McAfee and Avast are two of the biggest names in cybersecurity , each offeringgreat deals on antivirus software package . Since pricing and features are similar , choosing between them can be difficult .
I ’ve write in - deepness reviews of both to provide real - Earth testing . A head - to - heading comparison of canonical and advanced feature , client serve , and serviceability will assist you decide whether McAfee+ or Avast One is thebest antivirus software for your Windows PC and Mac .
Tiers and pricing
McAfee does n’t offer a costless plan , so Avast is the best option if you do n’t want to pay for antivirus protection . Avast earned a spot on our guide tothe best free antivirus software system .
Avast One Basic includes antivirus prevention and protection for one gimmick , protected folders to safeguard your files against ransomware , and email CAT scan for malware . There ’s even a circumscribed VPN with a chapiter of 5 GB per workweek . This free edition of Avast One might be all you need .
McAfee always extend a discount on the first year of service . Avast and most other antivirus apps follow this pattern . Those initial preservation are nice , but it ’s important to note that replenishment Price will be significantly gamy . Malwarebytes stands out for its consistent annual pricing , which is quite rarified .
McAfee ’s Basic antivirus app start out at $ 30 yearly and renews at $ 90 . It ’s a amazingly stark resolution for one equipment , offer real - time prevention and protection from computer virus , an straight-out VPN to protect your privacy , a password manager , and identity element theft monitoring .
Avast One Silver takes a dissimilar approach , offering protection of three machine for $ 28 the first year , regenerate at $ 80 . It lucubrate what ’s included with the detached app , tote up a VPN with no data cap and server in over 50 localisation .
If you have more than one gadget , McAfee+ Premium is a good theme . For $ 45/$150 , you’re able to add the app on all your gadget with no demarcation line . McAfee bundles some PC killing apps at this tier up .
For $ 63/$180 , Avast One Gold protects five devices and includes a suite of cybersecurity software to scavenge up your PC , avoid scams , and browse anonymously with an unlimited VPN .
McAfee and Avast crack plans that include $ 2 million in individuality theft indemnity and more . McAfee+ Ultimate is $ 200/$280 Pt for one soul or $ 250/$425 for two adult and parental controls . Avast One Platinum costs $ 120/$300 and cover six family members and 30 gadget .
Features
Malware protection
Since the No . 1 job of antivirus software package is protecting your computer from malware , I ’ll get going with the aegis scores from the third - political party cybersecurity researchers at AV - Test .
Over years of ongoing rating , McAfee ’s antivirus make a perfect scorefor the last four years . Avast rated well also with only eight months showing venial weaknesses in the last eight years , the latest three years ago .
I did spot - checks by visiting a website that host harmless malware for testing . Both block the faux computer virus and popped up warnings to alert me to the potential scourge .
McAfee+ Premium and Avast One Gold performed equally well . Still , neither can contend with thenear - perfect protection uncommitted from Norton and Bitdefender .
Scam and tracking protection
Viruses are n’t the only magic trick cyberpunk apply . Email scam and trackers can compile enough personal details to build up a visibility for cyberattacks .
McAfee include textual matter scam aegis , while Avast alerts you of email scam . Those are squeamish plus that help you avoid sophisticated and pernicious attacks .
A virtual private web helps and the best VPNs cypher your data and disguise your location , keeping your online activity from descend into the wrong hands .
You get an uncapped VPN with the McAfee Basic and Avast One atomic number 47 . Both successfully slang Google , which refund results for the waiter emplacement I take in Peru and Italy .
Special features
McAfee includes a password handler that helps simplify signing in on various devices while keeping your credentials secure . Avast does n’t include this feature article , so if you do n’t already havea good password manager , McAfee offers a bit more value .
Customer support and usability
I checked the rating on the Microsoft Store and TrustPilot to get an overall rating of these companies . While my McAfee support experience was slow , it was truehearted than e-mail and I stimulate a adept result to my head . However , most customers agree Avast has much better support .
Avast One Gold offers 24/7 client support via Old World chat , and I found it ’s among the best available . McAfee+ Premium also allow orotund - the - clock aid but could have foresightful waiting line . I waited 13 minutes for aid from McAfee , while Avast support answer in seconds .
canonical mathematical operation are simple with either app , butAvast One is more substance abuser - well-disposed . Guides helped me get started and I enjoyed the well - designed user interface . When I wanted to access McAfee ’s additional lineament , I was surprised that most were jampack into one narrow panel .
Protect your PC and Mac
You ’ll be dependable with McAfee+ Premium or Avast One Gold antivirus security . Both render solid protection for your computers and fluid gadget at low-cost prices . The costless Avast One Basic app might be all you call for , giving Avast a big vantage in this comparison . Avast Silver also undercuts McAfee Basic ’s cost while pit most of its features .
While McAfee protects an straight-out telephone number of gadget with its mid - tier McAfee+ Premium , Avast ’s affordable family plan cover up to 30 devices . There arebetter great deal on antivirus software , and you do n’t always have to pay more to get good protection .
I liked Avast One ’s app advantageously overall and recommend it over McAfee . If neither meets your needs , check outour guide to the in force antivirus softwarefor more options .