Virus protection on a Mac: ClamXAV or ???

October 20, 2018 4:57 AM

I've been using ClamXAV on my Mac for several years, and it seems to have done a fine job so far. With their recent move to a subscription model, it seems like a good time to review my choice of anti-virus. Part of my original decision to use it was that it was a one-off purchase, if I'm going to be paying ongoing I'd like to be sure there isn't something of comparable/cheaper price that's as effective/more effective. What are you folks using to protect your Macs?
posted by threecheesetrees to Computers & Internet (7 answers total)

I don’t. There have been very few actual viruses on macs. When I needed to remove malware (mackeeper) from my dad’s computer, I used malware bytes, which worked nicely.

I am forced to use Symantec on my work computer, and I can give a very enthusiastic non-endorsement. It is absolutely terrible.
posted by rockindata at 6:11 AM on October 20, 2018 [5 favorites]

The free version of Sophos seems fine and doesn't seem to slow down Macs. I have to use it on my work computer, and it's totally fine.
posted by limeonaire at 6:39 AM on October 20, 2018 [1 favorite]

I'm with rockindata. There is really not much need for always-on virus protection for macs. Periodic scans when you feel like something might be off is the way to go. Also, I have to say that my experience differs greatly from limeonaire. I found Sophos to have a definite negative impact on performance.
posted by slkinsey at 7:36 AM on October 20, 2018 [3 favorites]

I've used Sophos for several years now and it's been fine. Haven't noticed any performance shortfall.
posted by MovableBookLady at 9:10 AM on October 20, 2018

Sophos all the way for me. I've used it for over a decade with no ill effects.
posted by 4ster at 2:52 PM on October 20, 2018

At the last two jobs that required Mac antivirus due to contractual obligations, we used Bitdefender and Kaspersky.
posted by infinitewindow at 3:23 PM on October 20, 2018

Harden your browser and don't worry about it from there unless you're running unsigned programs or watching a lot of porn. Privacy Badger and HTTPSEverywhere.
posted by aspersioncast at 5:10 PM on October 23, 2018