Buying a laptop might be expensive, but protecting it is not. Choosing the right and trusted antivirus software is as necessary as choosing the model of the laptop.

When it comes to trusted antivirus programs, many people think of McAfee right away. It is one of the oldest antivirus software programs, but with limited features. So, you can also use other McAfee alternatives that provide maximum security with some additional features.

In this blog, we will tell you about the best McAfee alternative that can be a game-changer for your laptop, but first, let’s understand what antivirus software is.

What is Antivirus Software?

The antivirus software is installed in laptops to prevent, detect, and delete the malware, commonly known as a virus, that can be a threat to or compromise your privacy. There are many different kinds of malware, like ransomware, that encrypt files and steal your data.

Another is spyware, which hides itself in your operating system and tracks your activity.

There are many alternatives to McAfee in the market that give the best protection to your system from the above-discussed threats.

What to look for in McAfee Alternatives?

In the market, there are many alternatives to McAfee that provide different features. A good antivirus must have key features for smooth working and protection that you should check.

Before purchasing a McAfee replacement, ensure these features:

• Real-time detection and protection
• Ransomware and spyware protection
• Automatic and manual scans
• Compatibility with different devices
• Works on all Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone/iPads
• VPN, password, and parental control
• High protection score and certified

Let’s move to the best McAfee alternatives for antivirus protection.

Best 5 McAfee Replacements

Given are not just replacements, but they are McAfee competitors that give the same features and even more than McAfee itself. Let’s explore each one by one.

1. Bitdefender

It is one of the best free antivirus software programs. It gives completely free protection forever from threats like Ransomware, Infected downloads, Phishing, and even rootkits and Trojans that are difficult to detect. This software was awarded the Top Product badge with an excellent score in three categories of testing.

Why Bitdefender?

Choosing this as a McAfee alternative is a smart move due to the mentioned reasons:

• It keeps you informed about your system without bothering you, unlike other antivirus software.
• It performs daily scans automatically and resolves issues if anything is detected without compromising the system’s performance.
• It is certified by many organizations.
• It also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• This software provides 100% free protection with no hidden costs and no trials.
• A major eye-catching feature is that it provides advanced defense against threats and informs you about threats when necessary.

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Also know: Best Kaspersky Antivirus Alternatives for Windows

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2. Avast

Another good McAfee competitor in antivirus software on a budget is Avast. It is one of the oldest antivirus software providers in the industry. Even without a premium, you get protection from cyberthreats and digital scams. Avast is now offering new AI-powered anti-scam guidance along with safe browsing and emailing. Many McAfee alternatives give more features to premium users, but Avast reserves a few features for them.

Why Avast?

• Provides 5GB per week of VPN protection available in the free plan.
• Protects your firewall without a premium or any paid plan.
• Ransomware protection and Trojan detection.
• It has a 97% detection rate in malware blocking tests.
• This alternative provides a 99% detection rate in phishing tests.

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3. AVG

AVG is another powerful McAfee alternative in the antivirus industry. While other software has 9 to 9.5 lab scores, AVG is the only software with 10 scores from two different labs. It is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Why AVG?

• Automatic filters incoming and outgoing traffic and protects it from threats.
• Includes internet security, VPN protection, location services, and insights.
• Continuously rated best by industrial experts and third parties.
• Awarded for blocking 2.4 billion cyberattacks in 2024.
• In this, scans can be scheduled.

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4. Malwarebytes

Another top McAfee alternative on our list is Malwarebytes. It shows a 99.5% protection score, but one important thing is that it is a virus removal tool. It offers free elimination of viruses, spyware, and ransomware attacks.

Why Malwarebytes?

• Outstanding performance in detecting and removing viruses.
• Also, provide a browser extension, browser guards, and ad blocking.
• Protection from phishing attempts.
• It costs you yearly and offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
• Compared to other competitors, it provides a wide range of protection to its premium users.

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5. Norton 360

It is an excellent McAfee alternative that provides cloud storage. Antivirus is just a part of its cybersecurity package. It is highly recommended if you are looking for more features than just antivirus protection. So if you want software for your Windows, macOS, or iOS, then go for this alternative.

Why Norton 360?

• Users get 2 GB of cloud backup for files and passwords in the entry plan.
• It protects your device with 99.5% real-world protection results.
• Awarded the Top Product badge in August 2025.
• In 360 suites, you will get VPN, dark web monitoring, parental control, and much more compared to other alternatives of McAfee.

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Also know: Best Lightweight Antivirus for Windows

Here are some of the best McAfee alternatives that we have discussed in this blog that protect your device from viruses for free. And if you need more protection for more devices, they offer more plan options, which you can opt for. It is important to keep your things safe and protected from malware. For more information, visit the official website.