What Is McAfee Antivirus?
McAfee Antivirus is a computer security software developed by McAfee, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions. It is designed to protect computers and other devices from malware, viruses, spyware and other online threats.
The antivirus software offers a range of features such as identity monitoring, password management, fire shredder and firewall protection. It has individual plans and family plans for average consumers. Forbes Advisor has regarded McAfee as one of the best antivirus software for its comprehensive features.
How McAfee Antivirus Works
McAfee Antivirus is easy to install and use. Simply download the software install helper tool, sign into your account and follow the prompts to install the software.
Here’s how to install McAfee Antivirus in three steps:
Step 1: Download the McAfee Software Install Helper tool and run the software.
Step 2: Sign in to your McAfee account. You can manage your subscriptions, auto-renewal, downloads and devices on the main dashboard.
Step 3: You can start the download and installation process here. Make sure to accept the license agreement and follow the instructions. Depending on your device or internet connection, the installation process may take 15 minutes or more.
Is McAfee Antivirus Right for Me?
McAfee Antivirus is best for consumers looking to protect their devices and data from online threats.
McAfee Antivirus Is Best For:
- Individuals and families: McAfee Antivirus is a reliable and user-friendly solution with dedicated plans for individual consumers and families looking to protect their devices. While their primary method is only available for one device, their premium options can cover unlimited devices.
- Businesses: McAfee Antivirus offers enterprise-level security solutions to protect multiple network devices. Its comprehensive security features, such as data encryption, web filtering and advanced threat detection, make it an excellent choice for organizations that must protect sensitive data and networks from cyber threats.
McAfee Antivirus Is Not Recommended For:
- Mac and iOS users: McAfee has comprehensive features on Windows, but its iOS and Mac features are limited. For example, the App Lock, Guest Mode and Track Data Usage are some features available only for Android apps but not iOS.
- Professionals seeking email security: Users looking to protect their emails from spam or viruses may be disappointed with McAfee because of its lack of security features.
Featured Partners
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TotalAV
$19 for the first year
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Norton Antivirus
$29.99 your first year
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3
Surfshark
$2.49 per month
No
No
What Sets McAfee Antivirus Apart
More than three decades after the launch of its first product, McAfee offers a wide range of products to suit all kinds of requirements and budgets.
McAfee provides these products for your various needs:
- McAfee+ Advanced: This product offers protection and privacy through transaction monitoring, credit monitoring and identity monitoring from $89.99 for the first year. It also has a personal data cleanup to prevent personal information from being sold online.
- McAfee+ Premium: As McAfee’s midrange product, McAfee+ Premium has core features such as antivirus for unlimited devices, secure VPN, full ID theft protection and identity monitoring. Standard pricing starts at $49.99 for the first year.
- McAfee Antivirus Essential: If you’re looking for a basic plan that protects you from ransomware, online viruses and malware, then look no further than McAfee Antivirus. For $39.99 for the first year, this plan covers up to five devices.
- McAfee Safe Connect: This package features McAfee Secure VPN, which offers bank-grade encryption, automatic protection and anonymous browsing. Pricing starts at $39.99 per year for the first year.
- McAfee Mobile: McAfee Mobile Security offers protection for Android and iOS devices. Note that its mobile apps have separate features designed for Apple and Android.
- McAfee PC Optimizer: McAfee PC Optimizer lets you declutter your PC and eliminate unnecessary programs running in the background to reduce speed. You’ll pay $34.99 to speed up your PC for the first year.
- McAfee TechMaster Concierge: As the name suggests, McAfee TechMaster Concierge is a concierge service for all your tech needs. Scan your computer, protect it, install and configure apps and set up and protect connected IoT devices. Prices start at $69.95 for a single device.
McAfee Antivirus Features
Here’s a look at the main features that McAfee offers.
Antivirus Scanner
The Antivirus Scanner has two main types of scans: Real-Time Scanning and On-Demand Scanning. The Real-Time Scanner uses real-time malware detection to identify and block threats in real time as they occur. This means that it can detect infected files and prevent malware infections before they can do any damage to your computer or compromise your personal information.
Meanwhile, On-Demand Scanning can run an on-demand scan on a specific file, folder or software. It’s particularly useful for eliminating files that you suspect to be infected, as well as external storage devices.
Firewalls
Firewalls provide an additional layer of protection for your computer by controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic. It is designed to block unauthorized access to your home network and reduce the risk of malware infection.
VPN
McAfee Safe Connect VPN includes protection for up to five licenses. You can encrypt your data to improve your privacy and access 50 server locations worldwide for better internet speed.
Password Manager
The Password Manager can securely manage your passwords or credit card information, as well as generate complex, unique passwords for each of your accounts. It can also auto-fill your credentials, so you can log in to any account with ease.
Parental Controls
With a family plan, you’re able to monitor and protect your children with parental controls. You can view your child’s device activity and find their location on a live map from your phone or desktop. Based on their needs, you can set age-appropriate rules and time limits. Plus, your child can request extra browsing time or access to blocked websites through the family requests option.
Security
McAfee offers a range of security features designed to protect your computer and personal data from cyber threats. Some notable features include the file shredder, which helps delete sensitive files from your computer, and Individual Protection Score, which offers a metric for your online safety. Other features include antivirus, web protection, firewall and expert online support.
Browser Extensions
McAfee WebAdvisor is a free Windows-only product. It can have anti-phishing and anti-exploit capabilities to keep you safe from malicious links and hackers. With safe browsing, you can identify safe links through a color-coded system. In addition, you can scan downloads to determine potential risks.
Identity Theft Protection
McAfee offers a range of identity theft protection features to help safeguard your personal information. The software monitors your credit report and sends alerts once it detects suspicious activity. If you lose your wallet, McAfee provides support to cancel and replace your credit cards and government-issued identification. In the event of identity theft, you can get in touch with licensed experts to help restore your identity and credit.
McAfee Antivirus Pricing and Plans
| Essential | Premium | Advanced | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pricing
|
$39.99 for the first year (renews at $119.99 per year)
|
$49.99 for the first year (renews at $149.99 per year)
|
$89.99 for the first year (renews at $199.99 per year)
|
|
Number of Devices
|
Five
|
Unlimited
|
Unlimited
|
|
Identity Monitoring
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Password Manager
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Identity Theft Coverage
|
No
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Credit Monitoring
|
No
|
No
|
One bureau
|
|
Security Freeze
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
Parental Controls
|
No
|
Yes, but limited to Family Plan only
|
Yes, but limited to Family Plan only
|
|
Customer Support
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Essential
The McAfee Essential Plan is the most basic antivirus software package, which starts at $39.99 for the first year. You get a password manager, VPN and identity monitoring for up to five devices. Notable security features include a file shredder, web protection, a firewall and an antivirus.
Premium
In addition to everything from the Essential plan, the Premium plan covers unlimited devices. In addition, it features a personal data cleanup to prevent your online identity from being sold online.
Advanced
In addition to everything from the Premium plan, the Advanced plan includes identity theft coverage, credit monitoring, lost wallet protection and identity restoration experts. These features make it an excellent option for individuals who want to minimize risk in case their financial accounts are compromised.
Pricing
McAfee has multiple pricing options—ranging from an individual plan to a family plan. McAfee has no monthly options; you must subscribe for at least one year for any plan. However, as all plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can check any methods you feel would meet your requirements before committing.
McAfee plans are for one, five, 10 or unlimited devices. Check what you need before signing up. The single-device plans provide most of the available security features, so the primary reason to purchase a higher tier is to cover multiple devices.
Customer Service and Support
McAfee offers 24/7 live chat to answer customer inquiries. It also has a customer service portal where users can view helpful videos, read comprehensive articles and contact support.
McAfee Additional Features Worth Noting
McAfee has multiple plans to suit different needs. Still, McAfee Security Scan Plus is a free product that scans your PC to check for possible vulnerabilities and suggests antivirus, firewalls or online protection you need. You can use this product to assess the security needs of your system before making a purchase.
Fine Print
McAfee products work like a charm on Windows and Android, but its iOS and Mac versions have reduced features. For instance, App Lock, Guest Mode and Track Data Usage are features available only for Android apps, not iOS.
The McAfee Scanner may slow down your system, especially for apps needing more space. However, you can schedule scans outside working hours to minimize the impact of this drawback.
McAfee Antivirus Alternatives and How They Compare
| McAfee | Norton | Avira | Avast | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Star Rating
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Introductory Pricing
|
$39.99 for the first year
|
$29.99 per year
|
Free; $26.99 per year
|
Free; $35.88 per year
|
|
Pricing Upon Renewal (per Year)
|
$119.99
|
$59.99
|
$57.99
|
$99.99
|
|
Number of Devices
|
One on basic plan; unlimited on higher-tier plans
|
One device on basic plan; up to 10 devices on premium plan
|
One device on basic plan; up to 25 devices on premium plan
|
Five devices on basic plan; up to 30 devices on premium plan
|
|
VPN
|
Yes
|
Yes (on higher-tier plan)
|
Yes (on higher tier plan)
|
Yes (with paid plans)
|
|
Identity Monitoring
|
Yes
|
Yes (on higher-tier plan)
|
Yes
|
Yes (on higher-tier plan)
|
|
Parental Controls
|
Yes (but limited to Family plans)
|
Yes (on higher-tier plan)
|
No
|
Yes (on family plan)
|
|
Identity Theft Coverage
|
Yes (on higher-tier plans)
|
Yes (on higher-tier plan)
|
Not stated
|
Yes (on higher-tier plans)
|
|
Customer Support
|
Live chat, knowledge base
|
Live chat, knowledge base and phone support
|
Email, chat and phone
|
Phone and knowledge base
|
|
Learn More
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Read Reviews
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Similar to Avira and Avast, McAfee has core features of antivirus software such as a VPN, parental controls, identity monitoring and identity theft coverage. Regarding pricing, McAfee is in the same price range as Avira. Norton is priced significantly lower than any of its competitors. However, most essential features are limited to its higher-tier plans.
McAfee Antivirus vs. Norton
McAfee Antivirus and Norton are popular antivirus software programs offering robust protection against a range of malware, including viruses, spyware, adware and ransomware. Generally, McAfee is more expensive than Norton. However, McAfee offers more value for money because features such as a VPN and identity monitoring are available in its most basic plans. To learn more, read our Norton review.
McAfee Antivirus vs. Avira
Both software programs offer a range of features, including firewall protection, malware protection and a file shredder. Avira focuses more on antivirus protection and provides a virtual private network (VPN) as an additional feature. However, McAfee offers a family plan with features for parents that want to protect their children from inappropriate online apps, behavior and content. While Avira’s premium plans can support up to 25 devices, McAfee’s higher-tier plans can cover unlimited devices.
McAfee Antivirus vs. Avast
McAfee and Avast are solid antivirus software programs, but the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Avast has a free plan that can block viruses, ransomware, malware and spam messages—but its features are limited. While McAfee lacks a free plan, its primary offering has a password manager, web protection and multi-platform compatibility. For more information, check out our Avast review.
Featured Partners
1
TotalAV
$19 for the first year
Yes
Yes
2
Norton Antivirus
$29.99 your first year
Yes
Yes
3
Surfshark
$2.49 per month
No
No
Our Expert Opinion
McAfee may be the right choice if you are looking for an affordable premium plan for all the devices used at home or on your business premises. Other products may get a better ranking or return higher testing scores, but McAfee provides an outstanding balance between features and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is McAfee a good antivirus?
McAfee is a premium antivirus that detects malware in real time and keeps your devices safe from online threats. It offers unlimited plans for when you have many devices at home or the office. McAfee antivirus is available for Windows, Android, iOS and Mac systems.
How much is McAfee per month?
McAfee does not have monthly plans. It offers only yearly plans. If you subscribe to two-year plans, you get good discounts.
Which is better: McAfee or Norton?
Both McAfee and Norton offer excellent antivirus software with comparable success rates when it comes to blocking malware and protecting users from dangerous websites. Norton advertises better scan speeds and features a strong dark web monitoring system while McAfee appears more user-friendly and better designed for businesses.
Will McAfee slow down my computer?
Active McAfee virus scans may slow down the computer. If you feel that the computer’s overall speed has gone down since you installed McAfee, this might be because your configuration is on “Automatic Scans.” If you disable this and set scanning schedules for periods when you are not actively using the machine, you will not notice a drop in performance.
