Macs are likely to get fewer virus attacks like any other operating system, though Macs are not completely safe from malware.
Here are the ten best antiviruses you can install on your Mac to protect it from viruses or malware attacks.
Why Mac Needs Antivirus:
Gatekeeper and XProtect are two elements that provide security to Mac OS. Apple has built-in virus protection in its hardware and Operating System as well.
XProtect works invisibly and automatically in the background. Apple consists of a list of malicious applications and checks when you open downloaded applications.
Is it enough that XProtect works as an antivirus solution? Compared to third-party antivirus XProtect may need to be updated to protect your device from every virus threat.
The gatekeeper works on the downloaded file that is digitally signed. Downloading apps from the web that are not signed will appear as “Can’t be opened because it is from an unidentified developer”.
Though Mac OS is safe from viruses, you still need an antivirus on your Mac following best practices to protect your device even more, as targeted attacks are increasing daily in multiple ways.
10 Best Mac Antivirus Software:
Avast:
You can use Avast for free, but to get a premium feature that will protect malware from every other aspect, you will be charged $70/year to have paid subscription. Although they offer special deals very often, you can check the recent deals on the official site.
Why should you go for the Premium option while installing Avast? When the free version only offers ‘Block viruses and other malware and ‘Get browser security alerts, the premium features offer way more security with ‘Stop ransomware’, ‘Shop and bank more safely’, ‘Get Wi-Fi network security alerts’, and ‘Stop phishing attempts’.
Norton:
Norton 360 Deluxe is a well-known name in the industry of security. The user has no free option, but you will get 30-day trials for paid products. It best protects your devices with incredible features like malware scanners, a defense against online scams and phishing, and a password manager.
McAfee Total Protection:
McAfee is a well know antivirus for both Windows and Mac that provides 24×7 real-time protection to your devices; it is user-friendly; once installed on your device, it is left to do its job. The premium packages cost you $ 49.99 for the first year. It can remove any type of malware, including spyware and adware. It even provides real-time web protection and features like parental controls, identity theft protection, password manager, etc.
AVG for Mac:
AVG antivirus is an award-winning and popular antivirus that gives your device ransomware protection. Your Mac will get protection from Web & Email Protection, Hacker Attacks protection, Privacy Protection, and Payment Protection. It will scan your device for viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other malware; it sends an alert if any suspicious software behavior is detected on your Mac. The AI detection will keep you safe from identified malware threats. CyberCapture blocks new threats by AVG and uploads them for analysis. AVG will cost you $59.99 for ten devices and $44.99 is one device, respectively.
Malwarebytes Premium for Mac:
Malwarebytes is available for free, but the premium version offers much more. The scanner feature helps you search the whole disk for malware, which takes a few minutes. Any threat discovered will be moved to the Quarantine menu for your review. The scheduled Scans feature lets your custom scan daily, monthly, or weekly. The Quarantine feature keeps your suspected threat on file; the threat will be neutralized, and your user can remove that file manually. It will cost you $39.99 for one device and $79.99 for five devices for a one-year subscription; the company offers 14 days trial also.
Sophos Home Premium for Mac:
Sophos Home Premium for Mac antivirus protects from malware threats to your Mac device by shutting down the processes which encrypt your personal information. It blocklists malicious websites so that unwantedly you do not come to any malware exposure, provides-
- Real-Time protection.
- Parental Website filtering.
- Mac Web Protection.
- Remote Management.
- Mac Ransomware Security.
- Identity Protection.
- Advance Malware Scan and Clean.
- Premium Support.
It comes with 30 days trial without a credit card; the pricing starts from $44.99/year with a money-back guarantee.
Avira Prime:
Avira Prime is a cloud-based cross-platform and multi-devices antivirus that cover up to 25 devices, including PC, Mac, Android, and iOS. It secures browsing by blocking infected websites, browser trackers, and intrusive ads. For smartphones, it blocks phishing websites and unwanted callers. The free version does not charge you anything, but the premium version gives you almost 100% security to your device, which costs you $59.99/ year.
Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac:
Trend Micro antivirus is an advanced solution for your Mac anti-malware scanner. Real-time antivirus scanner uses a signature-based and advanced machine-learning technique to detect and prevent malware. The feature includes a Browser Security extension, Mac tune-up, Data theft protection, Password manager, Parental control, social media privacy scanner, and many more. The subscription fees generally start from $39.99 per year for one device; sometimes, they offer special discounts.
ESET Cyber Security Pro:
Eset Cyber Security Pro provides multilayer cyber security for Mac OS; it works without slowing down cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux) threats. This antivirus protection works against network intrusions, hijacked scripts, unauthorized software behavior, and much more. It comes with parental control, spyware protection, and phishing threat protection with a preference customization option. For using devices, prices start from $39.99 and go up to $89.99 for five devices.
Bitdefender Total Security:
Bitdefender is also one of Mac’s best antivirus software tools, providing VPN services. It provides security against malware, web phishing threat, and many more at the same time; it cannot protect social media networks’ microphones or webcams, even if it does not have a security protection layer on the password manager. Though prices vary depending upon the company’s special pricing, five devices cost you $34.99 for the first year.