By default, it schedules a quick scan for every user logon and signature update. If you're really into scan scheduling, you might prefer ESET Cyber Security (for Mac). I was surprised to find this activity not scheduled by default. Even if you don't choose to schedule a scan, I advise scheduling a daily check for updates. You can set ClamXAV to scan every day, every weekday, every weekend day, or on a specific day of the week. The schedule window suggested dragging the desired item into the schedule box, but I found it easier to just click the button and add a folder. That's probably all you need, though it's possible to extend protection to other folders by digging into the program's Preferences dialog.Īlso in preferences, you can schedule a regular scan for the whole computer or for any device or folder. Called ClamXAV Sentry, it launches at login, runs in the background, scanning new and changed files in and below your home folder. You might think that ClamXAV doesn't offer real-time protection against new malware attacks, because the real-time protection component is subtle. That's decent, but Bitdefender, ESET, Intego, and Symantec Norton Security Deluxe (for Mac) scored at the very top.
In a test using PUAs, ClamXAV managed 90 percent detection. Most antivirus products detect PUAs, potentially unwanted applications, though sometimes this protection is optional. Not every unwanted application is undeniably malicious.
#Clamxav for mac#
Bitdefender, ESET, Sophos, and Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac earned the maximum score. ProtectWorks also detected 20 percent, while Intego, which does claim to detect Windows malware, scored zero. ClamXAV doesn't promise protection against Windows malware, but even so, it detected 20 percent of the samples. Results doesn't affect certification-it's more of an informational test. This lab also performs a separate test using Windows malware. Like Sophos and ESET, ClamXAV earned its chops with 98.4 percent detection. Two of these labs also run tests on Mac antivirus tools, and one of them, AV-Test Institute, certifies the effectiveness of ClamXAV's protection.īitdefender, Intego Mac Internet Security X9, Kaspersky, and Norton all managed 100 percent detection in this test, but utter perfection isn't a requirement for certification. I follow regular reports from five independent antivirus testing labs regarding the tested efficacy of Windows antivirus utilities. Like ESET and ProtectWorks AntiVirus (for Mac), it supports all macOS versions back to Snow Leopard (10.6).
With ClamXAV, there's no need to worry about your operating system version. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac only works with El Capitan (10.11) or later, for example, and several others, including Symantec and Trend Micro, need at least Yosemite (10.10). However, if for some reason you must run an older version, your pool of choices shrinks. If you're fortunate enough to have a modern Macintosh, running the very latest macOS version, you can choose from any of the available antivirus tools. How about zero? Sophos Home (for Mac) and Avira both offer impressive antivirus protection at no cost. Of course, you can add antivirus protection to your Macs for even less cash. If price is an issue, this is an extremely cost-effective way to protect your Macs against malware.
#Clamxav install#
And for that price, you can install protection on every macOS device in your household. There's no per-year subscription-the price is just $29.95, once. McAfee is unusual in that a $59.99 per year subscription lets you install antivirus on every device in your household.įor home users, ClamXAV has a very different (and very generous) pricing scheme. Most have a discount price for three licenses, or some other multiple.
#Clamxav license#
Pricing and OS Supportīitdefender, Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus (for Mac), and Malwarebytes are among the Mac antivirus products that cost $39.99 per year for a single license it's a common price point.
#Clamxav update#
A toolbar across the top lets you check for updates, view scan and update logs, and set preferences. Buttons above the list serve to start, stop, or pause a scan of the selected source.
#Clamxav plus#
A source list at left included the whole computer, my files, and my user folder, plus Documents, Desktop, and Downloads. Like ProtectWorks and Malwarebytes for Mac Premium, ClamXAV is all about the scans.