These Are the Best Antivirus Apps for Mac in 2024
Of course, there are fewer viruses targeting Macs—in part because it’s more profitable for attackers to target Windows, which has a significantly larger user base—but macOS is definitely not immune to viruses . Don’t think that just because you have an Apple computer that you don’t have to worry about malware.
Your Mac comes with some impressive built-in security features, including XProtect and Gatekeeper , but there’s nothing wrong with installing extra protection for greater peace of mind: the right antivirus tool will only improve your Mac’s protection, and some of the best antivirus tools will only improve your Mac’s protection, and some best antivirus tools -Malware developers offer packages for macOS.
Moreover, in addition to anti-virus capabilities, they often have additional functions, including blocking web trackers and removing unnecessary files. Here we’ve selected our current favorites, weighing everything from the ease of use of the interface to the feature set.
Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes is a veteran of antivirus technology, and its Malwarebytes for Mac software is packed with useful features: a quick overview of your computer’s current security status, basic VPN functionality to enhance the privacy of your web browsing, and a quick and easy manual scan that runs a comprehensive audit. all files on your system.
Okay, it’s not the most feature-rich security tool, but it does the basic functions (like scheduled scanning) very well and is very easy to use. The basic Malwarebytes scanner for Mac is free, and the Premium version (from $6.67 per month after a 14-day trial) offers 24/7 protection and an optional VPN shield for your internet connection.
Intego Mac Internet Security X9
Few companies take Mac security as seriously as Intego, and they provide several antivirus suites for macOS, including Intego Mac Internet Security X9 : it protects against viruses and other online attacks, and also provides protection against fraudulent websites and threats by email. , and all this is enclosed in an intuitive interface.
Much of what Intego Mac Internet Security X9 does to keep your computer safe happens automatically without your input, including malware definition updates, but you can run scans manually. You’ll have to pay starting at $49.99 per year to use the software on your system, but you can try it free for 14 days to see if you like it first.
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
Bitdefender is another long-standing security software brand you can trust, and it offers a variety of solutions to protect your Mac. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is the cheapest of these solutions, costing you $59.99 per year after the 30-day trial expires (though at the time of writing you get a discount for the first year).
In exchange for that money, you get real-time protection against viruses and ransomware, online adware blocking and removal, basic VPN service, and additional tools to keep you safe when shopping and banking online. Everything is handled in a smart interface that keeps you up to date with your security status.
AVG antivirus free
If you’re looking for a free, lightweight antivirus tool for macOS, then AVG Antivirus Free fits the bill: it’s not particularly advanced (hence the free part), but it can do a comprehensive virus scan of your system for you. and if you want extra protection and features, there are premium options (starting at $59.88 for the first year).
Everything is easy to use, from the smart scan you can run manually to the file protection feature that checks every new file added to your system to make sure it’s safe to use. You also get an impressive level of customization considering it’s free software, so you can disable features you don’t think you need.
Avast free antivirus
Another free antivirus tool for macOS that deserves your attention is Avast Free Antivirus . As with the AVG package, more advanced programs are available if you’re willing to pay (from $49.99 for the first year). It’s a little more advanced than the AVG option described above, but they are very similar (AVG and Avast are run by the same company).
Additional options you get here over the AVG package include a network scanner and a traffic monitor to measure your applications’ data usage so you can determine if an application is using more bandwidth than it actually should. Smart Scanning is easy to use, and you’ll also get tips on potential security vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.