Confused between opting for an Antivirus product that meets all your needs? Can’t decide whether to go with McAfee or ESET? Well, in this article we have carried out a complete comparison between McAfee and ESET. This McAfee vs ESET Detailed comparison guide will help you pick the winner out of the two famous antivirus software.
Internet usage is growing day by day. So does threats available on the internet. There are millions of dangerous files and malware available on the internet waiting for infecting its billions of users. That’s when antivirus comes into play. Antivirus software is responsible for the protection of the users. Since it tends to block off the harmful and malicious files and ware from reaching one’s computer. Although, they also are responsible for cleaning out an infected PC. By simply scanning it and removing the dangerous files.
Today, McAfee and ESET are well-known names in the antivirus market. There is often a general confusion in opting for anyone among this 2 software. Because of all the features, they have to offer to their users. They may lack a couple of features or may excel at 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 which one fits their needs.
Most Recommended Antivirus Comparisons
Plans offered by McAfee and ESET Antivirus:
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).
ESET Security Suites
- The ESET nod32 Antivirus version. (Windows Only).
- Internet security version. ESET Internet Security (Windows Only).
- A higher version. ESET Smart Security Premium (Windows Only).
- The ESET Multi-Device Security (Both Windows and Macintosh).
- ESET Cyber Security (Macintosh Only).
- The pro version of cybersecurity. ESET Cyber Security Pro (Macintosh Only).
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:
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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.
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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.
A detailed description of everything included in ESET’s Antivirus Suites
Similar to other antivirus manufacturers. ESET also offers different Antivirus for different platforms. Although one of its many software is a multi-device compatible. Therefore, the different version of the software that the company offers are as follows:
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
It is the entry-level Antivirus offered by the company. It does not contain specialized security features. Or additional tools. Although it protects you from all the bases. Meaning, it is capable of blocking off all types of viruses, spyware, worms, trojans, etc. And is also incorporated with protection against ransomware and phishing attacks.
And hence contain an additional feature of a silent mode utility. Which tends to suspend notification for better movie or game experience.
ESET Internet Security
The next level in the Security packages of ESET is ESET Internet Security. It includes every feature incorporated in the previous version. Followed by a hardened browser. A two-way firewall. An Anti-spam filter. An Anti-theft module. And a Network Monitor. Which are responsible for all types of activities. Held online.
It also comes with an additional feature of webcam protection. Meaning it provides additional protection against web spies.
ESET Smart Security Premium
The company’s full-blown version of the Antivirus. It contains everything the company has to offer. It is incorporated with all the features that were there in the NOD32 and Internet security versions. And some additional features of the password manager and the Secure Data module. It is an encryption utility responsible for creating virtual drives to protect your data from hackers.
ESET Multi-Device security
If you wish to opt for multiple device security. The subscription of the Multi-Device security lets you accomplish that. Although it restricts the no. of devices. Meaning, unlike Bitfinder’s Family Pack it won’t allow unlimited device protection from one subscription.
Also, because of some reasons, you can opt for either the NOD32 version or the Internet Security version. To accompany this subscription. As Company doesn’t allow the installation of a high-shelf ESET Smart Security Premium suite.
So opting for this particular version might be costly for users who plan to opt for an Antivirus for the whole family.
ESET Cyber Security
This is an exclusive version of the Antivirus created for Mac OS. It is incorporated with global protection against all malware threats. It also features a presentation mode that tends to suspend notification to maintain the interruption-free experience. And also contain the full free premium support.
ESET Cyber Security Pro
This is the pro version of the previously explained version. It comprises of all the features present there in the Cyber Security version. And consists of a firewall and a parental control module in it.
McAfee vs ESET (in terms of providing better protection)
As of the 2 software. Both of them are considered to be really good Antivirus. Because, as of today’s time 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 protection 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)
The most recent test by AV-Tests was conducted in July and August. McAfee took participation in the test. It was 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.
Therefore for the ESET Antivirus. It did not participate in the Test. Its AV-Test evaluations are not taken into account.
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 on March 2018. McAfee managed to block out 99.95% of malware and returned 10 false positives.
And was awarded the “ADVANCED +” award for the test.
And as of ESET, it did exceptionally well. Although, its protection rate was slightly low at 99.94%. But, the software also attained the best “ADVANCED+” title in the test. Also, it gave out a few false positives.
And as for the Real-World protection test. McAfee attained the “ADVANCED +” award with an impressive detection rate of 99.6%. Whereas, ESET attained the second-highest “ADVANCED” award with a detection rate of 98.9%. Where ESET returned 6 false positives and McAfee returned 7.
Therefore, looking at the result it can be stated that both McAfee and ESET are pretty good in terms of protection. But McAfee excels in the test since it showed better protection rate results in the tests.
McAfee vs ESET (in terms of impact on system)
Antivirus is majorly known for running in the background to perform Real-Time scanning. Although, it is been a concern of people since they are prone to consume CPU performance. But it 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 heavy strain can result in unexpected pauses and hang in a system. Which can be pretty annoying.
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.
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 the “Performance” Category (AV-Test).
Whereas in AV-Comparatives test results, McAfee attained an “ADVANCED +” rating with a low rating of 6.4. Making it a pretty stable software to use.
Below are the test reports for McAfee in the “Performance” Category (AV-Comparative).
ESET’s impact Test
As of the ESET’s AV-Test. The Antivirus software didn’t participate in it. Whereas of AV-Comparative test results, ESET received an “ADVANCED+” award with an exceptionally low rating of 1.7. Making it a pretty stable software to use.
Below are the test reports for ESET in the “Performance” Category (AV-Comparative).
McAfee vs ESET (in terms of Price)
Almost both companies resulted in attaining a good score. And hence contains similar features. But the same might not be the case when it comes to price tags. As in this section, we’ll be stating the assigned prices of each software version provided by both companies. Hence making it easier for readers to choose the one which suits them best.
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 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.
ESET Antivirus Software Pricing
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ESET NOD32 Antivirus
The NOD32 Antivirus will cost an individual 39.99 dollars for a 1-year subscription.
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ESET Internet Security
This Particular version costs 49.99 dollars for a year subscription.
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ESET Smart Security Premium
The Smart Security Premium costs 59.99 dollars for a 1-year complete subscription.
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ESET Multi-device Security
The Multi-Device subscription for 1 year will cost an individual 69.99 dollars.
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ESET Cyber Security for Mac
The simple Cyber Security Costs 39.99 dollars a year and the Cyber Security Pro costs 49.99 dollars a year.
Therefore, the context stated above tells the readers about the prices available for all different type of ESET software on a different platform.
Final Thoughts
Hence, the conclusion is that both of the Antivirus software is very well functioning. And, have proved to be pretty successful in protection 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 ESET are pretty close to each other in terms of providing protection. Based on the comparison which is just carried out in the above context. But, as of the result, McAfee is the winning contender of this head to head comparison between McAfee and ESET.