B
BESET vs McAfee
Pricing, features, platforms and who each one suits — side by side.
E
Choose ESET if…
- you want to trial it before paying
- you work on Windows, macOS, Android
- you're in its core audience: home users, families
M
Choose McAfee if…
- you're in its core audience: home users, families
Side by side
Feature ESET McAfee
Pricing modelPaidPricing unknown
Starting price——
Free plan
Free trial
API
Open source
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Android, Linux—
CompanyESETMcAfee
Full feature lists
E ESET
- Real-time AI-powered malware and ransomware detection
- Anti-phishing and safe banking browser mode
- Firewall, Wi-Fi and router vulnerability testing
- Unlimited VPN data with router VPN option
- File and USB encryption
- Ransomware file recovery with automatic backups
- Dark web scanning and credit report monitoring
- Scanning AI chat responses for malicious links
M McAfee
- Antivirus and malware protection
- McAfee+ plans that include identity protection
- Individual and family subscription plans
What you'd pay
The cheapest plan that fits, per month, billed yearly where the plan offers it.
ESET
EssentialVaries by device count
PremiumVaries by device count
UltimateVaries by device count
McAfee
Pricing unknown. Plan details aren't published.
Strengths and limitations
ESET
- Vendor-reported 99.9% malware protection rate
- Small system footprint
- Higher home plans include unlimited VPN data
- Ultimate includes identity recovery with $1M insurance
- Ultimate plan requires at least 5 devices
- Premium includes only 3 VPN connections for 1–10 devices
- Identity protection features are only in the top tier
McAfee
- Individual and family plans available
- One subscription bundles device security with identity protection
- Introductory first-year prices renew at a higher regular rate
More comparisons
Other options to consider
BB
Freemium
B
Antivirus and security suites for homes, small businesses and enterprises
AntivirusFree plan
N
NN
From $1.67/mo
N
NN
Free trial
A
AA
Freemium
A
AA
Free trial
S
SS
From $2.49/mo
Facts from each vendor's public pages, prices checked Nov 12, 2026. Editorial policy