Avast Security for Mac vs Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac (best mac scanning software)
Compare | Winner | |
Anti-malware | ||
Phishing Protection | ||
Automatic updates | ||
Full system scan | ||
Quick scan | ||
USB scan | ||
Scheduled scanning | ||
Price | ||
User-friendly interface | ||
Customer support | ||
FREE / PAID | Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac monetizes through a subscription-based model with yearly contracts. It costs $39.99/year for one device. | Avast Security for Mac monetizes through freemium model. The free version is available for basic protection, while the premium version costs $59.99/year for one device. |
Conclusion | 🖥️ Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac supports fast scans and ironclad virus protection 👍 but lacks some advanced security measures ⚖️. | 💻 Avast Security for Mac provides excellent protection for your device, with various bonus features 👌. However, its interface can seem intimidating 🤔. |
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Pros & Cons
👍 Excellent malware and phishing protection
🔄 Regular automatic updates
💼 Several enhanced security tools
⚡ Fast scanning speed
💰 Reasonable pricing
Avast Security for Mac Pros & Cons
👍 Excellent malware protection
👌 Built-in browser protection
🔄 Regular automatic updates
💼 Several useful security tools
💰 Reasonable pricing
📞 Good customer support
❌ No parental control
⛔ No firewall
💾 Heavy on system resources
💲 High cost at premium level
🔌 No USB scanning
⌛ Scheduled scanning is missing
❌ Lacks some advanced features
👀 Interface can be overwhelming
💾 Heavy on system resources
⌚ Slower scanning speed
🔌 No USB scanning
Other best mac scanning software
💻 Norton 360 Standard for Mac delivers top-quality protection and innovative features but comes with a higher price tag 💰.
🖥️ Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac offers solid security and privacy feature, but it’s slightly pricey when it comes to premium features 💸.
💻 Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus for Mac is a lightweight solution but lacks some important features like parental controls 🧒.
FAQ
What is the best software for scanning on a Mac?
The best software greatly depends on personal needs and preferences. However, Avast Security for Mac and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac are two highly-rated scanning software options. Both offer an impressive collection of features and comprehensive protection against malware.
What features does Avast Security for Mac provide?
Avast Security for Mac offers several features including real-time detection of malware, ransomware and viruses. It also offers phishing protection, email security and a built-in Wi-Fi inspector to find vulnerabilities in your network.
Is Avast Security for Mac a free software?
Yes, Avast Security for Mac is a free software, although they offer a premium version with enhanced features for a fee. The premium version includes ransomware protection and advanced phishing protection.
How does Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac protect my computer?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offers multiple layers of protection such as virus scanning and removal, real-time phishing protection, and secure browsing features. It also has a special feature called Autopilot that offers recommendations based on your computer habits and patterns.
Does Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac work with the latest macOS versions?
Yes, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is compatible with the latest macOS versions. It’s always recommended to check their official website for system requirements for the latest updates.
Do these software options affect computer performance?
Both Avast and Bitdefender are designed to run smoothly without slowing down your Mac. They carry out scans in the background so you can continue your tasks uninterrupted.
Can I schedule scans with Avast Security for Mac?
Yes, Avast Security for Mac allows you to schedule scans at times that are convenient for you. This can help ensure your Mac is always protected without disrupting your workflow.
Do I need to manually update Avast Security for Mac?
Avast Security for Mac updates its virus definitions automatically. However, for major software updates, you may be prompted to install them.
Can Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac scan for Windows viruses as well?
Yes, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac can detect and remove not only Mac-specific malware but also Windows viruses. This helps prevent the spread of viruses to Windows computers via documents or files.
Does Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac include a firewall?
No, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac does not include a firewall. However, it does offer other network protection features like safe browsing and phishing prevention.
How often are virus definitions updated in Avast Security for Mac?
Virus definitions in Avast Security for Mac are updated on a daily basis. This ensures that the software is always equipped to detect the latest threats.
Does Avast Security for Mac protect against ransomware?
Avast Security for Mac’s free version provides basic protection against ransomware. However, for enhanced ransomware protection you must upgrade to their premium version.
Are these scanning software safe to install?
Both Avast Security for Mac and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac are proven to be safe and reliable. They are developed by credible organizations and have millions of users around the world.
What are the system requirements of Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac requires at least macOS Sierra (10.12.5), 1 GB of hard disk space, and an internet connection to register and get updates. More details can be found on their official website.
Can Avast Security for Mac scan emails for threats?
Yes, Avast Security for Mac has an email shield feature that automatically scans emails for threats. It can block malicious attachments and links to provide full email protection.
Does Bitdefender offer a free version for Mac?
No, Bitdefender does not offer a free version for Mac. However, they do offer a 30-day free trial for new users to test out the software.
Can I use Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac on multiple devices?
Bitdefender offers a multi-device subscription that allows you to use the software on multiple devices, both Mac, and Windows.
Is real-time protection provided with Avast Security for Mac?
Yes, Avast Security for Mac offers real-time protection, which means it continuously checks your system for potential threats and automatically blocks them.
How often should I scan my Mac with Bitdefender Antivirus?
You can set Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac to scan your system automatically on a schedule. However, it’s a good practice to also perform a manual scan whenever you download a large amount of new data.
Who should use Avast Security for Mac?
Avast Security for Mac is suitable for all Mac users looking for strong basic protection and a user-friendly interface. It’s particularly ideal for those who desire both free and premium software options.
What features should one consider when looking for the best Mac scanning software?
While selecting the most suitable Mac scanning software, primary features to consider include features like ability to detect the latest malware, ease of use, quick scanning speeds, automatic updates, and the availability of advanced features like firewall protection and email scanning.
How effective is Avast Security for Mac?
Avast Security for Mac is one of the most effective antivirus software available for Mac users. It offers real-time protection against trojans, ransomware, phishing, and other forms of malware. Additionally, it offers features like wi-fi security scanning and web shield protection.
Is Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac a reliable security tool?
Yes, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is a highly reliable security tool. It provides excellent malware detection and removal capabilities, web protection, and anti-phishing features. Also, it offers a non-intrusive and user-friendly interface.
Does Avast Security for Mac affect the performance of the system?
While Avast Security for Mac runs in the background to deliver real-time protection, it’s designed to have a minimal footprint on system resources. Hence, it typically does not have any notable impact on the system’s performance.
What type of malware can Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac detect?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac can detect all types of malware, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attempts. Its advanced algorithms allow it to detect and remove even zero-day threats.
What additional features does Avast Security for Mac offer?
Beyond malware protection, Avast Security for Mac also offers additional features such as a web and email shields, wifi security inspections, and ransomware shields.
Can Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac protect from phishing attempts?
Yes, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is designed with an advanced anti-phishing feature that detects and blocks websites known for phishing. It helps in protecting sensitive information like passwords and credit card details.
What is the ease of use for Avast Security for Mac?
Avast Security for Mac has an intuitive and straightforward user interface, making it easy even for those without extensive technical knowledge to navigate and use effectively.
How fast is the scanning speed of Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac?
With its advanced algorithms, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac provides quick and thorough scanning without significantly affecting system performance. The scanning speed may vary based on the system’s specifications and the number of files to scan.
Does Avast Security for Mac support automatic updates?
Yes, Avast Security for Mac by default is set to update its virus definitions automatically. This ensures it can protect your Mac from the latest threats without requiring manual updates.
How is the customer support for Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac provides robust customer support. Users can access assistance through multiple channels, including email, phone, and an extensive online knowledge base.
Does Avast Security for Mac offer a free version?
Yes, Avast Security for Mac provides a free version that offers basic protection from viruses and other malware. However, premium versions are available with additional features.
Does Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac slow down the system?
No, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is designed to have minimal impact on your Mac’s performance. It effectively works in the background without consuming significant system resources.
Can Avast Security for Mac block scam websites?
Yes, Avast Security for Mac includes a web shield feature that can block malicious or scam websites, providing safer web browsing experiences.
Can Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac safeguard against ransomware?
Yes, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac has a dedicated ransomware protection feature that prevents unauthorized changes to your files, thus protecting against ransomware threats.
What are some alternatives to Avast Security for Mac?
There are several alternatives to Avast Security for Mac. Some of these include Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, McAfee, and Norton, amongst others.
Can Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac detect threats in real-time?
Yes, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offers real-time threat detection, which means it checks files as you access them to ensure they’re safe. This real-time scanning is highly effective in preventing malware infection.
How often are virus definitions updated in Avast Security for Mac?
Avast Security for Mac updates its virus definitions several times a day. This ensures up-to-date protection against newly discovered threats.
Is Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac compatible with all Mac systems?
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is compatible with MacOS Sierra (10.12) and later versions. It’s always advisable to have the latest MacOS for the best security and functionality.
Are regular scans necessary with Avast Security for Mac?
While Avast Security for Mac provides real-time protection, regular scans are also beneficial. These scans can help in detecting any malicious files or programs that may have somehow bypassed the real-time shield.