McAfee provides antivirus and online security tools designed to protect compatible computers and mobile devices from malware, ransomware, phishing and other online threats. Available features vary by plan and can include web protection, firewall, password management, VPN and identity monitoring.
- Real-time antivirus and threat protection
- Protection against malware, ransomware and phishing
- Supports Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
- Web protection and firewall features
- Additional privacy and identity-monitoring tools available
- Password manager and file-shredding features on applicable plans
- Centralized management for supported devices
- Features vary between plans
- Some privacy and identity features are not part of every plan
- Pricing and promotional offers can change
- Users looking only for basic antivirus protection may not need the broader feature set
- Device limits depend on the selected subscription
McAfee is a consumer cybersecurity service offering antivirus and broader online protection for computers and mobile devices. Its security software is designed to help detect and protect against threats such as malware, ransomware, phishing and other online risks. McAfee supports compatible Windows, macOS, Android and iOS devices, although available features depend on the product and plan selected.
McAfee’s protection can extend beyond traditional antivirus. Depending on the plan, users may have access to web protection, firewall protection, password management, file shredding, identity monitoring, a secure VPN and other security tools. This makes McAfee more of an all-in-one security platform on its broader plans rather than simply an antivirus application.

FAQs
Does McAfee protect against ransomware?
McAfee’s antivirus protection is designed to help protect devices against ransomware and other malware threats. The exact protection features depend on the McAfee product and subscription selected.
Does McAfee protect against phishing?
Yes. McAfee provides web and scam-protection features designed to help users identify and avoid potentially harmful websites, messages and online threats. Feature availability varies by product and plan.
Can I use McAfee on both Windows and Mac?
Yes. McAfee offers protection for compatible Windows and macOS devices, as well as Android and iOS devices. The specific features available can differ between operating systems.
Can McAfee protect multiple devices?
Yes. McAfee offers plans covering different numbers of devices, with some plans supporting multiple computers and mobile devices. The available device limit depends on the subscription selected.
Does McAfee include a VPN?
A secure VPN is available with applicable McAfee plans. VPN availability and usage conditions can vary depending on the product and subscription.
Does McAfee include identity monitoring?
Identity monitoring is available with applicable McAfee products and can monitor certain personal information for potential exposure. The scope of monitoring varies by product and plan.
Does McAfee include a password manager?
Password management is available with applicable McAfee products, allowing users to securely store and manage passwords. Availability depends on the selected plan.
Is McAfee only an antivirus program?
No. McAfee offers antivirus alongside additional security and privacy tools. Depending on the plan, these can include web protection, firewall protection, password management, VPN services and identity monitoring.
Is McAfee suitable for someone who only needs basic antivirus protection?
McAfee offers products designed around different levels of protection. Someone who only needs basic antivirus protection may want to compare the simpler options with broader plans to determine whether the additional privacy and security features justify the added cost.
How should I choose between McAfee plans?
Compare the number of devices covered, operating-system compatibility, antivirus and web-protection features, privacy tools, identity monitoring, VPN availability and the terms of the subscription. Features, pricing and promotional offers can change, so checking the current plan details before purchasing is recommended.
One of McAfee’s notable characteristics is the combination of antivirus protection with additional privacy, web-security and identity features. Depending on the selected plan, users can manage multiple compatible devices from a central experience while also accessing tools such as web protection, firewall protection, password management, identity monitoring and VPN services. The exact combination of features and number of supported devices varies by plan.
ProtectionSeek ratings reflect our editorial assessment of features, coverage, usability and plan characteristics. Ratings are not provided by or affiliated with the service provider.