McAfee Antivirus vs Webroot
McAfee Antivirus and Webroot both provide strong antivirus protection alongside advanced security suites. The key difference lies in system performance versus feature depth. Webroot prioritizes lightning-fast, cloud-based operation and minimal system impact. McAfee Antivirus bundles deep identity monitoring and full-service personal data removal.
Comprehensive Security, Unethical Renewals
McAfee provides multi-layered protection for devices, identity, and privacy, based on a robust feature set including identity theft coverage and a claimed top PC performance ranking. Overall, we cannot recommend this service due to overwhelming evidence of predatory auto-renewal practices and deeply unresponsive customer service reported by numerous users.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-layered security (device, privacy, identity).
- Includes advanced identity features and up to $1M identity theft coverage.
- Built-in VPN access and Personal Data Cleanup tools available.
- Claimed best-in-class PC performance for protected devices.
Cons
- Widespread complaints regarding aggressive and unethical auto-renewal billing.
- Customer support is consistently unreachable, unhelpful, or sassy.
- Extremely difficult process for obtaining refunds or canceling subscriptions.
- Frequent, obtrusive pop-ups constantly demanding sales or upgrades.
Effective Security, Difficult Customer Experience
We found Webroot provides robust, cloud-based digital security that keeps devices running remarkably fast. While the core technology excels in speed and offers comprehensive features like identity monitoring, we noted pervasive user dissatisfaction regarding complicated renewals, unresponsive customer support, and extremely difficult uninstallation processes. Overall, Webroot provides powerful defense but struggles significantly with customer operational transparency and service responsiveness.
Pros
- Extremely fast, cloud-based scans ensure the software doesn't slow down the computer.
- Simple user interface is great for users who are new to cybersecurity.
- Available comprehensive protection tiers include VPN, identity monitoring, and fraud reimbursement.
- Reliable, always-on protection against complex threats like viruses and ransomware.
Cons
- Major recurring complaints about non-existent or unresponsive customer support via phone and email.
- Users report high difficulty when trying to delete or uninstall the software from their computer.
- Problems with aggressive auto-renewal charges and confusing renewal prompts were frequently cited.
- Renewal pricing is often significantly higher after the discounted first year.
AboutMcAfee Antivirus
McAfee Antivirus offers powerful protection that goes way beyond basic virus scans. It is comprehensive security for your digital life, covering your device, your identity, and your privacy. This system uses award-winning security trusted by over 600 million devices globally. Plans are available for individuals and families, protecting up to six family members. You get simple, trusted solutions for complete peace of mind. ✅
AboutWebroot
Webroot provides comprehensive digital life protection. This means keeping all parts of your online world safe. It shields your devices, personal data, privacy, and identity from various online threats. Whether you only need device protection or require comprehensive internet security, Webroot has tailored plans. You can usually find options for every device and every budget. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Performance & Speed
Webroot uses minimal resources and runs exceptionally fast; McAfee Antivirus makes speed claims, but user reports disagree.
McAfee Antivirus claims to be the #1 antivirus for PC performance, suggesting fast protection. However, many user reviews report that McAfee Antivirus causes device slowdowns and uses excessive RAM. Webroot uses a unique cloud-based architecture for threat detection, leading to lightning-fast scans. This approach minimizes system resource usage. If you are running resource-intensive tasks, Webroot will provide reliable security with less interruption than McAfee Antivirus.
Identity Theft Coverage
McAfee Antivirus provides deeper financial monitoring; Webroot focuses on broad family coverage and fraud reimbursement.
McAfee Antivirus offers comprehensive 1-bureau credit monitoring with monthly score updates. Advanced plans monitor bank, credit card, and investment accounts. Webroot monitors the dark web for up to 10 family identities via its family plan. Both solutions offer up to $1M in fraud reimbursement. McAfee Antivirus separates itself with the crucial Security Freeze capability. Webroot does not explicitly offer this immediate fraud prevention feature. McAfee Antivirus offers more proactive financial features essential for power users or those managing investments.
Data Cleanup Service
McAfee Antivirus offers active information removal; Webroot provides simple digital clutter cleanup only.
McAfee Antivirus's Advanced plan includes 'full-service' Personal Data Cleanup. This means McAfee actively works to remove your data from broker sites. Webroot provides tools focused on cleaning up digital clutter and eliminating traces of online history locally. This is a less comprehensive service. McAfee Antivirus literally handles the heavy lifting of shrinking your digital footprint against data sellers. Webroot is more focused on local browser history. If your goal is to minimize personal data exposure online, McAfee Antivirus provides a superior solution.
Integrated VPN Access
McAfee Antivirus includes a VPN in all plans; Webroot restricts it to expensive top-tier plans.
A built-in Virtual Private Network (VPN) is included with all major subscription tiers from McAfee Antivirus. This offers immediate online privacy. Webroot reserves its VPN functionality only for the high-end Total Protection plans. This makes the feature less accessible to budget users. McAfee Antivirus offers better value by integrating the VPN earlier in the plan structure. Both protect users on public Wi-Fi networks using encryption. Choose McAfee Antivirus if a VPN is a necessary feature without needing a pricey security bundle.
Scaling for Families
Webroot covers significantly more identities; McAfee Antivirus covers fewer users but unlimited devices.
McAfee Antivirus Family plans protect up to six distinct family members. They also cover an unlimited number of devices per user. Webroot's Total Protection Family plan secures up to 10 devices and monitors 10 separate identities. This is essential for large families. If you prioritize protecting individual identities within a large household, Webroot is the better choice. If one user has dozens of gadgets, McAfee Antivirus wins on device count. Webroot provides broader identity coverage, making it ideal for families with multiple adults and older children.
Customer Support
Both tools receive severe, frequent user complaints about unresponsive support and aggressive billing practices.
McAfee Antivirus users report customer support is unreachable, making refunds and cancellations extremely difficult. Low responsiveness is a core issue. Webroot also has major complaints about impossible-to-reach personnel for account issues. Customers often have to dispute charges via their bank. Neither company’s support system, based on external reviews, appears reliable or responsive for existing customers. Both focus heavily on acquisition. Avoid relying on fast customer service when managing accounts for both McAfee Antivirus and Webroot.
Included Backup
Webroot offers unlimited cloud backup for one system; McAfee Antivirus does not provide a dedicated backup feature.
Webroot's Total Protection plans include a backup and restore service. This feature comes with 'unlimited cloud storage'. This 'unlimited' cloud storage is restricted to securing only one PC or Mac device system. It ensures irreplaceable files are protected. McAfee Antivirus does not feature a dedicated data backup or recovery service in its listed consumer plans. McAfee focuses on identity loss, not data loss. If cloud backup for your primary computer is a necessary part of your security suite, Webroot is the only option here.
Our Verdict
Choosing between McAfee Antivirus and Webroot depends entirely on your priority: maximum speed or deep identity control. Both offer strong security bundles, but both share notorious customer service and billing issues. McAfee Antivirus is the winner if your primary concern is comprehensive identity protection. McAfee Antivirus excels at safeguarding your financial identity and tracking your credit score. Its biggest superpower is the inclusion of full-service Personal Data Cleanup. This tool actively removes your private information from data-selling websites for enhanced privacy. Webroot’s superpower is its lightning-fast, cloud-based performance and minimal system impact. If your PC struggles with heavy software, Webroot is designed to run quietly and quickly. Webroot also covers more individual identities, securing up to 10 people in family plans. The deciding factor is performance versus feature depth; Webroot is faster, but McAfee Antivirus offers more advanced identity features like Security Freeze. Be sure to manually manage the auto-renewal status for both McAfee Antivirus and Webroot due to high user friction complaints. If you have a high-end PC and want credit monitoring, choose McAfee Antivirus. If you need clean, fast performance on an older machine, Webroot is the clear choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is generally considered faster: McAfee Antivirus or Webroot?
Webroot consistently receives praise for its extremely fast, low-impact, cloud-based scans. McAfee Antivirus claims high performance, but users frequently report slowdowns and high resource usage. Webroot is definitively faster and lighter than McAfee Antivirus.
Does McAfee Antivirus have cloud backup feature like Webroot?
No, McAfee Antivirus does not feature a dedicated cloud backup service in its plans. Webroot includes unlimited cloud storage for backup and restore. This benefit is limited strictly to securing only one PC or Mac.
Which software offers better identity monitoring and credit protection?
McAfee Antivirus provides superior identity features in its advanced plans. It includes 1-bureau credit monitoring, monthly scores, and the ability to apply a security freeze. Webroot focuses more on dark web alerts and fraud reimbursement.
Which is better for large families (more than 5 people)?
Webroot is explicitly better for larger families and households. Webroot’s top family plan monitors up to 10 separate identities. McAfee Antivirus family plans protect a maximum of six members.
Is a VPN included in the basic plans for McAfee Antivirus or Webroot?
McAfee Antivirus includes a built-in VPN in all of its main subscription tiers. Webroot restricts VPN access only to its most expensive Total Protection plans. McAfee Antivirus provides better initial VPN value.
Are both McAfee Antivirus and Webroot known for aggressive auto-renewal?
Yes, both McAfee Antivirus and Webroot face widespread user complaints about aggressive billing practices. Users report high friction when attempting to cancel renewals or obtain refunds. You must be vigilant with both companies.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.