McAfee+ core antivirus engine

McAfee+ is built around a real-time antivirus engine that scans files, downloads, and running processes for known and emerging malware. It leans on a combination of signature detection and cloud-based threat intelligence, so newly discovered threats can be flagged across McAfee's user base quickly rather than waiting on individual device updates.

WebAdvisor safe browsing

WebAdvisor is McAfee's browser extension that flags risky search results and warns you before you land on a known phishing or malware-hosting site. It also checks links in search results and can warn about risky downloads before you click, adding a layer of protection at the browsing stage rather than only after a file lands on your device.

Firewall

McAfee's firewall monitors inbound and outbound network traffic and is designed to run with sensible defaults so it doesn't require manual configuration for most users. It works alongside your operating system's own firewall to add another layer of traffic monitoring.

Identity Monitoring and restoration support

McAfee+ plans include identity monitoring that watches for your personal information appearing in breach data, along with restoration support to help guide you through recovery steps if your identity is compromised. Exactly what's included — the scope of monitoring and the level of restoration assistance — varies by plan, so it's worth checking the specifics of the tier you're considering.

Password Manager

A built-in password manager stores logins, generates strong passwords, and auto-fills credentials across your browsers and devices. Like most bundled password managers, it covers the essentials without the more advanced sharing or auditing features you'd find in a dedicated standalone product.

Tip: If identity monitoring and restoration support are a big part of why you're considering McAfee+, read the plan details closely — the depth of monitoring and support can differ meaningfully between entry-level and higher tiers.

File Shredder

File Shredder permanently deletes sensitive files so they can't be easily recovered with data-recovery tools, going beyond a normal delete-and-empty-recycle-bin process. It's a niche but genuinely useful tool if you regularly need to dispose of files containing sensitive personal or financial information.

Unlimited-device options

Many McAfee household plans offer unlimited-device coverage rather than charging per device, which can make McAfee particularly good value for larger families or households with a lot of phones, tablets, and computers to protect. Always confirm the current device policy on the specific plan, since terms can be updated.

McAfee Protection Score

Protection Score is a single number McAfee calculates based on your overall security posture — things like whether real-time scanning is active, whether your passwords are weak or reused, and whether identity monitoring is set up. It's designed as an at-a-glance way to see what you should fix, rather than a lab-tested security rating.

Parental controls

Parental control features are available on some McAfee plans, and on certain tiers this functionality is delivered through a separate Safe Family app rather than being built directly into the main McAfee+ application. If parental controls are a priority, check whether the plan you're looking at includes Safe Family and what it covers.

Included VPN

McAfee+ plans include a VPN for encrypting your traffic on public networks and masking your IP address. As with other bundled VPNs, it's worth checking whether the plan you're considering includes unlimited use or a capped allowance.

Watch for auto-renewal pricing. Like most subscription security suites, McAfee plans commonly renew automatically at the end of a billing period, and renewal pricing can be higher than an introductory rate. Check your account's renewal settings and current pricing directly with McAfee before your plan renews.

  • Cloud-backed detection engineCombines signature scanning with cloud threat intelligence.
  • Identity monitoring and restoration supportScope varies by plan, so check the specifics before buying.
  • Unlimited-device household plansGood value for families with many devices to cover.
  • Bundled VPN and password managerRounds out the suite alongside core antivirus protection.