FreeĀ antivirus for Mac

Download our free antivirus for Mac. It’s easy to use and helps protect against online scams, viruses, and other malware. Check for potential scam messages or offers with our new AI-powered Avast Assistant. 
Plus, strengthen your online privacy.

February 2024

Best MacOS Security

January 2025

Top Rated Product 2024

January 2024

Best MacOS Security

January 2024

Top Rated

Also available forĀ PC,Ā Android, andĀ iOS

30-day money-back guarantee

AI-powered anti-scam protectionĀ 

Defense against online scams

Safer browsing and emailing

An app that’s easy to install and use

Your Mac is not immune to threats —
but our free Mac antivirus protects you on 3 fronts

Malware isn’t the only threat to your Mac. Malicious websites and vulnerable Wi-Fi networks can also jeopardize your safety and privacy. Avast Security for Mac provides more protection against all 3 threats, and our premium version also helps expose Wi-Fi intruders and helps stop ransomware.

Anti-malware security

Web and Email Shields

Wi-Fi security scan

Wi-Fi intruder alerts (premium)

Ransomware Shield (premium)

Anti-malware protection for your Mac

Your macOS might stop some malware variants, but it can’t help you if you’re already infected. Avast’s free antivirus for Mac not only helps block viruses, spyware, Trojans, and other malware in real time, it also scans your entire Mac for already-hidden threats.

Stop online spies and snoops

Anti-malware features

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Real-Time Protection
Runs silently in the background to block threats as they appear.
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Advanced Malware Detection
Helps stop both Mac and Windows online threats to help prevent you from sharing infected files with your friends who use PCs.
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Full Mac Scan
Run an in-depth scan of your entire Mac to root out hidden malware.
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USB/DVD Scan
Scan any external drives (CD, DVD, USB, etc.) attached to your Mac.
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Custom Scan
Select specific files or folders for faster, targeted scans.
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Scheduled Scan
Schedule scans for when you’re sleeping or away from your Mac.
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Security Reports
Stay informed with personalized security reports every 30 days.
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Real-Time Security Updates
Receive security updates and new features automatically.

Browse and email in peace with more protection

Even trusted websites can get hacked, and cybercriminals can easily spoof emails from your friends or bank. Avast Security helps Mac users to identify unsafe websites, block unsafe downloads and risky email attachments, plus reduce web tracking via an optional extension.

Secure connection

Online security features

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Web Shield
Helps block dangerous downloads and malicious websites from injecting malware onto your Mac.
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Email Shield
Can prevent you from sending and receiving malicious email attachments.
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Online Security
Warns you of unsafe websites, reduces ad tracking, and safely redirects you to correct sites if you mistype an address (available as an optional browser extension).

Find and fix Wi-Fi network vulnerabilities

Avast Security for Mac scans your network and connected devices for vulnerabilities to help you stop hackers from stealing your personal data.

Premium features

Need premium Mac antivirus protection?
Say hello to Avast Premium Security

Avast Premium Security for Mac includes all the malware-crushing moves of its free little brother, along with premium defenses against Wi-Fi intruders and ransomware.

Catch Wi-Fi intruders in the act

Avast Premium Security instantly alerts you when someone joins your Wi-Fi network. This helps you keep hackers out and stop neighbors from bringing your network to a crawl with their unwelcome video streaming.

Help avoid ransomware attacks

Avast Premium Security helps protect your photos and files from ransomware attacks, making it harder for cybercriminals to encrypt, lock, or mess with your most personal memories.

Have a look at the features included

Free
Free
Premium
Premium

Help block viruses and other malware

Detect viruses, ransomware, and other threats in real time.

Get browser security alerts

Be warned of unsafe sites and help block intrusive web trackers with the Avast Online Security extension.

Help avoid ransomware

Help protect personal photos and files from unwanted changes and restrictions.

Shop and bank more safely

Avoid fake sites for safer shopping and banking.

Get Wi-Fi network security alerts

Be instantly alerted to network security weaknesses and intruders.

Help block phishing attempts

More easily avoid even the newest phishing scams and fake websites.

You may still be wondering...

FAQs

There's a myth out there that Macs don't get viruses — but it's just that: a myth. Yes, Macs need antivirus software.Ā Macs and MacBooks can get virusesĀ like any other device. And while many people think their Apple computers are protected, your Mac is not immune toĀ malware, and so it's certainly vulnerable to attacks.

As we see more and moreĀ computer virusesĀ targeting Macs, it’s increasingly critical to protect your device with Mac antivirus software.

If you start noticing strange pop-ups, unexplained crashes, or slower performance, then your Mac may be infected with a virus or Mac malware. What you can do is use a malware scanner for Mac to easily detect and remove hidden malware. You can also use an advanced antivirus, like Avast Premium Security, to enhance your security. Then run Smart Scan to pinpoint exactly where those threats could be lurking in your Mac.

It’s important to update your antivirus and run regular malware scans to ensure your Mac system is protected against potential threats. You can also boost your Mac performance by using a reliableĀ cleanup toolĀ to clean out junk files, browser cookies, and more.

For more information, check out thisĀ essential guideĀ that has everything you need to know about Mac security.

Yes, Avast Free Antivirus is ourĀ best free antivirusĀ for Mac. It can protect your Mac and other Apple devices from new and emerging cyberthreats, it includes protection such as real-time scanning,Ā anti-spyware scanner, free malware removal for Mac,Ā ransomware protection, andĀ phishing attack prevention. If you need advanced features, you can upgrade to get access to all ourĀ premium security features, so you can fully protect your devices.

If you’ve already been infected, then the best way to handle Mac virus removal is to perform a Mac virus scan with specialized software. You can easily automate this process with Avast’s free Mac virus scanner & removal toolĀ which not only scans for viruses and other malware but removes them as well, so it makes it easy to clear out malware and secure your Mac.

The macOS operating systemĀ The macOS, or Mac OS X system, has existed for 40 years in various forms — it’s robust, and because of its regular updates, malware developers find it hard to keep up with the changes and write viruses that will successfully infect the Mac operating system.

XProtectĀ Apple's basicĀ malware detectionĀ is built directly into its Mac OS X operating system. XProtect defends Macs against various types of malware, by scanning downloaded files for signs of infection, but it needs to be regularly updated to recognize new or emerging threats — and it won’t help you if you unwittingly land on an infected or unsafe website.

Digitally signed appsĀ A digital certificate is always seen as proof of a file’s security and a surefire sign that the file contains no malicious code, but cybercriminals can still plant malicious code at the file completion stage, exploit security gaps to sign their malicious files with valid digital certificates, and more.

App Store and Sandbox app securityĀ While sandboxing adds another layer of security for Macs, not even the App Store nor sandboxed apps are 100% safe, as highlighted by the attack on the Chinese version of the App Store by the XCodeGhost Virus. Malware authors have frequently found and exploited weaknesses, such as using obscure file formats or large file sizes that the sandbox can’t process, leaving Mac users at risk of infection.

Visit ourĀ Support CenterĀ for more FAQs

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Get security tips for your Mac, straight from the experts

Avast Security for Mac

Think different about Mac security

Also available forĀ PC,Ā Android, andĀ iOS

30-day money-back guarantee