Avast Security for Mac
Think different about Mac security
Awarded by independent experts
Your Mac is not immune to threats — yet.
Our free Mac antivirus protects on 3 fronts.
Malware isn’t the only threat to your Mac. Malicious websites and vulnerable Wi-Fi networks can also jeopardize your safety. Avast Security provides essential free protection against all 3 threats, and our new Premium version goes the extra mile to expose Wi-Fi intruders and stop ransomware.

Real-Time Protection
Runs silently in the background to block threats as they appear.
Complete Malware Detection
Stops both Mac and Windows threats to prevent you from sharing infected files with your friends who use PCs.
Full Mac Scan
Run an in-depth scan of your entire Mac to root out hidden malware.
Removable Drive Scan
Scan any external drives (CD, DVD, USB, etc.) attached to your Mac.
Custom Scan
Select specific files or folders for faster, targeted scans.
Scheduled Scan
Schedule scans for when you’re sleeping or away from your Mac.
Security Reports
Stay informed with personalized security reports every 30 days.
Real-Time Security Updates
Receive security updates and new features automatically.

Browse and email all day. You’re protected

Even trusted websites can get hacked, and criminals can easily spoof emails from your friends or bank. Avast Security alerts you to unsafe websites, blocks unsafe downloads, stops dangerous email attachments, and prevents intrusive web tracking.
Web Shield
Blocks dangerous downloads, and prevents malicious websites from injecting malware onto your Mac.
Email Shield
Prevents you from sending and receiving malicious email attachments.
Online Security
Warns you of unsafe websites, blocks intrusive ad tracking, and safely redirects you to correct sites if you mistype an address. (Available as an optional browser extension)

Expose the weakest link in your Wi-Fi network

An unsecured Wi-Fi network is an open door to threats. Avast Security scans your entire network and all connected devices for vulnerabilities to help you stop hackers from stealing your personal data.
Avast Security |
Avast Premium Security |
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Block viruses and other malware Detect viruses, ransomware, and other threats in real-time. |
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Get browser security alerts Be warned of unsafe sites and block intrusive web trackers with the Avast Online Security extension. |
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Stop ransomware Protect personal photos and files from unwanted changes and restrictions. |
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Shop and bank more safely Avoid fake sites for safer shopping and banking. |
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Get Wi-Fi network security alerts Be instantly alerted to network security weaknesses and intruders. |
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Stop phishing attempts Automatically avoid even the newest phishing scams and fake websites. |
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FAQ
Why do Macs need antivirus software?
There's a myth out there that Macs don't get viruses — but it's just that: a myth. Yes, Macs need antivirus software. Macs and Macbooks can get viruses like any other device. And while many people think their Apple computers are protected, your Mac is not immune to malware, and so it's certainly vulnerable to attacks.
As we see more and more computer viruses targeting Macs, it’s increasingly critical to protect your device with Mac antivirus software.
As we see more and more computer viruses targeting Macs, it’s increasingly critical to protect your device with Mac antivirus software.
What makes Avast the best free antivirus for Mac?
The best free antivirus software for Mac is light, powerful, and designed to protect in real-time against new and constantly emerging threats, and has features like spyware and ransomware protection. Avast Free Antivirus for Mac offers all of that, plus additional features that help you protect your online privacy and sensitive information, such as a Network Inspector and protection against phishing.
How do I check my Mac for viruses?
If you’ve already been infected, then the best way to handle Mac virus removal is to perform a Mac virus scan with specialized software. You can easily automate this process with Avast’s free Mac virus scanner & removal tool — which not only scans for viruses and other malware, but removes them as it goes — so it’s quite simple to clear out malware and secure your Mac.
Why is Avast so safe for Macs?
Avast Free Antivirus is an extremely safe and exceptionally powerful antivirus for Macs, because it will secure your Mac against all sorts of online threats, including viruses and other malware. Avast Free Antivirus is completely compatible with macOS, and it boasts a range of privacy, security, and performance features designed to protect you from malware, safeguard your online privacy and keep your devices junk-free and running like new.
And for an even more powerful feature set, get Avast Ultimate, which bundles our best privacy, security, and performance products together, so you can cover all your digital needs with just a single app. As always, installing preventative protection is the sensible option, rather than finding out how to remove spyware from your Mac once it’s already been infected.
And for an even more powerful feature set, get Avast Ultimate, which bundles our best privacy, security, and performance products together, so you can cover all your digital needs with just a single app. As always, installing preventative protection is the sensible option, rather than finding out how to remove spyware from your Mac once it’s already been infected.
Does Mac have built-in antivirus protection?
The maxOS operating system
The macOS, or Mac OS X system, has existed for 40 years in various forms — it’s robust, and because of its regular updates, malware developers find it hard to keep up with the changes and write viruses that will successfully infect the Mac operating system.
XProtect Apple's basic malware detection is built directly into its Mac OS X operating system. XProtect defends Macs against various types of malware, by scanning downloaded files for signs of infection, but it needs to be regularly updated to recognize new or emerging threats — and it won’t help you if you unwittingly land on an infected or unsafe website.
Digitally signed apps A digital certificate is always seen as proof of a file’s security and a surefire sign that the file contains no malicious code, but cybercriminals can still plant malicious code at the file completion stage, exploit security gaps to sign their malicious files with valid digital certificates, and more.
App Store and Sandbox app security While sandboxing adds another layer of security for Macs, not even the App Store nor sandboxed apps are 100% safe, as highlighted by the attack on the Chinese version of the App Store by the XCodeGhost Virus. Malware authors have frequently found and exploited weaknesses, such as using obscure file formats or large file sizes that the sandbox can’t process, leaving Mac users at risk of infection.
XProtect Apple's basic malware detection is built directly into its Mac OS X operating system. XProtect defends Macs against various types of malware, by scanning downloaded files for signs of infection, but it needs to be regularly updated to recognize new or emerging threats — and it won’t help you if you unwittingly land on an infected or unsafe website.
Digitally signed apps A digital certificate is always seen as proof of a file’s security and a surefire sign that the file contains no malicious code, but cybercriminals can still plant malicious code at the file completion stage, exploit security gaps to sign their malicious files with valid digital certificates, and more.
App Store and Sandbox app security While sandboxing adds another layer of security for Macs, not even the App Store nor sandboxed apps are 100% safe, as highlighted by the attack on the Chinese version of the App Store by the XCodeGhost Virus. Malware authors have frequently found and exploited weaknesses, such as using obscure file formats or large file sizes that the sandbox can’t process, leaving Mac users at risk of infection.
Visit our Support Center for more FAQs
System requirements
We’re not demanding. All you need is a Mac running macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) or later with at least 750 MB of disk space.
An Internet connection is also required for automatic security updates.