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Best Free Antivirus for Mac OS
Many Apple Mac users mistakenly feel that antivirus protection isn’t necessary. Recent cybersecurity statistics, however, demonstrate that Macs are just as vulnerable as Windows computers.
Actually, according to recent studies, Mac malware is outnumbering Windows malware.
In this guide, we explore some of the best free antiviruses you can install on your mac to protect your system from basic device and internet attacks.
These are not trial versions but real antivirus programs that you can use without paying a penny.
Avast Free Antivirus for Mac
Avast has been offering one of the most complete free antivirus packages for Windows systems for years. They now have a Mac version that has more or less the same features and protection Windows users get and more. The good thing about Avast is that you don’t have to upgrade it at some point or have to pay for updates.
Avast free antivirus is loaded with useful features that will protect you while you are using your Mac at all times. The most important ones are:
Virus and Threat Protection
The free version will detect viruses of all types including ransomware, trojan horse, adware, and unwanted bots from the internet and external media.
Firewall and Network Protection
The free virus protection suite comes with a free firewall that will block unauthorized remote access to your device.
App and Browser Control
Avast’s free antivirus will prevent browser attacks and attacks coming from installed apps. For instance, the antivirus software will block a malicious website if you happen to click on an infected link.
Bitdefender Free Antivirus for Mac
Bitdefender has a free version of its popular antivirus for Mac. It is meant to show mac users what they can get if they purchase the full version but does offer excellent protection. You won’t have to worry about getting infected by basic ransomware and malware if you have it installed and updated at all times.
Some of the features you get from Bitdefender free antivirus for mac include:
- Realtime protection against viruses
- Browsing protection
- Adware removal
Bitdefender has attractive paid-for packages for mac users. We recommend that you download the free version to give their product a test run before you make the subscription. The full version comes with a ton of features including a VPN.
Avg Free Antivirus for Mac
Just like the Windows free version of Avg, there is an equally capable version of the very popular Avg Antivirus for Mac users.
You’ll get the same features you get on the tried and tested Windows version on your mac and you’ll never have to pay a penny for the protection.
Avg is one of the top antivirus companies so you can be assured that their antivirus protection is dependable.
Some of the features you’ll get from Avg free antivirus for Mac include:
- Virus and ransomware protection
- Link protection- the free mac version blocks unsafe links, infected downloads, and malicious email attachments.
- File and app scanning
- Free virus definition updates
Avg is one of the few companies that offers usable and mostly ad-free software to protect your mac devices.
You can download it free and they will not force you to upgrade it after a short period like some other antivirus manufacturers.
Avira Free Antivirus for Mac
Avira offers a decent free antivirus package for Mac devices that does things that you would normally need to pay for such as real-time cloud-powered virus scanning.
Avira is one of the most popular antivirus protection companies on Windows because of its free version and what it can do.
Some of the features you will get if you install the free version of Avira on your Mac include:
- Real-time virus scanning and protection
- Quarantine management
- A free VPN
- Junk remover
- Privacy features
There is not much to hate about Avira, given how much they are willing to offer for free for their users in terms of antivirus and internet protection.
Their Mac version is very stable and not CPU intensive. You can upgrade to the paid version at any time and get more features like password management and cloud protection.
Sophos Home Protection for Macs
Sophos has been known as a cybersecurity company for businesses but they do have robust tools for home users as well like this free home protection pack for Mac.
This free antivirus tool from Sophos can be installed on your Mac or a standalone device sold by Sophos.
Some of the free features you get on Sophos Home Protection for Macs include:
- Real-time Mac Antivirus
- Parental website monitoring and filtering
- Web protection
- Remote management
Mac users should not be complacent thinking the closed Apple ecosystem is safe from viruses and hacks. A free antivirus can keep you safe from very basic but potentially dangerous attacks. Stay safe!
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