Mullvad Browser
Mullvad Browser is a free, open-source web browser that focuses on security and privacy. It is developed in collaboration between the Tor Project and Mullvad VPN. Mullvad Browser, like Tor Browser, is based on Firefox.
The Mullvad Browser has several features, including:
- Private browsing mode
- One-click profile reset
- Anti-fingerprinting technology
- Private mode enabled by default, which means no cookies, cache, or history are saved between sessions
- A reset button that creates a clean session in one click
The Mullvad Browser can be used with or without any VPN, but it's recommended to use a VPN provider that can be trusted. Also, the creators of the Mullvad Browser recommends that you do not install additional add-ons or extensions because they could make it possible to identify you through fingerprinting. Extensions would defeat the anti-fingerprinting technology feature of the browser. One way to hide your identity online is for everyone to have the same browser fingerprint. The Mullvad Browser uses letterboxing (adding a space around the window) to mask the real dimensions of your screen resolution.
How to Install Mullvad on Ubuntu and Debian based Systems:
You can install the Mullvad Browser via flatpak or source code. Make sure you follow the setup guide for your Linux distribution before installing via flatpak.
Option 1: Open your Terminal and enter the following:
flatpak install flathub net.mullvad.MullvadBrowser
flatpak install flathub net.mullvad.MullvadBrowser
After the installation completes you can open it from your menu or open your Terminal and enter the following: flatpak run net.mullvad.MullvadBrowser
Option 2: Open Software (a.k.a. Software Center) and search for Mullvad. Click the Install button.
Option 3: Open the developer's website and click the Download button to download the most recent version of the source code.
Navigate to the folder containing the downloaded source file and right-click the file and select Extract Here.
Move into the Mullvad Browser directory you extracted and right-click in an open area and select Open in Terminal.
Enter the following command in your Terminal: ./start-mullvad-browser.desktop --register-app
You should now find the new browser in your menu. If not, reboot your system and then look in your menu for Mullvad Browser.
How to Remove Mullvad Browser from Linux
To remove the flatpak version, open your Terminal and enter the following:
flatpak uninstall net.mullvad.MullvadBrowser
flatpak uninstall net.mullvad.MullvadBrowser
If you installed it via source code then delete the folder containing the browser or open your Terminal and enter the following:
cd Downloads/ (or the path that contains the mullvad-browser folder)
sudo rm -rf mullvad-browser
sudo rm -rf $HOME/.local/share/applications/start-mullvad-browser.desktop
cd Downloads/ (or the path that contains the mullvad-browser folder)
sudo rm -rf mullvad-browser
sudo rm -rf $HOME/.local/share/applications/start-mullvad-browser.desktop
Additional Mullvad Links
You can use the links from How to Test Your Browser's Security to see how safe and secure the Mullvad browser is.
In conclusion, I think this is a great browser if you're looking for online security; however, I don't think this browser will become your main browser or default browser. Websites like, online banking, need to verify that you are the one logging in by identifying you by your online identity. Also, it can be aggravating that you have to type your user names and passwords for each website. This browser is great for random surfing the Internet.
Jan 23, 2024