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BullGuard vs McAfee

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Pros
  • Clean, easy-to-use interface
  • Multi-platform compatibility
  • Strong behavioral threat detection
  • Built-in vulnerability scanner
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • Limited macOS and iOS features
  • No free version
  • Mixed results in zero-day tests
Cons
  • No free basic version
  • Lacks file encryption & rescue tools
  • Price rises after first year
  • High resource usage during scans
Summary

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, BullGuard developed a reputation as a reliable antivirus provider with a focus on home users, families, and gamers. Their services stood out for blending strong, multi-layered threat detection with performance optimization features—most notably their Game Booster, which allowed users to enjoy lag-free gaming while staying protected. BullGuard’s security suite included essential tools like real-time protection, a configurable firewall, encrypted cloud backup, and a secure browser for financial transactions. Their interface was praised for being user-friendly, especially for non-technical users, and they performed consistently well in independent lab tests from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. While macOS and mobile support was limited compared to Windows, BullGuard maintained a loyal customer base thanks to their practical features and straightforward approach to cybersecurity. In addition to strong malware defenses, they offered useful extras such as a vulnerability scanner, customizable parental controls, and system optimization tools, making them a well-rounded option. In 2021, they were acquired by NortonLifeLock, and by mid-2022, all BullGuard products and services were fully migrated to Norton’s ecosystem, ending standalone BullGuard offerings.

Summary

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.

Quick Stats
  • Security Rating : Good
  • VPN : Separate add-on
  • Price : Starts at $29.99/year for 1 device
  • Customer Experience : Fair
  • Firewall : Included
  • Free Trial : 30 days
  • Trustpilot Score : 1.3 out of 5
Quick Stats
  • 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
Selling Points
  • Game Booster for lag-free gaming
  • Encrypted cloud backup included
  • Customizable parental controls
  • Dedicated secure browser for finance
Selling Points
  • Dark web monitoring and identity alerts
  • Parental controls with screen time limits
  • Mobile anti-theft features
  • Intrusion Detection System (IDS) included
General Features & Perks
  • 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
General Features & Perks
  • 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
System Optimization & Performance
  • Boot Time Scans
  • Browser Cleaner
  • Disk Cleaner
  • Junk Files Removal
  • Software/Driver Updater
System Optimization & Performance
  • Boot Time Scans
  • Browser Cleaner
  • Disk Cleaner
  • Junk Files Removal
  • Software/Driver Updater
Additional Perks
  • Cloud Storage Backup
  • Live Updates
  • Parental Control
  • Password Manager
  • Rescue Mode
  • USB Rescue Toolkit
  • USB Vaccination
Additional Perks
  • Cloud Storage Backup
  • Live Updates
  • Parental Control
  • Password Manager
  • Rescue Mode
  • USB Rescue Toolkit
  • USB Vaccination
Device Compatibility
  • Android
  • Browser Plugins
  • ChromeOS
  • Fire OS
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Windows
Device Compatibility
  • Android
  • Browser Plugins
  • ChromeOS
  • Fire OS
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Windows
Customer Support
  • Community Forum
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone
  • Social Media
  • Ticket
Customer Support
  • Community Forum
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone
  • Social Media
  • Ticket