Free Bitdefender For Mac
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is a free antivirus software especially designed to protect Windows computers. Need protection on more operating systems? Bitdefender Total Security offers cross-platform protection that covers Windows PCs, Macs, Smartphones and Tablets running Android or iOS for up to 10 devices. Download Bitdefender Total Security 2019 Free For 6 Months. Alternatively, you can get 6 Months Bitdefender Total Security 2019 for free Promotion Expired with Limited time offer. Complete protection for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
Getting antivirus software is one of the most important business users have to take care of. However, its not just about getting one, but users have to select the best one suitable for their system from a wide range of options. With the ever-expansive technical market, software companies are constantly coming up with new and better options every day. Given the fact that the antivirus software is the most essential piece of a garment when you dress up your system, one needs to be very cautious while choosing it.
A number of users are aware of the BitDefender antivirus software or have an experience of using the same. In this article, I have provided you with a list of BitDefender alternatives if you wish to replace or compare this software with the other existing or newer ones in the market. This would help you select even more wisely amongst many other options. If you are using the free version, then you may consider the paid one, here is the comparison between Bitdefender paid vs free in detail.
Best Free Alternatives to Bitdefender Antivirus
If you are looking for free antivirus for home or business, then there are alternatives to Bitdefender available in the market. I have listed only the best and free one that has almost the same or more features as compared to Bitdefender, have a look:
Avast Free Antivirus
This probably is the first name that comes in your search list when you’re looking for suitable antivirus software for your system. Avast is by far the most acclaimed antivirus software preferred by many users all around the globe. Avast serves not only your personal small scale requirements for safeguarding the system from several potential threats, but it comes also in a business edition that offers users with high-quality protection of industry-grade.
Its cloud-based feature eliminated the need to get any additional hardware in order to optimize its performance. Avast provides its users with a browser-based console that confirms you a fully authorized monitoring over its workings.
If you are willing to spend a few dollars then you may go ahead with the Avast paid version and can compare the Avast free vs paid here in detail.
Following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- It has an extremely easy user interface and the user can even be a novice in order to operate it.
- Avast updates automatically.
- It comes with a huge list of features that provide industry-grade security that includes anti-spam, home network security, data shredder, cyber capture, smart scan, safe-zone browser and many more.
Cons:
- Certain users have complained about the systems slowing down due to the installation of the Avast software.
- Some updates on the software may restrict certain functions on your system and that might be problematic for some.
System Support: Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
Download: https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
Kaspersky
Kaspersky is yet another antivirus tool that has gained much fame and popularity for its clean functioning. If you are planning to save on your budget and acquire an expert security program for your system at the same time, Kaspersky is exactly what you need. Kaspersky has proved to be extremely helpful when it comes to small scale or personal business matters.
It has gained much of its fame for providing very strong customer support through mail, phone calls and online chatting. Kaspersky has aimed at attending and noting each and every customer complaint and worked upon those fields thus making this software such a win.
If you are not sure between Avast and Kaspersky then check this comparison chart.
The following can be considered as the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Not just your personal computer, Kaspersky extends its service even up to your smartphones.
- It provides mobile protection through anti-malware protection and anti-phishing both of which are required for a secured internet browsing.
- It comes with a virtual keyboard. This feature would help you eliminate the several threats inflicted by certain keylogger programs that can copy your classified details such as passwords, pins, etc.
Cons:
- Users have often complained about its interface. It is not considered to be a very easy one and many would find it a bit difficult to work with.
- It is reportedly observed meddling with the working of certain browsers and hampers their smooth functioning.
System Support: Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
Download: https://free.kaspersky.com/
AVG Antivirus
Avg Antivirus is the software suggested to all novice users and it is considered to be a good option if you are looking for a simple and easy to go with a program with the major security functionalities. Avg Antivirus takes up the minimum space on your disk and provides you with all the basic protection your system requires.
Its features may not include much of the fancy functions offered by many of its competitors, Avg Antivirus is still a good choice.
Following are the categories of pros and cons:
Pros:
- It is not limited to any operating system. Works excellent for Windows, Mac as well as Android.
- Its malware protection is highly rated by users.
- Avg Antivirus has become a hit in the market due to its extremely lightweight.
- Easy user interface.
Cons:
- The anti-phishing function is not that good.
- The free version lacks certain desired features such as password protection and firewall.
File Size: 264 KB (Installation File)
System Support: Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, Mac and Android
Download: https://www.avg.com/en-gb/free-antivirus-download
Panda Antivirus
Panda Antivirus is one simple and uncomplicated software program that promises reasonable protection for your system from external malware and other threats. The Panda Antivirus is wholesome as it has all the basic features that would ensure protection.
It offers you with Wi-Fi protection and can also be used on your android system.
Following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Intuitive and easy user interface.
- The malware detection rate is high.
- It comes with USB protection, which means Panda Antivirus will scan the Pen drive as soon as it connected to the system.
- It comes with a rescue kit that creates a free system recovery.
Cons:
- It can affect the general performance of the system.
- During our testing, we found that sometimes installation may not work properly. Thus, one will have to use offline installation.
File Size: 69 MB
System Support: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Download: https://www.pandasecurity.com/en/homeusers/solutions/free-antivirus/
Sophos Antivirus Free
Sophos Antivirus has been popular in the market for quite a long time and is considered to be simple and easy to use software program that doesn’t require any additional hardware for functioning. Compared to many of its competitors, Sopho Antivirus provides you with much-uncomplicated protection against most malware and external threats.
Following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Easy user interface.
- It has real-time protection.
- It has Parental Control. That mean parent can control what sort of content will be visible for children.
- Enables security management remotely.
- Comes with Ransomware Security (for 30 days)
- Allows safe banking and webcam protection.
Cons:
- Phishing-protection is not that good.
- The scanning process takes time.
File Size:
System Support: Windows and Mac
Download: https://home.sophos.com/en-us/free-anti-virus-windows.aspx
Avira
Avira is a simple software program that provides its users with highly satisfactory malware protection for their systems. It is always suggested as a good choice if you are not looking for an antivirus software tool for professional needs. It can meet all the requirements of your PC and protect it from foreign threats.
Following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- It does not demand much technical knowledge from the user.
- It can be installed quite easily.
- It can block spyware
- Comes with Anti-ransomware
Cons:
- It can slow down the general functionality of your PC.
File Size: 5.9 MB (Installation file)
System Support: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Download: https://www.avira.com/en/free-antivirus-windows
ZoneAlarm Antivirus
It is a cloud-based security program that can prove to be extremely effective for protecting systems in a small scale business ground. It provides users with two-way firewall protection and allows users to practice PC monitoring. ZoneAlarm is highly recommended for personal use as well. It ensures safe use of the internet and data privacy.
Following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- It provides users with an advanced two-way firewall.
- Features protection of user identity.
- Good anti-spyware
Cons:
- It does not provide anti-phishing.
- It does not have an anti-keylogger.
System Support: Windows 10, 8, 7
Download: https://www.zonealarm.com/software/free-antivirus
360 Total Security
Created by the Chinese-based company Qihoo, 360 Total Security is a wholesome antivirus software tool that provides you with a full package with several features ensuring high-standard protection, free of cost.
It has a unique feature known as the Sandbox that allows you to put all your other applications and software programs within an isolated environment.
Following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- It provides all kinds of internet security in multiple devices.
- The application is updated quite often.
- The software integrates well with all operating systems.
- The free version has Anti-Ransomware.
- Secure online shopping
Cons:
- Too many advertisements may prove to be annoying at times.
File Size: 1.5 Mb (Installation File)
System Support: Windows and Mac
Download: https://www.360totalsecurity.com/en/
Windows Defender
Integrated with Windows, the Windows Defender is another good option for an antivirus software program. This software may lack some of the functionalities featured by BitDefender and others but can prove to be enough satisfying. The application works with absolute silence in the background and doesn’t affect much of the system’s performance.
Noted below are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Provides protection from ransomware files and allows controlled folder access.
- It doesn’t affect the functioning of the system.
Cons:
- The scanning process is slow.
- Its updates are quite long.
- The malware detection ratio is not up to the mark.
System Support: Windows 10
Download: https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/windows/comprehensive-security
HitmanPro
Changing from one software program to another on your system is always a reckless process. If you want to settle down the matter of your system’s security, HitmanPro can operate as your best choice. The HipmanPro antivirus cleans your system as soon as it is installed and then protects it from future threats.
It safeguards the system from all kinds of malware, spyware, Trojans, worms, rootkits, adware and much more.
Following are the pros and cons of using HitmanPro:
Pros:
- It provides you with high-speed scanning.
- Users can install this software on infected systems as it cleans first and then protects.
- Users can bypass the process of installing as it can be launched from the USB carrier as well.
Cons:
- It determines and guards your system against external threats only with an internet connection.
- It only scans the drive where it has been installed.
System Support: Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, Windows Server 2003, 2008 and 2010 (32 and 64 bit)
Download: https://www.hitmanpro.com/en-us/downloads.aspx
Clam Antivirus
Clam Antivirus is an open-source antivirus engine preferred by many users and is gaining popularity in the market. It supports almost all Windows devices including Microsoft 7, 8, 10, XP, Vista and 2000. This list prolongs even up to Windows Server 2003, 2008 and 2012. Clam Antivirus is widely used all along with the globe with as many as 600,000 users on its list.
Clam AV can be your best choice if you have just stepped into the technical world as it provides you with the basic protection your system would require in order to be established. It will protect the system from all kinds of malware and spyware quite efficiently and free of cost. However, once you get hold of the technicality, you might go for other options with more complex and inclusive protection promises.
Listed below are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- It gives you the option to schedule a time for regular scanning according to your convenience.
- This antivirus software has come with an uncomplicated user interface.
- Users also have the option to scan appropriate files selectively.
Cons:
- It does not have an automatic file scanner, hence users have to select individual files and open them in order to be scanned.
- Its processing speed may not reach up to the expectations of many users.
- The software does not come up with new upgrades quite frequently.
File Size: 164 MB
System Support: Windows, macOS X, Linux & BSD
Download: http://www.clamwin.com/content/view/18/46/
Conclusion
Whichever Antivirus you are going to use in replacement of BitDefender, make sure that it has all the features, and should not slow down the PC.
Not using an antivirus program on your Mac may be one of the most dangerous things that you can do to your device. Apple has installed a great security system for Apple devices but it doesn’t mean that macOS and iOS devices are immune to malware attacks since hackers are constantly developing ways to search for system weaknesses and exploit them as time goes on.
If you’re looking for an antivirus program, you can start looking at Bitdefender as it offers efficient antivirus protection with its free version. If you have the budget and decide to pay a little extra for enhanced antivirus protection for your Mac, you will not be disappointed.
Is the free version of Bitdefender good for Mac?
In total, Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac is a free lite version of its paid antivirus program Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. Despite it being a stripped-down version of its premium antivirus software, its free version can decently detect and wipe out malware from your Mac, making it one of the best free antivirus programs that do the excellent bare minimum protection.
Below I listed the pros and cons of using free and paid malware versions. However, you can scroll all the way down and check the results of the test I’ve done against real viruses on my Mac. (Yes, I intentionally injected malware on my Mac and tested 12 antimalware programs in order to find the best).
The Good:
Intuitive interface
Bitdefender Virus Scanner’s dashboard allows you to quickly perform deep and custom scans with just a single click. The program saves you time by giving you the most essential options for your basic cybersecurity needs.
On the application dashboard, you are instantly presented with three options to scan your system:
Critical Locations Scan
This quickly scans your Mac and looks for malware in your main system folders. This option scans the most vulnerable directories on your Mac where new files are almost often sorted by default.
Folders such as Mail, Documents, and Downloads are among the folders that are going to be scanned by this option. This is most recommended when you only need a regular malware check for a short time.
Deep System Scan
This option combs through your entire file system and scans hidden files and important system files to make sure that no malware is lurking on your Mac. A deep system scan is necessary every once in a while, to ensure that doing a quick scan did not miss any malware that may be hiding in your system.
Custom Location Scan
This option lets you scan individual folders and locations in your disk, especially if you want to check if a particular folder or external drive contains malware that might harm your Mac.
This can be very beneficial whenever you plug a USB flash drive or an external HDD into your Mac, preventing any possibility of malware infection that may come from an external disk source.
Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac also gives you an “At a glance” information preview that notifies you if your Mac is secure or not.
It tells you if it needs to update its virus database to ensure that it will recognize new threats that may try to infect your system. Keeping its virus database updated also allows it to the new version of malware that may have already infiltrated your system.
Lastly, you can also choose to view all quarantined files after your scans on its dashboard, giving you quick accessibility options to review every potential threat that Bitdefender Virus Scanner detected.
You can do all of these things with just a single click from a single window. Bitdefender Virus Scanner is lightweight at the very least but efficient in terms of giving you full functionality of every person’s basic cybersecurity needs for free.
Minimum Feature Set
Bitdefender Virus Scanner does not bloat your system with add-ons or other programs that might come with it after installation. It only gives you the most basic antivirus functionality for your Mac without tricking you into downloading any additional application on your Mac.
Do not underestimate this light and free antivirus program. All that comes with Bitdefender Virus Scanner are entirely usable and functional.
Efficient Memory Management
Since Bitdefender Virus Scanner is a lightweight antivirus program, it does not use many system resources that can slow down your Mac’s performance.
Unlike other premium antivirus software, it does not stress your computer resources while doing a system scan, allowing you to multitask and let Bitdefender continue its virus scan in the background.
Constant Virus Protection
Running a constant malware search on your system is necessary to ensure that malware won’t infect your computer. Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac doesn’t need to be turned on to check for malware on your system. It can run automatically in the background and check for malware as soon as your Mac starts up.
The Bad
No Web Protection
For its free option, it does not come with a web security feature that might be able to filter out malware from malicious sites.
Using Bitdefender Virus Scanner will not pre-emptively protect your Mac from online potential threats. This is because Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac can only detect malware once they are in your system, which can sometimes present a vulnerability risk due to lack of internet security options on its free version.
Verdict
Based on the basic functionality that Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac offers, it is definitely recommended to use it as an additional layer of security to your Mac. While it is true that Apple has developed a tight security model for all of its devices, it is still vulnerable to certain attacks.
Its only downside is that it lacks internet security options, but this is where its limitation as a free antivirus software begins. With this, you can either pair it with a third-party internet security program or Bitdefender’s free web browser extension TrafficLight if you are not willing to spend any money for your Mac’s protection.
If you are looking to improve your Mac’s security for free, Bitdefender Virus Scanner is a great option to remove malware from your computer.
Is Bitdefender paid worth the money?
Bitdefender offers Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, which starts at $30 per year and can cost up to $60 per year for 3 Macs. With its price, it is one of the best antivirus programs that you can install on your Mac. It supports macOS 10.10 Yosemite or later to run on your computer.
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac features:
Improved Malware Detection
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac immediately detects and deletes malware-infected files as soon as they are transferred or downloaded to your Mac.
This pre-emptively protects your machine from any malware attacks before they begin to spread. Bitdefender is perfect for Trojans, viruses, worms, and ransomware that are lurking inside unopened ZIP files, preventing them to spread before they can even run on your computer.
Since Bitdefender constantly runs in the background, it can easily detect incoming malware attacks by monitoring suspicious files for any malicious behavior.
Bitdefender calls it “behavioral scanning” where it actively scans and filters out potential malware to prevent any damage that it might cause to your device.
Scroll down to the bottom to see the results of my test.
Increased Internet Protection
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac comes with a limited VPN client that offers 200MB of VPN-data traffic per day on each device.
This can improve the security of your devices whenever your device is connected to the internet by making your connection more private and secure.
200MB might not be much but you can get Bitdefender’s Premium VPN service for an extra $40 per year. With Bitdefender’s Premium VPN, you can log in to different VPN servers, giving you enhanced internet privacy for a price.
Not only that, but you can also get Bitdefender’s TrafficLight browser extension, which scans every URL you visit and notify you if a site is safe or harmful. This can increase your site awareness if TrafficLight detects that you might be entering a phishing website or a website that contains malicious content.
Local File Security Protection
In case of undetected ransomware attacks, Bitdefender has a Safe File ransomware protection where you can choose to further secure files and folders that cannot be encrypted by ransomware.
This protection includes your local files in your main disk as well as your Time Machine backups. With this feature, you can rest assured that all your important files are safe from hackers trying to steal control of your device.
User-friendly Interface
Compared to Bitdefender’s free antivirus program, Bitdefender’s Antivirus for Mac offers more features and security options but it does not become overwhelming. Even non-tech-savvy individuals can get the hang of navigating through its clean interface.
For example, Bitdefender’s dashboard already presents the Quick Scan and System Scan option if you need to launch the program for instant antivirus scan whenever it detects suspicious activity on your device.
Most of its features such as Safe Files and Web Protection are one-click access, making it more convenient and less confusing to use.
Efficient system performance
Unlike other antivirus programs, Bitdefender’s Antivirus for Mac does not slow down your Mac even when it’s doing a deep system scan.
You can leave it scanning your system in the background while you do your normal tasks without feeling a performance dip.
Should you get Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac?
It is recommended to purchase Bitdefender’s premium antivirus protection, especially if you are someone who can benefit from its improved protection features.
Perhaps the only downside of Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is the requirement to pay extra for its VPN service, which almost doubles the amount that you have to pay for both services.
The limited 200MB per day VPN data traffic may be close to useless especially if you regularly work on large data downloads or frequently attends virtual meetings.
Overall, Bitdefender’s paid antivirus service is worth a try for personal use, especially if you have a tight budget to spend on your digital security.
Do I need antivirus software on my Mac?
Of course. It is a myth that macOS does not have any malware vulnerabilities. But there is some truth to how Apple implements its security system on their devices.
macOS and iOS are secured when it comes to its closed-software system.
Since Apple strictly manages its own App Store, each application is subjected to a rigorous review process until it is finally posted on the Apple App Store.
Bitdefender Free Trial For Mac
Additionally, Apple does not allow any third-party application that’s not authorized by Apple to run on their devices.
In other words, no application can run on an Apple device without going through Apple’s thorough review process. In this way, Apple makes sure that all of its applications are malware-free.
However, this does not make macOS and iOS devices immune to cyberattacks. Hackers have various ways to trick users into downloading unsuspecting malware into their devices and Apple devices are not an exception.
How can my Mac get infected by malware
Your Mac can get infected by malware by falling for phishing spam, which is tricking the victim into clicking a URL that redirects into a website that might download malware-infected files on the victim’s computer.
Your Mac can also be infected if you install applications from untrusted sources. These types of malware can be any of the following:
Ransomware encrypts all of the infected computer’s files and removes the owner’s access to that computer. Once the malware has taken over the victim’s computer, the hacker would ask for a ransom in exchange for the user’s access to their computer. Only when the victim complies does the hacker give the decryption key that the victim needs to gain access to their computer.
Worms are malicious files that automatically self-replicate and exploit the vulnerabilities of your computer once it makes contact with your computer system. Once inside, it can self-it will for system vulnerabilities and inject itself into different files such as word documents, media files, and executable files. Once the worm infection spreads throughout your system, it can also infect other devices that are connected to a network.
Spyware is a type of malware that secretly collects the victim’s user information, including personal and financial information such as credit card numbers, account passwords, and other information that can infringe the victim’s identity on possible future attacks. Spyware usually takes the form of “keyloggers” that record your keystrokes when entering your account password or credit card credentials.
Scareware is a type of malware designed to incite panic in the form of sudden pop-up ads that show that your device is infected by a virus. They trick the user into buying unnecessary and malicious software by showing fake alerts that your computer has been hacked. Clicking on the windows where these messages appear will redirect the victim to websites or download links that can harm your device.
Trojans are malicious programs disguised as legitimate executable programs. This can be one of the programs that scareware may download into your system that may trick you into thinking that you have downloaded an antivirus program. Trojans can only infect your system once it is executed by the user.
File-less malware is a type of malware that can directly infect your system upon contact. This type of malware can infect non-file system objects like APIs and registry keys. This can make them harder to detect because the source of the threat can be difficult to pinpoint. It can also be difficult for some antivirus software to detect file-less malware because they cannot detect the file itself that is causing harm to your system.
Any of these malware types may be downloaded into your system without your knowledge and Apple’s closed-software system does not protect your Mac from these kinds of attacks.
It is not safe to assume that your Mac’s internal security system can handle all of these attacks once your device becomes exposed to them.
Sometimes, avoidance from these types of malware may not be enough to protect yourself from attacks as cybercrimes also get more and more complex. Installing reputable antivirus software is one solution that you can apply to protect your files and personal information.
Bitdefender Antivirus Mac
My Test
In my own test, I downloaded 117 malware samples to my Mac. And tested 14 antimalware solutions against the same set. I found that Bitdefender was able to clear 94.9% of the samples.
However, in the same test, free Bitdefender version was only effective in a little more than 70% of cases. In my opinion, this is huge.
Please check my review of free Mac antiviruses.
Final Thoughts
So, based on everything above, and especially based on my own testing, I can only recommend free Bitdefender only if you have no money at all.
A paid version of the same company provides way more protection and if you save money on the purchase, you can use my affiliate link and get 50% OFF BitDefender Total Security for Mac.
This article is one of the “Best Free Antivirus” series, which also include reviews of:
Based on my testing so far, Avast is the best free option for Mac.