Ensuring your Mac is virus-free is important if you’re a proud owner and want to maintain its functionality. Your Mac requires security to offer you a safer digital experience. Software for virus prevention can help you with that. These antivirus softwares protect your computer from dangerous viruses and other internet dangers, much like superheroes of the digital world. We’ll review the top ten Best Virus Protection Softwares for MAC in this list so you can work, play, and browse without worrying! Let’s get started and make sure your Mac continues to function well.
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Discussing the 10 Best Free and Paid Antivirus for Mac In 2024
Safeguarding your Mac from digital threats doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We have tailored some impressive antivirus options for Mac users, to help them stay safe without putting a dent in your wallet. Let’s explore the top ten best antivirus for Mac that provide robust protection:
Intego
Intego acts as a superhero for your Mac, shielding it from various online threats. Think of it as an extremely intelligent bodyguard that protects your computer from malware, viruses, and other nefarious internet dangers. The unique feature of Intego is that it detects viruses that could damage Windows machines in addition to Mac issues.
Intego is really easy to use. It can quickly scan over two million files on your Mac in just one hour! The best aspect is that it remembers the safe files and scans even faster the next time. It’s like having a quick detective on your side.
Pros
- 100% detection and blocking of advanced Mac-based malware.
- Can identify and prevent PC-based malware, ensuring cross-platform security.
- Quick malware scans, with subsequent scans becoming even faster.
- Advanced firewall (NetBarrier) surpassing macOS built-in firewall.
Cons
- Requires a subscription fee, not entirely free.
- Some users might find the extensive features overwhelming.
- Limited information on the specific malware database used for detection
Total AV
TotalAV stands out as the best virus protection software for Mac, offering robust internet security and optimization tools to enhance your computer experience. TotalAV’s user-friendly nature makes it especially appealing – it’s like a tech-savvy friend who takes care of all the complicated stuff without making you feel lost.
From cleaning up unnecessary files to managing startup programs, TotalAV ensures your Mac runs smoothly. It even comes with a VPN for private browsing, and the best part is, there’s no limit on data usage. Its Mac cleanup tools, such as junk file removal and startup program management, provide a more streamlined system, freeing up space and reducing boot time.
Pros
- Strong antivirus engine with high detection rates for Mac-based malware.
- Easy-to-use interface suitable for non-tech-savvy users.
- Mac optimization tools contribute to improved system performance.
- Unlimited data VPN included offering fast and secure internet browsing.
- The comprehensive set of features is bundled into a single dashboard.
Cons
- Real-time engines may miss some zero-day malware attacks.
- Identity theft protection is exclusive to US users.
- Web protection, while effective, may not be as advanced as some competitors.
McAfee Total Protection
McAfee is a reliable guardian for your Mac, employing a strong anti-malware engine that successfully blocks malware, keyloggers, and spyware. Its robust web protection prevents access to dangerous sites and phishing pages. McAfee’s additional features include a real-time malware shield, scheduled antivirus scans, and a network firewall that efficiently blocks unwanted intrusions.
McAfee covers Windows, Android, and iOS devices in addition to providing coverage for an infinite number of devices on higher-tier plans and up to five devices on the Plus plan. Multi-device security with a 30-day money-back guarantee makes McAfee Total Protection a standout product.
Features
Pros
- Comprehensive ID theft protection in select plans.
- Password manager (True Key) for secure and synchronized login credentials.
- It covers multiple devices, offering flexibility for users.
- The 30-day money-back guarantee provides a risk-free trial.
Cons
- Password manager (True Key) lacks advanced features found in standalone alternatives.
- Compatibility with web protection extensions is limited to Safari on Mac.
- VPN performance may vary based on user location and network conditions.
Also Read: Top Free VPNs For Android For Safe Browsing
MacKeeper
With its user-friendly features, MacKeeper is a specialized guard for your Mac that guarantees both security and performance. Its antivirus program effectively finds and eliminates malware without slowing down system scans.
MacKeeper includes a VPN with unlimited data for private browsing, an ad and tracking link blocker integrated into Safari, and a convenient data breach monitoring feature that keeps a vigilant eye on potential compromises to your online accounts. While these features are intuitive and effective, MacKeeper lacks some essential elements like a firewall and anti-phishing protection, features found in other security solutions.
Features
Pros
- Effective antivirus scanner without system slowdown during scans.
- VPN with fast speeds, streaming site compatibility, and unlimited data.
- User-friendly ad and tracking link blocker for an enhanced browsing experience.
Cons
- Lack of a firewall, a critical security feature present in competing solutions.
- Limited additional security features such as anti-phishing protection and parental controls.
- Relatively higher cost compared to some competitors.
Avira Free Antivirus For Mac
Avira Free Antivirus can undoubtedly be hailed as the best virus protection software for Mac. It is a dependable guardian for your MacBook and has an amazing malware scanner that finds and eliminates threats quickly without causing any system lag. Compared to many competitors, its entire system scan takes less than 40 minutes while guaranteeing excellent performance.
Real-time virus protection, strong anti-phishing and anti-tracking measures, a 500 MB monthly VPN limit, and a feature-rich password manager are among the free services offered by Avira. The browser extension is compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, and its anti-phishing and anti-tracking functions work flawlessly. While the VPN is limited on the free plan, users seeking more functionality can explore the upgraded Avira Prime for INR 3,080 annually.
Features
Pros
- Fast full system scans without impacting performance.
- Effective anti-phishing and anti-tracking features.
- Top-notch password manager with 2FA and biometric logins.
- Seamless integration of features into the browser extension.
Cons
- VPN on the free plan has a limited 500 MB monthly data.
- Browser extensions for anti-phishing and anti-tracking are not available on Safari.
- Free plan limitations may not be sufficient for heavy internet users.
Also Read: Difference Between a Virus and a Malware
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is among the best free antivirus for Mac and is straightforward to use, focusing primarily on a good malware scanner, real-time protection, and web security. It identifies about 90% of the malware, performing decently but falling behind some competitors like Intego, Norton, or TotalAV.
The web protection feature works well in blocking harmful websites and eliminating advertisements. However, it is limited to being a free browser plugin. Malwarebytes lacks features often found in commercial antivirus suites, such as a firewall, data breach monitoring, optimization tools, parental controls, and a password manager, even if it is easy to use and good for basic security.
For those seeking simplicity and basic security, Malwarebytes is priced at INR 4,990 per year for 1 Mac, with options for up to 20 devices across all operating systems.
Features
Pros
- Efficient malware detection, identifying around 90% of downloaded threats.
- Decent performance in blocking malicious sites and removing ads.
- Easy-to-use interface, suitable for non-tech-savvy users.
Cons
- Falls behind competitors like Intego, Norton, or TotalAV in malware detection.
- VPN in the Plus plan has limitations with streaming apps and doesn’t allow torrenting.
- Identity Theft Protection and additional features come at a higher cost.
Panda Dome Essential For Mac
Panda Dome Essential for Mac provides solid protection against Mac-based malware, catching over 98% of malware samples in tests. The app is minimal and easy for beginners to navigate. However, the malware scanner is slow, taking over 8 hours for a full system scan without using file-caching technology.
Panda’s macOS app features include real-time malware and anti-phishing protection, along with a VPN limited to 150 MB per day. The anti-phishing protection is decent, but the VPN has limitations, offering a fixed server without user choice and a low data limit. Additional features are scarce in the macOS app, but Panda provides free data breach monitoring and a secure password generator on its website.
Features
Pros
- Simple navigation, suitable for beginners.
- Free data breach monitoring and secure password generator on the Panda website.
- Various plans, including Panda Dome Complete with a password manager and multi-device coverage, are available.
Cons
- Slow malware scanner, taking over 8 hours for a full system scan.
- Limited additional features in the macOS app.
- VPN has a low daily data limit and doesn’t allow users to choose servers.
Bitdefender
Bitdefender stands out with its advanced anti-malware engine that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to proactively detect and block threats, showcasing impressive results against ransomware and other macOS-based malware. Notably, it employs a fully cloud-based scanner, making it one of the lightest antivirus programs available.
The software offers a range of valuable features, including Time Machine Protection that ensures secure restoration of files after a ransomware incident. Bitdefender’s web security features seamlessly integrate with Safari, providing insights into the safety of specific website links and successfully blocking potentially harmful sites. The VPN, known for its speed and lightweight nature, comes with a daily data limit of 200 MB on most plans, limiting extensive usage. Nevertheless, it offers reliable streaming support.
Features
Pros
- Seamless integration with Safari for web security.
- Fast and lightweight VPN with good streaming support.
- Comprehensive parental controls for enhanced safety.
- Anti-tracker feature to protect user privacy.
Cons
- The free plan lacks premium features and real-time protection.
- Limited versions of VPN and password manager in certain plans.
- The total Security plan covers only 5 devices.
- VPN lacks server choice, automatically connecting to the closest server.
Norton 360
Norton 360 stands out with its advanced anti-malware engine, achieving a 100% detection rate against the latest macOS malware. Notably, Norton’s scans are faster due to the use of file-caching technologies, similar to Intego.
For Mac users, Norton 360 offers a range of features, including a web security browser extension, smart firewall, dark web monitoring, password manager, VPN with unlimited data, and Mac cleaning tools. Web security browser extensions, like “Safe Web” and “Safe Search,” provide robust protection against phishing sites, especially on Safari, Edge, and Firefox. The VPN is fast, secure, and allows unlimited data, supporting most streaming sites and permitting torrenting on dedicated servers. Read the full Norton 360 Review here.
Features
Pros
- Efficient and fast malware detection and scanning.
- Comprehensive web security browser extensions for various browsers.
- Inclusion of a reliable and user-friendly password manager.
- High-speed, secure VPN with unlimited data.
Cons
- Identity theft protection features in certain plans that are limited to US users.
- The free plan lacks premium features and real-time protection.
- Relatively higher pricing compared to some competitors.
Kaspersky
Kaspersky is the best virus protection software for Mac antivirus and demonstrates strong performance by effectively identifying over 95% of malware samples. With the added advantage of swift full disk scans, completing in just 45 minutes, it outpaces several competitors, including Bitdefender. The software offers real-time protection, web security for safe online shopping, webcam protection, a VPN with unlimited data, anti-phishing capabilities, and a password manager.
Noteworthy features include Kaspersky’s focus on secure online shopping and the inclusion of webcam protection, a rare offering among Mac security programs. However, it falls short in certain areas, lacking two-factor authentication in the password manager and exhibiting limitations in the application vulnerability scanner and dark web monitoring tool.
Features
Pros
- Strong malware detection performance.
- Speedy full disk scans.
- Real-time and effective web protection.
- Inclusion of webcam protection.
- VPN with unlimited data.
Cons
- Password manager lacks two-factor authentication.
- Application vulnerability scanners may miss outdated apps.
- Limited dark web monitoring compared to some competitors.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best free antivirus for Mac, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. Each antivirus software mentioned here has its strengths and weaknesses. For robust malware detection with a user-friendly interface, Intego and TotalAV are solid choices. If you want a comprehensive security suite with a range of features, including a VPN and password manager, McAfee Total Protection and Norton 360 are reliable options. Bitdefender is a standout for a lightweight antivirus with advanced features like Time Machine Protection. In the end, the best choice depends on your specific requirements, whether it’s speed, additional features, or ease of use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the best virus protection software for Mac?
Malwarebytes is a leading cybersecurity solution with a potent malware scanner and real-time protection. Its user-friendly interface and effective web protection make it an excellent choice for basic security needs, though it may lack some advanced features of premium suites.
Is there a 100% free Mac antivirus?
TotalAV, Bitdefender, and Avira offer comprehensive antivirus protection for Mac users, entirely free of charge, ensuring robust security without needing a subscription. These softwares offer real-time protection, malware scanning, and additional tools at no cost.
Does Apple have an antivirus?
iPhones and Apple devices are pretty safe from viruses due to iOS security. But, if your phone is altered, adding antivirus can give extra protection.
Is Norton better than McAfee for Mac?
Both Norton and McAfee offer reputable antivirus solutions for Mac, but the effectiveness may vary based on user preferences and specific needs. Norton is top for security, performance, and features, while McAfee has better support.
