Choosing the right VPN can feel like picking a needle from a haystack, right?
You have Surfshark VPN and McAfee VPN staring you in the face.
Each promises top-notch online security and privacy.
But which one delivers?
In this head-to-head showdown, we’ll compare SurfsharkVPN vs McAfee VPN.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which VPN is your perfect match for a safer, more open internet experience in 2025.
Let’s dive in!
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve rigorously tested both Surfshark VPN and McAfee VPN across various categories.
We’ve assessed their speeds, security features, streaming capabilities, ease of use, and more, all to help you make an informed decision.
It’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious users or those who need to connect multiple devices.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan starts at $1.99/month
Key Features:
- Split Tunneling
- Lightway Protocol
- TrustedServer Technology
McAfee Safe Connect VPN encrypts your VPN connection, protecting your data on up to 5 devices.
Pricing: Plan starts at $39.99/month. More plans are available with offers.
Key Features:
- Bank-grade Encryption
- Wi-Fi Protection
- Unlimited Devices
What is Surfshark VPN?
Imagine a super-powered invisibility cloak for your internet activity.
That’s Surfshark VPN in a nutshell.
It hides your online actions, keeps your data safe from snoopers, and even allows you to appear to be browsing from a different location.
Pretty cool, right?
Also, explore our favorite Surfshark alternatives…
Our Take
Surfshark VPN is popular because it offers an outstanding balance of features, security, and price. It’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious users or those who need to connect multiple devices.
Key Benefits
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: Connect all your devices!
- Affordable price: Great value for your money.
- Strong security features: Includes AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
- Fast speeds: Good for streaming and downloading.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it out.
Pricing
All the Pricing Billed Annually.
- Surfshark Starter: $1.99/month + 3 Extra months
- Surfshark One: $3.19/month + 3 Extra months.
- Surfshark One+: $15.145/month
Pros
Cons
What is McAfee VPN?
McAfee is a well-known cybersecurity company, and its VPN is a solid option for protecting your online privacy.
Think of it as a security guard for your internet connection. It encrypts your data and keeps you safe on public Wi-Fi.
It’s simple to use and gets the job done.
Also, explore our favorite McAfee VPN alternatives…
Key Benefits
- Trusted brand: From a reputable security company.
- Good basic security: Uses strong encryption.
- Simple to use: Easy for beginners.
- Kill switch included: Protects your data if the VPN drops.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Try it out safely.
Pricing
- Essential: $39.99/yr – 5 devices 1 user.
- Advanced Individual: $89.99/yr – All devices 1 user.
- Advanced Family: $119.99/yr – All devices 6 family members.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
This comparison analyzes the feature-rich and affordable Surfshark VPN against McAfee VPN, a basic virtual private network offered as part of an antivirus suite.
A surfshark vpn review emphasizes affordability and advanced features, while this comparison of vpn services highlights how McAfee VPN provides a simpler approach to protecting your network traffic and vpn connection.
1. Simultaneous Connections
The device limit is a major factor in determining which vpn services are best for households.
- Surfshark VPN: Offers unlimited simultaneous connections for all subscribers, setting it apart from most vpn providers in the vpn server space.
- McAfee VPN: Limits users to a smaller, finite number of simultaneous connections, which often requires purchasing a higher-tier security package to increase.
2. Server Network and Coverage
The number of vpn servers and server locations affects both unblocking ability and speed.
- Surfshark VPN: Operates over 3,200 vpn servers across 100 countries. It utilizes a vast vpn server network to minimize congestion and offer wide geographic choice.
- McAfee VPN: mcafee safe connect offers a significantly smaller number of server locations (around 48), reflecting its status as a secondary product from an antivirus vendor.
3. Core Protection and Kill Switch
The fail-safe mechanism and encryption are essential for a secure vpn connection.
- Surfshark VPN: Features a highly reliable kill switch across all platforms, ensuring the ip address is protected if the vpn connection drops unexpectedly.
- McAfee VPN: Includes the kill switch feature marketed as Safe Reconnect, which helps ensure that if the vpn fails, your network traffic is not exposed.
4. Advanced IP Management
The type of ip address provided and the ability to obtain a constant IP.
- Surfshark VPN: Primarily uses shared, dynamic ip addresses. It offers a dedicated ip address add-on for users who require a constant IP.
- McAfee VPN: Only uses shared, dynamic ip addresses. The service does not offer users the option to secure the same ip address with a dedicated option.
5. Jurisdiction and Trust
The location and audit status are critical for assessing a provider’s commitment to privacy.
- Surfshark VPN: Is based in the Netherlands. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited, providing assurances of trust mcafee safe connect rivaling.
- McAfee VPN: Is based in the US (a Five Eyes member). The mcafee vpn review notes this less-than-ideal jurisdiction, requiring users to heavily trust mcafee safe connect claims.
6. App Functionality and Extras
The extra security tools and ease of use on mobile platforms.
- Surfshark VPN: The surfshark android app is rich with features like CleanWeb (ad/malware blocking), MultiHop, and browser extensions.
- McAfee VPN: mcafee safe connect is a simpler vpn app focused on core protection. It lacks the multitude of extras found in the surfshark app and has less transparent features.
7. Vpn Protocol Support
The vpn protocol determines speed, stability, and obfuscation capabilities.
- Surfshark VPN: Supports multiple vpn protocols, surfshark servers and virtual servers, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. This offers excellent flexibility for optimizing the vpn connection.
- McAfee VPN: Relies on industry-standard protocols, but mcafee claims about performance and obfuscation are less detailed than those of dedicated vpn companies.
8. App Compatibility and Users
The range of supported devices & operating systems for various vpn users.
- Surfshark VPN: Provides native apps for all platforms, including dedicated android apps and browser extensions, catering to the needs of sophisticated vpn users.
- McAfee VPN: Offers apps for major operating systems, but support for niche devices like android users’ custom TV boxes is less extensive.
9. Free Tier and Value Proposition
The availability of a free option and the overall pricing structure.
- Surfshark VPN: Does not offer a permanent free vpn service, relying on a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing.
- McAfee VPN: Offers a free vpn version with severe data and vpn server limitations, making it a basic vpn service introduction.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when choosing a VPN beyond the specific features we compared above:
- No-logs policy: Ensure the VPN provider has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track or store your online activity.
- Customer support: Look for a VPN with responsive and helpful customer support if you encounter any issues.
- Free trial or money-back guarantee: Opt for a VPN that offers a free trial or money-back guarantee so you can test it before committing.
- Device compatibility: Ensure the VPN is compatible with all your devices (computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.).
- Simultaneous connections: Consider how many devices you need to connect simultaneously and choose a VPN that allows enough connections.
- Specific needs: Consider your particular needs, such as streaming, torrenting, or bypassing censorship, and choose a VPN that excels in those areas.
- Independent security audits: Look for VPN providers who have undergone independent security audits to verify their claims and practices.
- Transparency and trust: Choose a VPN provider with a strong reputation for transparency and trustworthiness.
Final Verdict
In the battle of Surfshark VPN vs McAfee VPN, Surfshark VPN emerges as the winner.
It offers a fantastic combination of speed, security, and value.
It has impressive features with private internet access, a user-friendly interface, and a strong commitment to privacy.
Surfshark VPN is our top recommendation for anyone looking to enhance their online security and enjoy a genuinely open internet.
While McAfee VPN is a decent contender, it is significant if you’re already invested in the McAfee ecosystem for threat protection.
It falls short in speed, streaming capabilities, and overall value.
Of course, the best VPN for you ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize blazing-fast speeds and top-notch security, you might also consider NordVPN, another strong contender in the VPN market.
We’ve thoroughly tested both Surfshark VPN and McAfee VPN, putting them through their paces to provide an accurate and unbiased comparison.
Trust our expertise to guide you toward the best VPN for your needs in 2025!
More of Surfshark VPN
We’ve looked at alternatives to SurfsharkVPN, so how does SurfsharkVPN stack up directly against them?
- SurfsharkVPN vs NordVPN: It allows unlimited device connections, whereas NordVPN offers a larger server network.
- SurfsharkVPN vs ExpressVPN: It is generally more affordable and allows unlimited devices, while ExpressVPN is known for its consistent speeds and strong reputation.
- SurfsharkVPN vs PureVPN: It is often faster and has more features, while PureVPN boasts a larger server count. Surfshark has better streaming support in tests.
- SurfsharkVPN vs ProtonVPN: It is generally more affordable and allows unlimited connections, while ProtonVPN focuses on strong security and privacy, and can be slightly faster.
- SurfsharkVPN vs PrivadoVPN: It offers unlimited connections and more features, often at a better long-term price, while PrivadoVPN has a decent free plan but a smaller server network.
- SurfsharkVPN vs AdGuard VPN: It is a comprehensive VPN with more features, while AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking integration.
- SurfsharkVPN vs Virtual Shield: It offers more features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- SurfsharkVPN vs StrongVPN: It allows unlimited connections and often has better pricing, while StrongVPN is known for strong encryption.
- SurfsharkVPN vs FastestVPN: It generally offers more features and better performance than the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
- SurfsharkVPN vs AuraVPN: It focuses on VPN features and unlimited connections, while AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
- SurfsharkVPN vs CyberGhost: It allows unlimited connections and often has better long-term pricing, while CyberGhost has user-friendly apps and specialized servers.
- SurfsharkVPN vs McAfee VPN: It is a dedicated VPN service with more features and better performance than the basic VPN from McAfee.
- SurfsharkVPN vs Private Internet Access: It allows unlimited connections and often has better streaming capabilities, while PIA is known for customization and a large server network.
- SurfsharkVPN vs Mysterium: It uses a traditional server network known for speed and features, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN.
More of McAfee VPN
Here’s a quick comparison of McAfee VPN with alternatives:
- McAfee VPN vs NordVPN: It is faster with more features, while McAfee is simple and budget-friendly.
- McAfee VPN vs ExpressVPN: It is faster, user-friendly, offers better privacy, and is better for streaming. McAfee is basic.
- McAfee VPN vs PureVPN: It has: larger server count. McAfee: basic.
- McAfee VPN vs SurfsharkVPN: It is faster, has unlimited devices, has more features, and is better for streaming. McAfee is basic.
- McAfee VPN vs ProtonVPN: McAfee: basic. ProtonVPN: stronger privacy.
- McAfee VPN vs PrivadoVPN: McAfee: basic. PrivadoVPN: potentially faster, stronger privacy, free tier.
- McAfee VPN vs AdGuard VPN: McAfee: basic VPN. AdGuard VPN: ad-blocking focus.
- McAfee VPN vs Virtual Shield: Both are basic VPNs. Alternatives offer more.
- McAfee VPN vs StrongVPN: McAfee: basic. StrongVPN: robust encryption.
- McAfee VPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN: budget-friendly, comparable, or better.
- McAfee VPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
- McAfee VPN vs CyberGhost: McAfee: basic. CyberGhost: user-friendly, specialized servers, more features.
- McAfee VPN vs Private Internet Access: McAfee: basic. PIA: larger network, unlimited devices, more customization.
- McAfee VPN vs Mysterium: McAfee: basic VPN. Mysterium: decentralized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark VPN better than McAfee VPN?
In our testing, Surfshark VPN outperformed McAfee VPN’s speed, streaming capabilities, and overall value. It also offers a broader range of features and a more extensive server network.
Can I use a VPN for free?
While some free VPNs exist, we generally don’t recommend them. They often have limitations such as data caps, slow speeds, and privacy concerns. For a better experience, it’s worth investing in a reputable paid VPN.
Do I need an antivirus if I have a VPN?
VPNs and antivirus software are different tools that serve various purposes. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, while antivirus protects your device from malware. Ideally, you should use both for comprehensive online security.
Can I use a VPN to watch Netflix?
Surfshark VPN excels at unblocking streaming services like Netflix, allowing you to access content from different regions. McAfee VPN can sometimes work with Netflix, but it’s not as reliable.
How do I choose the right VPN for me?
Consider your priorities: speed, security, streaming, or budget. Read reviews and compare features to find a VPN that best suits your needs.
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