Looking for an Antivirus software and can’t decide between McAfee and Kaspersky? Well, we have carried out a full comparison report between the 2 software. In this article, you will find every detail of the 2 software followed by the details about the tests held on them based on different categories. So, you can understand the 2 software better and can choose the one which suits your needs the best.
So, Let’s get started.
In today’s time, the internet is a major part of almost everyone’s life. It is because of how useful it is in terms of everything. It provides one to shop from it like features to getting a job in one click. Although it has lots of merits. It also consists of malicious files and viruses which are ready to burn up the systems and are a major cause for cyber theft, crime and internet, and PC related issues. Therefore Antivirus comes into action in regards to the following problems by malicious files and ware or even when these files and ware are detected. 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.
The 2 well-renowned name in the industry is off McAfee and Kaspersky. They both provide decent security and hence tend to keep the system safe from getting infected. Although they provide several features by which people often seem to get confused in opting either of them. As they tend to minimize the difference between them generally making people don’t know which antivirus is better and is good to go for. Hence, the detailed comparison for the same is carried out. Making it easier for readers to decide between them.
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Antivirus Plans Offered by McAfee and Kaspersky
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).
Kaspersky Security Suites
- Kaspersky Free version. Available to people at no cost. (Windows Only).
- The Second one is Kaspersky Anti-Virus. (Windows Only).
- The Internet Security version. Kaspersky Internet Security. (Mac and Windows).
- Then comes the Total Security version. Kaspersky Total Security. (Mac and Windows).
- Virus Scanner. (Mac Only).
- The pro version of the Virus Scanner. Virus Scanner Pro. (Mac Only).
Therefore, the above list provides readers with the availability of all antivirus software. Provided by the 2 companies for home users.
Pre-Comparison Result (Short Verdict)
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, McAfee is almost equal to Kaspersky. Since they offer similar security features and provide users with almost the same type of tools. Although, Kaspersky provides more no. of version as a separate option for its customers than McAfee. Also, as per the Lab test reports Kaspersky excels from McAfee in Protection test as well as in the impact on the system performance test section with a very minute difference making it the winner of the battle with a close call.
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 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.
Therefore, the Above context explains everything about all the available suites by McAfee.
A detailed description of everything included in Kaspersky’s Security Packages
Kaspersky is also an Antivirus software that attained its name in the field because of the results it provided in protecting users. 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:
Kaspersky Free
The freeware by Kaspersky provides basic protection against different types of malware attacks such as trojans, worms, viruses, and ransomware. But you won’t be finding any type of advanced protection services and utility tools present there in the software.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
This is the level up version after Kaspersky free. It provides you with protection against all kind of threats followed by multi-layered ransomware protection, complete web-browsing protection, a vulnerability scanner, and a Gaming mode which tend to subside app notifications and messages. Therefore, providing less distractive gaming.
Note: A single subscription protects a single PC. Although there is an option to add up more PCs that can be done with an additional cost.
Kaspersky Internet Security
This is the next Level up version provided by the company. It contains all the features present there in the previous version and, besides, contains firewall utility, a hardened web browser, and a limited parental control module.
On top of that, it also contains protection against webcam/microphone spying.
Note: The software is compatible with PC, Mac, and smartphone. One can choose protection for more than one device at additional charges.
Kaspersky Total Security
This is the high-end version of antivirus offered by the company. It consists of all the features included that in the internet security version followed by the Password management tool, the Data Shredder utility and an encryption tool. It also offers an inbuilt a complete parental control module and a useful backup utility tool that is responsible for an automatic backup copy of your files and data.
Kaspersky Security Cloud
The newest addition to the antivirus family by Kaspersky. The security cloud is another High-end version offered by the company. This software consists of all the features Total Security version has to offer. Also, it provides users with patented adaptive technology to which the company claims that it is capable of adjusting your security settings automatically. Not only that it also advises you in regards to the same based on your activities.
This particular version comes in 2 packages, Family and Personal. The one and the only difference between the 2 is Family version offers protection for up to 20 PCs, Macs, and smartphones and as of Personal version, it provides protection for 1 PC. Therefore, the family version is priced at 149.99 dollars a year whereas, the personal is priced at more or less the same as Kaspersky Total Security with a cost tag of 89.99 dollars per year for 3 licenses and 99.99 dollars a year for 5 licenses.
Note: All the premium version provided by Kaspersky are compatible with Mac, Windows, and Smartphones except for the Anti-Virus Suite provided by the company.
Therefore, the Above context explains everything about all the available suites by Kaspersky.
McAfee vs Kaspersky (in terms of providing better protection)
As of the 2 software both of them are considered to be really good Antivirus. It is possible because of the features and protects the two ware provides. 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.
AV-Test (Tests)
The most recent test by AV-Tests was conducted in May and June. McAfee took participation in the test. It was tested against 225 samples of zero-day malware and 5,565 samples of widespread malware.
As for McAfee’s Performance, It was completely impressive. 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.
And for Kaspersky, the case was also similar as it also detected 100% of malware against both zero-day malware and widespread malware. Also, making itself attain a perfect score of 6/6 in the “Protection” Category.
AV-Comparatives (Tests)
AV-Comparatives also conducted 2 test. Malware Protection Test and Real-World Protection Test which was calculated from January to February 2018.
As for the recent Real-World Protection test, McAfee and Kaspersky both of them attained a topmost “ADVANCED+” award. Due to their near perfect protection score of 99.6% and 99.7% respectively. As for the false positives McAfee gave out 7 whereas Kaspersky gave out only 1.
And as for the recent Malware Protection test, which was conducted in March 2018. Kaspersky once again attained a top-end “ADVANCED+” award with an awesome protection rate of 99.98% and gave out only 9 false positives.
On the other hand, McAfee managed to bag the Second best “ADVANCED” award with a great protection rate of 99.95% and gave out 10 false positives.
Therefore, looking at the result it can be stated that both McAfee and Kaspersky are pretty good in terms of protection. But Kaspersky excels in the test since it showed better protection rate results in the tests even after they were just neck to neck in terms of protection test.
McAfee vs Kaspersky (in terms of impact on system)
Antivirus is majorly known for running in the background to perform Real-Time scanning. Therefore it is been a serious concern of an individual as antivirus tends to eat up most of the CPU performance. But is important for the sake of safety and security.
Therefore, for antivirus to be good in terms of performance it should imply less strain on PC because the heavy strains can lead to unexpected pauses and hang in a system. Which 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.
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).
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.
Below are the test reports for McAfee in the “Performance” Category (AV-Comparatives).
Kaspersky’s impact Test
As for the test results which was carried out on Kaspersky. The Antivirus once again got a 6/6 rating in AV-Test whereas a top-end “ADVANCED+” award in AV-Comparatives Test in the “performance” category as well also making Kaspersky a pretty lightweight antivirus too.
Below are the test reports for Kaspersky in the “Performance” Category (AV-Test).
Below are the test reports for Kaspersky in “Performance” Category (AV-Comparatives).
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, Both McAfee and Kaspersky tends to stand equal in this section of the comparison. Making both of the software pretty stable to use daily.
McAfee vs Kaspersky (Whose price is more valuable)
Almost both companies resulted in attaining a good score and kept themselves neck to neck in all the tests 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 on the no. of devices protection is needed for.
Therefore, the context stated above tells the readers about the prices available for all different types of McAfee software on a different platform.
Kaspersky Antivirus Suites Pricing
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Kaspersky Anti-Virus
The Kaspersky Anti-Virus is priced at 29.99 dollars a year for 3 PCs protection.
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Kaspersky Internet Security
The Internet security version is priced at 39.99 dollars for a year subscription for 3PCs.
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Kaspersky Total Security
The full-fledged version offered by Kaspersky is priced at 49.99 dollars a year for the protection of up to 5 PCs.
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Kaspersky Security Cloud
This particular version comes in 2 packages. Family and Personal. The one and the only difference between the 2 is Family version offers protection for up to 20 PCs, Macs, and smartphones. And as of Personal version, it protects 1 PC. Therefore, the family version is priced at 149.99 dollars a year. Whereas the personal is priced at more or less the same as Kaspersky Total Security. With a cost tag of 89.99 dollars per year for 3 licenses and 99.99 dollars a year for 5 licenses.
Therefore, the context stated above tells the readers about the prices available for all different types of Kaspersky software on a different platform.
Final Thoughts
Getting a premium antivirus in today’s time is everybody’s requirement. Since they tend to provide individuals with security and safety from online threats. As of the 2 Antivirus software discussed in this article. Both McAfee and Kaspersky proved to meet our needs. Although, the comparison is for people to understand the software 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. Kaspersky excels, Because of its streamlined features as well as prices and options available for all the customers. Although they almost turned out to be equal in almost every test. But for the results, Kaspersky excelled with minute rates.
Therefore, Kaspersky is the recommended contender of this head to head comparison between McAfee and Kaspersky. Because of the low prices of the software version and features provided by it.