Free antivirus for Mac

Download our free antivirus for Mac — it’s easy to use and helps protect against viruses, other malware, 
and online scams. It also strengthens your online privacy. Or try our premium version straight away, it’s up to you!

January 2024

Best MacOS Security

January 2024

Top Rated

January 2024

Best MacOS Security

January 2024

Top Rated

Also available for PCAndroid, and iOS

30-day money-back guarantee

Guards against online scams

Award-winning antivirus for Mac

Doesn’t slow your device

Hundreds of millions of users worldwide

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

globe users
Real-Time Protection
Runs silently in the background to block threats as they appear.
worker busines
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.
hacker threat malicious
Full Mac Scan
Run an in-depth scan of your entire Mac to root out hidden malware.
governments building
USB/DVD Scan
Scan any external drives (CD, DVD, USB, etc.) attached to your Mac.
hacker threat malicious
Custom Scan
Select specific files or folders for faster, targeted scans.
hacker threat malicious
Scheduled Scan
Schedule scans for when you’re sleeping or away from your Mac.
hacker threat malicious
Security Reports
Stay informed with personalized security reports every 30 days.
hacker threat malicious
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

hacker threat malicious
Web Shield
Helps block dangerous downloads and malicious websites from injecting malware onto your Mac.
hacker threat malicious
Email Shield
Can prevent you from sending and receiving malicious email attachments.
hacker threat malicious
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. Macs and Macbooks can get viruses like any other device. And while many people think their Apple computers are protected, your Mac is not immune to  malware, and so it's certainly vulnerable to attacks.

As we see more and more computer viruses 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 reliable cleanup tool to clean out junk files, browser cookies, and more.


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

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

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 tool 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. 

Visit our Support Center for more FAQs

You might also be interested in...

Free
Avast Mobile Security for iOS
iOS
Get digital protection and a VPN created just for iPhones and iPads.
Free
Avast Secure Browser
Windows Mac Android iOS
Enjoy safer, faster browsing, block more ads, and strengthen your online privacy.
Avast Premium Security
Windows Mac Android iOS
Get comprehensive antivirus protection, shop and bank more safely online, and avoid ransomware more easily.

Get security tips for your Mac, straight from the experts

Get security tips for your Mac, straight from the experts

Avast Security for Mac

Think different about Mac security

Also available for PCAndroid, and iOS

30-day money-back guarantee