The Best McAfee Alternatives 2024
Alternatives to McAfee should include excellent protection scores, robust features, and fit inside your budget.
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Last updated Oct 31, 2024
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Best for families
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Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Bitdefender's website
Bitdefender
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Slow scans compared to other options
Super reliable antivirus software with a non-intrusive free version
Slow scans compared to other options
View More
Best security suite
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Best for budgets
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McAfee has been on the antivirus scene for a long time, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right antivirus for you. While we think it has some great features for families, some alternatives may better suit your needs.
Bitdefender offers advanced security features, including parental controls, at an affordable price. Norton 360 includes various features that make it attractive to someone looking for the whole package. Avast includes advanced features on its free tier, with even more features on its reasonably priced higher tiers.
Antivirus software is essential, no matter what you’re looking for. Check out these options — we think you’ll like them.
In this article
The best McAfee alternativesHow we tested the best McAfee alternatives
Bitdefender: Best for families
Norton 360: Best security suite
Avast: Best for budgets
FAQs
Bottom line: The best McAfee alternatives
The best McAfee alternatives
- Bitdefender: Best for families
- Norton 360: Best security suite
- Avast: Best for budgets
Top 3 McAfee alternatives compared
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| Star rating | ||||
| Starting price | $39.99/first 2 yrs | $29.99/yr (first year only) | $29.99/first yr | $35.88/first yr |
| Max number of protected devices | Up to Unlimited | Up to 10 | Up to 10 | Up to 30 |
| EICAR test results | 3/3 | 3/3 | 3/3 | 3/3 |
| Malware scans | Manual and scheduled | Manual and real-time | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled |
| Real-time protection | ||||
| Firewall | ||||
| Phishing protection | ||||
| Ransomware protection | ||||
| VPN | ||||
| Parental controls | ||||
| Password manager | ||||
| 24/7 customer support | ||||
| Extras | Identity theft protection, data removal services | Identity theft protection, vulnerability scan, crypto-mining protection, social media protection, webcam protection | Identity theft protection, dark web monitoring, cloud backup, software updater | Webcam protection, driver updater, tracker blocker, privacy assistant |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, ChromeOS | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS |
| Learn more | Get McAfee | Get Bitdefender | Get Norton 360 | Get Avast |
How we tested the best McAfee alternatives
How we test and rate antivirus software
We use our proprietary grading rubric in all of our testing, which considers ease-of-use, third-party testing scores, internal testing scores, price, compatibility, and features offered, among other metrics.
This means that our testing process is designed to ensure that the product isn't too confusing, protects as it claims, and offers you a lot for a reasonable price. We download and run each program on our own computers on home networks, just like you would. Our ratings reflect the real-world performance of the antivirus product. This ensures that we can recreate a similar experience for you and give our best advice on whether or not it's worthwhile.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full antivirus testing methodology here.
What to look for in an antivirus
Different antivirus companies inundate you with confusing terms and language. The essentials of a good antivirus include protection that works and features that make using it seamless.
When deciding on which antivirus to choose, consider the following features:
- Real-time protection
- Ransomware protection
- Manual and scheduled scans
- High protection scores
- Broad compatibility across multiple devices
- Additional security features like an ad blocker, virtual private network (VPN), password manager, parental controls, etc.
Third-party testing scores
Third-party testing is essential to ensure software delivers on its promises. The testing looks for new and emerging threats as well as older and sneakier ones. The effectiveness of these tests measures how the antivirus protects you. We evaluate a product using AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs scores. We also perform our own EICAR testing.
EICAR provides sample downloads in three categories that mimic potentially harmful software to help you determine how effective your antivirus is at blocking:
Bitdefender: Best for families
Bitdefender
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Super reliable antivirus software with a non-intrusive free version
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Simple yet powerful interface tools
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Perfect protection score in third-party tests
- Slow scans compared to other options
Who it’s best for
- Bitdefender's paid tiers include parental controls, along with other premium features like social media protection, a virtual private network (VPN), a password manager, and webcam protection, so it’s great for families.
Bitdefender includes parental controls to help keep kids safer online. Additional features like a VPN can keep the whole family from getting hacked on shared Wi-Fi, and webcam protection means no one will spy on your children without their knowledge. Overall, Bitdefender offers comparable features to Norton but at a more affordable price.
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What we liked
Bitdefender always receives consistently high scores in third-party testing and uses real-time protection to evaluate and guard against computer viruses, Trojans, and malware. Families will love social media protection to evaluate potential issues through online platforms.
Other premium security features include:
- Parental controls
- A VPN (Bitdefender VPN)
- A password manager (Bitdefender password manager)
- Identity theft protection (Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection)
A VPN keeps everyone secure online, especially gamers. The safe online banking feature protects family finances.
What we didn’t like
Like many antivirus services, including McAfee, the macOS version leaves something to be desired. Even though the Mac version has fewer features, Apple users still have to pay the same price as Windows users, who get everything.
Test results
| Bitdefender | |
| AV-TEST Windows score | 17.5/18 |
| AV-TEST macOS score | 18/18 |
| AV-TEST Android score | 18/18 |
| AV-Comparatives malware protection score | 99.92% |
| SE Labs results | 100% |
| EICAR score | 3/3 |
| Learn more | Get Bitdefender |
Norton 360: Best security suite
Norton 360 Antivirus
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Excellent protection against malware, ransomware, and hacking with perfect test results
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Full security suite available to protect every aspect of your digital life
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Protect with confidence thanks to their 100% virus removal guarantee
Who it’s best for
- Norton 360 includes cloud backup, a VPN, identity theft protection, and more.
Norton ensures you have broad protection, whether it’s antivirus, network, or identity protection. If you’re someone who wants an antivirus with a lot of features, Norton is the way to go.
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What we liked
Norton boasts high protection scores and has won multiple awards. Its security suite protects against a wide range of security issues. In addition to cloud storage and other useful tools, it includes:
- A VPN (Norton Secure VPN)
- A password manager (Norton password manager)
- Identity theft protection (LifeLock)
- Parental controls (Norton Family)
We think Norton 360 is an excellent choice for anyone who wants various features and functions. Norton 360’s highest tier offers the most, but even the lowest tier comes with cloud storage and a password manager.
What we didn’t like
Our issue with Norton is always the same: it’s expensive. Its many features don’t come with a small price tag. Norton’s first-year pricing has the potential to increase, sometimes almost double, making it even more expensive for recurring customers.
Test results
| Norton 360 | |
| AV-TEST Windows score | 17.5/18 |
| AV-TEST macOS score | 18/18 |
| AV-TEST Android score | 18/18 |
| AV-Comparatives malware protection score | 99.97% |
| SE Labs results | 99% |
| EICAR score | 3/3 |
| Learn more | Get Norton 360 |
Avast: Best for budgets
Avast
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Perfect third-party test results, verifying comprehensive antivirus, ransomware, and malware protection
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Includes advanced security features like a VPN, firewall, data breach alerts, privacy tools, device optimization, and more
- Lackluster customer support
Who it’s best for
- Avast includes a comprehensive free product, Avast One, and low-cost options for its premium tiers.
Avast One is a surprisingly robust free product that includes ransomware protection, a VPN, tracker blockers, and more. If you’re on a tight budget, the free version will keep you protected. If you have a little wiggle room in your monthly finances, Avast can give you even more.
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What we liked
Free antivirus like Avast is excellent as long as it works and provides basic protection, which Avast does. Avast Free Antivirus even goes beyond, including features like tracker blockers and a 5G a week VPN. Only one location is available on the VPN, but that’s enough to keep you safe on public Wi-Fi, especially since you aren’t paying for it.
We also like the dark web scanning option and the network protection included in Avast One’s free tier. It also comes with a Privacy Advisor, which helps you secure all your online accounts.
What we didn’t like
Avast is trustworthy and won’t leak or sell your data, but its customer support is lackluster. The minimal assistance we received wasn’t a deal breaker, but it wasn’t very helpful.
Test results
| Avast | |
| AV-TEST Windows score | 18/18 |
| AV-TEST macOS score | 18/18 |
| AV-TEST Android score | 18/18 |
| AV-Comparatives malware protection score | 99.95% |
| SE Labs results | 100% |
| EICAR score | 3/3 |
| Learn more | Get Avast |
FAQs
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What is the best alternative to McAfee?
We think Bitdefender, Norton 360, and Avast are excellent alternatives to McAfee, depending on your desired features and the room in your monthly budget. Norton offers it all for a premium price, while Avast has comprehensive coverage for nothing or almost nothing. Bitdefender is the middle-of-the-road choice because it offers robust security features at a lower price than other top providers.
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Is there a better alternative to McAfee?
Yes. We can recommend Bitdefender, Norton 360, and Avast as viable alternatives to McAfee. Bitdefender offers a comprehensive suite, which includes parental controls and a VPN. Norton 360 includes everything from cloud storage to identity theft protection for a premium fee. Avast is a freemium service offering a variety of features for little to no monthly cost.
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Are there free alternatives to McAfee?
Yes, Avast is a free service with excellent protection scores and a variety of key features. If you need more coverage or want additional features, you can upgrade Avast without incurring a heavy monthly fee.
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What are the disadvantages of McAfee?
The highest tier of McAfee, which comes with the most features, can get a little expensive year over year. We also don’t see great compatibility with macOS or iOS products, even though the Windows version costs the same.
Bottom line: The best McAfee alternatives
Bitdefender, Norton 360, and Avast are some of the best alternatives to McAfee. Bitdefender includes useful features and parental controls to help secure families. Norton 360 gives users everything they need for protection offline and online, including identity protection features, a VPN, cloud storage, and more. Avast includes a lot on its free tier and even more if you decide to upgrade, all without a hefty price tag.
It’s crucial to stay protected, no matter which antivirus program you choose. The best antivirus can make sure you don’t become a victim.
3 best McAfee alternatives 2024
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
|
$29.99/yr (first year only) | Best for families | Get Bitdefender |
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$29.99/first yr | Best security suite | Get Norton 360 |
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$35.88/first yr | Best free | Get Avast |
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Surfshark Antivirus
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Powerful app that offers 24/7 virus and malware protection that won’t hog your CPU or RAM
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Includes webcam protection, fully customizable security, full or quick scans, and more
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Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android on unlimited devices
Author Details
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Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.
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