Most of the time, private browsing is understood as giving up on something by Windows users. Normal browsers gather telemetry and fingerprint devices. Even if you are in the “incognito” mode, they still leave traces. A few browsers focus on privacy; however, they can be difficult to use, or they may slow down your daily routine. Mullvad Browser mainly puts the emphasis on anonymity rather than usability when it comes to privacy. Primarily, it is designed to keep users safe from outside tracking and fingerprinting without being technically savvy. For those users who want to be truly anonymous but don’t want to tinker with complicated settings, Mullvad Browser offers a clean, simple solution.
Privacy-first by Design and Changing How We Browse Daily
Mullvad Browser is a co-development with the Tor Browser team, and it follows most of their secure structural principles. Installation on Windows is very easy. The user interface is what one would expect from a Firefox-like browser layout and controls. However, the biggest surprise during daily usage is how brutally it normalizes browser behavior. It does this to eliminate fingerprinting. Resizing of the window is limited to only predefined dimensions. Some APIs are blocked, and scripts are isolated by default.
On the face of it, this means that there is not as much personalization allowed and fewer visual changes. But it also means that websites will find it very difficult to single out your device as the only one they have seen. Hence, users who prioritize anti-tracking at the cost of sacrificing the flexibility of the browser’s external appearance will consider it a premeditated and nicely accomplished trade-off.
Mullvad Browser’s Performance on Windows in Real Life
During regular browsing, i.e., reading a news article, doing academic research, and watching streaming services, Mullvad Browser can deliver the same performance as other Firefox-based browsers. Loading of pages is smooth. Very rarely does the browser crash. On the other hand, certain websites that are heavily dependent on advanced scripts or fingerprinting-based verification might show errors. They may need users to allow extra steps before they can be completely loaded.
Since the browser disables or modifies certain tracking methods, there is a higher chance that you will be asked for a CAPTCHA. This is not actually a malfunction of the browser, but only a consequence of its privacy point of view. Usually, students, researchers, and journalists who are dealing with sensitive materials don’t mind such trade-offs. People seeking to use social media without interruptions may find the experience a bit limiting at times.
Besides that, the browser does not use the Tor network for traffic routing by default. It is more about shielding users from fingerprint tracking than hiding one’s IP. This leads to a slightly different stance from the project.
Security Model and Workflow
The security model and workflow are inconvenient. Mullvad Browser, being a Windows version, is a standalone app and works unplugged. Also, since the app is the brainchild of the same team that invented Mullvad VPN, it is expected that it would connect automatically to a VPN. But no such thing happens here. As a result, the browser is stripped down. Still, folks who want to be anonymous via IP have to run the VPN separately anyway.
Since the browser deletes all session information on exit, it is impossible for one to be tracked over a longer period. Extensions, or add-ons, are kept to a minimum to preserve the same fingerprint level. Thus, it can be a limitation for power users. During the trial, it seemed like an inconvenience when trying to get or create custom toolkits for task management. The fact is that Mullvad Browser is designed to focus more on the user’s anonymity than on ease of use. This design decision thereby affects the way one uses the browser daily.
Mullvad Browser and Windows Setup
Mullvad Browser is more like a privacy-centered secondary browser, while it can hardly be a full replacement for Chrome or Edge. It is a great choice for journalists, activists, researchers, or even home users with a high regard for privacy. They may want to have a secure work chamber while doing specific jobs. Students who are in the middle of research and professionals who need to access content blocked by location-based restrictions may also take advantage of it.
When it comes to daily tasks that involve signing in to accounts or banking and services that require heavy personalization, the use of mainstream browsers is still the best option. They offer greater convenience. However, when it comes to compartmentalizing one’s internet activities where the focus is on the reduction of tracking rather than on account syncing, Mullvad Browser is a clear choice.
As more telemetry and cross-site tracking are integrated into the Windows environment, Mullvad Browser acts as a strong option for those who want to keep their activities to themselves. The UI is like old school, and the number of features you get is quite limited. Just stick to the point. Be consistent, predictable, and maintain a privacy stance that really stays out of the way once you know the browser very well.