Have you ever lost everything because a virus or hacker compromised your computer? Just the thought is enough to make people break out in a cold sweat. Not only does your computer store important projects, but it can also compromise your personal data and financial information.
Cyber crime is one of the most prolific problems in today's modern world. Over the past few decades, more and more online threats are being seen. They come in so many different shapes and sizes that it can seem impossible to protect against them all.
Two of the main cybersecurity platforms available are Mcafee and Avast. These services offer a range of antivirus and computer security tools. They've been staunch competitors for years. Which of them is better today?
Overview of Mcafee and Avast
Shared Features
Unique Mcafee Features
Unique Avast Features
Basic Product
Mcafee
The Mcafee Total Protection system is the main digital security product from Mcafee. It bundles most security features into the same product and works for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Pricing is based on the number of devices connected.
The software defends against ransomware, spyware, malware, and virus attacks. There are three tiers of included protection: internet security, privacy protection, and secure Wi-Fi browsing on public networks.
If you enroll in auto-renewal of the program, you get access to a secure VPN that encrypts your online browsing and personal information. The home network security offers secure firewall protection to keep people out of the home network.
There's a password manager available, though the number of people who can use it varies depending on the plan. Your sensitive files are also protected through a secure encryption process. The Mcafee Shredder technology can completely destroy sensitive files and make the data untraceable.
Identity theft protection features are also available for people who use the autorenewal option.
Avast
Avast has a free antivirus software, but it tends to be extremely basic. Paid products all cover different aspects of cyber security. Their main internet protection software is called Avast Premium Security.
Rather than working against all threats, this software is optimized for use online. The features included are:
The software doesn't work for all platforms at once, but you can purchase it for either Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android.
Winner: Mcafee
Mcafee gives you the most comprehensive overall protection by bundling all of its cyber security into one program. That program is then priced depending on the number of devices connected. Avast's Premium Security, on the other hand, only protects internet browsing.
Other Products
Mcafee
Mcafee's other available products for individuals include:
➽ Safe Connect gives you a personal Virtual Private Network so that your online data isn't accessible to anyone except you.
➽ WebAdvisor is a tool that alerts you when you may be visiting suspicious websites, and that protects against online threats.
➽ Gamer Security has features to enhance system performance, ensuring that your computer doesn't lag during critical gaming moments due to Mcafee running in the background.
➽ Identity Protection monitors your identity and credit, alerts you if there's any suspicious activity, and gives you access to recovery tools. Three tiers of protection are available based on your life stage and budget.
➽ Safe Family lets you set restrictions and rules on how your kids use the internet, including blocking of inappropriate websites and scheduled screen time.
➽ Mobile Security offers the same secure protection as the internet security products, but it's optimized for mobile devices.
Avast
To get complete protection with Avast, you'll likely need to bundle with the service's other products. Some of the available options include:
Winner: Mcafee
Since the majority of Mcafee's features are included in its Total Protection bundle, the other programs are optional add-ons that give you additional security. Avast's choices are needed to give a more complete security experience.
System Performance
Mcafee
Mcafee performs extremely well in terms of computer system usage. In independent tests, the software had the following results:
Avast
Avast's performance is extremely similar to Mcafee's:
Winner: Mcafee
Mcafee performed more strongly in speed and performance tests, but the situation was very close. Both systems have low impact on computer system usage.
Pricing
Mcafee
The pricing of Mcafee's Total Protection software is based on the number of devices connected. There are three tiers: Individual, multi-device, and family.
Avast
Since Avast products need to be bundled for full protection, it's hard to determine the price you'll pay.
Winner: Mcafee
Mcafee gives you better total overall protection for your value.
See Full Review of - Avast Business Antivirus
Pros and Cons of Mcafee
Pros
Cons
Pros and Cons of Avast
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts: Which is Better?
There are a few different things to keep in mind when determining which software is best for you.
For the simplest and most comprehensive multi-platform device protection, Mcafee will give you the best value. Its products can cover Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS systems, and all are equipped with the most advanced features.
If you're looking for basic free virus protection for your computer, Avast is the better choice. The protection of the free program is fairly limited, though. The paid options may be the best value if you're only protecting one device as well.
