Macs are known for their strong security, but they’re not immune to malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. In 2025, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting macOS users — making antivirus protection essential. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a single rupee to get reliable protection.

In this guide, we review the top free antivirus software for macOS that provides excellent security without cost. You’ll find:

• Pros and cons of each tool

• Free download and paid upgrade links (affiliate-ready)

• When to use the free version

• When to consider upgrading

👉 If you’re looking for advanced features like VPN, identity protection, and multi-device support, don’t miss our Best Paid Antivirus Software for macOS (2025) guide.
👉 Windows user? Check our Best Free Antivirus Software for Windows (2025) and Best Paid Antivirus Software for Windows (2025) comparisons.

1. Table of Contents

• Top Free Antivirus Tools for macOS in 2025

• Comparison Table

• Detailed Reviews (Pros, Cons, Links, Upgrade Advice)

• When to Use Free vs Paid Antivirus

• Final Thoughts

2. Top Free Antivirus Tools for macOS in 2025

Here are our top picks based on independent lab tests (AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives), real-world usability, and market reputation:

1. Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac

2. Avast Security for Mac

3. Sophos Home Free

4. Malwarebytes for Mac (Free)

5. AVG Antivirus for Mac (Free)

6. Avira Free Security for Mac

7. ClamXAV Free Trial Version

3. Comparison Table

4. Detailed Reviews

4.1 Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac

✅ Pros:

• Industry-leading malware detection rates

• Removes adware, trojans, and cross-platform threats

• Real-time scanning with minimal impact

• Clean, lightweight interface

❌ Cons:

• No VPN, firewall, or advanced extras

• Requires manual scan for entire system

🆓 Free Download: Download Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac
💸 Paid Upgrade: Upgrade to Bitdefender Total Security

📌 Reasons to Upgrade:

• Adds VPN, firewall, password manager

• Multi-device protection (Mac, Windows, mobile)

• Parental controls and ransomware rollback

🔀 Use Free: For lightweight malware detection and adware removal
💸 Go Paid: For full multi-device protection and privacy tools

4.2 Avast Security for Mac

✅ Pros:

• Real-time malware and ransomware blocking

• Wi-Fi network scanning

• Web shield against phishing sites

• Cross-platform protection

❌ Cons:

• Occasional ads and upgrade prompts

• Uses slightly more memory than some

🆓 Free Download: Download Avast Security for Mac
💸 Paid Upgrade: Upgrade to Avast Premium Security

📌 Reasons to Upgrade:

• Adds firewall, VPN, and ransomware shield

• Identity theft monitoring

• Removes ads and unlocks advanced settings

🔀 Use Free: For well-rounded, real-time Mac protection
💸 Go Paid: If you want VPN and advanced ransomware defenses

4.3 Sophos Home Free

✅ Pros:

• Protects up to 3 devices (Mac or PC)

• Parental web filtering included

• Cloud-based dashboard for remote control

• Light on system resources

❌ Cons:

• Requires free account to manage

• VPN and password manager only in premium

🆓 Free Download: Download Sophos Home Free
💸 Paid Upgrade: Upgrade to Sophos Home Premium

📌 Reasons to Upgrade:

• Up to 10 devices

• Advanced ransomware protection

• Premium support and more customization

🔀 Use Free: For small households with basic needs
💸 Go Paid: For larger families and advanced ransomware defense

4.4 Malwarebytes for Mac (Free)

✅ Pros:

• Exceptional adware and spyware removal

• Very fast scan engine

• Clean, ad-free interface

❌ Cons:

• No real-time protection in free tier

• Limited scheduling

🆓 Free Download: Download Malwarebytes Free for Mac
💸 Paid Upgrade: Upgrade to Malwarebytes Premium

📌 Reasons to Upgrade:

• Real-time blocking, exploit protection

• Malware and ransomware prevention

• Multi-device support

🔀 Use Free: As a second opinion scanner
💸 Go Paid: For always-on protection and extra privacy

4.5 AVG Antivirus for Mac (Free)

✅ Pros:

• Real-time malware and phishing protection

• Email and link scanner

• Simple interface

❌ Cons:

• Frequent upgrade prompts

• Slightly higher system impact than Avira

🆓 Free Download: Download AVG Antivirus Free for Mac
💸 Paid Upgrade: Upgrade to AVG Internet Security

📌 Reasons to Upgrade:

• Enhanced firewall, anti-spam filters

• Webcam protection

🔀 Use Free: For basic but solid Mac security
💸 Go Paid: If you want full web and email security

4.6 Avira Free Security for Mac

✅ Pros:

• Cloud-based malware detection

• Includes VPN (500MB/month) and cleanup tools

• Lightweight and minimal system impact

❌ Cons:

• Limited VPN data cap

• Occasional prompts to upgrade

🆓 Free Download: Download Avira Free Security
💸 Paid Upgrade: Upgrade to Avira Prime

📌 Reasons to Upgrade:

• Full VPN with unlimited data

• Premium identity protection and firewall

🔀 Use Free: For antivirus plus basic privacy tools
💸 Go Paid: For complete online privacy and security

4.7 ClamXAV (Trial)

✅ Pros:

• Open-source antivirus with custom scan options

• Regular database updates

• Low system footprint

❌ Cons:

• Only a free trial (full version is paid)

• Interface less polished than competitors

🆓 Free Download: Download ClamXAV Trial
💸 Paid Upgrade: Purchase ClamXAV

📌 Reasons to Upgrade:

• Continuous updates and scheduled scans

• Premium support

🔀 Use Free: For testing and manual scans
💸 Go Paid: If you like open-source with premium support

5. When to Use Free vs Paid Antivirus for Mac

5.1 🆓 Stick with Free Antivirus If:

• You use 1–2 Macs

• You’re tech-savvy and avoid risky downloads

• You don’t need VPN, password manager, or identity protection

• You’re okay running manual scans

5.2 💸 Consider Paid Antivirus If:

• You own multiple Apple devices or mixed OS devices

• You want always-on ransomware protection

• You need VPN, identity monitoring, or parental controls

• You value premium support

6. Final Thoughts

Macs are safer than many PCs, but they’re not immune to threats. In 2025, using a free antivirus for macOS is a smart way to add a safety layer without spending money.

For light protection, Bitdefender Virus Scanner and Sophos Home Free are top picks. If you want extra privacy features, Avira Free Security and Avast Security for Mac are excellent choices.

When you’re ready for full-scale protection, check our Best Paid Antivirus Software for macOS (2025) to see the best upgrades for multi-device, VPN, and identity theft protection.