Head-to-head · Antivirus for Mac
Avira Free Security vs ESET HOME Security
Avira Free Security leads on 2 checks, ESET HOME Security on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAvira Free Security · 9.1/10
- Free planonly Avira Free Security
- Free trialonly ESET HOME Security
- Most featuresAvira Free Security · 2 of 5
Avira Free Security scores higher on our rubric for antivirus for mac: 9.1 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.
Avira Free Security offers free plan; ESET HOME Security doesn't. Avira Free Security offers password manager; ESET HOME Security doesn't.
Avira Free Security is the better fit for free antivirus with broad everyday protection. ESET HOME Security is the better fit for families wanting broad security controls.
- Avira Free Security fits best
Free antivirus with broad everyday protection
- ESET HOME Security fits best
Families wanting broad security controls
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Side by side
| Feature | Avira Free Security 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | ESET HOME Security 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #3 in Antivirus for Mac | #6 in Antivirus for Mac |
| Best for | Free antivirus with broad everyday protection | Families wanting broad security controls |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Web, Windows, macOS, Android |
| Features Avira Free Security 2/5 · ESET HOME Security 1/5 | ||
| Ransomware protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phishing protection | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Real-time protection | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| VPN included | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Password manager | ✓ (best) | — |
| Specs | ||
| Coverage scope | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Devices included | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Avira Free Security is a freemium security package for consumers who want free antivirus protection on Mac and other supported devices. Its core coverage includes full virus scanning, real-time threat protection, ransomware protection, and… Read the review → |
ESET HOME Security is a paid cybersecurity suite for individuals and families using Windows, macOS and Android. Its core coverage includes real-time antivirus and antispyware protection, anti-phishing and safe browsing, ransomware… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Avira Free Security — where it wins
- Real-time antivirus includes ransomware protection and quarantine
- Adds browser safety, VPN, password management, and file shredding
- Supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
Where it doesn't
- Feature availability varies across supported operating systems
- Parental controls are not included
- The package is not open source
ESET HOME Security — where it wins
- Combines antivirus, ransomware, anti-phishing and network protection
- Higher tiers add VPN, encryption, identity protection and remediation
- Centralizes devices, subscriptions and security status through ESET HOME
Where it doesn't
- Paid subscription with no free plan
- Important capabilities are divided across three tiers
- Broader controls may be more than a single Mac needs
- Avira Free Security9.1/10 · Free plan
A free Mac security package combining malware protection with privacy and performance tools.
Visit AviraFull verdict → - ESET HOME Security8.8/10 · 30-day trial
A broad home-security suite for families that need protection beyond antivirus.
Visit ESETFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- Avira Free Security vs Norton 360
- Avira Free Security vs CrowdStrike Falcon Pro
- Malwarebytes for Mac vs ESET HOME Security
All antivirus for mac comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update