McAfee vs AVG – Head to Head Comparison

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Hi, Looking for an Antivirus software which suits your needs? And hence can’t decide between McAfee and AVG? Well, in this article we have carried out a detailed comparison between the 2 software. Providing the details about everything this 2 software has to offer. So, you can decide which software suits best for you among the 2.

So, Let’s get started.

As in today’s time the internet is booming. So does threats coming from it. There are more than 800 million different types of malicious ware. Which are responsible for cyber theft, crime and internet, and PC related issues. Therefore, Antivirus is the software, which tends to work in regards to these malicious ware. Keeping you safe from this type of ware and files simply by blocking them.

Today, McAfee and AVG are famous names in the antivirus market.  There is often a general confusion in opting anyone among this 2 software. Because of all the features, they have to offer to their customers. Although they may lack a couple of features or may excel to one another in some. Which tends to create a sense of the difference between the 2 software. Hence, the detailed comparison for the same is carried out. Making it easier for readers to decide between them.

McAfee vs AVG Plan Comparison

The list below explains about products offered by the companies for home users.

McAfee Antivirus Suites:

  • McAfee Total Security Suite (Both Windows and Mac).
  • And the McAfee LiveSafe Suite (Both Windows and Mac).

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AVG Plans

  • A free version. AVG Antivirus Free (Windows Only)
  •  The ultimate version, known as AVG Ultimate (Available for both Windows and Macintosh)
  •  Internet security specified. AVG Internet Security (Available for both Windows and Macintosh)
  • The specialized Mac version. AVG Antivirus for Mac (Macintosh Only)

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Therefore, the above list provides readers with the availability of all antivirus software for different platforms. Provided by the 2 companies for home users.

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:

  • 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.

In fact, 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 user can buy separately.

  • McAfee LiveSafe:

The LiveSafe version by McAfee offers everything present there in the Total Protection Suite. Also, it provides their customers with 1GB of Secure cloud storage in order to store their personal files.

Note: 

Both “Total Security” and “LiveSafe” by McAfee offers compatibility with Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS devices.

A detailed description of everything included in AVG’s Antivirus Suites:

AVG is also a well-known name in the antivirus market. And has proven to be one of the best in the same category. As of the Avast, AVG also tends to provide users with many options to select from. Therefore, these options are explained as follows:

AVG Free Antivirus:

The free version of AVG Antivirus is limited to Windows only. In simpler words, it is the company’s Windows-only freeware. The software does not comprise of many useful features. Although it Contains only one useful feature of File shredder. Which tends to remove any files or folders thoroughly. Despite this feature, the freeware also tends to protect one from visiting dangerous sites. As well as prevents phishing attacks.

AVG Internet Security Antivirus:

The next up in the frame is the internet security version of the software. This comprises of features like an enhanced double layered firewall. Web Cam protection. Dedicated ransomware protection. WIFI guard which warns you of unsecured connections and an encryption utility. Also, the software features anti-spam module which tends to block off spam emails and messages.

One cool feature is that one subscription can be used by every family member. Meaning a single subscription allows the user to use AVG on multiple devices.

AVG Ultimate Antivirus:

The Ultimate Version of the AVG antivirus. Tends to provide users with every element available in the Security Suite of AVG. Furthermore, it adds AVG tune-up utility. Which tends to fix performance issues, removes junk, improves battery life, and updates other outdated software.

AVG Antivirus For Mac:

There is a Mac-only freeware from AVG known as AVG Antivirus for Mac. This version consists of excellent anti-malware security. Also, provides users with the protection from malicious websites and downloads.

McAfee vs AVG: Which Antivirus gives better protection?

As of the 2 Antiviruses. Both of them are expected to be really good in terms of protection. Since in today’s time virus is more likely to hit a system. Its a must for antivirus to be good in what it is specialized.

Therefore, the tests were held by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. In order to check how well an Antivirus is against such increasing threats. Since these are the software responsible for an individuals internet security and safety.

Note: The tests were carried out on a standard PC as well as High-end PC.

AV-Test (Tests):

The most recent test by AV-Tests was conducted in the month of July and August. Both McAfee and AVG took participation in the test. They both were tested against 275 samples of zero-day malware and 19,747 samples of widespread malware.

As for McAfee’s Performance, It was completely awesome. Since its detection rate was 100%. Meaning it was perfect in detecting malware. It was awarded a perfect score of 6/6 in the test against zero-day malware and widespread malware in the “Protection” Category.

AVG’s results were optimal. But was slightly less good in compare to McAfee. It was able to detect the malware at the detection rate of 99.2% and 99.9% against zero-day and widespread malware, respectively within a time period of July and August. Although, it was also awarded the perfect score of 6/6 in the “Protection” Category. Because of how close it was with McAfee.

AV-Comparatives (Tests):

Av-Comparatives also conducted 2 test. Malware Protection Test and Real-World Protection Test. As for the recent Malware Protection test which was held in March 2018. AVG gave out a perfect result with 100% rate followed by 9 false positives.  As for the McAfee, it blocked out  99.95% of malware and returned 10 false positives.

AVG was awarded the highest “ADVANCED +” rating in the test. And for McAfee, it had to settle for the second best award “ADVANCED” in the test.

And as for the Real-World protection test. McAfee attained “ADVANCED +” award with the impressive detection rate of 99.6%. Whereas, AVG attained the second highest “ADVANCED” award with a detection rate of 99.4%. Where AVG returned 6 false positives and McAfee returned 7.

Therefore, looking at the result it can be stated that both McAfee and AVG are pretty good in terms of protection. But McAfee excels in the test since it showed better protection rate results in the tests.

AVG vs Avast: Which Antivirus provides better performance?

Antivirus mainly run in the background. In order to perform Real-Time scanning. Although, it is been a concern of people as they are known for eating up CPU performance. But is important for the sake of safety and security.

Therefore, in recent times companies have focused to create more and more lightweight Antivirus so less strain should imply on the CPU and one can work on its system with ease. Since the load on the system can prevent proper working and can result in unexpected pauses and hangs. Which can be a lot annoying.

Therefore, tests were conducted by independent labs to carry out the result. 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 High-end PC.

McAfee’s impact Test:

McAfee attained the perfect score of 6/6 by the AV experts. Since it was very minimal in the background and did not put any type of load on the CPU. Attaining a perfect score in the “Performance” Category.

Below are the test reports for McAfee in “Performance” Category.

AVG’s impact Test:

And for the AVG. it attained a score of 5.5/6 by the experts. As its usage of the CPU in the background was very minimal but as for the load. The case was not the same. It did put a slight load on the CPU making the CPU slow in comparison to that of McAfee’s test.

Below are the test reports for AVG in “Performance” Category.

McAfee vs AVG: Value for Money?

Both companies provide almost similar results as well as features. All though in the price section the case might not be the same. Therefore, in this section of the article, the price of both the companies available version of Antivirus software are stated. Therefore making it easier for users to select the one by which one feels comfortable to fit in their budget.

McAfee Antivirus Software Pricing:

  • McAfee Total Protection:

The total protection by McAfee is available for you to purchase at cost of rupees 1400 for a year subscription and for protection up to 5 devices.

  • McAfee LiveSafe:

The LiveSafe version is 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.

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AVG Antivirus Software Pricing:

  • The AVG Internet Security:

The AVG Internet security software price is set to be 63.99 dollars a year.

  • AVG Ultimate:

The ultimate version of the software costs 79.99 dollars a year for a particular individual.

Hence, the above clearly states the available prices for the different versions of AVG antivirus.

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Note: The stated prices are with 20% discount.

Final Thoughts:

Getting a premium antivirus in today’s time is everybody’s need. As they provide individuals with security and safety from online threats. As of the 2 Antivirus software discussed in this article. The comparison is for people to understand the software better and to opt the one which suits best for their needs.

Hence, the conclusion is that both of the Antivirus software is very well functioning. And, have proved to be pretty successful in protecting the individual from online threats and malicious ware. But as of the result of the comparison between the 2. McAfee excels at a very close range, Because of its streamlined features as well as prices and options available for all its customers. Also, the company state to refund the money, if the software fails to detect and remove 100% of the virus from an infected PC. Therefore, it tends to protect from 100% of malicious files followed by giving out less impact on the system.

Hence, Both McAfee and AVG are pretty close to each other in terms of providing protection. Based on the comparison which is just carried out.

But, as of the result, McAfee is the winning contender of this head to head comparison between McAfee and AVG.

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