When it comes to cybersecurity, McAfee and Avast are two top contenders, both offering competitive deals on antivirus software. However, with similar pricing and features, it can be challenging to choose between the two.
To help you make an informed decision, I have conducted in-depth reviews of both products, including real-world testing. Comparing their basic and advanced features, customer service, and usability will assist you in determining whether McAfee+ or Avast One is the best antivirus software for your Windows PC and Mac.
Tiers and Pricing
If you prefer not to pay for antivirus protection, Avast is the better choice as McAfee does not offer a free plan. Avast One Basic provides protection for one device, safeguarded folders against ransomware, and email scans for malware. Additionally, it includes a limited VPN with a 5GB per week cap, making it a comprehensive free option.
While McAfee offers a discount on the first year of service, be aware that renewal prices are significantly higher, a common practice among antivirus providers. Malwarebytes stands out for its consistent annual pricing, which is relatively rare in the industry.
McAfee’s Basic antivirus app starts at $30 annually and renews at $90, offering features like real-time virus protection, an unlimited VPN, a password manager, and identity theft monitoring for one device. On the other hand, Avast One Silver covers protection for three devices at $28 the first year, renewing at $80, including an uncapped VPN with servers in over 50 locations.
For users with multiple devices, McAfee+ Premium for $45/$150 allows installation on all devices with no limit and includes PC cleanup apps. Avast One Gold, priced at $63/$180, offers protection for five devices and features a suite of cybersecurity tools, including PC cleanup, scam prevention, and anonymous browsing with an unlimited VPN.
Both McAfee and Avast also provide plans with additional features such as $2 million in identity theft insurance. McAfee+ Ultimate and Avast One Platinum cater to comprehensive protection needs for individuals or families at varying price points.
Features
Malware Protection
Antivirus software’s primary function is to protect your computer from malware. According to AV-Test, McAfee’s antivirus has consistently earned a perfect score over the last four years, while Avast also received high ratings with minor weaknesses noted in the past eight years.
Both McAfee+ Premium and Avast One Gold performed well in my tests, blocking potential threats effectively. However, they may not match the near-perfect protection offered by Norton and Bitdefender.
Scam and Tracking Protection
Besides viruses, hackers use email scams and trackers to gather personal data for cyberattacks. McAfee and Avast offer text scam protection and email scam alerts to help users avoid potential threats.
Using a virtual private network (VPN) can further enhance protection by encrypting data and masking your location. Both McAfee Basic and Avast One Silver include an uncapped VPN that successfully masked my location during testing.
Special Features
McAfee includes a password manager, offering added convenience and security for users. Avast, on the other hand, does not provide this feature, giving McAfee an edge for those who require password management tools.
Both McAfee and Avast offer additional services such as dark-web monitoring and PC cleanup tools as part of their subscription packages, ensuring comprehensive cybersecurity coverage.
Customer Support and Usability
While McAfee’s support was satisfactory, Avast is renowned for its excellent customer service. Avast One Gold offers 24/7 chat support, which is highly responsive and efficient. In comparison, McAfee+ Premium also provides round-the-clock assistance but may have longer wait times for support.
Regarding usability, Avast One is more user-friendly with intuitive guides and a well-designed interface. In contrast, McAfee’s interface may appear cluttered and overwhelming, especially when accessing additional features.
Protect Your PC and Mac
Both McAfee+ Premium and Avast One Gold offer robust antivirus protection for your devices at competitive prices. The free Avast One Basic option provides a cost-effective solution, giving Avast an advantage in this comparison. Additionally, Avast Silver matches McAfee Basic’s features at a lower price point.
While McAfee offers unlimited device coverage with its mid-tier plan, Avast’s family plans are affordable and cover up to 30 devices. It’s important to explore various antivirus software options to find the best protection without overspending.
Overall, I recommend Avast One for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. However, if neither McAfee nor Avast meets your requirements, consider exploring other top-rated antivirus software options.
