Top 5 Free Mac Virus Cleaners in 2022 [Truly Free] (2023)

Apple’s operating system is considered to be invulnerable and there are new threats on Mac that had seemed to appear on a regular basis. Because of this, it a must that you consider keeping up with the security of your Mac.

Luckily, there is free Mac virus cleaners that you can use for you to give your Mac a boost from viruses, adware, and ransomware. You will also be able to prevent your Mac from any historic threats that are made by some big companies for you to have the best anti-virus solutions. Because of this, we have listed below a list of the best free Anti-Virus that you can have on your Mac.

Contents: Part 1. Do I Need Anti-Virus for Mac?Part 2. What Can Mac Virus Cleaner Do for Your Mac?Part 3. What is The Best Free Antivirus for Mac?Part 4. Clean up Your Mac to Prevent Virus InfestationPart 5. Conclusion

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Part 1. Do I Need Anti-Virus for Mac?

Anti-virus software is made to prevent, search for, detect, or to remove any viruses. It is also made to prevent any malicious software on your PC such as trojans, worms, and adware and one of the most important software that you should have on your Mac. This is because without any protection of the antivirus software, then your Mac might get infected in just a few minutes once you get connected to the internet.

Nowadays, malware has the ability to change it appeared in a quick manner for it to become less detected by some antivirus software. These viruses have the ability to be programmed and can surely cause damage to your Mac. Free Mac virus cleaner can also prevent you from accessing any of your data or worst, to take control of your Mac.

Top 5 Free Mac Virus Cleaners in 2022 [Truly Free] (1)

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Part 2. What Can Mac Virus Cleaner Do for Your Mac?

There are some companies who made antivirus and all of them performs a very useful function. Here are some of the things that a free Mac virus cleaner can do.

  • It can scan for any files or if there are any malware or known malicious patterns.
  • It will allow you to schedule when you want to set up a scan on your Mac.
  • It can remove any malicious code detected. There will also be times that you will be notified once have some infection and will ask you to remove it.
  • It can show you the health of your Mac.

REMINDER: You always have to make sure that you only have the best of the best and an updated security software. This is for you to be able to protect your Mac and other devices that you might get connected to it.

As what we have mentioned earlier, viruses can now be programmed to avoid any detection. Now, the main thing with how an antivirus software works is that it stores the example of some recognized malware that you have on your Mac. It can store its definitions in the cloud. Because of this, it will allow the software to scan faster, take less space, and maintain a threat-free library on your Mac.

Part 3. What is The Best Free Antivirus for Mac?

Here is a list of free Mac virus cleaners that you can get for you to protect your Mac from any malware or infections of viruses.

1. Avast! Free Mac Security

This is one of the most popular antiviruses. This program is very much effective and is free for non-commercial use. It can give you tools for you to use in making a full system scan and also can help you in sifting through some specific email threads, attachments, and some website activities. The main interface of this program is very much straightforward and have a navigational pane which contains the five primary buttons. It also has a graph that will allow you to see the overall status of your Mac.

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2. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac

Malwarebytes started as an adware removal program. However, it has already become a great tool for protecting your Mac from any malicious malware. This program is also very easy to use. All you have to do is to launch it and then click on the scan button. After that, this program will then notify you if you have any malware on your Mac.

(Video) BEST ANTIVIRUS for Mac | Do you even need macOS antivirus?

This software is a lightweight installation because it is just like having three digital music files that you do not even notice that it is there. Even if this program does not have real-time protection, it can still remove any infections that are existing on your Mac.

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3. Sophos Antivirus Mac Home Edition

The Sophos program gives you a basic utility but still gives you a quality antivirus software. Its features a custom, on-demand, and a schedule for scanning for some of your files, folders, and drive. The Sophos software can also give you a real-time protection for your Mac that will allow quarantining any unknown files that are giving a suspicious behavior. However, the Sophos software just takes a little more time during the scanning process compared to other antivirus software.

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4. Bitdefender Virus Scanner

This program is considered to be a lightweight free malware detector which has the ability to locate and remove any virus on your Mac. This free Mac virus cleaner also has an interface that is straightforward which make it very easy to use.

You will be able to see on your screen the status of your Mac for you to become updated about your system. Even if the program looks very basic, it can surely give your Mac a clean touch. The Bitdefender also has the ability to give you an hourly update and its virus scanner always ensures that it has the latest version before it proceeds with the scanning process.

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(Video) How To Remove All Mac Viruses, Malware, Adware, & Spyware | Full Deep Clean & Maintenance 2022

5. Avira Free Mac Antivirus

This software will block any latest malware before it can proceed to cause damages on your Mac. It has also the ability to give you a real-time protection and can quickly detect any threats on your Mac.
However, this free Mac virus cleaner does not have any web filtering, no network scanning or any other security extras because it is only focused on giving your Mac safe from any malware. One of the good features of this program is that it does not only protect your Mac from any threats, but it also has the ability to choose any PC-related malware which will make sure that you will not be able to share any files that may cause damage to your friends or colleagues.

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Part 4. Clean up Your Mac to Prevent Virus Infestation

Of course, aside from having an antivirus installed on your Mac to have it protected, having a Mac cleaner will also become really handy. This is because having a Mac cleaner will ensure that you will be able to clean your Mac for you to boost its speed and have more storage space on your hardware. What we highly recommend you to have for you to be able to clean up your Mac and prevent more virus infestation is the iMyMac PowerMyMac.

PowerMyMac has the ability to boost the speed of your Mac by removing all unwanted files that you have. It can find and then remove any email attachments, iTunes backup, and even your multi-languages that you do not actually need. It also has the ability to scan and then delete your large and old files from your Mac.

Because of the said features of the PowerMyMac, this will be a great help for any free Mac virus cleaner that you have installed on your Mac. It can help it remove all files that may be carrying any viruses that will cause damage to your Mac. And since you are removing files that you no longer need, then this means that you will free up more purgeable space for you to save or install other important files or applications that you may need.

We have provided below on how you can use the PowerMyMac for you to be able to clean up your Mac.

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  1. Download the PowerMyMac from the iMyMac website and then have it installed on your Mac, then run the program.
  2. Choose one of the modules on the left side of the main interface to clean your Mac completely, Junk Cleaner for example.
  3. After choosing the module, click on the “SCAN” button.
  4. Once that the scanning process is complete, PowerMyMac will then show you all the junk files that you have on your Mac by category. You will be able to see categories like Application Cache, Photo Cache, System Cache, Email Cache, System Logs, User Logs, and more.
  5. Click on the categories that you want to remove.
  6. Choose all the data that you would want to remove and click on the “CLEAN” button.

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Note: For the other modules that are under PowerMyMac: “Duplicate Finder” and “Large and Old Files”, the steps to clean them up is the same with cleaning up the “Junk Cleaner” module.

Part 5. Conclusion

Having an free Mac virus cleaner installed on your Mac is one of the most important things that you should do and have on your Mac. This is for your Mac to become safe and protected from any malware infestations. Antivirus software has the ability to remove any threat and suspicious files, folders, or applications on your Mac. Having the PowerMyMac is also a great thing to have installed on your Mac. Actually, both software can become a great partner in protecting the health of your Mac.

Aside from cleaning, it can also help you de-clutter your Mac and remove all of your large and old files that you do not even need. Since the iMyMac has the ability to clean up your Mac, which means removing all the things that you do not need, this will give your Mac a better performance. This is because it can boost up your Mac’s speed and can also give you more space to store more important files.

You have the option to choose from the list of the best free Mac virus cleaner that we have mentioned above and then go ahead and check and protect your Mac from getting damaged. Plus, get the PowerMyMac for free to make sure that you will be able to remove unnecessary things on your Mac. You also have the option now to regularly clean your Mac as one of a way of preventing any malware threat or viruses to come on your Mac.

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FAQs

Is there a 100% free Mac antivirus? ›

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.

What is the No 1 antivirus for Mac? ›

Once installed, the product is robust and effective. Based on 2021 testing for anti-virus products, Kaspersky received top marks for protection, performance, and usability from AV-Test and solid grades from AV Comparatives. The product also was rated the best antivirus software for 2022 from Security.org.

How do I get rid of viruses on my Mac for free? ›

How to remove malware from a Mac for free
  1. Update macOS to the latest version. ...
  2. Use Activity Monitor to find viruses on a Mac. ...
  3. Delete the file or app and empty the Download folder. ...
  4. Clear your cache. ...
  5. Shut down and restore from a backup. ...
  6. Wipe your Mac and reinstall macOS.
Jun 29, 2022

Which antivirus is completely free? ›

Our review of the top free antivirus software
  • Bitdefender antivirus free edition. ...
  • AVG antivirus free. ...
  • Kaspersky security cloud free. ...
  • Microsoft windows defender. ...
  • Avira antivirus. ...
  • 360 total security. ...
  • ZoneAlarm free antivirus. ...
  • Malwarebytes anti-malware free.

Does Apple have a free antivirus? ›

The technically sophisticated runtime protections in macOS work at the very core of your Mac to keep your system safe from malware. This starts with state-of-the-art antivirus software built in to block and remove malware.

Is there a safe Mac cleaner? ›

“CleanMyMac X is the toolbox your Mac needs”

Not only will it keep your machine running smoother, it keeps you safer with its malware detection, and lets you tinker with files and applications directly—all in one easy-to-use interface. Did you know: CleanMyMac X daily cleans 1 million Macs in 185 countries.

How do I find hidden viruses on my Mac? ›

If you suspect your Mac has been infected with a virus, one of the best places to look is Activity Monitor. Here, you'll be able to see background processes and apps that are running – including malware.

Does Apple recommend antivirus one? ›

We highly recommend full disk scanning using Antivirus One on a regular basis to keep your Mac safe from security threats.

What does Apple recommend for virus? ›

macOS includes built-in antivirus technology called XProtect for the signature-based detection and removal of malware. The system uses YARA signatures, a tool used to conduct signature-based detection of malware, which Apple updates regularly.

What antivirus does Apple use? ›

XProtect scans all applications and files for viruses and malware using a database of threats that Apple updates daily. If XProtect detects malware on a file or application, it notifies the user and blocks the download.

Why Mac doesn t need antivirus? ›

As we've explained above, it's certainly not an essential requirement to install antivirus software on your Mac. Apple does a pretty good job of keeping on top of vulnerabilities and exploits and the updates to the macOS that will protect your Mac will be pushed out over auto-update very quickly.

How do I know if my Mac is infected with a virus? ›

Signs your Mac may be infected by viruses or malware
  1. Your Mac is operating more slowly than usual. ...
  2. Your browser has a new homepage or extensions you haven't added. ...
  3. You notice many more ads or pop-ups than usual. ...
  4. You receive security alerts even without scanning your Mac. ...
  5. Your contacts receive spam from your accounts.

How much does it cost to get rid of a virus on a Mac? ›

How Much Does Antivirus Software Cost?
CompanyPrice
Avast Antivirus - Mac » 4.0 U.S. News Rating$69.99 & Up
Intego Antivirus - Mac » 3.9 U.S. News Rating$49.99 & Up $29.99
Bitdefender Antivirus - Mac » 3.9 U.S. News Rating$39.99 & Up
Norton Antivirus - Mac » 3.9 U.S. News Rating$59.99 & Up
2 more rows
May 16, 2022

What is the number 1 best free antivirus? ›

OVERVIEW
  • Avast One Essential. Best for Comprehensive Free Security. Jump To. ...
  • AVG AntiVirus Free. Best for Few-Frills Protection. Jump To. ...
  • Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows. Best for No-Frills Protection. Jump To. ...
  • Avira Free Security. Best for Many Security Components. ...
  • Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Best for Windows Die-Hards.

Why not to use free antivirus? ›

Though many free antivirus apps are great at what they do, they're often limited to anti-malware protection and a few extras. Premium security tools are much better suited to today's internet threat landscape—particularly if you're not the most experienced user.

What is no 1 antivirus? ›

We chose Bitdefender Antivirus Plus as the best overall antivirus software because it offers the most extensive protection, at least with its paid version.

How to get rid of viruses on Mac? ›

How to find and remove viruses from Mac
  1. Use Activity Monitor. If you know which app on your Mac is malicious, you're halfway through the problem. ...
  2. Uninstall apps. ...
  3. Remove Mac malware from your Login Items. ...
  4. Get rid of pop-up ads on Mac. ...
  5. Clean up extensions to remove adware and viruses from Mac. ...
  6. Boot into safe mode.
Dec 7, 2022

Should I pay for Mac cleaner? ›

NO! There is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac. This user tip describes what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community.

Do you really need a Mac cleaner? ›

Yes, cleaning software for Macs really does work. You can clean junk manually by learning how to uninstall apps on a Mac or by using separate applications like a browser cleaning tool for cache clearing, but you'll get faster and better results with a dedicated Mac cleaning app.

Does Apple have a Mac cleaner? ›

Can't my Mac clean itself? Your macOS also has a built-in Mac cleaner, which Apple called Optimize Storage. It is accessed from the Storage tab in your Mac computer's System Settings.

What are the common virus on Mac? ›

4 types of Apple viruses — and a vulnerability
  • Adware on Macs. Adware is a potentially unwanted program that can bombard users with advertising pop-ups. ...
  • Trojan horses on Macs. Trojan horses are common to both Macs and PCs. ...
  • Macro viruses on Macs. ...
  • Ransomware on Macs.
May 15, 2022

Has my Mac been hacked? ›

One way to tell if you have been hacked is to check for strange activity on the Activity Monitor. You should check network activity specifically. If you spot excessive network activity, a hacker may likely have gained access to your Mac. Another way to check is to go and see the Sharing part in System Preferences.

Does clean my Mac find all malware? ›

CleanMyMac X will scan your Mac for malware, adware, ransomware, and the rest of “wares” that are specific to macOS. One click and these wicked programs are gone for good. With CleanMyMac X you can do regular malware checks to prevent any suspicious behaviour of your computer.

Is it true that Apple computers Cannot get viruses? ›

So, Macs can and do get viruses and are subject to threats just like any other computer. While Macs have strong protections built into them, they may not offer the full breadth of protection you want, particularly in terms of online identity theft and the ability to protect you from the latest malware threats.

Is it hard for Apple to get viruses? ›

“The likelihood of everyday iPhone users getting a virus is slim to none,” he says. “The iPhone's operating-system design does not facilitate a virus the same way a Windows operating system or an Android operating system does.” But that doesn't mean it's impossible.

Should I turn on Apple firewall? ›

Chances are that your computer is behind the firewall that's part of your router, so having macOS's firewall turned off makes it easier to set up connections with other Apple devices. But if you use a laptop and hop onto untrusted networks frequently, you should enable the firewall.

Is A Mac Safer Than Windows? ›

“For software to be secure, it must rest on hardware that has security built in” says Apple. This emphasises the main benefit of Macs – the fact that Apple makes the software and the hardware and has control over every aspect of the machine. This is a reason why Macs are more secure than PCs.

How do I run diagnostics on my Mac? ›

Press the power button to turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold the D key on your keyboard as your Mac starts up. Release the D key when you see a progress bar or you're asked to choose a language.

What happens if your Mac has a virus? ›

Pop-up ads will show up on screen, even when you are not browsing the internet. Unexpected slowdown: This is a huge tell-tale sign. If your Mac is slowing down and you see no reason for this happening, there is a possibility that you have unknowingly installed malware on your system.

Will resetting Mac remove virus? ›

Does resetting the Mac get rid of the viruses? In most cases, yes. However, it will not help if your backup, the recovery partition, or other devices are infected. Also, resetting the Mac will not help if it was infected with a rootkit that enables administrator-level access to your device.

Is Bitdefender free good for Mac? ›

Both the testing labs I follow for macOS antivirus include Bitdefender in their testing reports, and both give it their top scores. Like most products in the latest test by AV-Comparatives(Opens in a new window), Bitdefender achieved 100% success protecting against Mac-specific malware.

Does Geek Squad get rid of viruses? ›

If your device has been infected, we'll remove the viruses and spyware. We can also fix operating system issues, including start-up errors and blue screens.

Is AVG AntiVirus 100% free? ›

AVG AntiVirus FREE is an award-winning anti-malware tool that scans and removes viruses, detects and blocks malware attacks, and fights other online threats, too. Protect your system with our world-class malware scanner and virus checker that's fast, lightweight, and 100% free.

How long does 100 percent last on Mac? ›

MacBook Air can run up to 12 hours while using a wireless connection and up to 13 hours of continuous Apple TV video playback. The 13-inch and 15-inch Macbooks can run up to 10 hours, while the 16-inch models can operate without a power source for up to 11 hours.

Can AVG free be trusted? ›

Independent testing group AV Comparatives awarded AVG's antivirus rating three out of three stars in 2021 tests. AVG Antivirus Free got top marks in both performance and basic protection.

Is AVG Free actually free? ›

Pricing and plans. AVG Antivirus is free for PC, Mac, iOS, or Android. The premium version, AVG Internet Security, costs $31.20 for the first year to protect one Mac or one PC.

Which is better McAfee or AVG free? ›

To sum up, both McAfee and AVG are reliable antivirus suites. But, McAfee is just slightly better. It reached a near-perfect 99.8% success rate against malware, and the protection and performance results were perfect 6.

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