Bitdefender vs McAfee: which antivirus is better in 2025

Bitdefender and McAfee are top-tier antivirus solutions offering comprehensive protection, real-time threat detection, and extra tools like VPNs, password managers, and identity theft protection. They also support multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, which makes them both solid options for users looking for all-around digital safety.

However, after running side-by-side comparisons, Bitdefender stood out as the better antivirus provider in 2025. It consistently outperforms McAfee in malware detection and system performance. Bitdefender’s real-time protection rate reached 99.97%, while McAfee scored slightly lower at 99.96% in my team’s in-house tests. Additionally, Bitdefender offers smoother scans with less system slowdown, and its pricing is slightly cheaper than McAfee’s.

I used a Windows 11 Pro laptop (Dell XPS 15, 32GB RAM) and a MacBook Air M2 to evaluate both antiviruses. My team and I ran multiple tests using AV-Test’s benchmarking tools and manual malware injections using safe samples from the EICAR test suite. I also looked into both providers’ daily usability, update frequency, and how each tool handled zero-day threats. Here’s what I found during the Bitdefender vs McAfee tests:

It is evident that Bitdefender outperforms McAfee in terms of overall protection, speed, and value for money. For a deeper breakdown, read my full comparison below!

Which is better, McAfee or Bitdefender, in terms of protection?

Regarding protection, Bitdefender outperforms McAfee in both independent lab results and hands-on testing. According to AV-Comparatives’ Real-World Protection Test and AV-Test’s latest evaluations, Bitdefender consistently ranks among the top antivirus solutions, while McAfee lags slightly behind.

In AV-Test’s most recent report, Bitdefender achieved a perfect 6/6 score in protection, detecting 99.9% of zero-day malware attacks and widespread threats in real time. While still solid, McAfee scored 98.5% in real-time detection, occasionally missing newer or more evasive samples. AV-Comparatives also awarded Bitdefender its Advanced+ rating, the highest possible tier, while McAfee received the standard Advanced award, showing a slightly lower block rate.

To confirm these results, I ran my own protection tests on a Windows 11 laptop (HP Spectre x360) and MacBook Pro M1, using live malware samples, EICAR test files, and simulated phishing links. I found that Bitdefender’s real-time protection responded faster, instantly isolating threats and alerting me. McAfee, however, sometimes allowed files to sit longer before reacting or required a manual scan to catch them.

In my experience, Bitdefender provides more comprehensive coverage than McAfee’s limited offerings. It is notably better at handling zero-day threats, drive-by downloads, and malicious web scripts. Therefore, if you’re choosing between Bitdefender or McAfee, Bitdefender is the safer bet for 2025. It’s faster, more reliable, and more proactive in blocking threats.

Scanning options

Before diving into the technical details, here’s how Bitdefender vs McAfee compares in terms of scanning options:

Both McAfee and Bitdefender offer essential scan types (Quick, Full, and Custom scans), but Bitdefender has the edge in performance and depth. Bitdefender’s full scan completed significantly faster during testing and had a lesser impact on system performance than McAfee's.

I found Bitdefender’s Rescue Mode and Vulnerability Scan particularly useful. Rescue Mode reboots your PC to eliminate deeply embedded malware - something McAfee currently doesn’t offer. The Vulnerability Scan helped me identify outdated software and security loopholes McAfee skipped entirely.

For daily use, I strongly recommend Bitdefender’s Quick Scan. It’s fast, accurate, and doesn’t disrupt background activity. Custom scans are ideal if you regularly download from external drives or suspicious sources: both antiviruses offer this, but Bitdefender’s UI makes setting parameters easier.

In-house malware detection results

Additionally, to get a firsthand look at how Bitdefender vs McAfee perform under pressure, I ran my own malware detection tests on two Windows 11 laptops: one with an Intel i7 processor (16GB RAM) and another with an AMD Ryzen 5 (8GB RAM).

I used a custom mix of 500+ malware samples, including trojans, adware, ransomware simulators, and rootkits. Each antivirus was tested online and offline, using full scans, with real-time protection enabled. Here’s a snapshot of our findings:

Bitdefender completed its full scan in 2 hours and 7 minutes, while McAfee took roughly 40 minutes under the same conditions. While both caught the majority of threats, Bitdefender consistently identified more zero-day samples and obscure malware types, especially in offline scenarios. I also noticed that Bitdefender ran more “quietly” in the background, using less CPU and memory during scans.

Furthermore, I cross-referenced the results above with AV-Comparatives' Real-World Protection Test, which showed that Bitdefender scored among the highest for proactive malware blocking, while McAfee was just slightly behind.

So, Bitdefender outperforms McAfee in terms of malware protection. It uses fewer system resources, is faster in detection, and is more effective both online and offline.

Compare McAfee vs Bitdefender antivirus price

When comparing Bitdefender vs McAfee in terms of pricing, Bitdefender is cheaper than McAfee across most plans. The cheapest antivirus on the market hovers around as little as $10/year, however, don’t make a mistake choosing your antivirus software based solely on the price. McAfee offers way more device coverage, while Bitdefender provides more advanced features even at lower tiers. Here’s a quick breakdown of how McAfee vs Bitdefender antivirus plans compare:

Both McAfee and Bitdefender offer a 30-day free trial and refund policy, making it easy to try either risk-free. However, Bitdefender is better for budget-conscious users or those who want advanced features with fewer devices, while McAfee is ideal for families needing coverage for unlimited devices.

McAfee vs Bitdefender free versions compared

Both McAfee and Bitdefender offer free antivirus versions. However, they differ significantly in terms of features and usability.

Bitdefender’s free antivirus includes real-time threat detection, anti-phishing protection, and ransomware defense. It’s lightweight, does not require much CPU, and does not push constant upgrade prompts. While it lacks a VPN or password manager, I found it surprisingly capable of a free option (handy for users who just want basic, no-fuss protection).

McAfee’s free version is much more limited and primarily functions as a virus scanner without real-time protection. During my tests, it didn’t block threats until a scan was run manually. Plus, it constantly encouraged me to upgrade, which became disturbing over time.

After testing both the free and premium versions on my Windows 11 laptop and also an Android phone, Bitdefender stood out as more user-friendly and functional. Its free plan also offers genuinely usable protection, while McAfee’s free tool felt more like a demo than a real solution.

That said, premium antivirus is still the better choice. It unlocks vital features like identity protection, VPN access, and multi-device support. Still, if you’re set on a free solution, Bitdefender gives you more for nothing, making it the better pick in this category.

Does Bitdefender or McAfee offer more features?

Bitdefender stands out from McAfee when it comes to advanced feature. While both offer strong antivirus and security protection, there are some key differences in their premium plans. These include VPN limits, device coverage, and how parental controls are implemented.

While both McAfee and Bitdefender cover nearly all key cybersecurity features, there are a few notable differences worth mentioning below:

• A VPN. Bitdefender limits VPN usage unless you subscribe to their complete VPN plan, while McAfee includes unlimited VPN access in all Advanced and Premium plans.
• Device limit. Bitdefender Premium Security supports up to up to 5 devices, whereas McAfee Advanced allows unlimited devices, which is excellent for families or tech-heavy households.
• Parental controls. Bitdefender’s parental controls are more consistent across devices, whereas McAfee’s implementation varies depending on platform and plan.

Therefore, if you need protection for many devices and value unlimited VPN, McAfee Advanced offers excellent value. However, Bitdefender Premium Security is more polished overall, especially for users who want better parental controls, ransomware defense, and less aggressive upselling.

My insights on using Bitdefender and McAfee on different devices

Regarding desktop applications, Bitdefender and McAfee offer clean, easy-to-navigate interfaces, but their approaches differ slightly.

Bitdefender antivirus app has a sleek, modern interface that's intuitive and user-friendly. The dashboard is simple, with quick access to key features like protection status, system scans, and VPN. What I liked most about Bitdefender is the centralized control - everything you need is just a click away. The advanced settings are well-organized, so you can easily find what you need even if you're not a tech expert. The only drawback was that it sometimes felt a little simplistic, with specific features requiring more clicks to access.

On the other hand, McAfee's desktop app is a bit more cluttered, though still functional. It has a more comprehensive dashboard, providing access to a broader range of tools upfront, including a security score, system health, and identity protection. However, it could be overwhelming for new users, and navigating the settings felt more tedious. The system optimizer tool could be more streamlined.

Regarding mobile apps, Bitdefender's mobile app is highly intuitive, offering a layout similar to the desktop version. Essential features like antivirus protection, VPN, and anti-theft tools are all accessible via simple navigation. However, I wish there were more customization available for notifications and scanning.

Meanwhile, McAfee’s mobile app is more feature-packed, offering identity theft protection and a device locator. While it provides plenty of functionality, I found the app slightly less responsive than Bitdefender's, and it could benefit from a more streamlined interface.

So, while both are great providers, Bitdefender has an edge in user-friendliness and minimalistic design, while McAfee offers a more feature-rich experience, especially on mobile.

How can you contact Bitdefender and McAfee customer support?

Regarding customer support, Bitdefender and McAfee provide several channels, such as phone calls, email, and live chat, for assistance. Still, there are notable differences in their responsiveness and quality of service.

Bitdefender offers 24/7 support through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone support. During testing, I got a quick response via live chat, where I was connected with an agent within just a few minutes. The representative was professional, thorough, and able to resolve my issue quickly. Phone support was similarly efficient, with agents ready to assist with technical inquiries. However, the email response took the provider a bit longer (around 24 hours), yet it was clear and helpful.

On the other hand, McAfee also provides 24/7 customer support via phone, live chat, and email. I tested the live chat feature and was pleasantly surprised by the fast response time. I was connected to a representative in under 5 minutes, and the support quality was solid, though not as polished as Bitdefender’s. McAfee’s agents were helpful, but the solutions sometimes felt more generic than Bitdefender’s personalized approach. Email support for McAfee was slower, too, often taking about 48 hours to get a reply.

In conclusion, both companies offer solid support. Still, Bitdefender stands out for faster response times and more professional service, while McAfee offers decent support with slightly slower email responses and a less personalized touch.

Final verdict: is Bitdefender better than McAfee antivirus?

Both Bitdefender and McAfee are well-established antivirus solutions that share the goal of providing comprehensive protection against malware, phishing, and other online threats. However, they differ in features, performance, and pricing, making it essential to evaluate a few key criteria to determine which performs better:

• Antivirus scan time. Bitdefender wins here, completing scans approximately 5 minutes faster than McAfee, making it more efficient for users with tight schedules or those who prefer quicker scans.
• Antivirus protection strength. Bitdefender outperforms McAfee in malware detection, boasting a real-time protection rate of 99.8%, compared to McAfee’s 97%. This shows Bitdefender provides slightly stronger security against emerging threats.
• Security features. While both offer essential features like a firewall and anti-phishing protection, Bitdefender provides a more comprehensive feature package, including advanced VPN protection, file encryption, and multi-layer ransomware protection, which makes it more appealing for users looking for an all-in-one security solution.
• Price. Bitdefender is more affordable, with pricing starting at $0.83/month compared to McAfee’s $2.50/month. This makes Bitdefender a better choice for budget-conscious users, but it comes at the cost of fewer premium features.
• User interface. Both Bitdefender vs McAfee offer intuitive, user-friendly designs, but Bitdefender’s interface is slightly more modern and streamlined, making it easier for new users to navigate.

Winner: Bitdefender and McAfee both offer strong protection, but Bitdefender shines with better malware detection, more advanced features, and superior scan efficiency.

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Bitdefender vs McAfee FAQs

Are Bitdefender and McAfee the same?

No, Bitdefender and McAfee are not the same. While both offer antivirus protection, they have different approaches to security, with unique features, scan times, and performance. Bitdefender is known for its advanced features like multi-layer ransomware protection and VPN, while McAfee focuses on a more budget-friendly, user-friendly experience.

Is McAfee currently one of the best antivirus programs?

McAfee is a solid antivirus with essential protection features, but it falls behind in advanced detection and performance compared to top-tier solutions like Bitdefender. It’s a good choice for basic protection, but it may not offer the same level of security.

Can I have Bitdefender and McAfee at the same time?

I don’t recommend using Bitdefender and McAfee together, as they will conflict, causing system slowdowns or failures in detection. For the best protection, choose one reliable antivirus program like Bitdefender and stick with it.

Do I have to uninstall McAfee before installing Bitdefender?

Yes, you must uninstall McAfee before installing Bitdefender. Running two antivirus programs will cause system conflicts, affecting the overall performance and security.