Best Free Antivirus Software for Mac in 2024

However, it’s crucial to weigh the features and limitations against other antivirus options before making a decision, considering your specific security needs and budget.

4. Avira Free Security – free antivirus for Mac with versatile features

Avira Free Security is a free all-in-one security solution designed to safeguard your device against various online threats while also optimizing its performance.

Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:

Features:

• Antivirus protection: Real-time scanning and blocking of viruses, malware, ransomware, and other emerging threats.
• Phishing protection: Safeguards against fraudulent websites that attempt to steal your personal information.
• Browser safety extension: Blocks malicious websites and helps you shop securely online.
• Software updater: Automatically updates your software and drivers to patch vulnerabilities and improve security.
• Performance optimization tools: Helps free up disk space, improve system performance, and optimize battery life (availability and features may vary).
• Free VPN (limited data): Encrypts your internet traffic for basic secure browsing on public Wi-Fi (data limitations apply).
• Password manager (extension): Generates and manages strong passwords for your online accounts (extension download required).

Pros:

• Completely free, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Provides basic protection against common online threats.
• Includes performance optimization tools to improve device speed and efficiency.
• Offers additional features like a limited VPN and password manager extension for enhanced security.
• User-friendly interface.

Cons:

• Lacks some advanced features like real-time protection for email and firewall that are often found in paid antivirus solutions.
• Limited VPN data in the free version.
• Password manager requires downloading a separate extension.

Overall, Avira Free Security is a suitable option for users seeking basic protection against common online threats and are comfortable with managing additional features like password management through extensions.

However, if you require more comprehensive security with features like email protection, firewall, and unlimited VPN, you might need to consider paid antivirus options.

It’s important to remember that no free antivirus solution can offer the same level of protection as a premium paid version.

It’s crucial to weigh your specific security needs against the features and limitations of Avira Free Security before making a decision.

5. Surfshark Antivirus – secure Mac antivirus with a free trial

It’s important to clarify that Surfshark doesn’t offer a standalone antivirus product called “Surfshark Antivirus”.

Their security offering is part of a comprehensive suite called Surfshark One, which combines several security features under one subscription.

Here’s a breakdown of the relevant aspects of Surfshark One that relate to antivirus protection:

Antivirus features:

• Malware detection and removal: Surfshark One offers real-time scanning to identify and block malware, viruses, and other threats.
• Multiple scan types: You can choose between quick scans, full scans, and custom scans to suit your needs.
• Lightweight design: The antivirus component is designed to be resource-efficient and not significantly impact your device’s performance.
• Automatic updates: The malware database is regularly updated to ensure it can detect the latest threats.

Surfshark One additional features:

• VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic for secure browsing and bypassing geo-restrictions.
• Surfshark Search: A private search engine that doesn’t track your searches and avoids ads.
• Surfshark Alert: Monitors for data breaches and leaks that might expose your personal information.

Pros:

• Combines antivirus protection with other security features in a single package.
• Offers a user-friendly interface and lightweight design.
• Competitive pricing compared to some standalone antivirus solutions.

Cons:

• Lacks some advanced features found in dedicated antivirus software, such as email protection or parental controls.
• Antivirus features are integrated within the Surfshark VPN app, which might not be ideal for users who only need antivirus protection.

Overall, Surfshark One can be a good choice for users looking for a bundled security solution that includes antivirus protection, a VPN, and other privacy-oriented features.

However, if your primary concern is robust antivirus protection with advanced features, exploring dedicated antivirus software might be a better option.

6. Bitdefender Virus Scanner – reliable and completely free antivirus software

While not a full-fledged antivirus suite, Bitdefender Virus Scanner offers free and effective malware protection for Mac users.

Here’s a breakdown of its key features and considerations:

Features:

• Free: No subscription or cost involved.
• On-demand malware scanning: Scans your Mac for malware, including viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware.
• Multiple scan options: Choose from quick scans, system scans, custom scans, and vulnerability scans to suit your needs.
• Cloud-based scanning: Utilizes Bitdefender’s cloud-based threat database for up-to-date and efficient detection.
• Lightweight: Does not consume significant system resources.
• Easy to use: Simple interface with straightforward scan options and clear results.

Pros:

• Completely free, making it accessible to all Mac users.
• Effective at detecting and removing common malware threats.
• Lightweight and doesn’t impact system performance.
• Easy to use and navigate, even for non-technical users.
• Regular updates ensure the scanner stays up-to-date with the latest threats.

Cons:

• Lacks real-time protection, meaning it only scans when you manually initiate it.
• Doesn’t offer additional security features like firewalls, phishing protection, or parental controls.
• Not as comprehensive as paid antivirus solutions.

Overall, Bitdefender Virus Scanner is a solid choice for basic malware protection on Mac. It’s a good option for users who want a free, lightweight solution and are comfortable with manual scanning.

However, if you need real-time protection, comprehensive security features, or protection for multiple devices, you might need to consider upgrading to a paid antivirus solution like Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac or Bitdefender Total Security.