Table of Contents
Your internet-connected devices remain threatened constantly by malware designed to steal your data, damage your files or otherwise wreak havoc, steal your data or otherwise make your life difficult. Although most operating systems include built-in antivirus software, it’s generally a good idea—especially for those who operate businesses—to secure devices using third-party antivirus software. Any device, regardless of manufacturer, is at risk of malware infection.
McAfee and Norton are two of the top antivirus software options on the market. In this comparison, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each software to help you decide which is best for your needs.
McAfee
Starting price
INR 2,074.11 ($24.99) for the first year for one device; INR 7,468.95 ($89.99) per year upon renewal
Unlimited devices
INR 4149.05 ($49.99); INR 7,468.95 ($89.99) per year upon renewal
App Store rating
4.7
Starting price
INR 2,074.11 ($24.99) for the first year for one device; INR 7,468.95 ($89.99) per year upon renewal
Unlimited devices
INR 4149.05 ($49.99); INR 7,468.95 ($89.99) per year upon renewal
App Store rating
4.7
For an affordable antivirus software to detect malware in real time for all your devices, McAfee is a great choice. In addition to features, such as firewalls, Wi-Fi security, password managers and PC optimization, McAfee also offers file shredders, PC cleaners, identity protection and VPNs.
In the three decades since its first product was launched, McAfee has won numerous awards and recognitions—proof of the trust its customers continue to place in it. Many McAfee products suit most budgets and types of requirements, including McAfee Security Scan Plus, which scans your PC for possible vulnerabilities and recommends the best antivirus, firewall and online protection for your PC.
Learn more about what it has to offer by reading our McAfee review.
- Identity protection service is included with all plans
- Real-time malware detection
- Works with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices
- Fewer features on Apple products, both Mac and iOS
- No email security offered
- Too many different pricing plans
Norton
Starting price
INR 1659.12 ($19.99) for the first year for one device; INR 4,979.02 ($59.99) per year upon renewal
Unlimited devices
INR 8,298.92 ($99.99) per year for the first year for up to 10 devices; INR 14,856.55 ($179) per year upon renewal
App Store rating
4.7
Starting price
INR 1659.12 ($19.99) for the first year for one device; INR 4,979.02 ($59.99) per year upon renewal
Unlimited devices
INR 8,298.92 ($99.99) per year for the first year for up to 10 devices; INR 14,856.55 ($179) per year upon renewal
App Store rating
4.7
The Norton 360 antivirus lineup offers some of the most complete security (and privacy) suites available, including a password manager, backup software, online storage, parental controls, unlimited VPN connections and three levels of identity protection.
Norton’s Windows antivirus packages are for those who prefer everything in one place, who don’t want to mix and match applications and services and who can afford Norton’s prices. As you add features, all this integration becomes quite expensive. Likely the most feature-rich antivirus solution on the market, Norton still does the basic job, and it offers malware detection in real time.
- Real-time malware detection and live dark web monitoring
- Secure VPN and smart customizable firewall
- 50gb cloud storage
- Webcam protection for Windows only
- Desktop app is not as user-friendly
- Identity theft protection in the United States only
McAfee vs. Norton: At a Glance
McAfee and Norton both offer antivirus software packages starting at a low, affordable price to cover one user and device. Both also offer higher-cost business software packages to cover unlimited devices.
The basic Norton antivirus covers one device but includes a firewall, password manager and cloud backup. It also offers a multilayered security suite designed to protect against viruses, spyware, ransomware and other malware. With more expensive plans, you’ll receive additional features and more cloud storage.
Featured Partners
1
Norton Antivirus
Plans staring from
INR 799 ($9.55)
Devices Covered
3 PCs or Macs
Features
2GB Cloud Backup and Password Manager
2
Surfshark Antivirus
Price Starting
INR 232/month ($2.79)
Money Back Guarantee
30-day money-back guarantee
Features
VPN, Ad-blocker and cookie pop-up blocker included
The introductory McAfee antivirus protects up to 10 devices and covers “basic device security.” Upgrades add more security features, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and firewalls. With McAfee, you can choose from a wide range of upgrades with different features, and each plan includes 24/7 technical assistance and a money-back guarantee.
How Antivirus Software Stacks Up
While Norton 360 is a generally more affordable software and offers monthly payment options on some of its plans, we found McAfee was the better overall software due in part to what we found to be an easier-to-operate user interface. Norton 360 has a significantly faster scan speed and also offers 24/7 live chat customer service—a huge benefit to some customers.
Norton advertises the best anti-malware engine features on the market. Malware attacks are detected and prevented using advanced machine learning (ML), heuristic analysis and a massive malware database. In our preliminary tests, McAfee’s antivirus software functions significantly slower than Norton’s. Many users report McAfee slowing down video streaming and gaming. This makes Norton a better choice for those who need fast buffering and no lag.
Web Security
Norton 360 takes the lead when it comes to web security—especially dark web monitoring and smart firewalls. Norton’s Safe Web security shield blocks thousands of phishing sites and has a built-in extension for Firefox, Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Safari. McAfee’s web shield is only compatible with Windows—not macOS—where Norton’s is. Norton’s dark web protection automatically monitors dark web forums for leaked identities and information and Norton includes a bundled password manager.
Ease of Use
One of our biggest issues with Norton 360 is it is harder to use out of the box. Although Norton lets users change and customize a huge number of settings from the desktop app, it can be hard to navigate the settings for the less technically confident. Norton 360’s online dashboard and mobile app are both much more highly reviewed and, customers agree, are easier to use.
McAfee’s apps appear intuitive with the main dashboard laying out the different protections and features. Some of McAfee’s features are only accessible from its web app, which can be inconvenient, and not every control is in the same place.
Customer Support
Both Norton and McAfee offer strong customer support with multiple contact options. Norton 360 offers support through both telephone and live chat with a variety of language options including English, German, Dutch, Arabic and Mandarin. Norton’s live chat is 24/7 but many customers report support received from the live chat lacked luster. Norton has an impressive range of FAQs, videos and guides on its website so many users may not even need to contact customer support.
McAfee also offers telephone support, FAQs and a large forum and knowledge base. Most user reviewers report receiving good customer service from phone representatives but complain the website is poorly organized and often doesn’t have updated articles matching the current versions of the software.
Featured Partners
1
Norton Antivirus
Plans staring from
INR 799 ($9.55)
Devices Covered
3 PCs or Macs
Features
2GB Cloud Backup and Password Manager
2
Surfshark Antivirus
Price Starting
INR 232/month ($2.79)
Money Back Guarantee
30-day money-back guarantee
Features
VPN, Ad-blocker and cookie pop-up blocker included
Bottom Line
Norton and McAfee each offer strong options for antivirus software and feature much of the same functionality. Norton is especially popular with gamers and streamers willing to trade some ease of use for a more affordable and significantly faster antivirus platform with better internet and software speeds. McAfee is still the best option for businesses due to its reputable name. McAfee is also a better option for those who may not be as technologically adept.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is better: McAfee or Norton?
Both McAfee and Norton offer excellent antivirus software with comparable success rates when it comes to blocking malware and protecting users from dangerous websites. Norton advertises better scan speeds and features a strong dark web monitoring system while McAfee appears more user-friendly and better designed for businesses.
What devices does Norton Antivirus support?
All Norton 360 plans cover devices such as PCs, Macs, iPhones and Android smartphones, as opposed to Norton Antivirus Plus, which can only be installed on one PC or Mac.
Do I really need antivirus software?
Even though Windows PCs and Macs have a basic level of protection built in, online threats exist everywhere. Many websites contain malicious code and some scammers target you directly through your email. It’s never a bad idea to invest in extra protection for the assets you care about—no matter how tech-savvy you are. Check out the best antivirus software.
Will antivirus software slow down my computer?
While antivirus software is scanning your computer actively, it may cause a slowdown and some users report slower internet speeds. Most antivirus software allows you to schedule scans so that you can time them for times you’re not using your computer. Norton’s software is reportedly faster when it comes to scans than McAfee.
What makes antivirus software secure?
Antivirus software detects, flags and removes viruses and malware. Additionally, it offers real-time protection against all threats. Whether you browse the web, download software, shop online or open emails, a good antivirus software should keep your activity secure.
Cyber threats can be mitigated further by combining several layers of security including VPNs, password managers and secure storage.