McAfee is one of the most well-known names in cybersecurity, with decades of experience protecting millions of devices worldwide. It offers a comprehensive security suite that goes beyond basic antivirus protection, including identity monitoring, VPN access, and multi-device coverage.
In this McAfee Antivirus review, we analyze its malware protection, features, performance, pricing, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right antivirus solution for your needs in 2025.
If you’re still comparing different options, you can check our complete guide to the best antivirus software in 2026 to see how Norton compares to other top solutions.
Malware Protection
McAfee provides strong real-time protection against malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing threats. It uses cloud-based threat detection and behavioral analysis to identify both known and emerging threats.
Independent testing labs consistently rank McAfee as a reliable antivirus, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize brand reputation and long-term security experience.
Features & Tools
McAfee offers a robust set of security and privacy tools, including:
- Real-time malware protection
- Firewall and web protection
- Secure VPN (with data limits on some plans)
- Identity theft protection and monitoring
- Password manager
- Multi-device support across platforms
This wide feature set makes McAfee especially attractive for users with multiple devices.
Performance Impact
McAfee runs efficiently in the background, with minimal impact on system performance during everyday tasks. While full system scans may take longer compared to lighter antivirus solutions, performance remains stable for browsing, streaming, and work-related activities.
Overall, McAfee strikes a good balance between security depth and usability.
Pricing & Plans
McAfee offers flexible pricing plans, often covering multiple devices under a single subscription. Introductory discounts are common, making the first year relatively affordable.
Renewal prices can be higher, but the inclusion of identity protection and multi-device coverage helps justify the cost for many users.
Alternatives
If you’re considering alternatives to McAfee, these options are worth a look:
- Bitdefender – Advanced threat detection and excellent performance
- Norton 360 – Strong security with premium privacy tools
- TotalAV – Simple, user-friendly antivirus with competitive pricing
Each option caters to different user priorities.
You can find a full comparison of Norton, TotalAV, and McAfee in our best antivirus software guide.
Final Verdict
McAfee is a reliable and comprehensive antivirus solution that offers strong protection, extensive features, and broad device coverage. It’s particularly well suited for families or users with multiple devices who want an all-in-one security package.
If you’re looking for a well-established antivirus brand with solid protection and extra privacy tools, McAfee remains a strong choice in 2025.