Best free anti-virus protection for Macs

[tonysimpsonart]

I'd be grateful if anyone can recommend a free anti-virus download. Thank you. Best wishes. Tony

 

[Lufbrarunner]

I have used Avast in the past and it has done the job

 

[Alan B]

I don’t use any 3rd party antivirus software anymore, relying on Apple’s built-in defences. I run Monterey on my Intel Mac and Ventura on my M1 Mac but I guess there’s justification if you are running old-ish versions of macOS though? For other non virus malware, MalwareBytes is a good choice plus a dedicated ad blocker app.

Protecting against malware in macOS

In macOS, malware defences are structured using the following: App Store, or Gatekeeper combined with Notarisation, and XProtect.

support.apple.com

 

[Greenman]

Down load the free version of "CleanMyMac X", it can keep your machine software in tip top condition, there's also a payed for version which has a few more goodies on it

CleanMyMac X: Make Your Mac As Good As New

Here’s the only legit tool for a health check, Mac speed up and protection. Get a smoothly-running system in no time — CleanMyMac X is incredibly easy to use. Get started for free.

cleanmymac.com

 

[Alan B]

I don’t think so

Is it ok to use Cleanmymac x? - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

 

[Pasquanel]

CleanMyMacX is a piece of crapware! Keep your Mac updated and you won't have any virus problems.

 

[DBM]

Mac user for 30 years. Never used anti-virus software nor had any viruses or Trojans. It is possible but much rarer than with windows. However, according to this article the risk is increasing.

Do Macs need antivirus software?

Wondering if you need antivirus for Mac? Macs can get viruses and there are protections in macOS to keep you safe - but it's wise to extend the protection.

www.macworld.com

 

[Willie1925]

I'd be grateful if anyone can recommend a free anti-virus download. Thank you. Best wishes. Tony

I use Bitdefender virus scanner its great and recommended by my computer guy who is an expert

 

[Greenman]

It maybe crapware! to you Pasquanel, you could be right, but as a general aid with its other bells and whistles it can do small clean up jobs on you Mac, so , what do you want from a FREE TOOL

 

[Bayer]

I'd be grateful if anyone can recommend a free anti-virus download. Thank you. Best wishes. Tony

I use MalwareBytes too, with Adblock as extra cover, but Macs are pretty secure as long as one installs the Mac updates when they come out.

 

[Greenman]

There are as you can see a few anti-virus software progs for Mac's out there, so good some not so, anti-viruses on Mac's are as said scares as hens teeth but there are some, and Apple do a great job of combating them with there updates, but that doesn't always cover them all, so only by trying the one mentioned and a bit of research for a few others you'll find a one that suits your needs, go look and try.

 

[Alan B]

This article by John Galt is well worth a read.

Effective defenses against malware and ot… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

 

[Greenman]

The best antivirus for Mac is none at all.
So go read this article about Mac's and viruses & malware which explains why you don't have to worry about them at all.

The best antivirus for Mac is none at all | AppleInsider

The online world is still a dangerous place, but while antivirus providers are trying to sell you subscriptions for their wares, macOS is still secure enough for users to resist the products. The best antivirus for Mac is a combo of existing protections and user sanity.

appleinsider.com

 

[Pasquanel]

Onyx from Titanium Software will keep your Mac purring and it's free! I've been using it for twelve years now.

https://titanium-software.fr/en/onyx.html​