Best KnockKnock Alternatives in 2026
The top KnockKnock alternatives are Avast One, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac and Avira Free Security: 15 antivirus for mac our editors would look at instead of KnockKnock, in our ranking order.
KnockKnock: A free, open-source utility for inspecting Mac persistence—not full antivirus protection. Where it falls short: does not independently classify every detected item as malware.
Switching from KnockKnock? For most antivirus for mac buyers the best KnockKnock alternative is Avast One, built for broad, affordable multi-device protection. On a budget, Microsoft Defender for Business starts at $3/user/mo. Avast Security for Mac offers the most devices included (2 devices).
Why People Look for a KnockKnock Alternative
- Does not independently classify every detected item as malware
- No verified real-time protection
- Available only for macOS
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallAvast One9.3
Broad, affordable multi-device protection
Visit Avast One - Lowest priceMicrosoft Defender for Business8.4
Paid plans from $3/user/mo
Visit Microsoft Defender for Business - Best free optionAvast One9.3
Has a free plan
Visit Avast One - Most devices includedAvast Security for Mac8.2
2 devices
Visit Avast Security for Mac
All 15 KnockKnock Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forBroad, affordable multi-device protection
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 5.6
Broad multi-device protection with a free entry plan and layered paid features.
- Ransomware protection
9.3/10★★★★★Visit Avast One -
Best forMac-focused protection at a low annual price
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 5.6
Focused Mac protection with ransomware coverage, web defenses, and a 30-day trial.
- VPN included
- Phishing protection
- Real-time protection
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Bitdefender -
Best forFree antivirus with broad everyday protection
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 5.6
A free Mac security package combining malware protection with privacy and performance tools.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Avira -
Best forFree Mac-only malware and web protection
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 5.6
A focused Mac security tool with free scanning, real-time protection, and web safeguards.
- Phishing protection
- Real-time protection
- Ransomware protection
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit Malwarebytes -
Best forMac users wanting antivirus plus VPN
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 5.6
A focused Mac security suite that adds cleanup and VPN features at higher tiers.
- VPN included
- Real-time protection
- Ransomware protection
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Intego -
Best forFamilies wanting broad security controls
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 5.6
A broad home-security suite for families that need protection beyond antivirus.
- Ransomware protection
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit ESET -
Best forUsers wanting a broad Norton security suite
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 5.6
A broad Mac security suite with privacy, backup, and family features at a high annual price.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Norton 360 -
Best forOrganizations needing advanced endpoint response
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 5.6
Business-focused Mac security with endpoint response, device control, and threat hunting.
- Real-time protection
- Ransomware protection
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit CrowdStrike -
Best forSmall businesses needing managed Mac security
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 5.6
Managed Mac security with endpoint detection, remediation, and vulnerability management.
- Ransomware protection
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Microsoft -
Best forFive-device protection with cloud integrations
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 5.6
Broad Mac protection with cloud integrations, but a relatively high annual price.
- Password manager
- Ransomware protection
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Trend Micro -
Best forFree Mac antivirus with multi-device upgrades
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 5.6
A capable free Mac antivirus, with paid tiers for ransomware and multi-device coverage.
- Phishing protection
- Real-time protection
- Ransomware protection
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Avast -
Best forCross-platform security with privacy controls
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 5.6
Broad cross-platform protection with privacy controls, ransomware defense, and parental features.
- Ransomware protection
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Dr.Web -
Best forSecurity with banking and scam protection
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 5.6
A paid security suite for Mac users who want banking and scam protection.
- Ransomware protection
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit F-Secure -
Best forEnterprise endpoint security with centralized control
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 5.6
Enterprise-grade Mac endpoint control with contact-sales pricing.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Trellix -
Best forFamilies covering up to 10 Windows and Mac computers
- Better than KnockKnock:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 5.6
A single annual plan covers up to 10 Windows and Mac computers.
- Ransomware protection
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Sophos Home
KnockKnock Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to KnockKnock?
Avast One: #1 in our Antivirus for Mac ranking, with an editor score of 9.3 out of 10. Broad multi-device protection with a free entry plan and layered paid features.
Is there a free alternative to KnockKnock?
Yes. Avast One, Avira Free Security, Malwarebytes for Mac and Avast Security for Mac have a free plan or a free tier.
Why do people look for KnockKnock alternatives?
Does not independently classify every detected item as malware; No verified real-time protection; Available only for macOS.
Which KnockKnock alternative has the most devices included?
Avast Security for Mac, with 2 devices.
How do I switch from KnockKnock?
Export your data from KnockKnock (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel KnockKnock.
How to Switch from KnockKnock
- Export your data from KnockKnock (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel KnockKnock.
KnockKnock vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Ransomware protection | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | KnockKnock | Yes | Free | 5.6 | |
| 1 | Avast One | Yes | Yes | 9.3 | |
| 2 | Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac | No | $24.99/device/yr | Yes | 9.2 |
| 3 | Avira Free Security | Yes | Yes | 9.1 | |
| 4 | Malwarebytes for Mac | Yes | Yes | 9.0 | |
| 5 | Intego ONE | No | $39.99/device/yr | Yes | 8.9 |
| 6 | ESET HOME Security | No | Yes | 8.8 | |
| 7 | Norton 360 | No | $94.99/yr | Yes | 8.6 |
| 8 | CrowdStrike Falcon Pro | No | $99.99/device/yr | Yes | 8.5 |
| 9 | Microsoft Defender for Business | No | $3/user/mo | Yes | 8.4 |
| 10 | Trend Micro Maximum Security | No | $104.95/yr | Yes | 8.3 |
| 11 | Avast Security for Mac | Yes | $77.99/yr | Yes | 8.2 |
| 12 | Dr.Web Security Space | No | $31/yr | Yes | 8.1 |
| 13 | F-Secure Internet Security | No | Yes | 8.0 | |
| 14 | Trellix Endpoint Security | 7.9 | |||
| 15 | Sophos Home | No | Yes | 7.8 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update