Best Free Antivirus For Mac 2021
© Jose Velez / Money Best-2021-Anti-Virus-Software
- Mcafee For Mac
- Best Free Mac Antivirus Software
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- Antivirus For Mac
- What's The Best Free Antivirus For Mac
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But buyer beware: Many antivirus for Mac are watered-down versions of their siblings for Windows, lacking many of the essential security features. So how to find the best antivirus for your Mac? We are here to help. Since 2014, we have tested and reviewed 100’s of the best antivirus Windows 10 PCs, Mac, Android and iOS. 1.磊 Avira Free Antivirus for Mac — Best for Overall macOS Protection in 2021. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac is my favorite free antivirus for Mac — it provides lightweight cloud-based malware scanning as well as more free features than any other brand on this list, including real-time protection, intuitive system tuneup tools, a surprisingly good password manager, and even a VPN! The Best Mac Antivirus Protection for 2021. Despite what you may have heard, your Apple computer is not immune to malware. We test the top contenders to identify those offering the best Mac.
When we spend most of our days in front of a computer or mobile device, it shouldn’t be a surprise that even the most experienced users may fall victim to computer viruses, hackers, or data breaches.
The Best Free Antivirus Protection for 2021. Microsoft Defender is improving, but you still shouldn't rely on it by itself. That doesn’t mean you have to pay extra, though!
To help you protect your computer, tablet, and phone, we‘ve researched and selected the best antivirus software for 2021.
Our Top Picks for Best Antivirus Software
- Norton – Best for Mac OS
- Avast – Best free antivirus
- Kaspersky – Best for PC
- McAfee Mobile Security – Best for iOS
- Avira – Best for Android
- Bitdefender – Best Multiplatform
- Malwarebytes for Chromebook – Best for Chromebook
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Best Antivirus Reviews
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Price: $49.99 (1st year)/ $124.99 per year
Pros- Protects up to 10 devices from different operating systems
- Anti-spyware, anti-malware, and anti-ransomware
- Secure VPN for ten devices with no data limit
- Ad tracker blocker
- Parental controls
Cons- SafeCam is only available for Microsoft Windows computers
- Cloud backup is only available for Windows PCs
Popular belief holds that computers running on the Mac OS system don’t need malware protection. However, that’s not true. According to AV-Test, an independent IT security institute, in 2020, there were around 240,000 different types of viruses designed for this operating system.
Norton 360 Premium I offers Mac users protection against malware, hackers, and other viruses while also giving access to a password manager and private VPN. This antivirus offers a 100% virus protection promise with a money-back guarantee if a Norton expert cannot remove the computer’s malware.
Subscription is available as yearly plans with an automatic subscription. Norton also offers other virus protection alternatives for Mac OS at both more and less expensive price points, including Norton 360 with LifeLock Select and Norton 360 with LifeLock Premium.
These antivirus security suites can protect up to 5 devices and include a smart firewall, secure browser, and dark web monitoring. Norton 360 with LifeLock Premium also offers identity restoration services, Social Security alerts, and reimbursement for funds stolen due to identity theft.
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Price for the Premium subscription: $44.99 (1st year)/ $89.99 per year for up to 10 devices
Pros- Scan devices in seconds
- Password protection
- Home network security
Cons- Protection for one device at a time
- Not available for Chromebooks
Avast is a solid option for those who are looking for a plan with basic protection. This free antivirus software covers Mac OS, iOS, Windows, and Android devices. Avast’s cloud-based protection blocks viruses and other types of malware, warns users about unsafe sites and blocks intrusive web trackers.
Avast also offers Premium and Ultimate subscription-based options that cover up to 10 multi-platform devices. These subscription-based antivirus programs include security tools such as VPN, anti-tracking, and a more premium cleanup and protection against viruses, ransomware, and spyware.
Avast Premium also includes a data or file shredder, a feature that allows users to irreversibly erase files or whole drives to avoid the misuse of data by cybercriminals.
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Price: $29.99 (1st year)/$59.99 per year for up to 3 devices
Pros- Real-time antivirus
- Anti-phishing
- Anti-hacker and anti-malware
Cons- Most affordable antivirus is only available for PC
Kaspersky Essential Suite is our choice for the best antivirus for PC because it provides wider protection against malware than Windows Defender. As part of their most affordable package, Kaspersky protects up to 3 PCs, and provides performance optimization and real-time virus protection.
According to AV Tests, Kaspersky provides complete malware protection, even detecting malware that has attacked your PC up to four weeks before installation. Kaspersky Essential Suite also includes web protection, phishing protection, and other security features including encryption, and VPN. This antivirus software stands out in tests for its accuracy in virus warnings and false blockages. Kaspersky’s antivirus might cause a minor slowing down in the download and launching of other computer programs.
Kaspersky’s Advanced Suite and Premium Suite are the other two tiers of antivirus protection this company offers. Their Advance Suit protects up to 10 devices and includes encrypted browsing, anti-phishing, and protection against hackers gaining control of your PC remotely through the use of Remote Access Tools (RATs).
Kaspersky’s Premium Suite protects up to 5 devices and includes YouTube safe search, GPS child locator tracker, webcam protection, Game Mode, application manager, and adult content blocker. The Premium Suite is a good option for parents looking for additional system resources to guarantee their children’s protection while navigating the internet.
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Price: $2.99 mo/$29.99 yr (Standard) | $9.99 mo/$79.99 yr (Plus)
Pros- Secure Wi-Fi scanner
- Wi-Fi Guard VPN
- Public Wi-Fi protection
- Anti-theft protection
Cons- Wi-Fi Guard VPN is only available with a Premium subscription
Wi-Fi Guard VPN is only available with a Premium subscription
McAfee Mobile Security for iOS stands out for its monthly or yearly subscription-based options, Wi-Fi protection and security, and mobile contacts backup. It’s available for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch with more than 150K ratings and 4.7 stars in the Apple Store.
McAfee Mobile Security allows iOS users to remotely remove contact information and protect photos and videos if their device is stolen. This antivirus increases the chances of finding the stolen device even with a low battery using a GPS tracker, and contact backup is performed automatically through the McAfee Cloud.
McAfee also protects other devices with their McAfee Total Protection antivirus. McAfee antivirus packages are designed for individuals, couples, or families.
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Price: $3.99 per month
Pros- Android protection in Avira Prime and Avira Prime for Mobile antivirus
- Automatically blocks spam and scam calls
- Network Protection
Cons- Annual subscription not available
Avira offers two options for Android users: Avira Prime and Avira Prime for Mobile. Avira Prime is the best option for users interested in protecting other PCs or Mac OS devices. This subscription-based antivirus protects up to 25 devices, and it’s available in monthly and yearly plans.
Avira Prime for Mobile offers Android users antivirus protection, unlimited VPN, identity safeguard, and a password manager. In trials, Avira antivirus has been proven not to slow down the mobile device while in use and doesn’t impact battery life.
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Price: $69.98 for the first year/ $149.99 per year (10 devices)
Pros- Secures PC, Mac, Android, iOS
- Includes unlimited VPN
- Real-time anti-phishing, antispam, anti-fraud
- Parental controls
Cons- Subscription price will increase after the first year
- Not available for Chrome OS
- Most affordable plans only cover PCs
Unlike other antivirus software, Bitdefender Premium Security protects PC, Mac OS, Android, iOS and includes unlimited VPN for each of these platforms. This user-friendly software provides a password manager, social media protection, real-time data protection, vulnerability assessment, and network threat prevention.
Bitdefender also offers other antivirus products including Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Bitdefender Total Security. Both security software feature a privacy firewall, protection against malware, spyware, and adware, protecting up to 10 multi-platform devices.
In AV-Test trials, Bitdefender has shown to slow down the installation of frequently used applications minimally; however, the high-quality detection of widespread malware makes this antivirus software stand out from its competitors.
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Price: $1.99 mo/$11.99 yr (Premium)
Pros- Designed specifically for Chrome OS
- Free version available
- Targets adware and spyware
- Users can add Browser Guard extension for free
- Available in 10 different languages
Cons- Few features
Malwarebytes stands out from other antivirus software by being specifically designed for Chrome OS. Malwarebytes offers Chromebook users the option of a free or subscription-based premium version that can provide ransomware protection before it locks the device. Malwarebytes for Chromebook also protects against phishing attacks.
Other Companies We Considered
When researching and selecting the best antivirus of 2021, we encountered companies whose software provided good protection against malware; however, they lacked features, slowed down devices, and didn’t offer competitive prices.
Webroot Internet Security Plus Antivirus
Pros- Protects Chromebooks
- Protects personal data such as account logins and passwords
- Stops ransomware
- 70-day money-back guarantee without credit card requirement
Cons- Some features are only available for Windows, Mac, and Android users
- Few features compared to other antivirus software
- Wi-Fi protection is available in more expensive subscription plans
Webroot isn’t part of our main list because its antivirus has fewer features than other similarly priced software. This antivirus has not been part of AV-Test comparatives since November 2016, and there’s not enough information about its performance to compare it to the other companies.
Sophos
Pros- Available for Windows and Mac
- Free real-time protection and web filtering for up to 3 devices
- Subscription-based option protects up to 10 devices
- Subscription includes real-time protection, web filtering, advanced threat, and privacy protection
Cons- Not available for mobile devices
- Subscription-based option doesn't have a lot of features
- No identity protection
Sophos didn’t make it to our top list for the lack of features in their subscription-based option and because their user products have not been part of AV test trials since 2019.
Eset
Pros- Protection for Windows, Mac, and Android
- Performance optimization feature
- Anti-phishing, antivirus, anti-spyware
- Cross-platform protection
Cons- Not available for iOS
- Most features are only available with their Ultimate subscription
Eset doesn’t take part on our main list because this multiplatform antivirus doesn’t include iOS. In AV test trials, Eset has been shown to slow down the installation of frequently used applications in PC and Mac computers.
Trend Micro
Pros- Stops viruses and protects against ransomware
- Anti-phishing
- Blocks websites that can potentially steal personal information
Cons- Multiplatform protection, password manager and VPN is only available with the Maximum Security plan
Trend Micro antivirus isn’t part of our main list because customers must purchase their most expensive option to obtain complete device protection. This subscription covers up to 10 devices, making it a pricier option for those looking to secure a more limited amount of personal devices. In AV Tests trials, this antivirus slows down launching popular websites and installing frequently used applications on PCs.
AVG
Pros- Available for PCs, Mac, Android, and iOS
- Free version available
- AVG Ultimate includes: Internet protection, VPN, and system optimization
- Free version blocks viruses, and protects against spyware and ransomware
Cons- AVG Ultimate doesn't have a free version
- AVG VPN and Tune Up only have a 7-day free trial
- Only one device coverage for PCs
- Android and iOS free version only offers malware protection
AVG didn’t make it into our main list because their free version only includes viruses and other malware blockage. Free antivirus software usually includes additional features and broader protection. In trials, AVG significantly slowed down the launching of commonly used applications in PCs, and only their AVG Internet Protection has a 30-day free trial.
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Antivirus Guide
When thinking about computer viruses and how to protect our devices against them, it’s essential to know and understand the most common types of viruses and what to look for when purchasing antivirus software. In this guide, you can find information to help you choose the best antivirus to protect your device.
Types of malware
Malware
Malware is a term that covers a wide selection of malicious software. Viruses, trojan horses, worms, and spyware are considered to be malware. This malicious software slows down device performance and attacks data and resources.
Ransomware
Ransomware, a type of malware, blocks the user’s access to the device. The attackers ask the user for a ransom fee to release the device.
Spyware
This type of malware tracks information usage and transmits data from the hard drive of the hacked device to another. There are several types of spyware:
- Keyloggers: Records computer’s activities
- Password stealers: Collects passwords from the infected device
- Info stealers: Provides third parties with sensitive information such as passwords, usernames, email addresses, log files, browser history, system information, spreadsheets, documents, and media files
- Banking trojans: Steals information from financial institutions, modifies transactions and web portals.
Adware
Adware are display ads in the form of pop-up windows that appear on the user’s screen. They usually appear on free-to-use software and applications, monitoring users’ interests to develop more relevant ads.
What are the signs of a computer virus?
Signs of a computer virus are not always evident to the user. According to Norton, here are some of the general symptoms your device might show if a virus has infected it:
- Unusual slowing down of a device
- Frequent crashes or froze screens
- Unknown programs open up when the device turns on
- Frequent pop-up windows might appear
- Changes to homepage
- Mass emails sent from your email account
- Sudden password changes
How does antivirus software work?
Antivirus software works as a scanner, going through a computer’s operating system and checking their files, documents, programs, and applications. Most antivirus software not only scans your device to find viruses and other malicious programs but also eliminates them and protects your device to avoid future infestations.
There are different methods of antivirus software programs to detect and eliminate malware.
- Cloud antivirus detection: requires a connection to the internet since a server in a cloud processes all of the information instead of doing it on a hard drive
- Machine learning: through the use of an algorithm, the antivirus detects if the file is malicious
- Behavioral detection: this technology is used to detect unknown viruses
- Signature-based detection: the antivirus already has predefined signatures in its system and uses those already predisposed signatures to detect any anomaly or malware attacking the device
- Heuristic analysis: a complement to signature detection, heuristic analysis spots suspicious characteristics in new, unknown viruses well as known malware
How To Choose The Best Antivirus
Choosing the best antivirus will depend on what operating system runs the device you want to protect and the type of cybersecurity and extra features you want to include. Some essential elements your antivirus software should include are:
Mcafee For Mac
- Virus removal
- Web-browsing protection such as anti-phishing
- Computer scans
- One of the malware detection methods: cloud antivirus, machine learning, behavioral detection, signature-based detection, or heuristic analysis
Most antivirus software companies include an array of features and extras with their antivirus programs. These are some of the most valuable features to consider, including:
- VPN: a virtual private network that gives the user privacy and anonymity while using the internet. It masks the IP address making the user’s online browsing anonymous
- Password manager: stores and manages passwords in an encrypted database protecting your information against data breaches
- Parental controls: Controls children’s screen time. Some even offer GPS device tracking
- Identity theft protection
If you’re interested in protecting your identity, check our selection for the best identity theft protection of 2021.
Best Antivirus FAQ
What is the best antivirus?
Selecting the best antivirus will depend on the device's operating system and what type of protection the customer needs. Our top picks for the best antivirus recommend software for each of the most common operating systems available.How to disable antivirus?
To disable antivirus software, look for the program icon in your desktop or application folder. Right-click on the icon and select the disable option. The disabling antivirus software is only recommended when installing a new computer program the antivirus doesn't recognize. After the installation, run the antivirus program to ensure the software scans it for any malware.What is the best free antivirus?
As the best free antivirus, we have selected Avast. This software protects Mac OS, PCs, and Androids.Which antivirus is the best for Windows 10?
We selected Kaspersky anti-virus as the best one for PCs because of its features, thorough protection, and good reviews by AV-Test.If I have a VPN, do I still need antivirus software?
Yes, to have comprehensive protection, you should have antivirus software in addition to a VPN service. The VPN will protect your data and information securely; however, it's not an antivirus. You can save your data with a VPN, but your device needs to be covered with an antivirus.How We Chose the Best Antivirus Software
To select the best antivirus software of 2021, we researched an array of antivirus software and considered their:
- Basic software
- Extra features
- Price
We researched and used the data from trials conducted by AV-Test, an independent testing lab that tests antivirus software for PCs, Mac OS, iOS, and Android every couple of months. We vetted companies based on their findings of slowing down devices, detecting malware and eliminating it.
Summary of Money’s Best Antivirus Software of 2021
- Norton – Best for Mac OS
- Avast – Best free antivirus
- Kaspersky – Best for PC
- McAfee Mobile Security – Best for iOS
- Avira – Best for Android
- Bitdefender – Best Multiplatform
- Malwarebytes for Chromebook – Best for Chromebook
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This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer.
System cleanup in one click
The last thing you want on your Mac is a virus or malware. Left undetected, viruses and malware can wreak havoc on a computer, and do irreparable harm. Many think Macs are impervious to viruses, but it’s just not true.
If malware infects your Mac, you may have to factory reset your device, losing all data in the process. A worst case scenario involves having to purchase a new computer; malware and viruses can overclock your CPU and corrupt memory. Damaged hardware may not be repairable; when it can be repaired, it may still be more cost effective to buy a new Mac.
This is why you should have the best Mac antivirus software available. Protecting your investment is smart!
We’ll show you which apps offer the best virus protection for Mac (including the best free antivirus for Mac), the apps that have the best malware removal for Mac, and whether free antivirus for Mac is as good as the paid options.
How to choose best antivirus for Mac
There’s no “right” way to find the best antivirus software for Mac. Because virus and malware threats change often, virus protection for Mac is a changing ecosystem. Be sure you try to find software that keeps up to date with the latest known threats so your Mac is kept safe from any and all intruders.
Why do you need antivirus on Mac?
Many people believe using browsers like Safari and downloading apps on the Mac App Store exclusively will keep them safe. It’s just not true.
You can receive malware from a variety of “secure” portals, including email and trusted websites. Hackers are clever, and craft new methods faster than many detection systems can validate. This is why you read about enterprise software virus/malware hacks so often.
Rather than assume you’re safe, know you’re secure with a great Mac malware scanner that helps you remove viruses and malware forever.
How we test the best Mac antivirus software
We used the “home” (not enterprise) version of each app mentioned in this article when applicable to test for speed, accuracy, and user friendliness. We also verified each with findings on AV Test and AV Comparatives to validate our findings. The goal is to provide you with peace of mind our thorough research is collaborated by industry leaders in the malware and virus detection software testing space.
Best paid antivirus software for Mac
The best paid macOS antivirus was also the best OS X antivirus before Apple changed the name of Mac’s operating system: CleanMyMac X.
CleanMyMac X offers a lot more than virus protection and malware detection, too. It routinely monitors your Mac for issues that may affect its performance, and tidies your Mac up at regular intervals. Simply tell CleanMyMac X to run its Smart Scan feature to discover items that can be removed, improvements that can be made to increase speed, and potential threats to the health of your system, including malware.
Best Free Mac Antivirus Software
Each of the services offered in Smart Scan have their own dedicated modules, including one named “Protection.” Within the Protection module are two items: malware removal, and privacy.
Privacy manages your browser behavior and history so you can move through the internet without tracers following you. Privacy also sweeps through your chat history on apps like Skype to clean up lingering conversations that may provide hackers with a way into your machine.
Malware removal taps into CleanMyMac X’s routinely updated list of known, verified threats to keep your Mac free from threats. It automatically deletes any known viruses or malware from your Mac so you don’t have to worry.
CleanMyMac X is also one of the easiest apps to use in our testing. Here’s how it’s done:
- Download CleanMyMac X from Setapp
- Open CleanMyMac X on your Mac
- Select the “Malware Removal” module
- Tap “Scan” at the bottom of the window
If you have vulnerabilities on your Mac, CleanMyMac X will let you know, and offer a one-touch option for removing the malware immediately. It’s just that simple!
Keep in mind the CleanMyMac X team is constantly updating its list of known malware and viruses so you know you’re getting the most up-to-date protection available for your Mac.
For some, understanding when to download top antivirus for Mac is a matter of knowing when it may be necessary to have. While you can’t see malware and viruses doing damage to your Mac, you can keep tabs on your Mac’s performance to understand when it may be time to scan for issues. Enter iStat Menus.
iStat Menus lives in your Mac’s menu bar and always keeps close tabs on your Mac performance. When viruses or malware affect your device, there are often performance issues associated. Your CPU may overclock or the system memory may run out of space suddenly if the virus is storing information on your computer. Without iStat Menus, it may seem like your computer is just being slow when really something far more nefarious is at play.
Clicking on the iStat Menus icon in your Mac’s menu bar gives you a quick glimpse at your Mac’s performance, showing you exactly which processes are running and how your CPU is performing. You’ll be able to view everything going on with your Mac without opening a single app!
iStat Menus also offers deeper historical perspective if your Mac has been operating poorly. Hovering over any graph in the iStat Menus dropdown menu surfaces a sub-graph that displays performance for up to one month prior. Should you notice your Mac operating poorly over time – and see processes running that just don’t seem familiar – it’s likely time to run CleanMyMac X’s Malware Removal tool.
Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac
More than antivirus, Kaspersky offers a range of tools to help keep you protected. You get great antivirus protection, of course, but also parental controls and protection against attacks on your home network if you’d like.
Kaspersky charges an annual fee, starting at $23.99 every 12 months. Depending on the level of protection you want, the annual fee can go as high as $53.99 per year for access to all of Kaspersky’s security options for your Mac and iPhone.
Norton Antivirus Plus
For $39.99 per year, Norton protects up to 5 devices including your Mac, PC, smartphones, and tablets. It offers antivirus, malware and ransomware protection, online threat protection, a firewall service, 2GB cloud backup, a password manager, and a “virus protection promise.”
Depending on how many additional services you may want, the cost for Norton can skyrocket to $299.98 per year. Whichever plan you choose, know Norton routinely ranks high for protection, performance, and usability.
Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac
Trend Micro offers a more holistic approach to security, relegating antirust and malware detection to background services. It trades more on its password manager, artificial intelligence, email scam detection, and social media privacy options.
Still a great malware detection and removal service, Trend Micro is a bit more expensive than others. For Mac, it starts at $39.99 per year; adding a VPN and dark web monitoring ups the price to $69.99 per year.
Airo Antivirus Software for Mac
New to the Mac antivirus scene, Airo is attempting to usurp the major players at a similar price point. For as little as $3.10 per month ($37.20 per year) you get antivirus software dedicated to the Mac, which may be beneficial; PCs have far more issues with viruses and malware, so attention is placed there over the Mac.
Airo offers robust scanning, a great user interface, and great scores from AV Test. Because it’s new, some features like phishing protection are still being tested and may not be available.
Intego Mac Internet Security
AV Test and AV Comparatives note Intego eliminated 100 percent of Mac malware in testing. For $24.99 per year, you can protect one Mac with leading antivirus protection, anti-phishing software, a firewall, and real-time monitoring. For $39.99 per year, you also get parental controls, duplicate file removal, desktop organization, and inappropriate content filtering.
Keep in mind 100 percent is only slightly better than Avira (which you’ll read about shortly) and you only get protection for one device.
F-Secure SAFE Malware Removal
Like Kaspersky, F-Secure offers several bespoke services in addition to a catch-all subscription for all its various options. The $34.99 annual plan for SAFE earns you top-notch malware and virus detection software on up to three devices.
For $89.99 per year you can add a password manager, private browsing, online identity protection, and a VPN.
Though widely lauded, neither AV Test or AV Comparatives rank F-Secure as highly as others on our list.
Webroot AntiVirus
For $29.99 per year, Webroot provides you with antivirus protection on one device. Where Webroot stands out is its ability to scan your device quickly – faster than any other app on the list.
Like rival malware and virus detection platforms, you can opt for other plans at up to $59.99 per year to get iPhone protection, login and password management, internet tracing protection, and a system optimizer.
Unfortunately, neither AV Test or AV Comparatives have testes Webroot, and some other reviews claim to have encountered glitches.
Best free antivirus for Mac
You don’t always have to pay for antivirus protection! There are some really good free services available – or at least free to try. Keep in mind that while some services are free to use, metadata gathered from your machine may be used to frame research firms sell to outside agencies or companies.
AVG AntiVirus for Mac
Free to try for 60 days, AVG Internet Security asks as little as $3.33 per month for protecting one Mac, and $3.99 per month for up to 10 devices. AVG offers antivirus, banking protection, network security, and anti-phishing protection.
Its free tier – AVG Antivirus – blocks malware and viruses, unsafe email attachments, and offers routine security updates.
Best Free Antivirus For Mac 2021 Download
AV Test doesn’t rank AVG highly, and AV Comparatives hasn’t tested AVG’s macOS services yet.
Avast Free Mac Security
The free tier for Avast Security gets you virus blocking and malware detection as well as browser security alerts. Avast offers class-leading malware protection, but it’s clear the free tier is meant to encourage you to purchase its premium paid option.
Premium is $39.99 per year, adding banking protection, security alerts, and phishing protection. Whichever option you choose, Avast offers highly rated malware protection, so you can’t go wrong.
Avira Free Antivirus for Mac
Like Avast, Avira seems to use its free tier as a cudgel to get you to purchase its paid tier – but both offer some of the best antivirus protection and malware detection available. Avira scores high in all independent testing.
Avira is also lightning-fast at detecting threats. Keep in mind while Avira is free to download, many add-on services will require payment ranging from $44.99 to $99.99 per year.
Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac
Bitdefender has high scores from both AV Test and AV Comparatives, only being knocked slightly for performance. For a free antivirus, though, it’s quite good.
The company claims its servie has the lowest impact on your Mac’s performance, and is better at detecting and defending your Mac than Kaspersky.
Antivirus For Mac
Its free tier offers real-time data protection, cloud-based threat detection, and great antivirus and malware scanning. If you need more, Bitdefender has a massive list of services with tiers scaling up to $44.99 per year.
Sophos Home for Mac
Sophos gets high marks in testing, with its free tier being the same antivirus protection offered in its enterprise-grade services. In the free tier, you also get parental controls, web protection services, and remote management on up to three devices.
Ransomware security, privacy protection, and premium support are all included for 30 days with the free tier. If you want continued access to these add-ons for up to 10 devices, Sophos charges $44.99 per year.
Conclusion
What's The Best Free Antivirus For Mac
Virus and malware protection for Mac are important. While paying for services seems daunting or unnecessary, remember you get what you pay for.
CleanMyMac X and iStat Menus can be enjoyed for free during a trial of Setapp, the world’s best and most complete suite of productivity apps for your Mac. Along with CleanMyMac X and iStat Menus, you’ll be able to test drive over 200 other incredible Mac apps, all native for macOS ranging just about every use-case you can imagine.
When your trial is over, Setapp is only $9.99 per month – a massive bargain for continued access to so many incredible apps, so why wait? Give Setapp atry now and get malware protection and so much more!