McAfee vs Malwarebytes
Verdict
Both McAfee and Malwarebytes are strong choices. Malwarebytes edges ahead on overall rating, but the right pick depends on your budget and use case.
Feature & pricing comparison
| Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1 | 4.5 |
| Starting price | $3/mo | Free |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| API available | ||
| Best for | Families with many devices | Users wanting simple cleanup |
| Antivirus & firewall | ||
| Unlimited devices (top tier) | ||
| Identity monitoring | ||
| VPN | ||
| Password manager | ||
| Free malware scanner | ||
| Real-time protection | ||
| Ransomware shield | ||
| Web protection | ||
| Browser Guard | ||
| Visit | Visit |
Which should you choose?
Pick McAfee if you prioritize Families with many devices
Pick Malwarebytes if you prioritize Users wanting simple cleanup
McAfee
Pros
- Unlimited devices option
- Strong identity tools
- Easy to use
Cons
- Heavier system impact
- Aggressive upsells
Malwarebytes
Pros
- Excellent cleanup
- Free scanner
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Fewer suite extras
- VPN sold separately
Frequently asked questions
Is McAfee better than Malwarebytes?+
Both McAfee and Malwarebytes are strong choices. Malwarebytes edges ahead on overall rating, but the right pick depends on your budget and use case.
Which is cheaper, McAfee or Malwarebytes?+
McAfee starts at $3/mo, while Malwarebytes starts at Free.