The verdict
ESET takes it, 5–1 on rounds.
On the published figures and the independent review sites, ESET takes 5 of 6 rounds. Treat that as a starting point and check the current figures on both pages, because prices and plans move.
Choose McAfee if…
- • You want McAfee's edge on how much it slows your pc
Choose ESET if…
- • You want ESET's edge on how often it cries wolf and what reviewers say
Round by round
- Round 1How often it cries wolfESET wins
ESET wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 2How much it slows your PCMcAfee winsESET5/10
4.2
AV-Comparatives Performance Test, April 2026
- 4.2, against 3.3
Source: av-comparatives.org ↗
McAfee wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 3What reviewers sayESET winsMcAfee5/10
4.3 out of 5
average rating from 78 reviews on Capterra
- 4.3 out of 5, against 4.7 out of 5
Source: capterra.com ↗
ESET wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 4What customers say on TrustpilotESET winsMcAfee5/10
1.3 out of 5
TrustScore from 3,467 reviews on Trustpilot
- 1.3 out of 5, against 4.6 out of 5
Source: trustpilot.com ↗
ESET wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 5How easy it is to useESET winsMcAfee5/10
4.3 out of 5
ease-of-use rating from Capterra reviewers
- 4.3 out of 5, against 4.5 out of 5
Source: capterra.com ↗
ESET wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
- Round 6How reviewers rate its supportESET winsMcAfee5/10
4.1 out of 5
customer-service rating from Capterra reviewers
- 4.1 out of 5, against 4.4 out of 5
Source: capterra.com ↗
ESET wins this round on independent review-site data, not on its own claims.
Side by side
- paid only
- 98.5%, against 99.3%
- 4.3 out of 5, against 4.4 out of 5
- 1.3 out of 5, against 4.7 out of 5
- 4.1 out of 5, against 4.2 out of 5
- 98.5%, against 99.3%
- 4.2, against 3.3
- 98.5%, against 99.5%
- 4.5 out of 5, against 4.6 out of 5