McAfee Vs. Norton (2024 Comparison) – Forbes Advisor Canada – Forbes

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Published: Nov 1, 2023, 12:27pm
Edited By
Edited By
Your internet-connected devices remain threatened constantly by malware designed to steal your data, damage your files or otherwise wreak havoc, steal your data or otherwise make your life difficult. Although most operating systems include built-in antivirus software, it’s generally a good idea—especially for those who operate businesses—to secure devices using third-party antivirus software. Any device, regardless of manufacturer, is at risk of malware infection.
McAfee and Norton are two of the top antivirus software options on the market. In this comparison, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each software to help you decide which is best for your needs.
Featured Partner Offers
1
Avast
On Avast’s Website
Starting price
Free; $50.08 USD ($68.06 CAD) per year for up to 10 devices
Inclusions
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection
Moneyback guarantee
30 days
2
McAfee
On McAfee’s Website
Starting price
$39.99 CAD per year
Inclusions
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection
Moneyback guarantee
30 days
3
Surfshark
On Surfshark’s Website
Starting Price:
55.62 CAD per year
Inclusions:
Unlimited VPN; emails, credit cards, and personal IDs automatic monitoring
Moneyback guarantee:
30 days
4
AVG
On AVG’s Website
Starting price
Free; $50.99 CAD per device per year
Inclusions
Email security, ransomware protection and phishing protection
Money-back guarantee
30
McAfee and Norton both offer antivirus software packages starting at a low, affordable price to cover one user and device. Both also offer higher-cost business software packages to cover unlimited devices.
The basic Norton antivirus covers one device but includes a firewall, password manager and cloud backup. It also offers a multilayered security suite designed to protect against viruses, spyware, ransomware and other malware. With more expensive plans, you’ll receive additional features and more cloud storage.
The introductory McAfee antivirus protects up to 10 devices and covers “basic device security.” Upgrades add more security features, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and firewalls. With McAfee, you can choose from a wide range of upgrades with different features, and each plan includes 24/7 technical assistance and a money-back guarantee.
$39.99 CAD for the first year for one device
($89.99 CAD per year upon renewal)
$49.99 CAD
($149.99 CAD per year upon renewal)
4.7

$39.99 CAD for the first year for one device
($89.99 CAD per year upon renewal)
$49.99 CAD
($149.99 CAD per year upon renewal)
4.7

For an affordable antivirus software to detect malware in real-time for all your devices, McAfee is a great choice. In addition to features, such as firewalls, Wi-Fi security, password managers and PC optimization, McAfee also offers file shredders, PC cleaners, identity protection and VPNs.
In the three decades since its first product was launched, McAfee has won numerous awards and recognitions—proof of the trust its customers continue to place in it. Many McAfee products suit most budgets and types of requirements, including McAfee Security Scan Plus, which scans your PC for possible vulnerabilities and recommends the best antivirus, firewall and online protection for your PC.
Learn more about what it has to offer by reading our McAfee review.
$29.99 CAD for the first year for one device
($59.99 CAD per year upon renewal)
N/A
($54.99 CAD per year for the first year for up to 10 devices; $139.99 CAD per year upon renewal)
4.7

$29.99 CAD for the first year for one device
($59.99 CAD per year upon renewal)
N/A
($54.99 CAD per year for the first year for up to 10 devices; $139.99 CAD per year upon renewal)
4.7

For an affordable antivirus software to detect malware in real-time for all your devices, McAfee is a great choice. In addition to features, such as firewalls, Wi-Fi security, password managers and PC optimization, McAfee also offers file shredders, PC cleaners, identity protection and VPNs.
In the three decades since its first product was launched, McAfee has won numerous awards and recognitions—proof of the trust its customers continue to place in it. Many McAfee products suit most budgets and types of requirements, including McAfee Security Scan Plus, which scans your PC for possible vulnerabilities and recommends the best antivirus, firewall and online protection for your PC.
Learn more about what it has to offer by reading our McAfee review.

While Norton 360 is generally more affordable software and offers monthly payment options on some of its plans, we found McAfee was the better overall software due in part to what we found to be an easier-to-operate user interface. Norton 360 has a significantly faster scan speed and also offers 24/7 live chat customer service—a huge benefit to some customers.
Norton advertises the best anti-malware engine features on the market. Malware attacks are detected and prevented using advanced machine learning (ML), heuristic analysis and a massive malware database. In our preliminary tests, McAfee’s antivirus software functions significantly slower than Norton’s. Many users report McAfee slowing down video streaming and gaming. This makes Norton a better choice for those who need fast buffering and no lag.
Norton 360 takes the lead when it comes to web security—especially dark web monitoring and smart firewalls. Norton’s Safe Web security shield blocks thousands of phishing sites and has a built-in extension for Firefox, Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Safari. McAfee’s web shield is only compatible with Windows—not macOS—where Norton’s is. Norton’s dark web protection automatically monitors dark web forums for leaked identities and information and Norton includes a bundled password manager.
One of our biggest issues with Norton 360 is it is harder to use out of the box. Although Norton lets users change and customize a huge number of settings from the desktop app, it can be hard to navigate the settings for the less technically confident. Norton 360’s online dashboard and mobile app are both much more highly reviewed and, customers agree, are easier to use.
McAfee’s apps appear intuitive with the main dashboard laying out the different protections and features. Some of McAfee’s features are only accessible from its web app, which can be inconvenient, and not every control is in the same place.
Both Norton and McAfee offer strong customer support with multiple contact options. Norton 360 offers support through both telephone and live chat with a variety of language options including English, German, Dutch, Arabic and Mandarin. Norton’s live chat is 24/7 but many customers report support received from the live chat lacked luster. Norton has an impressive range of FAQs, videos and guides on its website so many users may not even need to contact customer support.
McAfee also offers telephone support, FAQs and a large forum and knowledge base. Most user reviewers report receiving good customer service from phone representatives but complain the website is poorly organized and often doesn’t have updated articles matching the current versions of the software.
Norton and McAfee each offer strong options for antivirus software and feature much of the same functionality. Norton is especially popular with gamers and streamers willing to trade some ease of use for a more affordable and significantly faster antivirus platform with better internet and software speeds. McAfee is still the best option for businesses due to its reputable name. McAfee is also a better option for those who may not be as technologically adept.
Canadian specific editing and research (including pricing) conducted by Anna Rey.
Featured Partner Offers
1
Avast
On Avast’s Website
Starting price
Free; $50.08 USD ($68.06 CAD) per year for up to 10 devices
Inclusions
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection
Moneyback guarantee
30 days
2
McAfee
On McAfee’s Website
Starting price
$39.99 CAD per year
Inclusions
Firewall, email security and ransomware protection
Moneyback guarantee
30 days
3
Surfshark
On Surfshark’s Website
Starting Price:
55.62 CAD per year
Inclusions:
Unlimited VPN; emails, credit cards, and personal IDs automatic monitoring
Moneyback guarantee:
30 days
4
AVG
On AVG’s Website
Starting price
Free; $50.99 CAD per device per year
Inclusions
Email security, ransomware protection and phishing protection
Money-back guarantee
30
Both McAfee and Norton offer excellent antivirus software with comparable success rates when it comes to blocking malware and protecting users from dangerous websites. Norton advertises better scan speeds and features a strong dark web monitoring system while McAfee appears more user-friendly and better designed for businesses.
All Norton 360 plans cover devices such as PCs, Macs, iPhones and Android smartphones, as opposed to Norton Antivirus Plus, which can only be installed on one PC or Mac.
Even though Windows PCs and Macs have a basic level of protection built in, online threats exist everywhere. Many websites contain malicious code and some scammers target you directly through your email. It’s never a bad idea to invest in extra protection for the assets you care about—no matter how tech-savvy you are. Check out the best antivirus software.
While antivirus software is scanning your computer actively, it may cause a slowdown and some users report slower internet speeds. Most antivirus software allows you to schedule scans so that you can time them for times you’re not using your computer. Norton’s software is reportedly faster when it comes to scans than McAfee.
Antivirus software detects, flags and removes viruses and malware. Additionally, it offers real-time protection against all threats. Whether you browse the web, download software, shop online or open emails, a good antivirus software should keep your activity secure. Cyber threats can be mitigated further by combining several layers of security including VPNs, password managers and secure storage.
Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience it facilitates. He remains most at home on a tractor, but has learned that opportunity is where he finds it and discomfort is more interesting than complacency.
Kelly is an SMB Editor specializing in starting and marketing new ventures. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist covering small business marketing content. She is a former Google Tech Entrepreneur and she holds an MSc in International Marketing from Edinburgh Napier University. Additionally, she manages a column at Inc. Magazine.

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