Microsoft Defender Vs. McAfee (2024 Comparison) (2024)

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Microsoft Defender is an antivirus feature built into Windows devices and comes free with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Apple product users can now enjoy antiphishing protection, identity theft protection, virtual private network (VPN) functionality and other security features from Microsoft. McAfee is well known for its multilayered and robust defense against online threats and multiple plan options.

Both top antivirus software solutions offer personal and group plans and both performed well during testing. Microsoft scored 98.8% in the AV-Comparatives protection test and gave only three false positives, detecting clean samples as malicious. McAfee scored higher, with 99.6%, and also with three false positives. Our testing proved significant performance issues and longer scan times.

Microsoft Defender and McAfee are top antivirus tools. They provide users with an array of antivirus security functions, such as the following.

Security Features

Both antivirus tools offer diverse security features to protect your personal data and devices from cyber threats. Their security features include real-time malware detection, VPN functionality and antispam blocking. McAfee includes extra security features, such as the file shredder and parental control, which Microsoft lacks. However, it lacks advanced email security functionality, which Microsoft Defender offers. Plus, you’ll enjoy all its features regardless of location or device.

Identity Theft Protection

Microsoft Defender and McAfee provide a range of features to protect your identity. They both monitor 60 types of personal data, ensuring nothing on the dark web exposes you to identity theft. You’ll also receive alerts and reports on your credit cards to prevent fraudulent activities. However, this feature is unavailable for McAfee Basic or Essential plans.

Also, while McAfee Premium provides dark web alerts dating back 10 months, only McAfee Advanced users will benefit from credit monitoring and the $1 million identity theft coverage. All Microsoft users within the U.S. are eligible for identity theft protection and up to $1 million in insurance. You’ll also receive up to $100,000 in reimbursem*nt for lost funds.

Device Compatibility

McAfee’s apps are intuitive but while Windows devices have comprehensive features, Apple products are missing features, such as the Web Shield, App Lock, Track Data Usage and Guest Mode. Microsoft Defender users, however, enjoy uniform antivirus features, except for the McAfee VPN, which is only available for Android users.

VPN

Microsoft Defender and McAfee offer VPN features to protect your data and online activities. They encrypt your personal information, hide your internet protocol (IP) address and location to keep you safe from third parties and help you unblock restricted content. However, only those within the U.S. can enjoy Microsoft’s VPN benefits.

Microsoft and McAfee offer their antivirus solutions through different plans and they both offer free trials. Here’s what you’ll get from McAfee’s antivirus solution for individuals.

McAfee offers different pricing tiers for individuals, families and businesses. With McAfee Essential, you can connect five devices; with higher tiers, you can connect unlimited devices. You can use McAfee Basic for a single-device connection. However, McAfee’s introductory pricing doubles upon renewal and there is no month-to-month payment option.

You’ll get Microsoft Defender free on any Windows device or by subscribing to an individual or family Microsoft 365 plan for as low as $6.99 monthly, whether you’re a first-timer or a returning customer. The basic tier allows you to use five devices and provides 1TB of cloud storage. If you move up to the family plan, you get protection for up to six people and up to five devices per person, with 6 TB of cloud storage.

The Microsoft 365 Business Premium also has Defender included in its $22 per user, per month cost. The benefit of subscribing to a 365 plan is that you’ll also get Microsoft 365 Office features in addition to the antivirus software. Also, you can choose from the month-to-month or annual billing, which offers discounts.

Microsoft Defender recently started offering the tool as a standalone product called Microsoft Defender for Business. It costs $3 per user, per month. You can have up to 300 users and up to five devices per user. This plan provides enterprise-grade protection for all Windows and Mac devices.

We examined user reviews for both antivirus solutions on popular review sites Capterra, Trustpilot and G2. A complaint McAfee and Microsoft Defender shared is that they give false positives. McAfee antivirus users, however, commended its ease of use. While some Microsoft Defenders also applauded its friendly interface and ease of use, others argued that it can be complex to set up.

Some users experienced frustrations with McAfee. One issue was the challenge of canceling its auto-renewal feature, especially since the program becomes more expensive after the first year.

Several Microsoft Defender and McAfee alternatives, including Avast and Norton, have emerged as top antivirus solutions for iPhones, Android phones and Mac and Windows devices.

Both McAfee and Microsoft Defender offer robust antivirus functionality for individuals and groups. However, the most suitable antivirus software depends on your needs.

Microsoft Defender is best for:

• Those already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem
• Those looking for free antivirus software for their Windows devices
• Those looking for an antivirus tool with straightforward pricing plans and an intuitive platform

McAfee is best for:

• Those seeking a comprehensive antivirus solution
• Those who want protection on as many devices as possible
• Businesses with diverse IT needs since it’s a cloud and on-premise solution