MullvadVPN issues

App issues

Design

The app's design is... rather colorful.

I don't think it's a big issue, but the harsh colors give me a headache. Monochrome MDY doesn't only look nice, it's also an accessibility requirement for some people. I personally don't have a diagonsed disability, but if I get a headache every time I open my VPN, which I have to do often in the case of Mullvad, that's unfortunate.

Not on Accrescent

For me this is important because I use Accrescent and hope that one day I'll be able to get all my apps from there.

IVPN is on Accrescent and there is no reason why Mullvad can't and should keep ignoring for months when people ask for the app to be published there.

IP Bans

I don't know why, but all people who I know who used Mullvad get blocked on almost every IP when using YouTube. Be that the official mobile site, LibreTube, NewPipe, Invidious or whatever. I usually have to switch 5-6 times until I get an IP that doesn't get blocked, which is a bit of an issue if I ge a headache from using the App.

Additionally, the way Mullvad connects you to a new server is gambling. It doesn't check whether there are latency or load issues, which at least in my experience can be very frustrating. As a rule of thumb: if it takes more than 2-3 seconds to connect, don't use that connection (unless it reconnects automatically itself that is).

Also it's not just YouTube that blocks Mullvd IPs extensively, many sites do. A good example is Reddit. I personally never use it unless I'm looking something up so I have to manually switch the url to a redlib instance, or switch the server 5-6 times. Both option are annoying to have to deal with on a regular basis.

I don't really know what's causing this so I can't suggest a solution. However, I have noticed that servers outisde of the global north are blocked far less often.

App benefits

Design

IVPN has far less harsh colors, even if it doesn't use MDY either, the app still looks more in place and I don't get a headache from looking at it, which is much appriciated.

On Accrescent

As mentioned above in the Mullvad VPN app section, I personally care a lot about an app being on Accrescent and so this is important to me.

IP Bans

Happens far less often than with Mullvad. I personally used LibreTube a lot without having to switch servers before. Plese keep in mind that YouTube keeps making changes, so this may not be true at the time you read this, however, I will update this section if I notice a difference.