trusted formMcAfee vs Total Defense | Several.com
Although we earn commissions from partners, we ensure unbiased evaluations. More on our 'How We Work' page

McAfee vs Total Defense

Press [Add to Compare] to Edit, Add or Remove Vendors

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
Pros
  • Parental control features
  • PC performance optimization
  • Automatic updates of outdated software
  • App locking and remote anti-theft tools for Android
  • Multi-device protection with a single subscription
Cons
  • No free basic version
  • Lacks file encryption & rescue tools
  • Price rises after first year
  • High resource usage during scans
Cons
  • No VPN or configurable firewall included
  • No mobile security support for iOS
  • Key features locked behind higher-tier plans
  • Minimal third-party lab testing presence
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.

Summary

Founded in 1992 and now part of OpenText, Total Defense is a U.S.-based cybersecurity company offering antivirus and internet security products. Their services span from basic protection for Windows and macOS to comprehensive suites that cover up to ten devices, complete with ransomware monitoring, phishing filters, cloud backups (10GB–25GB), and parental controls for safe browsing across the household. They offer an Android mobile app that adds real-time scanning, app lock, anti-theft tools, and privacy alerts without draining your phone’s performance. Each plan includes a 30-day free trial, U.S.-based support, and a 60-day money-back guarantee, giving new users room to explore. While they aren’t as prominent in third-party antivirus testing labs, Total Defense maintains high ratings across user review sites and holds an A+ from the BBB. With a clean interface, quiet performance, and reliable protection, they’re a worthy contender for anyone looking to secure their devices without diving into complex configurations or bloated extras.

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
Quick Stats
  • Security Rating : Fair
  • VPN : Unavailable
  • Price : Starts at $39.99 for one year
  • Customer Experience : Fair
  • Firewall : Unavailable
  • Free Trial : 30 days
  • Trustpilot Score : N/R
Selling Points
  • Dark web monitoring and identity alerts
  • Parental controls with screen time limits
  • Mobile anti-theft features
  • Intrusion Detection System (IDS) included
Selling Points
  • 60-day virus-free guarantee
  • USB device scanning
  • Generous cloud storage
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
  • Undisclosed
    Anti-Tracking
  • Behavior Analysis
  • Undisclosed
    Cloud Scanning
  • Undisclosed
    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
  • Undisclosed
    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