Macs may be a far less tempting target for malware and viruses, but they’re not immune from attack. Even if you don’t care about adware or being used as a means to infect users on other platforms, it’s still possible to fall victim to ransomware, password theft, or stolen iPhone backups.
The great thing is that there are plenty of free mac antivirus providers on the internet for you to choose from. Offering full protection without the financial outlay, check out our list to find the best providers of free antivirus for mac available today. Avira Free Antivirus protects you from viruses, Trojans, worms, spyware, adware, and various other kinds of malware, making it a fully functional antimalware tool and one of the best free antivirus programs.
Accordingly, good antivirus software will protect your Mac on all of these fronts. It’ll catch malware that’s still spreading or in circulation; block ransomware; protect older systems with out-of-date software from security vulnerabilities; prevent your Mac from acting as a carrier for malware aimed at other operating systems; and keep infected files off of any virtual machines you’re running.
Antivirus for Mac cheat sheet
Our quick-hit recommendations:
- Best paid antivirus for Mac:Sophos Home Premium for Mac[sophos.com]
- Best free antivirus for Mac:Avast Free Mac Security[avast.com]
Many antivirus suites provide a decent level of protection, but a few rise above all others by providing the very best in performance. Our top contenders dominate by posting perfect (or virtually near perfect) scores from security research labs, passing our own malware detection tests with flying colors, offering well-designed interfaces, and even throwing in extra features like a firewall or password manager.
Updated 08/15/19: Added our review of Avira Free Antivirus, a worthy free option that’s easy to use and effective.
Looking for Windows antivirus recommendations? You can read about the best antivirus suites for PC on our sister site, PCWorld.
Best overall antivirus software
Sophos Home Premium has the most extensive and up-to-date approach to fighting malware at an unbeatable price.
Sophos Home Premium has it all: Effective malware protection, ransomware monitoring, protection against potentially-unwanted-apps, and additional features that often require separately licensed software. Its cloud-based configuration and generous licensing (up to 10 Macs and PCs) also make it easy to shield friends and family from threats, no matter where they live. (Full details available in our review.)
Best free antivirus software
Though Sophos does offer a good free version of its software, Avast Free Mac Security edges it out as the best free antivirus software for macOS. In security lab tests, Avast detected 99.9 percent of macOS malware, and 100 percent of Windows malware. However, if you want more advanced protection (like ransomware detection), you’ll need to upgrade to paid software.
What to look for in antivirus software
By our reckoning, antivirus software should be able to neutralize a threat before it can begin wreaking havoc. That means preventing the download, installation, or execution of malicious software.
Since you can encounter threats by visiting compromised or malicious websites, receiving virus-laden attachments, or accessing USB drives with malware, good AV software should scan on a continuous basis unless you configure it otherwise. And ideally, files identified as malicious should be quarantined into a special storage area managed by the AV software, with the option to automatically delete files known to be malware or repair normal documents that also carry devious payloads.
Great AV suites also will monitor the filesystem for certain kinds of changes. Ransomware—which is malware that will rapidly encrypt user files like documents and mailboxes and then delete the originals—has become a huge moneymaker on other platforms. As a prime opportunity for attackers, it’s the greatest danger Mac users likely face as a category.
Detecting this pattern and halting it before any files are unavailable should be possible without an anti-malware system knowing the specific innards of a ransomware virus. Sophos, our top pick, includes this feature in the Home Premium version of its 2018 update. Other vendors, like Avast and Trend Micro Antivirus, offer an alternative feature that allows you to whitelist programs allowed to manipulate files in specific directories. So if this particular type of attack becomes rapidly popular, you’ll be protected.
Good antivirus software should also use minimal computational resources. That’s especially the case these days—AV monitoring hasn’t become much more complicated than when it first became available, and faster, multi-core CPUs can easily handle the demands of running AV software in the background without disturbing your active work.
Beyond these primary features, an easy-to-navigate interface and extra features are worth factoring into your decision. Some AV software are full-fledged suites that offer additional options like backup service for essential files, a password manager, parental controls, anti-tracking and privacy modes or options, a more advanced firewall, and the blocking of Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs).
How we test
Each software package is evaluated creating a clean installation of macOS Mojave, cloning it for each AV product, and then booting separately into each one to install a different package. This was to ensure that previous app installations didn’t interfere with new ones—sometimes AV software treats other AV software as an infection.
In addition to visiting malicious websites, downloading known malicious software, and even running said malware, we also reference the most recent reports from two labs that regularly cover macOS malware: AV Comparatives and AV-TEST. These laboratories test AV software against sets of known malware as well as products that are grouped as potentially unwanted applications (like adware).
The latter doesn’t damage or expose your computer or its files but may consume power and CPU cycles. Because the testing effectively looks at a combination of virus databases and behavior, they remain good gauges even after many months. When an antivirus software package lacks a rating from a known security research lab, we do more extensive testing with real malware.
Finally, while we gave props for a lot of different features and behaviors, we marked products down if they lacked any or all of the following:
- A nearly perfect score on macOS malware detection
- Ransomware monitoring
- Native browser plug-in or system-level Web proxy
- A high score on Windows malware detection
Privacy concerns
Using an anti-virus product, especially any that includes tools to also improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing you’re safe from personal and private information leaking out. That’s not quite the case. While there’s no reason to panic, you should consider a few reasonable issues.
First, an antivirus product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: Some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms—certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like.
However, helping the greater good means you’ll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews.
Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an AV package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computer’s hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as available.
Third, anti-virus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer that’s being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering.
All of our antivirus for Mac reviews
If you have specific requirements or just wish to see other options, below is a list of all the antivirus software we’ve reviewed. We’ll keep evaluating new and refreshed software on a regular basis, so be sure to come back to see what else we’ve put through the ringer.
Early in 2018, we have already seen significant security breaches and leaks including the now infamous Meltdown and Spectre. The new digital era that we now in demands utmost security and reliability for the systems we use. Whether you have Windows or Mac machine, Security is one of the most significant concerns and malware tools are becoming an essential part of the system.
As you have already been accustomed to, for Windows users, Microsoft comes with the already efficient Windows 10 Defender anti-malware tool built-in. For most cases, this Antivirus tool is more than necessary. Coupled with the famous Malwarebytes, your Windows 10 PC can be kept quite safe. But if you are looking for some serious virus remover or malware scanner, this will surely benefit you.
Before you go further, let us must have some basic idea of malware. Malware is a malicious program or file that can cause severe harmful effects to your system. The malware attacks on your system might come at different levels and methods. These malware attacks on your privacy and data with viruses, worms, Trojanhorses, adware, and spyware. Long story short- they are terrible! With rootkits, viruses and deadly Ransomware on the loose, you just can’t be ignorant of any vulnerabilities.
If you are feeling a little intimidated by all of this, fear not. When you have the top of the line malware protection software along with some basic security checks, you are definitely on the safer side. So to help you with choosing the right anti-malware software, here are our top picks for the best malware tool for your PC.
Malwarebytes
Ever since its initial release, Malwarebytes have been synonymous with the leagues of the best antivirus and anti-malware software for 2018 available on the market. Currently, it has grown to such caliber that we review it as the number one virus removal tool for your PC. You get a premium malware protection with this best Anti-malware software for your PC. Malwarebytes has software for Windows, Mac, and Android devices as well. The business version supports fast cloud protection services.
What sets these Anti-virus solutions for the multiple operating systems apart from others is its magnificent design along with an impressive detection ratings. Ransomware and malware are targeted quite efficiently. Same is the case with some pretty nasty adware. The free trial gives you a free malware protection and free malware scanning for 14 days. The premium version though offers one-year subscription at a price of 65$.
Download: Malwarebytes Anti Malware Free
Related: 8 Free Light Weight Antivirus for Windows & Mac for 2018
Bitdefender
We are featuring the virus protection pioneers Bitdefender Free edition product as the second one on our list. Although free, Bitdefender has got a massive reputation for being brilliant regarding security. Accessibility and ease of use is the mainstay feature of the Free Antivirus from Bitdefender. This malware remover is very lightweight and usesminimal system resources while running in the foreground and background alike. Just install and let it do its job.
Along with the several security benefits, what sets Bitdefender apart from the rest is the consistent high rating in the malware detection and virus detection. Detected malware programs and virus affected files are quietly quarantined until the user makes an action. But its simplicity does come with a cost. Standard operations like scan scheduling and quick scanning functionality are not available. Also, Users who want more control of the process will be very much disappointed.
Best tool for choosing wifi channel for mac. You can get the recommendation on which channel to use and the best thing about it — you don't have to be a WiFi professional to choose the optimal channel for your network. All you need to do is just open NetSpot app and click Discover. Click the 'Channels 2.4 GHz' header to. To access it, hold the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon on the menu bar at the top of your screen. Select “Open Wireless Diagnostics.” Ignore the wizard that appears. Instead, click the Window menu and select Utilities. Select the Wi-Fi Scan tab and click Scan Now. The “Best 2.4 GHz Channels” and “Best 5 GHz” Channels” fields will recommend the ideal Wi-Fi channels you should be using on your router. Channels 1, 6, and 11. First of all, let’s talk about 2.4GHz, because even in 2017, the majority of Wi-Fi installations still use the 2.4GHz band in some way. To change channels on a home wireless router, log into the router's configuration screens and look for a setting called Channel or Wireless Channel. Most router screens provide a drop-down list of supported channel numbers to choose from. Sep 13, 2018 Choose the best WiFi analyzer app for macOS. Updated in 2018. A WiFi analyzer app becomes a convenient necessity when you need to check your wireless network performance and see how you can fix connection issues.
Download:Bitdefender Free Edition
MalwareFox
MalwareFox is a relatively less popular name for the users but has been quickly gaining attention due to its superior malware protection. Its been quite some time that we have been testing the quality of the performance of the software. Due to the positive feedback gained from both our testers and users alike, we recommend MalwareFox Anti-Malware for the best malware removal tool for 2018. The interface is quick and easy for new users to follow through. The lightweight nature of the program makes little effect on your PC performance.
Even though the malware scanner has great features, it usually reports too many false positives. The best antivirus and malware cleaner tool comes as both free and premium versions. Most noteworthy is that the premium version does not offer Real-time protection. Also features like Ransomware protection, Zero-day attack prevention, and behavioral scanning is only present for the premium version.
Download:MalwareFox Anti-Malware
Spybot
If you are inclined towards more of a spyware removal tool than the standard malware removal tool, look no more than the Spybot Search & Destroy spyware protection tool. The straightforward software is one of the top quality best free malware removal tools of 2018. Much to the lovers of portability, there is a separate portable version of this malware removal tool. The portable anti-malware tool can be installed on a removable USB drive and used on the go.
There have been a few comments made about the efficiency of the malware protection software. Some tests by PCMAG states that the removal of malware can be incomplete and rootkit removal creates program crashes. The free version cannot schedule scans. Also, the malware protection comes with lightweight package making it one of the best lightweight Antimalware software for 2018. Furthermore, Phishing and unwanted sites can be nullified efficiently. Hence makes this worthy of being the best security protection tool for your PC.
Download:Spybot – Search & Destroy
Emsisoft Emergency Kit
Emsisoft Emergency Kit is the relatively newer addition which has become a favorite for the tech support users who would need a portable Malware removal tool for 2018. The portable version of the premium software can be helpful when you need to fix malware infection and rootkits on the go.
The malware removal tool has a rich database of the threats which can be updated efficiently with virus definition updates over a working internet connection. Furthermore, PUP (Potentially Unwanted Programs) detection and removal is a highlight feature. This malware removal tool only helps in removal of the already infected systems. Hence real-time protection is outside the software capabilities.
Download:Emsisoft Emergency Kit
adaware Antivirus
Ad-aware Antivirus software is more useful for users who are desperately trying to get the ad contents away from your PC. Much more than the standard antivirus and malware protection features, Adwares are efficiently detected. The malware removal tool can be used as a complementary security tool alongside any security software that you might be using already. This is done at the time of installation by setting it up as a ‘second line of defense.’
The security software is very minimalistic and does not include any top of the line feature sets. The free version is stripped of any of major features which makes you prefer the pro version. Even though it offers lightweight malware protection with heuristics analysis and real-time security, there are issues with the inaccurate malware blocking.
Best Antivirus Software For Mac 2017
Download:Ad-aware Antivirus: Free Spyware and Malware Removal Tool
HitmanPro
HitmanPro is an interesting choice for anyone who is looking for reliable virus protection against Trojans, spyware, malware, rootkits, and worms. The excellent malware removal and security features in this best malware protection tool help to protect your PC. Most noteworthy is the Kickstart feature. Mac tool ratchet. This feature is helpful in case of a ransomware attack as it bypasses the system normal boot prevention caused due to the attack.
The HitmanPro lived up to its expectations for the most part but was plagued with a few false reports along with a lack of real-time protection. Also, the software is not free like its similar competitors who put it in an unfavorable condition. Nevertheless, a straightforward interface and the ability to scan the system without installation makes this a perfect malware removal tool for 2018.
Download:HitmanPro Malware Removal
SUPERAntiSpyware
SuperAntiSpyware malware removal tool focusses more on the adware and spyware attacks that may occur on your PC. The smart detection features including the real-time protection and the behavioral tracking ensure that you are protected with the most impressive tools. In addition to this, you can send suspicious files to the lab for inspection.
Do note that this best Adware and spyware removal tool is equipped with manual scans. The users must set the scan manually. Still, the advanced control mechanisms on the scan properties make the process much more efficient. Whether its shortcuts or zip file archives, SUPERAntiSpyware probes them all.
Download:SUPERAntiSpyware
Microsoft Windows 10 Malicious Software Removal Tool
Other than all these security tools, Windows provides its own built-in software specifically for the malware protection. The malware removal tool runs in the background and checks for any malicious software. Normally, the anti-malware tool runs in the background and doesn’t interfere with your work.
If you want to manually run the tool, Go to Microsoft’s download page and run the .exe file normally. Running this manually shows you a graphical interface for scanning of your device. Furthermore, if you want the log files of the actions performed, head over to C:Windowsdebugmrt.log directory. Do note that all of this is integrated into the Windows 10 OS as Windows Defender Application.
Download:Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool
Best Antivirus Tool For Mac
The lightweight security tools for malware protection may seem too basic. Try out the more advanced best Antivirus Total Security suites for 2018. Most of these Internet security suites are not free. Premium Internet security comes with a periodic subscription for the complete malware removal for your PC. There are powerful tools, like Kaspersky Total Security, one of the best malware scanners scans your system with the minimal effect on your performance. Bitdefender is one of the best lightweight Total security pack for Windows 10, Mac and Mobile phones Bitdefender Total Security that you can download. You can see more list of best Total Internet Security for Windows, Mac & Android.
Malware Removal Tools 2018
We have listed the top best Malware Removal Tools in this article. These Anti-malware tools and software provide the best malware protection with high-quality spyware and malware removal tools. Most of the malware protection tools stated here will offer you free virus removal and free malware scan features.
Best Antivirus App For Mac
We know that this is a pretty long list. But when you want the best Malware and virus protection for your PC, you will need it. Security is something that all of us wants. But in this digital age, it may be one of the most prized attributes of them all. These Malware removal tools for 2018 will surely protect your PC from all malware and ransomware attacks. If you find any security suite that you like more, leave a comment below. Stay safe folks. Cheers!