Avast is an antivirus software developer that hold up macOS , and the Avast One software package include spare cybersecurity features that go beyond simple malware scan . Antivirus , ransomware protection , malware block , and more are available in liberal and pay subscription plans .
A few calendar month ago , I review Avast One for Windowsand found it to be a good answer . However , the Mac is a very different computer with unique hardware and software , so I tested Avast One for Mac to find out if it ’s a secure fit for Apple ’s system andone of the estimable antivirus apps for your Mac .
Specs
Tiers and pricing
Avast One ’s internet site draw its free grade as Basic , but the corroboration refers to it as Avast One Essential . Either way of life , it ’s powerful antivirus software that protects your Mac for gratuitous . You get a malware image scanner and web browser app protection to barricade malicious downloads . A free VPN is included but the monthly data is limit to 5 GB . Avast One offers one ofthe best complimentary Mac antivirus apps uncommitted .
Avast One come in family plans as well . For $ 84/$180 , Avast One Silver Family increases the act of supported devices from the standard five to a generous 30 , enough for everyone to enjoy protection . Avast One Gold Family costs $ 114/$280 to cover 30 gadget .
The top level is Avast One Pt for $ 120/$300 , a comparatively minor increment from Avast One Gold Family that adds identity protection , sorry World Wide Web monitoring , and $ 2 million in indistinguishability theft insurance policy .
Design
Installing Avast One was bare , and much easier thanmy experience with McAfee ’s antivirus for Mac . After downloading the installer , a Finder window open with a message to reduplicate - sink in it . After agreeing to the terms of use and appropriate the ask permissions , the installer placed itself in the methamphetamine and launched Avast One for frame-up .
I started with the free version , Avast One Essential , initially skipping the polarity - in option . The app guided me to enable Avast access in System preferences , spread the appropriate chit along the way . After a few clicks , everything was ready in about a second .
I catch a friendly substance say “ Everything looks dear , ” but lacking enough details to convince me . I scroll down to the shortcut and found an option to run a system scan . The app update its computer virus data , checked my browser app stash , and scanned for malware . In the final step , it intimate single file cleanup spot , giving me an option to upgrade to use this feature article . I declined and move to the next cutoff , the VPN .
After allowing a kill - up favorable reception request from macOS , the barren VPN was switch over on . It ’s crest at 5 GB per month , which is n’t enough for daily usage , but could be utilitarian for episodic checks or vacation planning .
The free app shows all the lineament in the explore chit , but some are lock up until I pledge . Still , plenty are available in Avast One Essential . The system scan check for malware and include a VPN , which is cap at 5 GB per month .
The account tab shows my subscription level — currently none — and has subsections to set preferences , browse help documents , check the community forums , get support , or uninstall the app . It ’s bracing to see an gentle way to uninstall since removing antivirus computer software is sometimes hard .
Features
Avast for Mac enjoys a near - perfect malware protection platter in on-going rating from the autonomous surety inquiry labAV - Test . In fact , there were only two instances when Avast fell below a arrant six out of six .
In September 2020 , a venial missy dropped AV - Test ’s rating to 5.5 . The more notable flaw was from six years ago when Avast for Mac failed in 3.7 % of the 241 malware tests performed in December 2018 .
Every other quarterly test since December 2017 has been perfect . That ’s an telling protection disc that‘s almost as estimable asmarket leaders Bitdefender and Norton .
While I entrust AV - Test ’s resolution , I still wanted to blot - checkout for myself . I visited Wicar ’s malware test site to see how good the free entanglement blocking agent was . Avast One Essential recognized all 13 web browser exploits and malware downloads , blocking the danger at every twist .
I taste again with the VPN switched off , and each threat was blocked without using any monthly data to safeguard my browsing . The free app is very good , a generous gift to the often overlook Mac residential area .
Switching the VPN back on , I loadedBrowserLeakswebsite to look into if my IP speech was visible . The IP computer address and location shown were unlike from mine , so Avast ’s free VPN did its problem .
With my Avast One of the essence testing complete , I upgraded to Avast One Gold to continue with the reader version . That removed all locks on the explore yellow journalism , so I used the disc cleaner to free up over 4 GB of app caches , trash , and log files .
There are plenty of extra that help with privacy , shelter , and clean house my Mac . The most of import paid feature are the uncapped VPN with an option to choose a host in another country to deflect geoblocking and live chat support .
Support
It was a act frustrative , as if the agent did n’t understand my question . I asked for another broker but they tried again to answer . After my second request to transfer , I was tell to hold .
regrettably , no one else was available , so I tried simplify my dubiousness . That work , and I got the resolution I expected — Avast One protects my web internet browser from malware and also scans my computing machine . I also ask some VPN interrogation and receive prompt and exact replies .
After 15 proceedings , suddenly the answers came quickly and with higher quality . I suspect the misinterpretation was a side gist of trying to aid too many client at once . That ’s the nature of hot reinforcement , and it will always vary .
Overall , I was satisfied with Avast ’s support via hot chat .
Privacy and security
fit in to Avast ’s privacy insurance , Avast One ’s free app might show targeted ads . In my brief test , I did n’t see any , but I promptly switched to a give plan to complete the review .
The end - exploiter license arrangement allows Avast to post you promotional offers to upgrade to a higher - priced subscription . After three month on Avast ’s posting list , I have n’t noticed many emails , so I do n’t consider it ’s anything to be concerned about .
However , Avast has had some privacy issues in the yesteryear . Google removed the Avast web web browser annexe in 2019for spot on Chrome users .
After five age of behaving kindly , Avast has well - rank security wing in the Chrome Web Store . I think it ’s safe to permit those worries fade away .
Avast One protects your Mac and MacBook
If you like the sound of Avast One ’s subscription plan but want to save money , checkour pathfinder to the best antivirus deal . Sometimes Avast has gross revenue that reduce first - year costs even lowly . Still , the costs will skyrocket to more than double the first class when it ’s time to renew .
Avast ’s parent company , Gen Digital , also owns Norton Security . Norton 360 for Mac has a better subscription package at modest prices , so that ’s a just choice if you ’re pay for auspices .
Avast One Basic ( Essential ) is a nice , costless antivirus that could allow everything you need . It includes bar and protective covering just as powerful as what ’s in the paid version . If you desire more , our guide to the best antivirus package breaks down features and coststo help you make an informed purchase .
