Avast One for Mac review

Avast One is the strongest free answer for Mac owners who want more than XProtect without paying. The free tier runs real-time protection in the background and adds full Mac scans, custom and scheduled scans and scans of external USB and DVD drives, which XProtect does not do. Web Guard blocks scam sites and dangerous downloads, Email Shield checks attachments, and Avast Assistant gives quick guidance on whether a message or offer looks like a scam. Avast also detects Windows malware so you do not forward infected files to PC users. The free version stops short of ransomware protection. Premium Security adds Ransomware Shield, alerts when someone joins your Wi-Fi network and Email Guard, which flags suspicious messages in Gmail, Outlook and other providers. Premium costs $49.08 for the first year, renews at $77.99 and covers one Mac plus one mobile device. A browser extension handles tracker blocking and typo-site redirects.

Who it is for

Mac owners who want free real-time scanning on top of XProtect.

Price

Free antivirus; Premium Security costs $49.08 for the first year, renewing at $77.99.

Save 37% $77.99 $49.08/first yr
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Real-time protection plus full Mac, USB and DVD, custom and scheduled scans
• Web Guard that blocks scam websites and dangerous downloads
• Email Shield for malicious attachments
• Avast Assistant, an AI helper for judging whether a message or offer is a scam
• Premium adds Ransomware Shield, Wi-Fi intruder alerts and Email Guard

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Real-time scanning and web protection for free
• Strength: Detects Windows threats as well as Mac malware
• Strength: Premium includes protection for 1 mobile device
• Weakness: Ransomware Shield and Wi-Fi intruder alerts need Premium
• Weakness: Some online protection runs through an optional browser extension
• Weakness: Premium renews at $77.99

Key facts

• Free plan: Yes, with real-time protection
• Premium price: $49.08 first year, then $77.99
• Premium coverage: 1 Mac plus 1 mobile device
• Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Where it ranks

Avast One for Mac is No. 3 in our Best Antivirus for Mac verdict.