Microsoft Defender Alternatives for Mac

Microsoft Defender is not available for Mac but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on macOS with similar functionality. The best Mac alternative is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which is free. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Microsoft Defender and many of them are available for Mac so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Mac alternatives to Microsoft Defender are ClamAV, Avast Free Antivirus, Bitdefender Antivirus and Avira Antivirus.

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Alternatives list

  1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware icon

    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

     864 likes

    Comprehensive protection software utilizing AI and machine learning to detect and neutralize threats. Features include RDP and Ransomware Protection. Efficiently uses minimal system resources with customizable settings for scan modes and performance adjustments.

    113 Malwarebytes Anti-Malware alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Kindle Fire
    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware screenshot 1
     
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    2
    Malwarebytes Anti-Malware vs Microsoft Defender Comments
    brta2818
    Positive
    0

    Its real-time scanner (if you've shelled out for the premium version) uses less system resources than that of Microsoft Defender.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    -4

    Malwarebytes is very popular and works well.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is Freemium and ProprietaryMicrosoft Defender is Free Personal and Proprietary
    • Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is Privacy focusedMicrosoft Defender is not according to our users
  2. ClamAV icon

    ClamAV

     249 likes

    Clam AntiVirus is an open source (GPL) anti-virus toolkit for UNIX, designed especially for e-mail scanning on mail gateways. It provides a number of utilities including a flexible and scalable multi-threaded daemon, a command line scanner and advanced tool for automatic...

    100 ClamAV alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    ClamAV GUI
     
  4. Avast Free Antivirus icon

    Avast Free Antivirus

     811 likes

    Provides free real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware, with secure HTTPS scanning, customizable scans, password management, home network security, antiphishing, Smart Scan, rescue disk creation, and software updating.

    137 Avast Free Antivirus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Avast Free Antivirus screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Avast Free Antivirus vs Microsoft Defender Comments
    Guest
    Negative
    21

    Don't trust these big-name security suites, they're crap and full of bloatware. Same goes for AVG, Avira, Comodo. When they get on your system they just take over and nag you to buy whatever...

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Avast Free Antivirus is Freemium and ProprietaryMicrosoft Defender is Free Personal and Proprietary
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    F-Secure Anti-Virus icon
    F-Secure Anti-Virus

    Defends against viruses, ransomware, and spyware using automatic updates and DeepGuard 2.0. Includes Scam Protection, Banking Protection, Gaming Mode, and more for optimal performance and security across devices.

    https://f-secure.com
    Learn More
  6. Bitdefender Antivirus icon

    Bitdefender Antivirus

     114 likes

    Free antivirus offering comprehensive protection with real-time threat detection, AI-powered security, lightweight performance, Game mode, user-friendly interface, and auto updates. Supports multiple platforms and provides live customer support. Ideal for all users.

    62 Bitdefender Antivirus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Bitdefender Antivirus screenshot 1
     
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    Bitdefender Antivirus vs Microsoft Defender Comments
    ImSebi
    Positive
    0

    A good alternative you can get when you need something other than Windows Security....

    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    Recommended by some serious geeks. Some of them use it and seem happy with it.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Bitdefender Antivirus is Freemium and ProprietaryMicrosoft Defender is Free Personal and Proprietary
    • Bitdefender Antivirus is MinimalisticMicrosoft Defender is not according to our users
  7. Avira Antivirus icon

    Avira Antivirus

     407 likes

    Offers real-time protection from malware, ransomware, viruses, and spyware, with advanced repair, browser safety, software updates, VPN, PC optimization tools, cloud-based updates, and system clean-up. Available for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices.

    77 Avira Antivirus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Avira Antivirus screenshot 1
     
  8. Kaspersky AntiVirus icon

    Kaspersky AntiVirus

     176 likes

    Kaspersky AntiVirus offers protection from a range of IT threats and provides the basic tools needed to keep your PC secure.

    83 Kaspersky AntiVirus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    Kaspersky Free
     
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    2
    Kaspersky AntiVirus vs Microsoft Defender Comments
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    Kaspersky Security Cloud Free Blocks non-dangerous Web Sites. It blocked Push Pay Web Site my church uses to make donations. It blocked my AT&T Digital Home phone site as well. Whitelisting did not help. November, 2020

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Nitsu29
    Positive
    0

    Very good signature database and probably the best protection against Malware and Ransomware. Worth the money if you usually visit sites that can easily screw you over

    • Kaspersky AntiVirus is Paid and ProprietaryMicrosoft Defender is Free Personal and Proprietary
  10. ESET NOD32 Antivirus icon

    ESET NOD32 Antivirus

     259 likes

    Experience a fast, efficient antivirus with ESET's AI-powered defense against viruses, ransomware, and phishing. Enjoy features like cloud-powered scanning, Enhanced Exploit Blocker, Device Control, and Gamer Mode for uninterrupted use. Optimize your security and maintain speed.

    75 ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    ESET NOD32 Antivirus screenshot 1
     
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    1
    ESET NOD32 Antivirus vs Microsoft Defender Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    This was highly recommended by a PC Tech.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • ESET NOD32 Antivirus is Paid and ProprietaryMicrosoft Defender is Free Personal and Proprietary
    • ESET NOD32 Antivirus is Privacy focusedMicrosoft Defender is not according to our users
  11. AVG AntiVirus icon

    AVG AntiVirus

     286 likes

    AVG AntiVirus Free provides basic antivirus and antispyware protection for home users. Virus database updated every day. Includes innovative LinkScanner for web-protection.

    75 AVG AntiVirus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • Chrome OS
    AVG AntiVirus screenshot 1
     
  12. Panda Dome icon

    Panda Dome

     71 likes

    Panda Antivirus protects you while you work, play, or browse online.

    Antivirus Protection Real-time protection against all types of malware and spyware. Schedule periodic scans and/or scan your computer on demand.

    USB protection Protect your PC by preventing the automatic execu.

    66 Panda Dome alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    Panda Dome screenshot 1
     
  13. Norton AntiVirus icon

    Norton AntiVirus

     19 likes

    Delivers comprehensive security with real-time threat protection against malware, spyware, ransomware, and phishing. Features include smart firewall, password manager, AI-driven virus defense, machine learning file analysis, Intrusion Prevention, Behavior Protection, Proactive Exploit Protection, and Power Eraser.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Norton AntiVirus screenshot 1
     
  14. 360 Total Security icon

    360 Total Security

     56 likes

    Offers multi-engine antivirus and anti-malware with real-time threat detection, ransomware prevention, system and privacy optimization, web and network protection, minimal system impact, regular threat updates, scheduled scans, and support for external devices.

    36 360 Total Security alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Home Screen
     
12 of 34 Microsoft Defender alternatives