Bitdefender is a reputable name in the antivirus industry and is regarded as a reliable option for malware removal on both Windows and macOS platforms. It consistently achieves high scores in independent laboratory evaluations for both operating systems. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (marketed as Antivirus for Mac on macOS) represents the basic paid tier, priced at $50 for a single device or $70 for three devices, although it is frequently available at a discounted rate.
Review: Bitdefender Total Security
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus effectively detects various forms of malware, including ransomware, which poses a risk to your files and backups. The software is capable of disinfecting or quarantining compromised items. Users have the option to enable real-time protection and/or conduct manual scans of their systems, high-risk locations, or specific files.
In addition to malware removal capabilities, Bitdefender provides anti-phishing protection, an anti-tracking feature to safeguard user privacy during web browsing, and a virtual private network (VPN). However, users are limited to 200 MB of traffic per day unless they upgrade to a Premium or Ultimate plan. It is important to note that Antivirus Plus (for Windows) includes several additional features—such as Wi-Fi security assessments, a file shredder, and performance settings—that enhance its value for Windows users.
Bitdefender also offers free versions for Windows and macOS, which provide basic antivirus scanning, albeit with more limited functionality.
Features of Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: On-access and on-demand scanning | Live customer support | Anti-phishing and anti-tracking features
Best Malware Removal Software for Protection
Malwarebytes is an anti-malware application designed to protect systems from various threats, including Trojans, botnets, adware, spyware, crypto-miners, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and modifications (PUMs). The application is available for both Windows and macOS and quarantines any detected threats that require review, deletion, or restoration. The free tier of Malwarebytes allows for manual scans, while its paid plans offer scheduled scans alongside real-time protection that identifies and blocks threats.
Review: Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes provides protection against ransomware, exploits, brute force attacks, and tampering on Windows systems. On macOS, it blocks applications from developers suspected of distributing malware. Users on both platforms can enhance their security by adding the Browser Guard extension to Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, which detects and blocks malware, third-party advertisements, trackers, and online scams. By upgrading to the $60 per year Plus plan, users also gain access to a built-in VPN.
Malwarebytes offers a 14-day trial of the Plus plan, after which users may revert to the free tier. While its paid plans may be considered relatively expensive in relation to the features provided, the application is user-friendly and performs effectively. The free plan, which includes on-demand scanning, can serve as a supplementary option alongside other built-in or third-party antivirus solutions.
Features of Malwarebytes: On-access, scheduled, and on-demand scanning | Browser Guard extension | VPN (available on Plus and Ultimate plans) | Multi-platform compatibility
Best Free Malware Removal Software
Avast is a well-established name in the security sector, recognized as one of the leading antivirus programs available to consumers. It consistently performs well in independent laboratory assessments. Avast One Essential is a complimentary malware scanning and removal solution available for both Windows and macOS, featuring a comprehensive suite of tools to protect your system from threats.
Avast One scans files upon access for malware and provides options for scheduled and on-demand scans. The application quarantines any detected threats for further action. Additionally, it includes a firewall, ransomware protection, network vulnerability reports, web traffic scans, and a VPN (limited to 5GB of traffic per week).
The disk cleaner, which removes unnecessary files from your device, and DNS hijack protection are features reserved for premium plans, starting at $70 per year. Users should be aware that Avast frequently attempts to upsell within the application. Nevertheless, it remains an excellent choice for comprehensive protection at no cost.
Features of Avast One Essential: On-access, scheduled, and on-demand scanning | Multi-platform compatibility | Limited VPN
Best Malware Removal Software for Customized Scans
ESET is another digital security provider that consistently performs well in independent antivirus evaluations. Its Home Security software is capable of detecting and eliminating threats from your system, whether you are using Windows or macOS. The software offers real-time and on-demand scanning with various customization options, allowing ESET to identify and quarantine viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other malware threats.
ESET may not be the most user-friendly entry-level malware removal tool, as its installation and usage can be somewhat complex, particularly with its more granular settings. Additionally, it may not integrate seamlessly with other anti-malware tools present on your system. I evaluated ESET Home Security Essentials ($60 per year), which is marketed as ESET Cyber Security on macOS and ESET Internet Security on Windows.
This package includes a firewall, anti-spam protection, and other advanced privacy and security features. The NOD32 Antivirus option is available at a lower cost of $40 per year but offers only basic antivirus protection for Windows. The more expensive ESET Ultimate ($180 per year) is the only tier that includes a VPN and browser privacy features.
ESET does not provide a fully free anti-malware program beyond its 30-day trial period; however, it does offer a free on-demand scanner for Windows that can detect and remove malware. While it lacks real-time protection, it can serve as a supplementary tool alongside other security solutions on your system.
Features of ESET Home Security Essentials: On-access and on-demand scanning | Multi-platform compatibility | Live customer support
