2026

McAfee vs Avast

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

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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Avast

8.7

/ 10

Avast Premium Security is one of the most recognisable antivirus brands and offers solid protection for up to 10 devices. The suite includes web protection, VPN, and anti-tracking features. Platform coverage is broad – from Windows and Mac to mobile devices. Avast has faced past criticism over data privacy practices, which have since been addressed. Pricing is fair but not always the cheapest.

1st Year PriceCHF 37.90 RenewalCHF 74.90 PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad

Protection 9.1

Performance 8.7

Best for 8.9

First-year price 8.5

Key features 8.8

Support 8.1

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Our Verdict

Avast narrowly wins – McAfee is the leaner choice.

Avast scores 8.7 / 10 overall and is the stronger pick on protection and feature scope. If you value maximum performance, low resource use and lower renewal costs, McAfee is the better fit. Both are excellent options for Swiss users.

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Our verdict

McAfee and Avast 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, McAfee currently sits at CHF 40 in year one, Avast at CHF 38. Watch the renewal price closely: both are transparently listed in the table above and matter more long-term than the introductory price.

Strength profiles: McAfee scores highest on protection, Avast 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	McAfee	Avast
Real-time protection	Yes	Yes
Built-in VPN	Yes	Yes
Password manager	No	No
Anti-tracking / anti-phishing	No	Yes
Parental controls	Yes	No
Identity protection	Yes	No
Low system impact	No	No
Platforms	Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad	Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad
Number of devices (standard licence)	5	10
System impact in daily use	Moderate	Moderate

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Frequently asked questions about McAfee vs Avast

Which scores higher on protection, McAfee or Avast?

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 – McAfee or Avast?

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, McAfee or Avast?

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 McAfee or Avast?

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.