AVG and McAfee are well-known antiviruses, two of the best options for protecting systems. Let us know more about them and where the difference lies.
Key Takeaways
- AVG and McAfee are antivirus software programs that protect computers from malware, viruses, and other threats.
- AVG offers basic protection for free and paid versions with more advanced features, while McAfee offers a range of paid plans for various devices and services.
- AVG is suitable for users who need basic protection, while McAfee is ideal for users who require advanced security features and management.
AVG vs McAfee
The difference between AVG and McAfee is that AVG provides more security features. In the case of McAfee, to avail of extra security features, you have to use extensions.AVG can detect malware of varied types compared to McAfee.

AVG is very compatible with office systems as it can be downloaded remotely on one computer and then added to the other computers in the office very quickly. It also acts as an antivirus for mobile phones with the help of the AVG app.
This free app protects from ransomware or malware by hiding phishing websites and suspicious links.
Comparison Table
Parameter for Comparison | AVG | McAfee |
---|---|---|
Detection of malware | Based on tests performed, it was noticed that AVG could detect any malware presented to it.ย | McAfee did not possess the ability to detect all malware, leaving behind a small percentage of malware undetected. |
Performance of the system | AVG antivirus is known to carry out scans for the virus fairly quickly.ย | The McAfee antivirus is slightly heavy on the system.ย |
Customer support | AVG is vastly superior to McAfee when it comes to customer support.ย | McAfee is lagging as a customer can only receive help through Email. |
Price | AVG is comparatively cheaper than other anti-viruses. | McAfee is priced slightly higher at Rs.779 for a single year on one PC. |
Anti Virus Interface | AVG interface is composed of darker colours. This interface may also prove a challenge to a few customers.ย | The interface of this antivirus is better as it is composed of a streamlined design, and it is easy to find everything.ย |
Antivirus Installation | Installation is relatively easy using a DVD provided along with the activation key. | The installation has proved to be a problem for quite a few customers. |
What is AVG?ย
AVG, expanded as Antivirus Guard, is a proficient antivirus that has recently gained popularity. AVG provides several services at a slightly higher price than its counterparts. It specializes in finding Ransomware and viruses.
ย It carries out routine tests and checks in the background quickly. It scans the computer when it is not used to carry out its work efficiently. It can go through the entire system without causing too much strain on its performance.ย
It can also scan email attachments and block suspicious or malware-containing attachments. AVG is also known to help in encrypting and password-protecting a file.
It also possesses an enhanced firewall that is important to protect a device during online shopping. AVG also has the Camera Trap feature, which captures a person who fails to open a device after three tries.
AVG also offers added security through the Anti-theft feature, which protects an individualโs identity. It also provides added protection to oneโs identity by encrypting the Webcam to prevent hacking and subsequent recording without an individualโs consent.
The customer support of AVG is excellent. Customers can access customer care through Email and training and even get them on call. In short, AVG provides a complete package.

What is McAfee?ย
McAfee is an antivirus known for its ability to scan files that we download in almost real-time. This antivirus uses the McAfee Advanced Threat Defense feature to carry out its scanning.
McAfee specializes in Android systems. It also contains the usual Malware detection features, Anti-theft features for identity protection.
ย It also provides a firewall that may be considered inferior to the AVG firewall but is still appreciable in its ability to protect a system.ย
At the moment, McAfee total security and McAfee Live Safe are the two packages that are being sold. The Total Security plan contains all the features mentioned, including a Network Manager and Parental control whose utilization can lead to childrenโs protection while surfing the internet.
Live Safe is similar to the other plan except that it offers cloud storage of 1 GB.ย
McAfee also has a money-back guarantee, which promises a complete refund or removal of the malware if present.
Main Differences Between AVG and McAfee
- AVG is known to provide better protection from malware when compared to McAfee. This feature of safety is due to the unique enhancements in its firewall.
- AVG protects individuals by encrypting their Webcam, so hacking is impossible.ย
- AVG also provides better data protection as it can password-protect and encrypt various files.ย
- AVG takes less time to scan the system for updates than McAfee.ย
- AVG also contains a free plan that includes various features like periodic scans, blocking unsafe links, and email attachments, whereas McAfee does not have such a plan.
- AVG provides cheaper plans when compared to McAfee and includes a few more features.
- https://www.neliti.com/publications/315734/mapping-perception-of-consumer-antivirus-software-with-multidimensional-scaling
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/spe.2197
Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.