Many Mac users wonder if they need extra antivirus software. The answer depends on what you use your Mac for and where you're using it from.
The macOS operating system is tightly controlled and uses sandboxed apps that are highly resistant to breaches. It also comes with a built-in antivirus program called Xprotect that offers basic protection. For most home users, or for business users already protected by their organization's premium antivirus software, these features should offer adequate security.
On the other hand, those who use their Macs for high-risk activities like Dark Web research, investigative reporting, illegal media sharing, and political activism require advanced security features that Xprotect lacks. Free Mac antivirus software from third-party providers sometimes include extra utilities like password managers or junk file removers as well, appealing to users who need a more complete solution.
In this article, I test and compare the top six free antivirus software providers for Mac based on protection capabilities, performance, and usability to help you choose the right solution for your use case.
The table below compares the six best free antivirus software providers for Mac based on common features. However, this doesn't tell the whole story -- keep reading for complete reviews that also consider crucial factors like safety, performance, and ease-of-use.
Most businesses don't need an additional free Mac antivirus, because the Xprotect software that comes with macOS is more than sufficient. For those who do need added protection, it's important to analyze your specific pain points and look for a free tool that will solve them. For example, if you need help cleaning up after a known virus infection, Malwarebytes is your best option because it catches unusual viruses missed by other tools. If you're performing a lot of high-risk activities on the internet and need beefier security than Mac's built-in utility, then Bitdefender is a great all-around scanner that won't slow down your machine with unnecessary features or processes.
SEE: 5 Tips for Securing Data When Using a Personal Mac for Work (TechRepublic)
I performed hands-on testing of all the antivirus products on this list, so I could analyze their features, ease-of-use (including uninstalling), and performance impacts. When applicable, I reviewed the results of independent audits to rate the products on their virus detection accuracy. I also browsed Reddit and customer review sites to gain insights into what they like and dislike about each tool and how they perform over time.