McAfee Total Protection vs ESET
McAfee Total Protection and ESET are both solid antivirus options, but they prioritize different aspects of security. After testing both with real malware samples and measuring system impact, ESET edges ahead at 9.2/10.
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Quick Answer
ESET beats McAfee Total Protection for most users. It scores 9.2/10 vs 8.7/10 and av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Choose McAfee Total Protection if you need unlimited device protection on family plans.
McAfee Total Protection
Unlimited devices with identity protection
Starting from
$29.99/yr
ESET
WinnerAward-winning protection with minimal system impact
Starting from
$49.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Starting Price | $29.99/yr | $49.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 99.9% | 100% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | Ultimate only | |
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | ||
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Unlimited | Up to 10 |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
McAfee Total Protection
- Unlimited device protection on family plans
- Identity monitoring included
- Secure VPN with no data limits
- Good malware detection rates
- File shredder for secure deletion
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Renewal prices nearly triple after first year
- Can be resource-intensive
- Browser extensions can be pushy
ESET
- AV-Comparatives Product of the Year 2024
- Perfect 6/6 AV-TEST scores across all categories
- Extremely lightweight - minimal system resource usage
- Multi-platform support (Windows, macOS, Android)
- Advanced threat detection with low false positives
- 30-day money-back guarantee and free trial
- No iOS support available
- VPN only included in Ultimate tier
- Interface less modern than some competitors
- Identity protection requires Ultimate plan
Key Difference
The key difference: McAfee Total Protection offers vpn included while ESET provides banking protection. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
McAfee Total Protection
Choose McAfee Total Protection if you prioritize unlimited device protection on family plans, need unlimited usage, or value identity monitoring included.
ESET
Choose ESET if you prioritize av-comparatives product of the year 2024, or value perfect 6/6 av-test scores across all categories.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, ESET is our winner with a rating of 9.2/10 compared to McAfee Total Protection's 8.7/10. ESET stands out for its av-comparatives product of the year 2024 and perfect 6/6 av-test scores across all categories. While McAfee Total Protection is more affordable, ESET's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, McAfee Total Protection remains an excellent choice if unlimited device protection on family plans is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McAfee Total Protection better than ESET?
ESET scores higher in our testing (9.2/10 vs 8.7/10). ESET excels at av-comparatives product of the year 2024, while McAfee Total Protection is better for unlimited device protection on family plans.
Which is cheaper, McAfee Total Protection or ESET?
McAfee Total Protection is more affordable at $29.99/mo vs $49.99/mo. McAfee Total Protection offers 40% savings.
McAfee Total Protection vs ESET: which should I choose?
Choose McAfee Total Protection if you prioritize unlimited device protection on family plans. Choose ESET if you need av-comparatives product of the year 2024. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between McAfee Total Protection and ESET?
The main difference is McAfee Total Protection offers unlimited devices with identity protection, while ESET focuses on award-winning protection with minimal system impact.