Avast Software A.s. For Mac
Macs may be a far less tempting target for malware and viruses, but they’re not immune from attack. Even if you don’t care about adware or being used as a means to infect users on other platforms, it’s still possible to fall victim to ransomware, password theft, or stolen iPhone backups.
Accordingly, good antivirus software will protect your Mac on all of these fronts. It’ll catch malware that’s still spreading or in circulation; block ransomware; protect older systems with out-of-date software from security vulnerabilities; prevent your Mac from acting as a carrier for malware aimed at other operating systems; and keep infected files off of any virtual machines you’re running.
Antivirus for Mac cheat sheet
Antivirus is the world's most popular antivirus software. AVAST Software leads the security software industry; protecting 132,414,749 active and 171,242,950 registered users around the globe; by distributing FREE antivirus software that makes no compromises in terms of protection.
Download Avast Passwords for macOS 10.11 or later and enjoy it on your Mac. Avast Passwords is a free, convenient alternative to committing all your login details to memory. (Unless you love having to memorize and re-type all your login details, that is.). Avast Free Antivirus 2018 (formerly avast free anti-virus) is an extremely popular, fully free Premier Security antivirus Software For PC Available for Microsoft Windows and Apple – Macintosh (macOS) & Android Operating Systems. 2018 Avast Free Antivirus protects your computer from harmful software, and from dangerous Virus infected websites during daily work. Get all the support you need for your Avast products. We’ll help you with installation, activation, sales and billing.
Our quick-hit recommendations:
- Best paid antivirus for Mac:Sophos Home Premium for Mac[sophos.com]
- Best free antivirus for Mac:Avast Free Mac Security[avast.com]
Many antivirus suites provide a decent level of protection, but a few rise above all others by providing the very best in performance. Our top contenders dominate by posting perfect (or virtually near perfect) scores from security research labs, passing our own malware detection tests with flying colors, offering well-designed interfaces, and even throwing in extra features like a firewall or password manager.
Updated 08/15/19: Added our review of Avira Free Antivirus, a worthy free option that’s easy to use and effective.
Looking for Windows antivirus recommendations? You can read about the best antivirus suites for PC on our sister site, PCWorld.
Best overall antivirus software
Sophos Home Premium has the most extensive and up-to-date approach to fighting malware at an unbeatable price.
Sophos Home Premium has it all: Effective malware protection, ransomware monitoring, protection against potentially-unwanted-apps, and additional features that often require separately licensed software. Its cloud-based configuration and generous licensing (up to 10 Macs and PCs) also make it easy to shield friends and family from threats, no matter where they live. (Full details available in our review.)
Best free antivirus software
Though Sophos does offer a good free version of its software, Avast Free Mac Security edges it out as the best free antivirus software for macOS. In security lab tests, Avast detected 99.9 percent of macOS malware, and 100 percent of Windows malware. However, if you want more advanced protection (like ransomware detection), you’ll need to upgrade to paid software.
What to look for in antivirus software
By our reckoning, antivirus software should be able to neutralize a threat before it can begin wreaking havoc. That means preventing the download, installation, or execution of malicious software.
Since you can encounter threats by visiting compromised or malicious websites, receiving virus-laden attachments, or accessing USB drives with malware, good AV software should scan on a continuous basis unless you configure it otherwise. And ideally, files identified as malicious should be quarantined into a special storage area managed by the AV software, with the option to automatically delete files known to be malware or repair normal documents that also carry devious payloads.
Great AV suites also will monitor the filesystem for certain kinds of changes. Ransomware—which is malware that will rapidly encrypt user files like documents and mailboxes and then delete the originals—has become a huge moneymaker on other platforms. As a prime opportunity for attackers, it’s the greatest danger Mac users likely face as a category.
Detecting this pattern and halting it before any files are unavailable should be possible without an anti-malware system knowing the specific innards of a ransomware virus. Sophos, our top pick, includes this feature in the Home Premium version of its 2018 update. Other vendors, like Avast and Trend Micro Antivirus, offer an alternative feature that allows you to whitelist programs allowed to manipulate files in specific directories. So if this particular type of attack becomes rapidly popular, you’ll be protected.
Good antivirus software should also use minimal computational resources. That’s especially the case these days—AV monitoring hasn’t become much more complicated than when it first became available, and faster, multi-core CPUs can easily handle the demands of running AV software in the background without disturbing your active work.
Beyond these primary features, an easy-to-navigate interface and extra features are worth factoring into your decision. Some AV software are full-fledged suites that offer additional options like backup service for essential files, a password manager, parental controls, anti-tracking and privacy modes or options, a more advanced firewall, and the blocking of Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs).
How we test
Each software package is evaluated creating a clean installation of macOS Mojave, cloning it for each AV product, and then booting separately into each one to install a different package. This was to ensure that previous app installations didn’t interfere with new ones—sometimes AV software treats other AV software as an infection.
In addition to visiting malicious websites, downloading known malicious software, and even running said malware, we also reference the most recent reports from two labs that regularly cover macOS malware: AV Comparatives and AV-TEST. These laboratories test AV software against sets of known malware as well as products that are grouped as potentially unwanted applications (like adware).
The latter doesn’t damage or expose your computer or its files but may consume power and CPU cycles. Because the testing effectively looks at a combination of virus databases and behavior, they remain good gauges even after many months. When an antivirus software package lacks a rating from a known security research lab, we do more extensive testing with real malware.
Finally, while we gave props for a lot of different features and behaviors, we marked products down if they lacked any or all of the following:
- A nearly perfect score on macOS malware detection
- Ransomware monitoring
- Native browser plug-in or system-level Web proxy
- A high score on Windows malware detection
Privacy concerns
Using an anti-virus product, especially any that includes tools to also improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing you’re safe from personal and private information leaking out. That’s not quite the case. While there’s no reason to panic, you should consider a few reasonable issues.
First, an antivirus product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: Some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms—certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like.
Avast security for mac safe. Avast Security scans your entire network and all connected devices for vulnerabilities to help you stop hackers from stealing your personal data. Need premium Mac antivirus protection? Say hello to Avast Security.
However, helping the greater good means you’ll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews.
Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an AV package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computer’s hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as available.
Third, anti-virus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer that’s being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering.
All of our antivirus for Mac reviews
If you have specific requirements or just wish to see other options, below is a list of all the antivirus software we’ve reviewed. We’ll keep evaluating new and refreshed software on a regular basis, so be sure to come back to see what else we’ve put through the ringer.
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1 | avast! Pro Antivirus |
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Avast Pro Antivirus is for people and companies that want a customized computer security package. Avast Pro Antivirus is for people and companies that want a customized computer security package. Antivirus and internet protection components in Avast .. | |
Size: 38.3 MB, Price: USD $39.95 , License: Trialware, Author: Alwil Software a.s. (avast.com) |
2 | avast! 5 Pro Antivirus |
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Avast Pro Antivirus 5. Avast Pro Antivirus 5.0 is for people and companies that want a customized computer security package. Antivirus and internet protection components in Avast Pro Antivirus are built for easy integration with existing firewalls in .. | |
Size: 38.3 MB, Price: USD $39.95 , License: Trialware, Author: Alwil Software a.s. (avast.com) |
3 | avast! Mac Edition |
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avast! avast! antivirus Mac Edition provides a complete enterprise-class anti-malware solution for the Mac platform that protects users valuable and irreplacable data and programs. While also protecting Mac users direct data and programs, .. | |
Size: 43.7 MB, Price: USD $39.95 , License: Free to try, Author: Alwil Software a.s. (avast.com) |
4 | avast! PDA Edition |
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avast! avast! PDA Edition is designed to protect pocket devices (PDAs) from viruses. The importance of PDAs is growing every day and it is quite likely that these devices will soon become a target for new virus attacks. With such devices having better .. | |
Size: 1024.0 KB, Price: USD $19.95 , License: Trialware, Author: Alwil Software a.s. (avast.com) | |
Antivirus, Antivirus Scanner, Avast, Avast Antivirus, Scanner, Virus Protection |
5 | Latest avast! Free Anti virus for Mac |
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Fast, functional design, works in real time, and simple to use - all of which gives you greater control. The same reasons people buy Mac computers are also in our avast! Free Antivirus for Mac. Fast, functional design, works in real time, and simple .. | |
Size: 72.0 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: softwaresplash.com (softwaresplash.com) | |
Antimalware, Antimalware For Macs, Antispyware, Antivirus, Avast! Antivirus, Mac, Mac Edition, Macintosh |
6 | Protea AntiVirus Tools, ClamAV version |
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Virus detection is handled by Avast, ClamAV AntiVirus and others. Scanning occurs in real-time, cleaning e-mail traffic of Lotus Domino without slowing down the mail delivery. All infected objects are blocked, regardless .. | |
Size: 1.4 MB, Price: USD $99.00 , License: Shareware, Author: Protea Tools (proteatools.com) | |
Anti Free Virus, Anti Software Virus, Anti Virus, Anti-virus, Antivirus, Antivirus For Domino, Avast, Base, Blocking Hostile Code, Check, Clam, Clam-av, Clamav, Content Security, Domino, Domino Lotus, Domino Lotus Note, Email Protection, Email Virus Protection, Lotus |
7 | Protea AntiVirus Tools, Avast! version |
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Virus detection is handled by Avast AntiVirus and others. Scanning occurs in real-time, cleaning e-mail traffic of Lotus Domino without slowing down the mail delivery. All infected objects are blocked, regardless of format, archive or .. | |
Size: 3.9 MB, Price: USD $600.00 , License: Shareware, Author: Protea Tools (proteatools.com) | |
Anti Virus, Anti-virus, Antivirus, Avast, Blocking, Check, Clam, Clam-av, Clamav, Clamwin, Content, Domino, Email, Free, Hostile, Lotus, Mail, Notes, Nsf, Protection |
8 | avast! Home Edition |
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Avast Free Antivirus is based on multiple protective layers that work together to provide security. Avast Free Antivirus is based on multiple protective layers that work together to provide security. The product is designed for the average consumer who .. | |
Size: 38.3 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Alwil Software a.s. (avast.com) | |
Anti-rootkit, Anti-spyware, Anti-virus, Antivirus, Blocker, Desktop Security, Freeware, Home, Icq, Mail Scan, Mirc, Non-commercial, P2p, Scan, Scanner, Software, Trojan, Virus, Virus Protection, Virus Scan |
9 | WebPost Tools |
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Instant access to some of the most popular and trusted antivirus and spyware programs are included such as TrendMicro HouseCall, Kaspersky TDSSKiller, Avast, Malwarebytes, Spybot, SuperAntiSpyware, CCleaner, and many other utilities that you would normallly .. | |
Size: 12.4 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: WebPost Network (webpost.net) | |
Antivirus Tools, Avast, Diagnostic Tools, Malware Removal, Malwarebytes, Spyware Removal, Superantispyware, Winsock |
10 | avast! 5 Home Edition |
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Avast Free Antivirus is based on multiple protective layers that work together to provide security. Avast Free Antivirus is based on multiple protective layers that work together to provide security. The product is designed for the average consumer who .. | |
Size: 38.3 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Alwil Software a.s. (avast.com) | |
Anti-rootkit, Anti-spyware, Anti-virus, Antivirus, Blocker, Desktop Security, Freeware, Home, Icq, Mail Scan, Mirc, Non-commercial, P2p, Scan, Scanner, Software, Trojan, Virus, Virus Protection, Virus Scan |
11 | avast! Free Antivirus |
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It is not an old-fashioned signature detection product, avast Free antivirus is based on multiple protective layers that work together to provide award-winning security. New features match top detection with increased efficiency. Computer memory requirements .. | |
Size: 46.7 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Alwil Software (avast.com) | |
Anti-rootkit, Anti-spyware, Anti-virus, Antivirus, Blocker, Desktop Security, Freeware, Home, Icq, Mail Scan, Mirc, Non-commercial, P2p, Scan, Scanner, Software, Trojan, Virus, Virus Protection, Virus Scan |
12 | avast! Virus Cleaner |
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avast! avast! Virus Cleaner is a free tool that will help you remove selected virus & worm infections from your computer - it doesn't replace antivirus program! When your computer gets infected by a virus or worm, the virus often schedule itself to be .. | |
Size: 398.0 KB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Alwil Software (avast.com) | |
Clean, Cleaner, Disinfect, Kill, Remove Virus, Repair, Virus, Virus Cleaner, Virus Killer, Virus Repair |
13 | SpectrumSolvers (formerly Rainbow) |
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SpectrumSolvers will offer users the possibility to calculate a Power Spectral Density (PSD) estimate based on 1 of several Steve Kay's Estimators. SpectrumSolvers will offer users the possibility to calculate a Power Spectral Density (PSD) estimate .. | |
Size: 0, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Optimal Designs Enterprise (goal-driven.net) | |
(formerly, Calculate, Estimation, Estimation, Plot, Rainbow), Spectral, Spectral, Spectrumsolvers |
14 | avast! U3 edition |
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avast! avast! Antivirus U3 Edition is designed to protect U3 smart drives from viruses and other forms of malware. The U3 platform is all about carrying your entire workspace with you, including your programs and data. However, this makes them very vulnerable. | |
Size: 12.6 MB, Price: USD $19.95 , License: Shareware, Author: Alwil Software a.s. (avast.com) | |
Anti-virus, Anti, Antivirus, Blocker, Company, Icq, Kazaa, Mail, Mirc, Office, P2p, Scan, Scanner, Server, Shareware, Small, Soho, Trojan, U3, Usb |
15 | Avast! EasyPass |
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Avast! Avast! EasyPass stores and encrypts your passwords and basic personal info. Recognizing common field types, it knows what data to put where. Then all it takes is one click - to log in or complete entire forms. -Stores and manages passwords, user .. | |
Size: 1024.0 KB, Price: USD $19.99 , License: Shareware, Author: Alwil Software a.s. (avast.com) | |
Data, Manager, Password, Security |
16 | avast! Business Protection |
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AVAST Software has a well known reputation for offering many quality security solutions and this one is no exception. Considering today’s threats, even home users need an antivirus to protect their computers, but for a business company it's .. | |
Size: 19.2 MB, Price: USD $174.75 , License: Shareware, Author: AVAST Software (avast.com) |
17 | avast! Internet Security |
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Avast Internet Security is more than a typical anti-virus, it’s a complete package of programs designed to protect you from any harmful actions on your computer. Avast Internet Security is more than a typical anti-virus, it’s a complete package .. | |
Size: 93.8 MB, Price: Free, License: Shareware, Author: AVAST Software a.s. (avast.com) |
Avast Software A.s Online Store
18 | avast! Antivirus |
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AVAST Software leads the security software industry – protecting 132,414,749 active and 171,242,950 registered users around the globe – by distributing FREE antivirus software that makes no compromises in terms of protection. Dependable .. | |
Size: 56.1 MB, Price: Free, License: Shareware, Author: AVAST Software a.s. (avast.com) |
19 | avast! File Server Security |
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AVAST has become one of the leading providers of antivirus technology. AVAST has become one of the leading providers of antivirus technology. It offers a wide range of products, from personal computer to cluster servers protection. Most antivirus labs .. | |
Size: 80.0 MB, Price: USD $359.10 , License: Shareware, Author: AVAST Software (avast.com) |
20 | avast! BART CD Manager |
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avast! avast! Bootable Antivirus & Recovery Tools CD -BART CD- is a fully featured antiviral solution for Microsoft Windows network administrator. This is a bootable CD that qives you the ability to search, detect and clean virus threats in any computer .. | |
Size: 0, Price: Free, License: Shareware, Author: Alwil Software (avast.com) |
21 | avast! Administration Console |
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avast! avast! Administration Console is a avast! Business Protection utility. This software added 'Test SMTP' functionality in the installer, added multiple 'advanced configuration' properties. Added ability to track an 'unknown .. | |
Size: 19.2 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: AVAST Software (avast.com) |
22 | avast! Email Server Security |
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avast! avast! Email Server Security scans your company’s email traffic, providing vital protection for your mailbox servers and ensuring your data remains shielded from detrimental loss. Licensed according to total number of mailboxes, it also .. | |
Size: 83.2 MB, Price: USD $381.50 , License: Shareware, Author: AVAST Software (avast.com) |
23 | AtHomesoft Strive 2009 |
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Introducing easy-to-use business management software, tailored for Mary Kay® beauty consultants. Introducing easy-to-use business management software, tailored for Mary Kay® beauty consultants. Unlike other, outdated business management software, .. | |
Size: 50.2 MB, Price: USD $115.00 , License: Shareware, Author: AtHomesoft (athomesoft.com) |
Avast Software A.s
24 | CAEPIPE |
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CAEPIPE (“kay-pipe”) is the ultimate tool for design and analysis pros needing reliable “get it done” software for the everyday demands of a busy workplace. CAEPIPE (“kay-pipe”) is the ultimate tool for design and .. | |
Size: 0, Price: Free, License: Shareware, Author: SST Systems, Inc. (sstusa.com) |
Avast For Mac Free Download
25 | Antivirus AV Free |
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The most-trusted antivirus globally, protecting almost 200 million PCs, Macs, and Androids. Securing devices and data for 25 years, it’s now in over 40 languages (more than any other antivirus). Download avast! 2014 for free today! Free Antivirus 2014 .. | |
Size: 84.6 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Nebula Freeware (nebulafreeware.com) | |
Anti-malware, Anti-spyware, Anti-virus, Antimalware, Antirootkit, Antispyware, Antivirus, Computer Security, Freeware Antivirus, Virus Protection |