apps, so use the standalone app for full-device coverage.

How many countries does Mozilla VPN cover compared to NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

Mozilla VPN covers 30+ countries, including the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia, plus smaller markets like Turkey, South Africa, and Indonesia. That’s notably thinner than NordVPN’s 129+ countries or ExpressVPN’s 105, a real limitation if you need dedicated servers or content access from less common regions.