Norton Security is the best antivirus software if you have computers that run different operating systems. It offers the same level of protection to both Mac and Windows machines, easily detects threats on both, and even detects and removes some Windows malware hidden on Mac machines. These are the best free antivirus software programs for Windows that protect against spyware, Trojans, keyloggers, viruses, malicious URLs, and more.
- Free Virus Removal Software For Mac Os X
- Virus Removal Software
- Best Free Mac Virus Removal
- Best Mac Os Antivirus
if your computer is infected by malware already then you need some anti malware software to remove malware. Here we give you some Best Free Malware Removal 2019 program that really works and those anti malware software can able to remove spyware and malware perfectly from your computer. Malware removal software takes important part to secure our computer. They can detect all the attacked or store malware on our computer and can destroy them. Now a time lots of best malware removal software 2019 are available but some of them are free and some more needs to pay money. Basically it depends on feature.
There are also many good anti malware programs that you can get completely free, whose are providing lots of features and they already become very popular. But this time it took time to find out those malware removal software that can be able to remove all types of malware from your computer so we researched about it and made a top 15 best malware, spyware and adware remover software list.
17 Best Free Malware Removal 2019 for Windows 10/8/8.1/7 & Mac OS X:
#01. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Pro/Free
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is another best malware protection and anti malware service provider. It has good attractive user interface. It can detect root kits, spyware, worm, Trojans and many more.
After running it you can do a malware scan and it’s important to do first scan. You can do scan scheduled when you want it. It is the most downloaded anti-malware software and it goes 100 million + downloads.
So now you can think why people download this malware protection software? Then answer will be best. It has a great capacity that when you are on safe mode, you can install it and it’s using latest advanced technology to provide guaranteed security. Malwarebytes anti malware is a free ransomware removal and protection tool. it can remove Ransomware malware perfectly.
So if your antivirus is failed to detect any hidden thread, after that you can try by it hopefully you will have got it. So If you are interested to use any one top malware removal software for free, you can use malwarebytes technology to remove and protect your PC from malware.
Price: Free, Paid/Premium Version is Also Available at 39.99$. But Malware bytes free version doesn’t provide real time protection. you need to scan your PC for detecting malware. but Premium version has a 14 days free trial.
Supported OS: Windows 10/8/8.1/windows 7, Mac and Android.
Supported OS: Windows 10/8/8.1/windows 7, Mac and Android.
Download and Know More About >> Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Pro Tip: To remove malware from your windows or mac computer, Just install malware bytes premium 14 days trial version and scan full computer for malware. After detecting malware, Just delete or disable malware to your PC.
02# MalwareFox Anti Malware Pro/Free:
MalwareFox can remove all kinds of sophisticated malware which are beyond the reach of traditional antivirus. Reason we have selected it at #1 position is its lightweight footprint on system and low resource usage. It is the best second opinion scanner as far as the competitors are concerned.
You can download it for free which offers 15 Days of premium protection. In this period you get premium features like real-time protection from adware, spyware, ransomware and all kind of threats. Good thing about MalwareFox is that it can remove infection even in Trial period which is rare in this range of products. Some products only detect in free trial but ask to pay in order to remove.
Browser cleanup feature is something worth mentioning as it can get rid of annoying pop up ads and other nuisance adware on web browser. It can remove harmful extensions, search redirects and more. Rootkit and Bootkit protection module doesn’t only remove them but also can repair the damaged files.
I was able to make it run without any problem on my Pentium 4 PC with less than 2 GB RAM which I think is amazing if you consider that the same PC can’t even handle Youtube at 320P. RAM usage of the application is around 50-100 MB with real-time protection turned on. Installer is just 5 MB in size which is really surprising considering the package has whole lot of security module integrated.
Price: Coming to Price point, it costs just $9.95 to protect single computer ($29.95 for 3 PCs License) for 1 year. Let me know if there is any other competitor offering such level of features at this price. In short, MalwareFox is worth more than the money spent on it.
Download and Know More: MalwareFox Anti Malware here.
#03. Emsisoft Anti Malware / Emergency Kit Free
You can use it on infected PC without any tension because it has complete ability to find out malware and clean up from infected computer. It is a good virus removal software and it is also available as portable use for them who want to use it from USB storage device like pen drive.
Emsisoft Emergency Kit Free is very powerful tool and can update its emergency kit to detect latest malware.
You can also manage and control your whole system by managing services, host file, auto runs, drivers, processes and many more. It has a quick user interface and can also do multiple things quickly. You can configure it also as you want. Some additional is features are available on paid license but freeware is also fine. So if you like it you can press the download link given below.
Price: Free, Paid Version is Also Available at 39.95$.
Supported OS: Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, windows 10
Download and Know More About >> Emsisoft Emergency Kit
Supported OS: Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, windows 10
Download and Know More About >> Emsisoft Emergency Kit
#04. Zemana Antimalware
Zemana AntiMalware is an online malware scanner. It is a second opinion cloud based malware scanner but it doesn’t provide real-time protection in free version. It can remove malware, root kits, annoying toolbars or browser add-ons and unwanted apps. It doesn’t slow down your PC.
This program has a smaller installer size and has super fast scan time with an easier user interface. It also can neutralize Viruses, Trojans, Malware, Rootkits, Worms, Spyware and Adware very easily. This malware software can give you best Ransomware malware Protection.
Zemana increased zero hour detection rates for all kinds of virus and malware. It reduced detection time for any new virus outbreaks. This program is very easy to use. The price of Zemana AntiMalware is at $19.99 per year for 1 PC. Let’s know about Zemana Anti malware Features:
- Real Time Protetion, Fast scanning and protection of future malware and Virus
- Effective Bootkit & Rootkit Remediator
- Adware / Browser Cleanup: Get rid of annoying browser add on, unwanted tool bar and apps . Good adware cleaner ability.
Price: 19$ / Free
Free Version is also available. but you cant get Ransomware Protection and Real Time Protection on Zemana Anti malware free Version.
Supported OS: Windows 10/7/8/8.1/XP (32 and 64bit)
Download Zemana Antimalware
#05. Hitman Pro Alert/ Hitman Malware Removal Free:
Hitman Pro is one of the most popular malware removal tools. Its best for detecting latest malware and threats like Ransomware. It can quickly scan your PC. It also tests suspicious files against any multiple antivirus. It does not conflict while you run other security software at once.
Its Signature less, forensics based scanner provides you the great protection against malware, Trojans, Spyware, Viruses etc. It is only a scan tool. It has not any real time protection against malware infections.
This program doesn’t require any installation process. You can run and boot from USB flash drive.
Hitman Pro is very easy to use and fast malware removal tool. It has free onetime 30 day License code. Use this best free anti malware software to forget about malware.
Price: 24.95$, 30 Days Free Trial Version is Also available.
Supported OS: Hitman Pro is compatible with Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10.
#06. RogueKiller Anti Malware
RogueKiller is another best free malware remover. It can scan, detect and destroy malware from your computer perfectly. It terminates all the running or stopped malware process and can also find out that software which are affected with malware. You can do a complete free malware scan of your computer.
It has also big ability to find out hidden malicious process and can also blocks their process. You can restore your patched system and hosts file easily. It is a light and provide low impact on process so you have no need to worry about at all. So if you want to download it please follow the link given below.
Tip: Download its Free Version and Activate Pro Version 30 Days Trial to get full Features. Its a very effective tool to remove malware. Just Install and Remove already infected malware from your PC the easiest way.
Price: Free, Pro Version is also available at 19$. Pro version has a 30 Days Trial.
Supported OS: Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, windows 10 (both 32 and 64 bit)
Download and Know More About >> RogueKiller Anti Malware
Supported OS: Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, windows 10 (both 32 and 64 bit)
Download and Know More About >> RogueKiller Anti Malware
#07. Spybot Search & Destroy
Spybot Search and destroy is another popular malware protection and removal tool. It fixes all the files from malware and also finds malware from host files and always keep you secure. You can control it as you want.
It scans all the files quick and check everything. Its a free malware scanner, but it works great to remove spyware, virus and malware from your computer. No malware can be hide in cookies, processes, registry and on your computer’s local files. It supports all type of windows operating system so no need to worry about installation.
Price: Free, Paid Version is Also Available at 9.99$/13.99$.
Supported OS: Windows 7/ windows 8.1/8, windows 10
Download and Know More About >> Spybot Search & Destroy
Supported OS: Windows 7/ windows 8.1/8, windows 10
Download and Know More About >> Spybot Search & Destroy
#08. 9-Lab Removal Tool
9 Lab Removal is handy and free malware protection tool which helps to detect any type of malware quick and can remove it from your computer. You can do multiple type of scan named quick scan, flash scan, full scan and custom scan. After the scan harmful infections will be stored on quarantine or may be removed, It’s depend on your settings.
You can check your all time logs for getting more information about your process. You can update your software from update option to get more improved and latest database. After all it is a great security tool and if you want to keep your computer secure by it then you can follow the link given below.
Price: Free
Best games for mac pro. Supported OS: Windows 10, 7, 8 (64bit and 32bit)
Download and Know More About >> 9-Lab Removal Tool
#09. Panda Cloud Cleaner
Panda cloud cleaner is another good and free handy malware removal tool. It works fine using latest active scan cleaner technologies and cloud scan technologies. We know that Panda provides world’s top class security with guaranty and it is one of the smaller service they provide.
It is one of the best online malware removal service, you can make a free online malware scan from panda cloud cleaner. You need to download panda cloud cleaner, install it to any usb flash drive, then you can perform a free malware scan in any computer with this panda flash drive. you don’t need to install panda cloud cleaner again and again for individual computer.
If you are already infected, then you can also try it because it loves to destroy malware while they are in action. There hasn’t enough chance to hide any malware because they have highest possibility to detect and remove them.
You will get some advanced tools and highly usable advanced options to use it. You can also stop transferring malware by USB drives.
There is also a best malware software available from panda, it is called panda antivirus pro or Panda Internet Security. Now if you interested to download it then you can go to the download link which is given below:
Price: Free, Paid Version is Also Available.
Supported OS: Windows 10/ windows 8.1/8, windows 7
#11. Ad-Aware Antivirus+ Free/Pro:
Ad-Adware Free Antivirus+ is a free Antivirus and Anti Malware software. This PC security software comes with virus, spyware, malware and adware protection. Also it has real time malware and antivirus protection in the free version. Ad Adware Antivirus can also scans your downloaded files. Because any types of downloaded files may be comes with malware or virus. Web Protection features gives you away from harmful or unwanted malware spread website. This anti virus software doesn’t slow down your PC.
Ad-Aware Antivirus+ Free Benefits:
- Both Antivirus and Anti Malware Protection
- Adware and Malware Cleanner
- Malware Sandbox Emulator
- Safe Browsing keep safe your PC from malicious or harmful website
- Legendary Antispyware Protection
- Real Time Protection in Free Version
- Firewall Protection
Pro Version Benefits: Adware Pro gives you anti-phishing features and real-time web-filtering technology so you can browse save at online. Also Keep your PC safe from phishing attacks and online scamsso you can shop and bank online safely.
Tip: If you want to get a free antivirus and anti malware software with Real Time Protection. Then Ad Adware Antivirus + Free Version is the best for you.
Download and Know More: Ad Adware Antivirus+ Free here
#12. IObit Malware Fighter Free/Pro
Iobit Malware Fighter is a effective anti-malware and antivirus software so if you use it, you have no need to use any other antivirus because you are getting others services here. It is a lightweight antivirus and easy to use.
You can update automatically by using it to detect latest threads also. It’s a effective free antivirus and malware removal software that can be remove virus and malware very well. So now if you want to getting touch with it then you can continue with the download link.
Price: Pro Version Price is 19.95$. Free Version is Also Available with Real Time Protection. So it’s one of the best free malware removal tools.
Supported OS: windows 8, windows 7 and Windows 10 (64bit and 32bit)
Download and Know More About >> IObit Malware Fighter
(Get Iobit Malware Fighter Pro Version License Key)
Compression of Malware Protection Software 2018: Free VS Paid:
Trial Version Available of Pro Version | Real Time Malware Protection in Free Version | Ransomware Protection Available | Features: | |
MawareBytes Pro | Yes, 14 Days. Free Version Available | No.Price: 40$ | Yes,Very Good(Pro Only) | Antivirus, Anti Malware, Safe Browsing, RootKit, Adware Cleanner |
MalwareFox Anti Malware Pro | Yes, 15 Days. Free Version Available | No.Price: 10$ | Yes,Very Good(Pro Only) | Anti Malware, Safe Browsing, RootKit, Bootkit & Adware Cleanner |
Emsisoft Antimalware | Yes, 30 Days. No Free Version. | Free Version Not Available.Price: 40$ | Yes,Very Good(Pro Only) | Antivirus, Malware Protection, Safe Browsing, RootKit & Adware Cleanner |
Ad Aware + Antivirus Free | Yes, 30 Days. Free Version Avilable, | Yes.Price: 37$ | Not, but Some | Antivirus, Anti Malware, Safe Browsing, & Adware Cleanner |
Iobit Malware Fighter Free | Yes, Free Version Avilable, | Yes.Price: 20$ | Not, but Some in Free. Pro Version Has | Malware Protection, Real Time Protection on Free Version |
SpyBot Search & Destroy Pro | No. Free Version Avilable. | Yes.Price: 10$ | Pro Only, Good protection | Antivirus, Anti-Malware, Rootkit, Adware Cleaner, Safe Browsing |
RogueKiller Anti Malware | Yes, 30 Days. Free Version Available, | No.Price: 19$ | Not, Removal only | free Malware Scanner, best for infected Malware Removal, Rootkit & Adware remover |
13. Super Anti Spyware:
Super Anti Spyware is another easy user interfaced used advanced malware remover tool. It can detect any type of malware and can permanently eliminate them. You can do three type of scans by using it, they are Flash scan, Quick scan and full scan. Before start scan you can do another choice to scan well know file extensions. You can update this software for using more improved version and can trace and do some tasks on schedule.
This software is available on multiple languages so if your favorite languages listed below then you can change it also. Some utilities also available on this software so overall it is a great anti-malware software and interested personal can download it by following link. its a great software for remove spyware, malware and adware from your computer. If you want to remove spyware adware or malware, you can depend on SuperAntispyware. Super Anti Spyware is work for both spyware protection and removal.
Price: Free, Paid Version is also available
Supported OS: Windows 10/7, 8/8.1 (64bit and 32bit)
Download and Know More About >> Super Anti Spyware
Supported OS: Windows 10/7, 8/8.1 (64bit and 32bit)
Download and Know More About >> Super Anti Spyware
#10. Comodo Cleaning Essentials
Comodo done all the process immediately like identify any malware faster than other malware removal tools. It not only stops all the malware but it also works to stop any unreliable threads like any service process or software.
Comodo Cleaning Essentials is a strong tool and another good service provider of Comodo. We all know that on security market comodo has lots of best and popular products. As a Cleaning essentials you can use it also on portable version so no need to install it and can run it from any removal storage such as memory card. So after install when you will open it, can see some scanning mode.
You can choose what you need know. It uses all the latest technology to increase the detection rate higher and it has the feature to detect using cloud technology.
On cloud technology it’s almost impossible to stay avoided from detection. So no need to tell any more about, If you like you can go to get it by clicking the link given below.
Price: Free, Paid Version is Also Available.
Supported OS: Windows 10/8/8.1/windows 7 and Mac
Download and Know More About >> Comodo cleaning Essentials
Supported OS: Windows 10/8/8.1/windows 7 and Mac
Download and Know More About >> Comodo cleaning Essentials
#13. eScanAV Anti-Virus Toolkit
![Software Software](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126050140/678655498.jpg)
It is another best free portable malware virus cleaner toolkit to protect your computer and it works fine to find out and clean any type of spyware, malware, viruses and others harmful things. You can run it from any CD / DVD drive and other external removal storages.
It supports all the windows operating system so no need to worry it will work or not. It updates daily so that it can easily caught any latest threads. So if you interested to keep using it then you can follow the download link and start using it.
Price: Free, Paid Version is Also Available.
Supported OS: windows 8, 7 and Windows 10 (64bit and 32bit)
Download and Know More About >> eScanAV Anti-Virus Toolkit
#14. Avira PC Cleaner
Avira PC Cleaner is another free handy anti-malware Tool. By using it you can detect all threads they are risky and harmful for your computer. By using it you can also eliminate them. After install you can do two important action they are full scan and quick scan.
Avira PC Cleaner any threads detected, then you can see on the screen and can take the proper action about it. To be more secure you can use any best antivirus between it. After using a lot you can see the total threads detection, scanned files and the number of removed files. So you can easily think how service you are getting. SO if you want to use it, then you can follow the link.
Price: Free, Paid Version is Also Available.
Supported OS: Windows 10, 7, 8 (64bit and 32bit)
Download and Know More About >> Avira PC Cleaner
#15. Kaspersky TDSSKiller:
Kaspersky TDSSKiller is a free utility to detect and remove Trojans and root-kits only. It is created by Kaspersky Lab. It offers user-friendly interface and quick scans. It can be run in both Safe Mode and Normal Mode. This program can also remove ZeroAccess or ZeroAccess rootkit.
Users can download TDSSKiller as an EXE or Zip file. The executable file contains on that Zip file. You can download EXE file directly. But if your internet connection or computer software doesn’t allow direct download then you can only download the Zip file.
TDSSKiller supports both 32-bit and 64-bit operation systems. It has wonderful graphical user interface. This program is not a substitute for Internet Security or Antivirus software protection. So, to keep your PC secure, you should install Antivirus or a best Internet Security software.
Price: Free
Supported OS: Windows XP, Vista, windows 7, Windows Server 2008 (all both 64 bit and 32 bit)
More information & Download: Kaspersky TDSSKiller here
TDSSKiller supports both 32-bit and 64-bit operation systems. It has wonderful graphical user interface. This program is not a substitute for Internet Security or Antivirus software protection. So, to keep your PC secure, you should install Antivirus or a best Internet Security software.
Price: Free
Supported OS: Windows XP, Vista, windows 7, Windows Server 2008 (all both 64 bit and 32 bit)
More information & Download: Kaspersky TDSSKiller here
15. Kingsoft Antivirus
Kingsoft Antivirus is another good and handy best anti-malware and antivirus software. With this free software you can provide protection against all kind of malware, viruses, Trojans, worms, root kits, adware and many more harmful threads. It is really good antivirus software which provides best security to detect malware also.
It is really very effective anti-malware and antivirus software so if you use it, you have no need to use any other antivirus because you are getting others services here. It is a lightweight antivirus and easy to use. You can update automatically by using it to detect latest threads also. So now if you want to getting touch with it then you can continue with the download link.
Price: Free, Paid Version is also available (Kingsoft Internet Security)
Supported OS: Windows 7, 8/8.1 (64bit and 32bit)
Download and Know More About >> Kingsoft Antivirus
17. McAfee Stinger
It is another free and lightweight to use. It scans whole the computer for infections and fixes all the infected files easily. It not only detects malware but also viruses, rootkits Trojans and many more.
You can use it as a portable version just run the executable file and accept that you are agreed with the license and program policy. Now start the scan. We will recommend you not to use it as a antivirus also because it is not a full antivirus suite. You can use it beside an antivirus. So if you want to solve infection you can try this software.
Download Link
18. Combofix
Combofix is very simple malware and spyware removal tool. You can do complete auto scan by using it. You can monitor your whole computer also by using it. It scans your computer to find out any type of malware if available. It uses windows interface to do more secure and it does not take any impact on your computer. It runs smoothly.
If any harmful threads seen while scanning it will ask you which type of action you want and after the confirmation it will take the action. So now if you interested about it you can use it by clicking here.
Price: Free
Supported OS: Windows 7, 8/8.1 (64bit and 32bit)
Download and Know More About >> Combofix
How to Protect your PC from Malware, Spyware, Adware and Virus:
At last, an important advice, to be more secure you can install a best internet security software and it will help you to stop connecting with any other malware. So you have no need to worry. If you already affected, then you need a malware and spyware cleaning tool and a PC security software also. You can install twice (one is your antivirus software and other is an anti-malware program ) for more security. You can also visit our friend’s website to get more best antivirus and anti-malware software for PC.
Hopefully, you read all the 15 best malware removal 2018 description and now it’s time to choose the one for you and you know that which one will provide best service for you. Choose and enjoy it. if you want to get totally free anti malware software then you can choose avg free antivirus and avira free antivirus. but above paid anti-malware software works best. Thanks for enjoying it.
Imteaj Robin
Best Free Malware Removal 2017
5
Related Posts
Even Macs Need Antivirus Protection
You heard it on the TV—Macs don't get viruses. And like much of what you hear on the TV, this isn't true. Sure, macOS is intrinsically more secure than Windows or Android, but Mac-centered malware totally exists. The time to think about protecting your Mac is now, not after you've lost all your important documents to ransomware. If you're picking a Mac antivirus for the first time, don't worry. Our reviews will help you make an informed choice.
Free Virus Removal Software For Mac Os X
As with Windows antivirus tools, the most common price is just under $40 per year for a single license. ProtectWorks is unusual in that a single $29.95 payment lets you protect all the Macs in your household, with no subscription needed. McAfee goes beyond that, with a $59.99 per year subscription that protects all your Macs, PCs, Android, and iOS devices. With Sophos Home Premium, $60 per year lets you install and remotely manage protection on 10 Macs or PCs. At the high end, you pay $99.99 per year for a three-license subscription to Intego Mac Internet Security X9.
You may have heard that macOS Mojave, the latest macOS, advances the platform's privacy and security. Safari on Mojave automatically blocks ads and social media trackers. The built-in password manager does more than ever. And when AppleScript apps try to access internal macOS features, Mojave makes them wait until you give permission. But nothing we've seen suggests that upgrading to Mojave will obviate the need for an antivirus utility.
Free Mac Antivirus Protection
There's another angle to the variation in Mac antivirus pricing. How about paying nothing at all? Avast Security (for Mac), AVG AntiVirus for Mac, Avira Free Antivirus for Mac, and Sophos Home Free (for Mac) are totally free for personal use, although Sophos technically limits you to three devices, macOS or Windows. AVG also offers free antivirus for Mac, but until its phishing protection improves we can't recommend it. The best commercial products offer more protection but if you can't afford the best, at least install a free antivirus.
What's Not Here
Every macOS antivirus that earned 3.5 stars or better appears in the chart above. Another half-dozen managed a decent three-star rating, but there isn't room for another six products. I chose to favor three products that originated on the Mac platform, ClamXAV and Intego Mac Internet Security. Everything else being equal, there's surely some virtue in loyalty to macOS.
Avast Security Pro (for Mac), ESET Cyber Security (for Mac), and Malwarebytes for Mac Premium also earned three stars, as did the Mac-specific ProtectWorks AntiVirus. However, ProtectWorks, ESET, and Malwarebytes don't have any lab results at present, and with Avast, you might as well use the free edition, because you don't get a lot more by paying. These four didn't quite make it into the chart. The names Avast, ESET, and Malwarebytes are well known in Windows circles. If you're using a Windows security product from one of these companies, it makes sense to do the same on your Macs.
Virus Removal Software
Malware Protection Lab Certifications
When you go to select a new washer, refrigerator, or other appliance, chances are good you research it first. User reviews can be helpful, as long as you discard the very best and very worst of them. But actual test results performed by an independent lab give you more reliable information. Two large labs include macOS antivirus products in their testing, but the slate of products for testing is variable. When we first rounded up Mac antivirus products, all those in the chart below had at least one certification, but at present, many of them don't appear in either lab's test results.
The researchers at AV-Test Institute evaluate Mac antivirus products on three criteria: protection, performance, and usability. A product can earn up to six points for each. Protection against malware protection is essential, of course, as is a low impact on performance. A high usability score reflects a small number of false positives, legitimate programs and websites identified as dangerous. Several products achieved a perfect 18 points, all six points for all three criteria.
In the macOS malware test by AV-Comparatives, most charted products scored 100 percent. This lab, too, included a test using malware aimed at Windows. Yes, these samples can't affect a computer running macOS, but they could conceivably escape to Windows machines on the network. Scores in the Windows malware test ranged from zero to 100 percent, which is quite a span.
Results in macOS-specific tests have a much smaller point spread than in tests of Windows antivirus utilities. It's good that many products in the chart received at least one certification for Mac protection, and even better that some received two certifications.
Hands-On Phishing Protection Testing
When we test malware protection on Windows, we use live malware inside an isolated virtual machine. We've coded a number of analysis tools over the years to help with this testing. Little of that testing regimen carries over to the Mac.
Phishing, however, isn't platform-specific, and neither is our antiphishing test. Phishing websites imitate secure sites, everything from banks and finance sites to gaming and dating sites. If you enter your credentials at the fake login page, you've given the phisher access to your account. And it doesn't matter if you are browsing on a PC, a Mac, or an internet-aware sewing machine.
Almost all the products in the chart below include protection against malicious and fraudulent sites. With ClamXAV and Intego, this just isn't an included feature. Malwarebytes and ProtectWorks also lack an antiphishing component.
The wily malefactors who create phishing sites are in the business of deception, and they constantly change and update their techniques, hoping to evade detection. If one fraudulent site gets blacklisted or shut down by the authorities, they simply pop up with a new one. That being the case, we try to use the very newest phishing URLs for testing, scraping them from phishing-focused websites.
We launch each URL simultaneously in four browsers. One is Safari or Chrome on the Mac, protected by the Mac antivirus that's under test. The other three use the protection built into Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Discarding any that don't fit the phishing profile, and any that don't load correctly in all four browsers, we report the product's detection rate as well as the difference between its detection rate and that of the other three test systems.
Best Free Mac Virus Removal
Most of the products in this roundup beat the combined average of the three browsers. Kaspersky and McAfee top the list with 100 percent detection, while Bitdefender's score of 99 percent comes close behind. All three of these winners scored precisely the same when tested under Windows.
Ransomware Protection
The scourge of ransomware is on the rise. While ransomware attacks are more common on Windows devices, Macs have suffered as well. Of course, any antivirus utility should handle ransomware just as it handles spyware, Trojans, viruses, and other malware types. But since the consequences of missing a ransomware attack are so great, some security products add components with the sole purpose of preventing ransomware attacks.
We've observed a wide variety of ransomware protection techniques on Windows. These include blocking unauthorized access to user documents, detecting ransomware based on its activity, and recovering encrypted files from backup. Of the products listed here, Bitdefender and Trend Micro offer a ransomware component that blocks unauthorized modification of protected documents.
As with Bitdefender's Windows edition, the Safe Files feature prevents all unauthorized access to your documents. On a Mac, it also protects your Time Machine backups. Trend Micro offers multiple layers of Windows ransomware protection. Folder Shield, which, like Safe Files, prevents unauthorized document access, is the only layer that made its way to the macOS edition.
Sophos Home Premium includes the same CryptoGuard behavior-based ransomware protection found in its Windows equivalent. Our Windows test sytsems are virtual machines, so we feel free to release real-world ransomware for testing. We just roll back the virtual machine to a clean snapshot after testing. We don't have the option to do that on the physical Mac testbed, so we just have to figure that since it worked on Windows, it probably works on macOS.
Spyware Protection
Any kind of malware problem is unpleasant, but spyware may be the most unnerving. Imagine some creeper secretly peeking at you through your Mac's webcam! Other types of spying include logging keystrokes to capture your passwords, sending Trojans to steal your personal data, and watching your online activities to build a profile. As with ransomware protection, we've observed more features specifically devoted to spyware protection on Windows-based security products than on the Mac, but a few products in this collection do pay special attention to spyware.
Under Windows, Kaspersky's Safe Money feature opens sensitive sites in a secure browser that's hardened against outside interference. The Safe Money feature on the Mac doesn't do that, but it does check URLs to make sure you're on a legitimate secure site. Kaspersky offers an onscreen keyboard, so you can enter passwords with no chance of capture by a keylogger. Its webcam protection isn't as configurable as it is on Windows, but you can use it to disable your Mac's webcam whenever you're not using it. It even includes the ability to block advertisers and others from tracking your online activities. If spyware is your bugaboo, you'll like Kaspersky.
Sophos Home Premium offers protection for the webcam and microphone that's more substantial than Kaspersky's. You get a notification any time an untrusted program attempts to access either; you can allow access or stop the program. There's also an option to whitelist a program, so you don't get a popup every time you use your off-brand video chat tool.
Bonus Features
Many antivirus tools on Windows pack in a ton of bonus features, packing in everything from tune-up utilities to VPNs. That behavior seems less common on the macOS side, though Norton now includes a VPN with no bandwidth limits. Even so, some vendors don't have a standalone Mac antivirus, opting instead to offer a full security suite as the baseline level of protection, and a few others include suite-like bonus features in the basic antivirus.
A typical personal firewall component blocks attacks coming in from the internet and also manages network permissions for programs installed on your Mac. Intego, McAfee, and Norton each include a firewall component, while Kaspersky's Network Protection comes close.
Best Mac Os Antivirus
Parental control is another common suite component. With Sophos (free or premium) and Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac, a content filter can block access to websites matching unwanted categories. Kaspersky goes beyond that, with content filtering, screen time limits, and control over apps used. An additional $14.99 per year unlocks all the features of the powerful Kaspersky Safe Kids.
Protect Your Mac
Most of the products covered in this roundup earned certification from at least one independent testing lab; some managed two certifications. There really are no bad choices here, as far as basic antivirus protection goes. Even so, a few products stood out. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac not only achieved certification from both labs, it earned the maximum score in every test, and took the top antiphishing score. Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac also earned high scores. It offers a full suite of Mac security tools, at the same price competitors charge for basic antivirus protection. Symantec Norton 360 Deluxe (for Mac) is also a suite, and its features include a no-limits VPN. These three are our Editors' Choice winners for Mac antivirus protection.
Look over the reviews, pick the product that suits you best, and get your Mac protected. Once you've done that, you should also consider installing a Mac VPN. While an antivirus protects you, your devices, and your data locally, a VPN extends that protection to your online activities, protecting both your security and your privacy.
Editors' Note: We are aware of the allegations of Kaspersky's inappropriate ties to the Russian government. Until we see some actual proof of these allegations, we will treat them as unproven, and continue to recommend Kaspersky's security products as long as their performance continues to merit our endorsement.
-
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Review
MSRP: $39.99
Pros: Protects files and backups from ransomware. Top ratings from two independent testing labs. Excellent score in our antiphishing test. No-hassle Autopilot mode. Blocks ad trackers in browsers. Includes VPN.Cons: Full access to VPN features requires separate subscription.Bottom Line: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac gets top marks from the independent labs and in our own hands-on testing. With its handy Autopilot mode, you can set it, forget it, and have confidence that your Mac is protected against malware.Read Review -
Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac Review
MSRP: $39.99
Pros: Excellent scores from two independent testing labs. Kaspersky Safe Kids for parental control. Network protection. Perfect score in our antiphishing test. Privacy protection. Useful bonus tools.Cons: Safe Money and webcam protection features are limited compared to their Windows counterparts. Safe Kids and VPN require additional subscription for full functionality.Bottom Line: Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac excels in independent lab tests, and it goes far beyond mere antivirus, offering protection against network attacks, parental control, privacy protection, and many other useful features.Read Review -
Symantec Norton 360 Deluxe (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $99.99
Pros: Includes no-limits VPN. Certified by one independent testing lab. Fast scan. Firewall blocks exploit attacks. Cleans up unneeded files.Cons: Relatively expensive. Limited detection of Windows malware.Bottom Line: Symantec's Norton 360 Deluxe delivers lab-certified Mac antivirus protection along with a two-way firewall, a password manager, and a full-powered VPN.Read Review -
Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $39.99
Pros: Very fast full scan. Certified by one antivirus lab. Excellent phishing protection. Excellent detection of Windows malware. Marks dangerous links in search results.Cons: Lowest passing score in independent lab test.Bottom Line: Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus is by far the fastest Mac antivirus scanner we've seen, and it provides especially good phishing protection in our testing, too.Read Review -
F-Secure Safe (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $69.99
Pros: Very good scores from two testing labs. Simple cross-platform parental control. Quick full scan.Cons: Expensive at high numbers of licenses. So-so phishing protection.Bottom Line: F-Secure Safe for Mac gets high marks from two independent antivirus testing labs. It offers simple multi-device parental control, but it can't match the rich feature collections of the best Mac antivirus tools.Read Review -
McAfee AntiVirus Plus (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $59.99
Pros: Subscription covers unlimited macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Perfect score in antiphishing test. Includes simple personal firewall.Cons: No current test results from independent labs. Firewall no longer includes application control.Bottom Line: One subscription gives you unlimited licenses to protect all your Macs with McAfee AntiVirus Plus, and your Windows, Android, and iOS devices, too, and it aces our phishing protection test.Read Review -
Sophos Home Premium (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $60.00
Pros: Remote management. Webcam protection. Decent phishing protection. Ransomware protection. Simple parental control. Inexpensive.Cons: No independent lab test results. Parental content filter foiled by secure anonymizing proxy. Lacks exploit protection, download reputation check, keylogger protection, and other advanced features found in the Windows edition.Bottom Line: Sophos Home Premium offers Mac antivirus protection at a low price, but it lacks many advanced features found in the Windows edition and doesn't have verification from independent testing labs.Read Review -
Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Review
MSRP: $39.95
Pros: Certified by two antivirus testing labs. Speedy full scan. Social network privacy scan. Includes ransomware protection, webcam privacy, and parental control.Cons: Parental control foiled by secure anonymizing proxy. Very poor phishing protection score. Webcam privacy needs work. Social network privacy not fully functional. Licensing model not practical for all-Mac households.Bottom Line: Two major independent testing labs certify Trend Micro's ability to fight malware on your Mac. It comes with a boatload of bonus features, but some of those need work.Read Review -
Avast Security Pro (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $59.99
Pros: Certified by one independent testing lab. Speedy full scan. Excellent phishing protection for Chrome and Firefox. Useful bonus features. Ransomware protection. Wi-Fi intruder detection.Cons: Doesn't add much to free edition's features. Expensive. Poor phishing protection for Safari. Password manager includes only basic features.Bottom Line: Avast Security Pro (for Mac) adds ransomware protection and Wi-Fi intruder detection to the features found in Avast's free antivirus, but these additions don't merit its high price.Read Review -
ClamXav (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $29.95
Pros: Lab-certified for Mac malware protection. Scans for malware on demand, on access, and on schedule. Straightforward user interface.Cons: No filtering of malicious or fraudulent websites.Bottom Line: ClamXAV wraps the venerable, open source ClamAntiVirus engine in a straightforward user interface. It's lab-certified to protect your Mac, but doesn't go beyond the basics.Read Review -
ESET Cyber Security (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $39.99
Pros: Elaborate scan scheduling options. Good detection of Windows malware. Simple device control. Includes online cybersecurity training.Cons: Poor results in our hands-on antiphishing test. Slow scans in testing. No longer certified by independent labs.Bottom Line: Though it doesn't have current certification from independent testing labs, ESET Cyber Security offers comprehensive protection for your macOS devices plus cybersecurity training.Read Review -
Intego Mac Internet Security X9 Review
MSRP: $49.99
Pros: Certified by two labs for Mac malware protection. Includes full-featured firewall. Detects Mac, Windows, and Linux malware.Cons: Poor detection of Windows malware. No protection against malicious or fraudulent websites.Bottom Line: Intego Mac Internet Security X9 scores well in lab tests using Mac malware, and it offers firewall protection. But it fails against Windows malware and lacks protection against dangerous URLs.Read Review -
Malwarebytes for Mac Premium Review
MSRP: $39.99
Pros: Extremely fast malware scan. Very good reputation among tech experts.Cons: No protection against malicious or fraudulent websites. No detection of Windows malware.Bottom Line: The premium edition of Malwarebytes for Mac scans for active malware and uses real-time detection to prevent infestation. It has a very good reputation, but hard data showing its effectiveness is scarce.Read Review -
ProtectWorks AntiVirus (for Mac) Review
MSRP: $44.99
Pros: Certified for Mac protection by an independent testing lab. Scans on demand, on access, and on schedule.Cons: No web-based protection against malicious or fraudulent sites. Mediocre detection of Windows malware.Bottom Line: An independent lab verifies that ProtectWorks AntiVirus can keep your Mac safe from malware, but it lacks some useful features found in competing products.Read Review