Comparison

McAfee vs Bitdefender Mobile Security

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

McAfee

This app offers comprehensive protection against online threats, including scam detection for texts and emails, VPN for secure browsing, and identity monitoring. It helps safeguard your personal information and devices from various cyber risks.

Highlights
  • Scam Detector for texts and emails
  • Secure VPN for public Wi-Fi
  • Identity monitoring and alerts
  • Transaction and credit monitoring
  • Safe browsing with malicious site blocking
  • Personal data cleanup from brokers
Features
Read full description

McAfee Security protects smartphones, tablets, Macs, and PCs with robust data protection features, bank-grade VPN encryption, and breach monitoring for your personal info. Stay safer than safe with McAfee, a trusted name in online and mobile security. THREAT DETECTION: SCAM DETECTOR ▪ Flags risky messages and blocks harmful sites for you, even if you accidentally click. ▪ Identifies suspicious emails before you open them and guides you on what to do next. We’ll even explain the danger, so you know what to watch out for. SECURE CONNECTION: SECURE VPN ▪ Keeps personal data and locations private with bank-grade Wi-Fi VPN encryption. ▪ Defends your mobile devices against unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots. ▪ Connects to different countries and change your location & IP address*. SMART SCAN ▪ Scan your device and your personal information for issues. Get guidance to fix problems, quickly and easily. WI-FI SCAN ▪ Wi-Fi scan analyzes networks for security risks and ensures a safer online connection. SAFE BROWSING ▪ Blocks malicious websites automatically so you can browse safely. DATA PROTECTION: IDENTITY MONITORING ▪ Scans and monitors online personal data for security breaches. ▪ Receive alerts and secure your info quickly with our protection tips. ▪ Monitors up to 10 email addresses, ID numbers, passport numbers, bank cards*. TRANSACTION & CREDIT MONITORING ▪ Protect yourself from financial fraud and stay on top of your bank and credit card transactions. ▪ Monitor your credit to keep track of changes to your credit score and catch unauthorized activity. SOCIAL PRIVACY MANAGER ▪ Adjusts 100+ privacy settings across your social media accounts in just a few clicks. PERSONAL DATA CLEANUP ▪ We'll tell you if sites are selling your information, guide you on what to do next, and can even handle it for you. ONLINE ACCOUNT CLEANUP ▪ McAfee reduces your exposure to data breaches by finding old or unused online accounts and guiding through next steps. We can even delete them for you. IDENTITY THEFT COVERAGE AND RESTORATION ▪ You’re backed by $1M identity theft coverage and restoration support from a licensed professional, just in case. PLANS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS McAfee Security - Free ▪ Single device protection ▪ Wi-Fi Scan ▪ Identity Scan ▪ System Scan McAfee Basic Protection ▪ Single device protection ▪ Secure VPN ▪ Basic Identity Monitoring* ▪ Wi-Fi Scan ▪ Safe Browsing ▪ System Scan ▪ Text Scam Detector* McAfee+ Advanced: ▪ Unlimited device protection ▪ Secure VPN ▪ Identity Monitoring* ▪ Wi-Fi Scan ▪ Safe Browsing ▪ Social Privacy Manager ▪ System Scan ▪ Scam Detector ▪ Online Account Cleanup ▪ Personal Data Cleanup ▪ Transaction Monitoring ▪ Credit Score, Report, and Monitoring ▪ Identity Restoration ▪ Security Freeze & Credit Lock ▪ 24/7 online security experts* Not all features are available for all devices, locations or subscriptions not listed in the description. See System Requirements for additional information. *Privacy Policy: You can view our privacy policy and terms at https://www.mcafee.com/consumer/en-us/policy/global/legal.html* License Agreement: You can view our end user license agreement at: https://www.mcafee.com/en-us/consumer-support/policy/legal.html?culture=%3Clocale%3E#eula To provide you with the best possible experience, McAfee Security requires iOS 16 and above. You are encouraged to update your device to the latest version to receive timely security updates, maximum protection, and enhanced performance. COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARK McAfee and the McAfee logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of McAfee LLC or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Copyright © 2026 McAfee LLC

About

Bitdefender Mobile Security

This app provides advanced protection against digital threats, including phishing attempts, malicious websites, and data breaches. It offers features like scam protection, web protection, security scans, and account privacy checks to keep your device and personal information safe.

Highlights
  • Scam Protection
  • Web Protection
  • Security Scan
  • Account Privacy
  • Essential VPN Protection
  • Real-time threat monitoring
Features
Read full description

Keep your iPhone secure from digital threats with advanced protection that works quietly in the background. Try all premium features free for 7 days — no credit card required. Here’s what you get: Scam Protection - Instantly identifies and blocks phishing attempts in your messages before you can become a victim. - Automatically detects and removes malicious calendar events, eliminating the frustrating "calendar virus." - Protects your personal information from scammers trying to steal your identity or financial details. - Scam Radar, monitors local scam activity, proactively notifying you when new scam waves start spreading nearby Web Protection - Blocks dangerous websites that attempt to steal your passwords and credit card information. - Prevents apps from connecting to malicious servers. - Stops your personal data from being leaked through unsecured connections. - Protects all internet traffic, not just your browsing — so every app you use stays secure. Security Scan - Identifies hidden vulnerabilities in your device settings with a single tap. - Provides simple fixes for security gaps that could expose your personal information. - Ensures your privacy settings are fully optimised to protect sensitive data and give you peace of mind. Account Privacy - Checks if your email address has been exposed in known data breaches. - Alerts you immediately when it’s time to update compromised passwords. - Helps protect your online accounts from unauthorised access and identity theft. Essential VPN Protection - Shields your browsing activity with 200MB of free daily VPN traffic. - Secures sensitive information when connected to public Wi-Fi networks. - Encrypts all your traffic to protect against hackers, trackers, and snoopers. - Upgrade to Premium VPN for unlimited traffic and access to 3000+ servers in over 100 countries. Why Bitdefender? Bitdefender Mobile Security is built on technologies trusted by millions of users worldwide. Enjoy real-time threat monitoring, proactive privacy protection, and award-winning detection rates — all with minimal impact on your device’s performance and battery life. Think your iPhone doesn’t need protection? Think again. iOS devices are not immune to threats. They can still be exposed to phishing attacks, data leaks, malicious apps, unsafe Wi-Fi connections, and breaches of personal information. Bitdefender Mobile Security helps you close hidden vulnerabilities, protect your online identity, and stay safe wherever you are. Important Information: - The payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - Subscriptions may be managed and auto-renewal turned off by going to your Account Settings after purchase. - You must have or create a Bitdefender account to use this app. Terms of Use: https://www.bitdefender.com/site/view/subscription-agreement.html Privacy Policy: https://www.bitdefender.com/site/view/legal-privacy-policy-for-home-users-solutions.html Download Bitdefender Mobile Security today and experience premium protection free for 7 days — no credit card required. Stay private, stay protected, stay free — and enjoy your iPhone worry-free.

Screenshots

McAfee4 screens
Bitdefender Mobile Security4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Bitdefender Mobile Security at weekly against McAfee's every 3 weeks. Bitdefender Mobile Security also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). McAfee's advantage is chart position (#16 vs #195) and ratings volume (240K vs 39K). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. McAfee sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Bitdefender Mobile Security sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for McAfee against 4.7 for Bitdefender Mobile Security. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: McAfee has 240K ratings behind it against 39K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 52% of McAfee's written reviews are positive against 46% of Bitdefender Mobile Security's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

McAfee ships an update every 3 weeks, Bitdefender Mobile Security weekly. Both last shipped on November 8, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
McAfee versus Bitdefender Mobile Security: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMcAfeeBitdefender Mobile Security
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (240K ratings) — better4.7 (39K ratings)
Positive reviews51.7% of reviews — better46.1% of reviews
Number of ratings240K — better39K
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#16 — better#195
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size436 MB185 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMcAfee, LLC.Bitdefender SRL

Customer experience

McAfee

All ratings239,887 ratings
Positive94.3%
Neutral3.0%
Negative2.7%
Written reviews2,533 reviews
Positive51.7%
Neutral8.4%
Negative39.9%

Bitdefender Mobile Security

All ratings38,620 ratings
Positive92.7%
Neutral3.4%
Negative3.9%
Written reviews1,259 reviews
Positive46.1%
Neutral11.8%
Negative42.1%

User reviews

McAfee

From 240K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Great protection
  • 🔒 Secure VPN
  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 💡 Useful features like media vault

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
  • 🔋 Drains battery
  • 🔒 Issues with VPN connectivity
  • 💰 Expensive subscription

Bitdefender Mobile Security

From 39K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Great security
  • 🔒 Protects against scams and malware
  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 🚀 Reliable VPN connection
  • 🔒 Keeps devices safe

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent disconnections of VPN and web protection
  • 🔋 Drains battery quickly
  • 🐛 Interferes with other apps and services
  • 🐛 Buggy and unreliable
  • 💰 Expensive for limited features

Bugs and requests

McAfee

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App keeps logging users out
  • VPN not working as expected
  • Compatibility issues with iOS updates

Requested features

3 requests
  • More customization options
  • Improved scanning and detection capabilities
  • Better integration with other devices

Bitdefender Mobile Security

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Web protection randomly turning off
  • VPN connection issues and errors
  • Compatibility problems with iOS devices
  • Subscription and billing problems

Requested features

4 requests
  • Automatic web protection and VPN connection
  • Better integration with other apps
  • More transparent pricing and subscription model
  • Improved customer support

In-app purchases

9 purchases

McAfee

Subscriptions9
  • Monthly Standard Subscription7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Monthly Plus Subscription7 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Monthly Advanced Subscription1 Month trial$9.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • Total Protection Monthly1 Month trial$9.991 Month
  • McAfee+ Advanced Monthly1 Month trial2 variants$19.991 Month
  • Yearly Standard Subscription7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Yearly Plus Subscription7 Days trial$79.991 Year
  • Total Protection Yearly1 Year trial$99.991 Year
  • McAfee+ Advanced Yearly1 Year trial$199.991 Year
8 purchases

Bitdefender Mobile Security

Subscriptions8
  • Mobile Security Monthly7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Monthly Premium VPN$6.991 Month
  • Total Security Monthly7 Days trial$9.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • Mobile Security Yearly14 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Mobile Security Yearly1 Year trial$29.991 Year
  • Yearly Premium VPN$69.991 Year
  • Total Security Yearly1 Year trial$109.991 Year
  • Ultimate Security Individual Yearly$159.991 Year

Questions

Is McAfee free?
McAfee is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Bitdefender Mobile Security free?
Bitdefender Mobile Security is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, McAfee or Bitdefender Mobile Security?
McAfee is rated higher. McAfee averages 4.7 out of 5 from 240K ratings, while Bitdefender Mobile Security averages 4.7 from 39K ratings.
Do McAfee or Bitdefender Mobile Security have ads?
Neither McAfee nor Bitdefender Mobile Security shows ads.
Which is updated more often, McAfee or Bitdefender Mobile Security?
McAfee ships an update every 3 weeks, and Bitdefender Mobile Security weekly. Most recently, McAfee was updated on November 8, 2026 and Bitdefender Mobile Security on November 8, 2026.
Which is more popular, McAfee or Bitdefender Mobile Security?
McAfee currently peaks at #16 in the App Store charts, and Bitdefender Mobile Security at #195. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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