Bitdefender and McAfee, 2 of the very well known antiviruses. Often these 2 tend to create a dilemma of choosing any one of them. Well, it might be a hard task for some of you as people often get confused and are unable to decide which one to go for. It is mainly because of how good both are in terms of providing features and protection. But hey, you don’t have to worry, it is because we have carried out an in-depth review of two and compared them head to head in different categories making it easy for you to understand both of them better. So you can make a decision easily based on your understanding.
So, Let’s get started.
Internet, one of the major aspects of today’s time. Almost, about 95% of the world population utilizes it daily. It is mainly because of everything it has to offer. Shopping to getting a job just requires a single click. Although it has lots of merits and provides people with many possibilities, but is also a hub of malicious files and viruses which are ready to burn up the systems and are a major reason behind cyber theft, Cybercrime, and PC related issues. Therefore, this is the point where Antivirus comes into action in regards to the following problems by malicious files and ware. These pieces of software responsible for blocking off the harmful and malicious files and ware from reaching one’s computer. They also are responsible for cleaning out an infected PC by simply scanning it and removing the dangerous files.
Hence, Both Bitdefender and McAfee are pretty established antiviruses. People while opting for a new antivirus product often find themselves in this perpetual dilemma to decide which one to opt among these 2. Since they pack a lot in them and hence have a lot to offer to their customers. Although they may lack in one thing or 2 and may offer something more than the other has to offer which often tends to be the reason differentiating the two. Hence, the detailed comparison for the same is carried out making it easier for readers to decide between them.
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McAfee vs Bitdefender Plans Compared
The list below explains about products offered by the companies for home users.
Bitdefender Antivirus Suites:
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (Windows Only).
- The plus version of the software. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (Windows Only).
- Bitdefender Internet Security version (Windows Only).
- Total security version. Bitdefender Total Security (Both Windows and Macintosh).
- Bitdefender Family Pack (Both Windows and Macintosh).
- The Virus Scanner version(Macintosh Only).
- And the dedicated Mac version. Bitdefender Antivirus for Macintosh (Macintosh Only).
McAfee Antivirus Suites:
- McAfee Total Security Suite (Both Windows and Mac).
- And the McAfee LiveSafe Suite (Both Windows and Mac).
Therefore, the above list provides readers with the availability of all antivirus software provided by the 2 companies for home users.
Bitdefender vs McAfee Comparison Result
Note: This section of the article is for those who want to skip the effort of reading an in-depth comparison report of the 2 antiviruses and directly know the result.
As per the research, Bitdefender is the winning contender of the Comparison. Since it offers more security features and provides users with many different types of utility tools than McAfee has to offer. Although, Both Bitdefender and McAfee similar results in the “Protection” category but Bitdefender managed to excel with slightly better results. Also, as per the Lab test reports Bitdefender excels with a slight difference from McAfee in an impact test.
It is recommended to kindly read the full comparison report for in-depth knowledge of what both the software has to offer before opting for any one of them.
A detailed description of everything included in Bitdefender’s Antivirus Suites:
Bitdefender is a very well-known name in the field of antivirus. It is because of its product quality as well as because of the features it offers to its customers. The company provides its users with many versions to choose from according to their needs. Hence the detailed description of those versions are as follows:
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition:
This is the first in the line software company provides to the user. It is a free version and hence protects from basic malware. Like ransomware, viruses, worms, etc. But it does not provide users with advanced protection features. Although protection against online threats is induced in the software.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus:
The next step up is to Bitdefender’s Antivirus Plus software. It comprises of features like WiFi Security Advisor which tends to block threats trying to spread through the network, A Vulnerability Scanner which holds regular checks in for outdated software and security holes in the OS and a file shredding utility which helps you delete your files with complete security and makes it insanely hard for anyone but you to recover them. Also, Advanced multi-layered ransomware protection, A hardened web browser, and a password management utility. They all are present here in this version of the software.
Note: A single subscription of the Plus version lets you protect up to 3 PCs.
Bitdefender Internet Security:
This is the next version up in the list of software provided by the company. It consists of all those features present in the Plus suite. As well as offers a two-way firewall, A spam filter and a file encryption utility which tends to monitor ongoing and outgoing connections and blocks of malicious ware. Also, it Blocks junk emails and messages and protects personal files and documents from hackers respectively. It also features a limited parental control utility which is responsible for blocking age-sensitive content as well as helps in monitoring children’s usage of the internet and a limited VPN.
Note: This version also lets a single subscription of the software protect up to 3 PCs.
Bitdefender Total Security:
This is the full-blown version of the software company has to offer. Meaning it contains all the feature which the company has to offer. In simpler words, it consists of all the features from the previous version and hence adds Anti-theft Module which is responsible for finding lost and stolen devices. Also, it adds up the performance-enhancing tools. Such as OneClick Optimizer, Disk Cleanup, Startup Optimizer.
Unlike other Antivirus suites, this particular version is compatible with Macintosh Systems as well.
Note: This particular version lets you protect up to five PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices. With a single Total Security Subscription.
Bitdefender Family Pack:
If you are looking for a family subscription. Then there is no better option available other than this. As this particular subscription lets, you protect unlimited no. of PCs, Macs, Androids and iOS devices. That too with “Total Security” Subscription.
Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac:
This is a specialized premium version of the software created for Mac OS. It is incorporated with all the features and is capable of blocking every type of Mac-related malware and dangerous files. Also, is equipped with a VPN and an encryption utility. Therefore, on the upper hand, it is also incorporated with protection against annoying adware and dangerous phishing attacks.
Note: Both Bitdefender Family pack and Bitdefender Total Security are compatible with Macintosh OS.
A detailed description of everything included in McAfee’s Antivirus Suites:
McAfee is a well-renowned antivirus software known for its security and features. It is one of the famous antiviruses present out there in the market. It provides users with different products. Hence, those are stated above, readers can refer to the context stated above. Therefore all the things which the available versions of the software have to offer are as follows:
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McAfee Total Protection:
This particular product is the companies most profound and best-selling product. It offers its users with complete protection from all types of threats. Besides that, it offers a 2-way firewall, a file shredder, and a file utility tool. Whereas, it also comprises of a Network Manager (Responsible for the protection of wifi network and prevents the intruder’s interference), an anti-spam filter(Blocks of malicious emails and messages) and a Vulnerability Scanner suite(keeps check on outdated software and other security flaws).
On top of that, the software consists of A Parental Control module, a social media guard, and several computer optimization tools present there in the software. The “Total Protection” subscription also provides the customers with five licenses 0f True Key Identity Manager (Password manager by McAfee). The single subscription of the high-end product by McAfee also allows the protection of up to 10 devices regardless of their OS.
McAfee guarantees in the state of Malware infection, that McAfee expert will either remove the virus completely or will refund your money. Supporting its statement stating “100% virus Protection Guarantee”.
Note: The software also provides an extension of Web Advisor, which users can buy separately.
Must Read: Norton vs Kaspersky Antivirus Battle!
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McAfee LiveSafe:
The LiveSafe version by McAfee offers everything present there in the Total Protection Suite. Also, it provides its customers with 1GB of Secure cloud storage to store their files.
Note:
Both “Total Security” and “LiveSafe” by McAfee offers compatibility with Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS devices.
Therefore, the Above context explains everything about all the available suites by McAfee.
Bitdefender vs McAfee (in terms of providing better protection):
As of the 2 software, both of them are considered to be really good Antivirus in terms of protection and providing features. One is known to be the best antivirus one can opt-in today’s time whereas the other one as a reliable product in the market. It is all because of the protection, features, and utility tools the two ware provides. In the current period virus is more likely to hit a system. Since there is a growing number of internet users day by day, threats are also increasing at a faster rate. Therefore, both the software provides nominal features for the protection of an individual from such threats.
Therefore, the tests were held by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. To check how well an Antivirus is against such increasing threats. Since these are the software responsible for an individual’s internet security and safety.
Note: The tests were carried out on a standard PC as well as a High-end PC.
AV-Test (Tests):
There were 2 different tests conducted against 225 zero-day malware and 5,865 widespread malware in May and June 2018. As of result of the test, Bitdefender, as expected, came out with a remarkably perfect threat detection rate of 100% against both types of malware in both the months attaining the perfect score of 6/6 by AV experts in the “Protection Category”.
And for the result of McAfee, it also showed impressive results but showed a slightly less detection rate of 98.9% in April against zero-day malware. Apart from that, it managed to keep up with Bitdefender, also attaining a perfect score of 6/6 in the AV-Test by AV experts in the “Protection Category”.
AV-Comparatives (Tests):
The AV-Comparatives held a study in the period of February-June 2018. In which both of them were tested against real-world malware conditions in the “Real-World Protection Test” and simple malware conditions in the “Malware Protection Test”.
As for the “Real-World” protection test, Both Bitdefender and McAfee showed near-perfect results with a detection rate of 99.8% and 99.6%, respectively. They both were rewarded with the highest “ADVANCED+” award in the “Protection” category and for the false-positive report, Bitdefender returned 2 false positives in total, whereas McAfee returned 9.
And as per the result of the “Malware Protection Test”, Bitdefender again bagged a perfect and topmost “ADVANCED+” award due to its near-perfect protection rate of 99.99%. Whereas McAfee, on the other hand, received a second-best “ADVANCED” award from the expert due to its near-perfect protection rate of 99.95% and slightly higher false-positive return score of 10 making it rank go down a bit.
Hence, for the protection test on two software, It is clear that Bitdefender and McAfee are pretty capable of providing with the best protection to their customers, but as of the result they both proved to be very competitive in this category as they came up with almost the similar score in the “Protection” category. But as per the Lab test evaluations, Bitdefender excels from McAfee making it the winner of this particular category.
Bitdefender vs McAfee (in terms of impact on system):
Real-Time scanning, the real reason behind antivirus to work in the background. Although, it has been a concern of people for quite some time now since they tend to eat up most of the CPU performance. But is important for the sake of safety and security against online threats waiting to infect one’s system.
Therefore, for antivirus to be perfect it should imply less strain on PC because the heavy strain can be a particular reason for unexpected pauses and hang in a system that can be pretty annoying sometimes.
Therefore, tests were conducted by independent labs to carry out the result of how the 2 software fared in a particular category. By carrying out a couple of activities like launching popular websites, downloading and installing, commonly used applications, copying of files, and more.
Note: The tests were carried out on a standard PC as well as a High-end PC.
Bitdefender’s impact Test:
As for the test which was carried out on Bitdefender. The Antivirus once again got a 6/6 rating in AV-Test.
Below are the test results of Bitdefender’s Impact test held by AV-Test.
Whereas, it also received an “ADVANCED+” award in the AV-Comparatives Test with a rating of 6.9 in the “Performance” category.
Below are the test results of Bitdefender’s Impact test held by AV-Comparatives.
McAfee’s impact Test:
McAfee attained a nominally good score of 5.5/6 by the AV experts in the “Performance” category. Since it was very minimal in the background but was able to exert a slightly high strain on the CPU as compared to Bitdefender.
Below are the test reports for McAfee in the “Performance” Category (AV-Test).
And for the AV-Comparatives test results, McAfee was one of the antiviruses to attain the top-end “ADVANCED+” rating making it a pretty lightweight software and hence also exerted a pretty low impact score of 6.9 as well.
Below are the test reports for McAfee in the “Performance” Category (AV-Comparatives).
Note:
The lower the impact score the better the antivirus.
As for this test conclusion, it is clear that both of the software is pretty stable and tend to provide minimal impact on the system. Whereas, if we go for the stats, Bitdefender tends to dominate this section of the comparison making it better than McAfee in terms of impact on the system.
Bitdefender vs McAfee in terms of Pricing:
Almost both companies resulted in attaining a good score and almost contains similar features. But as for the price tags, it might not be the same case. As in this section, we’ll be stating the allotted price of each software version provided by both companies. Hence making it easier for readers to decide which one falls in their budget range.
Bitdefender’s Antivirus Software Pricing:
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Bitdefender Antivirus Plus:
The Antivirus Plus subscription is available in 29.99 dollars for a 1-year plan.
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Bitdefender Internet Security:
The Bitdefender Internet Security is available for 34.99 dollars for a 1-year subscription.
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Bitdefender Total Security:
The total security version of Bitdefender Antivirus is available at 38.99 dollars for a year subscription.
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Bitdefender Family Pack:
One can get a 1-year subscription of this version at 54.99 dollars.
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Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac:
This Mac dedicated Antivirus software can be purchased for 34.99 dollars a year.
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Bitdefender Small Office Security:
One can purchase this for 99.98 dollars. And it includes a 1-year subscription for 10 devices.
Therefore, the context stated above tells the readers about the prices available for all different types of Bitdefender software.
McAfee Antivirus Software Pricing:
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McAfee Total Protection:
The total protection by McAfee is available for you to purchase at cost of rupees 1400 for a year subscription and protection up to 5 devices.
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McAfee LiveSafe:
The LiveSafe version is the cost at rupees 1299 for a year subscription for 1 device protection.
Note: Each product prices vary depending over the no. of devices protection is needed for.
Therefore, the context stated above tells the readers about the prices available for all different type of McAfee software on a different platform.
Final Thoughts: Winner?
As in today’s date, everyone requires a premium antivirus software. Since they tend to provide individuals with the basic need of security and safety from online threats. As of both the antiviruses discussed in this article. Both Bitdefender and McAfee proved to meet the basic as well as advanced needs. Although, the comparison is strictly carried out for people to understand the 2 programs better and to opt for the one which suits best for their needs.
Hence, the conclusion is that both of the Antivirus software is very well functioning and, are pretty successful in protecting the individual from online threats and malicious ware. But as of the result of the comparison between the 2. Bitdefender excels, Because of its streamlined features as well as prices and options available for all the customers. Also, it highly excels in terms of giving out false positives. Meaning that it tend to report very few safe files as a threat in comparison to that of McAfee Antivirus. Although they almost turned out to provide similar results in almost every test. But for the results, Bitdefender excelled with minute rates.
Therefore, it is clear that Bitdefender is the winning contender of this head to head comparison between Bitdefender and McAfee.
Note: Both Bitdefender and McAfee tend to have similar scores but Bitdefender excels in some parts making it the winner of the head to head comparison.