free, paid and above all, is it necessary to have one installed?

Whether you’re new to Mac or have had it for several years, the question has probably crossed your mind: do I need antivirus on my Mac? On Windows, it’s absolutely necessary. However, the Mac has protection mechanisms that help us not to need to install them.

However, there may be special needs and specific cases in which it is advisable to install an antivirus on Mac. If this is the case, in this article we will recommend ten antiviruses for Mac. Some of them are free and others are paid. your needs. what you are looking for.

Is Antivirus Necessary for Mac?

The short answer is that in most cases it is not necessary, since the operating system of Apple integrates several layers of security that make it difficult for malware to enter. However, this does not mean that Macs are invulnerable. As the use of Apple products has increased, so has the amount of malware designed to attack macOS. For this reason, more and more users are choosing to install an antivirus on their Mac.

It is true that compared to Windows Mac security risks are lower. However, viruses can sneak in through unlicensed applications, fake web pages, or suspicious emails. So, if you are unsure about the security of the sites you visitthe programs you download or if you simply want to be prepared for any unforeseen security incidents, installing an antivirus can be a good idea.

Types of Antivirus for Mac

There are several antivirus options for Mac on the market, which can be divided mainly in two categories: free and paid

Free Antivirus for Mac

Avast Free Mac Security

Avast Free Mac Security is one of the most popular free antiviruses among Mac users. With a great reputation in the world of cybersecurity, Avast offers a remarkably high level of protection at no cost.

• Avast stands out with a rate of 99.17% threat detectionwhich positions it as one of the best in its category.
• In addition to malware protection, Avast includes an email scanning system that helps prevent threats from entering through messages and attachments. It also offers a Google Chrome extension that indicates whether a page is safe or potentially dangerous.

Avira Free Antivirus for Mac

Avira Free Antivirus is known for being a lightweight and easy-to-use security software. It is a great option for those looking for a free and effective antivirus without too many complications.

• Avira offers reasonable protection, with a rate of 93.33% detection for malware, which is quite high, although it does not reach the level of other competitors.
• This antivirus stands out for its low impact on system performance, especially during background scans.

AVG Antivirus Free

AVG Antivirus Free is ideal for those looking for an easy-to-use antivirus. AVG has been a leading antivirus in the IT industry for many years and its free version for Mac has everything you need.

• AVG offers a price of 99% detectionwhich places it among the best in terms of protection against malware.
• AVG focuses on malware protection and doesn’t offer many additional features. Its simplicity is one of its strong points, making it easy to use for any type of user.

Paid Antivirus for Mac

Kaspersky Internet Security

Kaspersky is one of the most recognized brands in the antivirus world, and its Mac version does not disappoint. Although it is not available in the United States, this paid antivirus offers near-perfect protection, as well as a wide range of additional features that justify its price.

• Kaspersky achieves rate of 99.17% detection. In addition to its malware protection, it includes a password manager, backups, and file encryption.
• One of Kaspersky’s most interesting features is its virtual keyboard, which protects against keyloggers, a type of malware that records what is typed on the keyboard. This is especially useful for preventing password theft.

Bitdefender Virus Scanner

Bitdefender is known for its high effectiveness in detecting malware and ransomware, making it one of the best paid antivirus options for Mac.

• Bitdefender has a 100% protection in AV tests, which places it as the leader in its category.
• One of the most notable features of Bitdefender is the ability to locate your device on a map, provided it is connected to the network. Something similar to Apple’s Find app.

Norton Security

Norton is one of the most recognizable names in the antivirus world. Although it is a bit more expensive than the other antiviruses on the list, Norton offers robust security with unique features.

• Norton offers excellent protection, with a rate of detection of 99.17% Malware. In addition, its phishing detection system is very effective.
• Norton includes a password manager, cloud backup, and VPN service in its security suite.

McAfee Internet Security

McAfee is another great brand that offers high protection along with a series of useful features for Mac users.

• McAfee offers a 100% protection in AV tests, similar to Bitdefender, making it one of the most secure options available.
• McAfee includes a feature called “Safe Family,” which is a fairly comprehensive parental control that’s great for keeping kids safe online. It also has ransomware protection and a VPN service.

Intego Mac Internet Security

Perhaps the least known of all. Intego is an antivirus designed specifically for Mac, which makes it particularly effective on this operating system. This antivirus is ideal for those of us who use Apple.

• Intego offers excellent protection against malware with a rate of 100% detection.
• Intego includes an intelligent firewall and network analysis system that protects against incoming attacks. Additionally, its Mac optimization tool helps improve device performance.

Sophos Home Security Free

Sophos Home Security Free is a great option for families or users who need to protect their Mac. This antivirus offers good protection and a few extra features that set it apart from others in its category.

• Sophos has a rate of 98.4% Malware Detectionvery effective for most users.
• It includes parental control, very useful to protect children when surfing the Internet.

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

We come to the last antivirus for Mac. Trend Micro is a paid antivirus that offers robust protection and a series of advanced features that make it stand out in the Mac antivirus market.

• Trend Micro offers a price of 100% detectionwhich places it among the best in terms of protection against malware.
• This antivirus includes protection against phishing and ransomware, as well as a parental control system that allows you to limit access to unwanted websites.

Choosing the right antivirus for your Mac is a big decision and with so many options, it’s normal to be unsure which one to choose. Maybe you can start with a free one then upgrade to a paid antivirus as your needs grow. Free options like Avast and Avira They offer basic but effective protection. If you want to upgrade to a paid service, Bitdefender or McAfee are two of the most used.

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