Best free Mac antivirus software in 2026
Backed by leading cybersecurity experts and investigative journalists, we deliver independent, real-world antivirus testing and analysis, guaranteeing objective evaluations without undue influence or bias from outside parties.
Our transparent and consistent methodologies ensure objective, up-to-date reviews, empowering readers to make well-informed decisions.
Learn more
Despite MacBooks’ robust built-in security features, viruses and other malware rapidly evolve and become more complex. While Mac devices are considered one of the safer operating systems, they are still vulnerable to advancing cyberthreats.
An antivirus is essential to prevent malicious software from disrupting, damaging, or gaining unauthorized access to your MacBook. However, with the antivirus market saturated with solutions – many of which come with a significant cost – you may be searching for a free antivirus for Mac.
Along with our research team, I reviewed more than 15 programs to find the best free antivirus for Mac. My top pick is TotalAV, as its free version includes the most essential security features and is the most reliable option for detecting and preventing malware from harming your macOS device.
Fortunately, TotalAV is not the only anti-malware solution. Depending on your specific needs, budget, and preferences, there are other options to consider when choosing a free Mac antivirus product.
Best free Mac antivirus – top 5 picks
- TotalAV – best overall free antivirus for Mac in 2026
- Norton 360 Antivirus – security-oriented antivirus for MacBook with a free trial
- Bitdefender – completely free antivirus for Mac
- Avast – free antivirus for Mac with extra tools
- Surfshark – lightweight Mac antivirus with a privacy bundle
Our team of researchers thoroughly tests antivirus software following a well-established testing process. In unison, our experts combine in-house and independent testing lab findings with first-hand experience to help you make informed decisions about each product. Learn how we test antivirus software.
Is free antivirus enough for Mac?
To put it simply, it’s better to have a free antivirus on Mac than none at all. While free tools may not offer the same depth of protection as paid options, they can still defend your device against common threats, which may be enough to safeguard your system. For many users, that level of protection is a solid starting point.
However, free antivirus software often lacks real-time protection, advanced threat detection, and extra features that come with paid plans. If you’re looking for more robust security, especially for handling sensitive data or frequent downloads, a premium solution is worth considering.
When choosing a free antivirus, it’s important to be cautious and avoid installing ineffective software or malware disguised as an antivirus program. That’s why I only recommend true and tested freemium solutions like TotalAV Antivirus, Norton, Intego ONE, or any of the best Mac antivirus software with free versions or trials.
If you’re interested in upgrading to premium versions of antivirus tools, make sure they include useful features like VPNs or password managers to get an all-around cybersecurity experience.
The best free antivirus for Mac in 2026 – full overview
There are many free antivirus services available on the market, but only a few offer real protection and consistent performance. Continue reading to discover the top contenders and their detailed descriptions that will help you choose the best free Mac antivirus software.
1. TotalAV – the best truly free antivirus for Mac
| Subscription plan: | From $19.00/year |
| Real-time protection: | Premium only |
| VPN: | ✅ Yes |
| Current deal: | Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF |
TotalAV Antivirus for Mac is one of the best free antivirus tools for macOS users, offering all the essential features. During our TotalAV review, the provider showed excellent malware detection results and solid anti-phishing protection.
Why I picked TotalAV
TotalAV stands out as one of the best free antivirus programs for macOS due to its strong real-time protection and a comprehensive suite of tools. In our tests, it detected all malware samples, both in Smart and Full system scans. The Smart scan took just around 2 minutes and the full scan checked 525,000 files in 16 minutes. It kept CPU usage low during scans (around 20–25%), which makes it a solid choice even for older Macs.
The free version includes essential scan types like Quick, Smart, and System scans (all schedulable), as well as a Large & Old File Scan that helps free up disk space. The Smart scan took only 2 minutes and detected 10/10 malware samples.
It also features tools like Junk Cleaner, Duplicate Finder, Browser Cleaner, Startup Programs Scanner, and an Uninstaller. The WebShield browser extension performed well in phishing protection tests, catching 9 out of 10 threats.
Independent lab results back up our findings: AV-TEST awarded TotalAV a perfect 6/6 in both usability and performance, and it scored 5/6 in protection. It successfully detected 99.5% of the 428 malware samples tested, with no noticeable slowdown during daily use and minimal false positives.
Who it's for
TotalAV is a great pick for users who seek reliable malware protection and helpful system cleanup tools, without constant pressure to upgrade. It’s especially suited for those who value a clean interface and light system impact. For more advanced protection, including real-time scanning, the premium version starts at $19.00/month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee available for risk-free testing.
2. Norton 360 Antivirus – Mac antivirus for essential protection with a free trial option
| Subscription plan: | From $29.99/year |
| Real-time protection: | Premium only |
| Free VPN: | ✅ Yes |
| Current deal: | Get up to 60% OFF Norton Antivirus |
Norton 360 Antivirus is another great software to protect yourself from cyberthreats. While it doesn’t have a free plan, you can take advantage of its free trial and the 30-day money-back guarantee. This way, you can secure your devices with the market-leading antivirus software and use the advanced tools. Please keep in mind that to sign up for the free trial, you need to provide payment details. This means you have to cancel it in time if you do not want to be automatically charged once the trial ends.
Why I picked Norton
Norton 360 Antivirus is a standout choice for Mac users seeking comprehensive protection. Its free trial offers access to advanced features, including real-time protection, a VPN for online privacy, and dark web monitoring to alert you if your personal information is found in data breaches. Plus, thanks to the password manager, you don’t have to remember any of your passwords except the master password.
In our hands-on Norton tests, the quick scan took about 8–9 seconds, though it wasn’t entirely effective at detecting deeply hidden malware. However, the full system scan successfully identified all malicious files. Importantly, there was no noticeable difference in performance between the free trial and the premium version.
According to the latest AV-TEST results from March 2025, Norton 360 achieved perfect scores: 6/6 in protection, performance, and usability. It detected 100% of the 428 malware samples tested, with zero false positives and minimal impact on system performance.
While some features, like Dark Web Monitoring, open outside the main app interface, the dashboard is still well-organized and easy to navigate. Setup takes a bit more time than average, requiring device restarts and multiple log-ins, but the experience improves significantly once installed.
Who it's for
Norton 360 Antivirus for Mac is well-suited for users who want full protection with added privacy tools. It’s ideal for anyone handling sensitive data, using public networks, or looking for a feature-rich antivirus suite with a clean interface. The free trial gives a full preview of its capabilities, but requires entering payment details – so cancellation is needed to avoid being charged. Premium plans start at $29.99/month, offering options like Plus, Standard, Deluxe, and Select to fit various needs.
3. Bitdefender Virus Scanner – reliable and completely free antivirus software
| Subscription plan: | From $12.99/year |
| Real-time protection: | Premium only |
| VPN: | ✅ Yes (only premium version) |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
Bitdefender Virus Scanner is an antivirus solution for macOS. It is another great option that offers solid protection from various online threats. The free version comes with an effective malware scan that doesn’t call for high CPU usage – a significant benefit.
Why I picked Bitdefender
Bitdefender is one of the few antivirus tools that are completely free, functional, and effective, without pushing for immediate upgrades. It offers three scan types: Critical Locations (a quick check of common malware targets), Deep System Scan, and Custom scans. While it doesn’t provide extras like real-time protection or ransomware monitoring, it still offers a dependable malware scanning engine.
When reviewing Bitdefender, our tests proved this provider to be efficient. The quick scan finished in just under three minutes, consuming about 20% of CPU while detecting 10 out of 10 malware samples. The deep scan, which took just over an hour, also caught everything, with moderate system impact (20–40% CPU).
Bitdefender also earned top marks in AV-TEST’s March 2025 evaluation, receiving a perfect 6/6 score in protection, performance, and usability.
Still, it’s not without its drawbacks. The interface, while clean, feels outdated and basic compared to other tools on this list. And, since there’s no real-time protection or phishing defense included, you’re relying entirely on manual scans.
Who it's for
Bitdefender Virus Scanner is a good match for Mac users who want a reliable, low-maintenance way to detect and remove malware. It’s especially useful as a backup scanner over background protection. For users looking for more features like real-time protection, ransomware defense, or web attack prevention, Bitdefender’s premium plans start at just $12.99/month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. Avast – feature-rich free antivirus for Mac
| Subscription plan: | From $31.20/year |
| Real-time protection: | ✅ Yes |
| VPN: | ✅ Yes (only Ultimate version) |
| Current deal: | Get up to 60% OFF Avast Antivirus |
Avast offers one of the more all-round free antivirus options for Mac users. It combines essential security features with a few welcome extras, making it a solid choice if you're looking for more than just basic malware scanning. While its free version doesn't match the depth of top-tier premium suites, it goes further than most free tools – especially when it comes to usability and real-time protection.
Why I picked Avast
Avast offers a genuinely useful set of free tools for Mac users. It includes four active protection shields (File, Web, Mail, and Behavior), real-time malware and phishing protection, a smart firewall (limited on Mac), and a Network Inspector that scans for vulnerabilities in your Wi-Fi setup. Add to that the Browser Guard extension, and you’ve got a well-rounded security kit.
In our in-house Avast tests, its quick scan took just over a minute, but missed all 10 malware samples – a clear weak spot. However, the Full Scan detected all 10 threats and used minimal system resources. Real-time protection also performed well, blocking 10 out of 10 malicious URLs via Web Shield.
Avast also holds its own in independent tests. In AV-Comparatives’ March 2025 results, Avast earned perfect scores in usability, performance and protection — great results for a free product.
That said, Avast’s history isn’t spotless. The provider was fined nearly $15 million for privacy violations involving anonymized user data collection. While they’ve since addressed the issue, it’s something privacy-minded users may want to weigh.
Who it’s for
Avast is perfect for users who want real-time protection and practical security tools without jumping into a paid subscription. It’s especially suited for casual users and students who want something more capable than bare-bones freeware, but aren’t ready to commit to a full security suite. For those who need more, e.g. ransomware protection, webcam shielding, and phishing-specific tools, Avast Premium Security starts at $31.20/month for one device.
5. Surfshark Antivirus – privacy-focused antivirus suite for Mac
| Subscription plan: | From $37.66/year |
| Real-time protection: | ✅ Yes |
| VPN: | ✅ Yes |
| Current deal: | Get Surfshark Antivirus - 85% OFF + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark is best known for its VPN, but its all-in-one Surfshark One suite includes a capable antivirus for Mac. Although not completely free, Surfshark offers a risk-free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee, making it accessible to anyone who wants to try robust Mac protection without an initial commitment.
Why I picked Surfshark Surfshark Antivirus for Mac stands out for its consistently strong real-time malware protection, clean interface, and extra privacy tools bundled in. You get 24/7 real-time scanning, customizable full and scheduled scans, a data breach alert system, webcam protection, and a top-rated VPN. The app is lightweight, updates malware definitions every 3 hours, and is designed for minimal system impact, even on older Macs.
In our in-house tests on a MacBook Air that can be found in the Surfshark Antivirus review, Surfshark Antivirus delivered straightforward protection with solid, practical results. The full scan feature detected just over 70% of nearly 150 mixed malware samples, while real-time protection caught about half of the new threats as they appeared.
For ransomware, it blocked 7 out of 10 attempted attacks, and its phishing protection shut down 7 out of 10 recent scam links. While not perfect, Surfshark covered the most common email and file-based risks with minimal system impact. The interface proved simple to use, making scheduled and on-demand scans easy to set up for everyday Mac security.
Who it's forSurfshark is an excellent choice for Mac owners who want a lightweight antivirus with real-time protection, scheduled scans, data breach alerts, and a bundled VPN. If you want an extra layer of privacy and don't mind paying after trying it out, Surfshark’s free trial and refund guarantee make it an appealing “try before you buy” pick.
6. Malwarebytes – fast macOS antivirus with a good free version
| Subscription plan: | From $44.99/year |
| Real-time protection: | Premium only |
| VPN: | ✅ Yes (with Malwarebytes Plus plan) |
| Current deal: | Get Malwarebytes, now 50% OFF |
Malwarebytes is another free antivirus for Mac that allows scanning for malware and is worth recommending. During my tests, the application stood out for its excellent malware detection capabilities. Plus, it offers a free Browser Guard extension.
Why I picked Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes offers a lightweight, fast-scanning free antivirus option for Mac, known for its low system impact and ease of use. In our Malwarebytes tests, the System scan took just over 8 minutes to analyze 231,000 files, with CPU usage consistently low at around 20–25%. However, while scan speed and performance were solid, its malware detection results were disappointing — it missed all 150 malware samples in one test and underperformed in malware download blocking.
The free version includes essential features like scheduled malware scans and access to the Malwarebytes Browser Guard extension, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It also has Digital Footprint Scans, a dark web monitoring tool that scans for your personal data in known breaches. While it lacks some advanced tools, what it does offer works well and reliably.
That said, there are some limitations. For example, the free version doesn’t include real-time protection, which means users need to rely on manual scans. Independent lab testing has also been sparse in recent years, which makes long-term reliability harder to determine.
Who it's for
Malwarebytes is best suited for users who want fast, lightweight malware scanning and basic online protection without overwhelming features or system strain. It's ideal for those who value speed and simplicity. The free version provides solid baseline protection, and for users looking to expand their coverage, Malwarebytes plans start at $44.99/month. A 14-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee are available for anyone who wants to test the premium experience risk-free.
7. McAfee Antivirus – robust security suite with firewall
| Subscription plan: | From $29.99/year |
| Real-time protection: | ✅ Yes |
| VPN: | ✅ Yes |
| Current deal: | Get McAfee, save up to 67% |
very user-friendly design. Every Mac user can access all McAfee features, including real-time malware and ransomware protection, a built-in firewall, VPN, password manager, and identity monitoring, totally free for 30 days, with no credit card needed.
Why I picked McAfee
In our in-house tests on Mac, McAfee showed strong overall security, blocking more than 90% of 150 mixed malware samples in full scan mode. Its ransomware defense was perfect, stopping all 10 test ransomware attacks before any files were locked or lost. You can find more performance details in the McAfee review.
Also, the app felt clean and straightforward, with easy scheduling for scans, a clear dashboard, quick access to settings, and low day-to-day system impact.
Who it's for
McAfee is ideal for Mac users who want a full-featured security suite with malware and ransomware defense, a built-in firewall, VPN, password manager, and identity tag monitoring. If you want to try every premium feature and don’t mind paying after 30 days, McAfee’s free trial makes it a great “test drive” pick for new or privacy-focused Mac users.
How we tested free Mac antivirus products
At Cybernews, our evaluation of antivirus software is rooted in extensive research and a hands-on approach. Collaborating with the in-house research team, I analyzed the offerings of various providers to determine the best free Mac antiviruses.
To ensure thorough testing, we set up a virtual environment using an Apple M2 Pro Ventura machine with 8GB RAM and 268GB storage, running on an Apple M2 Pro Sonoma host system with 10 cores, 16GB RAM, and 50GB SSD storage. This setup allowed us to simulate real-world conditions effectively. We began by downloading and installing antivirus software, followed by preparing malware samples for testing. Our process included performing quick and full scans to measure how well each antivirus detected malware.
For antiviruses that included real-time and phishing protection, we evaluated their ability to detect malware samples and phishing threats in real-time. Additionally, we explored and assessed any extra features or functionalities offered during our trials.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the criteria we used to rank the free Mac antiviruses:
- In-house test results (25%). We assessed each antivirus program’s ability to detect malware samples, focusing on how effectively they protected against cyberthreats. By testing various types of malware, we gauged how well the software identified and flagged potential security risks.
- Independent lab test results (20%). To validate our findings, we examined independent lab test results for our top Mac antivirus picks. This allowed us to compare external data with our in-house results for a comprehensive evaluation.
- Performance (20%). Using real-life scenarios, we tested how each antivirus affected device usability, CPU load, and overall performance. Our goal was to identify solutions with minimal impact on system performance.
- Additional features (15%). Free Mac antiviruses vary widely in the features they offer. While some provide advanced tools, others stick to basic protection. We evaluated these features to determine their significance in enhancing overall Mac security.
- User interface (10%). A user-friendly interface is crucial, especially for non-technical users. We spent time navigating each antivirus program to evaluate how intuitive and accessible it was.
- Pricing (10%). We reviewed free trial and money-back guarantee periods, analyzed pricing differences, and assessed whether upgrading to premium was worthwhile. Providers were ranked based on their price-to-value ratio.
Free Mac antivirus tools compared
The free Mac antivirus software I tested demonstrated impressive potential and stood out as a strong contender in the evaluation. The competition was tough, with each provider showcasing unique strengths and features.
Let’s compare the providers side by side to determine which ones offer the most effective solutions for safeguarding your macOS devices.
| Antivirus | Rating | Money-back guarantee | Subscription price | Real-time protection (free version) |
| TotalAV | 30 days | $19.00/year | ✅ Yes | |
| Norton 360 Antivirus | 60 days | $29.99/year | ✅ Yes (in paid version, included in a free trial) | |
| Bitdefender | 30 days | $12.99/year | ❌ No | |
| Avast | 30 days | $31.20/year | ✅ Yes | |
| Surfshark | 30 days | $37.66/year | ✅ Yes | |
| Malwarebytes | 60 days | $44.99/year | ❌ No | |
| McAfee | 30 days | $29.99/year | ❌ No |
The dangers of using a free Mac antivirus
The free antiviruses on my list belong to reputable companies, and I tested them with our expert team to ensure my recommendations are valid. Unfortunately, not all free antiviruses are made equal.
Free antiviruses that don’t provide premium services on the side might be unreliable for 2 reasons. First, providers don’t get money, which means they may resort to questionable practices to make a profit. Second, free tools might not be up to standard simply because it’s hard to invest in the security of software that doesn’t bring in the money. Here’s what dangers this might bring:
- Providers may sell user data. It’s an industry standard for free tech products to make money by selling your personal data to third parties. By opting for an entirely free, unreputable provider, you can end up putting your personal data in the wrong hands.
- No software updates. Database and software updates require money, and free antivirus providers may be unable to pay for them, especially if they don’t participate in such shady practices as selling user data. Considering new types of malware are being developed every day, the products usually aren’t able to detect zero-day threats.
- Great way to spread malware. Free products are always tempting for users trying to save money, so using an offer of an attractive free antivirus may be an effective way for cybercriminals to expose you to malicious threats and phishing scams.
However, if a free antivirus is your only option, pick a freemium Mac antivirus from my list. Free antivirus providers offering premium plans are much more reliable and secure. That’s because they offer free services with the intent to sell you the premium ones in the future.
While you may not get many features for free, the services are trustworthy, and you should get basic macOS protection.
Free Mac antiviruses I do not recommend
There are a few antivirus tools I advise avoiding, mainly due to privacy and security concerns. One notable example is software with a track record of invasive data collection practices.
From 2014 to 2020, Avast collected user browsing data, including location, age, and gender, through its antivirus software and browser extensions. The data was then sold to third parties via its subsidiary Jumpshot. In February 2024, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined Avast $15 million for deceptive data practices and banned it from selling browsing data going forward.
While this incident raises valid concerns not only about Avast but also about AVG – its parent company, I’ve taken a closer look at how Avast has responded since. The provider has taken meaningful steps to improve transparency and rebuild trust. Its recent lab performance, product changes, and updated privacy policies led me and our team to reassess its place on this list — and, after careful consideration, I now include it among the top free antivirus tools for Mac.
Kaspersky, however, is a different case. Despite strong malware detection and a technically capable product, I don’t recommend it due to serious trust and geopolitical concerns. The US government banned the sale of Kaspersky software in 2024, citing national security risks and potential links to Russia’s intelligence services. As of September 29, 2024, existing US users stopped receiving updates, and new sales have been banned. While Kaspersky denies these allegations and has made efforts to rebuild trust, including relocating parts of its infrastructure to Switzerland, the underlying risks remain significant.
Ultimately, strong malware protection alone isn’t enough. Privacy practices, company transparency, and geopolitical context all play a role when evaluating antivirus software. That’s why I suggest choosing solutions that not only perform well in tests but also demonstrate a clear and ongoing commitment to user trust.
Conclusion
macOS has earned a reputation as one of the more secure operating systems, thanks to its built-in protections and Unix-based foundation, which makes exploiting system vulnerabilities more difficult. Still, even the most secure platforms aren’t invulnerable to cyberthreats, especially with the ever-evolving cyberattack methods.
That’s why using antivirus software is a smart move. Premium tools offer excellent protection, but not everyone wants (or can) pay the premium price. Fortunately, free antivirus solutions still provide a meaningful layer of defense — and are a far better alternative than going without any protection at all.
After testing more than 15 antivirus tools, I’ve highlighted the 6 best free options for Mac. These tools offer varying levels of functionality, from essential malware scanning to extra security features like VPNs or password managers.
TotalAV came out on top, offering a solid balance of performance, usability, and essential protections. Still, every antivirus on this list brings something worthwhile to the table. If you're looking to boost your Mac's defenses without spending a cent, these are the most reliable free tools available right now.
FAQ
Can Macs get viruses?
Yes, macOS devices can get viruses. macOS is considered one of the safer operating systems because it’s in full control of your software and hardware. However, Mac devices are not threat-proof. That’s why getting the best antivirus for Mac is crucial.
Are free Mac antiviruses good enough?
Yes, there are free Mac antiviruses that are considered to be good. Free versions of premium antivirus tools are the safest because you can be sure providers are investing in security and do not rely on data selling as a way to profit. TotalAV is the top free Mac antivirus because it ensures the best malware detection rates.
