Review · Consumer tech
AVG AntiVirus for Mac review
A free Mac antivirus with real-time protection and safe browsing, with a paid Internet Security tier that adds ransomware and anti-phishing tools.
By the KeenVerdict research desk · Updated November 10, 2026
- Features (40%)
- 7.2
- Ease of use (30%)
- 8.6
- Value (30%)
- 9.2
AVG AntiVirus Free for Mac is the plainest free option here, and that is its appeal. It runs real-time scanning in the background against viruses, spyware, ransomware and adware, blocks malicious websites, downloads and email attachments, and updates itself automatically. There are no account steps or extra apps to configure. Avast One documents more free tools, such as USB drive scans and its scam assistant, which is why it ranks higher. The paid AVG Internet Security for Mac adds ransomware protection for personal files, anti-phishing and blocking of scam shopping and banking sites. It costs $46.68 for the first year for one Mac against a listed price of $79.99, with a 30-day money-back guarantee. For most people, the free version plus XProtect is the reason to install AVG; the paid tier is fair but Bitdefender offers more for less.
Who it is for
Mac owners who want a second free option with a cheap single-Mac upgrade.
Price
Free antivirus; AVG Internet Security for Mac costs $46.68 for the first year for 1 Mac, listed at $79.99.
$46.68 billed now for the first year
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.
Key features
- Real-time protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware and other malware
- Blocks malicious websites, downloads and email attachments
- Automatic app and security updates
- Internet Security adds ransomware protection for personal files
- Internet Security adds anti-phishing and scam website blocking
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strength: Free real-time protection
- Strength: Very simple setup
- Strength: 30-day money-back guarantee on the paid tier
- Weakness: Fewer free extras than Avast One
- Weakness: File ransomware protection and anti-phishing need the paid tier
- Weakness: Paid tier lists at $79.99 after the first-year discount
Key facts
- Free plan: Yes, with real-time protection
- Paid tier: Internet Security for Mac
- Paid price: $46.68 first year for 1 Mac
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Where it ranks
AVG AntiVirus for Mac is No. 7 in our Best Antivirus for Mac verdict.
Alternatives we scored
Visit avg.com · Questions or corrections: editorial@keenverdict.com