They incorporate industry-standard features such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
However, NordVPN has much more advantages.It has a internet of over 7,169 servers in more than 118 countries.
It also has apps for more platforms and is better for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
While both offer something to entice users, NordVPN wins in most categories.
Continue reading to see which provider best meets your needs.
It ensures selected apps are shut down if the VPN disconnects.
Both NordVPN and McAfee Safe Connect VPN offer full leak protection.
With both providers, your rig is protected from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.
NordVPN comes with OpenVPN and its proprietary NordLynx protocol.
OpenVPN provides fast speeds and advanced security, while NordLynx is very fast as its based on WireGuard.
McAfee Safe Connect VPN supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec.
While both providers offer industry-standard security features, NordVPN offers a broader range of advanced security tools.
It adds an app-specific kill switch, RAM-only servers, perfect forward secrecy, and two-factor authentication.
McAfee has split-tunneling on Android, but its only for apps and isnt very convenient to use.
Also, only NordVPN offers obfuscation, which masks your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic.
It is useful for letting you hide your VPN usage to enjoy more privacy.
Moreover, NordVPN has an excellent security tool called Threat Protection Pro.
Plus, it also alerts you if it detects outdated apps that might pose a security risk.
McAfee only has a feature that blocks shady websites.
Unlike McAfee, NordVPN offers split-tunneling, obfuscation, and an ad and malware blocker.
Furthermore, it includes a Dark Web Monitor, Tapjacking Protection, and Meshnet.
Both providers maintain a strict no-logs policy, and both are independently audited.
On the other hand, McAfee is based in the US, which is a member of the Alliances.
Plus, I like that NordVPN accepts cryptocurrency payments.
Plus, NordVPN offers extra-secure colocated servers, entirely owned and controlled by them.
Servers NordVPN Comes Out on Top
NordVPN offers a larger server internet with more advanced server options.
A more extensive server web connection ensures faster speeds, as servers dont get overcrowded even at peak hours.
NordVPN provides thousands of dedicated P2P servers across 110+ countries, which means better speeds and performance for file-sharing.
Unlike McAfee, NordVPN provides dedicated IP servers.
I tested 5+ of its virtual locations, and they always provided me with the correct IP address.
Winner (Servers):NordVPN
NordVPN has better server coverage than McAfee Safe Connect VPN.
With NordVPN, I could load almost all content immediately without any lags.
But I was a bit disappointed that 4K videos took 45 seconds to start on distant servers.
Streaming NordVPN Offers Much Better Streaming Support
NordVPN offers a much better streaming experience than McAfee.
In contrast, McAfee is more limited since it only works with Netflix and Amazon Prime, though inconsistently.
Plus, NordVPN uses unique SmartPlay technology, which mixes VPN and Smart DNS technologies for extra encryption.
Winner (Streaming):NordVPN
When it comes to streaming, NordVPN outperforms McAfee.
Meanwhile, McAfee only works with Netflix and Amazon Prime, and even then, its performance is inconsistent.
Firstly, NordVPN hasthousands of dedicated servers across 110+countries.
And both VPNs work with popular torrent clients such as qBittorrent and Vuze.
I tested over 5 different P2P apps while connected to each providers servers and had a smooth torrenting experience.
This way, youll get faster speeds.
Additionally, NordVPNs Threat Protection tool protects users from downloading malware-infected torrents.
Winner (Torrenting):NordVPN
In terms of torrenting, NordVPN is my top choice.
With servers in 110+ countries supporting P2P traffic, NordVPN outperforms McAfee, which only has 1,900+ P2P servers.
Also, NordVPNs SOCKS5 proxy enhances torrenting speeds.
Gaming NordVPN Provides the Best Experience
Even though both VPNs allow smooth gaming, I prefer NordVPN.
I tested them withDota 2andLeague of Legendsand enjoyed low ping and speedy gameplay on nearby servers with both VPNs.
Also, neither VPN provides support for cloud gaming.
I had lower ping and faster speeds with NordVPN, even on distant servers.
Plus, NordVPN can be set up on a router.
Bypassing Censorship I Dont Recommend Either Provider
Neither VPN works in highly restrictive countries.
I recommend you go withExpressVPNinstead it consistently works in all restrictive countries.
Winner (Bypassing Censorship): None
I dont recommend either VPN.
However, you cant go wrong with ExpressVPN, as it consistently works in highly restrictive countries.
Apps & Ease of Use NordVPN Is More User-Friendly
I am very impressed with NordVPNs cross-platform support.
Both providers offer easy-to-use apps for Android and iOS.
NordVPNs mobile apps come with a Quick Connect tool that automatically connects you to the fastest server.
While McAfee allows up to 5 rig connections, NordVPN extends this to 10 simultaneous connections.
NordVPN has tier-based subscriptions with monthly and yearly plans.
McAfee Safe Connect VPN offers monthly and yearly plans and a limited free plan.
Both providers accept multiple payment methods.
NordVPNs plans are less expensive and provide overall better value.
Whats more, NordVPN accepts more payment methods, including cryptocurrencies.
But both VPNs provide a 30-day refund.
Also, both VPNs provide 24/7 live chat support with friendly representatives.
McAfee also provides phone support to its paid users, which is a big advantage.
NordVPN and McAfee Safe Connect VPN offer excellent email service, too.
Responses typically arrive in less than a day, and the information provided is always detailed and helpful.
Additionally, McAfee has a helpful community with active forums for additional support and phone support for paid users.
Both providers offer 24/7 live chat support and timely and informative email support.
Overall Winner:NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market.
It has excellent streaming and torrenting capabilities.
It supports a wide range of platforms, provides really good speeds, and is really affordable.
McAfee also provides good value.
It also has good P2P support and works with a few popular streaming services.
According to my tests, the overall winner is NordVPN.
It has a larger server data pipe, more advanced security features, and a bunch of extras.
It also has much better streaming capabilities and is overall better for torrenting.
With it, youll also get better cross-platform support and more affordable plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN better than McAfee Safe Connect VPN?
Yes,NordVPN performs much betterthan McAfee Safe Connect VPN.
NordVPN offers a broader range of services including better support for streaming and torrenting, and gaming.
The only area where both VPNs are matched is customer support.
Which is better for streaming NordVPN or McAfee Safe Connect VPN?
Are NordVPN and McAfee Safe Connect VPN both safe to use?
Yes,both providers are safe to use, but NordVPN stands outwith its extra security features.
Which offers better extra features NordVPN or McAfee Safe Connect VPN?
In terms of additional features,NordVPN is a clear winner.
McAfee is more bare-bones, as it only has Tor support and a feature that blocks shady sites.
Read more about the best VPNs in 2025
