Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze.
You want security, speed, and a price that fits.
Two big names often pop up: ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN.
But which one is actually better for you in 2025?
We’ll help you make the best choice for your online needs.
Ready to dive in?
Overview
We put ProtonVPN and McAfee VPN through rigorous testing to see how they stack up.
Our analysis covers speed, security, server network, pricing, and user experience.
This comparison will give you a clear picture of each VPN’s strengths and weaknesses.
Experience true online freedom with Proton VPN’s strong security and privacy features.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at €4.49/month
Key Features:
- Secure Core servers
- NetShield ad-blocker
- Strong encryption protocols
Don’t let cybercriminals steal your data. Over 6 billion data records were compromised in 2023 alone! Protect yourself with McAfee VPN
Pricing: Plan Starts at $49.99/month. More plans are available that offer up to 71% off.
Key Features:
- Bank-grade Encryption
- Wi-Fi Protection
- Unlimited Devices
What is ProtonVPN?
Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy? Check out ProtonVPN.
They’re based in Switzerland. This means that they have strong privacy laws.
They also have some unique security features. They offer a free version.
Also, explore our favorite ProtonVPN alternatives…
Enhance your online security with ProtonVPN. Choose a free plan with unlimited data or a premium plan starting at €4.99 monthly to unlock advanced features. Begin your secure browsing experience today.
Key Benefits
- Security-focused features: Secure Core servers and strong encryption.
- Privacy-conscious: Strict no-logs policy.
- NetShield ad-blocker: Blocks ads and malware.
- Open source apps: Transparency and community audits.
- A free version is available: Test it out before you commit.
Pricing
ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features. Want more? They have paid plans to suit your needs.
- 1 Month Plan: €9.99/month
- 2-Year Plan: €4.49/month
- 1-Year Plan: €4.99/month
Pros
Cons
What is McAfee VPN?
You probably know McAfee from their antivirus software. But did you know they also have a VPN?
McAfee VPN is all about keeping your online activity private and secure.
It’s a good option if you want a simple VPN that works. There is no complicated setup or confusing menus.
Also, explore our favorite McAfee VPN alternatives…
Don’t let cybercriminals steal your data. Over 6 billion data records were compromised in 2023 alone! Protect yourself with McAfee VPN
Key Benefits
- Simple: McAfee VPN is super easy to use. Perfect for beginners.
- Unlimited device connections: Connect all your devices with one account. That’s a great deal!
- Good security features: McAfee VPN uses bank-grade encryption to protect your data. You can browse with confidence.
- Budget-friendly: McAfee VPN offers some of the most affordable plans out there.
Pricing
McAfee VPN keeps its pricing simple. They have two main options:
- Premium: Starts at $49.99/year
- Advanced: Starts at $89.99/year
- Ultimate: Starts at $199.99/year
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s compare ProtonVPN and McAfee VPN, highlighting their key differences to help you make the right choice when choosing a VPN.
1. Speed and Performance:
- ProtonVPN: Paid plans offer excellent VPN speed, ideal for activities like streaming and downloading. Free version speed may be limited. Proton VPN is a good VPN for those needing a fastest VPN.
- McAfee VPN (McAfee Safe Connect VPN): Provides decent speeds for general browsing, but VPN speed may not be as fast as Proton VPN, especially for data-intensive tasks like streaming. McAfee Safe Connect VPN is suitable for basic VPN connection needs. McAfee Safe Connect VPN offers a reasonable VPN connection experience.
2. Security and Privacy:
- ProtonVPN: Employs strong encryption (AES-256), a standard many other VPN providers use. Offers double VPN (Tor over VPN) for enhanced security, and maintains a strict no-logs policy. Proton VPN encrypts your VPN traffic and doesn’t keep logs of your VPN traffic as regular internet activity. Proton VPN is a solid choice for security and privacy.
- McAfee VPN: Offers a secure VPN connection and encryption, but lacks advanced security features like double VPN. Logging practices should be reviewed in their McAfee VPN review. McAfee Safe Connect VPN offers a safe connect feature, but lacks the advanced security features like double VPN servers.
3. Server Network:
- ProtonVPN: Maintains a respectable VPN server network, providing a good range of locations. A good VPN server selection is crucial for a reliable VPN.
- McAfee VPN: Has a smaller VPN server network compared to Proton VPN, which might limit server choice and potentially impact performance. This can affect your ability to connect to the VPN in a specific VPN in a country.
4. Streaming and Torrenting:
- ProtonVPN: Generally offers good performance with streaming services like Netflix and often supports torrenting. Proton VPN is a good VPN for streaming.
- McAfee VPN: Streaming performance may be limited, and torrenting support may not be as robust. It’s important to check if McAfee Safe Connect VPN allows torrenting.
5. User Experience and Apps:
- ProtonVPN: Offers a user-friendly interface and dedicated VPN app for various devices, making it easy to use Proton and connect to the VPN.
- McAfee VPN: Easy to use, particularly if you’re already within the McAfee ecosystem, but the interface may not be as intuitive as Proton VPN‘s. You can easily use McAfee Safe Connect, but the interface isn’t always praised in a McAfee Safe Connect VPN review.
6. Jurisdiction and Company Background:
- ProtonVPN: Based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. This jurisdiction is favorable for VPN providers.
- McAfee VPN: Part of McAfee, LLC, a US-based company. The US has a different legal framework regarding data privacy and surveillance.
7. Customer Support:
- ProtonVPN: Provides customer support, though response times and quality can vary. Reading a VPN review 2025 can offer insight.
- McAfee VPN: Offers customer support through McAfee, but experiences can differ. Research user reviews for insights. A McAfee Safe Connect VPN review can provide insights.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- No-logs policy: Ensure the VPN provider doesn’t keep logs of your online activity. This is crucial for maintaining your privacy.
- Kill switch: A kill switch automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing your data from being exposed.
- Customer support: Look for a VPN provider with responsive customer support if you encounter any issues.
- A free trial or money-back guarantee allows you to test the VPN before committing to a long-term plan.
- Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN is compatible with all your devices (computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.).
- Independent security audits: Reputable VPN providers undergo independent security audits to verify their claims.
Final Verdict
Choosing between ProtonVPN and McAfee VPN depends heavily on your individual needs.
While McAfee Safe Connect VPN features are decent, especially if you’re already invested in the McAfee ecosystem, Proton VPN emerges as the stronger overall choice for most users.
Its focus on privacy, robust security features like double VPN, and consistently high speeds, particularly on Proton VPN’s paid plans, make it a top contender.
While VPN doesn’t guarantee complete anonymity, Proton VPN‘s Swiss jurisdiction and strict no-logs policy provide a higher level of privacy.
Like NordVPN, Proton VPN offers excellent performance and a wide range of server locations, making it a great all-around VPN solution.
We’ve rigorously VPN tested both services, and based on our analysis, Proton VPN offers a better balance of speed, security, and usability.
Keep in mind that VPN may impact internet speed, and VPNs work by routing your traffic through a VPN.
So, while McAfee VPN and NordVPN are viable VPN on the market, Proton VPN is the one we review as the best overall.
If you want easy access to the VPN and a robust set of VPN features, Proton VPN is the way to go.
More of ProtonVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to ProtonVPN, so how does ProtonVPN stack up directly against them?
- ProtonVPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds and a larger server network, while ProtonVPN focuses more on privacy and has a free plan with no data limits.
- ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is often faster and more reliable for streaming, while ProtonVPN provides strong security features and a transparent open-source approach.
- ProtonVPN vs PureVPN: ProtonVPN is generally considered better overall with faster speeds and stronger security, while PureVPN boasts a larger server count.
- ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is often more affordable and allows unlimited connections, while ProtonVPN is known for slightly faster speeds and stronger privacy features.
- ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN: ProtonVPN offers a wider server network and a stronger focus on privacy, while PrivadoVPN provides a decent free plan and good speeds.
- ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking integration, while ProtonVPN is a more comprehensive VPN that focuses on security and privacy.
- ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield: ProtonVPN offers more advanced security features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN: ProtonVPN generally has better speeds and a larger server network, while StrongVPN is known for strong encryption.
- ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN: ProtonVPN is typically faster and offers stronger privacy features compared to the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
- ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on VPN security and privacy, while AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
- ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers, while ProtonVPN emphasizes security and privacy with features like Secure Core.
- ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for customization and a large server network, while ProtonVPN focuses on strong privacy and a transparent approach.
- ProtonVPN vs Mysterium: ProtonVPN uses a traditional server network known for security and speed, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN.
More of McAfee VPN
Here’s a quick comparison of McAfee VPN with alternatives:
- McAfee VPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN: faster, larger network, more features, better for streaming. McAfee: basic.
- McAfee VPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is faster, user-friendly, offers better privacy, and is better for streaming. McAfee is basic.
- McAfee VPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN has: larger server count. McAfee: basic.
- McAfee VPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is faster, has unlimited devices, has more features, and is better for streaming. McAfee is basic.
- McAfee VPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN: potentially faster, stronger privacy, free tier. McAfee: basic.
- McAfee VPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN: ad-blocking focus. McAfee: basic VPN.
- McAfee VPN vs Virtual Shield: Both are basic VPNs. Alternatives offer more.
- McAfee VPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN: robust encryption. McAfee: basic.
- McAfee VPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN: budget-friendly, comparable, or better. McAfee: basic.
- McAfee VPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection. McAfee: basic VPN.
- McAfee VPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost: user-friendly, specialized servers, more features. McAfee: basic.
- McAfee VPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA: larger network, unlimited devices, more customization. McAfee: basic.
- McAfee VPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium: decentralized. McAfee: basic VPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a VPN work?
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic, masking your IP address and protecting your online activity. This makes it appear as if you are browsing from a different location. VPN work by routing your connection through their servers.
Can I use a VPN on my router?
Yes, some VPNs, including ProtonVPN, can be installed on your router. This protects all devices connected to your network, including those that don’t support VPN apps directly. A VPN on your router offers comprehensive protection.
Which VPN is better, ProtonVPN or McAfee VPN?
Based on the VPNs we review, ProtonVPN generally offers better speeds, stronger security features, and a more user-friendly experience. However, McAfee VPN might be a suitable option if you’re already using McAfee’s security suite. It depends on your needs whether NordVPN is a better choice or not.
What are the key features of McAfee VPN?
Features of McAfee VPN include a secure connection, encryption, and integration with other McAfee products. However, it lacks some advanced features like double VPN and may have limitations with streaming and torrenting.
Is it safe to be connected to a VPN?
Yes, using a reputable VPN like ProtonVPN or McAfee VPN is generally safe. It enhances your online security and privacy. Being connected to a VPN adds a layer of security. However, it’s crucial to choose a trustworthy provider, as not all VPNs are created equal.
