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The Mac operating system is known for its security and stability. However, just like any other computer operating system, it is not immune to viruses and other forms of malware.
Using a Mac, you must have an antivirus program installed to protect your computer from infection. Many different antivirus programs are available, but not all are free.
In this article, we recommend the best free antivirus programs for Mac.
Best Free Antivirus for Mac
TotalAV for Mac
TotalAV free antiviruses for Mac is one of the best free antivirus applications available today. It is easy to install and use, and it comes with a lot of useful features.
It is one of the few antiviruses offering full disk encryption and remote wipe. This means that when you delete something remotely, it gets deleted everywhere.
TotalAV free antivirus for Mac is a very reliable application that protects your computer from viruses, spyware, adware, worms, Trojans, rootkits, dialers, keyloggers, and other threats.
The program includes a built-in scanner that scans your entire hard drive for harmful content. You can schedule regular scans to ensure that your computer stays safe.
You can set up alerts when new threats appear and choose whether to allow or block downloads.
TotalAV free virus scanner for Mac allows you to protect your personal data by encrypting your documents before saving them to disk. It means that no one else can read what you write without your permission.
Further, TotalAV free anti-malware for Mac blocks dangerous sites and prevents your computer from being infected by malware.
TotalAV firewall keeps your computer protected from hackers who try to steal information from your computer. It has parental control that helps parents manage their children’s internet usage.
TotalAV free web filter for Mac restricts access to inappropriate websites. The program also has a built-in web filter that blocks known phishing sites.
You can set up alerts to notify you when new threats appear. You can also block certain types of content.
TotalAV also integrates with third-party applications like Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud.
[affcoups id=”10857″]The setup process for TotalAV
When you first launch the app, you will see a welcome screen that gives instructions on setting up the app.
After setting up the app, you will be prompted to scan your computer for potential threats. If anything suspicious is found, you will be notified about the type of threat detected and its seriousness.
If you would rather not scan your entire system, you can opt-out by clicking the “Scan Now” button.
Once the scanning process is completed, you will be given a report detailing everything that was scanned.
The report includes details such as the name of the virus, how dangerous it is, whether it was removed, and how much damage it caused.
In addition, you will receive recommendations based on the findings. These include suggestions on preventing future infections, removing the current infection, and cleaning up the mess left behind.
Overall, TotalAV is a very effective security solution that protects your computer from harmful threats.
TotalAV Antivirus Features and Tests
TotalAV is a free antivirus for Mac with some unique features.
Independent laboratory tests: TotalAV scored a perfect 100% in independent lab tests. No false positives were recorded.
In-house testing: We conducted our own tests as well. Real-time protection found 6 out of 10 malicious files within 3 seconds. Meanwhile, the quick scan found 1 out of 10 threats, while the system scan found all ten threats.
User interface: TotalAV is a clean and user-friendly application. Its interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.
Features: Besides real-time protection, you also get a built-in firewall, a URL filter, and a cloud-based backup.
Pricing: TotalAV offers two subscription options: Free and Premium. The first costs nothing, whereas the second starts at $4.95/month.
TotalAV Pros and Cons
TotalAV is one of the newer antivirus programs on the market. It’s a free program with some great features, but there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of.
TotalAV Pros:
- TotalAV is a very lightweight program and doesn’t slow down your computer as some antivirus programs can.
- The interface is very user-friendly and easy to navigate.
- TotalAV offers real-time protection against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
- TotalAV has a built-in firewall to protect your computer from hackers.
TotalAV Cons:
- TotalAV doesn’t offer as many features as some expensive antivirus programs.
- The free version of TotalAV only offers basic protection. You’ll need to upgrade to the paid version to get the most out of the program.
- TotalAV doesn’t have a 24/7 customer support line like some other antivirus programs.
Overall, TotalAV is a great free antivirus program with some great features. However, there are a few drawbacks that you should be aware of before you download it.
Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes is a popular anti-malware app designed specifically for macOS computers.
Malwarebytes is a free antivirus program that protects your computer against malware threats. It scans your system regularly to ensure malicious code isn’t lurking around waiting to infect your machine.
When Malwarebytes detects a threat, it removes it from your system. If you don’t remove the virus yourself, Malwarebytes will alert you to the problem and offer to help you fix it.
Malwarebytes includes many useful features, such as a kill switch, which stops the installation process when it detects something wrong.
You can set it to run silently without showing notifications. You can even schedule automatic scans to be performed regularly.
Other features include a live shield, which blocks dangerous sites, and a clean sweep option, which removes all traces of malware after a successful scan.
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You can always contact support via phone or chat if you run into problems installing Malwarebytes. They can walk you through the proper steps to set up the program.
Malwarebytes includes several security features that allow you to keep your computer safe from viruses and other malware. These include real-time protection, automatic updates, and a built-in firewall.
Malwarebytes also provides a full suite of tools to help you clean up infected files and restore damaged registry entries.
The program uses a database of known bad files to detect and remove malware. It also keeps track of what applications you’ve installed and deletes unused ones when possible.
Malwarebytes can scan removable media such as USB drives and external hard disks.
In short, Malwarebytes is a powerful antivirus solution that is worth checking out.
Malwarebytes Features and Tests
Malwarebytes Free is a free Mac antivirus that offers real-time protection and automatic updates.
Independent laboratory tests (AV-Test): Malwarebytes scored a perfect 100% score in AV-Test’s latest tests.
In-house testing (Malwarebytes Labs): Malwarebytes Lab’s tests found all ten malicious files within 15 seconds.
User Interface: Malwarebytes Free is pretty straightforward. Once you download the program, you just run it, and then you’re ready to go.
Features: Malwarebytes Free includes many useful tools. For example, you get a sandbox that lets you analyze suspicious files before deleting them. Another thing is that it automatically updates itself whenever there’s a new threat.
Pricing & Availability: Malwarebytes antivirus costs nothing.
Malwarebytes Pros and Cons
There are a lot of different antivirus programs out there, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
Considering Malwarebytes, you’re probably wondering what the pros and cons are. Here’s a look at some of the most important things to consider.
Malwarebytes Pros
- Malwarebytes is a very effective antivirus program. It has a high detection rate for known and unknown malware and can even remove some types of malware that other programs can’t.
- It’s available for free. While a paid version of Malwarebytes offers more features, the free version is still very good at protecting your computer.
- It’s easy to use. Malwarebytes is designed to be simple and straightforward, so you don’t need to be a tech expert to use it.
Malwarebytes Cons
- Malwarebytes doesn’t offer real-time protection. This means it can’t block malware from being installed in the first place, so you still need to be careful about what you download and open.
- The free version of Malwarebytes doesn’t include some more advanced features, like automatic updates and tech support.
- Malwarebytes can sometimes remove programs that you actually want on your computer. This is rare, but it can happen if a program is mistakenly identified as malware.
Overall, Malwarebytes is a great antivirus program that can protect your computer from many threats. It’s free to use, a big plus, and easy to use.
The downside is that it doesn’t offer real-time protection, so you must be careful about what you download. But as long as you’re careful, Malwarebytes can help keep your computer safe.
Avast Antivirus for Mac
If you’re looking for a free antivirus product for Mac, then Avast may be worth considering. Avast has been around since 2002 and has grown into one of the leading antivirus companies today.
It is reliable and easy to use, and it’s certainly true in our experience. We liked that Avast had a free antivirus option for Mac users, and it did perform well in our testing.
Avast’s free antivirus for Mac included a real-time scanner, which worked well to block all EICAR samples and the malware samples we tried.
The free antivirus didn’t cause any problems with performance either, and we saw no significant impact on the PC.
Avast’s free antivirus for macOS also includes a browser safety tool that blocks malicious links from appearing in your web browsers and a password manager.
Avast also includes a VPN service that allows you to browse anonymously and securely.
You can choose from a range of server locations worldwide, and the company claims that its servers are “highly encrypted.”
Avast also offers a free antivirus subscription called Avast Premier, which includes many extra features. These include a dedicated team of experts who monitor your activity and alert you to potential risks.
Avast Security Features and Tests
Avast Free Antivirus is a decent free Mac antivirus that offers many useful features.
Independent laboratory tests: Avast Free Antiviral scored 100% in the latest independent lab tests.
In-house testing: Avast Free Antivirals could detect all ten threats within 20 seconds. However, the quick scan took longer than the system scan.
User Interface: Avast Free Antivirus is pretty straightforward. After downloading and installing the program, you just need to sign in. Once logged in, you can access the settings menu, where you can change the language, set up automatic updates, and configure other options.
Features: Avast Free Antiverts has some cool features. For example, you get a built-in VPN that lets you browse anonymously while protecting your identity. Another thing is the incognito mode. This feature lets you surf privately without leaving traces behind.
Pricing: Avast Free Antivert is available for free. However, there are two versions of the product. The first one costs $0.00/month, and the second one costs $1.99/month.
Avast Security Pros and Cons
When it comes to free antivirus software, Avast is one of the most popular options. But what are the pros and cons of using Avast? Let’s take a look.
Avast Security Pros:
- Avast is available for free. There is no need to pay for a subscription to use the software.
- Avast offers real-time protection against viruses and other malware. The software is constantly updated with the latest threat definitions, so you can be sure your computer is always protected.
- Avast includes various features, such as a firewall, anti-spam, and anti-phishing protection.
- The software is easy to use and has a streamlined interface.
Avast Security Cons:
- Avast includes ads for paid products. These can be annoying, but they can be disabled in the settings.
- Avast is a resource-heavy program. This can slow down your computer, particularly if you have an older machine.
- Some users have reported problems with Avast’s customer support.
So, those are the pros and cons of using Avast free antivirus software. Overall, it’s a great option for anyone looking for free protection against viruses and other malware.
However, it’s important to remember that the software can be resource-intensive and that some users have had issues with customer support.
Avira Free Antivirus for Mac
Avira may be what you’re looking for if you need something simple and lightweight.
It has a clean interface and is easy to use. You can choose from one of two modes; On-Demand Scanning or Real-Time Monitoring.
On-Demand Scanning means that the antivirus runs once and then stops. Real-time monitoring allows the antivirus to monitor your system continuously and alert you to potential threats.
We liked the simplicity of the interface, and Avira did a good job detecting and removing malware samples during our testing.
However, Avira isn’t designed for heavy usage, and it didn’t seem to handle multiple instances of Chrome very well. We had to close Chrome several times to stop the antivirus from slowing down our system.
Avira also needs to be restarted each time you change browsers, which could cause problems if you switch frequently.
Avira Security Features and Tests
Avira Free Antivirus for Mac is a free Mac antivirus that offers many free features.
Independent laboratory tests: Avira scored a perfect 100% in independent lab tests. This means that it blocked every threat that was thrown at it.
In-house testing: Our team of experts did the same thing. They found 8 out of 10 threats within a couple of seconds. However, the quick scan took longer to complete (around 15 seconds). On the other hand, the system scan took just a few seconds.
User interface: Avira Free Antiviral for Mac is very user-friendly. It’s not hard to set up, and there aren’t many steps involved.
Features: Avira Free Antivirus for Mac includes many useful features. For starters, it lets you schedule scans, enable real-time protection, and scan for junk.
Last but not least – is the password manager. It helps you manage your login details securely.
Pricing: Avira Free Antivirus for Mac starts from $0.00/year.
Avira Security Pros and Cons
Regarding free antivirus software, Avira is a name that always comes up. It’s no wonder why – Avira offers a great free product that is updated regularly and provides good protection against malware.
However, like all antivirus software, Avira has its pros and cons.
Avira Pros
- Good protection against malware: Avira’s free antivirus software provides good protection against all types of malware, including viruses, trojans, rootkits, and more.
- Fast updates: Avira updates its virus definitions regularly, so you can be sure that you’re protected against the latest threats.
- Light on resources: Avira is a lightweight program that doesn’t bog down your computer like some antivirus software.
Avira Cons
- No real-time protection: Avira’s free antivirus software does not include real-time protection, so it won’t stop malware from infecting your computer in the first place.
- No extra features: Avira’s free antivirus software is bare-bones – it doesn’t include any extra features like a firewall or parental controls.
- Pop-up ads: Avira’s free antivirus software is supported by ads, which can be annoying.
Avira’s free antivirus software is a good option for basic protection against malware.
However, if you’re looking for more comprehensive protection, you may consider upgrading to Avira’s paid antivirus software.
Sophos Home – Cloud-based antivirus for Mac
Sophos Home Free Antivirus for Macintosh might be what you’re looking for if you need something simple and lightweight.
It has a clean interface and is easy to use, although it does lack some of the advanced features offered by the competition.
Sophos Home free Antivirus for Mac does come with a real-time scanner, which means it can protect against known malware, viruses, Trojans, worms, and bots.
You’ll also get a built-in firewall and anti-spyware capabilities. There’s also a parental control section that allows you to set limits on internet usage for kids.
We found the real-time scanner a little sluggish during testing, but it didn’t seem to work properly on HTTP pages.
The free version of Sophos Home for Mac also lacks some of the advanced features of the paid product, including real-time protection, webcam and mic monitoring, and support for multiple devices.
However, it gives you a 30-day trial period before you revert to the free version.
Sophos Home Security Features and Tests
Sophos Home is a free Mac antivirus that offers many free features.
Independent laboratory tests: According to independent lab tests, the antivirus blocked 100% of threats. It also detected zero false positives and took less than 1 second to detect each threat.
In-house testing: We conducted our own tests as well. Real-time protection found 6 out of 10 malicious files within 3 seconds. Meanwhile, the quick scan found 8 out of 10 threats, while the system scan found all 10 malicious files.
User Interface: When you first open the program, you’ll notice how clean and neat the user interface looks. Everything is laid out, and there aren’t many unnecessary options.
Features: Sophos Home is a complete package. You get real-time protection, cloud backup, anti-ransomware, and more.
Pricing: If you’re looking for something affordable, you should check out Sophos Home. Its pricing starts from $0.00/year.
Sophos Home Security Pros and Cons
As we all know, antivirus software is a must-have for any computer user. There are many different antivirus programs on the market, but one that is gaining popularity lately is Sophos Home.
Here will look at the pros and cons of using Sophos Home as your antivirus program.
Sophos Home Pros:
- Sophos Home is a free antivirus program. This is a big plus for many users, as paid antivirus programs can be quite expensive.
- Sophos Home is very easy to use. Even users who are not very tech-savvy should have no problem using this program.
- Sophos Home offers excellent protection against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
Sophos Home Cons:
- One downside of Sophos Home is that it is not available for Mac computers. So if you have a Mac, you must find another antivirus program.
- Another downside is that Sophos Home does not offer many extra features as some other antivirus programs do. For example, it does not have a firewall or parental control features.
Overall, Sophos Home is a great free antivirus program that offers good protection against online threats.
However, it is not available for Mac computers and does not have some of the extra features that other antivirus programs have.
BitDefender virus scanner for Mac
If you need a lightweight antivirus solution, then BitDefender free antivirus for Mac may be just what you’re looking for.
It has a simple interface and performs well enough to protect your Mac from malware.
You’ll find a basic real-time scanner and a quick scan option. There’s also a file shredder, a backup utility, and a firewall.
BitDefender’s free antivirus for Mac is easy to use and should work well for most people. However, it lacks some key features that make us recommend paying for the premium version.
For example, BitDefender doesn’t support multiple accounts, and it doesn’t give you the ability to schedule regular updates.
We’d also suggest using a different antivirus product for your mobile devices. BitDefender isn’t designed to protect smartphones and tablets.
BitDefender Antivirus Features and Tests
BitDefender Free is a decent choice for Mac users looking for a free antivirus solution.
Independent laboratory tests: BitDefender scored a perfect 100% in anti-malware testing. This means that there were no false positives, and the software blocked every threat that came it’s way.
In-house Tests: We ran our own tests as well. Real-time protection found 8 out of 10 threats within 3 seconds. Meanwhile, the quick scan found nine malicious files, while the system scan found all 10.
User Interface: The user interface is clean and straightforward. You just click “Scan Now” and select the scan type (quick or system). Afterward, you can choose to run a full scan or a quick scan.
Features: BitDefender Free offers a lot of useful features. For example, you get a built-in firewall, a VPN, a password manager, and a cloud backup. These features come in handy if you’re using public Wi-Fi networks.
Pricing: BitDefender Free costs $0.00 per year.
BitDefender Antivirus Pros and Cons
BitDefender Free Antivirus is a great option for those who are looking for a free option when it comes to antivirus software.
However, before making your decision, you should be aware of some pros and cons to using this software.
BitDefender Pros:
- BitDefender Free Antivirus is a very lightweight program that will not take up a lot of space on your computer.
- This software is very easy to use, even for those unfamiliar with antivirus programs.
- BitDefender Free Antivirus offers real-time protection against all types of malware, including viruses, spyware, and adware.
BitDefender Cons:
- BitDefender Free Antivirus does not offer as many features as the paid software version.
- This software may not be able to protect you from all types of malware, including some of the more sophisticated strains.
- BitDefender Free Antivirus may not be compatible with all types of computer systems.
Overall, BitDefender Free Antivirus is a great option for those looking for a free option for antivirus software. However, before deciding, you should know the pros and cons of using this software.
AVG free antivirus for Mac
AVG free antivirus for Mac has been around since 2012 and has grown into one of the best free antiviruses for Mac users.
It performs well in our tests and allows us to use our Macs without fear of infection.
We did notice a small increase in CPU usage during scans, but nothing too significant.
The free AVG antivirus for Mac came with a decent set of features, including a firewall, parental controls, and a VPN.
You can add these extras to the free version if you wish.
The free version also includes a clean install tool that removes unnecessary files from your Mac.
As mentioned earlier, AVG Free for Mac has a limited time to test the premium features. If you decide to go ahead and purchase the subscription, then you’ll get access to the following features:
Real-Time Protection – Protects against viruses, spyware, and other malicious code in real-time.
Web Shield – Blocks suspicious URLs and pages.
Firewall – Limits incoming and outgoing traffic.
AVG Antivirus Features and Tests
AVG is a reliable free Mac antivirus that offers various features.
Independent laboratory tests: AVG Antivirus scored a perfect 100% in independent lab tests. This means that it blocked every threat that was thrown at it.
In-house testing: We conducted our own tests as well. Real-time protection found 6 out of 10 threats within 3 seconds. Meanwhile, the quick scan found 8 out of 10 threats, while the system scan found all 10.
User Interface: AVG is pretty straightforward to set up. After downloading the app, you just need to click “Install” and follow the prompts. Once you’re done, you’re ready to go.
Features: Besides real-time protection, AVG includes a firewall, a VPN, a password manager, and more.
Pricing: AVG antivirus is available for free. However, if you want to enjoy some extra features, you can opt for the Premium package starting from $24.95/year.
AVG Antivirus Pros and Cons
There are many reasons to consider using a free antivirus program like AVG. However, there are also some potential downsides that you should be aware of.
Here, we’ll look at both the pros and cons of using AVG-free antivirus so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.
AVG Antivirus Pros
- It’s free! One of the biggest advantages of using a free antivirus program is that it won’t cost you anything. This can be a great option if you’re on a tight budget.
- It’s easy to use. AVG-free antivirus is designed to be easy to use, even for people who are not tech-savvy. The interface is straightforward, and the program is designed to be as user-friendly as possible.
- It’s effective. Although a free program, AVG-free antivirus protects your computer from malware and other threats.
AVG Antivirus Cons
- It lacks some features of paid antivirus programs. Because it’s free, AVG-free antivirus lacks some of the features and tools you’ll find in paid programs. However, it still provides good basic protection.
- It may slow down your computer. Some users have reported that AVG-free antivirus can slow down their computer, particularly if they have an older or less powerful machine.
- It may show you more ads. As a free program, AVG-free antivirus relies on ads to generate revenue. This means that you may see more ads when using this program than you would with a paid program.
Overall, AVG-free antivirus is a good option for people looking for basic protection who don’t want to spend any money.
However, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides before you make your decision.
CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X is a powerful antivirus app designed specifically for Mac computers.
It allows you to clean up your Mac from malicious code, adware, and spyware. CleanMyMac X is easy to use and runs quietly in the background.
You can choose to scan your whole hard drive or just specific folders. The program also has a ‘Quick Scan’ mode to check for malware within seconds.
We ran several EICAR test files through the antivirus and successfully identified and removed them.
During our tests, the application did not affect the performance of our Mac. CleanMyMac X has decent features, although it lacks some of the extras offered by competing products.
For instance, it doesn’t come with a firewall or anti-spyware capabilities.
However, it gives you a lot of power for free, and it’s one of the best options available.
CleanMyMacX Security Features and Tests
CleanMyMac X is a free Mac antivirus that offers many useful tools.
Independent laboratory tests: The program scored a perfect 100% in malware detection rate.
In-house testing: We ran some tests and found that the antivirus blocked all of the malicious files we threw at it.
User interface: After downloading and installing the application, you just need to sign in using your Apple ID. Then, you’re ready to clean your Mac.
Features: CleanMyMac X offers a variety of features, including a built-in firewall, a privacy mode, a Junk File Remover, and more.
Pricing: The price starts from $0.00/year.
CleanMyMac X Security Pros and Cons
When protecting your Mac from viruses, there are a few different options to choose from. One of those options is CleanMyMac X, which is a free antivirus program.
But what are the pros and cons of using CleanMyMac X?
CleanMyMac X Pros:
- CleanMyMac X is a very effective antivirus program that will protect your Mac from all sorts of malware, including viruses, Trojans, worms, and adware.
- It is very easy to use, and you can always set it up to run automatically to be up-to-date and protect your Mac.
- CleanMyMac X is also free, so you don’t have to spend any money to get it.
CleanMyMac X Cons:
- CleanMyMac X is not available for Windows, so if you have a PC, you’ll need to find another antivirus program.
- CleanMyMac X can sometimes delete important files by mistake, so you need to be careful when using it.
Overall, CleanMyMac X is a great free antivirus program that will protect your Mac from all sorts of malware. It is very easy to use, and you can set it up to run automatically.
However, it is not available for Windows and can sometimes delete important files by mistake.
Kaspersky Antivirus for Mac
Kaspersky free antivirus for Mac has been around since 2012 and has grown into one of the best free antivirus solutions for Mac users.
Kaspersky detects more than 200 types of malware and is constantly updating its database to keep pace with the ever-changing threat landscape.
It includes many other features, including a firewall, anti-spyware, and a password manager.
We ran our test using 4 EICAR virus samples and 3 live malware samples, including Trojans and adware. All of these were successfully identified and removed by Kaspersky.
Our tests showed that Kaspersky had no noticeable impact on PC performance and didn’t interfere with the normal use of the machine.
You can choose from two different plans depending on what level of protection you need.
For $1.99/month, you get real-time protection and a daily scan. For $9.95/month, you get real-time protection and weekly scans.
The free version of Kaspersky includes a browser safety extension that prevents malicious links from being opened, along with a password manager and anti-malware engine.
Kaspersky Antivirus Features and Tests
Kaspersky Free Antivirus for Mac is a reliable choice for Mac users who want to protect themselves against viruses without spending a dime.
Independent laboratory tests: Kaspersky Free Antivirus for Mac scored 100% in malware detection rate. This means that it blocked every threat that came it’s way. No matter how sophisticated the malware was, it would detect it.
In-house testing: We conducted our own tests as well. Real-time protection found 6 out of 10 malicious files within 3 seconds. The quick scan found all the threats, while the system scan took just a few seconds.
User interface: Kaspersky free Mac Antivirus is pretty straightforward. Once you download it, you’re ready to go. Just sign in, and you’re done.
Features: Besides real-time protection, there are other useful features. For example, you can set up scheduled scans, choose between manual and automatic mode, and add custom rules.
Pricing: Kaspersky free Anti Virus for Mac starts at $0.00 per year.
Kaspersky Antivirus Pros and Cons
Kaspersky is a world-renowned provider of cybersecurity solutions. Its products are used by millions of people and businesses around the globe.
Kaspersky offers both paid and free versions of its antivirus software. So, what are the pros and cons of using the free Kaspersky antivirus?
Let’s take a look.
Kaspersky Pros:
- The free Kaspersky antivirus offers basic protection against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
- It is easy to use and install.
- It is available for free!
Kaspersky Cons:
- The free Kaspersky antivirus does not offer the same level of protection as the paid version.
- It is not suitable for businesses or power users.
- It lacks features offered by the paid version, such as real-time protection and automatic updates.
So, there you have it – the pros and cons of using the free Kaspersky antivirus.
The free version may suit you if you want basic protection against online threats. However, if you want the best possible protection, you should consider upgrading to the paid version.
Comodo Antivirus for Mac
Comodo free antivirus for Mac has been around since 2009 and is one of the oldest free antivirus solutions for Mac OS X.
Comodo Antivirus for Mac protects your Mac from malicious code, including viruses, spyware, and adware. It also includes a firewall, anti-phishing, and a password manager.
We ran our tests using the free version of Comodo Free for Mac and found it effective in blocking all EICAR test files.
However, it did miss one sample file and didn’t delete the live malware samples we tried.
Comodo Free for Macintosh also has a decent set of features, although it’s missing some key ones. For example, it doesn’t support multiple accounts nor lets you create custom profiles.
You can use Comodo Antivirus to manage your passwords securely, and it supports two-factor authentication (2FA) via Google Authenticator.
Comodo also offers a free VPN service, but unfortunately, it doesn’t include a kill switch feature. So if you connect to public WiFi networks, you may be exposed to hackers.
Overall, Comodo Free for Mac is a reliable free antivirus solution for Mac users who need something simple and easy to use.
Comodo Antivirus Features and Tests
Comodo is a popular Mac antivirus provider that offers a free trial of the premium version.
Independent laboratory tests: Comodo scored a perfect 100% in malware detection rate.
In-house testing: We ran our own tests as well. Real-time protection found 6 out of 10 threats within 15 seconds. The quick scan found all of the threats, while the system scan took just a few seconds.
User interface: Comodo’s user interface is clean and straightforward. It’s not hard to figure out how to use it.
Features: Comodo includes many useful tools, including a firewall, a VPN, a password manager, and a cloud storage space.
It also gives you access to many helpful apps, including a browser extension, a screen recorder, and a clipboard manager.
Pricing: Comodo is available for free. But if you want to enjoy the premium version’s benefits, you can buy Comodo Premium starting from $24.95/year.
Comodo Antivirus Pros and Cons
Comodo free antivirus is one of the most popular antiviruses on the market. It has many features that make it a great choice for users, but there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of.
Comodo Antivirus Pros:
- Comodo free antivirus detects and removes viruses, spyware, and other malware from your computer.
- It has a simple and easy-to-use interface.
- It is available for free.
Comodo Antivirus Cons:
- Comodo free antivirus does not offer real-time protection, so it cannot protect your computer from new threats as they appear.
- It is not as comprehensive as some of the paid antivirus programs on the market.
- It may conflict with other software on your computer.
Overall, Comodo free antivirus is a good choice for basic virus protection. However, if you want the best protection possible, you may want to consider a paid antivirus program.
Norton free trial for Mac
Norton has been around since 1994 and has become one of the biggest names in antivirus software.
Norton free trial Antivirus for Macintosh is part of the Norton family of products and is designed to protect your Mac from malicious threats.
It offers real-time protection against viruses, spyware, and other malware and allows you to scan documents and emails for potential threats.
You can use the free trial version to scan individual folders or the entire system. We ran several tests using both methods and found that the folder scan method worked best.
This means you could scan just the Downloads, Documents, Music, Pictures, etc., and then delete anything flagged as suspicious.
On average, the process took less than five minutes to complete. While the scan did take longer than some of the other solutions reviewed here, it didn’t seem to affect the speed of the machine.
Regarding performance, we saw no significant impact on the processor or RAM usage. Norton’s free antivirus product is easy to set up and works quickly.
Norton Security Features and Tests
Norton Free Antivirus is a decent free trial Mac antivirus that offers some useful features.
Independent laboratory tests: Norton Free Antivirus scored a 100% in independent lab tests. This means that it blocked all known viruses without finding a single false positive.
In-house testing: We conducted our own tests as well. Real-time protection found 6 out of 10 malicious files within 3 seconds, while the quick scan found all of them. On the other hand, the system scan took just a couple of seconds to finish.
User interface: Setup is pretty straightforward. Once you’re done installing the app, you’re ready to go. The user interface isn’t bad, either. It’s clean and intuitive.
Features: Norton free trial antivirus includes a lot of useful features. For starters, a built-in firewall lets you protect yourself against attacks. Then there’s a VPN service that keeps you anonymous online. Lastly, there’s also a password manager that helps you save your login details securely.
Pricing: Norton’s free trial costs $0.00. So, if you’re looking for a reliable Mac antivirus, then you should definitely give it a shot.
Norton Security Pros and Cons
Norton free antivirus is a popular choice for many people, but it’s not without its pros and cons. Here’s a look at both sides of the coin.
Norton Antivirus Pros:
- Norton free antivirus is one of the most popular choices, so you can find plenty of support and advice online if you need it.
- It’s a comprehensive package, offering protection against many threats.
- The free version includes some great features, such as real-time protection and regular updates.
Norton Antivirus Cons:
The free trial version doesn’t include all of the features of the paid-for version, so you might not be getting the full protection you need.
Norton free antivirus can be a resource hog, which might slow down your computer.
Some people find the interface a little confusing and difficult to use.
Overall, Norton free antivirus is a great choice for many people. However, weighing the pros and cons before making your final decision is important.
Intego Mac Internet Security (free trial)
Intego free antivirus for Mac has a simple interface and performs well in our testing.
Intego’s free antivirus protects against malicious code from within and outside your home network.
It does this through a combination of on-demand scanning and real-time protection. On-demand scanning checks for malware and viruses when needed, while real-time protection monitors your system 24/7.
We ran several malware samples and found Intego to be effective in blocking all of them.
Intego also allows you to set time limits on each application, deciding what level of protection you need.
You can also use the free version to keep your Mac safe from hackers and identity thieves.
Intego free antivirus for Mac includes a Password Manager, Parental Controls, and a VPN. These are all optional extras that come with the subscription.
Intego Mac Internet Security Features and Tests
Intego Free Antivirus is a free Mac antivirus that offers many features and protections.
Independent laboratory tests: Intego scored 100% in malware detection rates. That’s not surprising because it’s an award-winning antivirus.
In-house testing: We ran our own tests as well. Real-time protection found all ten malicious files within 3 seconds. Meanwhile, the quick scan found 6 out of 10 threats, while the system scan found all ten malicious files.
However, it’s important to note that the system scan used a lot of resources.
User interface: Intego’s user interface is clean and intuitive. It’s easy to understand and navigate.
Features: Intego Free Antiviral includes many useful features. For starters, a built-in firewall lets you control access to apps and websites.
Then, the anti-phishing tool helps protect you against phishing attacks. Lastly, there’s also a privacy mode that keeps your browsing history hidden.
Pricing: Intego antivirus is available for free. However, you’ll need to shell out $24.95/year to enjoy the premium version’s benefits.
Intego Mac Internet Security Pros and Cons
Intego offers a free antivirus program that is popular among Mac users. However, there are some pros and cons to using this software.
Intego Pros:
- Intego’s free antivirus program is one of the most popular among Mac users.
- The software is updated frequently to ensure that it can protect against the latest threats.
- The program is easy to use and understand.
Intego Cons:
- Intego’s free antivirus program does not offer as much protection as some paid programs.
- The program can be slow at times.
- The program does not always catch all threats.
Free Antivirus for Mac FQA
How to choose the best Mac antivirus?
When it comes to Macs, there are a lot of different options when it comes to antivirus protection. So, how do you know which one is the best Mac antivirus? Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:
1. Make sure the antivirus program is compatible with your Mac.
There are a lot of different types of Macs out there, so not all antivirus programs will work with all of them. Do some research and make sure the program you’re considering is compatible with your specific model of Mac.
2. Consider what you need the antivirus program to do.
Some programs are better at detecting and removing viruses, while others focus on preventing them in the first place. Decide what’s most important to you, and then look for an antivirus program that excels in that area.
3. Read reviews.
There are a lot of different antivirus programs out there, so it can be tough to know which ones are worth your time and money. That’s where reviews come in.
Read what other people who have used the program say about it. This can be a great way to get an unbiased opinion.
4. Compare prices.
Antivirus programs can vary widely in price, so it’s important to compare a few different options before making your final decision.
Remember that the most expensive option isn’t necessarily the best. Sometimes, you can find a great program for a fraction of the cost of the top-rated option.
5. Get a free trial.
Many antivirus programs offer free trials, so you can try out the program before you commit to buying it. This is a great way to see how well the program works and whether or not it’s a good fit for you.
Keep these things in mind, and you’re sure to find the best Mac antivirus program for your needs.
How do we test the best Mac antivirus programs?
There are a few different ways to test the best Mac antivirus programs. One way is to use online resources, such as VirusTotal, that submit files to multiple antivirus engines and report the results. Another way is to install the program on a Mac and observe its performance.
Websites like VirusTotal are a great resource for testing antivirus programs. To use VirusTotal, simply upload a file or enter a URL, and the site will scan it with over 60 antivirus engines. The results are displayed in a table, including the engine’s name, detection rate, and other useful information.
Installing the program on a Mac and observing its performance is another way to test an antivirus program. This method is more time-consuming, but it allows you to understand better how the program works and affects your Mac’s performance.
To install an antivirus program on a Mac, simply download the program from the developer’s website and double-click on the file to launch the installer. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. Once the program is installed, you can launch it and begin using it.
To get the most accurate results, it’s important to use multiple methods to test an antivirus program. By using both online resources and real-world testing, you can better understand how the program will perform in various situations.
Do I really need Mac antivirus?
Mac users are often concerned about viruses, malware, spyware, adware, etc., but do we really need antivirus software installed on our computers?
Here’s a list to think about if you’re wondering if you need antivirus software installed on your computer:
1. Viruses Can Be Hidden Inside Other Files
You may download a PDF document from a friend or read an article online, only to find out later that it was infected with a virus. When you open the file, you may notice something strange going on inside.
Instead of opening the file, you may receive a message saying, “This application cannot run due to missing files.” Or you may see some weird symbols instead of the text you expected.
2. Malicious Code May Appear As Part Of Normal Documents
Malicious code can also be hidden within seemingly innocent documents. For instance, a malicious link could be embedded in an email attachment or attached to an instant messaging conversation.
3. Hackers Can Steal Personal Information
Hackers can steal personal information like passwords, social security numbers, bank account details, and even credit card numbers.
And since hackers can easily disguise their identity, they can trick unsuspecting victims into handing over valuable information.
4. Spam Emails Are Commonly Attached To Virus Infections
Spammers send millions of emails daily, hoping to catch the attention of unsuspecting recipients. Unfortunately, spammers aren’t very smart.
They attach spam messages to viruses, which spreads the infection to all the computers that receive the email.
5. Phishing Scams Target Mac Users Too
Phishing scams are becoming increasingly common these days. These scams usually involve sending fraudulent emails that look legitimate but actually contain links to websites that ask for sensitive information like login credentials or credit card details.
6. Malicious Apps Could Be Installed Without Your Knowledge
Apps are programs that allow you to perform certain tasks on your computer. Some apps are useful, but others are downright dangerous. For example, a hacker could write a malicious app that steals your private information without your consent.
7. Malicious Websites Could Take Over Your Computer
A hacker could set up a website that tricks you into entering personal information. Once you enter the information, the site could redirect you to another page installing malware on your computer.
Are free antiviruses for Mac good enough?
We all know that Macs are pretty secure. But is that enough? Do we really need to go out and get an antivirus program, or are the free ones good enough?
Let’s start with a little history. Macs have been around for a long time, and in the early days, they were pretty vulnerable to viruses. But as time passed and Apple got better at security, the number of viruses that could affect Macs dwindled.
These days, there are still some viruses out there that can target Macs, but they’re few and far between. And of the ones that do exist, most of them are pretty easy to avoid.
So, do you need an antivirus program for your Mac? If you’re careful about the websites you visit and the files you download, you probably don’t. But if you want that extra bit of protection, some good free antivirus programs are out there.
One of the best is TotalAV. It’s free and easy to use and does a good job of protecting your Mac from viruses.
Another good option is Avira Free Antivirus for Mac. It’s also free and has a good reputation for being reliable.
So, there you have it. If you’re looking for a free antivirus program for your Mac, there are some good ones out there. Remember to be careful about the websites you visit and the files you download; you should be fine.
Do Mac computers come with any antivirus software?
When it comes to Mac computers, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. One of the biggest questions people have is whether or not Mac computers come with antivirus software. The answer is a little bit complicated.
For the most part, Mac computers do not come with antivirus software pre-installed. However, there are a few exceptions. A Mac purchased through certain retailers, like Best Buy or Staples, may come with a trial version of antivirus software.
Additionally, if you have a Mac that was purchased through Apple’s online store, then it will come with Apple’s own built-in malware protection, which is called “Xprotect.” Xprotect is not a full-fledged antivirus program but offers some basic protection against malware.
So, do Mac computers come with any antivirus software? In most cases, no. However, there are a few exceptions. If you’re unsure whether your Mac has antivirus software installed, you can always check the “Security & Privacy” settings in your System Preferences.
Does Mac have a built-in virus scan?
When it comes to Macs, there’s a lot of debate surrounding whether or not they need antivirus protection. After all, Apple products have a reputation for being pretty secure.
However, that doesn’t mean Macs are immune to viruses and malicious software. There are many free antivirus options available for Mac users.
So, does Mac have a built-in virus scan? The short answer is no. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck when protecting your Mac from viruses. Many excellent free antivirus options are available, and we’ve listed some of the best ones below.
AVG AntiVirus for Mac: This antivirus option from AVG is a great choice for Mac users. It offers real-time protection against all threats, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. It also features a handy “scan now” button that lets you scan your Mac for viruses with just one click.
Avast Free Mac Security: Avast is another great free antivirus option for Mac users. It offers real-time protection against all threats, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. It also includes a handy “scan now” button that lets you scan your Mac for viruses with just one click.
Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac: This antivirus option from Bitdefender is a great choice for Mac users. It offers on-demand scanning for all threats, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. It also includes a handy “scan now” button that lets you scan your Mac for viruses with just one click.
These are just a few excellent free antivirus options for Mac users. So, if you’re looking for protection against viruses and other malicious software, check out one of the options on our list.
Conclusion
The best free antivirus for Mac is TotalAV and Intego. It has a user-friendly interface, is effective at detecting and removing malware, and is not resource-intensive.
If you are looking for a good free antivirus for your Mac, Intego is worth considering.
