In a Nutshell
pros
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Dedicated apps for PC, Android, and iOS
- Unlimited bandwidth for premium users
cons
- Less features than competitors
- Shares users’ activity logs with legal authorities upon order
- Only 18 virtual servers
MccAfee Safe Connect at a Glance
Privacy
Though McAfee is a trusted name in antivirus software and boasts a professional, information-filled website, details on its Safe Connect VPN service are sparse. This includes its privacy policy, which doesn’t mention the top VPN service specifically.
The privacy policy states that McAfee may collect “details about your computers, devices, applications, and networks, including internet protocol (IP) address”. Again, this is a general privacy policy for all terms, so it’s unclear whether the VPN service itself is governed by different standards or not.
Features
McAfee’s Safe Connect is one of the more stripped-down VPN services. It uses bank-grade AES 256-bit encryption, a solid security precaution, and features easy-to-use apps for Windows, iOS, and Android. What Safe Connect lacks in bells and whistles it makes up for with the reliable McAfee name.
Speed
The website offers limited information on VPN speeds, and user reviews are sparse. If you’re a heavy internet user with high streaming and downloading habits, there’s a good chance you’ll find McAfee’s VPN speed and performance lacking.
Pricing and Deals
McAfee Safe Connect comes in 2 simple price levels. The free basic package has no charges at all, but you’ll face limits on your bandwidth, which can cause delays in your browsing speed. The Premium plan costs $7.99 per month, or $47.99 for a year’s subscription, and brings you perks that include customer service via live chat and phone, as well as email; 18 virtual servers to unblock geo-restricted content, the ability to use Safe Connect on up to 5 devices at once, and unlimited bandwidth.
Torrents
Unfortunately, McAfee’s website makes no mention of torrenting capabilities.
Netflix
The website makes no mention of Netflix access. You can test it out using the free trial package, though with its stripped-down service and limited amount of servers, McAfee’s VPN may not be the top choice if Netflix streaming is one of your priorities.
Client Setup
McAfee Safe Connect is very easy to set up and even easier to use. There isn't any hardware involved, and you won't need to configure any settings to get started. You simply pay for a monthly or annual subscription and enter your email addresses and password in order to set up an account. You can do this without making a payment or sharing any credit card information by using the free trial.
Apps
McAfee has apps for PCs, iOS, and Android devices, so you just need to download the relevant app and sign in to your account to get started. You’ll be able to tell whether Safe Connect is working by looking for the closed padlock sign on the main McAfee site. Simply click the padlock to toggle the VPN on and off. It couldn’t be simpler.
How Does McAfee Safe Connect Compare?
As you can see, McAfee doesn't quite hit the mark when you compare it to some of its closest competitors. If you can't find what you're looking for with McAfee then we suggest checking out some of the following leading VPN services:
Customer Support
McAfee has a limited set of FAQs, which are well organized for Android, iOS, and PC users in order to serve as the first port of call for troubleshooting. You can access the general and very extensive McAfee customer support forums for issues with Safe Connect, too.
Safe Connect offers 2 levels of customer support – email only support for free users, and telephone support for premium paid users. As an international company, McAfee does a good job of offering customer service in multiple languages, and there are local toll-free phone numbers for 8 countries including the US, Canada, the UK, and India. McAfee also offers live chat, and you can check out response times before you choose your method of connecting. Independent reviews of the customer service give an overall satisfaction rating of 4.5 stars.
Ease of Use
McAfee Safe Connect is very easy to set up and even easier to use. There isn't any hardware involved, and you won't need to configure any settings to get started. You simply pay for a monthly or annual subscription and enter your email addresses and password in order to set up an account. You can do this without making a payment or sharing any credit card information by using the free trial.
McAfee has apps for PCs, iOS, and Android devices, so you just need to download the relevant app and sign in to your account to get started. You’ll be able to tell whether Safe Connect is working by looking for the closed padlock sign on the main McAfee site. Simply click the padlock to toggle the VPN on and off. It couldn’t be simpler.
The settings for McAfee Safe Connect are easy to access through the app or McAfee website. You can set the VPN to start automatically when you connect to different types of networks – for example, it’s highly recommended to always use McAfee when you connect through potentially dangerous public WiFi. It’s also easy to set your preferred virtual location; you just choose which country or server you want to appear as your IP address and then leave Safe Connect to do its thing.
FAQs
Q: Is Safe Connect an anti-virus product?
A: No. Even though Safe Connect is made by McAafee, it does not serve the same purpose as the company’s anti-virus products. Safe Connect won’t protect you from any viruses or malware, so make sure to implement additional protection for your computer.
Q: What devices are supported with Safe Connect?
A: Safe Connect can be installed on the following devices:
Android
- Android 4.4 and later
- Device must not be rooted
iOS
- iOS 9.0 and later
- Device must not be jailbroken
Windows
- Windows 8.x, 10.x
Bottom Line
Overall, the McAfee Safe Connect VPN is a reasonable product. The free version is useful for travelers who don't want to pay to keep their personal information private and who don't intend to use a lot of bandwidth during their trip. Unlimited bandwidth and live chat customer support are attractive features for premium users, although the 18 international virtual servers comes a long way short of competitors who offer many hundreds of options for the same price.
Although McAfee is a reliable brand, the absence of hard information about the type of encryption, extra safety features, and the fact that the company retains logs of your activity, takes away from its appeal.
About McAfee
McAfee is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions for both businesses and private consumers. It offers a range of security products to protect your smartphone, PCs, router, and other devices from hackers and cyberthieves as well as assisting companies to improve their network and perimeter security standing.
McAfee strives to continue improving its protection against malware, phishing scams, viruses, spyware, identity theft, and other threats to enterprise and consumer safety. McAfee has a global presence with local customer support in India, the UK, US, Canada, and the Philippines, to name just a few.