The Best Free Antivirus Software for Mac 2024
TotalAV, AVG, and Avast are three of the best free antivirus solutions available, and they have plenty of features for Mac users.
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Last updated Apr 18, 2024
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Best for bundling
/images/2022/09/22/logo-totalav.png){kind=logo}
Real-time protection from viruses, malware, and online threats
Lacks firewall protection
View More
Best for high protection scores
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Editorial Rating
Learn More
On AVG's website
AVG
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Various scanning options may be confusing to some people
View More
Best for advanced features
/images/2023/01/20/logo-avast.png){kind=logo}
View More
TotalAV, AVG, and Avast are three of the best free antivirus solutions available, and they have plenty of features for Mac users.
TotalAV has many additional products that can be easily bundled together for a great security stack. AVG knocks it out of the park with its high protection scores and ease of use. Avast offers some of the best features we’ve seen for Mac users, especially considering the product is free.
We’ll review the three best free antiviruses for Mac and explain why they stand out from other products on the market.
In this article
The best free antivirus software for MacTotalAV: Best for bundling
AVG: Best for high protection scores
Avast: Best for advanced features
Premium antivirus to consider
How to choose the best free antivirus for a Mac
Pros and cons of using free antivirus for Macs
Best free antivirus for a Mac FAQs
Bottom line: The best free antivirus programs for Macs
The best free antivirus software for Mac
Antivirus protects you from all of the malicious things floating around the internet. Good antivirus makes your online experience better overall.
It’s a fallacy that Macs can’t contract viruses and malware infections. It is much more difficult to infect a Mac than it is to infect a PC, but it’s not impossible.
To help you out, we rounded up the top free Mac antivirus software:
Top 3 free antivirus products for Mac compared
| Antivirus | 
|
|
 |
| Starting price | Starts at $29.00/first yr | Starts at $46.68/first yr for 1 device | Starts at $35.88/first yr |
| Free version | |||
| Firewall | |||
| Phishing protection | |||
| Ransomware protection | |||
| Parental controls | |||
| Learn more | Get TotalAV | Get AVG | Get Avast |
TotalAV: Best for bundling
TotalAV
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Real-time protection from viruses, malware, and online threats
-
Blocks tracking cookies and ads, proactively monitors for data breaches, and option to schedule smart scans
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100% compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS operating systems on up to 3 devices
- Lacks firewall protection
Who it’s best for
Anyone who wants more than one product to enhance their security. TotalAV offers a variety of products, including antivirus software, an ad blocker, coupon savings tools, browser protection, and a virtual private network (VPN). You can grab one or use them all together.
/images/2022/09/22/totalav_adblocker.png)
What we liked
TotalAV can be downloaded for free, but the paid product offers so much more. With the free antivirus, you get antivirus protection, cloud file scanning, a VPN, junk cleaner, and protection against tracking cookies, plus more.
When you upgrade to a paid version, you add protection from ransomware, phishing, and potentially unwanted programs, plus system tune-up tools, a browser scanner and cleaner, a password manager, ad-blocking capabilities, and protection for multiple devices.
The verified search results you get with all TotalAV plans can help you distinguish between legitimate websites and scam sites. As scammers continue to defraud people online, increased online protection is so helpful. It’s definitely worth downloading just for this.
What we didn’t like
TotalAV’s different offerings can be a little confusing. In addition to what you get with the product, there are other add-ons, like a password manager and identity theft protection that you can purchase separately.
We also noticed that TotalAV’s protection scores were a little lower on AV-Comparatives compared to AVG and Avast. TotalAV got dinged for archiving, installation, and the first run being a little slower than competitors. Since the test was from October 2023, we hope it’s had time to improve those issues.
TotalAV specs
| Starting price | $29.00/first yr |
| Free version | Yes |
| Firewall | No |
| Phishing protection | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | No |
| Network protection | No |
| Parental controls | No |
| Extras | System tune-up tools, disk cleaner, browser manager and cleaner, Total Adblock, TotalVPN, Total Password |
| Learn more | Get TotalAV |
AVG: Best for high protection scores
AVG
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Award-winning antivirus, malware, and ransomware protection for up to 10 devices
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Includes webcam protection, safe browsing and email, automatic updates, and 24/7 protection
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Suite of protection benefits including a secure VPN, anti-tracking capabilities, safeguards against phishing sites, and more
- Various scanning options may be confusing to some people
Who it’s best for
Anyone who wants a free antivirus that also boasts high protection scores should consider AVG. Two of the top independent antivirus testing sites, AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, gave AVG the highest scores possible for malware protection, device performance, and usability. If you’re looking for proven protection, AVG is a top choice.
/images/2022/09/09/avg2.png)
What we liked
AVG is easy to install and use along with being incredibly powerful. The free version offers virus and malware protection, browsing protection, a malware scanner, and real-time security updates, so your protection stays as up to date as possible. All this together equals great free software.
If you want additional features, like anti-phishing protection, you can upgrade to AVG’s paid plan. We found the free version to be perfectly adequate, however, and definitely a long-term solution to antivirus protection. You could use it without needing another antivirus and rest assured that you have top-tier protection.
What we didn’t like
We wish AVG’s paid plan had more features. There isn’t a huge jump in features that would justify the upgrade for us. We love AVG’s protection capabilities and approach to security, which means we’d probably be all about the upgrade if it included extras like a VPN and parental controls.
AVG specs
| Starting price | $46.68/first yr for 1 device |
| Free version | Yes |
| Firewall | No |
| Phishing protection | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | Yes |
| Network protection | No |
| Parental controls | No |
| Extras | Unsafe site and download blocker, security updates |
| Learn more | Get AVG |
Avast: Best for advanced features
Avast
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High antivirus test scores
-
Ransomware protection
- No parental controls
Who it’s best for
Anyone looking for a free antivirus program that comes with additions like a VPN and email scanner. The Avast free antivirus offers a variety of advanced features that scan social media, email, and even add extra network protection.
The free plan is pretty comprehensive, but the paid plans offer even more, including identity theft protection for your entire family.
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What we liked
While most of Avast’s bonus features come with the paid products, Avast Free for the Mac still offers extensive protection. It includes anti-hacking, email scanning, a VPN, a data breach checker, and even the Privacy Advisor, which will scan your social media accounts for data sharing and accessibility. It’s really impressive for free software.
We like that you can add identity theft protection for yourself or your family by purchasing a paid plan. You’ll also get advanced features that protect you while shopping online, hide your digital fingerprint, clean up your photo albums, tune your device, and offer the ability to search through old and new data breaches for your information.
The VPN feature goes from 5 GB a week to unlimited when you upgrade, which can save you money on a VPN by bundling.
What we didn’t like
Avast offers a parental control product to partners for co-branding but doesn’t sell it to the public on its website. The lack of parental controls is definitely a con for us when it comes to Avast, especially since it apparently already has the technology built. We hope it will offer parental controls with its family protection plans in the future.
Avast specs
| Starting price | $35.88/first yr |
| Free version | Yes |
| Firewall | Yes |
| Phishing protection | Yes |
| Ransomware protection | Yes |
| Webcam protection | Yes |
| Network protection | Yes |
| Parental controls | No |
| Extras | VPN, device cleanup, identity protection, tracker blocker, privacy advisor, photo library cleanup, email scanning |
| Learn more | Get Avast |
Premium antivirus to consider
Choosing a paid service for antivirus can net you a lot of extra features to enhance your experience. Whether you’re looking for parental controls or heavy network protection, one of these has what you need. The best antivirus providers offer a lot of variety to give you the best online experience possible.
- CleanMyMacX: Specifically built for a Mac system, CleanMyMac X is an antivirus product with a bunch of other features like a junk cleaner and performance enhancement tools. You can try it for free for a week or simply sign up. Either way, we think you’ll be pleased.
- Norton: It’s been around a long time and for good reason. Norton offers a variety of plans, pricing, and features so you get exactly what you want in a security suite. It even includes extras like parental controls and identity theft protection with some plans so you’re protected everywhere.
Get Norton | Read Norton Review - Surfshark Antivirus: Lightweight protection is a cornerstone of Surfshark’s antivirus pledge. Not only is it running constantly to protect you from viruses and malware, but it does so without a lot of components bogging down your machine. For even more protection, couple Surfshark antivirus with Surfshark’s VPN and identity protection suites.
How to choose the best free antivirus for a Mac
We Mac users want more out of our security products, which is why we chose only those services we’ve tested ourselves. TotalAV, AVG, and Avast, along with our honorable mentions, are all great antivirus solutions.
When looking for software, especially free software, you need to make sure it’s reputable and trustworthy. You should also consider the following:
- Great protection scores
- Ease of use
- Malware protection including spyware, adware, and ransomware
- Features available for Macs
- Lots of compatibility options
- Anti-phishing technology
- Device cleanup tools
- Device enhancement tools
- Upgrade and bundle options
Pros and cons of using free antivirus for Macs
It’s often said that free software isn’t trustworthy, and, in a lot of cases, that’s very true. There are free antivirus solutions on the market, however, that are not only trustworthy but also good products. Most of them are going to come with minimal features but will keep your device protected from viruses and malware.
The best antivirus for Mac works smoothly without impeding performance. If you’re looking for a basic antivirus, a free product is a great way to supplement Apple’s natural protection. If you’re looking for something with more features, functionality, and even bundled security, you’ll likely have to find a paid product.
Best free antivirus for a Mac FAQs
+
Is free antivirus enough for a Mac?
It’s a common misconception that Macs don’t get viruses or malware, and Apple recommends not using any antivirus at all. Apple Support pages list all of the ways Macs protect you against malware, but we think a little extra protection can’t hurt.
Yes, Apple is considered more secure than Windows, but that doesn’t mean it’s impenetrable. A free antivirus product might be enough for you if you want basic protection, but paid versions have upgraded features that enhance your overall security and internet experience.
+
Does Apple recommend antivirus for Macs?
No, Apple doesn’t recommend antivirus software for Macs. Antivirus and malware protection is built into your Mac and includes a three-layer approach to protection.
Apple takes a prevent, block, and remediate approach to malware, which looks to remedy the problem at any stage. It claims to block malware, but if something does get through, Apple claims to identify, stop, and manage it. The built-in XProtect feature can immobilize malware and then prompt the user to delete it.
+
Does Apple have a free antivirus?
Apple’s built-in virus and malware protection isn’t advertised as a free antivirus but it is free and included with every macOS device you purchase. It takes a three-fold approach to malware by blocking, stopping, and remediating malware and antivirus.
Apple’s proprietary protections first attempt to stop all viruses and malware. If something gets through, it’s then stopped and isolated by the system. Finally, your Mac will prompt you to delete the infection. This may include deleting a download or other application you may have downloaded without realizing it was infected by malware.
+
How do I check my Mac for malware?
If you aren’t convinced that Apple’s protections are working and you think you may have a virus or malware, it’s best to download an antivirus program that detects and remediates malware as well.
Bottom line: The best free antivirus programs for Macs
Whether you just want to supplement Mac’s built-in protections or you want additional features to keep you safe online, TotalAV, AVG, and Avast all have something for you.
TotalAV is great for bundling with its other products. AVG has top-rated protection scores. And, Avast offers a multitude of features even with its free service. Whatever you decide, make sure you’re keeping yourself protected online.
3 best free antivirus products for Mac 2024
| Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
|
Starts at $29.00/first yr | Best for bundling | Get TotalAV |
|
Starts at $46.68/first yr for 1 device | Best for high protection scores | Get AVG |
|
Starts at $35.88/first yr | Best for advanced features | Get Avast |
TotalAV
-
Real-time protection from viruses, malware, and online threats
-
Blocks tracking cookies and ads, proactively monitors for data breaches, and option to schedule smart scans
-
100% compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS operating systems on up to 3 devices
- Lacks firewall protection
Author Details
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Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.
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