📊 Our Test Results:
- 🔒 Política de Privacidade: ProtonVPN audited no-logs vs McAfee VPN vague logging — ProtonVPN wins
- ⚡ Rede de servidores: ProtonVPN 8,600+ servers in 112 countries vs McAfee VPN ~2,000 in 47 — ProtonVPN wins
- 🎯 Acesso via streaming: ProtonVPN unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer vs McAfee fails most sites — ProtonVPN wins
- 📝 Plano gratuito: ProtonVPN unlimited data vs McAfee VPN 500MB/month — ProtonVPN wins
- 🛡️ Recursos de segurança: ProtonVPN Secure Core + NetShield vs McAfee basic encryption — ProtonVPN wins
Are you confused about which VPN to pick for your online privacy?
Choosing the wrong VPN can leave your data exposed to hackers and snoopers.
Two popular options right now are ProtonVPN and McAfee VPN.
ProtonVPN is built by privacy experts from Switzerland.
McAfee VPN comes bundled with one of the oldest antivirus brands in the world.
But which one actually keeps you safe online?
We tested both ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN side by side so you don’t have to guess.
Visão geral
We bought and tested both ProtonVPN and McAfee VPN for several weeks.
We checked speed, privacy, streaming access, and ease of use on every platform.
We also compared their server networks, pricing, and security features.
This guide shares our honest results so you can pick the right VPN for your needs.
O que é o ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is a privacy-first VPN service made by the team behind Proton Mail.
It was founded by scientists who met at CERN in Switzerland.
The company is based in Switzerland, a country with some of the strongest privacy laws on the planet.
ProtonVPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address from prying eyes.
It has over 8,600 servers in 112 countries around the world.
All of its apps are open-source, which means anyone can check the code for security flaws.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN gives you Swiss-grade privacy with open-source apps, Secure Core routing, and a free plan with unlimited data. Over 8,600 servers in 112 countries keep you protected everywhere.
Preços do ProtonVPN
Here’s what ProtonVPN costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| Livre | $0.00/month | Basic browsing with unlimited data |
| Mais | US$ 2,99/mês | Full VPN features and streaming |
| Ilimitado | US$ 7,99/mês | VPN + Proton Mail, Drive, Pass |
Teste grátis: Yes. ProtonVPN offers a completely free plan with no time limit and no credit card needed.
Garantia de reembolso: All paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Refunds are prorated based on how many days you used.
📌 Observação: The Plus plan at $2.99/month requires a 2-year commitment. The monthly plan costs $9.99/month. All paid plans include the full feature set with no tiers to worry about.
⚠️ Warning: After your first billing period ends, ProtonVPN renews at $83.88/year. Turn off auto-renewal in your account settings to avoid surprise charges.
Key Benefits of ProtonVPN
Here’s why ProtonVPN stands out from the competition:
- Swiss Privacy Laws: ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances. Your data stays protected by some of the strongest privacy laws in the world.
- Servidores centrais seguros: This feature routes your traffic through privacy-friendly countries before it reaches the final destination. It adds an extra layer of protection against network attacks.
- Open-Source Apps: Every ProtonVPN app is fully open-source. Third-party audits have confirmed the code is secure and trustworthy.
- NetShield Ad Blocker: This built-in tool blocks ads, trackers, and malware while you navegar. It speeds up page loading and protects your privacy at the same time.
- Best Free VPN Plan: The free plan offers unlimited bandwidth with no ads and no data selling. It covers servers in 10 countries and includes a kill switch.
- Streaming e Torrent: ProtonVPN unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more. It also supports P2P file sharing on dedicated servers.
ProtonVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Audited no-logs policy backed by Swiss law
- 8,600+ servers across 112 countries
- Generous free plan with unlimited bandwidth
- Open-source apps on all major platforms
- Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more
❌ Cons
- No 24/7 live chat support available
- Long-term plans cost more than budget VPNs
- Only 10 simultaneous device connections
- May not work in China and other restricted countries
O que é o McAfee VPN?
McAfee VPN is a virtual private network service included with McAfee’s security bundles.
It’s also known as McAfee Safe Connect VPN.
McAfee is one of the oldest names in computer security, founded in 1987.
The VPN uses AES-256 encryption and the Catapult Hydra protocol for fast connections.
It comes bundled with antivirus, identity protection, and password management tools.
The company is based in the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance.
VPN McAfee
McAfee VPN bundles antivirus protection with a basic VPN service. It auto-protects on public Wi-Fi and includes identity theft coverage in higher plans.
McAfee VPN Pricing
Here’s what McAfee VPN costs in 2026. These are first-year prices.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| Essencial | $39.99/yr | Basic VPN + antivirus for 5 devices |
| Advanced Individual | $89.99/yr | Full protection + identity monitoring |
| Advanced Family | $119.99/yr | Families needing multi-account coverage |
Teste grátis: McAfee offers a 30-day free trial of its Total Protection suite. The free VPN is limited to 500MB per month.
Garantia de reembolso: McAfee provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans.
📌 Observação: McAfee VPN is included free with all McAfee security bundles. You get antivirus, VPN, gerenciador de senhas, and identity tools in one package.
⚠️ Warning: McAfee’s renewal prices jump significantly after the first year. The Essential plan renews at $119.99/yr. Always check renewal costs before signing up.
Key Benefits of McAfee VPN
Here’s why some users prefer McAfee VPN:
- All-in-One Security Bundle: McAfee VPN comes with antivirus, identity theft protection, password manager, and web protection. You get everything in one subscription.
- Auto Wi-Fi Protection: The VPN turns on by itself when you connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi. It keeps your banking details and passwords safe at coffee shops and airports.
- Identity Monitoring: Higher-tier plans scan the dark web for your personal data. You get alerts if your information shows up in a breach.
- Interface simples: McAfee’s dashboard is clean and easy to navigate. You can connect to the VPN with a single click.
- Virus Protection Pledge: If a virus gets past McAfee’s defenses, they will give you a full refund. This shows confidence in their antivirus product.
McAfee VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Bundled with antivirus and identity protection
- Auto-connects on unsafe Wi-Fi networks
- Fast speeds on nearby servers
- Easy-to-use interface for beginners
❌ Cons
- Based in the US (Five Eyes alliance member)
- Vague privacy policy with unclear logging practices
- Fails to unblock most streaming services
- Only 5 device connections allowed
- No macOS or Linux support for VPN app
Comparação de recursos
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN?
We’ll explore 10 key features to help you determine which VPN suits your needs.
| Recurso | ProtonVPN | VPN McAfee |
|---|---|---|
| Preço inicial | $0.00/month (Free) | $39.99/yr |
| Plano Gratuito | ✅ Unlimited data | ❌ 500MB/month only |
| Servidores | 8,600+ in 112 countries | ~2,000 in 47 countries |
| Política de não registro de logs | ✅ Audited | ⚠️ Vague policy |
| Interruptor de segurança | ✅ All platforms | ⚠️ Windows only |
| Túneis divididos | ✅ Most platforms | ⚠️ Android apenas |
| Streaming Access | ✅ Netflix, BBC iPlayer | ❌ Most sites blocked |
| Torrenting Support | ✅ Dedicated P2P servers | ❌ Not recommended |
| Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 5 |
| Ideal para | Privacy-focused users | Antivirus bundle users |
1. Política de Privacidade e Registro de Dados
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has a strict no-logs policy that has been verified by independent audits. The company is based in Switzerland, which is not part of any surveillance alliance. It publishes regular transparency reports showing it has not handed over user data.
VPN McAfee: McAfee claims it does not log your browsing activity. However, its privacy policy is vague and shares terms with the broader McAfee product line. The company is based in the US, which is a Five Eyes member. This raises concerns about government data requests.
⚠️ Warning: McAfee’s privacy policy states it will supply information to any legal authority if requested. ProtonVPN has almost no data to hand over because of its strict no-logs design.
2. Rede de Servidores
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN runs over 8,600 servers across 112 countries. This is one of the largest networks in the VPN industry. You get dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and Secure Core routing.
VPN McAfee: McAfee VPN has about 2,000 servers in 47 countries. You cannot pick specific cities. The server list is basic with no filtering or search options.
3. Recursos de segurança
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers Secure Core servers, NetShield ad blocker, a kill switch on all platforms, DNS leak protection, and Tor over VPN. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. All apps use AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy.
VPN McAfee: McAfee VPN uses AES-256 encryption and the Catapult Hydra protocol. It has a kill switch called Safe Reconnect, but only on Windows. There is no multi-hop, no Tor support, and no advanced privacy features.
4. Streaming Access
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN reliably unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and other major platforms. It has servers built for streaming in many countries.
VPN McAfee: McAfee VPN struggles to unblock popular streaming services. Multiple tests show it fails with Netflix, Hulu, and other geo-blocked content. It may work for basic geo-shifting but is not reliable for streaming.
💡 Test Result: ProtonVPN accessed 4 out of 5 major streaming platforms in our tests. McAfee VPN failed on all 5. If streaming matters to you, ProtonVPN is the clear choice.
5. Velocidade e desempenho
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN uses its VPN Accelerator feature to boost speeds. It supports WireGuard for the fastest connections. Speeds are strong on both nearby and distant servers.
VPN McAfee: McAfee VPN is fast on nearby servers. It recorded speeds of 97Mbps on close connections. But distant servers cause major slowdowns. Some tests showed latency spikes of up to 600%.
6. Free Plan Quality
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN’s free plan is widely considered the best free VPN available. It gives you unlimited bandwidth with no ads and no data selling. You get access to servers in 10 countries, plus a kill switch and leak protection.
VPN McAfee: McAfee’s free VPN is limited to just 500MB per month. That’s barely enough for 30 minutes of standard video streaming. You also only get access to one server location.
7. Suporte a dispositivos
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. You can connect up to 10 devices at the same time.
VPN McAfee: McAfee VPN supports Windows, iOS, and Android. There is no macOS app and no Linux support. You can connect up to 5 devices at once.
8. Suporte para Torrent
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has dedicated P2P servers in almost 120 countries. It also supports port forwarding for faster download speeds. Torrenting is allowed on all paid plans.
VPN McAfee: McAfee VPN technically allows torrenting, but it’s not recommended. The vague logging policy and lack of a kill switch on mobile make it risky for P2P use.
9. Suporte ao Cliente
ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers email support and a detailed knowledge base. There is no 24/7 live chat, which is a drawback. Response times are usually within a few hours.
VPN McAfee: McAfee offers 24/7 live chat, phone support, and email. Customer service is easy to reach. However, agents may not have deep VPN-specific knowledge.
10. Pricing and Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Tipo de plano | ProtonVPN | VPN McAfee |
|---|---|---|
| Livre | $0 — unlimited data | 500MB/month only |
| Entry Paid | $2.99/month (2-year) | $39.99/yr (~$3.33/mo) |
| Premium | $7.99/month (Unlimited) | $89.99/yr (~$7.50/mo) |
| Família | N / D | $119.99/yr |
ProtonVPN: The Plus plan at $2.99/month is excellent value. You get the full feature set with no locked tiers. The free plan alone beats most budget VPNs.
VPN McAfee: The first-year price looks cheap. But renewal costs double or triple. You also get antivirus and identity tools, which adds value if you need those features.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best privacy protection | ProtonVPN | Swiss-based, audited no-logs |
| Antivirus + VPN bundle | VPN McAfee | All-in-one security suite |
| Streaming Netflix abroad | ProtonVPN | Unblocks major platforms |
| Public Wi-Fi safety | VPN McAfee | Auto-connects on unsafe Wi-Fi |
| Free VPN with no limits | ProtonVPN | Unlimited free data |
| Torrenting safely | ProtonVPN | Dedicated P2P servers |
| Beginner-friendly setup | VPN McAfee | Simple one-click interface |
💰 Your Budget
ProtonVPN offers a truly free plan with unlimited data. McAfee’s first-year prices look cheap, but renewal costs spike dramatically after year one.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
ProtonVPN supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and smart TVs. McAfee VPN does not work on macOS or Linux, which limits your options.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If privacy is your top concern, ProtonVPN is the winner. Swiss law, open-source code, and audited policies make it the gold standard. McAfee’s US base and vague logging policy fall short.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both VPNs are easy to use. McAfee has a slight edge for total beginners because of its simple dashboard. ProtonVPN has more features but also a clean interface.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Try ProtonVPN’s free plan first. It’s unlimited and requires no credit card. McAfee offers a 30-day free trial, but you need to enter payment details upfront.
🛟 Support Options
McAfee wins on support with 24/7 live chat and phone help. ProtonVPN only offers email support, which can be slow if you need help right away.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from ProtonVPN to McAfee VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Built-in antivirus and identity theft protection
- Automatic Wi-Fi protection on public networks
- 24/7 live chat and phone support
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Swiss privacy protection and audited no-logs policy
- 8,600+ servers and streaming access
- Open-source code, Secure Core, and NetShield
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your ProtonVPN subscription in your Proton account settings
- Sign up for a McAfee security bundle at mcafee.com
- Download the McAfee app and enable Secure VPN in settings
🔄 Switching from McAfee VPN to ProtonVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Swiss-based privacy with audited no-logs policy
- 8,600+ servers in 112 countries with streaming support
- Secure Core routing, NetShield, and open-source apps
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Bundled antivirus and identity theft monitoring
- Automatic public Wi-Fi protection
- 24/7 phone and live chat customer support
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your McAfee subscription and disable auto-renewal
- Create a free ProtonVPN account at protonvpn.com
- Download the ProtonVPN app and upgrade to Plus if needed
Veredicto final
| Categoria | Ganhador |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Privacy Policy | ProtonVPN |
| 🌐 Server Network | ProtonVPN |
| 🛡️ Security Features | ProtonVPN |
| 📺 Streaming Access | ProtonVPN |
| ⚡ Speed | ProtonVPN |
| 🆓 Free Plan | ProtonVPN |
| 💻 Device Support | ProtonVPN |
| 📥 Torrenting | ProtonVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | VPN McAfee |
| 🧰 Bundled Security Tools | VPN McAfee |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | ProtonVPN |
🏆 WINNER: ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN wins 8 out of 10 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, streaming fans, torrent users, and anyone who wants a top-tier free VPN.
ProtonVPN and McAfee VPN serve very different purposes.
ProtonVPN is a dedicated VPN built for privacy, speed, and global access.
McAfee VPN is a basic VPN bundled with a full security suite.
McAfee VPN is a decent choice if you want antivirus, VPN, and identity tools in one package.
However, if you need a serious VPN for privacy, streaming, or torrenting, ProtonVPN is the better choice by a wide margin.
Now, go protect your online privacy!
More of ProtonVPN Compared
Here’s how ProtonVPN stacks up against other competitors:
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, open-source code, Swiss privacy
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, live chat support
ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, pricing, transparency
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, ease of use, China access
ProtonVPN vs PureVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, no-logs auditoria, free plan
PureVPN wins on: Pricing, dedicated IP options
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, open-source apps, free plan
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Price, unlimited devices
ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server network, streaming, security features
PrivadoVPN wins on: Budget pricing, Swiss base
ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server network, privacy audit, features
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration, pricing
ProtonVPN vs Escudo Virtual
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, free plan, transparency
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused speeds, simplicity
ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, free plan, server network
StrongVPN wins on: WireGuard speeds, China access
ProtonVPN vs VPN mais rápida
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, server count, streaming
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime deal pricing
ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, features, privacy audit
AuraVPN wins on: Identity protection bundle
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy policy, free plan, open-source
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming servers
ProtonVPN vs Acesso privado à internet
ProtonVPN wins on: Swiss base, Secure Core, free plan
Private Internet Access wins on: Pricing, open-source, split tunneling
ProtonVPN vs Mistério
ProtonVPN wins on: Reliability, speed, established company
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use
ProtonVPN vs SafeShell VPN
ProtonVPN wins on: Server network, privacy, track record
SafeShell VPN wins on: China access, niche features
ProtonVPN wins on: Server count, privacy audit, free plan
Oyster VPN wins on: Budget pricing, dedicated IPs
More of McAfee VPN Compared
Here’s how McAfee VPN stacks up against other competitors:
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus, identity protection
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, privacy, streaming
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, first-year pricing
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, privacy, global reach
McAfee VPN wins on: Security bundle, identity tools
PureVPN wins on: Server network, streaming, dedicated IPs
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus integration, Wi-Fi auto-connect
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, streaming, pricing
McAfee VPN vs PrivadoVPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Security bundle, brand recognition
PrivadoVPN wins on: Privacy, free plan, Swiss jurisdiction
McAfee VPN vs AdGuard VPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Identity protection, antivirus bundle
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, privacy, pricing
McAfee VPN vs Virtual Shield
McAfee VPN wins on: Security tools, identity monitoring
Virtual Shield wins on: VPN-focused features, simplicity
McAfee VPN vs StrongVPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus, identity tools
StrongVPN wins on: Speed, privacy, VPN features
McAfee VPN vs FastestVPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Security bundle, brand trust
FastestVPN wins on: VPN speed, lifetime deals
McAfee VPN vs AuraVPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus strength, device coverage
AuraVPN wins on: Identity-focused features, VPN quality
McAfee VPN vs CyberGhost
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, identity protection
CyberGhost wins on: Server network, streaming, privacy
McAfee VPN vs Private Internet Access
McAfee VPN wins on: Security bundle, identity monitoring
Private Internet Access wins on: Privacy, speed, features
McAfee VPN wins on: Ease of use, antivirus bundle
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, privacy
McAfee VPN vs SafeShell VPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Brand recognition, security tools
SafeShell VPN wins on: VPN features, censorship bypass
McAfee VPN vs Oyster VPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus integration, identity tools
Oyster VPN wins on: VPN speed, dedicated IPs, pricing
Perguntas frequentes
Is Proton VPN safe or not?
Yes, ProtonVPN is one of the safest VPN services available. It has an audited no-logs policy, open-source apps, and is based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws.
Is McAfee VPN a good idea?
McAfee VPN is okay for basic browsing protection, especially if you already Use o McAfee antivirus. But it’s not a good standalone VPN for streaming, torrenting, or serious privacy needs.
Is Proton VPN actually free?
Yes. ProtonVPN offers a completely free plan with unlimited bandwidth. There are no ads and no data selling. The free plan covers servers in 10 countries.
Does McAfee VPN collect data?
McAfee claims it does not log VPN traffic. However, its privacy policy is vague and it is based in the US, which is part of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance.
Which is better, ProtonVPN or McAfee VPN?
ProtonVPN is better for most people. It wins on privacy, server network, streaming, free plan, and security features. McAfee VPN is only better if you want an all-in-one antivirus bundle.
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