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Sophos Home Free — Best for Overall macOS Protection & Free Parental Controls. To help protect you online, here's the Best Antivirus Software for Mac of 2020: Webroot Bitdefender Intego Kaspersky Norton ESET AVG Technologies Trend Micro F-Secure. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offers multilayer security to your system with a lot of advanced security features. It offers simple and ono-intrusive adware scan and provides protection from other malware threats for free. It helps you completely remove Genieo for Mac and Vsearch.

1. Best Spyware For Macs
2. Anti Spyware Mac

There is a popular opinion that Mac systems are inherently more secure than Windows. In fact, most Mac users don’t even bother to use an antivirus or anti-malware software. Objectively speaking, that opinion may or may not be true. Mainly because that depends on a variety of factors like the number of Mac users, how they use their system, how computer literate they are, etc. However, over the past few years, the threats to Mac users have been increasing, thanks to quickly spearing malware, ransomware, and adware.

Read: Best Malware Removal Tools For Windows

Avoid MacKeeper

I bet you might have seen ads on websites (mostly porn sites), telling you to clean your Mac with MacKeeper. And while it’s legitimate software (as in not a virus), but it’s nonetheless useless and a waste of resources. Also, uninstalling MacKeeper isn’t easy as well. So, no matter what you do, avoid MacKeeper at any cost.

Instead, it is essential that you use a good anti-malware software so that not only you can be safe but also avoid spreading malware, ransomware, and viruses to other users. Here are some of the best anti-malware software for mac.

Read: How I Removed Malware From my WordPress Site

Best Anti Malware for Mac

1. Malwarebytes

When it comes to dealing with malware and other nasty stuff like rootkits, there is no other software that more popular than Malwarebytes. Other than it being able to remove malware from Mac effectively, the best thing about Malwarebytes is that it plays nice with your other antivirus software if you’ve already installed any. In fact, most users including me use Malwarebytes as a backup and perform weekly scans just to make sure that the system hasn’t been infected or has infected files.

To scan your system all you have to do is install the application, launch it and hit the scan button. As soon as you hit the button, it can do a quick scan for malware, PUPs (potentially unwanted programs), rootkits, adware, spyware, virus, etc., both in your system memory and hard disk. If it finds any threats, it will automatically quarantine those threats.

For in-depth scanning, select the custom scan option. Do keep in mind that the custom scan can take a couple of hours depending on the amount of data you have on your hard disk.

Download Malwarebytes (free, $40 for pro version)

2. Systweak Anti-Malware

Best Spyware For Macs

Systweak Anti-Malware is a dedicated malware scanning and removal software for MacOS. Just like Malwarebytes, Systweak Anti-Malware scans for malware, rootkits, viruses, and adware in your hard disk and system memory. Once it finds a threat, it automatically quarantines it. If you know that Systweak Anti-Malware quarantined a false positive, you can restore the file or app with just a single click. For regular, deep, or custom scans, you can create custom schedules.

If you know a file or folder to be safe, you can exclude them from scanning avoiding any possible false positives by adding them to the exclude list. Of course, Systweak Anti-Malware always runs in the background and protects your Mac system from malware and PUPs in real-time. Other features of the software include start-up scan, memory scan, and beginner friendly user interface.

So, if you unsatisfied or looking for a good alternative for Malwarebytes you should try Systweak Anti-Malware.

Download Systweak Anti-Malware ($40)

3. Bitdefender

Bitdefender is another popular software to protect your mac from various threats like malware, virus, trojans, adware, spyware, unwanted software, and much more. The best thing about Bitdefender is that apart from protecting you from regular threats, it can actively scan in multiple layers and protect your system from ransomware. Other than that, Bitdefender can also keep an eye on cross-platform threats so that you don’t unintentionally spread malware, virus, or other infected files to your friends, colleagues or family.

Since Bitdefender always runs in the background, it can block any and all threats in real-time. Of course, Bitdefender also scans your system occasionally. If needed, you can create custom schedules with various configurations and scan settings. Bitdefender also has other features like backup protection, safe files, parental controls, secure shopping protection, etc.

Simply put, if you need a full-fledged software that can do much more than blocking and removing malware then give Bitdefender a try.

Download Bitdefender ($50 – $70 according to the version you choose)

4. Avast

Just like Bitdefender, Avast is not just an anti-malware software, it is a anti-virus software that can scan and protect your system from a wide range of threats. In fact, if you’ve ever searched for a anti-virus software, you should have definitely heard about Avast.

Using Avast you can regularly scan your system and create your own schedules to better protect your system. Along with anti-malware security, Avast can also protect your system from infected emails, unprotect WiFi network, and ransomware. Other features of the software include real-time protection, detailed security reports, browser protection, ability to shield you from dangerous downloads and PUPs, etc.

As good as the software is, while using Avast, you should be ready for a little bit of performance dip, at least, that is my experience while using Avast. Other than that, Avast is a pretty good and reputed software to protect Mac system from online and offline threats.

Download Avast (free, $70 for pro version)

5. AVG

AVG is yet another popular software that can protect you from malware, viruses, trojans, adware, and other threats. The good thing about AVG is that you can scan your system for threats related to Mac, Windows, and Android so that you don’t spread viruses or malware to other systems. Also, thanks to the simple and minimal design, using AVG to scan or create scanning schedules is pretty easy and straightforward. Moreover, unlike Avast, AVG always runs in the background and provides real-time protection for free.

As good as it is, when you try to download AVG from the official site, you will be redirected to the CNET website. So, be careful while installing it on your system as CNET has a habit of bundling adware and other toolbars along with the software you are trying to install.

If you are looking for all-around protection with real-time threat analysis and blocking then you should go with AVG.

Download AVG (free)

6. Sophos Home

Another popular opinion amongst Mac users which is more than just an Anti-Malware. Sophos Home comes with a bunch of extra features including a live chat support.

Sophos offers features like Anti-virus and ransomware security along with anti-malware protection. The programme also lets you remotely manage your devices. Yes ‘Device(s)’, Sophos home can be used in up to 10 devices for the paid version and 3 devices for the free version. Doesn’t end here, Sophos Home also lets you put on parental controls so that none of your devices reach the unprotected side of Web.

Download Sophos Home (30 day trial, $27 yearly for premium)

Wrapping Up: Best Anti Malware for Mac

If you are looking for a dedicated anti-malware software that plays well with other antivirus and firewall software then go with Malwarebytes. As a premium option, you can also try Systweak Anti-Malware. If you are looking for a full-fledged anti-virus software that can extend the protection to viruses, adware, ransomware, and other threats then go with AVG as it provides real-time protection for free. You can also try Bitdefender.

In general, if you know what you are doing on the Internet and don’t download the cracked software or porn, you’ll probably don’t need an anti-virus and/or anti-malware software. That said, if you don’t consider yourself tech savvy or if you are buying a computer for your parents, it’s a good idea to have an anti-malware installed.

That’s for now. If you think I missed any of your favorite anti-malware software then command below and share it with me. It will also help other Mac users.

Read: Top 10 Free Portable Anti-Malware Software to Have on Your Pen Drive

To have a peace of mind and keep your kids safe, you need to install the best mac parental control software applications on the target device. The installation will give you a deep insight into the behavior of your kid based on data collected by the spyware.

Here are the core benefits of having the best parental control software:

1. It helps you remotely control your kid’s phone.
2. You limit addiction tendencies by controlling screen limits.
3. With the software, you can block off explicit content.
4. You can detect early signs of cyberbullying.
5. If you are busy, the software keeps a backup copy for review in your free time.

Parental Control Apps for macOS – Overview

Hoverwatch: Advanced PC Keylogger

Hoverwatch is the best keylogger for mac devices that lets you record all typed strokes on a mobile phone belonging to your child. It is free to sign up for the spy app and runs invincibly on both mac and android devices.

Features

– Screenshot Capturing: The software lets you capture screenshots to get a real-time update on what your child is up to on their mobile phone. The beauty is that you can set the frequency of screenshots to intervals that serve you best. Screenshots taken by OS X optimizes images so that they occupy less space.

– Facebook Tracking: Hoverwatch intercepts all activities happening on Facebook by recording messages, videos, and photos for later review.

– Web history keylogger: This spyware saves web links taken on web browsers like Chrome and Safari. It also reveals web activity accessed on incognito modes.

– Real-Time Chat Recording: Messaging is the surest way to gather evidence of suspicious behavior of your kids. Hoverwatch can save conversations from mac messenger apps like iMessage, Adium, and Skype.

Pros

• It records messages in block format to easily follow up on an ongoing conversation.
• The dashboard features an advanced filtering feature to pull data within a specified period.
• Tracking incognito browsing reveals what the user of a device is hiding and works without hacking mac.
• The spyware runs anonymously, but you have a choice to choose stealth or visible mode.

Cons

• The software is a little pricey.
• It works better on Android and Mac but a bit clumsy on Windows.

Supported Operating System: It works on most Android, Windows, and Mac devices.

Cost

As parents, you can pay from as little as $6 to track more than 25 devices in a month. Alternatively, if you have fewer devices to track, you can go for the $9.99 per month offer for each device.

Qustodio: The Best Parental Control Statistics

Qustodio is another parental control software for mac that works on the most popular platforms. It doesn’t matter if you want to track a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, Qustodio will do the work for you.

Features

– Time Parental Controls: Parents can use the software to set the times when your child has access to a mobile phone or laptop. It is a way of curbing addiction and allowing kids to concentrate on more productive activities like studying.

– Monitoring Social Media: Qustodio is a preferred Facebook tracking tool that lets you read messages and multimedia content shared through the platform.

– Advanced Report Analytics: A clean-cut dashboard enables you to check all insights happening on the target phone from a central location.

– Tracks multiple devices: Parents can track more devices if your child has, as compared to other peer software.

– App and Game Blocking: To filter what a child accesses, Qustodio has a Game and App blocking feature.

Pros

• They offer excellent customer support service.
• It supports cross platforms including Android.
• It features an advanced time management tool .
• A keyword-searchable database makes it super helpful in detecting harmful content.

Cons

• Social media tracking only available for Facebook.
• It doesn’t keep logs for more than 30 days.

Supported Operating System: The app works on most platforms like Kindle, Mac, Windows, and Android. For Mac, it runs on the latest versions including OS 10.9 upwards.

Cost

From $8.08 per month, you can protect up to 10 devices on the medium plan, but if you want to protect a small family, the next better option is the $4.58 option that covers up to 5 devices.

Bark: The Smart Way to Keep Kids Safer Online

Bark is another parental control app that helps parents have peace of mind by monitoring Mac and other OS powered devices of their kids. With advanced features, it has the capability of tracking more than 30 social media apps and web browsing history.

Features

– Text Message and Email Monitoring: Bark records all interactions done by your kids through email and SMS and stores them on its cloud storage.

– Parental Control Software Alerts: With advanced detection capabilities crafted by psychology experts, the parenting control app sends you instant alerts for any instances of potentially damaging content or interactions.

– Screen Time and Web Filtering: With the parental control software feature, you can check what your child sees on the internet.

Anti Spyware Mac

– Social Media Monitoring: The software lets you view and record all conversations happening on social media channels.

Pros

• It is very secure thanks to the top encryption capability.
• Good for detecting critical issues like suicidal thoughts, cyberbullying, and predation .
• Bark integrates with many third-party browsers, chat messengers, email apps, and social media platforms. Whether you use Mac, Apple, or Android, the experience is just as good.
• You can locate your kid’s location whenever you need to know their whereabouts.

Cons

• Too many alerts on Android, which is annoying.
• There is a limitation on the parental control software filtering functionality.

Supported Operating System: Bark works with Amazon, Apple, Android, and desktop computers. It works on all Android versions.

Cost

The Bark Package going for $14 per month lets you track more features, unlike the $5 package which only enables you to access fewer features. The former allows you to save 41% as compared to the latter.

To use Bark software on Mac, follow these simple steps:

1. Register for a free online account using your email. Create a strong password (Note that best passwords are made of paraphrases).
2. Download the tracker software using the created online account.
3. Upon successful download, you can access the remote tracking dashboard to see all the activity happening on the target phone.

Free Mac Parental Control Software

Mac computers have inbuilt parental controls , which you can set by following some simple steps. However, a grown child can maneuver through the settings and can be able to disable them within a few minutes, and that is why third-party parental control software comes into play.

Here is a list of abilities that characterizes native parental control software on Mac:

1. Kid’s account and passcode protection

Adding a passcode to a kid’s Mac account is the surest bet to keeping them safe online. Fortunately, they won’t be able to change the settings relating to screen and downtime. To strengthen the passcode, the activated downtime setting will shut down the device as soon as the use reaches the set time.

2. Screen time

• Schedules downtime: With Mac parental controls, you can schedule downtimes, which deactivates major functions of a target Mac device. The app lets you customize the settings for each day and sends reminders 5 minutes before immobilization of the device. Screen and downtime work in concurrence, meaning you can’t activate downtime if the screen is still off.
• Sets app time limits: This cool feature enables parents to allocate time spent on certain apps for an entire day and resets midnight to show the time limits for the new day. The whole idea is to prevent addiction and allow kids to focus on what is beneficial to their growth and development. As a parent, you have a leeway to allocate the maximum time spent on apps like Games and social media while kids will get a notification 5 minutes before the set limit expires.
• Limits screen view: Through the family sharing feature, you can remotely control screen viewing on iPad, iPhone, and Mac. When you exceed the viewing time, the feature activates a screen passcode for parental control. The functionality also has a place to monitor website data usage, thus letting you know what your child has been up to throughout the day.
• Basic adult sites filtering: Mac can block specific sites while allowing others to run normally. It works by adjusting settings from the Mac account. You can customize content blockers by changing the preferences on settings while activating autoplay for the best parental control.

Conclusion

Parental control software gives you extra control over a child’s Mac device. There is a lot that the software can do beyond what inbuilt apps do. The parental software in this review comes with special features like keyloggers, screen capture, parental control alerts, and more. Having any of the apps (Hoverwatch, Qustodio, and Bark software) saves you a lot, especially if you are a busy parent since you can be able to detect questionable behavior based on data analytics.

When choosing an iPhone parental control app, try the Bark app from our list of choices.