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