Best Antivirus Software For Mac Laptop
Here are a few of the best antivirus software available in the market. They have established their name in the market after giving impeccable service for many years. Top Free Antivirus Software 2020. Kaspersky Free Antivirus. Works the best with Microsoft Windows and Mac OSX. Dec 26, 2019 Looking for the best free antivirus software? Keeping your Laptop or PC (Windows or Mac) safe is important, so antivirus software is a must. But when you go to any so-called free. software download sites, you quickly find out that they aren’t really free.You have to pay big bucks after using the 30-day free trial or be stuck with a “free” software that doesn’t have any of the actual. Jun 11, 2020 Best; Best Mac antivirus software of 2020. So, if you’ve got plenty of Macs or MacBooks to cover, or perhaps a Windows 10 laptop as well, and of. 1 day ago The best free antivirus platforms for Mac in 2020 By Jon Martindale April 12, 2020 If you’re a Mac user, you probably love the sleek desktop experience and how easy it is to understand and use it.
Utility • May 22, 2020
Remote working is on the increase, and if you are doing any work on a Mac without antivirus protection – your Mac computer is very vulnerable. And vulnerability might even lead to a bad experience while working from home.
Usually, companies take care of these things, but if you’re on your own now – there’s nothing to worry about. Since there is free antivirus software for Mac you can install right today, there’s no need to put yourself at risk.
If you’re believing in the myth that Mac computers don’t get infected with viruses – you’re putting your computer at a higher risk than you can imagine.
That’s why, in this post, you’ll not only find some of the best free Mac antivirus software we’ve reviewed – but you’ll also find the pros & cons of the free version and whether going for a premium antivirus version is really worth it.
Top free Mac Antivirus Software mentioned
Avast Security for Mac (our #1 choice)
Avast is one of the most commonly used free antivirus software, for both Mac and Windows. The installation is fairly simple and once you download the Avast package, the download of the Avast Security will begin which is followed by the installation.
I was able to download it and get it installed in about 15 minutes. Upon the opening of the Avast, the automatic Smart scan starts (which can be skipped) and the free version protects your computer from the following threats:
- Virus Definitions
- Viruses & Malware
As you probably know, that’s not everything Avast offers. Even as a free user, you can experience additional benefits that will keep you safe when you’re actually browsing the internet.
There’s a Core Shield addition which includes the following:
- File shield
- Web shield
- Email shield
This means that you will be protected during scanning or opening of any files, as you browse the web, and even when you receive dangerous email attachments.
All of this is free, and there’s also a virus chest where you can find viruses that Avast detected. In there, it’s very simple to take action to delete and remove the virus or take any further actions such as adding a known virus by yourself.
I think that this is very useful for advanced users who might have experienced a rare type of virus and yet would like to let Avast know about it and stay prepared in the future.
And the last great feature of Avast Security is the Wi-Fi Inspector. Avast inspects the network you’re connected to, rates your computer security, and the router security. This is pretty useful to have when you’re using the public network and you don’t have the chance to protect yourself using the Virtual Private Network software (VPN).
Avast Security features a very simple & attractive interface which makes navigation easy even for people who had no prior experience with antivirus software. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of features in the free version which is just one of the reasons Avast Security is categorized as “Our Pick”.
But how about the Premium features? Would you need them and what do they even include?
Just like any free antivirus software, there’s always a premium version you can upgrade to.
In this case, Avast Security Premium offers the following:
- Ransomware Shield
- Extra Wi-Fi monitoring security features
- Ability to avoid fake sites for safer online shopping
Do you really need the Premium version? I believe that about 75% of users will be fine with the free version of Avast Security. However, if you are an advanced user and you’d like to unlock all features and get the most advanced protection – it’s highly recommended.
But are you going to be fine with Avast Security free version? Absolutely – and that’s why Avast is the safest pick on our list.
Sophos Home (our #2 choice)
Sophos Home has a very simple interface. Or better yet – it doesn’t have a regular interface everyone’s used to.
Once you download and install Sophos Home antivirus, you’ll see it in Mac’s taskbar, just like Avast Antivirus. However, you can’t actually open the Sophos Home interface as there is no actual interface.
It’s a bit of a different approach, but it’s very simple to use. How do you find the needed information? It’s all stored in the cloud!
Oh yes, the good old cloud. For example, when I went to see my activity – I was directed to the Sophos Home cloud space where I could see full history, status, protection, web filtering, and privacy for the antivirus that’s installed on my Mac.
Even though you can’t check much directly on your computer – there are plenty of commands you can use to find exactly what you’re looking for.
The free version of Sophos Home is full of features that protect your Mac from three main things:
- General viruses
- Ransomware
- Web threats
Once you install Sophos Home, you will automatically get all features enabled, so you can truly test the premium features before you are back on the free version.
A free version is more than enough to keep you protected, however, there aren’t many free features and it’s pretty basic.
On the other hand, there are many premium features that can protect you from a lot of different threats and virus types – however, you will have to upgrade.
Therefore, I consider Sophos Home to be a bit more efficient if you upgrade, but if you’re looking for free antivirus software and you’re fine with the basic protection – Sophos is a good choice.
Avira Free Antivirus for Mac
Avira offers enough free features to keep your Mac protected at all times and I really like how it operates. It’s fairly convenient so once you set the schedule for your scans using the Scheduler feature, you can forget about it.
However, you’ll also stay protected in real-time. The interface is pretty simple and it’s very straightforward, so you won’t waste any time around Avira.
Avira is almost as lightweight as Malwarebytes and yet it offers plenty of free features that can sufficiently protect your Mac at all times.
What I liked the most is that they even have a free version of a mobile app to protect your iOS devices such as an iPhone or an iPad.
Using one account, you can keep an eye on as many devices as you have in one tab which is pretty useful.
AVG Antivirus FREE
I was positively surprised by the AVG’s simple design only to discover a lot of features behind it.
AVG AntiVirus FREE for Macacts both as a powerful virus cleaner but also as real-time anti-virus protection. I believe it’s mostly aimed for people who work on many devices as it offers 3-in-1 protection where you can connect and protect your Mac, Windows, and even smartphone (or a tablet).
Keeping an eye on all your devices regardless of their operating system is pretty neat inside the AVG antivirus software.
A free version is pretty lightweight even though it features plenty of features. One thing you should keep in mind is that it runs in the background, but I’ve rarely noticed any notifications so it’s not disturbing.
If you’re easily distracted during your work and you are all about minimalism – AVG antivirus FREE software might be a great choice.
Malwarebytes for Mac (Free Version)
Malwarebytes is one of the lightest antivirus software you can get for your Mac. It took me only a minute and a half to download it and install it.
The free version is pretty basic and the only thing you can expect is the removal of existing infections on your Mac.
The paid version offers a lot more features (most of the features you can see in other antivirus software).
I find this light yet efficient antivirus software to be great for checking your Mac thoroughly if you suspect that it has been infected. It’s also great to have it installed (even along with another antivirus software).
But you should understand that the free version is pretty limited and it can’t protect your laptop in real-time. However, as I’ve mentioned previously, it’s an ideal antivirus for checking up on your laptop’s health periodically.
Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac
Bitdefender Virus Scanner is our last recommendation in this post, but this doesn’t mean it’s the least secure one.
This antivirus software works by scanning the critical locations on Mac to find and eliminate viruses that are the most harmful.
It can also do a deep system scan where it scans the whole mac (which might take time!) and then it eliminates all threats it can find so your Mac is 100% clean.
You can also scan a custom location such as the most recently downloaded file to quickly scan new documents for viruses.
It has a very simple interface, it’s very easy to use, and its free version is pretty decent considering some other antivirus software that is all about making the users upgrade to the premium version.
You’ll probably have questions about…
Are these free antivirus software safe to use?
Every one of this antivirus software comes from an established software company and almost all companies have been providing efficient antivirus protection for at least a decade now.
Therefore, just because they’re free – doesn’t mean that they’re not safe. Our picks are chosen from the list of only reputable and well-known antivirus software.
However, as you can see, all of them work in a different way and have different features – so you should still wisely choose your antivirus software, regardless of its cost.
Are free antiviruses for Mac good enough?
As you could’ve seen from the antivirus software featured in this review post – there are some pretty decent yet free options to protect your Mac.
For example, Malwarebytes antivirus software might not be good enough if you’re looking for software that will keep protecting your Mac in real-time in the background.
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If that’s what you’re looking for, an antivirus software such as Avast Security will give you great coverage.
But if you would only like to periodically run a search for viruses – Malwarebytes, in fact, could be a great option.
Therefore, you should know your needs before determining whether each one of these might be a good choice for your needs.
If you’re really serious about keeping your Mac laptop when browsing the internet – Intego Mac Internet Security X9 might be a great choice. It’s a dedicated antivirus software app that will keep your Mac safe in real-time and even though it has a Premium version – the free version offers plenty of features to protect your Mac on its own.
Why most “free” antivirus software aren’t exactly free?
A great example of free antivirus software that isn’t exactly free is the Bitdefender. As you could’ve noticed, I’ve mentioned that this software is pretty basic, and yet it has plenty of premium features.
Some antivirus companies are dedicated to creating quality & useful versions of their software as both free & paid.
On the other hand, some antivirus software companies are focusing more on the premium version so as a free user – you might feel like you aren’t even able to experience 40% of the actual software.
And I understand that when the security is in question – there’s no room for you to compromise.
But does this mean that you simply shouldn’t stick with free antivirus software? Of course, not!
All you have to do is wisely review each one of this software, ensure you know what you would need from an antivirus software – and then find an option that will fit your needs.
Avast Security and Sophos Home are the top two antivirus software for this reason. They offer a very sufficient free version which won’t make all users feel like they need to upgrade to stay protected.
And as with any other antivirus software, including the ones from this article – all of them have pros & cons and it’s up to you to decide which pros & cons you will be okay with.
Best Antivirus Software For Mac Laptop Windows 10
Should you consider upgrading to a Premium version?
Investing in security has never been a bad idea, and if your budget allows you – going for a premium version will definitely help you increase the level of your protection and have your Mac secured at all times.
Premium version of the antivirus software includes additional features that can keep you protected as you browse the internet, or even when you’re shopping online from not-very-known online stores.
I highly recommend going with a free version first, see how you like it, but also check out what the premium version offers. If you think you will be benefit form at least half of the premium features and your budget allows you to upgrade – you should definitely invest in the security of your Mac!
Conclusion
You are definitely able to protect yourself well using a free version of antivirus software and even though any of these are a great option – you should take your time to find out which one would fit your needs the most.
Remember, free antivirus software is a lot better than not having antivirus software at all! Going for a premium version of a software isn’t required but some antivirus software offers great deals and includes a bunch of additional features that will cover every type of a Mac user.
Finally, if you are working remotely – by using an antivirus, you aren’t only protecting yourself, yet you’re also protecting everyone else you’re working with, whether you’re a part of the company or a team.
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With that being said – I believe that our suggestions are more than enough to efficiently protect yourself. Stay safe!
Looking for the best free antivirus software? AVG AntiVirus FREE is obviously our favorite pick, but if you’d like to know what other trusted experts think about the best free antivirus programs out there, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled insights from some of the most well respected antivirus software review sites and summarized them here. So if you’re in need of free protection for Windows 7, 8, or 10, here are the experts’ top picks, presented in alphabetical order.
Top picks:
- Avast Free Antivirus
- AVG AntiVirus FREE
- Avira Antivirus
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
- Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
- Microsoft Windows Defender
- Sophos Home Free
Additional options:
- Adaware Antivirus Free 12
- Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+
- Qihoo 360 Total Security 8.6
Read on for a quick summary of the best choices for free antivirus software for 2020.
Avast Free Antivirus
One of the oldest antivirus companies, Avast has been protecting users since 1988 and is trusted by millions of people around the globe.
Essential protection: Avast Free Antivirus consistently ranks extremely high for its core protection engine. Top antivirus test lab AV-Comparatives named Avast Product of the Year 2018 and Top-Rated Product in 2019, in addition to giving Avast awards for Malware Protection and Advanced Threat Protection. Avast continues to support Windows 7, even though Microsoft has stopped updating the operating system.
Features: Offering an easy-to-use interface, a secure web browser, a network security scanner, and more, Avast has a host of useful bonus features. Lifewire praises its Do Not Disturb Mode, which blocks pop-ups while you watch a movie or play a game, so you aren’t interrupted. Lifewire also highlights the Behavior Shield, which keeps an eye on your apps to make sure they don’t start to act strangely, a potential sign of a malware infection.
Need a second opinion?TechRadar notes that several special features are only available in Avast’s paid version. However, they still rate it as “a powerful antivirus which offers solid all-round protection. Experienced users will appreciate its lengthy feature list and the fine control they get over how the package works.”
AVG AntiVirus FREE
One of the pioneers of the free antivirus app, AVG has consistently won awards from AV-Comparatives over the past decade — including Top-Rated Product in their most recent test.
Essential protection:PCMag praised AVG AntiVirus FREE for achieving very good scores in a variety of independent tests, and for its excellent protection against phishing. AVG’s on-demand scan searches for hidden malware, which includes viruses as well as other sneaky malicious software such as spyware and ransomware. AVG also scans for malicious URLs, unwanted browser add-ons, and PC performance issues. AVG protects against 0-day threats by preventing unknown (and potentially dangerous) files from opening, and then sends these files to AVG Threat Labs for deeper analysis. If they’re found to be malicious, a cure is created and pushed out to you and all AVG users.
AVG continues to protect Windows 7, even though Microsoft is no longer supporting it.
Features: AVG AntiVirus FREE offers several bonus features, including a free File Shredder to securely delete sensitive files and prevent your personal data from being exposed. PCMag noted that, although AVG scans to find junk files and clutter that are slowing down your device, you’ll need to purchase AVG TuneUp to fix the problems.
Need a second opinion? In its review “8 of the Best Free Antivirus Software Options,” Mashable noted that AVG AntiVirus FREE has the most accurate virus detection, saying, “AVG AntiVirus FREE is near flawless with its ability to detect viruses and malware. It's unlikely anything is getting through this.”
Avira Antivirus
Avira has been creating antivirus applications for a long time, with the first one dating back to 1986.
Essential protection: While PCMag awarded Avira Antivirus a good score in their malware blocking test, they also found the on-demand scan slow and cautioned that its “real-time protection missed some malware EXEs and identified some valid programs as malware.”
Features: Avira’s free version is light on features. Safetydetectives.com notes that Avira’s focus is “on protecting computers without the bells and whistles.”
Need a second opinion? Tom’s Guide says, “Avira Free Antivirus has a heavy system load while providing only so-so malware protection.”
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
Bitdefender protects half a billion users around the world and snagged the top spot this year from AV-Comparatives.
Essential protection: TechRadar praises Bitdefender’s “clean, light, well constructed scanning mechanisms – which are almost universally faster than the industry average – and unrivalled virus definitions.” But they also note that the product “grabs more resources than average, and might conflict with some programs.”
Features: PCMag says that “Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition includes the core malware-fighting components of Bitdefender's commercial edition, but without the vast collection of additional security features, and without some advanced layers of malware protection.' CNET notes that “Bitdefender Antivirus Free is refreshingly free of the ‘extra’ features and tools that make some apps unwieldy and confusing.”
Need a second opinion?DigitalTrends mentions that “the application features no configurations of any kind,” while TechNadu adds that “its minimalistic design ensures the app retains only the bare essential antivirus functionality monitoring the system in real-time without needless embellishments.”
Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky has faced allegations of inappropriate connections to the Kremlin, prompting the US, the UK, and The Netherlands to ban the use of Kaspersky products across government agencies. Nevertheless, the allegations remain inconclusive and Kaspersky is consistently a top-rated product.
Essential protection: Kaspersky Free has earned excellent marks in independent test labs, including good scores on PCMag’s malware-blocking and malicious URL blocking tests and a perfect score on their phishing test.
Features: TechRadar says that Kaspersky is “short on advanced features and most of its extras are very limited, but you still get all the core antivirus essentials.”
Need a second opinion? A Tom’s Guide review found that “Kaspersky Free Antivirus delivers excellent protection with a moderate performance impact, but it has few extra features.”
Microsoft Windows Defender
Windows Defender is Microsoft’s built-in antivirus, which is included for free in Windows 10. If this app is already on your PC, you might be wondering why you should even bother with a free third-party antivirus. Short answer: Because many experts say Windows Defender still isn’t as good as the leading antivirus programs.
Essential protection: While Windows Defender traditionally ranked below third-party antivirus software, it’s now improved enough to claim the number six slot on PCMag’s annual top ten list. Its malware detection capabilities have risen greatly, and it performed well in hands-on testing. Still, PCMag is half-hearted in their recommendation:
“Windows Defender is improving, but you still shouldn’t rely on Windows 10’s security tools as your sole means of protection. Many free third-party apps are more effective at keeping you safe.” — Neil J. Rubenking, PCMag Best Free Antivirus Protection for 2020
Features: Windows Defender still lags behind in phishing protection and malicious URL blocking, and it can’t compete with the extra security features included in most free third-party security software.
Need a second opinion? Tom’s Guide gives Windows Defender a 3.5 out of 5, saying, “Defender's low system impact is offset by its long scan times and lack of creature comforts, such as the ability to schedule scans.”
Note for Windows 7 users: Microsoft's built-in security program for Windows 7 is Microsoft Security Essentials. The company will continue to support the antivirus software for the time being, but their overall support for Windows 7 has ended and they recommend you upgrade to Windows 10. If you remain on Windows 7, it’s more important than ever to protect your system with third-party antivirus software.
Sophos Home Free
Sophos Home Free comes from Sophos, which predominantly focuses on security solutions for businesses.
Essential protection: Sophos Home Free offers much of the same protection as their business products, including remote security management for up to three PCs or Macs. According to TechRadar, this means you can also install the free antivirus on a less tech-savvy family member’s computer and remotely manage their security for them. Sophos Home Free offers decent phishing protection and very good malicious URL blocking.
Features:PCMag found Sophos's parental content filter ineffective, but noted that, “If you're managing security for others, this product's remote management is a godsend.”
Need a second opinion?Cloudwards cautions that although Sophos has some nice features, most of them are only available if you upgrade to the paid version, and “rigorous testing sheds some doubts about its efficacy as an antivirus solution.”
Additional options
While they didn’t rank the highest this year, you may be wondering how these other popular free antivirus programs fared in expert reviews.
Adaware Antivirus Free 12
Adaware Antivirus Free comes from Adaware, a company formerly known as Lavasoft.
Essential protection: Adaware Antivirus Free has received mixed scores in independent tests, and it doesn’t provide any protection against malicious URLs. But, Lifewire notes that “constant, real-time protection against spyware, viruses, and other malicious items is important for any computer, and Adaware Antivirus Free can do just that.”
Features: Version 12 of Adaware’s free antivirus comes with a new look, but lacks features found in other free products — including the company’s own previous edition. Lifewire adds, “we don't think Adaware Antivirus Free should be your first choice when choosing a good antivirus program. There are too many settings in the program that would be useful but aren't allowed to function because it's just the free version.”
Need a second opinion?PCMag cautions that “Adaware Antivirus Free 12 has a new name and a new look. Under the hood, though, its test results aren't the best, and competing free products have much more to offer.”
Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+
Check Point ZoneAlarm is a free antivirus-firewall combo that licenses its antivirus engine from security giant Kaspersky (see above for info on Kaspersky).
Essential protection: Pairing strong antivirus prevention with a firewall can be good enough for basic computing. However, TechRadar bemoans the lack of comprehensive protection, noting that the program is missing “web and email monitoring, network file scanning, and real-time cloud protection to keep you safe from the very latest threats…. These aren’t restrictions we’ve often seen in other free antivirus apps.”
Features: Unfortunately, this free cybersecurity solution is missing many features users would expect to see: web-based security, protection against malicious websites, and personal data protection are nowhere to be found.
Need a second opinion?Tech Advisor says ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ is “a basic, but capable internet security suite with average antivirus capabilities but a good firewall.”
Qihoo 360 Total Security 8.6
Best Antivirus Software For Mac Laptops
Qihoo is a Chinese company known for its antivirus software, web browser, and mobile app store.
Essential protection: Qihoo uses the same core antivirus as Bitdefender and Avira, but it lags behind them in performance. PCMag reported mixed scores on anti-malware and malicious URL blocking tests, and rated Qihoo’s anti-phishing performance as “dismal,” calling it a “phishing phail.” The AV-Test Institute gave Qihoo 360 4/6 on performance, demonstrating that it can worsen the overall system performance while it’s running.
Features: Qihoo comes with an impressive suite of bonus features, including cleanup and tuneup utilities, a vulnerability scan, and more.
Need a second opinion? TechRadar says, “There are one or two useful tools here, but 360 Total Security isn't accurate enough to be your sole antivirus app.”
Hindsight is 2020: Protect yourself now
Don’t wait until it’s too late to secure your PC against viruses and malware. As we roll into the new Roaring ‘20s, it’s more important than ever to guard against cybercrime and new threats. Get real-time security updates and 24/7 protection against viruses and other threats with AVG AntiVirus FREE. And stay safe while browsing, emailing, and downloading files with an extra layer of defense against malware.