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Antivirus Software review
Mc

McAfee review

Best for households

Long-running consumer suite with identity monitoring and scam-protection tools. Households that want one suite covering several people's devices with identity monitoring included. We rank it #3 of 10 in our antivirus software comparison, with an editorial score of 8.8 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
8.8/10
Our editorial score

McAfee scores well on Protection features and Extras & value transparency for features, with web protection, a VPN, identity monitoring and scam-protection tools on its plans. It is routinely included in lab tests under Independent testing presence. It scores lower on Performance impact & ease of use because of frequent prompts and a busier interface.

How we score antivirus software

Visit site (McAfee, opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#3 of 10
Best forBest for households
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
Extras (varies by plan)VPN, identity monitoring, scam protection on some plans; check plan
Facts checkedNot yet verified

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the McAfee site. See the McAfee company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

McAfee is one of the oldest names in consumer security and is often preinstalled on new Windows PCs as a trial. Its current plans combine malware and web protection with a VPN, identity monitoring and tools aimed at spotting scam texts, emails and websites, with apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.

Higher plans add more identity features and can cover more household members. McAfee is regularly included in independent lab tests; check AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives for current results.

If McAfee came preinstalled as a trial, check whether it will convert to a paid plan, and compare plans before you renew.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Broad suite for the whole household
  • Identity and scam-protection features
  • Apps on all major platforms
  • Routinely tested by independent labs

Cons

  • Busier interface with frequent prompts
  • Preinstalled trials can be confusing
  • Renewal price is usually higher than the first term

Key features

  • Malware and web protection
  • VPN included on many plans
  • Identity monitoring features
  • Scam-detection tools on some plans

Who McAfee is for

A good fit if

Households that want one suite covering several people's devices with identity monitoring included.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone who wants the quietest, lightest antivirus.

How we scored McAfee

McAfee scores well on Protection features and Extras & value transparency for features, with web protection, a VPN, identity monitoring and scam-protection tools on its plans. It is routinely included in lab tests under Independent testing presence. It scores lower on Performance impact & ease of use because of frequent prompts and a busier interface.

Our antivirus software score weighs protection features (30%), independent testing presence (20%), extras & value transparency (20%), performance impact & ease of use (15%), privacy & trust (15%). See the methodology.

McAfee alternatives

  1. #1
    Bitdefender logo

    Bitdefender

    Best overall

    Strong, lightweight protection with a regular presence in independent lab tests.

    • Real-time malware, web and ransomware protection
    • Apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
    • VPN and password manager on some plans
    • Free antivirus edition for Windows
    9.4/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Bitdefender, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #2
    Norton 360 logo

    Norton 360

    Best for identity protection

    Feature-packed security suite with identity monitoring options for US customers.

    • Real-time malware, web protection and firewall
    • VPN and password manager on most plans
    • Dark web monitoring; LifeLock features on some US plans
    • Parental controls and cloud backup (Windows) on some plans
    9.2/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Norton 360, opens in a new tab) Read review
  3. #4
    Malwarebytes logo

    Malwarebytes

    Best for malware cleanup

    Well-known malware cleanup tools, with paid real-time protection, a VPN and identity plans.

    • Free malware scan and cleanup
    • Real-time antivirus and web protection on paid plans
    • Browser Guard ad and scam blocker (free)
    • VPN and identity protection on higher tiers
    8.6/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Malwarebytes, opens in a new tab) Read review

Head-to-head

See all 10 antivirus suites compared

McAfee FAQ

Is the McAfee trial on my new PC enough?

A preinstalled McAfee trial gives full protection for a limited period, then asks you to subscribe. Decide before it ends whether to pay, switch to another product, or rely on Windows' built-in Microsoft Defender.

Does McAfee include a VPN?

Many McAfee plans include a VPN. Check the current plan comparison for what is included and any limits.

McAfee or Norton?

Both are full suites with identity features. In our editorial scoring Norton edges ahead on extras and ease of use; see our Norton vs McAfee comparison for details.

Sources and fact check

We have not yet been able to check every detail on this page against McAfee's own website, so details are described in general terms. Confirm them on the provider's site.