Avast Free Mac Security vs Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac (best free mac antivirus software)
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FREE / PAID | Freeware with in-app purchases for premium features. Costs $69.99/year for Premium Security. | Paid software with a free version. Costs $29.99/year for Antivirus Plus, $39.99/year for Internet Security, $79.99/year for Total Security. |
Conclusion | 👍 Avast lets you go above and beyond basic protection. Features include secure browsing and network safety maps.😀 | 💪 Bitdefender boasts multi-layer protection and it’s highly rated for it’s anti-phishing, and anti-malware capabilities! 😎 |
Avast Free Mac Security Pros & Cons
Efficient anti-malware 😃
WiFi network safety checks 👀
Web shield 🛡️
Email shield 📬
Advanced threats detection 🕵️
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Pros & Cons
Powerful anti-phishing 💪
Non-stop protection 👮♀️
Ransomware protection 😲
Automatic updates 🔄
Secure VPN included 🌐
Time Machine Protection ⏳
Regular pop-ups to upgrade 🙄
Heavy system impact during scans 😱
Limited support options 😞
Lacks parental controls 👎
Additional features require purchase 💸
Extensive customization might confuse beginners 😵
Higher price range 😓
Limited features in the Free version 👎
System impact during full scans 😣
Lengthy initial scan 🐢
Limited VPN data in basic package 💔
Other best free mac antivirus software
😉 Avira does a good job scanning and removing malware from your Mac. Also protects from phishing scams. 👏
Sophos impresses with parental controls and remote management options, making it a good choice for families. 👨👩👧👦
🤩 Malwarebytes excels at detecting and removing adware and malware your Mac might pick up. Simple and efficient! 👌
FAQ
What is the most reliable free antivirus software available for Mac?
The most trustworthy free antivirus software for Mac includes Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. These two options have consistently received high reviews for their effectiveness in virus protection and system security.
Does Avast Free Mac Security provide full protection against all types of viruses?
While Avast Free Mac Security does offer comprehensive protection against most types of malware, it can’t cover more advanced threats such as ransomware. To secure full coverage, you may need to upgrade to a premium version.
Is Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac really free to use?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac does have a free version, however, it often provides less comprehensive protection than the premium versions. For full features and the best protection, it is advised to consider one of their paid plans.
Does Avast Free Mac Security slow down Mac’s performance?
Typically, Avast Free Mac Security does not significantly affect your Mac’s performance. This antivirus software runs efficiently, allowing you to maintain a fast and reliable work-flow on your system.
What features does Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offer in its free version?
The free version of Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac provides basic virus protection and safety from online threats. However, features like real-time protection and advanced privacy tools are usually only available with their premium plans.
Is there a customer support system for Avast Free Mac Security?
Yes, Avast Free Mac Security provides a customer support system which includes online resources and email assistance for problem-solving and queries.
How frequently does Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac updates its virus definitions?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac regularly updates its virus definitions, which means it can protect your Mac against the most recent threats. Factors such as the severity of the threat typically determine the frequency of the updates.
Does Avast Free Mac Security provide protection against phishing attacks?
Yes, Avast Free Mac Security does provide protection against phishing attacks. It scans websites for security risks and blocks unsecured and suspicious sites, offering robust protection against such threats.
Are there any additional tools included in the paid version of Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac?
The paid version of Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac includes advanced firewall protection, file encryption, password manager, and secure browsing. These enhance your defense against cyber threats.
How resource-heavy is Avast Free Mac Security?
Avast Free Mac Security is designed to be lightweight and not to heavily impact system resources. While running active scans, it may use more resources but generally, it has a minimal effect on system performance.
What are the system requirements for Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac requires macOS Sierra (10.12.5) or later. It requires 1GB of hard disk space and a minimum of 1GB of RAM.
How to uninstall Avast Free Mac Security?
Uninstalling Avast Free Mac Security can be done by opening the Avast Security app and navigating to the Menu bar at the top of the screen. By selecting ‘Avast Security’, you can find the ‘Uninstall Avast’ option. After confirming, the application will be uninstalled.
Does Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac provide a free trial for their paid subscriptions?
Yes, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac typically offers a 30-day free trial for their paid subscriptions, allowing users to test out their premium features before making a purchase.
Can Avast Free Mac Security detect spyware?
Yes, Avast Free Mac Security has the capabilities to detect and remove spyware threats. Its software consistently updates to protect against the latest spyware variations.
Does Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac protect against ransomware?
Yes, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac provides excellent protection against ransomware attacks. Their advanced ransomware protection feature actively monitors your system for such threats.
How often should I run a scan with Avast Free Mac Security?
It’s recommended to run frequent scans with Avast Free Mac Security, ideally on a weekly basis. Regular scanning helps to keep up to date with the newest virus definitions and ensure the system’s complete protection.
Can Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac block malicious websites?
Yes, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac has a feature known as web protection that effectively blocks access to malicious, phishing, and fraudulent websites safeguarding your online browsing experience.
How do I update Avast Free Mac Security software?
The software updates for Avast Free Mac Security are executed automatically. However, you can manually check for updates by going to ‘Menu’ in the Avast Security app and selecting ‘Check for updates’.
Can I use Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac on multiple devices?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac does allow installation on multiple devices, although it depends on the specifics of your subscription plan. Some plans offer multi-device support, making it great for families or small businesses.
Does Avast Free Mac Security have a firewall feature?
Yes, Avast Free Mac Security includes a feature called Web Shield that acts similar to a firewall. However, a dedicated firewall feature is only available in their paid versions.
What is the best free antivirus software for Mac?
There are many reliable antivirus software options for Mac. Some of the best free options include Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. These applications offer robust protection from malware and other potential threats.
Is Avast Free Mac Security reliable?
Yes, Avast Free Mac Security is very reliable. It offers a high detection rate for malware and includes options for blocking potentially dangerous sites and downloads, ensuring your device remains protected against possibly harmful content.
How is Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac rated in terms of security?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is highly rated in terms of security. It offers excellent malware detection and even protects against ransomware, which not all antivirus software can manage.
Which one offers more comprehensive protection – Avast or Bitdefender?
Both Avast and Bitdefender offer comprehensive protection, however Bitdefender is often hailed as slightly more robust, especially when it comes to ransomware detection.
Are Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac easy to use?
Both Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac are straightforward to use. The interfaces are user-friendly and the software is easy to install and set up on your Mac.
What are some of the features of Avast Free Mac Security?
Avast Free Mac Security comes with a host of features including quick scanning, custom scanning, and automatic scanning. Additional features include a drag-and-drop file scanner and an email scanner.
Does Bitdefender offer real-time scanning?
Yes, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac does offer real-time scanning. It continuously checks for any malicious activity in the background while you use your Mac.
Do either Avast Free Mac Security or Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac slow down the system significantly?
While all antivirus software takes up some system resources, neither Avast Free Mac Security nor Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac should significantly slow down your Mac.
How often should I scan my Mac using these antivirus programs?
Frequency of scanning depends on your online habits and the current threat level. However, it’s a good practice to run a full system scan at least once a week if you use the internet frequently.
Can these antivirus programs repair corrupted files?
While Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac can both identify and quarantine harmful files, they may not be able to repair corrupted files.
Can I schedule scans with Avast Free Mac Security?
Yes, Avast Free Mac Security allows you to schedule scans at your convenience, making it easy to maintain regular scans without forgetting.
Are there parental controls available with Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac does offer parental controls, allowing you to manage what content is accessible to your children on the internet.
How do these programs rate in terms of privacy protection?
Both Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac take user privacy very seriously. They offer features such as safe browsing and safe online banking to maintain your personal information’s security.
Do they offer protection against phishing attempts?
Yes, both Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac provide protection against phishing attempts, helping you to avoid fraudulent websites and potential identity theft.
Can these antivirus software programs remove viruses from Mac?
Yes, both Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac are capable of identifying and removing a wide range of viruses and malware from your Mac.
How can I update these antivirus programs to stay protected against the latest threats?
Most antivirus programs, including Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, prompt you to update whenever a new version becomes available. It’s important to update regularly to stay protected against the latest threats.
Do these antivirus programs offer web protection?
Both Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offer web protection features, ensuring safe browsing and online transactions.
Can these antivirus programs block malicious sites?
Yes, Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac both have capabilities to block potentially malicious websites, helping to protect your Mac from dangerous content.
What are the system requirements to install these antivirus programs?
The system requirements for both Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac can be found on their official websites. They typically require up-to-date OS versions and a certain amount of free disk space.
Are these antivirus programs compatible with all versions of Mac OS?
Most versions of Mac OS are compatible with both Avast Free Mac Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. However, it’s best to check the system requirements on their official websites to ensure compatibility with your specific version.