⚡ Kort oordeel:
- Prijzen: Surfshark starts at $1.99/month (2-year plan) vs McAfee at $39.99/year (Essential bundle)
- Het meest geschikt voor: Surfshark for dedicated VPN with unlimited devices, McAfee for antivirus users who want a bundled VPN
- Belangrijkste verschil: Surfshark is a full VPN with 3,200+ servers and advanced privacy tools; McAfee is a security suite with a basic VPN add-on
- Onze keuze: Surfshark for most users — it offers more VPN features, faster speeds, and better privacy protections at a lower price
Surfshark and McAfee VPN look like competitors on paper.
Maar ze lossen heel verschillende problemen op.
Surfshark is a premium VPN built for online security and streaming.
McAfee Safe Connect VPN is a basic add-on inside a larger antivirus package.
That difference shapes everything about performance, features, and price.
This Surfshark VPN review and McAfee VPN review breaks down which VPN company deserves your money.
Overzicht
This SurfsharkVPN vs McAfee VPN comparison covers pricing, features, privacy, and speed.
We break down who each VPN service works best for.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and user reviews from VPN users.
By the end, you will know which VPN provider fits your needs.
Wat is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a VPN provider based in the Netherlands.
Het versleutelt je internetverbinding en verbergt je echte IP-adres.
The Surfshark app supports Windows, Mac, iOS, Android en Linux.
It also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Most users pick Surfshark for its unlimited simultaneous connections.
Surfshark security includes Surfshark encrypted connections, an IP rotator feature, and a virtual phone number add-on.
The service runs on multiple servers across 100 countries with Surfshark servers supporting standard VPN features.
Surfhaai
Full-featured VPN with unlimited device connections. Connect all your devices for one low price. Includes ad blocker, split tunneling, and MultiHop routing.
Surfshark-prijzen
Dit zijn de kosten van Surfshark in 2026.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| 24 maanden + 3 extra | $1,99/maand | De beste prijs-kwaliteitverhouding voor gebruikers die er langdurig gebruik van willen maken. |
| 12 maanden + 3 extra | $3,19/maand | Moderate commitment with savings |
| 1 maand | $15,45/maand | Voor de korte termijn of om de dienst te testen. |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Gratis proefperiode: Yes — 7-day free trial on Android and iOS. No credit card needed to start.
Geld-terug-garantie: 30 day money back guarantee on all plans.
📌 Opmerking: The Surfshark Starter plan covers VPN only. Surfshark One adds antivirus and breach alerts for $2.49/month (2-year plan). Surfshark One+ adds data removal for $4.29/month.
⚠️ Waarschuwing: Surfshark pricing increases after the first term. The 2-year plan renews at a higher annual rate. Check renewal prices before committing.
Belangrijkste voordelen van Surfshark
Here is what makes Surfshark worth considering:
- Onbeperkt aantal apparaten: Connect every device in your household with one Surfshark subscription. No caps on simultaneous connections.
- 3,200+ VPN Servers: Surfshark has servers across 100 countries. That gives you plenty of server locations to pick from.
- Beleid inzake het niet bijhouden van logboeken: Independently audited by Deloitte and Cure53. Surfshark does not store browsing history or network traffic data.
- WireGuard-protocol: The fastest VPN protocol available. It keeps download speeds high while maintaining strong encryption.
- Multihop-routering: Route your VPN connection through two servers for extra security. Dynamic MultiHop lets you pick custom pairings.
- Alternatieve ID: Create a fake online identity for sign-ups. This helps protect your real IP address and personal details.
- CleanWeb advertentieblokkering: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware while connected. Works across all your devices without extra software.
Wat ons team opmerkte
Ons schrijver signed up for Surfshark and spent several days exploring the platform. Here is what stood out:
Voordelen en nadelen van Surfshark
✅ Voordelen
- Onbeperkt aantal gelijktijdige verbindingen op alle abonnementen.
- Snelle downloadsnelheden met het WireGuard-protocol.
- Het beleid inzake het niet bijhouden van logboeken is gecontroleerd door Deloitte en Cure53.
- Werkt samen met Netflix. Hulu, and Disney+ streaming services
- 7-day free trial on mobile apps
❌ Nadelen
- Gevestigd in Nederland (lid van de Nine Eyes-alliantie)
- Inconsistente verbindingstijden op sommige servers.
- Het maandabonnement is duur met $15,45.
- De verlengingsprijzen stijgen na de eerste termijn.
Wat is McAfee VPN?
McAfee VPN is a VPN service bundled inside McAfee’s online security suite.
It is called McAfee Safe Connect and comes with antivirus plans.
The VPN encrypts your internet traffic using AES-256 encryption.
It is available on Windows, iOS, and Android but has no macOS app or Linux support.
Most users get it as part of their McAfee antivirus subscription on an annual plan.
McAfee does not offer smart DNS, obfuscated servers, or static IP addresses like other VPN companies do.
McAfee VPN
Antivirus and VPN in one package. Get identity theft protection, a wachtwoordbeheerder, and basic VPN encryption for public Wi-Fi safety.
McAfee VPN-prijzen
McAfee VPN comes bundled with antivirus plans. Here are the current prices.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| Essentieel | $39,99/jaar | Individuals wanting VPN + antivirus |
| Gevorderde individuele | $89,99/jaar | Full identity protection for one person |
| Geavanceerde familie | $119,99/jaar | Families needing multi-user coverage |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Gratis proefperiode: Yes — 30-day free trial of McAfee Total Protection. A limited free VPN offers 500MB of data per month.
Geld-terug-garantie: 30 dagen geld-terug-garantie op alle abonnementen.
📌 Opmerking: McAfee VPN is included in all paid plans. The Essential plan covers up to 5 devices. Advanced plans cover unlimited devices. All plans include antivirus, password manager, and identity monitoring.
⚠️ Waarschuwing: McAfee renewal prices jump sharply. The Essential plan goes from $39.99 to $119.99 in year two. Always check renewal rates before committing to an annual plan.
Belangrijkste voordelen van McAfee VPN
Here is what makes McAfee VPN worth considering:
- Alles-in-één beveiliging: Get antivirus, VPN, password manager, and identity monitoring in a single subscription. No need to buy separate tools.
- Automatische wifi-beveiliging: The VPN activates automatically when you connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
- Bescherming tegen identiteitsdiefstal: Advanced plans include dark web monitoring and up to $1 million in identity theft coverage.
- AES-256-versleuteling: McAfee Safe Connect uses the same encryption standard as most dedicated VPN providers.
- Gebruiksvriendelijke interface: The McAfee app is simple enough for beginners. One-tap VPN connection makes it easy to get started.
- DNS-lekbescherming: Helps prevent your real IP address from being exposed during a VPN connection.
Wat ons team opmerkte
Our writer signed up for McAfee and explored the VPN feature alongside the full security suite. Here is what stood out:
Voordelen en nadelen van McAfee VPN
✅ Voordelen
- Antivirus, VPN, and identity protection in one bundle
- Low first-year pricing at $39.99 for Essential plan
- Maakt automatisch verbinding met onbeveiligde openbare wifi-netwerken.
- Eenvoudige en gebruiksvriendelijke interface
❌ Nadelen
- Gevestigd in de VS (lid van de Five Eyes-alliantie)
- Logs personally identifiable information including IP addresses
- Geen ondersteuning voor macOS- of Linux-apparaten.
- Limited to 5 simultaneous connections on Essential plan
- Renewal prices nearly triple after year one
Functievergelijking
Let us dive into how Surfshark VPN and McAfee VPN compare across 10 key areas. This Surfshark review and McAfee VPN review covers speed tests, privacy, and everything in between.
| Functie | Surfhaai | McAfee VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Startprijs | $1,99/maand | $39,99/jaar |
| Gratis plan | ❌ (7-daagse proefperiode) | ✅ (500 MB/maand) |
| Aantal servers | Meer dan 3200 mensen in 100 landen | 2,000 in 47 countries |
| Apparaatverbindingen | Onbeperkt | 5 (Essential) / Unlimited (Advanced) |
| Geen-logboekbeleid | ✅ Audited by Deloitte | ❌ Registreert IP-adressen |
| Noodstop | ✅ Alle platforms | ✅ Alleen voor Windows |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ Alleen voor Android |
| Streamingondersteuning | ✅ Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ | ❌ Beperkt |
| Inclusief antivirussoftware | ❌ (Separate plan) | ✅ |
| Het beste voor | Privacy, streaming, multiple devices | Alles-in-één beveiligingspakket |
1. Privacy- en logboekbeleid
Surfshark: Surfshark has a strict no logs policy. It does not store browsing history, session data, or network traffic. Deloitte and Cure53 have independently verified these claims. The VPN only holds IP addresses for 15 minutes after a session ends.
McAfee VPN: McAfee Safe Connect logs personally identifiable information. This includes your IP address and the websites you visit. McAfee retains this data indefinitely and only removes it when you delete your account. The company also complies with all US government data requests.
⚠️ Waarschuwing: McAfee is based in the US, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This means the US government could legally request customer data. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which has stricter privacy protections.
2. Servernetwerk en locaties
Surfshark: Surfshark operates 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. The large server network gives users more options for VPN server connections. More server locations mean less crowding and faster speeds.
McAfee VPN: McAfee has about 2,000 servers in 47 countries. You cannot select servers at a city level. The server list is limited compared to most dedicated VPN providers.
3. Snelheid en prestaties
Surfshark: Surfshark uses the WireGuard protocol for fast VPN connections. The service has upgraded all servers from 1Gbps to 10Gbps throughput. Speed tests show it is among the faster VPN services available in 2026.
McAfee VPN: McAfee uses the Catapult Hydra protocol from Hotspot Shield. According to published speed tests, it recorded 97Mbps on nearby servers. However, latency issues of up to 600% increase have been reported on Windows.
4. Device Support and Connections
Surfshark: Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections. One subscription protects all your devices. It supports Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Apple TV, Android TV, and FireTV.
McAfee VPN: The Essential plan allows 5 simultaneous connections. Advanced plans offer unlimited device support. McAfee does not support macOS or Linux for VPN. It works on Windows, iOS, and Android only.
⚠️ Waarschuwing: If you use a Mac or Linux computer, McAfee VPN will not work. Surfshark supports both platforms with native apps.
5. Encryption and Security Features
Surfshark: Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption with a kill switch on all platforms. It includes Multi Hop routing through two VPN servers. The Camouflage Mode hides VPN traffic as regular web traffic.
McAfee VPN: McAfee also uses AES-256 encryption. However, the kill switch is only available on the Windows app. There is no kill switch on iOS or the Android app. Split tunneling is limited to Android devices only.
6. Streaming en toegang tot content
Surfshark: Surfshark can unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming services. G2 reviews frequently mention buffer-free streaming. It works with smart TVs and streaming sticks too.
McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN struggles with streaming services. According to published reviews, it fails to unblock Netflix and Hulu reliably. It is not designed for accessing geo-blocked content.
7. Split Tunneling-functie
Surfshark: The split tunneling feature is called Bypasser. It lets you choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which bypass it. This works on Windows, Android, and other platforms.
McAfee VPN: McAfee offers split tunneling only on Android. Windows and iOS users do not have this option. This limits how you can manage your VPN connection on most devices.
8. Online Privacy and Ad Blocking
Surfshark: CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware while connected. The IP rotator feature changes your IP address at regular intervals. Surfshark also offers a private search engine called Surfshark Search.
McAfee VPN: McAfee does not block cookies or ads through the VPN itself. The broader McAfee suite includes some web protection. However, the VPN does not guarantee complete anonymity when logged into personal accounts.
9. Klantenservice
Surfshark: Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support and email tickets. The knowledge base covers setup guides for all platforms. Response times are generally fast according to user reviews.
McAfee VPN: McAfee provides live chat support, phone support, and community forums. The support team covers all McAfee products, not just VPN. Wait times can vary depending on the issue.
10. Prijsbepaling en kosten
Laten we de prijzen eens naast elkaar vergelijken.
| Plantype | Surfhaai | McAfee VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Goedkoopste optie | $1,99/maand (2 jaar) | $39,99 per jaar (ongeveer $3,33 per maand) |
| Middenklasse | $3,19/maand (1 jaar) | $89.99/year (~$7.50/month) |
| Premium / Maandelijks | $15,45/maand | $119.99/year (~$10/month) |
| Free VPN | ❌ | ✅ (500MB/month limit) |
| Inclusief antivirussoftware | ❌ (Separate plan) | ✅ |
Surfshark: At $1.99/month on the 2-year plan, Surfshark is cheaper as a standalone VPN. You get more servers, more features, and unlimited device connections. The Surfshark One plan at $2.49/month adds antivirus if you need it.
McAfee VPN: McAfee costs $39.99/year for the first year. That is about $3.33/month and includes antivirus, VPN, and a password manager. The value drops significantly at renewal when the price jumps to $119.99/year.
Verschillende scenario's
| Als u het nodig heeft... | Kiezen | Waarom |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest VPN price | Surfhaai | $1.99/month beats McAfee’s per-month cost |
| Antivirus + VPN-bundel | McAfee VPN | Alles-in-één beveiligingspakket |
| Toegang tot streaming | Surfhaai | Werkt met Netflix, Hulu en Disney+. |
| Onbeperkt aantal apparaten | Surfhaai | Geen beperkingen op welk abonnement dan ook. |
| Beveiliging van openbare wifi-netwerken | McAfee VPN | Maakt automatisch verbinding met open netwerken. |
| Strict privacy | Surfhaai | Gecontroleerd beleid zonder logboeken |
💰 Jouw budget
Surfshark costs $1.99/month on a 2-year plan. McAfee costs $39.99 for the first year but jumps to $119.99 at renewal. Surfshark is cheaper in both the short and long term for VPN-only use.
🔌 Jouw technologie-stack
Surfshark works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and smart TVs. McAfee VPN skips macOS and Linux entirely. If you use Apple computers, McAfee VPN is not an option.
📝 Uw privacybehoeften
Surfshark has an audited no-logs policy and does not track your online activity. McAfee logs your IP address and browsing history. For serious online privacy, Surfshark is the clear choice.
🎓 Jouw ervaringsniveau
Both VPN services have beginner-friendly apps. McAfee is simpler since it auto-connects on public Wi-Fi. Surfshark has more features but still keeps the interface clean and easy to navigate.
🆓 Gratis proefversies en demo's
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS. McAfee has a free VPN with 500MB monthly data and a 30-day trial. Both have a 30-day money-back guarantee for paid plans.
🛟 Ondersteuningsopties
Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat. McAfee provides live chat and phone support. Both have knowledge bases and email support for troubleshooting issues.
Overstaphandleiding
Gebruik je al een van deze VPN-diensten? Dit kun je verwachten als je overstapt.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to McAfee VPN?
✅ Wat je eraan hebt:
- Ingebouwde antivirus- en malwarebescherming
- Identity theft monitoring and coverage
- Password manager included in all plans
❌ Wat je verliest:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections (McAfee Essential caps at 5)
- macOS and Linux VPN support
- Toegang tot streamingdiensten zoals Netflix, Hulu en Disney+.
📋 Zo schakel je over:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription through the account dashboard
- Sign up for a McAfee plan at mcafee.com
- Install the McAfee app and enable VPN under settings
🔄 Switching from McAfee VPN to Surfshark?
✅ Wat je eraan hebt:
- Onbeperkt aantal apparaatverbindingen bij elk abonnement.
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries vs McAfee’s 47
- Verified no-logs privacy policy
❌ Wat je verliest:
- Bundled antivirus (unless you get Surfshark One)
- Identity theft monitoring and coverage
- Auto Wi-Fi protection feature
📋 Zo schakel je over:
- Cancel your McAfee plan and uninstall the McAfee app
- Meld je aan voor Surfshark op surfshark.com
- Installeer de Surfshark-app op al je apparaten en maak verbinding.
Wat onze recensie niet behandelde
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We did not test enterprise VPN configurations or bulk licensing. Our observations are based on May 2026 versions of both products. We did not test P2P torrenting performance or gaming latency in detail. If you need a VPN for bedrijf use, your priorities may differ from what we covered here.
Eindconclusie
| Categorie | Winnaar |
|---|---|
| 💰 Prijzen | Surfhaai |
| 🔒 Privacy | Surfhaai |
| 🚀 Snelheid | Surfhaai |
| 🌐 Servernetwerk | Surfhaai |
| 📱 Apparaatondersteuning | Surfhaai |
| 🎬 Streaming | Surfhaai |
| 🛡️ Beveiligingspakket | McAfee VPN |
| 👶 Gebruiksgemak | Stropdas |
| 🏆 Algemene winnaar | Surfhaai |
🏆 WINNAAR: Surfshark
Surfshark wint in 6 van de 8 categorieën.
Het meest geschikt voor: online privacy, streaming access, protecting multiple devices, and getting a dedicated VPN at a low price
Surfshark and McAfee VPN serve different purposes. Surfshark is a dedicated VPN with strong privacy protections, fast speeds, and unlimited connections. McAfee VPN is a basic add-on inside a larger security suite.
McAfee makes sense if you already want antivirus and identity protection in one package. The first-year pricing is competitive for a security bundle.
However, as a standalone VPN, Surfshark wins on nearly every metric. It has more servers, better privacy, faster speeds, and wider device support. If your main goal is a VPN for online privacy and streaming, Surfshark is the better choice.
Meer over Surfshark vergeleken
Here is how Surfshark stacks up against other VPN providers:
Surfshark versus NordVPN
Surfshark wint op: lower price ($1.99 vs $3.09/month), unlimited device connections, Alternative ID feature
NordVPN scoort hoog op de volgende punten: larger server network (6,000+), faster speeds with NordLynx, dedicated IP included on some plans
Surfshark versus Surfshark ExpressVPN
Surfshark wint op: much cheaper pricing, unlimited devices vs ExpressVPN’s device cap, built-in ad blocker
ExpressVPN wint op de volgende punten: wider router support, more consistent speeds on long-distance connections, TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure
Surfshark versus CyberGhost
Surfshark wint op: unlimited connections, MultiHop double VPN, smaller but more focused server list
CyberGhost wint op: more total servers (9,000+), dedicated streaming servers, longer money-back guarantee at 45 days
Surfshark versus Surfshark Proton VPN
Surfshark wint op: lower paid pricing, unlimited devices, Alternative ID and IP rotator tools
Proton VPN wint op de volgende punten: free plan with no data cap, Swiss jurisdiction outside any intelligence alliance, open-source apps
Meer informatie over McAfee VPN vergeleken
Here is how McAfee VPN stacks up against other VPN services:
McAfee VPN versus NordVPN
McAfee VPN wint op de volgende punten: bundled antivirus and identity protection, auto Wi-Fi protection, lower first-year bundle price
NordVPN scoort hoog op de volgende punten: 6,000+ servers vs McAfee’s 2,000, verified no-logs policy, full platform support including macOS and Linux
McAfee VPN versus Private Internet Access
McAfee VPN wint op de volgende punten: all-in-one security bundle, identity theft coverage, simpler setup for non-technical users
Private Internet Access scoort hoog op de volgende punten: open-source VPN apps, verified no-logs policy, far more server locations and customization options
McAfee VPN versus Norton VPN
McAfee VPN wint op de volgende punten: more server countries (47 vs Norton’s 30), identity theft coverage on Advanced plan, lower entry price
Norton VPN wint op de volgende punten: full macOS support, no-log policy, ad tracker blocking built into the VPN
Veelgestelde vragen
Is Surfshark VPN betrouwbaar?
Yes. Surfshark has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Deloitte and Cure53. The VPN company is based in the Netherlands and does not store your browsing history or IP addresses beyond 15 minutes after a session. It is a trusted premium VPN among VPN users worldwide.
Is McAfee Safe Connect VPN a good VPN?
McAfee Safe Connect VPN works well for occasional use like protecting your data on public Wi-Fi. However, it offers the bare minimum of advanced security features and logs user data. For dedicated VPN use, a standalone VPN provider is a better fit. McAfee claims its virtual private network encrypts all web traffic, but the logging policy is a big deal for privacy-focused VPN users.
Verzamelt McAfee VPN gegevens?
Yes. McAfee Safe Connect logs personally identifiable information, including IP addresses and geo location information about visited websites. The data is retained indefinitely and only deleted 30 days after account deletion. Contact McAfee support if you want to delete your account. Third party advertisers may also have access to some data under the privacy policy.
Kun je Surfshark VPN gratis gebruiken?
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS. There is no permanent free VPN plan. All paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can pay with credit card, PayPal, or Google Pay. The Surfshark subscription renews automatically, so cancel before the trial ends if you decide not to continue.
Hoeveel kost Surfshark per maand?
Surfshark pricing starts at $1.99/month on a 2-year plan. The annual plan costs $3.19/month. The monthly plan is $15.45. Students get 15% off through Student Beans. Surfshark also supports the OpenVPN protocol and WireGuard as VPN protocols for secure connections.
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