Antivirus software is the best solution to remove various kinds of malware and suspected threats from your device. Despite being one of the most secure operating devices, it can still become vulnerable due to the sneaking of suspicious attackers into your system. Keeping it secure from such threats is a necessity at all times. Antivirus software detects viruses and provides real-time protection against malicious threats emerging from different kinds of viruses.
Among many options, choosing the best free antivirus is a difficult task. Enterprises and users need to have sufficient knowledge of antivirus programs, as it will help them make informed decisions. Some free antiviruses offer numerous features that sometimes surpass the need to subscribe to premium plans. This guide outlines the most recommended free antivirus programs.
Top Free Antivirus for Mac in the UK 2025
Apple Mac devices are among the most secure, but they still sometimes require protection against different types of malicious threats attacks. some of the top free antivirus for Mac are as follow:
Avast
Avast is one of the best free antivirus in the UK, for Mac. It provides robust protection against various kinds of phishing attacks and malware attempts. By leveraging its real-time protection, users can stay one step ahead of the security landscape. Avast's malware engine helps scan your entire system and connect external drives.
Features
- Web shield and mail shield help block malicious sites, email, etc
- Scans the home network and identifies potential vulnerabilities
- Block viruses, spyware, Trojans, and other malware in real-time
- Browser security alerts that keep you informed about unsafe sites
- User-friendly interface and consumes less storage
- Intelligent firewall for Mac devices
Avira
Avira Antivirus with a password manager feature prevents robust inclusion of viruses along with a password manager that strengthens credentials security. Other features include a cloud-based malware scanner, along with other benefits such as real-time protection, basic system tune-up, a password manager, and a VPN. Hence, Avira is the best free antivirus protection for Mac due to its remarkable features without paying a dime.
Avira is one of the best free Mac antivirus as its scanner detects various types of viruses, including spyware, trojans, and ransomware. Another feature is that Avira is cloud-based, which means that any background app will run smoothly without interruption.
Features
- Real-time scanner blocks malware files and other kinds of viruses
- A browser safety extension that blocks various types of phishing attacks and unwanted cookies
- A junk learner tool that removes unnecessary files and frees up some space
AVG
AVG is the best free Mac antivirus as its anti-malware engine effectively prevents various types of malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Other features include AVG's online protection against unsafe websites, links, downloads, and email attachments. AVG's best free antivirus protection for Mac is largely attributed to its outstanding features.
Features
- Real-time protection helps block viruses, ransomware, and other similar threats.
- Safe browsing helps block malicious websites and downloads to keep the device safe.
- Full Mac-scan performs in-depth scanning of Mac devices
- Scan external devices for threats
Bitdefender
Bitdefender
Lightweight, reliable, and built to safeguard your Mac from every online threat.
Bitdefender is one of the best antivirus software in the UK, offering a wide range of features. This free antivirus is the best solution to scan your devices against malicious attacks. The standout feature of Bitdefender is its critical location scan, which targets the areas on your devices that are more likely to have malicious threats.
The other scan option for Bitdefender is Deep System Scan, which ensures an in-depth scan of Mac devices. The third option is custom locations, which can only perform scanning for specific files and folders. These in-depth scanning features of Bitdefender make it the best free antivirus protection for Mac users.
Features
- Real-time protection protects against suspected threats
- Adware blocking prevents ads, pop-ups, banners, etc
- On-demand scanning
- Comprehensive threat detection keeps malicious attackers out of the Mac device.
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes Antivirus with a VPN offers robust malware detection and removal, working as both anti-malware and antivirus. Malwarebytes offers various scan types, including a full scan and a custom scan, and its threat scan features help users search for areas where Mac-specific malware may hide. On the other hand, custom scan features are best for scanning a single or an entire Mac device.
Features
- Dark web monitoring alerts users of potential identity fraud and exposure of personal information.
- Holistic scanning of the Mac device, ensuring device safety
- Real-time protection of Mac devices against kinds of malware, spyware, and other virus threats
- Cloud protection that automatically transfers suspected files to the cloud for analysis
FAQs
Do I Really Need Antivirus Software on a Mac?
Yes, although macOS has robust built-in security features, new malware and phishing attacks continue to target Mac users. Antivirus software adds an extra layer of protection against these evolving threats.
Will a Free Antivirus Slow Down My Mac?
Most modern free antivirus programs are lightweight and designed to minimise performance impact. However, some may use more system resources during full scans. Choosing a trusted, well-optimised antivirus ensures your Mac stays both secure and fast.
Macs are often perceived as more secure than Windows systems, but they are not immune to cyber threats. Free antivirus tools for Mac provide an essential layer of defence against malware, phishing, and spyware, all without incurring any costs. Utilising anti-phishing tools and services provides an additional layer of security for your system. Pairing it with advanced security solutions such as Manage Engine Ransomware Protection Plus and Manage Engine Malware Protection Plus ensures foolproof data security. The right solution depends on your needs, whether it's real-time scanning, ransomware protection, or system performance optimisation.
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