Top pick: Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Switching saves about $120 USD a year.
$119.99 USDa year
≈$171.07 CAD (converted from USD)
Every pick below has a free version.
3 alternatives
The editor’s first choice for most people switching.
Best for built-in protection on Windows
Free and already installed on Windows 10 and 11. It runs on Windows only, so Mac, iPhone and Android users need another option. Not the same as the paid Microsoft Defender subscription app.
Right for specific needs, or not yet mature enough to recommend widely.
Best for command-line scanning and mail gateways
Open-source scanner and daemon with no graphical interface of its own. Built for mail gateways and servers, not as a desktop security suite.
Best for a free second-opinion scan
The free version finds and removes malware you start a scan for. It does not replace an always-on antivirus. Free versions exist for Windows, Mac and Android. Free version: Free version scans and removes malware on demand. Always-on protection needs Premium. The iOS app blocks ads and scams.
Sponsor this page: $149 for 30 days. Sponsors appear above the ranking, labeled; the ranking itself is not for sale.
How each alternative covers what people use McAfee Total Protection for. Numbers link to editor notes.
| Feature | Microsoft Defender Antivirus | ClamAV | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection | |||
| Real-time antivirus and malware protection | Yes | PartialNote 1On-access scanning works on Linux only | NoNote 2Free scans on demand; ongoing protection needs Premium |
| Web protection against risky sites | PartialNote 3SmartScreen covers Microsoft Edge and downloads | No | NoNote 4Web protection is a Premium feature |
| Scam detection for texts and email | No | No | No |
| Privacy | |||
| Secure VPN | No | No | NoNote 5Privacy VPN is a separate paid product |
| Identity monitoring and alerts | No | No | No |
| Parity score | 30% | 10% | 0% |
Not covered by any free alternative yet: Web protection against risky sites, Scam detection for texts and email, Secure VPN, Identity monitoring and alerts. See all feature gaps
Switching saves about $120 USD / ≈$171 CAD (estimated from the USD price) a year. Prices checked ; ≈ means converted from USD.
Based on McAfee Essential, 5 devices, annual. Price source. USD to CAD at 1.4257 as of Oct 7, 2026.
Last verified . Ranking: tier first, then the published score.
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McAfee Total Protection is a product of McAfee, named here for comparison only. Platforms listed for McAfee Total Protection: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.