📊 Our Test Results:
- 🔒 Política de Privacidade: Mullvad audited no-logs vs McAfee logs IP addresses — Mullvad wins
- ⚡ Teste de velocidade: Mullvad 13.5% speed loss vs McAfee 25%+ speed loss — Mullvad wins
- 🎯 Segurança Características: Mullvad multi-hop + kill switch vs McAfee basic encryption — Mullvad wins
- 💰 Long-Term Value: Mullvad €5/mo flat vs McAfee $89.99/yr renewal — Mullvad wins
- 🛡️ Bundled Features: McAfee antivirus + VPN + identity vs Mullvad VPN only — McAfee wins
Picking a VPN is tough when the market has hundreds of options.
Two very different VPN services keep popping up in conversations: Mullvad and McAfee VPN.
Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN built for people who want total anonymity.
McAfee VPN is part of a bigger security bundle that includes antivirus and identity protection.
We tested both Mullvad vs McAfee VPN side by side so you don’t have to guess which one fits your needs.
Visão geral
We spent four weeks testing Mullvad and McAfee VPN on real dispositivos.
We checked speeds, privacy policies, server networks, and security features.
We also compared pricing, ease of use, and platform support.
Here’s our honest verdict based on hands-on testing.
O que é Mullvad?
Mullvad is a Swedish VPN service built around one idea: total privacy.
You don’t need an email address to sign up. Mullvad gives you a random 16-digit account number instead.
You can even pay with cash mailed in an envelope. No credit card needed.
The app is 100% open-source. Anyone can check the code for security flaws.
Mullvad runs all its servers on RAM only. Nothing gets saved to a hard drive.
Mullvad VPN
The most privacy-focused VPN we’ve tested. No email required, open-source apps, RAM-only servers, and independently audited no-logs policy. Pay anonymously with cash or crypto.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple. Here’s what it costs in 2026.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mês | €5 per month | Trying the service |
| 1 ano | €5 per month | Regular users |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Long-term privacy seekers |
Teste grátis: No free trial. But you get a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Garantia de reembolso: 14 days for card and PayPal payments. Cash payments are not refundable.
📌 Observação: Mullvad has never raised its price since 2009. You pay €5/month whether you commit for one month or ten years. No surprise renewal hikes.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad does not offer long-term discounts. If you want the cheapest VPN on a 2-year plan, other options beat Mullvad on price.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s why Mullvad stands out from the competition:
- Anonymous Signup: No email, no name, no phone number. You get a random 16-digit account number and that’s it.
- Política de não registro de logs auditada: Independent audits by Cure53 and Assured confirmed Mullvad stores zero user dados.
- Open-Source Code: Every line of Mullvad’s app code is public. Security researchers can verify there are no backdoors.
- RAM-Only Servers: All servers run from memory. A reboot wipes everything clean.
- WireGuard Protocol: Mullvad uses WireGuard by default for faster speeds and stronger encryption.
- Multi-Hop & DAITA: Route traffic through two servers. DAITA protects against AI-guided traffic analysis.
- Anonymous Payments: Pay with cash, Bitcoin, Monero, or gift cards. No financial trail.
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Independently audited no-logs policy verified by multiple firms
- No personal information required to create an account
- Open-source apps that anyone can inspect for vulnerabilities
- Flat pricing with no surprise renewal increases
- Built-in ad blocker, tracker blocker, and malware filter
❌ Cons
- Small server network — only ~700 servers in 49 countries
- Poor streaming support — fails to unblock Netflix and Hulu
- Only 5 simultaneous device connections allowed
- 14-day money-back guarantee is shorter than the industry standard 30 days
O que é o McAfee VPN?
McAfee VPN (also called McAfee Safe Connect) is a VPN service from the antivirus giant McAfee.
It comes bundled with McAfee’s security packages. You get antivirus, VPN, and identity protection in one subscription.
The VPN uses AES-256 encryption and connects automatically when it detects public WiFi.
McAfee VPN is designed for everyday users who want basic online protection without learning VPN jargon.
VPN McAfee
A bundled VPN that comes with McAfee’s antivirus and identity protection suite. Great for non-technical users who want one app for all their security needs.
McAfee VPN Pricing
McAfee VPN pricing is tied to its security bundles. Here’s the breakdown for 2026.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| Essencial | $39.99/yr | Basic protection for 5 devices |
| Advanced Individual | $89.99/yr | Full identity theft protection |
| Advanced Family | $119.99/yr | Families with multiple members |
Teste grátis: McAfee offers a 30-day free trial of Total Protection. The free VPN plan gives you 500MB per month.
Garantia de reembolso: 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans.
📌 Observação: The Essential plan includes antivirus, VPN, firewall, and gerenciador de senhas. You get a lot more than just a VPN for $39.99/year.
⚠️ Warning: Renewal prices jump sharply after year one. The Essential plan renews at $119.99/yr — triple the intro price. Check the fine print before subscribing.
Key Benefits of McAfee VPN
Here’s why McAfee VPN appeals to many users:
- All-in-One Security: You get antivirus, VPN, password manager, and identity protection in one app. No need to buy separate tools.
- Auto-Connect on Public WiFi: The VPN turns on automatically when it detects an unsafe network. Zero effort on your part.
- Identity Theft Coverage: Advanced plans include up to $2 million in identity theft seguro e monitoramento da dark web.
- Unlimited Device Protection: Premium and Advanced plans cover unlimited devices under one subscription.
- Beginner-Friendly Interface: The app is simple and clean. No confusing settings or VPN jargon.
- Scam Detector: AI-powered scanning catches phishing links in texto messages and emails.
McAfee VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Bundled with antivirus, password manager, and identity protection
- Affordable first-year pricing starting at $39.99/yr
- Auto-connects on unsecured WiFi networks
- 30-day money-back guarantee gives you time to test
❌ Cons
- Logs IP addresses and website visits — major privacy concern
- Based in the US (Five Eyes alliance) — government can request data
- No support for macOS or Linux devices
- Renewal prices triple after the first year
- No independent security audit of VPN logging claims
Comparação de recursos
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of Mullvad vs McAfee VPN?
We’ll explore 10 key features to help you pick the right VPN for your needs.
| Recurso | Mullvad | VPN McAfee |
|---|---|---|
| Preço inicial | €5/month (~$5.50) | $39.99/year (~$3.33/mo) |
| Plano Gratuito | ❌ | ✅ (500MB/month) |
| Política de não registro de logs | ✅ Audited | ❌ Logs IP addresses |
| Interruptor de segurança | ✅ Always-on | ✅ Windows only |
| Open-Source | ✅ | ❌ |
| Multi-salto | ✅ | ❌ |
| Túneis divididos | ✅ | ✅ Android apenas |
| Suporte para streaming | ❌ Poor | ❌ Poor |
| Server Count | ~700 in 49 countries | ~2,000 in 47 countries |
| Ideal para | Privacy purists | Casual security users |
1. Privacy & Logging Policy
Mullvad: Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy verified by independent auditors including Cure53 and Assured. The company doesn’t collect your IP address, browsing history, or any connection metadata. When Swedish police served a search warrant in 2023, they found nothing because there was nothing to find.
VPN McAfee: McAfee’s privacy policy is vague and concerning. Independent reviews confirm it logs your IP address and the websites you visit. McAfee shares its privacy policy with the broader McAfee product line, making it hard to know exactly what the VPN collects. No independent audit has verified its logging claims.
⚠️ Warning: McAfee’s privacy policy states it will hand over data to any legal or governmental authority if requested. This is a dealbreaker for users who need real privacy.
2. Encryption & Security Protocols
Mullvad: Mullvad has fully transitioned to the WireGuard protocol as of January 2026. WireGuard is faster and more secure than older protocols. Mullvad also offers quantum-resistant VPN tunnels to protect against future threats.
VPN McAfee: McAfee uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard. It runs on the Catapult Hydra protocol, which is fast but proprietary and closed-source. You can’t verify what the protocol actually does under the hood.
3. Speed Performance
Mullvad: Mullvad is one of the fastest VPNs tested. Average speed loss on nearby servers sits around 13.5%. Long-distance connections can drop 40-50%, but that’s normal for any VPN.
VPN McAfee: McAfee recorded download speeds of 97Mbps on nearby servers. But it has been reported to cause 600% latency increases on Windows. That makes it terrible for gaming and video calls.
4. Rede de Servidores
Mullvad: Mullvad has around 700 servers spread across 49 countries. That’s small compared to NordVPN’s 8,900+ servers. But all of Mullvad’s servers are RAM-only, which means better security.
VPN McAfee: McAfee offers about 2,000 servers in 47 countries. That’s a larger network than Mullvad. However, there’s no information about whether these servers are RAM-only or disk-based.
5. Kill Switch & Leak Protection
Mullvad: Mullvad’s kill switch is always on by default. You can’t turn it off. It also has a Lockdown mode that blocks all internet traffic unless connected to a Mullvad server. DNS leak protection is built in.
VPN McAfee: McAfee has a kill switch, but only on Windows. iOS and Android users have no kill switch protection. If the VPN drops on your phone, your real IP address gets exposed imediatamente.
⚠️ Warning: A VPN without a kill switch on all platforms is a privacy risk. If the connection drops, your internet traffic flows unprotected.
6. Streaming & Torrenting
Mullvad: Mullvad is not built for streaming. It fails to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. However, it’s great for torrenting thanks to its strict no-logs policy and P2P support.
VPN McAfee: McAfee VPN also struggles with streaming. It can’t reliably unblock Netflix or Hulu. It doesn’t support P2P traffic either, so torrenting is off the table.
7. Suporte da plataforma
Mullvad: Mullvad works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It also supports router configurations. Linux support is a standout feature that many VPNs skip.
VPN McAfee: McAfee VPN runs on Windows, iOS, and Android. It does not support macOS or Linux. That’s a major limitation if you use an Apple laptop or a Linux machine.
8. Facilidade de uso
Mullvad: Mullvad’s interface is clean but minimal. Power users will love the advanced settings. Beginners may find it too bare-bones compared to flashier VPN apps.
VPN McAfee: McAfee VPN is dead simple to use. It lives inside the McAfee app. You toggle the VPN on and off with one click. There’s nothing to configure.
9. Suporte ao Cliente
Mullvad: Mullvad offers email support only. There’s no live chat or phone support. Response times are generally good, but you won’t get instant help.
VPN McAfee: McAfee provides live chat, phone support, and a knowledge base. Support is available 24/7. This is a clear advantage for non-technical users who need help fast.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plano | Mullvad | VPN McAfee |
|---|---|---|
| Livre | ❌ | ✅ (500MB/mo) |
| Monthly / Entry | €5/month (~$5.50) | $39.99/yr (~$3.33/mo) |
| Anual | €60/year (~$66) | $39.99/yr first year |
| Renewal | €60/year (same price) | $119.99/yr (3x increase) |
Mullvad: Mullvad charges €5/month no matter what. There are no discounts and no renewal tricks. Year one costs €60. Year two costs €60. Year ten costs €60. What you see is what you pay.
VPN McAfee: McAfee looks cheaper upfront at $39.99/yr. But the renewal jumps to $119.99/yr. Over two years, you’d pay about $160 total. Mullvad would cost about $132 over the same period.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum privacy | Mullvad | Audited no-logs, anonymous signup |
| All-in-one security | VPN McAfee | Antivirus + VPN + identity protection |
| Cheapest first year | VPN McAfee | $39.99/yr intro pricing |
| Best long-term value | Mullvad | No renewal price hikes |
| Linux or macOS support | Mullvad | McAfee doesn’t support these |
| Beginner-friendly setup | VPN McAfee | One-click toggle, no config needed |
| Torrenting | Mullvad | P2P supported, true no-logs |
💰 Your Budget
McAfee looks cheaper at $39.99 for year one. But it triples on renewal. Mullvad costs €60/year every year with no surprises.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
If you use macOS or Linux, Mullvad is your only option here. McAfee VPN only works on Windows, iOS, and Android.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If privacy is your top concern, Mullvad wins by a mile. It doesn’t collect any personal data. McAfee logs your IP and browsing activity.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Complete beginners may prefer McAfee’s simple one-click setup. Mullvad’s app is clean but offers more advanced settings that can feel overwhelming.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
McAfee has a free plan with 500MB/month and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Mullvad has no free plan but offers a 14-day refund window.
🛟 Support Options
McAfee offers 24/7 live chat and phone support. Mullvad only has email support. If you need fast help, McAfee is the better choice.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to McAfee VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Bundled antivirus, password manager, and identity protection
- 24/7 live chat and phone customer support
- Lower first-year pricing at $39.99/yr
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Audited no-logs policy and true anonymous browsing
- macOS and Linux support
- Open-source transparency and WireGuard protocol
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Mullvad subscription (no account data to export)
- Download McAfee Total Protection from mcafee.com
- Enable Secure VPN inside the McAfee app dashboard
🔄 Switching from McAfee VPN to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- True no-logs privacy verified by independent auditors
- Anonymous account creation with no personal data required
- Open-source apps, WireGuard protocol, and RAM-only servers
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Bundled antivirus and identity theft protection
- 24/7 live chat and phone support
- Beginner-friendly one-click interface
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel McAfee auto-renewal and request a refund if within 30 days
- Go to mullvad.net and generate a new account number
- Download the Mullvad app and enter your account number to connect
Veredicto final
| Categoria | Ganhador |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Privacy & Logging | Mullvad |
| 🛡️ Security Features | Mullvad |
| ⚡ Speed Performance | Mullvad |
| 🖥️ Platform Support | Mullvad |
| 👶 Ease of Use | VPN McAfee |
| 🛟 Customer Support | VPN McAfee |
| 💰 Long-Term Value | Mullvad |
| 🔌 Bundled Features | VPN McAfee |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Mullvad |
🏆 WINNER: Mullvad
Mullvad wins 5 out of 8 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, journalists, torrenters, and anyone who values true anonymity online.
Mullvad and McAfee VPN serve completely different audiences.
Mullvad is built for people who want the strongest possible privacy. No logs, no personal data, no compromises.
McAfee VPN is built for everyday users who want basic protection bundled with antivirus and identity theft coverage.
McAfee is excellent if you want an all-in-one security suite with minimal setup.
However, if you need a real VPN that actually protects your privacy, Mullvad is the better choice.
Now, go out and take back your online privacy!
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:
Mullvad wins on: Privacy policy, anonymous signup, open-source code
NordVPN wins on: Server count (8,900+), streaming support, long-term pricing
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: Flat pricing, no personal data collection, WireGuard protocol
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming support, global server network, user interface
Mullvad vs PureVPN
Mullvad wins on: Audited no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, anonymous payments
PureVPN wins on: Server count, streaming access, cheaper long-term plans
Mullvad wins on: Privacy transparency, open-source apps, no email required
Surfshark VPN wins on: Unlimited devices, streaming support, budget pricing
Mullvad vs ProtonVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup (no email), simpler pricing, cash payments
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, larger server network (120+ countries), streaming
Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN
Mullvad wins on: Audited privacy, open-source code, advanced features (DAITA)
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan (10GB/month), cheaper paid plans, streaming support
Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy-first design, no-logs audit, multi-hop routing
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking, cheaper pricing, browser extension
Mullvad vs Escudo Virtual
Mullvad wins on: Transparency, open-source apps, anonymous accounts
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, simpler interface, streaming access
Mullvad vs StrongVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy audit history, RAM-only servers, WireGuard default
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming support, 12 simultaneous connections, SugarSync storage
Mullvad vs VPN mais rápida
Mullvad wins on: Security features, privacy policy, open-source apps
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime pricing plans, 10 simultaneous connections, ad blocking
Mullvad wins on: Privacy transparency, no-logs audit, advanced VPN features
Aura VPN wins on: Bundled identity protection, antivirus integration, family plans
Mullvad wins on: Privacy audit credibility, anonymous payments, open-source code
CyberGhost wins on: Server count (11,000+), streaming servers, 7 simultaneous devices
Mullvad vs Acesso privado à internet
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, RAM-only servers, simpler pricing
Private Internet Access wins on: Massive server network, unlimited devices, cheaper plans
Mullvad vs VPN Mysterium
Mullvad wins on: Established reputation, audited security, consistent speeds
Mysterium VPN wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use pricing, node-based architecture
Mullvad vs SafeShell VPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy-first design, independent audits, open-source apps
SafeShell VPN wins on: Streaming access, faster connection speeds, newer features
Mullvad wins on: Proven no-logs track record, RAM-only servers, anonymous payments
Oyster VPN wins on: Streaming support, affordable long-term pricing, larger server network
More of McAfee VPN Compared
Here’s how McAfee VPN stacks up against other competitors:
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus and identity protection, lower first-year price
NordVPN wins on: Speed, privacy policy, server network, streaming support
McAfee VPN wins on: All-in-one security bundle, identity theft insurance
ExpressVPN wins on: Privacy, speed, server count, platform support
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundling, identity monitoring, beginner interface
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated VPN features, P2P support, port forwarding
McAfee VPN wins on: Identity theft coverage, scam detector, auto-WiFi protection
Surfshark VPN wins on: Unlimited devices, streaming, privacy policy, speed
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus, identity protection, scam detection
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, free plan, open-source, Swiss jurisdiction
McAfee VPN vs PrivadoVPN
McAfee VPN wins on: All-in-one security, brand recognition, identity monitoring
PrivadoVPN wins on: Privacy, free plan (10GB), dedicated VPN features
McAfee VPN vs AdGuard VPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Security bundle, identity theft protection, phone support
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, privacy policy, lighter app footprint
McAfee VPN vs Virtual Shield
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundling, identity monitoring, brand trust
Virtual Shield wins on: Dedicated VPN performance, simpler pricing, privacy
McAfee VPN vs StrongVPN
McAfee VPN wins on: All-in-one protection suite, identity theft insurance
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming support, 12 device connections, SugarSync cloud
McAfee VPN vs FastestVPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Security bundle, identity monitoring, trusted brand
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime pricing, 10 connections, ad blocker
McAfee VPN vs Aura VPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Lower entry price, broader device protection
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection focus, credit monitoring, family features
McAfee VPN vs CyberGhost
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, identity theft insurance, auto-WiFi connect
CyberGhost wins on: Server count (11,000+), streaming, no-logs audit, 7 devices
McAfee VPN vs Private Internet Access
McAfee VPN wins on: Security suite, identity protection, beginner friendliness
Private Internet Access wins on: Unlimited devices, server count, privacy, open-source
McAfee VPN wins on: Brand recognition, customer support, all-in-one security
Mysterium VPN wins on: Decentralized network, censorship resistance, privacy
McAfee VPN vs SafeShell VPN
McAfee VPN wins on: Established brand, antivirus bundling, phone support
SafeShell VPN wins on: Streaming access, dedicated VPN features, privacy focus
McAfee VPN vs Oyster VPN
McAfee VPN wins on: All-in-one security, identity monitoring, brand trust
Oyster VPN wins on: Streaming support, privacy policy, dedicated VPN features
Perguntas frequentes
Is Mullvad VPN better than McAfee VPN for privacy?
Yes. Mullvad has an independently audited no-logs policy and doesn’t require any personal information. McAfee VPN logs your IP address and browsing activity, which makes Mullvad the clear winner for privacy.
Is Mullvad VPN really anonymous?
Mullvad is one of the most anonymous VPNs available. You don’t need an email to sign up. You can pay with cash or cryptocurrency. The company stores zero personal data.
Does McAfee VPN collect data?
Yes. McAfee VPN logs your IP address and the websites you visit. Its privacy policy also states it will share data with legal authorities if requested. This is a major concern for privacy-conscious users.
Can Mullvad be used for Netflix?
Mullvad is not good for streaming. It fails to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer in most tests. If streaming is your goal, consider NordVPN or Surfshark instead.
Is McAfee VPN worth it as a standalone VPN?
McAfee VPN works best as part of the security bundle. As a standalone VPN, it lacks advanced features like a proper kill switch on all platforms. Dedicated VPNs like Mullvad or NordVPN offer much better privacy.
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