Free Antivirus for Mac from Comodo is coveted by the industry watchdogs for surpassing critical AV tests and beat the performance loss test repeatedly. While other Mac antivirus are stripped down version of paid products, antivirus is a well-thought-out, power packed product with unparalleled security features. Exclusively designed for Mac devices. 24/7 Antivirus Protection. Firewall network protection. Premium VPN available. Protects sensitive personal information. Parental control - blocks websites & apps. 100% Detection in AV-Comparatives 2021 Independent Testing.
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- Best Free Antivirus For Mac 2020
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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.
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:
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- 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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System cleanup in one click
If you've ever used Windows extensively before, you remember how important it is to find and install a good antivirus to protect your data. Without one, your whole system is exposed to malicious scripts, keyloggers, worms, ransomware, adware, etc.
It's generally considered that Macs avoid this problem since macOS is sandboxed - no script can make changes to your root files without you giving it explicit permission in the form of your admin password. That's why it's crucial not to enter your admin password when requested by any process unless you know with absolute certainty where it comes from and what it's going to do.
Mac protection toolkit
Get a trio of apps for complete Mac security: antivirus, password manager, and VPN. All free to try with Setapp.
But are Macs as protected as we think? And is there no good reason to get a Mac antivirus? Let's explore the path to finding the best virus protection for Mac and see how you can perform a Mac virus scan right now.
Why Do You Need Antivirus On Mac?
Macs have long been able to protect their key system files from intrusion by viruses directly using Gatekeeper. Recently, this protection became even more profound with mandatory app certification by Apple itself, which means that if the app hasn't been approved by Apple, it won't even launch on your Mac.
However, Mac malware has also made giant leaps forward, constantly evolving away from typical viruses to even more malicious adware, scareware, ransomware that steals your passwords or even iPhone backups, and much more.
Since bypassing Gatekeeper is not impossible, it’s good to have an extra layer of protection working for you just in case. But where do you start? Which Mac antivirus reviews can you trust? What’s the best free antivirus for Mac? Or do you have to pay for high-quality antivirus software for Mac?
Happy to report that we’ve done all the heavy lifting by comparing the best Mac antiviruses out there. Here are a few top options for you to choose from.
Best virus protection for Mac: Sophos
Sophos has been well-known as one of the leading security software companies for decades. While most of their products target corporate security for organizations with more than 100 people, they’ve recently revamped their Sophos Home antivirus for Mac lineup.
Sophos Home has free and premium plans that include a real-time scanner, remote management, parental controls, protection on the web, and more. The premium yearly subscription adds ransomware and privacy protection for complete industrial-grade security wherever you go.
Best free Mac antivirus: Avast
If you’re looking for the best free antivirus for Mac, Avast presents a really tempting option. The company itself is a known player in the security software, machine learning, and AI space. In fact, it boasts the second largest market share among all antiviruses worldwide, blocking 66 million threats every day.
Avast for Mac is a free download and works on three fronts: as anti-malware security, a web and email shield, and a WiFi security scan. The web shield is an especially useful feature that helps you avoid unsafe downloads, get rid of dangerous email attachments, and prevent intrusive web tracking. A WiFi security scan, on the other hand, is a great way to ensure no one is snooping on your data at any time.
Best malware removal for Mac: Kaspersky
Kaspersky has been one of the most popular antivirus solutions for the past 20 years, ever since it has cemented its reputation as the most advanced virus detector and the only one that could beat the CIH virus at the time of its release.
Kaspersky Internet Security scans and removes all the latest cyber threats, filters phishing emails, prevents ransomware, defends your WiFi network, hides your credit card details, and deletes all the traces of your computer activity. In addition, Kaspersky includes extensive parental controls, with content filtering, time limits, and personal data monitoring for your kids.
Best use of system resources: Bitdefender
Bitdefender might not be a household name like Kaspersky or Sophos, but its antivirus speaks for itself with near-perfect lab test results and ultra-low impact on system performance.
Besides all the regular antivirus on Mac features, Bitdefender includes ransomware rollbacks — so you’re never held hostage for your data — a browser extension, adware blocking, and a VPN. The app interface itself is easy to use, but thanks to Autopilot and Bitdefender Shield, you don’t even really have to — Bitdefender does all the protection for you.
Best virus scanner for Mac: CleanMyMac X
It might seem that having active Mac virus scanning turned on is a good thing. After all, you want to make sure that no malware gets through the cracks. And that’s true. However, any virus scanner for Mac also represents a massive drain on your battery life and processing power. So if you don’t tend to install lots of third-party apps and visit malware-infected websites, performing Mac virus scans manually might be a better solution.
CleanMyMac X is the world’s leading optimization utility, providing a complete toolkit for you to care for your Mac. The app not only scans your hard drives for any known malware but also has specific features to maintain your privacy, delete old files, update your software, uninstall any program completely, speed up your system, and much more.
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Protect your privacy with a VPN
When you finally pick your best Mac antivirus, you might think that your identity is now 100% protected, but that’s not the case. While no viruses will be able to attack you, your fingerprints can still be tracked online and used to collect data about you to sell to advertisers, etc. To prevent this from happening, you also need to use a VPN (virtual private network) that will direct your traffic through a third-party server and obscure your identity.
Shimo is one of the most flexible VPN clients out there. It works with OpenVPN, Cisco SSL, SSH, Nortel IPSec, and many others, and allows for multiple connections and protocols to be used simultaneously. You can also tweak Shimo to be triggered by specific network configuration and geographic location. What’s more, you’re protected with AES 256-bit encryption for all your browsing.
Free Antivirus Apps For Mac
Secure your logins in a password manager
The last piece of your personal security puzzle is making sure all your credentials to various websites and apps are unique and stored in a safe place. That’s why you need a robust password manager.
Secrets is an intuitive but powerful password organizer that provides you with easy password generation, stores any personal details, and automatically fills out logins through its browser extensions. You can even take Secrets with you on the go since it seamlessly syncs with your mobile devices using iCloud.
As you can see, there’s lots to choose from when you’re looking for antivirus software for Mac. If you ask us, our recommendation for the best malware removal for Mac would be a straightforward CleanMyMac X scanner. But don’t forget to augment your best antivirus for Mac with a powerful VPN client like Shimo and a reliable password manager like Secrets.
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Best of all, CleanMyMac X, Shimo, and Secrets are available to you absolutely free for seven days through a trial of Setapp, a platform with more than 200 outstanding Mac apps. Just browse the Setapp collection and try anything at no cost today to see what kind of apps you might be missing out on.
Best Free Antivirus For Mac 2020
