Since the day I came to know about Mac PC, a Product by Apple, I always knew that it’s safe and secure. It doesn’t need any protection like windows or Android against threats like Trojan, malware, viruses, and others. But is this really true? And does this stand for in this new era in which we are living today? I would say no.
No, we can’t just depend on our computer and its operating system to protect us against all malware present in today’s world, where technology is advancing day by day and the internet is expanding every second. Not even in the case of the Mac – Apple Computer Operating System.
Generally, Mac is more secure than windows as it is a Unix-based operating system. Still, it can be hacked if a hacker wishes to hack it. In fact, last year there were quite many instances of malware infection on Mac System, which further made its users realize the importance of protecting their systems.
So now that we know that protection is important for Mac Computers, and with hundreds of anti-virus software available, how would one know which one to use? There are both paid and unpaid antiviruses for Mac which provides real-time protection against all possible threats.
So here to help you out, we have compiled a list of the best free anti-viruses to help you protect your Mac PC against the threats. Although they are free, they can provide all the basic and necessary protection against threats. Let’s check them out.
1. Avast Security for Mac –Total Security
Avast Security for Mac is one of the popular free antiviruses available which provides advanced features for free. In Antiviruses tests it detected 99.9 % malware in Mac. It provides security in three main areas – malware, online and over public Wi-Fi.
Features included in the free version are as follows:
- Real-Time Protection
- Total Malware Detection
- Full Mac Scan
- Removable Drive Scan
- Custom Scan
- Scheduled Scan
- Security Reports
- Real-Time Security Updates
- Web Shield
- Email Shield
- Online Security
- Expose the weakest link in your Wi-Fi network
It also provides features like Wi-Fi Intruder alerts and ransomware shield in its paid version. One drawback is it does contain ads and popups.
2. AVG Antivirus for Mac
AVG is another free antivirus with simple elegant design. It silently runs in the background without distractions and provides online protection too. As acquired by Avast in 2016 it gives similar results like Avast.
Additionally, it provides rescue disk checks and Mac cleaner, which can be very important in many cases and for many users.
Its features are as follows :-
- Triple protection- It, not only protects Mac but windows and android too
- It is always on in the background and performs real-time scanning
- Provides online protection over web and email
It can be a bit heavy on system resources but it is an antivirus which you can just “set and forget” and it will take care of rest.
3. Comodo Free Antivirus for Mac
If you are a person who doesn’t like to be disturbed by antivirus tasks, then Comodo is for you. Another lightweight free antivirus with a simple design and easy to access.
It bundles tactical security features with Comodo’s tried and trusted methods that perfectly cover the Mac security requirements. You can just schedule the scans and let it do its work without bothering you.
Some unique features are as follows:-
- Easy user-friendly interface
- 100% protection with On-access scanning
- Instant One-Click scanning
- Real-time access to updated virus definitions
- Simple slider to change your security level
- Quarantine system to isolate suspicious files
- Flexible virus scanning that runs on a schedule convenient for you
4. TotalAV for Mac – Free Antivirus & Internet Security 2019
TotalAV is free and reliable antivirus for Mac with some extra unique features like boosting memory and parental control with strong malware detection rates.
Some unique features are as follows:-
- Full antivirus Protection including Malware, spyware, and Adware
- Speed up tool
- Disk Cleaner tool
- System boost
- Parental Control
- Browsing Performance
- Internet Protection
5. Sophos Home Security
Another elegant antivirus
Sophos home Security provides the unique feature of remote management. It has a low system impact and is easy to use.
Features included in the free version are as follows:-
- Real-Time Antivirus
- Parental Web Filtering
- Web Protection
- Remote Management
- Up to Three Devices
It provides a 30 day free trial of the premium version. It’s premium version provides some very unique features like Artificial Intelligence and Malware Removal. So, if you are keen on spending, you can go for the premium version too.
6. Avira Antivirus
Avira is a simple, secure and convenient antivirus.
Features included in the free version are as follows:-
- Real-time scanner
- System scanner
- Quarantine management
- Activity stream
- Integrated scheduler
- Browser tracking blocker
- Safe browsing
- Price comparison to save your money while shopping online
The Paid version includes anti-phishing and anti-ransomware protection.
7. Bit defender
Bitdefender is the lightweight easy to use antivirus with all basic features. In this virus, signatures get updated every hour. It doesn’t provide online protection in the free version but it does a very thorough scan and suffices if you are in no mood to spend.
Some features are as follows:-
- Automatically updated before a scan to the latest virus signatures
- Sports full award-winning Bitdefender engines
- Quick scan! Fast scan system areas that are prone to infections, deep system scan, selective scan
- Removes or quarantines threats in documents and archives
- Growl notifications
- Straight-forward security status and recommendations
- Searches for malware in every nook and corner
- Scans running applications
- Exclude files and folders from the scan
It has limited features in the free version and doesn’t provide online protection like some other free Antiviruses. Still, it can be considered a good option.
8. Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes automatically detects and eliminates Mac infections. Although it doesn’t have much to offer in its free version but it does its job very well as a cleaner and that is what made us include it in our list.
Its paid version consists of all advanced features like prevention and blocking of malware, automatic updates real-time scanning and others. It does provide a 14-day free trial before you buy.
Here my List for Best free antivirus for Mac ends. I hope you can find it useful and it helps you get a free antivirus downloaded and installed. There are many more praisable antiviruses for Mac like Intego, Nortan, Panda Security but they are not free.
The ones listed are free antiviruses and are sufficient if you are not dealing with any critical data. However, please do keep in mind that they may not be enough when it comes to using them for business purposes.
Please do share your views in the comments below. You can always provide your valuable suggestions. Please keep adding comments about another free antivirus available and you if find them worthy to be on this list.