Antivirus
Top Companies in 2025
Avira vs McAfee
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- Cloud-based scanning technology for efficient and non-intrusive threat detection
- High malware detection scores by independent testing organizations
- Lightweight performance with minimal impact on system resources
- Integrated privacy tools, including VPN and password manager
- Comprehensive system optimization tools like junk cleaner and driver updater
- User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and advanced users
- Real-time malware detection
- Strong anti-phishing and spam filters
- Multi-device compatibility
- Includes VPN and password manager
- 24/7 live chat and phone support
- Limited features in the free version
- Frequent upselling and ads, even for paid users
- Occasional performance impact on older or less powerful systems
- Complex plan tiers can be confusing to navigate
- No dedicated firewall for macOS users
- No free basic version
- Lacks file encryption & rescue tools
- Price rises after first year
- High resource usage during scans
Founded in 1986 in Tettnang, Germany, Avira is a leading cybersecurity company known for its advanced antivirus and security solutions. They offer a range of products for individual users and businesses, providing comprehensive protection for various devices and operating systems. Avira's cloud-based antivirus technology, user privacy commitment, and a suite of security features make it a reliable choice. They offer advanced system optimization tools for Windows and focus on real-time malware protection for Mac. Mobile versions provide basic antivirus scanning and VPN services. They enable users to make payments using major credit cards and PayPal. Their paid plans can be tried for free for 30 days and come with a 60-day money-back guarantee for annual plans, or 14 days for monthly subscriptions. Avira has a strong reputation for high detection rates and minimal system impact, recognized by independent testing organizations. While not accredited by the BBB, the company has earned numerous awards, including Best Protection and Advanced+ ratings, and mostly positive customer reviews.
Founded in 1987 and headquartered in San Jose, California, McAfee is one of the most recognized names in cybersecurity. Over the years, they’ve expanded their services to offer comprehensive antivirus and digital protection solutions for both individuals and businesses. McAfee’s product lineup includes real-time malware detection, an advanced firewall, secure VPN, password manager, and identity theft protection tools, all designed to provide robust, multi-device security across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS platforms. Notably, they offer flexible plans catering to single users, families, and enterprises alike. Independent labs like AV-Comparatives consistently rate McAfee highly for malware detection and system performance. While many customers praise its ease of use and wide range of features, some critiques focus on auto-renewal policies and pop-up notifications. Still, McAfee maintains a strong industry reputation, backed by decades of experience and numerous accolades. Keep reading to explore their plans, features, advantages, and potential drawbacks in detail.
- Security Rating : Excellent
- VPN : Yes
- Price : Starting at $5.99/month or $26.99/year
- Customer Experience : Excellent
- Firewall : Available for Windows
- Free Trial : 30 days
- Trustpilot Score : 3.9 out of 5
- Security Rating : Good
- VPN : Yes
- Price : Starts at $34.99/year for 1 device
- Customer Experience : Fair
- Firewall : Available
- Free Trial : 30 days
- Trustpilot Score : 1.3 out of 5
- 60-day money-back guarantee on annual subscriptions
- Commitment to user privacy with a strict no-logging policy for the VPN
- Smart Scan feature that combines malware detection with system and privacy optimization
- Versatile protection across multiple devices and platforms
- Dark web monitoring and identity alerts
- Parental controls with screen time limits
- Mobile anti-theft features
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS) included
- Adware Removal
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam
- Anti-Theft
- Anti-Tracking
- Behavior Analysis
- Cloud Scanning
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan
- File Encryption
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)—Undisclosed
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection—Undisclosed
- Adware Removal
- Anti-Phishing
- Anti-Spam
- Anti-Theft
- Anti-Tracking
- Behavior Analysis
- Cloud Scanning
- Dark Web Scanning
- Dedicated Ransomware Protection
- E-mail Scan
- File Encryption
- Free Version
- ID Protection
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
- Malware Removal
- Mobile App
- On Demand Scan
- Real-Time Protection
- Spyware Removal
- Vulnerability Scanner
- Webcam Protection
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Boot Time Scans
- Browser Cleaner
- Disk Cleaner
- Junk Files Removal
- Software/Driver Updater
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control—Undisclosed
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit—Undisclosed
- USB Vaccination
- Cloud Storage Backup
- Live Updates
- Parental Control
- Password Manager
- Rescue Mode
- USB Rescue Toolkit
- USB Vaccination
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS—Undisclosed
- Fire OS—Undisclosed
- iOS
- Linux—Undisclosed
- macOS
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Windows
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket—Undisclosed
- Community Forum
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket