Shoppers weighing McAfee usually compare other suites that pair antivirus with a VPN and identity tools, or leaner products for those who only need malware protection.
Several identity, credit and cleanup features are available only in higher McAfee+ tiers
Operating system compatibility varies and is detailed on a separate system requirements page
Full-service Personal Data Cleanup is limited to the top Ultimate tiers
Lower McAfee+ tiers provide data cleanup scans only
McAfee alternatives ecosystem
Curated alternatives, the category they share and the buying guides McAfee appears in. Every node links to its page.
How close is each alternative?
Placed by our editorial taxonomy (subcategory and category), not by a computed similarity score.
Norton 360 bundles antivirus with a VPN, scam protection, password manager and, on Windows, cloud backup.
Why it's on this list
Norton 360 is the closest like-for-like rival, pairing antivirus with a VPN, dark web monitoring and cloud backup on Windows, with LifeLock identity tiers on top.
Strengths
VPN included from Norton 360 Standard upward
Scam Protection covers texts and deepfake videos
Watch out for
Cloud Backup is only available on Windows, excluding S mode and ARM devices
McAfee compared with Norton
McAfee
Norton
Pricing
Varies — see official pricing
Varies — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified
Best for
Households wanting identity monitoring with antivirus, Families with many devices
Windows households wanting an all-in-one suite, Families needing parental controls
Bitdefender Total Security covers Windows, macOS, iOS and Android with layered malware, ransomware and privacy protection.
Why it's on this list
Bitdefender Total Security suits buyers who mainly want strong device protection and performance tools, though its bundled VPN has a daily traffic cap.
Strengths
Supports Windows, macOS, iOS and Android
Includes Safepay, webcam and microphone protection
Watch out for
Some features, such as Safe Files and Rescue Environment, are specific to certain operating systems
McAfee compared with Bitdefender
McAfee
Bitdefender
Pricing
Varies — see official pricing
Varies — see official pricing Pricing not yet verified
Best for
Households wanting identity monitoring with antivirus, Families with many devices
Mixed-platform households, Users focused on device protection
