Today (Monday, January 27, 2025) is the first day that you can file your tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). But this year, many more Americans will have the option to use the IRSs Direct File system. Heres whos eligible for Direct File and things you need to know about the 2025 tax filing season.When is the 2025 tax filing season?The 2025 tax filing season begins today, Monday, January 27, 2025. That is the first day that people can file their tax returns for the 2024 tax year. This year, most people have until Tuesday, April 15, 2025, to file their 2024 returns. However, taxpayers may be eligible for filing extensions if they meet the necessary requirements.How can I file my 2024 tax return?There are many ways to file your 2024 tax return, including:By using an accountant.By using tax filing software like Turbo Tax or H&R Block.By mailing in a paper tax return.By using Direct File.That last optionDirect Fileis free for eligible taxpayers.What is Direct File?Direct File is an IRS program that allows eligible taxpayers to electronically file their tax returns directly with the IRS for free. Direct File launched a pilot program last year with a limited number of states. This year, the Direct File program is adding more states.One of the big benefits of Direct File is that, if you are eligible for it, you can use the program to file your taxes for freeno need to pay an accountant or pay for software from companies like Intuit or H&R Block just to file your taxes.Which states are eligible for Direct File?If you lived and worked in the following states, you may be able to use Direct File to file your federal taxes for 2024:AlaskaArizonaCaliforniaConnecticutFloridaIdahoIllinoisKansasMaineMarylandMassachusettsNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOregonPennsylvaniaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasWashington stateWisconsinWyomingAre there other eligibility requirements for Direct File?Yes. In addition to having to have lived and worked in the states above during 2024, Direct File can only be used if you have certain types of income. For example, the IRS states that Direct File can be used for W-2 wage income, 1099-INT interest income, and various other types of income. However, if you had some types of income, including gig economy, rental, or business income, you will not be able to use Direct File.Requirements to use Direct File can be found here. The IRS also offers an online tool that lets you check if you are eligible to use Direct File.The IRS estimates that up to 30 million people are eligible to use the Direct File program.Is Direct File an app?No, its an online tool. However, it is designed so that you can use it on your computer, phone, or tablet.How is Direct File different than Free File?Direct File is web-based software created by the IRS.The Free File program allows tax filers to use commercial software to file their taxes, according to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). Usually, taxpayers would need to pay for this commercial software, but if their income level is below a certain amount, the Free File program gives them access to the software for free.According to the IRS, to be eligible for Free File this tax season, you must have had a 2024 adjusted gross income (AGI) of $84,000 or less.In total, the IRS says it expects more than 140 million individual tax returns to be filed between today and the end of the tax filing season on April 15.How soon can I get my tax refund?That depends on how you file. According to the IRS, it takes up to 21 days to receive your refund payment if you filed electronically and use direct deposit. (Amended and paper returns will take longer.) The agency has an online tool called Wheres My Refund? where you can check the status of your refund, sometimes as soon as 24 hours after filing.

Dezeen Showroom:German solid surface brand HIMACS has released new versions of its key colours made with recycled materials, including the pure-looking Alpine White. HIMACS' recycled content colours contain up to 10 per cent pre-consumer recycled material. According to HIMACS, it maintains the same performance characteristics that make the silica-free acrylic surfacing product suitable for benchtops, bathroom furniture and architectural elements such as staircases.HIMACS' recycled content offering includes the colour Alpine WhiteFire-rated and non VOC-emitting, the material can be shaped into serpentine forms and joined with inconspicuous seams for a monolithic effect, and is also suitable for engraving, carving or backlighting.The colours available in the recycled content range include Alpine White, a finish considered difficult to achieve with recycled material because of its unblemished white appearance.Another colour is the silvery, terrazzo-like Shadow QueenAlpine White Ultra-Thermoforming, a version of the same colour but with increased thermoforming properties enabling the creation of sharper curves, is also available in the recycled formulation.The other colours in the recycled range certified by international certification company SCS include the Intense Ultra collection of saturated blacks and greys, as well as the terrazzo-like Shadow Queen and lightly flecked Lunar Sand.Product details:Product: Recycled content coloursBrand: HIMACSContact: himacseu@lxhausys.comDezeen ShowroomDezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.The post Recycled content colours by HIMACS appeared first on Dezeen.

A cantileveringpool and a soaring skybridge are among the distinctive details that characterise this list of upcoming skyscrapers, scheduled to complete in 2025.Photo by Jennifer HahnThe Henderson, Hong Kong, by Zaha Hadid ArchitectsDesigned by Zaha Hadid Architects to "make waves around the world", The Henderson will open in 2025 with an undulating glass facade intended to mimic organic forms.The 190-metre-tall skyscraper has been created for developer Henderson Land on the world's most expensive plot, which it purchased in 2017 for 764,000 per square metre.Find out more about The Henderson Render by DBOX for Foster + Partners270 Park Avenue, USA, by Foster + PartnersIn New York, Foster + Partners will reach completion on "New York City's largest all-electric tower", which it claims will be net-zero in terms of operational carbon.The building will have a staggered form resembling a stepped deck of cards. Reaching a height of 423 metres, it will contain 60 floors of offices for the financial services firm JPMorgan Chase.According to the studio, it will also be constructed with "97 per cent" of the building materials salvaged from the skyscraper it replaced the 1960s SOM JPMorgan Chase Tower.Find out more about 270 Park Avenue Photo by Zhang ChaoChina Merchants Bank Headquarters, China, by Foster + PartnersAnother high-rise project Foster + Partners expected to open in 2025 is the China Merchants Bank Headquarters in Shenzhen, which will feature a rounded facade of ribbed steel and glass.Thanks to off-centre structural cores to its east and west, every office floor will be column-free, maximising spatial flexibility and helping to reduce solar gain.Find out more about China Merchants Bank Headquarters Render by MVRDVDowntown One Tirana, Albania, by MVRDVConstruction on Albania's tallest building will also finish in 2025.The 150-metre-tall building was designed by MVRDV with a distinctive pixelated facade formed of cantilevered blocks that, when viewed from afar, will form a "map" of the country.Find out more about Downtown One Tirana Render by SOMOne Bangkok, Thailand, by SOM (Thailand)A cluster of skyscrapers will make up One Bangkok, a district that Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM) is developing in the Thai capital with local studio A49. Its tallest structure will be a supertall skyscraper, reaching 437 metres.Once complete, it is expected to accommodate 60,000 people across a mix of residential, hotel, retail, office and public spaces.Find out more about One Bangkok Render by AedasTaichung Bank Headquarters, Taiwan, by AedasA glass swimming pool will be among the facilities to cantilever from the Taichung Bank Headquarters, a 200-metre-tall building that is also set to house a five-star hotel.The pool will project out from a vertical void that cuts through the building, dividing it into two towers that its architect Aedas said is an effort to "enrich the building shape".Other glass-lined facilities that will cantilever from the skyscraper will include a sky garden, a ballroom and an exhibition space.Render by OMACMG Times Center, China, by OMAA skybridge will be the defining feature of CMG Times Center, a pair of stepped mixed-use towers in Shenzhen that OMA is expecting to reach completion on in 2025.According to the studio, the 210-metre-tall complex was designed as "a micro-city" with a public viewpoint incorporating gardens and art installations.Photo by Fan ZhaomingKingboard Qianhai Tower, China, by RSHPElsewhere in China, RSHP will finish work on the Kingboard Qianhai Tower with an expressed superstructure a studio trademark.For this specific project, the exposed structural elements are hoped to minimise the visual mass of the 232-metre-tall office building and provide open-plan interiors that can suit a variety of tenants.Photo by Laurian GhinitoiuEdge East Side Tower, Germany, by BIGFive stacked blocks with fragmented edges will define this office tower, which will be BIG's first completed project in Berlin when it is completed later this year.According to the studio, the 142-metre-tall building has been designed in collaboration with Aukett + Heese Architects to challenge the typical layout of a skyscraper.Render by KPFOPPO Chang An R&D Center, China, by KPFThis research campus in Dongguan is being developed by KPF to accommodate over 6,000 employees of the mobile phone brand OPPO.Its anchor will be a 250-metre-tall office tower, which links up with a series of other skyscrapers, all unified by their cylindrical plans.The post Ten skyscrapers around the world set to complete in 2025 appeared first on Dezeen.

Tooling a mold to produce large parts is expensive. Companies making composite architectural panels, fiberglass boat hulls, automotive panels, etc. have to sell tens of thousands of units to recoup the cost. Furthermore, once that mold is cut, manufacturers don't just throw them away; the gigantic mold halves are placed in storage, which brings an additional cost. And when the design needs to be tweaked or updated, well, now you're paying for another mold.A Danish company called Adapa has turned this model on its head. Adapa has created an "adaptive mold," which is a grid of vertically-oriented actuators that support a membrane above. Each actuator moves independently into position to form the membrane into the desired shape. Then the materialfiberglass, concrete, carbon fiber, thermoplastic, etc.is laid over the membrane, and that material's curing process is enacted. The company says the system is good for about a thousand castings before you'd need to start replacing or servicing components; for instance the membrane will eventually break down, and the motors for the actuators may need to be recalibrated or replaced. But for a subset of manufacturers, the advantages will outweigh the relatively low production volume. Design changes can be put into production instantly, without waiting or paying for retooling. The system uses less manpower than traditional molding. And there is no tooling to be stored afterwards.Adapa makes several different models, with their largest able to cast objects roughly 11' by 17'. Additionally, they make smaller versions that they rent, including a "Mini" version with an envelope just 2' by 2'. Here's how it works:

Embarking on your homeownership journey comes with the excitement of setting up your kitchen. You could be a seasoned cook or a culinary novice, but you need to have the right kitchenware to make meal preparation enjoyable and efficient. I know moving into your own home can be terrifying and unchartered territory, and to be honest, if I were in such a position, I would need some trusty and handy tools at my disposal, giving me the confidence that I can take care of my meals without much fuss, So, weve curated a collection of the ten essential kitchen items that every first-time homeowner should consider to make their life a whole lot easier.These products serve functional purposes and bring style and innovation to your kitchen space. Adding these essential items to your kitchen will enhance your cooking experience and add a touch of style and innovation to your home. Each product offers unique features that cater to different culinary needs, making them invaluable additions to any first-time homeowners kitchen.1. Iron Frying PlateThe Iron Frying Plate lets you eliminate the middleman and eat on the very thing you cooked your food on. This unique iron frying pan is your plate and vice versa, allowing you to enjoy your meal immediately after cooking it. It is essential for first-time homeowners, as it reduces the need for multiple utensils. The frying plate is rust-resistant and uncoated, and it brings out the best flavors and textures of your food like never before.This beautifully crafted iron frying plate lets you experience a taste of culinary heaven, as it softly and subtly blurs the boundary between cooking and eating. The plate is made from 1.6mm-thick mill-scale steel, and it is equipped with a wooden handle that can be attached and detached with one hand. This makes it easy to serveyour dish directly from the pan.Click Here to Buy Now: $69.00Why is it noteworthy?The Iron Frying Plate is a game-changer for those who appreciate the art of cooking and serving. The rust-resistant and stick-resistant surface ensures that food is cooked evenly and released easily, enhancing both flavor and presentation. The ability to detach the handle with one hand adds convenience, allowing you to transition seamlessly from cooking to serving.What we likeFunctions as both a cooking pan and serving plate, streamlining meal preparation and presentation.Made from thick mill scale steel for long-lasting performance.What we dislikeThe sturdy construction makes it heavier than traditional pans, which might be cumbersome for some users.Requires specific care to maintain its rust-resistant properties and prevent damage.2. DraftPro Top Can OpenerSay hello to the DraftPro Top Can Opener an incredible tool that transforms any can into a luxurious and premium draft-like experience. The DraftPro completely opens the top of a can, forming a wide drinking surface that will elevate aroma and flavor, allowing you to savor every nuance of your preferred drink. It will redefine how you enjoy your beverages whether it is craft beer, sofa, or tea.It adopts an innovative approach to the canned beverage experience. It mirrors and recreates the sensation of sipping from a glass, enhancing taste and aroma. It may not be considered an essential per se for your kitchen, but it is a unique and worthy product that will elevate your beverage-drinking experience. If youre a first-time homeowner hosting dinner parties or gatherings, this can opener will add a touch of fun and amusement to them.Click Here to Buy Now: $59.00Why is it noteworthy?The design allows for effortless ice addition, enabling you to chill your drink directly in the can or mix cocktails on the go. The can openers sustainable design ensures that fully opened cans are easy to rinse and recycle or repurpose into creative decor. With precision mechanics, it provides a clean and mess-free experience, fitting both domestic and international cans.What we likeProvides a draft-like sipping experience, enhancing aroma and flavor.Compatible with a wide range of beverages and allows for cocktail mixing directly in the can.What we dislikeMay require some practice to use effectively without spilling.Fully opening the can may affect its structural integrity for storage or transport.3. Obsidian Black Mini Grip TongsCalled the Obsidian Black Mini Grip Tongs, these dark and handsome tongs let you handle and serve food with the deftness of a master chef. Theyre a part of the Obsidian Black Kitchen Tongs collection, and theyre available in handy sizes of 4.9 (12.5cm) or 7 (18cm). These tongs provide the perfect balance between hygiene and precision. Their compact size makes them ideal for first homes, ensuring they save space, and make room for more important tools.Irrespective if youre arranging bite-sized appetizers, creating eye-catching plating shots, or turning over mouth-watering morsels in the pans these nifty black tongs will provide the precise control you need to accomplish any culinary task with ease. They make for a functional and good-looking addition to your kitchen.Click Here to Buy Now: $19.00Why is it noteworthy?The tongs compact size makes them ideal for tasks requiring delicate control, such as picking up small hors doeuvres or flipping juicy shrimps, all while keeping your hands clean. Crafted from SUS821L1 stainless steel, these tongs are twice as strong as those made from SUS304 steel, allowing for a thinner and lighter design without compromising durability. Their high corrosion resistance ensures they remain a reliable kitchen companion.What we likeIdeal for delicate tasks, providing precise handling and control.Made from high-strength stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance.What we dislikeMay not be suitable for larger food items or tasks requiring longer tools.While durable, the tongs precision design requires careful use to maintain their condition.4. Sakura Petal GraterDubbed the Sakura Petal Grater, this beautifully designed tool is a representation of culinary art meeting Japanese heritage. If youre a first-time homeowner then you need a grater in your kitchen, and the Sakura Petal Grater makes for a wonderful addition, as it is elegant and yet functional, providing a razor-sharp performance backed by endearing good looks.The grater comes in pink aluminum or silver copper, and it is covered in commemorative packaging that celebrates the cultural heritage of Japan, and the artist of Tsubame City artisans. You can use the grater to grate ginger, wasabi, or even citrus zest, and it transforms boring meal prep into something creative and fun.Click Here to Buy Now: $35.00Why is it noteworthy?If you like hosting dinners and making them a wonderful affair, then the petal grater is recommended, as it converts a simple task into a moment of artistry. It features a sharp blade that supports efficient and quick grating, adding texture and flavor to your meals. It is a valuable addition to family gatherings, as fresh ingredients can be grated directly at the table, making the overall experience elegant and interactive. It has a compact size, and aesthetically pleasing design making it an interesting conversation piece on the table.What we likeFeatures a sakura-inspired shape which adds some beauty to your kitchen.Equipped with sharp blades which make grating easy and efficient.What we dislikeFeatures a compact size which mayrequire frequent emptying when grating larger quantities.5. Hinoki Essence Cutting BoardYou can experience a worry-free food-cutting experience with this beautiful wooden cutting board. It is made from the majestic hinoki cypress, and it has a medium hardness that offers enough resistance without damaging knives. Both the material and shape of the board make it easy to drain juices and clean after use.It exudes a simple yet beautiful aesthetic, and you can pair it up with the equally elegant Precision Ceramic Sashimi Knife. The board is designed with a water-resistant silicone coating that penetrates the fibrous part of the wood to prevent damage, and its gentle, rounded shapes blend naturally with any interior. A handle has been incorporated for easy hanging and hygienic drying.Click Here to Buy Now: $59.00Why is it noteworthy?The Hinoki Essence Cutting Board is a blend of traditional materials and modern design. Hinoki cypress wood is renowned for its natural antibacterial properties and resistance to mold, making it an ideal material for a cutting board. The boards medium hardness provides the perfect balance between durability and knife preservation, ensuring your blades stay sharp longer, and making it a perfect purchase for first-time homeowners.What we likeThe medium hardness of the hinoki wood is gentle on knives, preserving their sharpness.Naturally resistant to mold and bacteria, promoting a hygienic cooking environment.What we dislikeRequires regular oiling to maintain its condition and prevent cracking.The premium materials and craftsmanship come with a higher price tag.6. Ori-KitSay hello to the Ori-Kit a stylish, origami-inspired kitchen set designed to replace bulky utensils and enhance your culinary adventures. The Ori-Kit is an essential tool for first-time homeowners looking to streamline their kitchen setup. Its compact design makes it perfect for small kitchens or apartments where space is at a premium. It includes versatile pieces that replace multiple traditional utensils, helping new homeowners minimize clutter and maximize functionality.This innovative kit simplifies your kitchen experience by providing a nifty solution for all your cooking needs. It is perfect for both home use and on the go, and is easy to transport, making it ideal for picnics, camping trips, or any adventure where space is limited.Why is it noteworthy?The kit includes six cleverly designed pieces three spoons that can be folded into six different sizes, a versatile food turner, a creatively designed funnel, and a functional colander. The Ori-Kit serves as a flexible and efficient alternative to traditional kitchen tools. You can use it serve, measure or prepare meals. The compact design helps save space, time, and money,making it a must-have for modern kitchens and adventurous cooks alike.What we likeCompact and foldable, ideal for small kitchens or on-the-go use.Each piece serves multiple functions, reducing the need for additional utensils.What we dislikeThe origami-inspired design may not withstand heavy use over time.May not be suitable for large-scale cooking or serving needs.7. Black Kitchen KnivesThese sharp knives also have killer looks. Made in Seki, Japan, these pitch-black knives are designed to cut through food while being quite fashionable. As you handle the knives, you will feel like a fantasy hero wielding a divine sword with each slide. You will never look at food prep the same way again with these sleek knives. Knives are an essential part of a kitchen, and these full-proof knives are an excellent option for first homes, as they merged goods looks with great functionality.The knives are crafted from molybdenum vanadium steel with a titanium coating, ensuring durability and sharpness. Each blade is meticulously crafted by a skilled craftsman, offering a full-scale double-edged blade for versatile use. They are available in Santoku, Gyuto, and Petty styles making them perfect for any culinary task.Click Here to Buy Now: $99.00Why is it noteworthy?The Black Kitchen Knives are blessed with stunning aesthetics and exceptional performance in the kitchen. The craftsmanship involved in creating each knife ensures a high-quality product that is both durable and effective. The use of molybdenum vanadium steel provides excellent edge retention, while the titanium coating adds a layer of protection against corrosion and wear. Their sleek black design adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen, making them an invaluable purchase for any first-time homeowner.What we likeThe molybdenum vanadium steel ensures a sharp and precise cutting edge, ideal for a variety of kitchen tasks.The sleek black finish adds a modern and sophisticated touch to any kitchen.What we dislikeHigh-quality craftsmanship comes at a cost, making these knives a more expensive option.The titanium coating requires careful maintenance to prevent damage and ensure longevity.8. Smart Tea PotCalled the Smart Tea Pot, this revolutionary appliance is designed to transform the way you experience tea. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and personalized brewing capabilities, it elevates each sip into a harmonious symphony of flavor and aroma, making every moment a delightful tea journey. It is a great tool for first-time homeowners, as it simplifies and fastens the tea-making process, allowing them to spend more time on the complicated tasks and chores.The smart teapot is designed with an app-connected brewing system, allowing you to effortlessly brew the perfect cup by selecting your tea type through an intuitive app. This ensures consistent, professional-grade tea without the hassle, allowing you to savor the moment without interruptions. This smart teapot offers an innovative way to enhance your tea-drinking experience.Click Here to Buy Now: $349.00Why is it noteworthy?The Smart Tea Pot features the ability to personalize and elevate the tea-drinking experience. With six advanced sensors, the teapot analyzes your heart rate, finger temperature, and environmental conditions to tailor each brew to your unique mood and physical state. This personalized tea experience enhances relaxation or focus as needed, making it a valuable tool for mindfulness and well-being. It also simplifies the process of tea-making, grounding it as a much-needed essential for first-time homeowners.What we likeTailors each cup of tea to your unique mood and physical state, enhancing relaxation or focus.Offers optimal brewing conditions for a wide variety of teas, expanding your palate.What we dislikeMay require a learning curve to fully utilize all features and functions.9. Ceramic CupCalled the Ceramic Cup, this exquisite mug is an essential addition to any first-time homeowners kitchenware collection. It is made using high-quality craftsmanship and features a unique design which makes it an excellent piece for your kitchen. It adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to your kitchen, as well as your dinner table.For those starting to furnish their homes, this mug offers a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, setting the tone for a warm and inviting home environment. Its thoughtful design encourages mindful living, making everyday routines feel special and intentional.Click Here to Buy Now: $60.00Why is it noteworthy?This minimalist mug is a finely crafted piece that beautifully combines earth and wood, creating a unique and subtle symphony of textures. Designed to delight both your lips and fingers, it offers a sensory experience that enhances the enjoyment of sipping your favorite tea. With its elegant design, this mug invites you to savor each moment, transforming a simple drink into a soothing ritual.What we likeCrafted from quality Japanese ceramic, it ensures durability and a refined finish.What we dislikeRequires extra care in heating beverages, as it is not microwave-safe.It may not appeal to those seeking more vibrant designs.10. Titanium Artisan Spirits CupIf you want to add something tasteful to your kitchen, that will elevate your drinking ritual, then you may want to consider the Titanium Artisan Spirits Cup. It merges elegance with exceptional titanium craftsmanship and is designed for the discerning spirits enthusiast. It is a beautifully crafted cup that weighs only 22 grams, offering an effortless sipping experience, and making it a lightweight and versatile design for first-time homeowners.You can use it to serve sake, tequila, or whisky, making your drinking experience a classy affair. It is blessed with an artful design and precision craftsmanship which makes it a lovely addition for anyone who enjoys the finer and more premium things in life. It has a versatile aesthetic that complements modern interiors and rustic outdoor settings.Click Here to Buy Now: $27.00Why is it noteworthy?The hammered texture of the cup enhances aromatic profiles, enriching the nuanced notes of your favorite spirits and creating a deeply immersive experience with each sip. Each vibrant anodized finish provides a unique hue, offering personalized style and a sophisticated touch to any drinkware collection. Precision craftsmanship ensures a non-slip surface and finely engineered thin lip for a refined sipping experience, enhancing the flavor profile of each spirit.What we likeCombines minimalist elegance with practical functionality for a refined drinking experience.Hammered texture and precision craftsmanship enhance aromatic profiles and flavor.What we dislikeCompact size may not be suitable for those who prefer larger drinking vessels.Titanium craftsmanship requires careful handling to maintain its pristine condition.The post Top 10 Essential Kitchenware For First-Time Homeowners first appeared on Yanko Design.

A welcome, meaty and supremely playable mid-iteration dose of third-person Nazi-shooting.

The Co-Founder & Head of Creative discusses taking a tailored approach to projects and the key to producing great sports documentaries.

We made tons of coffee, tea, and ramen to test these electric kettlesand boiled it down to these top picks.

A glitch in Slack makes it possible to accidentally send your entire DM history with one person to other coworkers. Ask me how I know.

MacworldAt a GlanceExpert's RatingProsPrivacy-focused sign-upGreat for getting around geoblocksGreat pricingConsNeeds more servers5 connections is lower than some rivalsOur Verdict Mullvads VPN is making waves in the tech world, and not just because its very good. While many VPN services are great for maintaining privacy online, Mullvad goes even further, offering a low-priced, easy-to-understand plan that lets you sign up entirely anonymously if youd like. Pair that with good speeds and great unblocking of streaming sites and you have a very competitive VPN that just needs some more servers.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayRetailerPriceMullvad VPN5,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketPrice When Reviewed5 Euro pro MonatBest Prices Today: MullvadRetailerPriceMullvad VPN5,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketMullvad is so keen to not store users personal information, it doesnt offer new recurring plans anymore. Thats the kind of privacy-first mindset you can expect, and while you may think that sounds like overkill, your account information is tied to a single account number.That means logging into your account is done without having to hand over an email or password, and payments are handled monthly at that flat 5 per month rolling deal (so the only price change will be dependent on the exchange rate at that time).You can even buy prepaid cards if you dont want to log payment information, which makes Mullvad the ideal VPN service for anyone looking to leave a minimal digital footprint.See how Mullvad compares to other Mac VPNs weve tested.For that lower price you may be wondering what kind of corners are cut, but you wont find any (outside of more servers). Split Tunnelling, multihop connections and even an AI-focused defence mechanism called DAITA are included in your membership. It also performed excellently when we hopped between different countries versions of Netflix.The app itself is a little different to many rivals, accessed exclusively from the menu bar on Mac rather than having that as an option. Thats likely to be a matter of preference, but the privacy focus, geo-unblocking and low price make this well worth a look.Features & AppsContent Blockers: Mullvad has a more granular filter for content blocking than some other services.FoundryMullvad is available on Mac (which well be reviewing primarily today), but it also has Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and plenty more apps. See our round ups of the Best VPN for iPad and Best VPN for iPhone. They all work the same way, but the Mac version is restricted to the menu bar as mentioned above. Thats fine (outside of making snapping screenshots for this review a tad awkward), and it packs plenty of features inside.iOS App: The iOS app looks identical to the Mac version.FoundryOnce you get your head around that, all versions of the app contribute to a total device limit of five. Wed always prefer more, but for this price thats 1 per device if you use them all. Unlike some services, the iPhone and iPad apps also pack plenty of power user features, too, like multihop connections and the DAITA protection.Sticking with the Mac version, though, and Mullvad offers a bunch of features that would be paid additions elsewhere. Theres the Kill Switch to cut traffic if the VPN drops, while a Lockdown Mode takes that step further and forces the user to reconnect via Mullvad if the connection drops.Theres Multihop for bouncing your connection via multiple servers, and split tunnelling is available as standard so users can send some traffic via the VPN and ignore it for others, and the ad blocker is more granular than you may expect, letting you stop adult content or gambling sites, among other things.DAITA: Mullvad is forward-thinking with its DAITA tool.FoundrySomething Ive not seen in my testing of VPN services in recent months is DAITA (Defence against AI-guided Traffic Analysis).As Mullvad explains, sophisticated AI can analyse data packets going to and from your device, even though that information is encrypted. DAITA isnt supported on every server, but where it is, itll add network noise so data packets are all the same size.Its a smart addition which feels particularly forward-thinking, and works with WireGuard at present. Speaking of which, WireGuard and OpenVPN are the supported VPN protocols here.PerformanceMultihop: Mullvad lets you further obfuscate traffic with multihop.FoundryIve alluded to server counts a couple of times, and thats the main drawback of Mullvad at present. It has almost 700 servers, which is still impressive but falls behind some of the biggest names in the game. For example, NordVPN has over 7,000 worldwide, but some are virtual servers that arent always where they say they are, whereas Mullvads are at least all real, dedicated servers.Mullvad also rivals the big names when it comes to getting around geoblocks. Netflix was entirely open in our testing, letting me switch between content libraries with ease. While the likes of Nord offer the same functionality, theyre much more expensive.Still, a VPN isnt worth its salt unless its relatively fast, even as traffic bounces around the globe, so what are the speeds like?In short: good! Download speeds dropped by between 11 and 15 percent in our testing, while upload speeds dropped by less than 9 percent.Thats really quite impressive, especially at this price and with such a focus on privacy. There are some minor nitpicks, though Id like to see latency noted before connecting, for example, but thats a small issue.Privacy & SecurityAs Ive kept mentioning throughout this review, Mullvad has one eye on privacy at all times. The company is based in Sweden, and runs a no-logs policy where it doesnt save any user information.Mullvad has been audited multiple times to verify that policy, but given it wont even store your email address or payment information, its hard not to be impressed.Price Every single plan for Mullvad will set you back 5 a month, or your equivalent (thats $5.26 or 4.20 at the time of writing). Thats a big step in the right direction, with no complex add-ons or power features tied behind a paywall.Pricing and plansAs mentioned earlier, all of this comes in at just 5 a month. Thats a steep drop compared to many of its rivals which charge around double that and lock you in for one or two years.On the one hand, theres an argument that youre not getting a cheap monthly rate as with its competitors, but on the other hand youre able to pick and choose when you subscribe without being tied into lengthy plans to secure those rates.Should you buy Mullvad VPN?Mullvad is a fantastic VPN service thats about as privacy-minded as can be. It might not have the most servers, but thats a small price to pay for the service on offer.