Cyberattacks through malware, phishing, hacking and online fraud attempt to steal identities and critical data. Installing a robust antivirus solution is essential to guard allendpoints across enterprises today. We compare two leading antivirus brands – Bitdefender and McAfee on all vital aspects to help you decide the best option.
Introduction
Both Bitdefender and McAfee offer multi-layered security via features like real time scans, behavior monitoring, ransomware protection etc. But which one should you rely on to be your computer‘s cyber guardian? We break down their capabilities on metrics like features offered, system resource usage, malware catch rate and more to reveal the better antivirus.
Feature Comparison
| Features | Bitdefender | McAfee |
|---|---|---|
| Antivirus/Anti-malware | Yes | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes | Yes |
| Device Optimization | Yes | No |
| Parental Control | Yes | Yes |
| Password Manager | Yes | No |
| VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Web Protection | Yes | Yes |
Bitdefender provides more utilities like device optimization and password management compared to McAfee. However, McAfee offers more advanced browser protection through WebAdvisor though both have anti-phishing capabilities.
To truly safeguard homes and workplaces today, modern antivirus software relies on defense-in-depth via multiple protection layers – starting from the gateway to endpoints like laptops and servers to thwart attacks.
Both packages offer core safeguards but McAfee edges ahead with a firewall and better web security.
Impact on System Performance
Antivirus solutions use ongoing monitoring and background scans which reduces spare processing capacity available for normal applications. This inadvertently causes computers to slow down or lag during intense antivirus activity.
Independent testing lab AV-Test evaluated the performance impact of both suites by measuring system slowdown during on-demand scans and other tasks.
- Bitdefender – 16% drop during full scans
- McAfee – 21% drop during full scans
So Bitdefender uses lighter system resources than McAfee which is better for underpowered or older machines. With modern systems hosting antivirus agents less impact is felt by users though some lag still manifests intermittently.
Malware Protection Capability
Evaluating the efficacy of malware solutions is vital for zeroing in on the superior system. We again turn to authoritative testing labs who create real world copycat environments and simulate attacks.
- AV Test: Both score 100% block rate against widespread malware
- AV Comparatives: Bitdefender scores 99.5% protection rate outperforming McAfee‘s 98% rate
Bitdefender leverages cyber threat intelligence from over 500 million devices along with machine learning algorithms to identify new attack patterns better. Award winning BitDefender Anti-virus consistently earns top malware detection rates among industry solutions as per multiple tests.
McAfee still holds fort with its signature based techniques coupled with heuristics blocking majority attacks. So although Bitdefender wins this category, McAfee also puts up strong protection limiting any threats that infiltrate computers.
Cost and Pricing Plans
| Plan | Devices Supported | Bitdefender Price | McAfee Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium/Total Security | 5 | $35.99 per year | $44.99 per year |
| Internet Security | 3 | $32.99 per year | NA |
| Antivirus Plus | 3 | $23.99 per year | NA |
For premium plan covering 5 PCs, Bitdefender works out 20% cheaper than McAfee while providing additional utilities making it better value. McAfee only matches Bitdefender offering on Windows platform lacking Mac support which might necessitate buying multiple products for a heterogeneous environment.
Bitdefender pricing stays unchanged for adding more devices unlike McAfee. Although McAfee provides unlimited device licensing on premium plans for those with larger families and device fleets.
Ease of Use
Both solutions offer simple installation wizards and easy enough interfaces for novices. McAfee offers better indications to guide users while BitdefenderDASHBOARD has wider array of advanced configurations IT professionals would appreciate to customize security policies. This allows matching risk appetite with appropriate protection levels.
On mobiles, Bitdefender offers limited functionality on iOS unlike the highly rated McAfee Mobile Security app providing robust OS level defense for phones and tablets.
Customer Support
McAfee lacks email support offered by other vendors while BitDefender provides comprehensive phone, email and web-based assistance worldwide. So users can directly contact technicians at Bitdefender for speedy resolution.
Both have extensive self-help resources like FAQs, forums and how to guides helping resolve basic queries. Bitdefender support earns slightly better satisfaction ratings as per customer review sites like ConsumerAffairs. Considering most people leverage self-service tools, McAfee support gets the job done but direct email support definitely improves user experience.
Pros and Cons Summary
Bitdefender advantages
- Lower performance impact
- Superior malware protection
- Password manager utility
- Better value antivirus
- Email support
McAfee advantages
- Firewall capability
- Unlimited multi-device plans
- Parental supervision
- Easier mobile device support
- More intuitive interface
So as you evaluate cybersecurity requirements for home networks or company endpoints, assess their pros against needs. Extra utilities like password managers or firewalls along with core antivirus capabilities should factor in the decision between Bitdefender and McAfee.
Most IT administrators use multi-vendor endpoint protection blending strengths across platforms – like Bitdefender for virtual desktops and McAfee for internal networks.
Verdict
While both deliver robust threat defense, Bitdefender wins more product comparison face-offs indicating technical superiority. Award winning BitDefender Antivirus provides a potent mix of highest catch rates and minimal performance drag earning our recommendation too for safeguarding Windows and Mac systems.
McAfee is another solid choice offering firewall protection and simplified management catering to novice home users overexperts. Their unlimited plans also suit bigger families running many devices and BYOD environments.
We suggest trying out the free 30 day trials offered before purchasing annual subscriptions allowing in-depth evaluation. Must have protection with minimal hassles!
Stay safe out there as you bank, surf and engage online. Always stay one step ahead of lurking cyber crooks with a trusted antivirus guarding all attack surfaces. Prevention beats later firefighting so invest wisely after assessing business needs.
