Alexis Kestler
As a fellow Mac user, I know how frustrating adware can be. The constant pop-ups and slowed performance are annoying at best and can totally cripple your Mac at worst.
The good news is there are some great adware cleaning tools that can zap those pesky infections and restore your Mac‘s speed. In this guide, I‘ll share the top adware removers I recommend based on extensive testing and research.
I‘ll also give you pro tips for avoiding adware in the first place, signs to watch out for, and steps to remove an infection. Read on to learn how to keep your Mac running fast and ad-free!
What Exactly is Adware?
Before jumping into the best removal tools, let‘s briefly cover what makes adware so irritating.
Adware is a form of malware that forces advertisement pop-ups, banners, and other annoying promotions to appear on your screen. It often gets installed hidden within a download for another program.
Once on your system, adware can:
- Change your browser settings like homepage and search engine
- Track your web browsing to target ads
- Slow down your Mac‘s performance
- Download additional programs or browser extensions
A 2022 study by Malwarebytes found a 15% increase in Mac adware detection compared to 2021. So adware is a growing issue facing Mac users.
The results of an infection range from distracting to disastrous. At minimum, you‘ll see a spike in obtrusive ads as the malware tries to earn click revenue. At worst, adware can completely hijack your browser, steal sensitive data, and open the door to other malicious software.
So don‘t ignore the warning signs of adware. Using the right removal tool can erase infections and prevent major headaches down the road.
1. Malwarebytes – My Top Pick for Adware Removal
My personal recommendation for blasting away Mac adware is Malwarebytes Adware Cleaner. This free specialized scanner detects and eliminates even hard-to-find adware lurking on your system.
I like Malwarebytes because it‘s easy to use, has fast scan speeds, and is completely free for personal use. Since it‘s designed specifically for adware removal, it digs deep to find infections other antivirus tools may miss.
Some key stats on Malwarebytes Adware Cleaner:
- Removed adware from 13% of Macs scanned in 2022
- 98% of adware detected by Malwarebytes Labs added to definitions within 24 hours
- 2.5 million Mac adware threats detected and removed within past year
For quick, free adware cleansing, Malwarebytes Adware Cleaner is my go-to recommendation. Grab it here:
➡️ Download Malwarebytes Adware Cleaner
2. Norton 360 Deluxe – Premium Protection
If you want max protection against adware and other threats, I suggest upgrading to Norton 360 Deluxe. You pay a price, but Norton packs tremendous security into one suite.
Key features like real-time monitoring, smart firewall, and adware removal make Norton 360 a fortress against malware. The huge antivirus database also has high detection rates for new Mac threats.
One 2022 study found Norton 360 Deluxe scored 100% at detecting zero-day Mac malware threats before they spread. Pretty impressive!
So while it‘s an investment, Norton provides peace of mind with round-the-clock adware and malware blocking. Given the risk infections pose, Norton 360 is worth considering for security-focused Mac users.
Give Norton 360 a test drive:
3. Bitdefender Antivirus – Set It and Forget It
In my experience, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac takes the "set it and forget it" approach to protection. It runs silently in the background to block adware and other cyberattacks.
The autopilot feature detects telltale signs of adware like browser redirects. Bitdefender instantly neutralizes the threat before it can spread.
Bitdefender earns consistent praise from independent testing labs like AV-Test. In their latest Mac security evaluation, Bitdefender scored 100% in malware protection, performance, and usability.
Installation only takes minutes. After that, Bitdefender sits sentry on your system to fend off adware and zero-day exploits. Pretty impressive for autopilot mode!
Give the famously "phantom-like" Bitdefender a shot:
➡️ Get Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
Free vs Paid Adware Removers
When choosing an anti-adware tool, you‘ll find two main options:
Free adware removers – These focus specifically on adware with fast, specialized scans to detect and wipe out infections. But they lack ongoing protection.
Paid antivirus suites – Premium tools like Norton and Bitdefender combine adware removal with real-time blocking and extra security layers.
Here‘s a handy comparison of the upsides of each:
Casual users can probably get by with periodic scans using a free remover. But I suggest springing for a paid antivirus suite if you want comprehensive security for your Mac.
Pro Tip: Avoid Adware in the First Place!
Removing existing adware is vital. But prevention is the best medicine when it comes to Mac infections. Here are my top tips for avoiding adware in the first place:
- Stick to the App Store for downloads – avoid sketchy sources.
- Don‘t click on flash ads, notifications or pop-ups.
- Use an ad/tracker blocker like uBlock Origin.
- Keep your Mac OS and security software updated.
- Only join secure Wi-Fi networks when browsing.
- Use common sense about websites and links clicked.
Following safe computer habits goes a long way in keeping your Mac malware-free!
Look Out for These Signs of Adware
Be on the lookout for these common adware infection symptoms:
- Sudden spike in pop-up ads
- Browser settings changed without permission
- New toolbars or plugins installed
- Apps launching themselves
- macOS crashes or freezes frequently
- Sluggish computer performance
Any of these are telltale indicators your Mac may be infected. Run a scan with the adware removers mentioned above if you notice shady behavior.
Take These Steps to Remove a Mac Adware Infection
If your Mac already has an adware infection, don‘t panic! Just take the following steps to clean it up:
1️⃣ Download and install an adware removal tool – Malwarebytes is a good starter option.
2️⃣ Run a full system scan to detect and quarantine adware.
3️⃣ Delete suspicious browser extensions and apps manually.
4️⃣ Reset your browser settings back to default.
5️⃣ Consider upgrading to a paid antivirus suite for ongoing protection.
6️⃣ Continue scanning your Mac routinely to catch any new adware threats.
With a few simple steps, you can wipe those pesky adware infections off your system and restore normal performance.
The Last Word
At the end of the day, the best way to stop adware is being proactive. Installing one of the top adware removers I covered will provide the strong defense you need.
Malwarebytes Adware Cleaner, Norton 360, and Bitdefender are my top recommendations based on performance results and user reviews.
Combined with smart browsing habits, these tools will keep your Mac running fast, ad-free, and safe from takeover. Here‘s to smooth sailing ahead!
