2026

Malwarebytes vs McAfee

Malwarebytes and McAfee compared side by side: protection, performance, pricing, and features. Which antivirus suits you better?

Malwarebytes

8.5

/ 10

Malwarebytes has built its reputation as a specialist in malware detection and removal. The Premium version offers real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and malicious websites. The software is particularly lightweight and works well as a complement or replacement for heavyweight suites. The VPN add-on provides extra privacy. The feature set is intentionally focused – those looking for extras like password managers or parental controls will need to look elsewhere.

1st Year PriceCHF 44.90 RenewalCHF 79.90 PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad

Protection 8.9

Performance 9.2

Best for 9.0

First-year price 8.0

Key features 7.8

Support 8.3

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McAfee

8.5

/ 10

McAfee+ delivers a practical security package for households with many devices. The suite covers Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and includes VPN, identity protection, and optional parental controls. Setup is quick and the interface straightforward. Worth noting: performance can vary by system, and the renewal price sits noticeably above the introductory offer.

1st Year PriceCHF 39.90 RenewalCHF 84.90 PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad

Protection 9.0

Performance 8.0

Best for 8.6

First-year price 8.0

Key features 9.0

Support 8.4

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Our Verdict

Malwarebytes and McAfee are evenly matched.

Both products are evenly matched – the decision depends on your personal requirements.

Our verdict

Malwarebytes and McAfee come out tied at 8.5 out of 10 in our rating. The decision should not hinge on overall score but on your concrete needs.

On price, Malwarebytes currently sits at CHF 45 in year one, McAfee at CHF 40. Watch the renewal price closely: both are transparently listed in the table above and matter more long-term than the introductory price.

Strength profiles: Malwarebytes scores highest on system impact, McAfee on protection. If you care most about one of those dimensions, the choice is clear. For all-round needs, either product is a safe pick.

Feature-by-feature comparison

Criterion	Malwarebytes	McAfee
Real-time protection	Yes	Yes
Built-in VPN	Yes	Yes
Password manager	No	No
Anti-tracking / anti-phishing	No	No
Parental controls	No	Yes
Identity protection	No	Yes
Low system impact	Yes	No
Platforms	Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad	Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad
Number of devices (standard licence)	5	5
System impact in daily use	Very low	Moderate

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Frequently asked questions about Malwarebytes vs McAfee

Which scores higher on protection, Malwarebytes or McAfee?

Both reach top scores in AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives – the differences are small. The exact scores are in the comparison table above.

Which is cheaper in year 1 and on renewal – Malwarebytes or McAfee?

Look at the price columns above: year-one price and renewal price are stated transparently side by side. The renewal delta is often the bigger cost factor over 3 years.

Which is better for families, Malwarebytes or McAfee?

Both offer family plans for 5–10 devices. What matters: does the product have a dedicated parental-controls mode, screen-time management and a smooth setup. Details in the feature table.

Do I get better Mac/mobile support with Malwarebytes or McAfee?

Platform support is listed in the comparison above. Generally: macOS performance is best with Bitdefender and Intego; Android protection is most mature with Bitdefender, Norton and Kaspersky.