The Best Antivirus Options for Mac.
As a macOS user, you’ve probably heard that your computer doesn’t need an antivirus to protect it from malware. Unfortunately, this is nothing more than a myth that has long been debunked.
If you are looking to purchase a new antivirus package for your Mac, there are a few things to consider before choosing one. Apart from the price factor, you should pay attention to other factors such as the speed of malware detection, user interface, and scanning speed.
To make your choice easier, we’ve selected the best antivirus software for Mac, including both free and paid options.
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Need an antivirus for Mac?
Getting an antivirus for Mac is optional, but recommended. Your Mac has a way to protect itself with its Unix-like operating system. Among the tools macOS uses to protect against malware are the Xprotect antimalware scanner, which runs in the background, and the Gatekeeper, which scans for any unknown applications that could potentially harm your PC.
You can also reduce the risk of a Mac infection by following basic security protocols.
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Update your Mac regularly
Update your Mac regularly
One of the main security measures you can take to protect your Mac is to keep it up to date. Your Mac usually prompts you to do this when a system update is available. However, you can check for updates manually.
Go to Apple menu> System Preferences> Software Update. In this same menu, you can set your Mac to automatically install updates.
Do not install suspicious applications
Do not install suspicious applications
Installing software from an unknown source can also infect your computer. Just in case, try using only App Store apps or apps signed with a developer certificate.
Another good practice is to get rid of Adobe Flash, as it can also be a source of viruses. Most websites no longer use Flash, and if you ever need to, there are ways to play Flash files in your browser.
Use a VPN
Use a VPN
Using a VPN service can effectively help you avoid detecting malware on your Mac. This is especially true if you frequently connect to public Wi-Fi networks and hotspots.
Some antivirus packages do include a VPN, so you don’t need to buy or download it separately. After all, despite following all of the security measures mentioned above, getting an antivirus for your Mac can still cost you money and time. Even if it just gives you peace of mind.
Best Free Antivirus Options for Mac
If you want a basic malware removal tool without any additional features like VPN access or personal firewall, free antivirus software is for you.
Below are some of the best antivirus options for Mac.
Avast Security for Mac
Price: Free. Premium starts at $ 70 per year, but use our link and get 20% off.
Avast Security for Mac is a great option for those who want to install the program one day and forget about malware forever. Avast lets you run a full system scan or a targeted scan of specific parts of your system, such as a specific drive, folder, or even a single file. You can also schedule automatic scans to run at specific times when you are away from your Mac.
Avast has both free and paid premium versions. Premium features include ransomware detection and real-time Wi-Fi security alerts.
Malwarebytes for Mac
Price: Free. Premium usually starts at $ 39.99 per year, but use the link and get it for $ 29.99.
Malwarebytes for Mac is another great basic antivirus tool. Its advantages include a clean, simple interface and easy installation. You can use it for quick scanning and easy malware removal. However, if you want real-time protection, you’ll need the paid premium version.
Sophos Home
Price: Free. Premium from $ 30 per year.
Sophos Home is the best solution for those who are looking for an option with additional features, but are not ready to pay for them. This antivirus has many useful attributes that you may not always find in premium versions. This includes real-time protection, browser filtering to block potentially dangerous sites, and parental controls to monitor your kids’ internet use.
Even the free version of Sophos Home allows you to use it on multiple (up to three) Mac or Windows devices. You can also get premium if you want add-ons like ransomware protection and the ability to reach up to 10 devices to protect your entire family.
Best Paid Antivirus Options for Mac
If you don’t mind splurging on antivirus software and feel that the free options aren’t enough to remove tough malware, try one of the following premium antivirus packages.
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
Price: From $ 19.99 per year.
If you are concerned about the security of your Mac but don’t want to spend a fortune on antivirus, check Bitdefender’s antivirus first. It comes packed with many handy features such as ransomware protection, blocking suspicious websites, and phishing protection.
Bitdefender also helps you maintain your privacy while browsing the web. As part of the antivirus suite, you get access to Bitdefender VPN.
Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac
Price: From $ 29.95 per year.
Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac is also one of the leaders in malware protection. Key features of the app include social media protection to keep the data you share online, email filtering for fraud detection, and powerful parental controls.
The main drawback here is that Trend Micro only allows antivirus software to be used on one device. If this is not an obstacle for you, look no further.
Norton 360
Price: From $ 39.99 per year.
Norton 360 is a premium all-in-one antivirus service that offers multiple layers of protection and online privacy. Depending on the plan you choose, you can cover up to 5 devices and up to 100GB of cloud storage to back up your PC.
Other benefits you get with Norton 360 include robust anti-malware protection, an intelligent firewall, a password manager, and even dark web monitoring. The latter means that Norton will notify you if any of your personal information is found on the Dark Web. However, one of the biggest benefits is access to Norton Secure VPN, which is included with your antivirus suite.
Get Extra Protection for Your Computer
Even if you use all the security tools available on your Mac and follow the protocols, you still shouldn’t think that your Mac is safe from malware. Regardless of which operating system you are using, getting an extra layer of protection for your computer in the form of antivirus is still a good decision.
Do you think you need to run antivirus on Mac? Share your security practices with us in the comments below.
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