Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN stands out as a superior choice for a VPN solution compared to McAfee Safe Connect. While both companies offer services that prioritize user privacy and secure connections, NordVPN gains an advantage with a higher overall rating of 83.5% compared to McAfee’s 18.4%. NordVPN’s jurisdiction in privacy-friendly Panama takes precedence over McAfee’s U.S. base, reducing the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing. Furthermore, NordVPN maintains an extensive server network with 5,000 servers across 59 countries, offers more advanced features such as split tunneling, ad blocking, a kill switch, and a double VPN for added security. Both utilize military-grade AES-256 encryption, but NordVPN also includes ChaCha20 encryption. Additionally, NordVPN guarantees a strict no-logging policy validated by Deloitte audits, while McAfee lacks any clear stance on logging policy. Finally, NordVPN unblocks a wide range of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, a feature that McAfee fails to provide. Despite the slightly higher price, NordVPN’s extensive features, jurisdiction, and security commitment make it a more reliable VPN choice for users.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: NordVPN vs McAfee Safe Connect
| VPN Company | NordVPN | McAfee Safe Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $3.33/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $3.33 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 5,000 | (not stated) |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 23 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | – |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
For those on the hunt for a VPN that delivers both in terms of value and functionality, NordVPN and McAfee Safe Connect are standout choices. NordVPN comes in at an appealing $2.99/mo, while McAfee Safe Connect begins at just $3.33/mo. This pricing structure from both VPN services proves that securing top-notch online privacy and security does not necessitate a large expense. It’s clear that with these VPNs, affordability aligns seamlessly with quality.
McAfee Safe Connect Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: NordVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. NordVPN’s location in Panama, free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over McAfee Safe Connect, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of United States. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, NordVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
NordVPN and McAfee Safe Connect excel in server availability. NordVPN has a large network of 5,000 servers accross 59 countries. This means easy, fast connections from almost anywhere. McAfee Safe Connect also has a wide reach – the VPN company operates (not stated) servers in 23 countries. Both offer reliable, speedy internet access.
No Logging Policy: NordVPN Better
The privacy policies of NordVPN and McAfee Safe Connect present a clear dichotomy. NordVPN stands out by not only maintaining a strict no-logging policy but also reinforcing this commitment through regular audits conducted by Deloitte. These audits serve as validation of NordVPN’s dedication to preserving user privacy.
In contrast, McAfee Safe Connect, despite offering a range of features and being headquartered in United States, does not adhere to a clear no-logging policy. This implies that it might retain certain records of user activities, a matter of considerable concern for individuals who prioritize anonymity and data security.
For users who prioritize robust privacy standards and seek external verification of security claims, these distinctions may prove pivotal in selecting the most suitable VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and McAfee Safe Connect is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of McAfee Safe Connect, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Unblock Streaming Platforms: NordVPN Better
NordVPN excels in unblocking major streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO. On the other hand, McAfee Safe Connect does not provide access to these popular services. For users who prioritize access to a wide range of streaming content, NordVPN’s capability to bypass geo-restrictions on these platforms gives it a significant edge over McAfee Safe Connect.
Kill Switch Feature: NordVPN Better
The presence of a kill switch in a VPN service is a critical factor for many users. NordVPN includes this feature, which automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks. In contrast, McAfee Safe Connect does not offer a kill switch. This could be a significant drawback for users who require an assurance of continuous privacy protection. While McAfee Safe Connect compensates with other features such as (not stated) servers spread across 23 countries and various support options like 24/7 Live Chat, and Email, the lack of a kill switch might deter users who prioritize uninterrupted security in their VPN service.
Double VPN Feature: NordVPN Better
One of the notable differences between NordVPN and McAfee Safe Connect is the inclusion of a double VPN feature. NordVPN offers this advanced feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. On the other hand, McAfee Safe Connect does not provide a double VPN option.
Ad Blocking Feature: NordVPN Better
A significant differentiator between NordVPN and McAfee Safe Connect lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. NordVPN excels in this regard, consistently providing users with access to a broad spectrum of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Nord users can reliably enjoy their preferred shows and movies from virtually any location.
Conversely, McAfee Safe Connect faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 23 countries, the VPN frequently encounters difficulties in reliably unblocking major streaming platforms. This limitation is of paramount importance for users who prioritize seamless access to streaming content and are in search of a VPN service capable of effectively circumventing geo-restrictions.
Bottomline
In conclusion, while both NordVPN and McAfee Safe Connect provide quality VPN services, NordVPN consistently outperforms in areas such as privacy, server availability, and streaming access. McAfee Safe Connect, although robust in its own rights, may need to improve in certain aspects like having a no logging policy and providing notable features such as a kill switch and double VPN to match up to NordVPN’s standards.
About NordVPN & McAfee Safe Connect
McAfee Safe Connect
McAfee, a well-established name in the cybersecurity industry, offers McAfee Safe Connect VPN. Founded in 1987 by John McAfee, the company is headquartered in San Jose, California, USA. McAfee Safe Connect VPN focuses on providing secure Wi-Fi connections and protecting user privacy. The service is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
To learn more, read our McAfee Safe Connect review.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.