What Is McAfee Antivirus?
McAfee, developed by the leading cybersecurity firm of the same name, is robust security software that shields computers and devices from malware, viruses, spyware, and diverse online dangers. This antivirus package offers features like identity monitoring, password management, a fire shredder, and firewall protection. It accommodates individuals and families with different plans. Forbes Advisor acknowledges McAfee as a top-notch antivirus solution thanks to its wide range of features.
How McAfee Antivirus Works
Installing McAfee Antivirus is a breeze. Just download the software’s install helper tool, log into your account, and then follow the steps to get the software up and running.
To install McAfee Antivirus, follow these three simple steps:
- Download the McAfee Software Install Helper tool and launch it.
- Sign in to your McAfee account. From there, you can handle your subscriptions, auto-renewal settings, downloads, and connected devices all in one place.
- Begin the download and installation process. Ensure you agree to the license terms and adhere to the instructions provided. Depending on your device and internet speed, the installation could take around 15 minutes or more.
SiSu Crypto’s review of McAfee antivirus software
We believe McAfee is an excellent option for those seeking cost-effective antivirus software that provides real-time malware detection across all devices. Alongside the usual features present in most antivirus programs—such as firewalls, Wi-Fi security, password management, and PC optimization—McAfee offers extra functionalities. These encompass document shredders, PC cleaning tools, identity protection, and virtual private networks (VPNs).
Pros
- Accessible on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
- Incorporates identity protection in every plan.
- Offers real-time malware detection.
- Provides a complimentary 30-day trial.
Cons
- Limited features on Mac and iOS
- Absence of a free plan
- Lacks email security
Is McAfee Antivirus Right for Me?
McAfee Antivirus suits:
- Individuals and families: Offering user-friendly plans for individuals and families, McAfee safeguards devices effectively. While its basic plan covers one device, premium options cater to unlimited devices.
- Businesses: McAfee’s enterprise-level security shields multiple network devices. With robust features like data encryption, web filtering, and advanced threat detection, it’s ideal for organizations to secure sensitive data and networks.
McAfee Antivirus isn’t recommended for:
- Mac and iOS users: While McAfee excels on Windows, its features are limited on Mac and iOS. Notably, features like App Lock, Guest Mode, and Track Data Usage are exclusive to Android, not iOS.
- Professionals seeking email security: McAfee lacks specific email security features, which might disappoint users seeking protection against spam or viruses in their emails.
What Sets McAfee Antivirus Apart
Even after more than thirty years since its initial product launch, McAfee now offers a diverse array of products tailored to meet various needs and budgets.
Here are McAfee’s product offerings for your different requirements:
- McAfee+ Advanced: Priced from $79.99 for the first year, this product provides protection and privacy through transaction, credit, and identity monitoring. It also includes personal data cleanup to prevent online personal information sales.
- McAfee Total Protection: As the flagship product, it offers antivirus for unlimited devices, secure VPN, full ID theft protection, and identity monitoring. Starting at $79.99 for the first year, it covers unlimited devices.
- McAfee Antivirus Essential: For basic protection against ransomware, online viruses, and malware for up to five devices, this plan costs $39.99 for the first year.
- McAfee Safe Connect: Starting at $39.99 per year for the first year, this package includes McAfee Secure VPN, offering bank-grade encryption, automatic protection, and anonymous browsing.
- McAfee Mobile: Protecting Android and iOS devices, the mobile apps offer distinct features designed for Apple and Android separately.
- McAfee’s Identity Protection Service begins at $89.99 annually for a single device and covers a one-time incident. It grants access to experts for identity restoration and includes support for lost wallets containing stolen IDs, credit cards, and debit cards.
- McAfee PC Optimizer: Priced at $34.99 for the first year, this optimizer helps declutter PCs and eliminate unnecessary background programs to improve speed.
- McAfee TechMaster Concierge: Starting at $69.95 for a single device, this service offers comprehensive tech assistance, including scanning, protection, app installation and configuration, and IoT device setup and protection.
McAfee Antivirus Features
Let’s explore the primary features provided by McAfee.
Antivirus Scanner
The Antivirus Scanner features two primary scan types: Real-Time Scanning and On-Demand Scanning. Real-Time Scanning actively detects and blocks threats in real-time as they emerge, halting infected files and averting potential damage or compromise to your computer or personal data.
On the other hand, On-Demand Scanning allows for targeted scans on specific files, folders, or software. It’s especially handy for removing suspected infected files and checking external storage devices.
Firewalls
Firewalls offer extra defense for your computer by managing both incoming and outgoing network traffic. They’re created to restrict unauthorized access to your home network and lower the chances of malware infiltration.
VPN
McAfee Safe Connect VPN safeguards up to five licenses. It encrypts your data to enhance privacy and grants access to 50 server locations globally, boosting internet speed.
Password Manager
The Password Manager securely handles your passwords and credit card details. It can create intricate, unique passwords for each account and automatically fill in your credentials for easy account access.
Parental Controls
Through the family plan, you can oversee and safeguard your children using parental controls. You have the ability to monitor your child’s device activity and track their location on a live map via your phone or desktop. Tailoring rules and time limits according to their age is possible. Additionally, your child can request more browsing time or access blocked websites using the family requests feature.
Security
McAfee provides various security features aimed at safeguarding your computer and personal data from cyber threats. Standout functionalities include the file shredder for securely deleting sensitive files and the Individual Protection Score, offering a metric for your online safety. Additionally, it offers antivirus, web protection, firewall, and expert online support among its array of features.
Browser Extensions
McAfee WebAdvisor is a free product available exclusively for Windows. It includes anti-phishing and anti-exploit capabilities, safeguarding you from malicious links and hackers. It employs safe browsing, using a color-coded system to highlight safe links. Moreover, it scans downloads to identify potential risks.
Identity Theft Protection
McAfee provides various identity theft protection features to secure your personal information. The software monitors your credit report and sends alerts when it detects suspicious activity. If your wallet is lost, McAfee assists in canceling and replacing your credit cards and government-issued IDs. In case of identity theft, licensed experts are available to aid in restoring 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) | $44.99 for the first year (renews at $149.99 per year) | $79.99 for the first year (renews at $199.99 per year) |
| Identity Monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Devices | Five | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Password Manager | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit Monitoring | No | No | One bureau |
| Identity Theft Coverage | No | No | Yes |
| 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
McAfee’s Essential Plan stands as the fundamental antivirus software package, beginning at $39.99 for the initial year. It covers a password manager, VPN, and identity monitoring for up to five devices. Key security features encompass a file shredder, web protection, firewall, and antivirus.
Premium
Beyond the Essential plan offerings, the Premium plan extends coverage to unlimited devices. It also includes a personal data cleanup feature aimed at preventing the sale of your online identity.
Advanced
Building upon the Premium plan, the Advanced plan incorporates identity theft coverage, credit monitoring, lost wallet protection, and access to identity restoration experts. These attributes render it an excellent choice for individuals seeking to mitigate risks in the event of compromised financial accounts.
Pricing
McAfee offers various pricing options, spanning from individual plans to family plans. All subscriptions require a minimum one-year commitment as there are no monthly options available. However, with a 30-day money-back guarantee across all plans, you can explore which best fits your needs before committing.
McAfee plans to cater to one, five, 10, or an unlimited number of devices, so it’s essential to assess your requirements before signing up. Single-device plans offer most security features, making the upgrade to higher tiers primarily for covering multiple devices.
Customer Service and Support
McAfee provides round-the-clock live chat support for addressing customer inquiries. Additionally, it hosts a customer service portal featuring informative videos, extensive articles, and a support contact option for users.
McAfee Additional Features Worth Noting
McAfee offers various plans to accommodate diverse needs. However, McAfee Security Scan Plus is a free tool that scans your PC, identifying potential vulnerabilities and recommending necessary antivirus, firewall, or online protection measures. It’s a helpful tool to evaluate your system’s security requirements before making a purchase.
Fine Print
McAfee functions seamlessly on Windows and Android platforms, but its features are somewhat limited on iOS and Mac. Notably, features like App Lock, Guest Mode, and Track Data Usage are exclusive to Android apps, and not available on iOS.
The McAfee Scanner might impact system speed, particularly for resource-intensive applications. However, scheduling scans during non-active hours can help mitigate this issue’s impact.
McAfee Antivirus Alternatives and How They Compare
Like Avira and Avast, McAfee offers essential antivirus features like a VPN, parental controls, identity monitoring, and theft coverage. It’s priced similarly to Avira. Norton, on the other hand, is notably more affordable than its rivals. However, its basic features are mostly available in the higher-tier subscription plans.
[wptb id=17922]McAfee Antivirus vs. Norton
McAfee Antivirus and Norton are well-known antivirus software programs that provide a strong defense against various types of malware, like viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware. Usually, McAfee comes with a higher price tag compared to Norton. However, McAfee’s basic plans offer more bang for the buck due to features like a VPN and identity monitoring being included.
McAfee Antivirus vs. Avira
Each software provides a set of functionalities like firewall shielding, malware defense, and a file shredder. Avira prioritizes antivirus protection and adds a virtual private network (VPN) as an extra perk. In contrast, McAfee introduces a family plan catering to parents seeking to safeguard their kids from unsuitable online apps, behavior, and content. Avira’s premium packages can accommodate up to 25 devices, whereas McAfee’s top-tier plans extend coverage to an unlimited number of devices.
McAfee Antivirus vs. Avast
McAfee and Avast both stand as reliable antivirus software, yet the ideal pick hinges on your particular requirements and likings. Avast offers a free plan capable of blocking viruses, ransomware, malware, and spam—but its functionalities are restricted. On the other hand, while McAfee doesn’t have a free option, its main package includes a password manager, web protection, and compatibility across multiple platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is McAfee a good antivirus?
McAfee stands as a top-tier antivirus, identifying malware in real-time to ensure your devices remain secure from online dangers. It provides unlimited plans suitable for multiple devices used either at home or in the office. McAfee antivirus is compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac operating systems.
Will McAfee slow down my computer?
Running active McAfee virus scans could potentially cause a slowdown in your computer’s performance. If you’ve observed a decrease in speed since installing McAfee, it might be due to the default setting of “Automatic Scans.” Disabling this and scheduling scans for times when the computer isn’t in active use can help maintain performance without noticeable slowdowns.
How much is McAfee per month?
McAfee solely provides yearly subscription options and doesn’t offer monthly plans. Opting for two-year plans unlocks significant discounts for subscribers.
Which is better: McAfee or Norton?
McAfee and Norton both provide top-notch antivirus software, boasting similar success rates in thwarting malware and safeguarding users from risky websites. Norton highlights faster scan speeds and boasts a robust dark web monitoring system, while McAfee stands out for its user-friendly interface and seems better tailored for business purposes.
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