Avast Free Mac Security Review
- Download Avast’s Mac security software and opt for the 60-day free trial when upgrading to Avast Security for Mac Pro to enjoy the software without limitations. Attention: Cancel your temporary license within the 60-day trial, otherwise your credit card will be charged with the amount of the subscription fee.
- And, according to Consumer Reports testers, it ranks among the best free security software options available to PC and Mac owners. The same goes for Avast’s AVG-branded software.
Best free antivirus for Mac: Avast Free Mac Security Many antivirus suites provide a decent level of protection, but a few rise above all others by providing the very best in performance. Avast Security for Mac is developed by one of the largest companies operating in cybersecurity industries called Avast Software. Avast is a Czech-based company headquartered in Prague. The company protects more than 400 million users and has the largest market share among cybersecurity software providers (2018). See more reviews for Avast Mac Security Avast Mac Security offers three shields and on-demand scanning. Our Web Shield and Mail Shield combine to check the vast majority of incoming data from the Internet, while File Shield scans all programs stored and executed from your hard drive.
- Pros
Certified by one independent testing lab. Speedy full scan. Excellent phishing protection for Chrome and Firefox. Useful bonus features. Ransomware protection. Wi-Fi intruder detection.
- Cons
Doesn't add much to free edition's features. Expensive. Poor phishing protection for Safari. Password manager includes only basic features.
- Bottom Line
Avast Security Pro (for Mac) adds ransomware protection and Wi-Fi intruder detection to the features found in Avast's free antivirus, but these additions don't merit its high price.
Avast Free Antivirus performed competently in the recent AV-Test trials, scoring the maximum 6 points in the Protection category four out of five times. In comparison, Avast for Mac tested a bit worse than the Windows version in the last five AV-Test trials, but still enough to be among the best in its class.
The myth that Macs can't suffer viruses, Trojans, or other types of malware attack is busted. Oh, the situation isn't nearly as bad as on Windows or Android, but Macs really do need antivirus protection. There are free options available, including Avast Security (for Mac), but commercial antivirus utilities offer more features and do better in testing. Looking at what this product adds beyond the features in the free edition, it's really hard to justify the price.
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This product's main window looks exactly like that of the free edition, except for the absence of the upgrade offer. Plenty of white space surrounds a simple security status indicator. The left-rail menu is also the same as in the free edition. The difference is that clicking Ransomware Shield or Wi-Fi Inspector brings up the component, rather than displaying an upgrade invitation. The look is very different from that of Avast Pro Antivirus, which uses a dark gray background with occasional elements in purple and green.
Avast Mac Security Free
Pricing and OS Support
Like Bitdefender and Kaspersky, Avast supports macOS versions back to 10.9 (Mavericks). If you have an antique Mac that for some reason can't even run Mavericks, consider ESET,
The most common pricing plan for Mac antivirus runs $39.99 per year for one license or $59.99 for three. Bitdefender, ESET Cyber Security (for Mac), Kaspersky, and Malwarebytes all fit this profile. Price-wise, Avast is on the high end, at $59.99 per year or $69.99 for three licenses. That's expensive, considering that the free edition has all the same features except for Ransomware Shield and Wi-Fi Inspector, which I'll detail below.
Shared Features
This utility shares all the features of the free Avast Security (for Mac), and that's saying a lot. I'll briefly summarize those shared features here, and you can should read my review of the free product for more details.
AV-Comparatives certified Avast's Mac malware protection as effective. In testing, it protected against 99.9 percent of Mac malware and 100 percent of Windows malware. AV-Test Institute, the other major lab that tests Mac antivirus, did not include Avast in testing. Note, though, that Bitdefender and Kaspersky earned 100 percent in both tests, and received certification from both labs.
I don't have the same kind of resources for antivirus testing under macOS as I do for Windows. I did try scanning a folder containing my current collection of Windows malware. Avast detected and quarantined 85 percent of the samples, which is quite good. Only Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus (for Mac), with 86 percent, and Sophos, with 100 percent, have done better. At the low end, McAfee caught 25 percent and Intego just 18 percent.
Avast's full scan finished in 14.5 minutes, which is quite a bit faster than the current average of 24 minutes. The impressive Home Network Security Scanner took less than three minutes to take note of all devices on my network. It found 36 devices and flagged legitimate security problems on two of them.
Phishing websites masquerade as secure sites in the hopes of fooling you into giving away your login credentials. It doesn't matter which browser you use, or which operating system. Avast's scores in my hands-on phishing protection test were extremely poor. The phishing protection systems built into Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer all outperformed Avast, by a long shot.
I learned from my company contacts that phishing protection is fully functional in Chrome and Firefox, but only partly in Safari. The developers are working up a browser-independent version. In a new test using Chrome, Avast scored better than any Mac product except Bitdefender. It tied with Norton and beat out all three browsers. If you're relying on Avast for phishing protection, make sure you use Chrome or Firefox.
The Online Security browser extension marks up search results to flag dangerous links. It also displays a list of all ad trackers and other trackers on the current page, with an option to actively block these. Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac includes a similar active Do Not Track feature.
Avast Free Mac Security Review
Avast comes with a basic password manager that installs as a separate application. It handles basic functions like password capture and replay, saving secure notes, and generating strong passwords. The app stores
Ransomware Shield
Everything I've described to this point is also available in the free edition. The premium-only Ransomware Shield component simply prevents unauthorized access to files in sensitive folders. By default, it protects the Documents and Pictures folders for the current user. Naturally, you can add other folders if needed. A similar feature in Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac also protects your Time Machine backups.
To test this kind of access control on Windows, I use a small text editor that I wrote myself, something that would never show up on a list of trusted applications. I don't have such a program for macOS, so I had to disable the feature that automatically trusts Apple and App Store applications.
This type of access control is an effective tool for ransomware protection, one used by many security tools both on Windows and macOS. However, it does require vigilance on your part. When you see the Ransomware Shield popup, examine it carefully, and only click Allow if you're absolutely sure the program is legitimate.
Wi-Fi Inspector
As noted, you get the Home Network Security Scan even in the free edition. The premium edition adds a component called Wi-Fi Inspector. Despite the name, the main function of this component is to alert you when new devices join the network. It maintains its own simple list of devices. If you click Deep Scan, it launches the Home Network Security Scan.
Wi-Fi Inspector's device list doesn't identify security issues the way the security scan does. On the plus side, it lists the MAC address and IP address for each device, along with the name. For many devices, the name is a clear identification, like
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I did encounter a serious problem with the device list. It found 36 devices on my network, but I couldn't scroll down to see more than the first bunch of devices. My Avast contact confirmed this as a bug. It's not such a big problem, as you can see all your connected devices in network scanner.
The real point of Wi-Fi Inspector is to alert you when a new device connects. Just after installation, you'll probably see quite a few of these, as devices that were turned off during the initial scan wake up. Once you get past that shakeout period, you should pay close attention to the new-device notifications. If you don't recognize the device, it could be a neighbor mooching your Wi-Fi, or even a hack attempt.
If you determine that the new connection isn't legitimate, there's not a lot you can do about it. Wi-Fi Inspector offers notification, but no direct way to act on that information. Your best bet is to snap a screenshot of the notification and then find a friend who's a network whiz. Your buddy can use the info from the screenshot to log into your router's settings and ban the device from the network.
Avast Free Mac Security Review
Doesn't Add Enough
Avast Security Pro offers certified Mac malware protection, a network security scanner, and a password manager, but those features also come with the free Avast Security. The Pro edition adds ransomware protection that works by banning untrusted applications from modifying your files. It also adds real-time notification of new connections to your
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac has certification from two labs, excellent phishing protection, an anti-ransomware feature much like Avast's, and more. Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac also has two certifications, and it comes with a full parental control system, excellent anti-phishing, protection against webcam peepers, and more. These are our Editors' Choice products for macOS antivirus, and they both costs $20 less than Avast.
Bottom Line: Avast Security Pro (for Mac) adds ransomware protection and Wi-Fi intruder detection to the features found in Avast's free antivirus, but these additions don't merit its high price.
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With over 435 million product users over the globe, Avast has over 30 years of experience meeting users’ needs for security, privacy and performance. Avast has the largest threat-detection network, with machine-learning virus protection and home network scanners.
Avast uses 6 layers of defense to keep users safe: Web Shield, Static Scanner, Emulators, Deep Screen, Cyber Capture and Behavior Shield. This advanced technology comes to users completely free, providing high quality security protection at no cost.
The most remarkable aspect of Avast Free Antivirus is the flexibility and breadth of protections available to the user, providing a very customizable and peace-of-mind experience.
Avast Free Antivirus includes Core Shields (File Shield, Mail Shield, Behavior Shield, Web Shields, Cyber Capture and Botnet Protection), Ransomware Shield, Hack Alerts, Wi-Fi Inspector, Smart Scan, Do Not Disturb Mode, Rescue Disk, manual Software Updater and Anti-Phishing.
Readers should be aware that in addition to the Avast Free Antivirus for PC/Windows, Avast offers Mac and Android versions and several levels of upgrades for home and business users who require additional protections.
Platforms Supported: Score: 10 out of 10
Although this review concentrates on the FREE version for Windows, readers should be aware that in addition to the Avast Free Antivirus for PC/Windows, Avast offers Mac, Android, and Multi-Device versions.
Avast also offers several levels of upgrades for home and business users who require additional protections.
Ease of Use: Score: 9.9 out of 10
Downloaded directly from the Avast.com web site using MS Edge browser. The program is also available as a plug-in for other popular browsers, such as FireFox.
Using a mid-range laptop with a current Windows 10 Home operating system, the download and installation were quite speedy, and we experienced no issues.
NOTE: To download and install Avast Free Anti-virus on a Windows 10 computer, you must have the most recent updates.
The download process is very simple and user-friendly. A user just needs to click the “download” button if they choose a Free product, and if Premium, they can download after the purchase goes through. If a user already has a Free product, they can activate a Premium license within the existing program; no new download is required.
During the download process, the user is able to personalize settings during installation, but the default configuration just takes a few clicks to get through. Users are also prompted on a screen to ask if they want to download Avast Secure Browser during the Antivirus installation, but it is not required to use the product.
The user interface was designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate. The main window shows a status icon and a large button in the center of the window labeled “Run Smart Scan” The user interface labels the different sections on the left-rail menu, where the user can switch between the default main status page and between specific product features related to Protection, Privacy and Performance. The features have clear explanations, making it easy to understand what each feature does.
The user is immediately prompted to run “SmartScan,” an initial scan. This comprehensive scan looks for malware, browser threats, outdated applications, network and other issues at the same time. It’s difficult to say how long it will take on average, as it depends on the user’s device and number of files that need to be scanned, but normally it should take no more than a couple of minutes. Default is set to run once a month. Avast also recommends that users run the Wi-Fi Inspector scan to do a deeper check on the network level.
DASHBOARD 9.9 out of 10
Users will immediately see a top-tier dashboard with easy-to-navigate and launch program features. The first four features are Status, Protection, Privacy, and Performance
Status shows the general status of the Avast Anti-Virus program; the default setting is for “Passive Mode,” which saves computer speed and capacity. At the user’s option, you can toggle to “Active Mode” which provides for real-time scanning for viruses. The drop-down menu provides a broad information and option array, with a great deal of flexibility for users to select the features which best fit individual needs.
Protection carries 9 choices for scans and protections, of which 5 are standard and 4 optional with upgrades. This section is in many ways at the heart of the versatility of the Avast Free Anti-Virus program, since it gives the user such flexibility in choosing the combination of protections most appropriate and useful for the individual user.
Privacy is the one area which is entirely configured for the optional upgrade. This reviewer’s experience in teaching identity theft courses to many professionals reflects an apparent difference between stated privacy concerns and actions taken to protect it. This Avast upgrade option provides each user the opportunity to make an informed decision on whether to include specific privacy protections under the Avast program.
Performance tab similarly provides the user with 2 standard protections: Do Not Disturb mode and Software Updater, and the choice to upgrade to include 3 more: Cleanup Premium, Driver Updater, and Battery Saver.
Features: Score: 9.9 out of 10
Avast Free Antivirus includes many useful features. The collection of programs is highly versatile for customized use. Some may take getting used to, in order to apply those most relevant for individual user. Overall, the Avast system is user-friendly and immediately functional with little or no customization required.
Core Shields include several complementary protections.
File Shield – Whenever you execute a file, File Shield immediately scans it. If the file is malicious, it’s safely moved to the Virus Chest to prevent it from harming your PC (or spreading to other PCs).
Email Shield works with installed email clients like Outlook and Thunderbird to strip malicious attachments from messages before they’re downloaded to — or sent from — your PC.
Behavior Shield uses advanced artificial intelligence to monitor all running apps in real-time for malicious behavior. If any is detected, Behavior Shield immediately stops the app and locks it away in the Virus Chest.
Web Shield blocks known malware from downloading to your PC while you browse the web.
Cyber Capture If you try to open a file that Avast doesn’t recognize (and might be dangerous), CyberCapture will block it and upload it to our servers for deeper analysis. If it’s malicious, Avast will push a cure out to you and hundreds of millions of users.
Wi-Fi Inspector automatically detects weaknesses in your home Wi-Fi and strangers piggybacking on your network.
Smart Scan finds all those cracks which allow malware to slip in, from unsafe settings and passwords to suspicious add-ons and out-of-date software.
Additional protections and convenience options are available in the free version:
New features introduced at the end of 2020 include Ransomware Shield and Hack Alerts
Ransomware Shield – Ransomware Shield goes a step further than the Avast Shields by giving users an additional layer of ransomware security. Ransomware Shield stops both ransomware and untrusted apps from changing, deleting, or encrypting personal photos and files in protected folders.
Hack Alerts – Monitors all accounts linked to a user’s email address and immediately alerts users if their passwords leak online.
Passive Mode – (This is the default setting, but can be changed by the user.)
The user should be aware that several of the SCANS identify potential problems – but the resolution of some of these is available only with upgrades to premium versions of Avast.
For most users, the broad array of features provided in the free version is likely to cover all the needs they may consider necessary.
Customer Support and Documentation: Score: 9.8 out of 10
Free users are able to reach Avast through online forums, online help through support articles (
Paid users are able to reach Avast through phone, email, chat and all of the options available for Free users as well. Avast Care comes with a subscription to our paid PC products which provides 24/7 phone support to troubleshoot and fix problems through remote access. This service is currently only available in English.
For other bigger issues, Avast users can access Avast’s Premium Tech Support (
Pricing: Score: 9.9 out of 10
Avast Antivirus available for free for all platforms.
Avast Premium Security for Windows and Mac starts at $69.99 for one license for one year or $89.99 for 10 devices for one year.
Avast Mobile Security for Android is $19.99 for one license for one year or $4.99 monthly.
Avast Mobile Security for iOS is $12.99 for one license for one year or $1.99 monthly.
A user is able to start a free trial for Avast Premium Security for 30 days without a credit card or a 60-day pre-authorized trial with a credit card.
Final Thoughts
The Avast Free Antivirus (Windows Version) is a powerful suite of anti-virus and related protections against cyber attacks. It is easy to download and install, has a user-friendly system to allow customization by individual users. With this broad, and growing, array of applications, the free version will meet all the needs of most users. For those who require additional protections, Avast’s optional upgrades are reasonable in price and can respond effectively to most foreseeable threats. All in all, the Avast program is cost-effective and rates highly in this product review.
Overall Review Score: 9.9 out of 10
Visit Avast online, today: https://www.avast.com/
Highly recommended.
About the US Editor-in-Chief
Avast Free Mac Security Download
Yan Ross, J.D., is a Cybersecurity Journalist & US Editor-in-Chief for both Cyber Security Magazine and Cyber Defense Magazine. He is an accredited author and educator and has provided editorial services for award-winning best-selling books on a variety of topics. He also serves as ICFE’s Director of Special Projects, and the author of the Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist ® XV CITRMS® course. As an accredited educator for over 20 years, Yan addresses risk management in the areas of identity theft, privacy, and cyber security for consumers and organizations holding sensitive personal information. You can reach him via his e-mail address at yan.ross@cyberdefensemediagroup.com