Top Antivirus Options to Compete with McAfee in 2025
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, choosing the right antivirus software is paramount. Here, we delve into the top alternatives to McAfee antivirus software in 2025, considering features, security, and price.
Comparison Highlights
| Feature/Aspect | McAfee | Norton 360 Deluxe | Bitdefender | TotalAV | AVG | |---------------------|-----------------------|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Malware Protection | Very good real-time and full scan protection with instant blocking and full malware removal | Comprehensive real-time protection with 100% virus protection guarantee on select plans | Excellent malware detection and lightweight performance | Excellent malware detection and protection | Good protection; strong in free antivirus | | VPN | Unlimited-data VPN included | Unlimited VPN included on all plans | VPN included but varies by plan | VPN available, integrated | VPN included in premium plans | | Password Manager | Built-in password manager | Included across all plans | Included | Included | Included | | Cloud Backup | Yes (on some plans) | Yes, included | Limited or add-on | Varies | Included in premium | | Parental Controls | Yes, extensive parental controls for families | Advanced parental controls at higher-tier plans | Available but varies | Available | Available | | Device Coverage | Unlimited devices (family plans) | Multi-device support | Multi-device, typically up to 10 | Multi-device support | Covers unlimited devices | | Price | Moderate, with 30-day free trial | Slightly cheaper basic plan than McAfee; higher-tier plans more expensive | Competitive pricing from ~$11/year | Competitive | Lower starting cost $19-$49 first year | | Performance Impact | Some impact during scans; lengthy scans noted | Generally good; modern UI and smooth performance | Lightweight and efficient | Moderate impact, good performance | Moderate impact | | Additional Features | Anti-phishing, tracker remover, identity theft protection, firewall, Wi-Fi security | Dark web monitoring, identity theft protection, modern UI, performance optimization tools | Advanced AI protection, real-time security reports | Scam protection, real-time reports | Ad blocker, privacy monitor |
Key Points
Norton 360 Deluxe
Norton 360 Deluxe emerges as the best overall choice as a McAfee alternative, offering stronger performance and more comprehensive features such as unlimited VPN, advanced parental controls, cloud backup, dark web monitoring, and password manager. It also has a more modern UI and slightly lower price at entry-level compared to McAfee.
Bitdefender, TotalAV, and AVG
Bitdefender and TotalAV also rank highly for malware protection and feature sets but may vary more in VPN and backup availability compared to Norton and McAfee. AVG offers a solid free antivirus and low-cost premium options with core features including password manager and VPN but lacks some of the higher-end protections and polished UI of Norton or McAfee.
McAfee
McAfee remains strong for families due to its unlimited device coverage, broad feature set (VPN, password manager, parental controls), and good malware protection but can have performance impact and slightly longer scans. Its user interface is easy to use, similar to Norton’s.
In conclusion, Norton 360 Deluxe is generally considered the top alternative to McAfee in 2025, delivering equal or superior malware protection with enhanced supplementary features and user experience at a competitive price. Other alternatives like Bitdefender and TotalAV provide strong competition depending on your specific feature priorities and budget.
[1] Norton 360 Deluxe: https://www.norton.com/uk/consumer-cyber-security/antivirus/norton-360-deluxe [2] McAfee Total Protection: https://www.mcafee.com/uk/home/product/mcafee-total-protection.aspx [3] Bitdefender Total Security: https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/products/total-security/ [4] AVG Ultimate: https://www.avg.com/gb-en/ultimate [5] AV-Comparatives Test Results: https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/
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