
McAfee has been around for a long time, but don’t think that means they’re out of touch. Their antivirus software is constantly improving to tackle new cybersecurity threats. They’ve kept up with the times and continue to offer solid protection.
These days, McAfee provides a full range of digital security features. Along with strong antivirus protection, you get identity theft protection, a VPN, and other useful tools to keep your devices and data safe.
So, should you trust McAfee to protect your devices? In this review, we’ll go over what McAfee offers, including its strengths and weaknesses. While it might not be perfect, it’s definitely worth considering. Here’s a quick look at what you get with McAfee.
Pros
- Strong virus and malware protection
- User-friendly
- Includes VPN, firewall, and identity protection
- Regular updates
- Compatible with multiple devices
Cons
- Can slow down your system during scans
- Premium versions can be pricey
- Pop-up notifications can be annoying
- Customer support can be inconsistent
- Might be a bit complex for beginners
History and Background of McAfee
McAfee has been a key player in the cybersecurity industry for over three decades. It all started in 1987 when John McAfee founded the company. Back then, computer viruses were just beginning to emerge as a threat, and McAfee’s antivirus software was among the first to tackle this problem. Over the years, McAfee has seen a lot of changes, including being acquired by Intel in 2011. This partnership aimed to integrate security more deeply into hardware. In 2017, McAfee became an independent company again, which allowed it to focus more on innovative solutions. Today, McAfee continues to adapt and grow, constantly improving its products to keep up with new digital threats.
How Much Does McAfee AntiVirus Cost?
Subscription Plans and Pricing Options
Plan | Features Included | Cost per year |
McAfee Total Protection | - Antivirus, anti-malware, and ransomware protection - Identity theft protection - Secure VPN - Password manager - Safe web browsing - Multi-device compatibility (up to 10 devices) | $34.99 - $89.99 |
McAfee LiveSafe | - All features of Total Protection - Secure cloud storage - Cross-device protection | $39.99 - $99.99 |
McAfee+ | - Enhanced identity monitoring - Personal data cleanup - Unlimited device protection | $49.99 - $119.99 |
McAfee offers various subscription plans to cater to different needs and budgets. The prices can vary based on promotional discounts and the number of devices covered.
Exploring the McAfee Product Lineup
Overview of McAfee Products
McAfee has a range of products designed to meet different security needs, from basic antivirus to complete security suites. Each product offers various features to protect you and your devices.
Detailed Look at McAfee Total Protection
McAfee Total Protection is a popular choice for many users. It includes:
- Antivirus, anti-malware, and ransomware protection: Keeps your devices safe from harmful software.
- Identity theft protection: Alerts you if your personal information is at risk.
- Secure VPN: Makes your internet connection private and secure.
- Password manager: Helps you store and manage your passwords safely.
- Safe web browsing: Warns you about dangerous websites.
- Multi-device compatibility: Protects up to 10 devices, great for families.
Features of McAfee LiveSafe
McAfee LiveSafe offers everything in Total Protection, plus:
- Secure cloud storage: Keeps your important files safe online.
- Cross-device protection: Covers all your devices, including smartphones, tablets, and PCs, with no limit on the number of devices.
What McAfee+ Has to Offer
McAfee+ is for those who need the best protection. It includes:
- Enhanced identity monitoring: Watches more of your personal info and alerts you to threats.
- Personal data cleanup: Helps remove your info from risky websites.
- Unlimited device protection: Protects all your devices, with no limits.
- Advanced privacy protection: Extra tools to keep your online activities private.
McAfee’s products ensure that there’s something for everyone, whether you need basic protection or comprehensive security for all your devices.
Key Features of McAfee AntiVirus
Feature | Description |
Understanding Real-Time Protection | Continuously monitors your devices for viruses, malware, and other threats, stopping them before they can cause harm. |
Scanning Options | Offers full, quick, custom, and scheduled scans to fit your needs and ensure thorough protection. |
How the McAfee Firewall Keeps You Safe | Provides a robust firewall to block unauthorized access to your network and keep your data safe. |
Managing Your Passwords with True Key | Helps you securely manage and store your passwords, making it easier to log in to your accounts. |
Using the McAfee VPN | Encrypts your internet connection to protect your privacy and keep your online activities secure. |
Protecting Your Identity with McAfee | Monitors and alerts you if your personal information is at risk, helping prevent identity theft. |
Mobile Protection: Keeping Your Devices Secure | Protects your smartphones and tablets from malware and other threats, ensuring all your devices are secure. |
Additional Features to Enhance Security
McAfee offers several additional features that go beyond basic antivirus protection, enhancing your overall digital security.
Removing Trackers with McAfee
McAfee includes tools to remove trackers that follow your online activities. These trackers can be used by advertisers and other entities to monitor your behavior and gather data. By removing these trackers, McAfee helps maintain your privacy and keeps your online activities more secure.
Using the File Shredder for Extra Security
McAfee’s File Shredder tool allows you to permanently delete sensitive files from your computer. Unlike regular deletion, which can leave data recoverable, the File Shredder ensures that your files are completely destroyed, protecting your confidential information from unauthorized access.
Staying Safe Online with McAfee WebAdvisor
McAfee WebAdvisor helps you navigate the web safely. It warns you about risky websites, helps prevent phishing attacks, and keeps you informed about the safety of the sites you visit. This feature is particularly useful for avoiding malware and other online threats.
Parental Controls: Keeping Your Kids Safe Online
McAfee offers robust parental controls to help you manage your children’s online activities. You can set limits on screen time, block inappropriate websites, and monitor their internet usage. These controls provide peace of mind by ensuring that your kids are safe while browsing the internet.
How Well Does McAfee Detect Malware?
In recent independent lab tests conducted by AV-Comparatives and AV-Test, McAfee demonstrated impressive detection rates. For instance, in AV-Test’s latest evaluations, McAfee scored a 100% detection rate for widespread and prevalent malware, and a 98.9% detection rate for zero-day malware attacks. These high scores highlight McAfee’s ability to protect against a broad spectrum of malware threats effectively.
McAfee also uses a Global Threat Intelligence network, which collects data from millions of users worldwide to identify new threats rapidly. This network enables McAfee to update its threat database quickly, ensuring that users are protected against emerging threats in real-time.
Furthermore, McAfee’s Threat Intelligence Exchange (TIE) feature allows for seamless sharing of threat data across multiple devices and networks, enhancing the overall detection and response time. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses that require coordinated security measures across various endpoints.
How Does McAfee Protect Against Phishing?
McAfee protects against phishing with a combination of advanced tools designed to keep your personal information safe from deceptive websites and emails. One of the key features is McAfee’s WebAdvisor tool, which works in real-time to warn you about dangerous websites. This helps you avoid phishing sites that try to trick you into giving away your passwords and other personal details.
McAfee also has a strong anti-phishing email filter. It scans your incoming emails for signs of phishing, such as suspicious links and fake sender addresses, and blocks these dangerous messages before they reach your inbox. This makes it much harder for cybercriminals to trick you via email.
Independent tests have shown that McAfee is very effective at stopping phishing attempts. For instance, recent tests by AV-Comparatives found that McAfee blocked over 99% of phishing URLs. This high success rate shows that McAfee is one of the best at protecting you from phishing threats, giving you peace of mind while browsing and checking emails.
How Does McAfee Protect Against Ransomware?
McAfee offers strong protection against ransomware, using multiple layers of defense to keep your files safe from this growing threat. One of the main features is its real-time monitoring system, which continuously scans for suspicious behavior that might indicate a ransomware attack. If it detects any unusual activity, such as attempts to encrypt your files, it immediately takes action to block the threat.
McAfee also includes a feature called Ransom Guard, specifically designed to protect against ransomware. Ransom Guard monitors for changes in your files and can roll back any modifications made by ransomware, effectively undoing the damage. This helps to ensure that your important data remains accessible and unaltered.
In addition to these proactive measures, McAfee regularly updates its threat database to recognize the latest ransomware variants. This ensures that even new and emerging threats are identified and neutralized quickly.
How Does McAfee Impact System Performance?
McAfee can have some impact on system performance, especially during full system scans which are resource-intensive. Users might notice a slowdown during these scans, as they use significant CPU and memory. However, quick scans are less demanding and usually don’t affect performance much.
McAfee has optimized its software to reduce the impact on system performance. Features like background scanning and scheduled scans help minimize disruptions by running scans when the device is not in active use. Independent tests, like those from AV-Test, show that McAfee generally manages to offer strong protection without significantly slowing down systems, though the impact can vary based on your specific hardware and setup.
User Experience with McAfee
Navigating the Interface and Usability
McAfee’s interface is simple and easy to use, making it accessible for all users. The main dashboard is clear, allowing quick access to key functions like scanning and security settings without being cluttered or confusing.
Compatibility Across Different Devices
McAfee works well on a range of devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. This means you can protect multiple devices under one subscription, whether it’s a PC, smartphone, or tablet.
Exploring the McAfee Desktop App
The McAfee Desktop App offers various security tools such as real-time scanning and firewall management. It is functional and provides necessary alerts and updates without being too intrusive, ensuring that your system is protected with minimal disruption.
Using the McAfee Mobile App
The McAfee Mobile App includes essential security features like malware scanning and safe browsing. It is designed to run smoothly on smartphones and tablets without slowing them down, offering basic protection while you are on the go. The app is straightforward, making it easy to use for everyone.
Independent Lab Test Performance
When it comes to independent lab tests, McAfee consistently shows strong results. Organizations like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives regularly evaluate antivirus programs based on several criteria, including malware detection, performance impact, and usability.
AV-Test Results
In recent AV-Test evaluations, McAfee achieved a perfect score of 6 out of 6 in protection, indicating it successfully blocked all widespread and zero-day malware threats during testing. The usability score was also high, with McAfee receiving 6 out of 6, meaning it produced very few false positives, so it doesn’t mistakenly flag legitimate software as malicious. For performance, McAfee scored 5.5 out of 6, demonstrating a slight impact on system speed, particularly during full scans, but still maintaining a relatively smooth user experience.
AV-Comparatives Results
AV-Comparatives also rates McAfee highly. In their Real-World Protection Test, McAfee consistently ranks among the top performers with a protection rate of over 99%. This test simulates real-world scenarios, exposing the antivirus to a variety of threats over a period of several months. McAfee’s high protection rate indicates its effectiveness in dealing with both known and emerging threats.
Performance Impact
While McAfee is strong in protection, it’s important to note its impact on system performance. In the AV-Comparatives Performance Test, McAfee showed a moderate impact, particularly noticeable during activities like file copying and installing applications. However, during everyday use, such as browsing the web or launching applications, the performance impact was minimal.
Usability
McAfee also scores well in terms of usability. Both AV-Test and AV-Comparatives have found that McAfee has a low rate of false positives, which means it’s less likely to incorrectly flag safe files as dangerous. This is crucial for maintaining a smooth and frustration-free user experience.
Overall, the results from these independent lab tests affirm that McAfee provides reliable and effective protection against a wide range of cyber threats. It balances strong security features with reasonable performance impact, making it a solid choice for users looking for comprehensive antivirus software.
Comparison with Other Top Antivirus Programs
Let’s compare McAfee with some of the other top antivirus programs out there, like Norton, Bitdefender, and Kaspersky. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so it really depends on what you need.
McAfee
McAfee is known for its solid malware detection. It catches most threats pretty effectively, but you might notice your computer slowing down a bit during those full scans. On the bright side, McAfee offers 24/7 live chat and phone support, which is great if you need help quickly. They also have a bunch of online resources if you prefer to troubleshoot on your own. The pricing is pretty competitive, and they have several plans to choose from. Plus, you get extras like identity theft protection, a VPN, a file shredder, and WebAdvisor. The interface is easy to use, which is a big plus, and it works across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Norton
Norton is another big name in antivirus protection. It’s known for excellent malware detection and usually leads in independent tests. What’s nice about Norton is that it has minimal impact on your system performance, so you won’t notice your computer slowing down much. They also have 24/7 live chat and phone support, which users love. Norton’s pricing is a bit higher, but it comes with premium features like identity theft protection, a VPN, and cloud backup. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a good option for all users. It supports all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Bitdefender
Bitdefender is another top choice, especially good at detecting zero-day threats. It’s very efficient and has a low impact on system performance, which means your computer runs smoothly even during scans. Their support includes email and 24/7 live chat, and they have a comprehensive FAQ section for self-help. Bitdefender’s pricing is competitive and offers good value for the features you get. You also get a VPN, parental controls, and a secure browser. The interface is sleek and modern, making it user-friendly. Like McAfee and Norton, it supports Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Kaspersky
Lastly, there’s Kaspersky, which consistently scores high in malware detection tests. It’s generally efficient, though some users might notice a bit of a slowdown during scans. Kaspersky offers 24/7 phone and live chat support and has a lot of helpful online resources. The pricing is competitive, and they often have discounts available. You get a VPN, parental controls, and secure online transactions as part of the package. The interface is straightforward and easy for beginners to use. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Getting Started with McAfee AntiVirus
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Step 1: Buy McAfee from their official website or a trusted retailer. Download the installer from the provided link.
Step 2: Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to start the installation process.
Step 3: Read and accept the license agreement.
Step 4: Follow the prompts to select the installation location and any additional options.
Step 5: Complete the installation and restart your computer if prompted.
Step 6: Enter the activation code received with your purchase to activate McAfee and access all its features.
Setting Up McAfee for the First Time
Step 1: Open the McAfee application after installation.
Step 2: Run an initial full system scan to check for any existing threats.
Step 3: Ensure the virus definitions are up-to-date. McAfee usually updates automatically, but you can manually check for updates.
Step 4: Customize the security settings to fit your preferences, including scheduled scans and real-time protection.
Step 5: Enable additional features like the firewall, WebAdvisor, and identity protection as needed.
Customer Support
Evaluating McAfee’s Customer Support Services
McAfee offers several customer support options:
- A comprehensive support section on their website with FAQs, user guides, and troubleshooting tips.
- 24/7 live chat support for immediate assistance with technical issues or questions.
- Toll-free phone support available for more complex issues that require direct communication.
- A user community where you can ask questions and get answers from other McAfee users and experts.
Users have reported mixed experiences with McAfee’s customer support. Some find the service responsive and helpful, while others have experienced delays or difficulties in getting their issues resolved quickly. It’s a good idea to explore all available support channels to find the one that best suits your needs.
FAQ Section
Is McAfee a good antivirus program?
Yes, McAfee is a reputable antivirus program known for its comprehensive protection against various online threats, including viruses, malware, and phishing attacks. It consistently performs well in independent lab tests and offers a range of features to enhance your digital security.
Is Norton Antivirus better than McAfee?
Both Norton and McAfee are top antivirus programs with strong protection capabilities. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference and specific needs. Norton is praised for its performance and customer support, while McAfee is known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of features.
How to claim a McAfee subscription refund?
To claim a refund for your McAfee subscription, you need to contact McAfee’s customer support. This can be done through their website via live chat or phone. Make sure to have your order details handy, as you’ll need to provide them to process the refund.
What is the difference between McAfee LiveSafe and Total Protection?
McAfee LiveSafe and Total Protection offer similar features, including antivirus protection, identity theft protection, and a secure VPN. The main difference is that LiveSafe includes secure cloud storage and cross-device protection without a device limit, making it ideal for users with multiple devices.
What are the disadvantages of McAfee Total Protection?
Some disadvantages of McAfee Total Protection include potential system slowdowns during full scans, relatively high cost for premium versions, occasional intrusive pop-up notifications, and mixed experiences with customer support.
Do I need to buy McAfee every year?
Yes, McAfee operates on a subscription model, which typically requires annual renewal. This ensures that your software stays up-to-date with the latest security features and virus definitions.
Does McAfee actually stop viruses?
Yes, McAfee effectively stops viruses and other malware. It uses real-time scanning, heuristic analysis, and a global threat intelligence network to detect and block threats before they can harm your device. Independent lab tests regularly confirm McAfee’s strong performance in virus detection and removal.
For a comprehensive comparison of McAfee and other leading antivirus programs, check out our Best Antivirus article. Discover which antivirus solution best fits your needs and offers the highest level of protection.