![]() Bitdefender omits this feature, because its real-time protection should catch any new malware before a scheduled scan could. Scanning and SchedulingĮSET Cyber Security for Mac, Intego, Trend Micro, and a few others include an automatic scheduler for regular scans. Bitdefender aced all three tests for a perfect score of 18 points, as do almost all the other products examined in the latest test. Just as with Windows antivirus products, the experts at AV-Test Institute rate products on protection, performance, and usability, assigning up to six points in each category. ![]() Bitdefender also managed 100% in this test, as do several other products. Like most products in the latest test by AV-Comparatives, Bitdefender achieved 100% success protecting against Mac-specific malware.īecause it's possible for a Mac to act as a carrier for malware that attacks Windows, the researchers also check how well each antivirus detects Windows threats. Four of the labs I follow report on Windows antivirus products, just two on Mac products.īoth the testing labs I follow for macOS antivirus include Bitdefender in their testing reports, and both give it their top scores. Oh, I can run a few tests manually, but I rely heavily on reports from the major labs. ![]() On a Mac, those tools do exactly nothing. I have an elaborate set of hand-coded tools, developed over a period of years, that help in hands-on Windows antivirus testing. For example, F-Secure, McAfee, and Norton all require Catalina (version 10.15) or later. Like Malwarebytes and Panda, Bitdefender works on anything from Yosemite (version 10.10 of the OS) to the current edition. But if you're stuck running an older macOS version, your need for antivirus is even greater. Even if it’s just new-ish, you’ve probably kept up with upgrades. If your Mac is brand-new, it has the very latest and greatest operating system. Norton is also a suite, including a no-limits VPN, which makes its price ($104.99 per year for five licenses) seem more reasonable. That sounds high, but it's more of a security suite than a mere antivirus. At the other end of the price spectrum, Intego Mac Internet Security X9 lists for $99.99 per year to protect three Macs. You pay just a bit more, $64.99, for McAfee AntiVirus Plus for Mac, but that subscription includes protection for every macOS, Windows, Android, ChromeOS, and iOS device you own.Īvast, Avira, and AVG all have totally free versions, which is handy if you didn't budget for antivirus on your macOS devices. Like ESET and Total Defense, Bitdefender charges $59.99 annually for three licenses. CleanMyMac, G Data, Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac, ESET, Malwarebytes, and Webroot all cost the same (or nearly so). How Much Does Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Cost?įor $39.99 per year, you can install Bitdefender on a single Mac that’s the most common price point. It uses a panel in the main window for recommendations to ensure you take advantage of all the available features. Also, as on Windows, AutoPilot goes beyond merely making decisions. The Privacy page is fully devoted to the VPN and Anti-tracker components (more about them later).Īs with the Windows product, Bitdefender on the Mac defaults to running in Autopilot mode, making all necessary security decisions without hassling the user with questions. On the Protection page, you can launch a quick, full, or custom scan, check quarantine, and manage browser extensions. Where the Windows edition’s menu opens pages for Protection, Privacy, and Utilities, the macOS version just has Protection and Privacy. The main difference here is that the Windows edition has six buttons, along with the ability to configure the buttons so they launch the security features you use the most. Below are five buttons to launch tasks such as scanning the system or extending protection to another device. ![]() You see a simple menu at left and a recommendations area at the top of the remainder of the window. The macOS product's main window almost precisely duplicates that of Bitdefender Antivirus Plus on Windows. Once the product is installed, you'll also want to protect your browsers by enabling the Traffic Light browser extension, which identifies dangerous links in search results, and the Anti-tracker feature, which prevents advertisers from profiling you on the web. Be sure to accept the installer's offer to enable ransomware remediation (more about that later) and to protect Time Machine backups against tampering. Right from the start, it's clear Bitdefender brings more than the minimum antivirus protection to your Mac.
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