McAfee Antivirus Review 2024: Features, Pricing And More

McAfee is an excellent choice if you are looking for antivirus software with real-time malware detection for all your devices at an affordable price. Besides standard features including a firewall, Wi-Fi security, a password manager and PC optimization available in most antivirus software, McAfee has extra features, such as a file shredder, PC cleaner, and identity protection. However, it doesn’t provide a virtual private network (VPN) service to Indian users.

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McAfee Antivirus

4.5

Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Pricing

INR 799 per annum for one device

Devices

10 devices at INR 1,699 for the first year

App store rating

4.7

Pricing

INR 799 per annum for one device

Devices

10 devices at INR 1,699 for the first year

App store rating

4.7

Pros & Cons

• Available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices
• Identity protection service included in all plans
• Real-time malware detection
• Free 30-day trial

• Fewer features for Mac and iOS
• No free plan
• No email security

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.

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.

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.

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 Total Protection: As McAfee’s flagship product, McAfee Total Protection has core features such as antivirus for unlimited devices, full ID theft protection and identity monitoring. Standard pricing starts at INR 1,699 for the first year for up to 10 devices.
• McAfee Gamer Security: The one thing gamers are passionate about is speed and performance. McAfee Gamer Security provides complete security without compromising the device’s speed or performance.
• McAfee Identity Protection Service: McAfee Identity Protection keeps your personal information and online accounts protected against unauthorized access and hackers..
• McAfee WebAdvisor: A free Windows-only product, McAfee WebAdvisor blocks phishing sites, exploit attacks and browser-based cryptojackers.
• 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.
• McAfee Virus Removal Service: Signing up for this service enables you to chat with security experts over the phone or online and get viruses removed from your Windows system remotely.

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 stopped its VPN service in India after the Government of India ordered VPN providers to store users’ data for five years. The cyber security company has removed its VPN servers located in India.

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.

Essential

The McAfee Essential Plan is the most basic antivirus software package. You get a password manager, 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.

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 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 actually making a purchase.

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.

Similar to Avira and Avast, McAfee has core features of antivirus software such as a 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 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. 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.

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.