McAfee Antivirus Review 2024 Pricing, Plan, Features, Customer Support, Pros & Cons

McAfee Antivirus In 2024 McAfee is a well-known name in the cybersecurity sector. Its antivirus software is packed with features, easy to use, and most importantly, secure. Like many other antivirus programs, McAfee offers a VPN, password manager, and identity protection to ensure comprehensive customer security. McAfee provides users with a variety of flexible plans, including Total Protection, which caters to both beginners and advanced users.

Additionally, there is LiveSafe, which focuses on securing desktop and mobile devices. Our internal testing confirms that McAfee is one of the leading players in the antivirus market. It successfully blocked the majority of the malware threats we tested. However, we did identify one potential drawback – the iOS apps lack certain features such as app boost. If you continue reading this review of McAfee antivirus, you will discover how it compares to other antimalware products in terms of security. This will allow you to determine whether this software is good and worth purchasing.

About McAfee Antivirus

McAfee offers an excellent malware detection and web protection service at an affordable price. Additionally, it provides numerous useful extra features and is one of the few providers that allows unlimited device coverage. In all my tests across various devices (Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS), McAfee’s antivirus scanner achieved a perfect 100% malware detection rating. It successfully identified and blocked both simple and complex threats such as viruses, trojans, spyware, ransomware, and cryptojackers. Furthermore, McAfee surpasses most other antivirus software in terms of additional features. These features include:

McAfee’s features deliver on their promises, and I particularly appreciate the anti-phishing and anti-exploit browser extension, which outperformed Chrome and Firefox in blocking dangerous sites. Additionally, the firewall and Wi-Fi protections offered by McAfee are superior to those of premium competitors such as TotalAV and Avira. However, there are a couple of drawbacks that I should mention.

Firstly, running a full scan can potentially slow down the system, although you have the option to schedule scans for times when your computer is not in use. Secondly, it would be great if all of McAfee’s features were consolidated into a single dashboard. Furthermore, there is room for improvement with the VPN. It does not work with certain popular streaming sites like Disney+ and Hulu (although it did work with Netflix US and Amazon Prime), and it lacks additional features such as split-tunneling.

In my opinion, McAfee remains one of the most cost-effective antivirus options available. It boasts a top-notch malware scanner, offers a comprehensive set of security features, and is user-friendly. And the best part is that all of this comes at an incredibly affordable price. McAfee provides 1-year subscriptions for all its plans and also offers a discounted 2-year subscription for its Plus plan, which covers up to 5 devices. Additionally, McAfee ensures customer satisfaction with a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, allowing users to try it out without any risk.

McAfee Antivirus pros and cons

McAfee Antivirus Features

Security Features

McAfee offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to access all of its antivirus and scanning features. From this central hub, you can customize operations, monitor performance metrics, and view any harmful files on your computer. Additionally, you can keep track of your internet activity and data. To ensure optimum protection, the antivirus component of McAfee is constantly updated through comprehensive scans of the internet.

This contributes to building a robust firewall database on your computer. The firewall acts as a barrier against harmful files, alerting you before allowing any potentially dangerous downloads. In case a virus does manage to infiltrate your system, McAfee has the capability to scan and remove the infected file based on its known characteristics.

McAfee achieved perfect scores in both the ‘usability’ and ‘protection’ categories, receiving a 6 out of 6 rating from AV-Test.org. In terms of performance, it received a nearly perfect score of 5 out of 6. These results demonstrate that McAfee offers efficient and user-friendly antivirus protection against viruses.

In tests conducted by AV-Comparatives, McAfee Antivirus was recognized with awards and accolades for real-world protection, performance, and malware protection or removal. However, it did not receive any awards in false alarm tests. According to the test report from NSS Labs, McAfee successfully blocked 98.38 percent of exploits, showcasing its strong performance in providing comprehensive antivirus defense.

Additional Features

McAfee offers license packages that include scanning tools and optimization software, which are designed to optimize your computer’s performance. These tools identify unnecessary or useless files that may be causing a slowdown in processes, as well as background processes that consume resources without any benefits. Additionally, McAfee provides a ‘Permanent Delete’ feature for users to securely erase sensitive files and prevent accidental spreading. This feature is highly valuable for safeguarding against identity theft.

McAfee antivirus Cost

McAfee provides various payment options depending on the number of devices you wish to protect. The most popular antivirus plan offers five alternatives, and there are also subscriptions available for other McAfee products such as PC Optimizer. Additionally, there are different variations for individuals and families, providing even more flexibility. The introductory Essential plan covers protection for five devices and includes a comprehensive selection of cybersecurity tools like antivirus, VPN, password manager, and firewall. However, if you desire a more comprehensive security package, it is recommended to upgrade.

Unfortunately, there is no free version available for desktop users. Instead, you can opt for a 30-day free trial. However, a basic free app version is available for Android and iOS users. Below is the breakdown of McAfee’s pricing tiers for Total Protection. It’s important to note that the features included are categorized into three main areas: identity protection, privacy protection, and security measures.

It is important to emphasize that the prices mentioned above are introductory offers and will only be valid for the first year of your subscription. After that, your subscription will automatically renew and the price is likely to go up. However, you may have the option to negotiate a better renewal offer or cancel your subscription and sign up again as a new customer in order to take advantage of any special deals. Additionally, please note that the prices and features mentioned are for individual plans.

Company Background

Founded in 1987 by John McAfee, McAfee rapidly became one of the leading providers of antivirus software worldwide. With the development of its software suites and antivirus techniques, the company gained immense popularity, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Intel in 2011. Following this acquisition, McAfee joined the Intel Security Division and continued to thrive by adapting its products to meet the evolving demands of the digital market.

Ease of Use and Performance

McAfee’s intuitive user interface can be accessed through the desktop or taskbar. It provides a well-organized menu that allows for complete control over the software’s processes. From this menu, you can initiate scans, target specific files, request updates, or purchase additional software through McAfee website links. In terms of performance, McAfee performs exceptionally well. While it may slightly affect your computer’s speed and power during a full-system scan, its impact is otherwise negligible.

The firewall, which serves as the primary defense against viruses, does not significantly impact your computer’s day-to-day operation. In comparison, Norton offers extensive protection and is somewhat more effective at removing viruses that manage to infiltrate a computer. However, it noticeably affects your system’s performance. Both software suites perform well overall in this aspect. McAfee provides protection for multiple devices and offers a wide range of features for tuning, scanning, or optimizing your computer or device. This makes it an excellent choice for those with diverse security needs or focuses across different devices.

Number of Licenses and Package Deals

McAfee Total Protection is the flagship product of McAfee. It is available in bundles for one, five, or ten devices, allowing consumers to choose the bundle that best suits their needs. For example, small homes with a few devices can opt for the five-device bundle, while larger homes or smaller businesses may require the ten-device bundle. Individuals with only one computer can save money by selecting the single-device model.

McAfee Total Protection includes all of the company’s antivirus shields, scanners, and databases. It also features a centralized control panel that allows users to manage and optimize all aspects of the antivirus software. Additionally, it comes with scanning and computer-cleaning software that is specifically designed to enhance long-term computer performance.

McAfee customer support

Upon visiting the Customer Support section of the website, you will find an abundance of useful guides and frequently asked questions (FAQs) that can assist you in resolving your issue without needing to disturb a member of the McAfee support team.

It can be frustrating when you have an urgent issue with your antivirus software and you need to speak with a real person. However, for most common problems, you are likely to find the information you need on this page. I personally find it bothersome that in order to access customer support, you are required to complete a form that asks for a significant amount of personal information.

This includes your first and last name, phone number, email address, and verification of your email as well as a description of the problem. Even after submitting your request, you may find that certain requests cannot be fulfilled through this method and must be done over the phone. If you wish to obtain a refund through a chat conversation, it will not be possible.

McAfee’s customer support options include

• 24/7 live chat support.
• 24/7 phone support.
• Support forum.
• Online knowledge base.

McAfee Plans & Pricing

McAfee presently provides a selection of 4 pricing tiers for its Total Protection plans, with the Plus plan being an excellent option for users who opt for the 2-year subscription plan due to its great value.

For all of its plans, McAfee allows you to request a refund:

• Within 30 days of purchasing your subscription,
• Within 60 days of automatic renewal.
• During the lifetime of your subscription if McAfee fails to remove malware.

Also, all McAfee plans include some extra features which are available only to the customers who subscribe for auto-renewal (like the VPN and ID theft protection).

Overview of all of McAfee plans:

Can you get in touch with McAfee customer service?

During our testing, we were able to connect with a representative in just a few minutes, although it may take longer during busier times. If there is a high volume of requests on the live chat, you will be notified with a banner at the top of the McAfee support page informing you to expect longer wait times. For simpler issues, you have the option to utilize McAfee’s Virtual Assistant to diagnose and resolve technical problems. Although it may not be highly advanced, it is still effective in resolving basic issues. Alternatively, if you are unable to access your computer, you can opt to pay for Techmaster services which will troubleshoot and resolve issues on your behalf without requiring much effort from you. And if you prefer speaking with a person directly, you can find a phone number located within the Contact Us section of the McAfee website.

The Bottom Line

The McAfee Antivirus is a highly efficient product that provides an extensive range of services and functions for households, particularly those with various devices. It is highly suitable for computer networks that frequently collaborate and regularly access the internet, as McAfee’s antivirus and scanning capabilities are highly effective. Managing McAfee is hassle-free thanks to its user-friendly interface, and it offers comprehensive protection to computers or devices under its safeguarding, with satisfactory performance ratings.

Is McAfee a good antivirus program?

Yes. McAfee is a good antivirus and worth the investment. It offers an extensive security suite that will keep your computer safe from malware and other online threats.

What are the disadvantages of McAfee?

Heavy System Resources Usage: Mcafee Total Protection uses a lot of system resources, which can slow down your device. Expensive: The software is more expensive compared to other antivirus programs in the market. Limited Customer Support: Mcafee’s customer support is limited and not always responsive.

Is McAfee 100% safe?

Identity Monitoring Service provides a guided identity monitoring experience including dark web monitoring for your email. Get expanded monitoring with auto-renewal turned on. McAfee’s Virus Protection Pledge that includes our 100% Guarantee: Viruses removed or your money back, available with auto-renewal.

Which antivirus is better than McAfee?

While McAfee is a good all-round product, Norton comes in at a similar price point with better protection scores and slightly more useful security features such as a VPN, webcam protection, and ransomware protection, so I would give Norton the edge.