McAfee: Antivirus, Firewall & Identity Protection

McAfee at a Glance

Founded in 1987 by John McAfee, McAfee Corp. has evolved into a prominent cybersecurity company headquartered in San Jose, California. Initially recognized for its antivirus solutions, McAfee now offers a comprehensive suite of security products designed to protect individuals and businesses from a wide array of cyber threats. Their services cater to a diverse clientele, ranging from individual consumers seeking personal device protection to large enterprises requiring robust security infrastructures. Operating on a global scale, McAfee provides solutions in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility and support across various regions.​

McAfee's antivirus offerings are characterized by real-time threat detection, advanced malware protection, and integrated firewall capabilities. Their products, such as McAfee Total Protection and McAfee LiveSafe, aim to deliver all-encompassing security by including features like identity theft protection, secure browsing, and password management. Independent testing organizations have recognized McAfee's efficacy; for instance, AV-TEST has consistently awarded McAfee with "Top Product" certifications, and AV-Comparatives granted McAfee the "Real-World Protection Gold Award" and the "Best Overall Speed Gold Award" in their 2024 Summary Report. Additionally, McAfee offers a 30-day free trial for users to evaluate their services before committing.​

Throughout its history, McAfee has undergone several acquisitions that have bolstered its technological capabilities and market presence. Notably, in 1998, McAfee acquired Dr. Solomon's Group PLC, a leading European antivirus software manufacturer, for $642 million in stock. In 2010, Intel purchased McAfee for $7.68 billion, integrating it into its Intel Security division. However, by 2017, McAfee regained its independence through a strategic deal with TPG Capital, with Intel retaining a 49% stake. In March 2021, McAfee sold its enterprise business to Symphony Technology Group for $4 billion, allowing the company to focus on consumer security solutions. Further, in November 2021, an investor group led by Advent International acquired McAfee for $14 billion, taking the company private. ​

In terms of industry reputation, McAfee has earned numerous accolades for its cybersecurity solutions. The company's commitment to innovation and user protection has solidified its position as a trusted name in the cybersecurity industry.

Features & Services

• Antivirus protection: utilizes AI-powered real-time scanning to detect and eliminate viruses, malware, spyware, and other malicious software, ensuring devices remain secure 
• Personal firewall: monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent unauthorized access and protect against hackers ​
• Secure VPN: provides high-level encryption to safeguard your personal data and credit card info, allowing users to bank, shop, and browse online privately
• Password manager: stores and manages complex passwords securely, facilitating safe and convenient access to online accounts ​
• Identity theft protection: monitors personal information and provides alerts in case of suspicious activity, helping to prevent identity theft ​
• Web protection: offers safe browsing by blocking malicious websites and phishing attempts, ensuring secure online experiences ​
• File shredder: permanently deletes sensitive files, preventing unauthorized recovery and ensuring data privacy ​
• PC optimization tools: enhances system performance by cleaning up unnecessary files and optimizing settings for smoother operation​
• Parental controls: allows parents to manage and monitor their children's online activities, promoting safe internet usage ​
• Social privacy manager: helps manage privacy settings on social media platforms to protect personal information from being publicly exposed​
• Personal data cleanup: identifies and assists in removing personal information from high-risk data broker sites, reducing the chances of data misuse​
• Online account cleanup: scans for unused or potentially vulnerable online accounts, offering guidance on securing or deleting them to minimize security risks
• Text scam detector: analyzes incoming text messages for phishing attempts and alerts users to potential scams, enhancing mobile security

Plans & Prices

McAfee offers a variety of subscription plans tailored to individual and family needs, each with specific features and pricing structures. Below is an overview of their primary offerings:​

Individual plans:

• McAfee Essential: protects up to 5 devices and includes features such as antivirus protection, a secure VPN, scam protection, identity monitoring, and a password manager. Introductory pricing starts at $39.99 for the first year
• McAfee+ Premium: offers protection for unlimited devices and encompasses all features of the Essential plan, with additional services like Personal Data Cleanup (scans only) and Online Account Cleanup (scans only). The introductory price is $49.99 for the first year
• McAfee+ Advanced: provides comprehensive protection for unlimited devices, including all Premium features, full-service Personal Data Cleanup, bank and credit card transaction monitoring, $1 million identity theft coverage, and 1-bureau credit monitoring with monthly score updates. This plan starts at $89.99 for the first year
• McAfee+ Ultimate: represents the most extensive protection for unlimited devices, incorporating all Advanced features, full-service Online Account Cleanup, $2 million identity theft coverage, 3-bureau credit monitoring with daily score updates, and a live setup call with a McAfee expert. The introductory price is $199.99 for the first year​

Family plans:

McAfee also offers family-oriented plans that extend protection to multiple users:​

• McAfee+ Premium Family: covers up to 6 family members (2 adults and 4 children under 18) with unlimited device protection. Features include antivirus protection, scam protection, identity monitoring, Personal Data Cleanup (scans only), and Online Account Cleanup (scans only). The introductory price is $69.99 for the first year 
• McAfee+ Advanced Family: includes all features of the Premium Family plan, with added full-service Personal Data Cleanup, bank and credit card transaction monitoring, $2 million identity theft coverage ($1 million per adult), and 1-bureau credit monitoring with monthly score updates. This plan is priced at $119.99 for the first year​
• McAfee+ Ultimate Family: offers the most comprehensive family protection, including all Advanced Family features, full-service Online Account Cleanup, $4 million identity theft coverage ($2 million per adult), 3-bureau credit monitoring with daily score updates, and a live setup call with a McAfee expert. The introductory price is $249.99 for the first year

McAfee provides a 30-day free trial of their Total Protection plan, allowing users to evaluate the service before committing. It's important to note that the prices mentioned above are introductory and apply for the first year; renewal rates may be higher. For detailed and up-to-date pricing information, please visit McAfee's official website.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

• Real-time threat detection powered by AI: McAfee’s antivirus engine utilizes AI-driven algorithms and machine learning to detect and neutralize emerging threats in real time. This proactive approach offers a strong defense against evolving malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. For customers, it means reduced worry about new or sophisticated cyber threats slipping through unnoticed, providing peace of mind that their devices are actively monitored
• Identity theft protection with credit monitoring: McAfee includes comprehensive identity monitoring, covering personal information like Social Security numbers, email addresses, and credit card details. Higher-tier plans offer credit monitoring, transaction alerts, and up to $2 million in identity theft coverage. This helps customers stay ahead of potential fraud, giving them the tools and support to resolve identity theft incidents quickly
• Integrated VPN for online security: unlike some antivirus providers that charge extra for VPN services, McAfee includes a secure VPN with many of their plans. This feature offers bank-grade encryption, shielding users' browsing data, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. Whether users are traveling, working remotely, or accessing sensitive information online, the built-in VPN enhances privacy and reduces the risk of cyberattacks without requiring additional software
• Parental controls for safer family browsing: McAfee includes parental control features that allow parents to manage and monitor their children's internet usage. These tools help block inappropriate content, set screen time limits, and track browsing habits. For families, this creates a safer online environment and gives parents greater peace of mind over their children's digital activities
• Dark web monitoring for early threat detection: many McAfee plans include dark web monitoring, which scans the dark web for compromised personal data such as email addresses, passwords, and financial information. Early detection of a data breach allows users to take immediate action to secure their accounts, reducing the risk of fraud and identity theft
• File shredder for permanent data deletion: McAfee’s file shredder tool allows users to permanently delete sensitive files, making them unrecoverable even with specialized software. This feature is particularly valuable for those handling confidential documents or personal files, ensuring that deleted information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands
• PC optimization tools to improve device performance: beyond antivirus protection, McAfee includes system tune-up tools designed to enhance device speed and performance. These tools clean out junk files, optimize startup programs, and improve battery usage, offering customers added value by maintaining both security and smooth device operation

Disadvantages

• Higher renewal pricing after first-year discounts: while McAfee offers attractive introductory rates for the first year, renewal prices significantly increase after the initial term. This cost jump may catch some users off guard, especially those looking for long-term, affordable protection. Customers seeking consistent pricing may find it inconvenient to budget for the service after the initial discount period expires
• Limited features on lower-tier plans: some of McAfee’s advanced features, like full-service identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and full Personal Data Cleanup, are only available on higher-tier plans. This means that customers on basic or entry-level subscriptions might miss out on key privacy and identity protection tools unless they are willing to pay for premium plans. For budget-conscious users, this limits access to the full breadth of McAfee’s services
• Potential impact on system performance during scans: although McAfee has improved its performance efficiency over the years, some users still report noticeable slowdowns during full system scans. This can be particularly inconvenient for those using older devices or running multiple tasks simultaneously, as it may temporarily reduce productivity or device responsiveness

Customer Experience

McAfee receives a mix of positive and critical reviews from users across various platforms. They currently hold a Capterra score of 4.2 out of 5 stars, while on G2, they maintain a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on several reviews. However, McAfee garnered a TrustPilot score of 1.3 out of 5 stars out of more than 2000 reviews, which is generally a bad rating. On Sitejabber, McAfee has a low rating of 1.8 out of 5 stars, though this is based on a smaller number of reviews compared to other platforms.

Positive feedback

Many customers highlight McAfee's strong antivirus capabilities and real-time protection features. Users commonly praise how lightweight the software has become, especially compared to earlier versions, noting that it no longer slows down system performance. The simple, bloat-free interface of the basic antivirus plan receives favorable mentions for being easy to install and navigate. Several reviews also appreciate the product’s comprehensive threat protection, auto-scan functionality, and its ability to block harmful websites and malware effectively. Some long-term customers specifically mention the flexibility of McAfee’s tools, such as scheduled scans and device control, as well as the usefulness of its customer support when resolving routine issues.

Critical feedback

The majority of critical reviews focus on McAfee's auto-renewal practices and persistent pop-up notifications. Several customers report difficulties canceling subscriptions or turning off auto-renewal, with claims of being charged unexpectedly at higher rates after the first year. Pop-up advertisements promoting additional services—sometimes appearing even after opting out—are a frequent complaint, particularly from customers who find them intrusive or disruptive to work. Some users also mention that customer service responses can be inconsistent, citing long wait times or unhelpful support experiences. Additionally, there are complaints about system slowdowns during full scans and a lack of advanced features in basic plans.

Proactive approach

McAfee appears active in addressing online complaints, often responding to negative reviews by offering to resolve billing issues or technical difficulties through direct communication channels. However, feedback suggests that while the company does reply, the effectiveness of these resolutions can vary. Some customers have noted receiving refunds after contacting support about billing disputes, though others report prolonged resolution times. McAfee also provides live chat and phone support, indicating a willingness to engage with users to clarify or rectify their concerns, though the overall customer experience with these interactions remains mixed.

Customer Support

McAfee offers a comprehensive range of customer support options to ensure users receive timely and effective assistance. Their 24/7 support is available around the clock, providing users with continuous access to help when needed. Customers can contact support via live chat, which includes an AI-powered chatbot for quick troubleshooting and a direct chat option with an agent.

For those preferring phone support, McAfee provides assistance through their customer service line at 1-866-622-3911. If users require email support, they can reach out via the official contact page.

To help customers understand and effectively use their security solutions, McAfee provides various educational resources. Their online safety guides offer cybersecurity tips and best practices. Additionally, McAfee provides user guides with detailed instructions for setting up and managing their security software. For visual learners, McAfee’s YouTube channel features video tutorials covering product configurations and security tips.

Conclusion

McAfee stands out as a comprehensive antivirus provider, offering a wide range of features tailored to meet the needs of both individual users and families. Their core security tools, such as real-time malware protection, firewall, and web protection, are designed to safeguard devices without significantly impacting system performance. Advanced features like identity theft protection, secure VPN, password management, and personal data cleanup provide added layers of security and privacy. The flexibility of McAfee’s plans, from basic individual coverage to premium family plans, ensures that users of all types—whether casual internet users, families managing multiple devices, or professionals concerned about data privacy—can find a solution that fits their specific requirements.

McAfee’s key advantages include its multi-device protection, AI-powered real-time threat detection, and integrated tools such as the VPN and identity monitoring services. Customers benefit from having essential and advanced cybersecurity tools bundled in one package, streamlining their digital protection. Positive feedback often highlights the software’s user-friendly interface, strong malware detection, and convenient device management dashboard. However, some drawbacks are consistently noted, particularly surrounding aggressive auto-renewal policies, pop-up notifications promoting additional services, and occasional challenges with customer service responsiveness. Users also report higher renewal pricing after the initial discounted period, which may affect long-term affordability for some customers.

We recommend you do your research before deciding on which antivirus tool is the best fit for your needs. To that end, we provide a variety of resources, including in-depth reviews of other top antivirus products and a comparison tool to help you weigh your options. Our blog is also full of useful articles on antiviruses, cybersecurity, and related topics. By using these resources, you can find the right antivirus solution that matches your specific requirements and security concerns.