McAfee vs MacKeeper

I understand you’re puzzled. You’re looking for the perfect cybersecurity solution for your Mac and have stumbled across two great choices: McAfee vs. MacKeeper. The question now is which to choose—McAfee, a reputable security bundle, or MacKeeper, a slightly less popular but cheaper tool with a much more extensive set of features. Well, you’ve come to the right place when looking for an answer on which is best for you. In this guide, I will go over every single difference between McAfee and MacKeeper to compare each solution so you can make an informed choice.

Before we begin:

 

Even though Mac computers boast excellent in-built security and a closed ecosystem, there are still multiple ways for users to be scammed and hacked. It doesn’t matter how smart your Mac is; it will not protect you from clicking a physical link, accidentally downloading malware, or getting your passwords leaked. MacKeeper will. It will also help you remove malware and spyware, and scan every new download for threats.  

 

Try MacKeeper’s Antivirus by following these steps:

1. Download MacKeeper and take advantage of our seven-day trial.
2. Click Antivirus in the dashboard, then Launch Antivirus.
3. After McKeeper has scanned your Mac for malware, follow the instructions to remove any found threats.
4. Make sure you enable real-time protection to scan every file that enters your system for threats.

McAfee and MacKeeper overview

At first glance, you may think that the main difference between McAfee and MacKeeper is their pricing policies. While MacKeeper is indeed a more budget-friendly alternative, this is not the only distinction.

McAfee focuses on advanced malware and spyware removal and its cross-platform opportunities. However, MacKeeper is more about its suite of Mac-focused utilities, ranging from system cleaning to memory optimization and disk space management.

Below, I will dive deeper into each feature and compare their effectiveness so you can remove malware from your Mac with the best choice for you.

General MacKeeper info

MacKeeper is a utility software for macOS that improves system performance, security, and privacy. It contains tools for cleaning storage: removing junk files, clearing caches, and finding duplicates. MacKeeper also has memory cleaning, uninstallation, and startup management features. Security features include real-time antivirus protection, adware removal, and system updates to patch vulnerabilities, while privacy tools like VPN support and identity theft monitoring help secure user data and online activity.

MacKeeper has received positive reviews for its wide range of features and intuitive design. Although past reviews pointed out some concerns regarding past advertising practices, Clario Tech has been actively working on increasing transparency, refining its interface, and optimizing performance.

McAfee overview

McAfee specializes in antivirus and internet security solutions for personal computers, mobile devices, and enterprise networks. It protects against malware, ransomware, phishing, and other forms of prevalent online threats. The suite comes with real-time threat detection, a firewall, a password manager, and protection while browsing the web via included extensionsᅳbasically setting it up as a toolkit with strong security features.  

McAfee has a fairly positive reputation for its threat detection capabilities and updating frequency. However, some users have pointed out issues of system slowdown and high resource usage when installed. On this note, McAfee has been focusing on performance optimization and improving the user experience and interface. Although having used both apps, I can confidently say that McAfee has a long way to go to improve this—it can be confusing.

McAfee and MacKeeper features

Let’s compare the two sets of tools, McAfee vs. Mackeeper, and see if they are worth the asking price.

McAfee Total Protection: features

McAfee boasts its most valuable feature—an antivirus scanner that scored 100% against malware infections in August 2024, according to AV-test. Desktop users can also enjoy their firewall, VPN service, password manager, parental controls, and identity theft protection. Mobile users will have to download a separate app. However, both provide access to McAfee’s customer support if they have any unresolved issues.

I am going to describe each feature I have been able to use as part of the McAfee Total Protection suite. Here they are:

1. Real-time Antivirus
2. Firewall
3. Web Protection
4. Password Manager
5. Identity theft Protection
6. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A note from our experts: Not all the listed features are available in the 30-day trial of McAfee Total Protection. For example, you will have to pay for one of their plans to access parental controls or the password manager.

Real-time antivirus

McAfee Antivirus scan provides comprehensive protection from malware, viruses, ransomware, and spyware. It actively identifies known and emerging threats using real-time threat detection with artificial intelligence. The scan monitors file behavior; hence, suspicious activities will be flagged even if they are not yet classified as threats.  

Also, users can choose between full and custom scans—whatever suits their needs.

To help you see a more informed opinion about McAfee’s antivirus, we have created an extended McAfee antivirus review. Check it out if you're curious.

Firewall

McAfee’s Firewall offers advanced monitoring of incoming and outgoing network traffic, helping block unauthorized access and prevent hackers from infiltrating your device. It effectively blocks intruders by analyzing data packets and sending real-time alerts on suspicious activity. Unlike your Mac’s built-in firewall, it has customizable security settings, allowing you to define specific network rules.

Web protection

McAfee’s WebAdvisor is a web extension that protects you against malicious websites and phishing attempts by warning you about unsafe sites before they load. It is a great way to ensure a safer browsing experience if you are worried about falling victim to a phishing scam.

Password manager

This is a typical password manager that securely stores and manages passwords for easy access. Like any similar tool, it uses encryption to protect login credentials and automatically completes passwords when needed.

Identity Protection

McAfee's Identity Protection feature allows users to monitor the dark web and other sources for exposed personal information, such as Social Security numbers or email addresses. The feature constantly scans and sends alerts in case of data breaches.

A hint from our team: Unfortunately, this feature kept refusing my attempts to use it at the time of writing. It seems there was an error on their end.

VPN

By masking the IP address, McAfee's VPN provides users with encrypted internet browsing to keep their activity and personal information safe from prying eyes, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. This VPN is quite different from most because it has a very user-friendly interface and perfectly integrates with other security features without affecting browsing performance or speed.

MacKeeper’s features

The AV-test taken in March 2024 shows a 100% score for MacKeeper malware protection software. The features offered by MacKeeper are more extensive:

1. Real-time Antivirus Protection
2. Safe Cleanup
3.  Adware Cleaner
4. Duplicate Finder
5. Memory Cleaner
6. Login Items
7. Smart Uninstaller
8. ID Theft Guard
9. Private Connect
10.  Update Tracker
11. StopAd
12. Premium Services

MacKeeper also offers premium services, including 24/7 tech support that will guide you through any issues, from your Mac’s performance to why your robot vacuum cleaner is not working.  

Regardless of their function, MacKeeper and McAfee have similar feature sets. Let’s examine each MacKeeper feature in greater detail.

Real-time antivirus protection

Advanced threat-detection technology based on a combination of signature-based and heuristic analysis helps MacKeeper’s Antivirus scan for viruses on Mac in real time. Its true uniqueness lies in the fact that it's cloud-based. This means it constantly updates its malware definitions, ensuring detection rates are higher—in other words, offering users the latest defense against ever-evolving cyber threats.

Don’t waste any time—try MacKeeper’s Antivirus now:

1. Download MacKeeper and take advantage of our seven-day trial.
2. Click Antivirus in the dashboard, then hit Launch Antivirus.
3. After McKeeper has scanned your Mac for malware, follow the instructions to remove any found threats.
4. Make sure you enable real-time protection to scan every file that enters your system for threats.

Safe Cleanup

MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup is one of the most popular features. It scans for various types of unused files, caches, and leftovers, freeing up disk space and enhancing system speeds. This means you can free up more room on your device to improve your Mac’s performance. It goes further than standard cleaners by finding clutter unique to your usage, thus providing a deeper clean.  

Adware Cleaner

Using behavioral analysis, MacKeeper’s Adware Cleaner finds and removes adware that causes annoying pop-ups and tracks your activity. By clearing adware, you can have an ad-free, faster, and safer browsing experience. Unlike competitors, MacKeeper’s tool digs deep to catch even hard-to-remove adware that other cleaners might miss.

Duplicates Finder

This finds duplicate photos, videos, and documents that take up unnecessary space and allows you to delete those you don’t need. MacKeeper’s Duplicates Finder is special because it intelligently finds similar files instead of offering simple checks, even if the names are different.

Memory Cleaner

MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner employs real-time monitoring to release inactive memory and optimize RAM to enhance your MacBook’s speed. It will also help boost performance enhancers, especially when you multitask. This tool gives clear views of memory usage, enabling you to manage applications that use the most RAM, something similar tools just won't show.

Login Items

This utility will review all applications that automatically start when your Mac boots, enabling you to disable those that are unneeded. MacKeeper’s Login Items give a detailed view of each application's impact so you know precisely what's slowing things down.

Smart Uninstaller

MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller performs deep system scans, enabling all app components to be removed upon uninstallation. This prevents your system’s storage from filling up with unwanted leftover files.

ID Theft Guard

Similar to McAfee’s Identity Protection feature, MacKeeper scans the dark web for any compromised personal information, such as email addresses or Social Security numbers.

Private Connect

MacKeeper VPN masks your IP and encrypts data, especially on public Wi-Fi, with robust encryption. This means you can browse privately without any fear of hackers. What makes it stand out is how seamlessly it is set up and integrated with other MacKeeper tools. This means the seamless protection of your privacy is aligned with seamless Mac protection.

Update Tracker

It also uses software scanning to inform you about updates for every installed app. MacKeeper's Update Tracker comes in handy because it centralizes all updates into one place, making it easier than checking each app individually.

StopAd

StopAd is built on ad-blocking technology, blocking popup ads at browser and application levels. MacKeeper’s StopAd allows for certain browser customizations through options that let you control exactly what type of ads to block.

Premium Services

MacKeeper’s Premium Services offer remote tech support 24/7 for the following devices: Macs, printers, and smart devices. They offer tailor-made assistance in system optimization, software issues, and device setups by a very experienced team. The service specializes in technical problem-solving efficiency and aims to achieve high customer satisfaction. Trustpilot lists MacKeeper’s Premium Services at 4.5 stars out of 5.

McAfee and MacKeeper pricing

Unlike McAfee, MacKeeper doesn’t have multiple plans. However, the three plans are very easy to navigate so you can decide which is better for you.

Our pro advice: 

 

The MacKeeper team regularly offers promos and other discounts for blog readers. So, If Christmas or Black Friday is around the corner, head to the MacKeeper website to take advantage.

MacKeeper pricing

The good news is that before committing to any of the plans, you have the opportunity to try most of the MacKeeper features using the seven-day free trial. If you decide that MacKeeper is what you need, you will then face three choices.

Important: The prices displayed below are based on the costs at the time of writing (October 2024).

In MacKeeper, there are three basic plans available:

• One-year subscription for three Macs—$89.40
• One-year subscription for one Mac—$71.40
• One-month subscription for one Mac—$10.95

If you want to use the free trial, note that several features will be unavailable to you. Below is the breakdown of what you can test during the seven-day free trial.

McAfee pricing

McAfee's Total Protection subscription has five main pricing tiers, from one-device security to comprehensive family plans. Here's a look at McAfee Total Protection pricing:

An extra hint from us: Prices are introductory and may be higher at renewal. McAfee provides a 30-day free trial and money-back guarantee. However, any customer who opts out of auto-renewal will miss out on benefits such as VPN and Virus Protection Pledge—a refund provided in case McAfee can't remove your virus.

If you would rather take advantage of the free trial first, here’s a table outlining which features are unavailable in McAfee’s 30-day free trial:

Advantages and disadvantages of McAfee and MacKeeper

The short answer to what is better, McAfee vs. MacKeeper, would be: McAfee is a more expensive option with fewer features. However, it is a very reputable choice. Although MacKeeper is a more budget-friendly suite of tools with a wider range of features, it is less popular.

McAfee’s pros and cons

Below is a comparison of McAfee's advantages and disadvantages compared to MacKeeper.

MacKeeper’s pros and cons

MacKeeper and McAfee compatibility

Beware that your machine has to meet certain requirements to be safely run by either MacKeeper or McAfee. Check your system requirements before downloading either.  

MacKeeper compatibility

MacKeeper’s sole focus on Mac gives it an advantage over many multi-platform antivirus products that usually don't have much to offer in functionality on macOS. However, if you want to take advantage of all features, make sure your Mac meets the following system requirements:

• MacKeeper 5 runs on macOS 10.11–10.12
• MacKeeper 6 (latest version 6.0) is compatible with macOS 10.13 and later.

McAfee compatibility

Unlike MacKeeper, McAfee covers macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS to give users complete protection on each. It natively supports all OSs, with optimized performance to match the exact security requirements:

McAfee and MacKeeper customer support

McAfee and MacKeeper can be proud of their customer support. The level of expertise and timely response are two important perks when it comes to tech assistance. However, there are downsides to both; read all about them below.

McAfee customer support

Customer support at McAfee is available 24/7 by phone and live chat, which reassures those who may have urgent problems. It also boasts a large online knowledge base that includes FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and community forums for users who would prefer to find solutions to their problems via self-service support.

Still, inconsistencies in response times and the quality of support have been noted, especially with regard to email support; here, one may find variable response times. Live chat is handy and will provide quick answers to most issues, but more complex issues might require a phone call or further escalation. Some premium support features might also incur additional costs, which can be frustrating for those users who believe their subscription should entitle them to full support.

MacKeeper customer support

Customer support for MacKeeper is generally of a mixed nature. On the bright side, it has quite a number of support channels: live chat, email, and a wide knowledge base filled with FAQs and troubleshooting guides. This variety can be helpful for users who would rather have self-service support or need help in a hurry.

Response times are, however, long—especially for email—and sometimes frustrating. The quality of support may also vary; some customers reported great dealings with representatives, while others had less-than-stellar experiences. Another positive point is that MacKeeper’s tech support only works with Mac-related problems; hence, technical support is normally very competent when it comes to answering questions about macOS troubleshooting.

However, it does offer Premium services, which ultimately include advanced 24/7 tech support for any tech device.

Conclusion

In short, both MacKeeper and McAfee are powerful and enabled with strong features; the core differences between them lie in price and overall functionality. MacKeeper is much more affordable, while McAfee offers limited flexibility for users with one Mac.

All and all, MacKeeper is at the top of the list with its all-inclusive suite of utilities custom-built for macOS users, making system cleaning and optimization a breeze. A good tip for you would be to run MacKeeper’s Antivirus to get rid of cyber threats and run a quick file cleanup to easily declutter your Mac. Try MacKeeper today and experience the benefits of a safer and faster system!