Best free antivirus for macOS

Search online for a free Windows antivirus program, and you’ll find many. Most, if not all, adopt the freemium model: basic functionality is free, but you’ll be asked to fork over some cash for the more advanced (and typically more desirable) features. Others simply provide a free trial. But is it the same for mac users?

This article explores quality free antivirus options for macOS. While paid solutions from reputable vendors often provide more comprehensive protection, there are several free alternatives worth considering.

This post looks at five worthwhile options for a macOS antivirus:

• BitDefender: A basic antivirus engine that gets the job done. Its app is lean and doesn’t contain any fluff.
• AVG: A net improvement over the Windows version. AVG for macOS takes a no-nonsense approach and provides you with all the basic tools you need.
• MalwareBytes: A very easy to use antivirus app with a straightforward approach. It does, however, lack the ability to run full scans in the free edition.
• Avira: Avira’s antivirus for macOS provides basic antivirus tools and a few useful extras.
• Avast Security: A popular choice for a macOS antivirus, Avast essentially provides a security suite for free. But its past privacy practices may put you off.

Do I need an antivirus for my Mac?

In the past, many Apple users believed they didn’t need antivirus software, thinking Macs were inherently safer than PCs and less targeted by viruses and malware.

While there used to be a kernel of truth in those beliefs, times have now changed. While macOS is a secure platform, you shouldn’t think it’s immune to online threats. And there’s no shortage today of viruses and malware targeting macOS.

So, yes, you should install an antivirus on your Mac. Below are five (free) antivirus solutions for macOS that you should consider.

Best free antivirus for macOS

Here’s our list of the top free antivirus solutions for mac users: 

Mar 2025

BitDefender Virus Scanner is available from the Mac App Store and provides free basic virus scanning for macOS. Once downloaded and installed, it won’t expire or prompt you for cash. It’s pretty basic, but it does what it says on the tin and can keep your Mac virus-free.

There are three types of scans you can run with BitDefender Virus Scanner:

• Critical Locations: This is BitDefender’s quick scan mode. In this mode, BitDefender only scans critical locations, like launch agents and the system library, making for a shorter scan while making sure the most common threats are accounted for.
• Deep Scan: BitDefender’s full scan. It may take a while, but in this mode, BitDefender will scan your entire system.
• Custom Scan: In this mode, you can select arbitrary files or folders to scan.

And that’s pretty much all you get in terms of antivirus capabilities. The app does have an update mechanism to download the latest signatures. It also provides a quarantine menu from which you can view, restore, or delete quarantined files.

BitDefender’s free version lacks real-time protection and scheduling capabilities. Users must run scans manually to benefit from its protection. However, it remains a cost-free option for basic virus scanning.

If what you’re looking for is a simple, no-nonsense means of scanning your Mac for viruses without denting your wallet, you should consider BitDefender Virus Scanner.

BEST FREE ANTIVIRUS FOR MACOS:BitDefender Virus Scanner offers free, no-nonsense malware protection. It offers multiple scan types and regular signature updates. Ideal for users seeking simple, effective virus scanning without cost.

Read our full Bitdefender Antivirus review.

AVG is another big player in the free macOS antivirus game. This is probably the most comprehensive free antivirus solution for macOS. And though the Windows version includes its fair share of fluff, the macOS version is nice and lean.

AVG includes the following features:

That’s all you need in a basic free antivirus app.

AVG for macOS supports five scan types:

• Smart Scan (Quick)
• Deep Scan (Full)
• Targeted Scan (Custom)
• External Storage Scan (self-explanatory)
• Scheduled Scan (self-explanatory)

It also provides a Scan History menu, which displays all your past scans and their timestamps.

Along with the antivirus engine, AVG also supports real-time protection and email and web scanning, blocking malicious attachments and dangerous downloads before they reach your device.

The app also provides comprehensive settings menus with extensive customization on tap. Its app displays useful information to help you monitor your system’s security.

AVG may be compelling for those who want more than just basic virus scanning.

COMPREHENSIVE FREE PROTECTION:AVG Antivirus Free provides real-time protection, email scanning, and web shields. With multiple scan types and extensive customization options, it offers robust security for macOS users at no cost.

Read our full AVG Antivirus Free review.

MalwareBytes is another contender for a good free antivirus app for macOS. It is one of the leanest offerings of all when it comes to features. And, as is typical with freemium offerings, the app is designed to entice you into upgrading for more features and more granular control over your antivirus.

Still, it’s free and won’t expire on you, so it may be worth a look.

The Mac version of MalwareBytes was just an adware removal tool when it was first released for macOS. It has since grown into a full-fledged antivirus. And while its free version is as basic as it gets, it can still get the job done and may be all you’re looking for.

There are three main components to the Malwarebytes app:

• The antivirus (with real-time protection)
• Identity protection

Regarding scan modes, Malwarebytes only supports one type of scan: a quick scan, and there are no configuration options. So, while the app is completely free, you’ll need to hand MalwareBytes some cash for a full scan.

It does provide scan reports, a quarantine, and an allow list, where you can exempt specified files and folders from scans.

As an extra, it also includes email identity protection. You enter your email address and after sending you a 2FA code, MalwareBytes will scan known databases to see if your email and password have been compromised.

While not essential, the email identity protection feature is a useful addition to the free package, complementing online tools that offer similar functionality.

STREAMLINED MALWARE DEFENSE:Malwarebytes offers a user-friendly package with real-time protection and identity safeguarding. While the free version is limited to quick scans, it provides essential security features without complexity.

Read our full Malwarebytes review.

Avira Security is another macOS antivirus you should look at. It covers the basics and a tiny bit more. While the app makes it look “fully-featured,” most of those listed features are paid add-ons.

What you get out-of-the-box for free is:

• The antivirus
• A junk file cleaner

The antivirus supports four scan modes:

• Quick scans
• Full scans
• Custom scans
• Scheduled scans

Real-time protection guards you as you browse the internet. The app has a quarantine page that allows you to attempt to repair infected files rather than simply quarantining or deleting them.

Avira includes a junk files cleaner as an extra. It will scan your device for junk files, like outdated logs, app caches, etc. The junk files cleaner is a useful addition, though not typically a primary consideration when choosing antivirus software. While other free apps offer similar functionality, Avira integrates this feature into its free antivirus package.

Avira’s app is well-designed, making it easy to navigate and figure out what to do. Its free antivirus offering balances basic functionality and more advanced features (for free).

If you’re looking for good antivirus protection that won’t break the bank, give Avira a shot.

BALANCED FREE SECURITY SUITE:Avira Security combines antivirus protection with a junk file cleaner. Featuring multiple scan modes, real-time protection, and an intuitive interface, it’s a solid choice for comprehensive free macOS security.

Read our full Avira Antivirus review.

Avast’s macOS antivirus app looks a lot like AVG’s app. That should come as no surprise since Avast acquired AVG in 2016. Both apps share the same functionality, and their performance is similar.

Avast Security includes the following features:

• Antivirus
• Malicious website and tracker blocker

That’s a nice little set of basic features in my view.

Avast for macOS supports the same five scan types as AVG:

• Smart Scan (Quick)
• Deep Scan (Full)
• Targeted Scan (Custom)
• External Storage Scan (self-explanatory)
• Scheduled Scan (self-explanatory)

The app is also very similar to AVG’s app, both in terms of how it looks and how you navigate it. Avast’s app isn’t the most intuitive out there. Still, the feature set is very focused, and the malicious site and tracker blocker is a welcome addition.

Avast also supports real-time scanning, a detailed quarantine view, and an activity monitor, so you know where you are. Its app also allows for extensive customization.

There is, however, an elephant in the room when discussing Avast. In 2020, it was revealed that Avast was collecting and selling its users’ web browsing data to data brokers. It committed to ending that practice shortly after and updated its privacy policy to reflect that. But this doesn’t show Avast in a good light, and, if you value your privacy, this may be off-putting to you, regardless of the free antivirus features included in the app.

FEATURE-RICH FREE PROTECTION:Avast Security offers antivirus scanning, malicious website blocking, and tracker prevention. With multiple scan options and extensive customization, it provides a robust security suite at no cost. Learn more in our detailed Avast Security review.

Check out the full Avast review.

Antivirus testing methodology

Choosing the top antivirus for macOS is no easy feat. We’ve put these programs through a gauntlet of tests, and here’s what we focused on:

1. Malware detection: We threw both dormant and active malware at these antiviruses to see who’s got game. Our arsenal included EICAR test files, live Adware, and Trojans. The goal? Finding software that not only detects but also cleans up effectively.
2. Performance impact: No one likes a resource hog. We used diagnostic tools to measure various PC performance metrics, ensuring our choices won’t slow you down while protecting you.
3. Lab test comparisons: We don’t just trust our own tests. We cross-referenced our findings with results from independent antivirus labs to give you a comprehensive picture of each product’s effectiveness.
4. User experience: The interface should be a breeze whether you’re a newbie or a tech whiz. We looked for antiviruses that are easy for beginners but still offer the bells and whistles for the pros.
5. Value for money: We love a good deal. While focusing on free options, we’ve also considered the overall value proposition, including any premium features or upgrade paths.
6. Compatibility: We’re all about inclusivity. Our picks are compatible with various macOS versions, ensuring broad compatibility across the Apple ecosystem.
7. Additional features: In addition to basic virus protection, we analyzed extra tools and features that add value to the overall package.

By evaluating each antivirus comprehensively, we’ve ensured that our recommendations are based on solid, real-world performance and usability. For those hungry for more details, check out our post detailing our antivirus research and testing methodology.

Antivirus for MacOS: FAQs