Microsoft Defender vs McAfee Total Protection
Microsoft Defender and McAfee Total Protection are both solid antivirus options, but they prioritize different aspects of security. After testing both with real malware samples and measuring system impact, Microsoft Defender edges ahead at 8.8/10.
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Quick Answer
Microsoft Defender beats McAfee Total Protection for most users. It scores 8.8/10 vs 8.7/10 and completely free with windows 10/11. Choose McAfee Total Protection if you need unlimited device protection on family plans.
Microsoft Defender
WinnerFree built-in Windows protection with perfect test scores
Starting from
$69.99/yr
McAfee Total Protection
Unlimited devices with identity protection
Starting from
$29.99/yr
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Starting Price | $69.99/yr | $29.99/yr |
| User Reviews | ||
| Protection | ||
| Malware Detection | 99.94% | 99.9% |
| Real-Time Protection | ||
| Ransomware Protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Extras | ||
| VPN Included | ||
| Password Manager | ||
| Parental Controls | Basic | |
| Coverage | ||
| Devices | Unlimited Windows | Unlimited |
| Gaming Mode | ||
| Webcam Protection | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Microsoft Defender
- Completely free with Windows 10/11
- Perfect 18/18 AV-TEST scores
- 99.94% malware detection rate
- Zero performance impact on modern systems
- Seamless Windows integration
- No annoying upsells or popups
- Phishing protection only works in Microsoft browsers
- No VPN included
- No password manager
- Limited parental controls vs paid solutions
- No cross-platform support for Mac/mobile
- Ransomware protection less robust than premium options
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
Key Difference
The key difference: Microsoft Defender offers cloud protection while McAfee Total Protection provides vpn included. This fundamental distinction shapes who each product serves best.
Which Should You Choose?
Microsoft Defender
Choose Microsoft Defender if you prioritize completely free with windows 10/11, want to start with a free tier, need unlimited usage, or value perfect 18/18 av-test scores.
McAfee Total Protection
Choose McAfee Total Protection if you prioritize unlimited device protection on family plans, need unlimited usage, or value identity monitoring included.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, Microsoft Defender is our winner with a rating of 8.8/10 compared to McAfee Total Protection's 8.7/10. Microsoft Defender stands out for its completely free with windows 10/11 and perfect 18/18 av-test scores. Microsoft Defender also offers better value at its price point. 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 Microsoft Defender better than McAfee Total Protection?
Microsoft Defender scores higher in our testing (8.8/10 vs 8.7/10). Microsoft Defender excels at completely free with windows 10/11, while McAfee Total Protection is better for unlimited device protection on family plans.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Defender or McAfee Total Protection?
Microsoft Defender is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $29.99/mo. Microsoft Defender offers 100% savings.
Microsoft Defender vs McAfee Total Protection: which should I choose?
Choose Microsoft Defender if you prioritize completely free with windows 10/11. Choose McAfee Total Protection if you need unlimited device protection on family plans. Both are solid antivirus software options.
What's the main difference between Microsoft Defender and McAfee Total Protection?
The main difference is Microsoft Defender offers free built-in windows protection with perfect test scores, while McAfee Total Protection focuses on unlimited devices with identity protection.