McAfee Total Protection vs Norton Small Business: the ultimate match in antivirus for professionals
With telecommuting, real-time threats and an ever-increasing number of devices, it's no longer enough to rely on conventional antivirus software in the workplace. Two solutions are vying for the attention of professionals and small businesses looking for reliable cybersecurity: McAfee Total Protection and Norton Small Business.
Both focus on comprehensive protection, with antivirus, VPN, anti-ransomware, firewall and more. But their approaches differ: on the one hand, McAfee Total Protection relies on the proven effectiveness of comprehensive software; on the other, Norton Small Business focuses on the simplicity of multi-device management.
So, which solution offers the best security/price ratio in 2025? And above all: which best suits your business context?
In this comparison, we take a closer look at features, pricing, interfaces and use cases to help you choose between these two cybersecurity giants.
What is McAfee Total Protection?
Overview of McAfee Total Protection
McAfee Total Protection is an all-in-one security solution designed for individuals and small businesses alike.
It combines award-winning antivirus, intelligent firewall, anti-spam, secure VPN and privacy tools in a single dashboard.
Unlike McAfee+, which focuses on digital identity and cloud protection, Total Protection offers a solid foundation for securing your devices, files and browsing, with a focus on performance and cross-platform compatibility.
Often used in "light" business contexts, McAfee Total Protection is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android and iOS, and can protect up to 10 devices depending on the plan. It is regularly cited as a reliable, classic McAfee alternative to the more segmented solutions on the market.
Key features of McAfee Total Protection
McAfee Total Protection focuses on the essentials, without sacrificing efficiency. For professionals, this means comprehensive protection against the most common threats, without getting lost in superfluous options. Here are the features that set McAfee Total Protection apart in the cybersecurity market:
- real-time antivirus and anti-ransomware protection: automatic detection of malicious files, including zero-day threats;
- secure VPN (Safe Connect): included according to plan, for encrypted browsing even on public Wi-Fi;
- intelligent firewall: blocks suspicious outgoing/incoming connections.
- password manager: secure storage, auto-fill, accessible on multiple devices;
- sensitive file encryption: to protect critical local data;
- protection against phishing and fraudulent sites;
- automatic updates + unified interface;
- multi-device compatibility: PC, Mac, Android and iOS smartphones.
McAfee Antivirus
Advantages and disadvantages of McAfee Total Protection
McAfee Total Protection offers reliability without unnecessary frills.
It appeals to users who want complete, high-performance protection, without having to configure everything manually.
✅ McAfee Total Protection shines in several respects, especially for SMEs looking for a straightforward antivirus solution:
- proven solution, regularly awarded by AV-Test for its malware and ransomware detection ;
- clear, easy-to-use interface, even for non-technical users;
- VPN and password manager integrated right from the intermediate plans;
- multi-appliance for up to 10 workstations, ideal for small teams;
- integrated file encryption, useful for professionals handling sensitive data.
❌ Despite its strengths, McAfee Total Protection can still improve on certain points, especially for professionals looking for more comprehensive software:
- no dark web monitoring or advanced identity protection (reserved for McAfee+) ;
- unlimited VPN is only included in certain packages (beware of the "included" trap);
- less suited to the needs of fast-growing organizations or those with complex IT infrastructures.
What is Norton Small Business?
Overview of Norton Small Business
Norton Small Business is the cybersecurity solution designed by Norton for small businesses, freelancers and distributed teams.
🎯 Unlike Norton 360 aimed at the general public, this offering targets pros looking to protect multiple devices, without IT complexity or dedicated infrastructure. The idea is to offer robust protection that's simple to deploy, and focused on productivity.
With a subscription model (monthly or annual), Norton Small Business protects up to 20 devices, with a centralized dashboard to manage users, installations and alerts in just a few clicks. There's no need for an IT department, as everything is designed to enable teams to work autonomously.
Norton claims to have millions of VSEs and SMEs covered by this offering, particularly in the consulting, e-commerce, healthcare and digital marketing sectors. It is often cited as an effective alternative to McAfee Total Protection, thanks in particular to its simplicity of multi-device management and excellent threat detection.
Norton's key features
Norton Small Business offers a range of essential features to guarantee security for professionals, without weighing down their day-to-day operations.
The aim is clear: to provide proactive protection, while limiting the impact on performance and facilitating team management. These are the key features:
- protection against malware and ransomware: SONAR technology for real-time detection of behavioral threats;
- intelligent firewall: monitoring of incoming and outgoing connections to prevent data leakage;
- centralized device management: simple web dashboard for adding or removing devices on the fly;
- automatic, silent updates: for constant, uninterrupted protection;
- web protection: blocking of fraudulent sites, phishing, malicious scripts;
- 24/7 pro customer support: priority access to Norton support via chat or telephone;
- multi-OS compatibility : Windows, Mac, Android, iOS (features vary by device);
- VPN and password manager (on Premium versions or via integration with Norton 360).
Advantages and disadvantages of Norton
Norton Small Business stands out for its ease of use and effectiveness in the business environment.
But depending on specific needs, certain limitations may weigh in the balance.
✅ A good choice for businesses that want reliable, multi-device, low-maintenance security:
- rapid deployment, with no technical skills required ;
- intuitive license and device management;
- excellent detection scores in independent tests;
- high-performance firewall and web filtering;
- good compatibility on different OS.
❌ So me limitations remain, particularly in terms of functional richness, compared to higher-end solutions:
- no identity monitoring or native dark web analysis ;
- VPN and password manager not included by default;
- interface sometimes considered too basic for advanced IT profiles;
- plans limited to 20 devices: beyond that, you need to switch to enterprise offers.
McAfee Total Protection vs Norton Small Business: compare features
| Features | McAfee Total Protection | Norton Small Business |
| Anti-malware and ransomware protection | Yes (real-time, McAfee AV engine) | Yes (proactive SONAR technology) |
| Integrated VPN | Yes (depending on plan, via Safe Connect) | Yes (optional or via Norton 360) |
| Password manager | Yes (True Key) | Optional (via Norton 360 package) |
| Dark web monitoring | No (reserved for McAfee+) | No (available via Norton LifeLock) |
| File encryption | Yes | No |
| Intelligent firewall | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes | Yes (pro, dedicated to businesses) |
| Multi-device (Windows, Mac, mobile) | Yes (up to 10 devices) | Yes (up to 20 devices) |
| Automatic updates | Yes | Yes |
| Centralized management dashboard | Yes (via McAfee Security app) | Yes (simple web interface) |
Focus on anti-malware and ransomware protection
McAfee Total Protection uses McAfee's historic AV engine, renowned for its robustness and rapid response. It detects not only classic malware, but also ransomware, with a top score in the latest AV-Test tests (6/6).
Norton relies on SONAR, its behavioral detection engine, which identifies threats before they are even known. This is particularly useful against polymorphic ransomware.
💡 Verdict: the two solutions are neck-and-neck on pure detection. McAfee scores a point with its extra file encryption.
Focus on Safe VPN
McAfee Safe Connect VPN is included in some Total Protection packages, with unlimited bandwidth depending on the plan, has several features:
- encrypts connections,
- blocks trackers,
- automatic activation on public Wi-Fi.
Norton's VPN is powerful, but natively absent from the Small Business offer. You need to subscribe to Norton 360 or add an option, which can complicate readability.
💡Verdict: McAfee Total Protection advantage, if you take a VPN plan included.
Focus on the password manager
McAfee's True Key manager lets you store credentials, generate complex passwords, and synchronize between devices. Two-factor authentication is integrated.
At Norton, the function exists only in the consumer suite. It is not included in the Small Business offering by default, which may limit professional uses.
💡Verdict: McAfee is more generous on this point, with no additional cost or configuration.
Focus on file encryption
McAfee Total Protection integrates a local encryption tool (128-bit) to protect sensitive files stored on the computer. This is a real plus for professionals handling confidential documents.
Norton Small Business offers no integrated encryption solution, except via third-party extensions.
💡Verdict : Clear advantage for McAfee, with an integrated, simple and unobtrusive tool.
McAfee Total Protection vs Norton Small Business: compare prices.
Cybersecurity has a cost... but not all plans are created equal. Between multi-device plans, premium features such as VPN or password manager, and pricing in euros, McAfee Total Protection and Norton Small Business adopt two very distinct strategies. Here's how they position themselves for pros.
| Plan / Software | McAfee Total Protection | Norton Small Business |
| Free version | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Entry plan | Essential: €109.95/year for 5 devices
|
Small Business : from €99.99/year for 6 devices
|
| Mid-range plan | Premium Individual: €129.95/year (unlimited number of devices)
|
- |
| Full plan (premium) | Advances Indiviual: €149.95/year
|
Small Business Premium: from €199.99/year for 10 devices
|
☝️ Key facts:
- McAfee Total Protection is more flexible, with several price levels and VPN/Manager options included from intermediate plans.
- Norton Small Business simplifies management, but remains more expensive if you have few devices to cover.
- Norton becomes attractive only if you have more than 10 devices to secure, without the need for encryption or VPN.
McAfee Total protection vs. Norton Small Business: which interface is more intuitive?
When you're managing multiple devices on a daily basis, the interface of an antivirus can make all the difference between wasting time and real efficiency.
McAfee Total Protection and Norton Small Business focus on simplicity, but each in its own way. Web interface, mobile app, centralized dashboard: we compare their ergonomics on the pro side.
| Interface criteria | McAfee Total Protection | Norton Small Business |
| Main dashboard | Sober interface, quick access to key functions | Minimalist, highly intuitive web dashboard |
| Installation and deployment | Classic installation by device (key or link) | Unique link emailed to each user |
| Mobile browsing | Dedicated app (McAfee Security) well-designed, fluid | Correct mobile app, less complete than desktop |
| Clear alerts and notifications | Clear alerts, sometimes too frequent | Synthetic, non-intrusive alerts |
| Customization / settings | Fairly rich settings (scan, firewall, VPN, etc.) | Less fine-tuning, but sufficient for SMBs |
| Multi-device experience | Management via McAfee account, for up to 10 devices | Single console for up to 20 devices |
☝️ What we think :
- If you're looking for fine-grained control: McAfee Total Protection. McAfee offers a slightly denser but comprehensive interface: ideal for those who want to fine-tune their security (VPN, scanning, firewall, etc.).
- If you prefer immediate efficiency and simplicity: Norton Small Business. Norton, on the other hand, relies on an ultra-fluid, frictionless experience: perfect.
McAfee Total Protection vs Norton Small Business: compare integrations
A good antivirus is good. An antivirus that integrates perfectly with your work environment is even better.
Whether you use collaborative tools, cloud solutions or a complete office suite, the ability to integrate easily with your everyday apps is a real criterion of choice.
We evaluated McAfee Total Protection and Norton Small Business according to three key criteria: number of integrations, ease of configuration and level of automation possible.
👉 Number of available integrations:
- McAfee Total Protection: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
McAfee offers basic but functional integrations, mainly oriented towards operating systems and browsers (security extensions, email scanning, Windows network management).
No extended marketplace or connectors to tools like Google Workspace, Slack or Microsoft Teams. The focus is on the McAfee ecosystem itself. - Norton Small Business: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Norton offers broader compatibility, not least thanks to its enterprise version. Although it has no official integrations store, it naturally integrates with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, some secure messaging platforms and common cloud services.
No advanced integration with CRMs or complex IT tools.
👉 Ease of configuration:
- McAfee Total Protection: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Security features integrate automatically during installation, with little setup required. Perfect for simple use, but limited if you're looking to customize connections to other business tools. - Norton Small Business: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Quick configuration via a centralized dashboard. User addition, device management and automatic updates are well thought out. The "set & forget" approach works well for lightweight environments.
👉 Customization and automation:
- McAfee Total Protection: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Few options on the automation or customization side. The logic is monobloc, designed to function without external interaction. No APIs or triggers. - Norton Small Business: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Possibility of scheduling scans, updates and alerts according to schedules or events, but no depth of external integration. No automation via Zapier or API, but sufficient for non-technical teams.
💡 Conclusion:
- Norton Small Business takes a slight lead in this field, thanks in particular to more flexible configuration and better compatibility with cloud tools.
- McAfee Total Protection, on the other hand, is aimed at those who prefer a stand-alone solution, with no external dependency... but this limits its role in a modern digital stack.
When to choose McAfee Total Protection or Norton Small Business?
The right antivirus is not always the one that does the most... but the one that meets your real needs. Here are some typical use cases to help you decide between McAfee Total Protection and Norton Small Business, depending on your organization, your level of technical expertise and the number of devices you need to secure.
Examples of McAfee Total Protection use cases
McAfee Total Protection is particularly well-suited if you're looking for a comprehensive security suite that's easy to deploy, with powerful on-board tools. To give you a better idea, here are some of the situations in which McAfee Total Protection performs well:
- if you're a freelancer or micro-business owner who wants a solid antivirus with VPN, firewall and encryption, without having to go through several subscriptions ;
- if you're a healthcare, legal or HR professional, sensitive to local data protection, with a need for file encryption;
- if you are a multi-platform user (PC, Mac, Android, iOS) wishing to manage the security of all your devices from a single interface.
- if you're a non-technical user: simple installation, automatic updates, no complex settings.
Examples of Norton Small Business use cases
Norton Small Business shines in collaborative environments where simplicity and scalability are priorities. Here are a few examples:
- if you're an SME with between 5 and 20 employees, without a dedicated IT team, but need to manage the security of several workstations easily ;
- if you're a marketing agency, consultancy or start-up : rapid deployment, intuitive dashboard and centralized alerts;
- if you're a highly mobile company: remote workstation management, frequent equipment replacement, autonomous users;
- if you run collaborative projects using Google Workspace, Microsoft 365: Norton integrates frictionlessly;
- ideal for "set & forget" profiles: you install, configure once, and it runs automatically.
McAfee Total Protection vs Norton Small Business: the final verdict for connected pros
McAfee Total Protection and Norton Small Business have two very different visions of professional cybersecurity.
👉 McAfee Total Protection plays the all-in-one protection card, with a real focus on on-board features: file encryption, VPN, anti-ransomware, password manager... All at a competitive price for pros who want to centralize their security without complexity.
👉 Norton Small Business, on the other hand, targets collaborative efficiency. Less rich in native functions, but more flexible to deploy, it appeals to small teams who want to quickly protect up to 20 devices without drowning in settings.
So, who wins?
| Business needs | Our recommendation |
| Secure up to 10 devices with VPN, password manager, encryption | ✅ McAfee Total Protection |
| Simply manage the security of 5 to 20 employees, without an IT team | ✅ Norton Small Business |
| Deploy a turnkey solution quickly, without complex settings | ✅ Norton Small Business |
| Benefit from an all-in-one package with antivirus, VPN, firewall and True Key | ✅ McAfee Total Protection |
| Protect sensitive local data (customer documents, HR, legal) | ✅ McAfee Total Protection |
| Monitor security remotely with centralized console and pro alerts | ✅ Norton Small Business |
🎯 The real "winner" is the one that responds to your reality on the ground. And if you're still hesitating... both often offer a free trial period. Test before you lock.
FAQ: McAfee Total Protection vs Norton Small Business
What's the best alternative to McAfee Total Protection?
If you're looking for an alternative to McAfee, Norton Small Business is a solid option for SMEs. For more technical or growing structures, solutions such as Bitdefender GravityZone or ESET PROTECT may also be suitable.
Does Norton Small Business protect against ransomware?
Yes, Norton uses SONAR technology for proactive ransomware protection, even against unknown threats. AV-Test tests confirm excellent detection scores.
Is McAfee Total Protection multi-device compatible?
Yes, it can cover up to 10 devices depending on the plan chosen, including PCs, Macs, Android and iOS smartphones. Management is via a centralized interface.
Is it possible to install Norton Small Business without technical skills?
Absolutely. Installation is guided, sending links to users is automated, and configuration requires no advanced IT knowledge.
Is VPN included in McAfee Total Protection?
Safe Connect VPN is included in the Plus and Premium plans, with unlimited bandwidth depending on the level. It launches automatically on unsecured networks.
Is there a free version of McAfee or Norton?
No. Neither McAfee Total Protection nor Norton Small Business offers a free version. However, free trials are available to test before you buy.
Article translated from French