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McAfee VPN vs Mozilla VPN in 2026 — Which One Wins?

by | Last updated Sep 24, 2026

Winner
mozilla
3.5
  • Kill Switch On by Default
  • WireGuard Protocol Only
  • Multi-Hop via Two Servers
  • Independent Cure53 Audits
  • Firefox Container Integration
  • 500+ Servers in 30+ Countries
  • Plans from $4.99/month
Runner Up
mcafee logo
3.5
  • Bundled With Antivirus
  • AES-256 Encryption
  • Catapult Hydra Protocol
  • Auto-Connects on Public Wi-Fi
  • 5 Simultaneous Connections
  • Identity Monitoring on Higher Plans
  • Plans from $39.99/year

⚡ Quick Verdict:

  • Pricing: McAfee VPN starts at $39.99/yr inside a security bundle. Mozilla VPN starts at $4.99/month on the annual plan.
  • Best for: McAfee for people who want antivirus plus a VPN. Mozilla for privacy-minded Firefox users.
  • Key difference: McAfee Safe Connect logs your IP address and visited sites. Mozilla VPN does not log your online activity.
  • Our pick: Mozilla VPN for most people. It has stronger privacy and more security features.
mcafee vpn vs mozilla vpn

McAfee VPN and Mozilla VPN both promise better online security.

Yet they come from very different places.

McAfee sells a security suite. Its VPN rides along as an extra.

Mozilla built a standalone VPN on top of Mullvad’s network.

That one difference shapes everything, from logging to price.

Overview

This McAfee VPN vs Mozilla VPN comparison covers privacy, security features, speed, and price.

We also show who each virtual private network suits best.

Our writer spent hands-on time with Mozilla VPN.

Details on McAfee Safe Connect VPN come from documentation and independent reviews.

By the end, you’ll know which vpn service fits your needs.

What is McAfee VPN?

McAfee VPN is the virtual private network inside McAfee’s security plans.

You may also see it called McAfee Safe Connect.

It encrypts your internet traffic with AES-256 encryption.

It switches on by itself when you join unsecured public Wi-Fi.

That shields things like banking details from man-in-the-middle attacks.

McAfee claims it also stops your internet provider from throttling bandwidth.

It protects you on Wi-Fi or your mobile carrier connection.

Mcafee personal

McAfee VPN

⭐ 3.5/5 | 💰 From $39.99/yr

A basic VPN bundled with antivirus and identity protection. It suits occasional use on public Wi-Fi.

McAfee VPN Pricing

McAfee doesn’t sell the VPN alone here. It comes inside three yearly plans.

PlanPriceBest For
Essential$39.99/yrOne person who wants antivirus plus a VPN
Advanced Individual$89.99/yrAdding identity monitoring and credit tools
Advanced Family$119.99/yrHouseholds protecting several people

Pricing verified September 2026.

McAfee pricing 1

Free trial: Not guaranteed. McAfee’s trial offers change often, so check the site first.

Money-back guarantee: McAfee offers a 30-day money back guarantee. Cancel within 30 days for a refund.

📌 Note: Every plan includes the VPN. Unlimited bandwidth is typically tied to automatic renewal. Turn auto-renew off, and you may lose it.

⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list a standalone Safe Connect price of $7.99/month. Others show $19.99 for year one (about $1.66/month), renewing at $47.99. Confirm the price at checkout.

Key Benefits of McAfee VPN

Here’s what McAfee VPN does well:

McAfee top benefits 1
  • All-in-One Protection: The VPN sits beside antivirus, a password manager, and identity protection. One app covers your whole security setup.
  • Auto-Connect on Public Wi-Fi: It turns on when you join an unsecured network. Casual VPN users don’t have to remember to connect.
  • AES-256 Encryption: Your data is scrambled with a widely used encryption standard. DNS leak protection is built in too.
  • Catapult Hydra Protocol: This protocol is designed for performance. It’s the same protocol family Hotspot Shield uses.
  • Five Devices: One plan allows up to five simultaneous connections. That covers a phone, laptop, and tablet.
  • Split Tunneling on Android: Android users can pick which apps skip the VPN. It helps keep speeds up.
McAfee homepage 1

What Our Team Noticed

Note: We haven’t had extensive hands-on time with McAfee VPN yet. The information above is based on published documentation and independent reviews. Our full McAfee VPN review covers the wider security suite.

McAfee VPN Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
  • Comes bundled with antivirus and identity protection
  • AES-256 encryption with DNS leak protection
  • Auto-connects when you join unsecured public Wi-Fi
  • Up to five simultaneous connections
❌ Cons
  • Logs your IP address and the websites you visit
  • No macOS or Linux VPN app
  • Kill switch works on Windows only
  • Doesn’t work with Netflix or Hulu

What is Mozilla VPN?

Mozilla VPN is a standalone VPN from the makers of Firefox.

It launched in 2020.

It runs on the server network of Mullvad VPN.

Every connection uses the WireGuard protocol.

Mozilla backs it as part of its push for a free and open internet.

It also blocks ads, trackers, and malware.

Mozilla VPN Honest Review - Watch Before Using

Mozilla VPN

⭐ 3.5/5 | 💰 From $4.99/month

A privacy-first VPN with no activity logs. The kill switch is on from day one.

Mozilla VPN Pricing

Mozilla keeps pricing simple. There are two plans and no free version.

PlanPriceBest For
Annual$4.99/monthLong-term users who want the lower rate
Monthly$9.99/monthShort trips or testing without a long commitment

Pricing verified September 2026.

Mozilla Pricing

Free trial: None. Mozilla VPN has no free trial or free version.

Money-back guarantee: Mozilla offers a 30-day money back guarantee for first time customers.

📌 Note: One subscription covers up to five devices. Both plans include the same features. The monthly subscription option costs about twice as much.

⚠️ Price check: Some sources list $4.99 as the monthly rate with no yearly billing. Mullvad VPN’s own monthly plan also costs less. Confirm billing terms on the Mozilla VPN website.

Key Benefits of Mozilla VPN

Here’s what Mozilla VPN offers:

Mozilla Top benefits
  • No Activity Logs: Mozilla VPN does not log your online activity. It doesn’t share data with third party advertisers or marketers.
  • Independent Audits: Cure53 has audited the service. Those audits back up Mozilla’s privacy claims.
  • Kill Switch by Default: The kill switch is on out of the box. If the VPN connection drops, your traffic stays blocked.
  • Multi-Hop Routing: You can send traffic through two servers. That adds a second layer of protection.
  • App Exclusions: This is Mozilla’s name for split tunneling. Chosen apps skip the VPN.
  • Firefox Tab Routing: Firefox users can send separate tabs through different servers. McAfee has nothing like it.
Mozilla homepage

What Our Team Noticed

Our writer signed up for Mozilla VPN and used it for everyday browsing. Here’s what stood out:

Mozilla Personal Experience

Mozilla VPN Pros & Cons

✅ Pros
  • Kill switch is on by default in every app
  • No activity logs, checked by Cure53 security audits
  • Multi-hop routes traffic through two servers
  • Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
❌ Cons
  • No free version or free trial
  • Small network of 500+ servers in 30+ countries
  • Struggles with Netflix and Disney Plus

Feature Comparison

Here’s how McAfee VPN and Mozilla VPN compare across ten areas. The table gives you the quick version first.

FeatureMcAfee VPNMozilla VPN
Starting Price$39.99/yr (bundle)$4.99/month (annual)
Free Plan❌❌
No Activity Logs❌✅
Kill SwitchWindows only✅ On by default
Split TunnelingAndroid only✅ App exclusions
Multi-Hop❌✅
macOS & Linux Apps❌✅
Antivirus Bundle✅❌
Simultaneous Connections55
Best ForMcAfee suite subscribersPrivacy-minded Firefox users

1. Privacy & Logging

McAfee VPN: McAfee Safe Connect VPN logs your IP address and the websites you visit. Your IP can also reveal geo location information. McAfee keeps this data until you delete your account, then 30 more days.

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN does not log your online activity or browsing history. It does collect your IP address and some interaction data to run the service. Cure53’s independent audits checked these privacy claims.

Mozilla Trustworthy

⚠️ Warning: McAfee is based in the U.S., a Five Eyes member. Its policy says it will hand data to legal or government authorities on request. Its privacy policy is also vague and shared with McAfee’s other products. So can you trust McAfee Safe Connect with sensitive browsing? That’s a big deal worth weighing.

2. Security Features & Encryption

McAfee VPN: McAfee uses AES-256 encryption and includes DNS leak protection. The kill switch exists only on the Windows app. iOS users and Android users go without. If the VPN fails on a phone, your real IP can slip out.

https://youtu.be/obh6bc_eu_M?si=ZtP1075vXKlM0zZB

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN pairs WireGuard encryption with a kill switch that’s on by default. You can add a multi hop connection through two servers. Your DNS requests stay inside the tunnel, which guards against DNS leaks.

Mozilla Secure

⚠️ Warning: McAfee lacks advanced security features like multi-hop. It also blocks P2P traffic, so it’s a poor pick for torrenting.

3. Server Network & Locations

McAfee VPN: McAfee’s server list is bigger, with around 2,000 servers. Country counts vary by source, from 23 up to 47. It can still bypass geo-restrictions for simple region changes.

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN runs 500+ servers in 30+ countries on Mullvad’s server network. The service itself is sold in about 35 countries. That’s small next to other vpns with thousands of servers.

Mozilla Convenient

💡 Pro Tip: More servers doesn’t mean more privacy. A smaller audited network can beat a larger one that keeps logs.

4. Speed & Performance

McAfee VPN: McAfee uses the Catapult Hydra protocol, which is built for performance. One speed test clocked fast speeds of 97Mbps on a nearby server. Downloads stayed above 75Mbps on international servers.

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN’s download speeds peaked at 360Mbps in one test. The WireGuard protocol keeps connections light and quick. Some reviews still rate its speeds below average.

Mozilla VPN Review 2026 – Honest Test, Speed, Security & Pricing Breakdown

⚠️ Warning: Independent speed tests found McAfee’s latency jumped 600 percent on Windows. That makes it a weak choice for gaming.

5. Split Tunneling

McAfee VPN: McAfee offers split tunneling on Android only. You pick which apps use the VPN. Windows and iOS users get no such control.

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla calls its split tunneling feature app exclusions. Excluded apps use your regular internet connection. This helps with banking apps or local services that block VPNs.

Mozilla Split Tunneling image

6. Streaming Services

McAfee VPN: McAfee Safe Connect isn’t effective with Netflix or Hulu. It’s fine for light browsing abroad. It’s not built for unblocking video platforms.

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN can unblock ITV, Channel 4, and 9Now. It struggles with Netflix and Disney Plus. So its reach into geo restricted content is narrow.

⚠️ Warning: Neither tool suits heavy streaming. Neither offers Smart DNS for Apple TV or Android TV either. If streaming services matter most, check the alternatives below.

7. Device Support

McAfee VPN: McAfee’s VPN runs on Windows, iOS, and Android. There’s no macOS app and no Linux client. Plans allow up to five simultaneous connections.

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. One subscription covers up to five devices. Those must be five specific devices you register.

Mozilla Flexible

8. Browser Integration vs Security Suite

McAfee VPN: McAfee ties the VPN into one security app. Antivirus, a password manager, and a scam detector share the same dashboard. You get more features overall, but the VPN is the thinnest part.

antivirus

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN works with the Firefox browser through Multi-Account Containers. Each container tab can use a different server. Pair it with Firefox’s Facebook Container for extra tracker blocking.

Mozilla Firefox Browser

9. Identity Protection & Extras

McAfee VPN: McAfee’s higher plans add identity monitoring and credit tools. You get alerts if your details appear in data leaks. For families, that identity protection adds real value.

McAfee’s Identity Monitoring Gives You the Advantage

Mozilla VPN: Mozilla VPN’s feature list is short on purpose. It’s a VPN with ad, tracker, and malware blocking. It stays separate from Mozilla’s other services, and there’s no antivirus.

💡 Pro Tip: No VPN makes you fully anonymous. McAfee’s VPN doesn’t block cookies, and logged-in accounts still tie online activities to you.

10. Pricing & Cost

Here are the plans side by side.

PlanMcAfee VPNMozilla VPN
EntryEssential: $39.99/yrAnnual: $4.99/month
MidAdvanced Individual: $89.99/yrMonthly: $9.99/month
TopAdvanced Family: $119.99/yr—
Free Version❌❌
Money-Back30 days30 days (first-time customers)

McAfee VPN: The Essential plan works out to about $3.33 a month. You also get antivirus, so the value is strong if you need both. As a privacy tool alone, it’s harder to justify.

Mozilla VPN: The annual plan costs $4.99 a month, or $9.99 on the monthly plan. That’s pricier than some rivals’ yearly deals. Reviewers still call it affordable next to ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Different Scenarios

If You Need…ChooseWhy
Antivirus plus a VPNMcAfee VPNBoth come in one plan
No activity logsMozilla VPNAudited, no activity logs
Mac or Linux supportMozilla VPNNative apps for both
Firefox tab routingMozilla VPNWorks with Firefox containers
Lowest entry priceMcAfee VPN$39.99 covers a full year
Occasional public Wi-Fi useMcAfee VPNAuto-connects on open networks
Online gamingMozilla VPNNo reported latency spikes

💰 Your Budget

McAfee’s Essential plan is the cheaper way in. Mozilla costs more but gives you a dedicated privacy tool.

🔌 Your Tech Stack

Check your operating system first. Mac and Linux users need Mozilla, since McAfee has no macOS app.

🔒 Your Privacy Needs

If logs worry you, Mozilla is the clear pick. McAfee logs IP addresses and shares data when authorities ask.

🎓 Your Experience Level

Both apps are user friendly for beginners. McAfee gives you the bare minimum of settings. Mozilla VPN’s features add multi-hop and app exclusions.

🆓 Free Trials and Demos

Neither is a free VPN. Free VPNs often cap data. A paid plan with a 30-day refund window is safer.

🛟 Support Options

You can contact McAfee through live chat support or phone. Mozilla handles help through its support site and contact form.

Switching Guide

Already using one of these tools? Here’s what changes if you switch.

🔄 Switching from McAfee VPN to Mozilla VPN?

✅ What you’ll gain:

  • A no-activity-logs policy checked by Cure53
  • A kill switch on by default, even in the Android app and iOS app
  • Native macOS and Linux apps, plus Firefox tab routing

❌ What you’ll lose:

  • Bundled antivirus and identity protection
  • Auto-connect on unsecured public Wi-Fi
  • A larger list of around 2,000 servers

📋 How to switch:

  1. Turn off the VPN in the McAfee app. Keep the antivirus if you still want it.
  2. Sign up on the Mozilla VPN website with a Mozilla account.
  3. Install the app on up to five devices and connect.
🔄 Switching from Mozilla VPN to McAfee VPN?

✅ What you’ll gain:

  • Antivirus, a password manager, and a scam detector in one app
  • Identity monitoring on the Advanced plans
  • Auto-connect when you join open Wi-Fi

❌ What you’ll lose:

  • The no-activity-logs policy
  • Multi-hop, app exclusions on desktop, and Firefox containers
  • Apps for macOS and Linux

📋 How to switch:

  1. Cancel your Mozilla subscription before it renews.
  2. Buy a McAfee plan that includes the VPN.
  3. Open the McAfee app, turn on the VPN, and enable auto-connect.

What Our Review Didn’t Cover

This comparison focused on everyday privacy and public Wi-Fi use. We didn’t test router setups, custom hardware configuration, or torrenting. We didn’t measure upload speed or confirm whether either tool stores session times. Prices and features reflect September 2026 and may change. Our Mozilla VPN review covers more hands-on detail.

Final Verdict

CategoryWinner
💰 Entry PricingMcAfee VPN
🔒 Privacy & LoggingMozilla VPN
🛡️ Security FeaturesMozilla VPN
🌍 Server Network SizeMcAfee VPN
⚡ Speed & LatencyMozilla VPN
💻 Device SupportMozilla VPN
🧰 Bundled ExtrasMcAfee VPN
🦊 Browser IntegrationMozilla VPN
🏆 Overall WinnerMozilla VPN

💡 Why Mozilla wins a tie: Both tools hold a 3.5/5 rating from our team. We gave Mozilla VPN the edge for privacy, audits, and wider platform support.

🏆 WINNER: MOZILLA VPN

Mozilla VPN wins 5 out of 8 categories.

Best for: Everyday privacy, Firefox users, Mac and Linux households

McAfee VPN and Mozilla VPN solve different problems. McAfee’s VPN is a bonus inside a security suite. It fits occasional use on café or airport Wi-Fi.

Mozilla VPN is a real privacy tool. It skips activity logs and turns on the kill switch by default. Its small server network is the main trade-off.

So, is Mozilla VPN worth it? For most people who want a dedicated VPN, yes. Pick McAfee only if you already need antivirus and want basic Wi-Fi cover.

More of McAfee VPN Compared

Here’s how McAfee VPN compares with other vpn companies:

McAfee VPN vs NordVPN

McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus in the same plan, identity monitoring, auto-connect on open Wi-Fi

NordVPN wins on: An audited no-logs policy, a kill switch on every platform, native macOS and Linux apps

McAfee VPN vs SurfsharkVPN

McAfee VPN wins on: Credit monitoring, a security freeze tool, a scam detector for texts and emails

SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited simultaneous connections, an audited no-logs policy, better streaming unblocking

McAfee VPN vs ProtonVPN

McAfee VPN wins on: A built-in antivirus, family plan coverage, hands-off public Wi-Fi protection

ProtonVPN wins on: A free tier, Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps

McAfee VPN vs Private Internet Access

McAfee VPN wins on: Identity tools in the same bill, a simpler dashboard for beginners, antivirus included

Private Internet Access wins on: Unlimited devices, open-source apps, port forwarding

More of Mozilla VPN Compared

Here’s how Mozilla VPN compares with other VPN services:

Mozilla VPN vs ExpressVPN

Mozilla VPN wins on: A lower price, Firefox tab routing, non-profit backing

ExpressVPN wins on: Far more server countries, stronger streaming support, a router app

Mozilla VPN vs Mullvad VPN

Mozilla VPN wins on: Firefox container support, a familiar Mozilla account login, a very simple app

Mullvad VPN wins on: A cheaper monthly price, anonymous account numbers, no email needed to sign up

Mozilla VPN vs ProtonVPN

Mozilla VPN wins on: Firefox integration, two-plan pricing, a kill switch on by default

ProtonVPN wins on: A free tier, Swiss jurisdiction, more server countries

Mozilla VPN vs CyberGhost

Mozilla VPN wins on: Non-profit backing, multi-hop routing, tab-level Firefox routing

CyberGhost wins on: Servers tuned for streaming, more device slots, a longer refund window on long plans

Frequently Asked Questions

Is McAfee VPN safe?

It encrypts traffic with AES-256, so it’s safe on public Wi-Fi. But it logs your IP address and visited sites. That makes it a weak pick for strong privacy.

Can Mozilla VPN be trusted?

Yes, for most people. It doesn’t log your online activity, and Cure53 has audited it. Mozilla also doesn’t share your data with advertisers or marketers.

How much does Mozilla VPN cost?

The annual plan costs $4.99 per month. The monthly plan costs $9.99. There’s no free version, but first-time customers get a 30-day refund window.

Does McAfee VPN cost extra?

No. The VPN comes included with McAfee’s paid plans. Plans start at $39.99 per year with the Essential tier.

Does Netflix block McAfee VPN?

Usually, yes. The VPN isn’t effective with Netflix or Hulu. If streaming is your main goal, pick a VPN built for unblocking.

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