Microsoft has been diligently addressing security vulnerabilities in Windows, enhancing its internal defenses in an ongoing struggle against cyber threats. In contrast, macOS was designed with security as a foundational principle. However, even Macs are not immune to malware, including ransomware attacks. This reality underscores the necessity of antivirus protection for Mac users, and fortunately, there are cost-effective options available. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac stands out as a no-cost solution that has received high praise from independent testing laboratories. For those willing to invest in their security, premium options like Bitdefender Antivirus and Norton 360 Deluxe offer comprehensive features that extend beyond basic antivirus capabilities.
What macOS Version Does Avira Require?
Most antivirus applications for Mac are optimized for the latest versions of macOS, reflecting Apple’s commitment to continuous security improvements. Avira supports macOS versions starting from 10.15 (Catalina). Users with older operating systems may need to explore alternatives; for instance, ClamXAV is compatible with Yosemite (10.10), Intego Mac Internet Security X9 works with Mavericks (10.9), and ProtectWorks can even function on the legacy Snow Leopard (10.6).
The pricing landscape for Mac antivirus solutions varies significantly. At the premium end, McAfee Total Protection is priced at .99 annually for a single Mac and 9.99 for five devices, while Norton 360 Deluxe also charges 9.99 per year for five cross-platform licenses. The most common pricing model among the antivirus programs reviewed hovers just below per year for one license, with Bitdefender, ESET, and Webroot fitting this mold. Sophos Home Premium commands a higher price at .99 per year but allows protection for up to 10 Macs or PCs. In contrast, Avira remains entirely free, similar to AVG AntiVirus and Avast, offering a zero-cost solution for users.
Avira’s Family History
Avira was acquired by Gen Digital a few years ago, a conglomerate that also owns Norton, Lifelock, Avast, AVG, and several other brands. This expansive product family has evolved over time, beginning with Avast’s acquisition of AVG in 2016, which led to a shared antivirus engine. Norton also expanded its portfolio by acquiring LifeLock around the same period. In 2020, Norton purchased Avira, which subsequently acquired BullGuard, though Norton later phased out the BullGuard brand in favor of its own subscriptions. In 2021, Norton further consolidated its holdings by acquiring Avast, establishing Gen as the overarching parent company.
The Gen family of antivirus products boasts four distinct antivirus engines. While Avast and AVG utilize a shared engine, BullGuard’s technology remains intact. Reports indicate that Gen is working towards creating a unified antivirus engine that incorporates the best features from each technology.
Getting Started With Avira Free Antivirus for Mac
Installation of Avira Free Antivirus on a Mac is a straightforward process. Upon installation, users are prompted to consider purchasing a license for Avira Prime, marking the beginning of upsell attempts. After installation, Avira suggests running a Smart Scan, which I opted to postpone to avoid any interference with performance tests.
The interface of Avira’s Mac antivirus has been redesigned to align more closely with its Windows counterpart. The main window features a simple menu on the left side, similar to Avira Free Security. Unlike the Windows version, which categorizes options as Status, Security, Privacy, and Performance, the macOS edition includes additional submenu items under each category. The interface prominently displays oversized icons for Security, Privacy, and Performance, along with a button to initiate a Smart Scan.
Scanning and Scheduling
During testing on a MacBook Air, a quick scan completed in mere seconds, while a full scan took 29 minutes—slightly longer than the average of 26 minutes. By default, Avira schedules a weekly quick scan, with options to adjust the frequency to daily or monthly, and users can also schedule full scans as needed.
Accessing Protection Options reveals a straightforward page with three toggles: Real-time Protection, Download Protection, and USB Protection. While users can disable the first two, it is advisable to keep them active. USB protection, which automatically scans any mounted USB drives, is only available with the upgraded Avira Prime suite. However, users can easily drag and drop USB icons onto Avira for manual scanning.
Testing Lab Ratings
For evaluating antivirus solutions on macOS, I rely heavily on independent testing labs due to the absence of my own testing tools for this platform. Two prominent labs, AV-Test Institute and AV-Comparatives, provide valuable insights into antivirus performance.
AV-Test rates antivirus products based on three criteria: malware protection, performance impact, and usability. The maximum score is 18 points, and in the latest report, all but one tested app achieved this score, with Avira earning 17.5 points, still qualifying it as a Top Product. AV-Comparatives assesses antivirus software based on its effectiveness against Mac-specific malware, assigning percentage scores for performance against potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) and Windows malware detection. Although Avira did not participate in the most recent tests, its historical performance has been commendable.
In my own testing of Avira’s ability to detect Windows malware, I found that it effectively cleaned up 73% of samples from a USB drive, successfully eradicating all ransomware samples. While Windows malware cannot infect a Mac, Avira’s ability to eliminate these samples is noteworthy.
Protection Against Fraudulent and Malicious Sites
Phishing attacks, which aim to deceive users into revealing sensitive information, remain a significant threat across all platforms. Avira Free Antivirus does not directly protect against malicious URLs; instead, this function is managed through Avira’s Browser Safety extension available for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera. Users of Avira’s free antivirus for macOS are encouraged to pair it with this browser extension for enhanced protection.
In my testing, Avira’s detection rate for phishing URLs was a perfect 100%, mirroring its performance on Windows. The Browser Safety extension also includes features to block web tracking, provided users enable this option. Additionally, Avira offers a Safe Shopping extension that displays coupons and attempts to find better deals while shopping online, although my tests revealed mixed results regarding its effectiveness.
Privacy Features
Avira’s free security tool for Windows includes a range of privacy-related features, while the macOS version offers access to a VPN and password manager through submenu items. The free edition of Avira Phantom VPN provides limited bandwidth, restricting users to 500MB per month without the ability to choose server locations. This limitation may hinder frequent use of the VPN.
The password manager requires users to create a strong master password and install a browser extension for full functionality. While it provides essential features like capturing login credentials and syncing across devices, it lacks advanced functionalities found in premium offerings. The Cookie Cleaner feature is exclusive to Avira Prime users.
Performance Features
Under the Performance section, users will find Junk Cleaner, Startup Apps Manager, and Uninstaller. Junk Cleaner is available in the free edition, while the other two features require an upgrade. This tool identifies files that can be deleted to free up disk space, offering users the option to proceed with cleanup or review findings before taking action.
Smart Scan
Avira’s Smart Scan feature can be initiated at any time, providing insights into security, privacy, and performance issues. During my testing, the Smart Scan on the Mac reported no viruses but identified browser tracking cookies and junk files. However, it did not automatically resolve these issues, indicating that users would need to upgrade to Avira Prime for comprehensive remediation.
Should You Go Prime?
Avira Prime, priced at 9.99 annually for five devices, offers additional features and personal tech support. However, for users solely within the macOS ecosystem, the benefits may not justify the cost. Windows users may find greater value in Avira Prime due to the enhanced features available.
Verdict: Free and Functional
Avira Free Antivirus for Mac has received commendable ratings from testing labs and demonstrated effective phishing protection. While it may not offer as many features as its Windows counterpart, it remains a viable free option. Users seeking premium protection may consider Bitdefender or Norton 360 Deluxe, both of which have excelled in lab tests and provide advanced features tailored for comprehensive security.
