Updated on: April 29, 2025
- 🥇 Intego : Exclusive macOS antivirus software with 100% detection rates, a firewall, Wi-Fi protections, a Mac optimizer, advanced backup tools, and parental controls.
I tested the most popular Mac antiviruses to find the best at detecting and blocking cyber threats. Most antiviruses only focus on Windows protection, but I did find a few Mac antiviruses that are significantly better than the rest, with features like real-time malware detection, ransomware protection, web protection, network firewalls, and Mac cleanup and optimization tools.
Each antivirus on this list adds more functionality to Apple’s built-in security features, with things like advanced firewall protection and safer browsing with Safari, and some even have better backup functionality than Apple’s Time Machine.
They also protect against phishing attacks, browser hijackers, adware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). While my #1 pick is Intego, all the products on my list are affordable, easy to use, and 100% secure. Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group.
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Quick Summary of the Best Mac Antivirus Software for 2025
April 2025 update: We’ve thoroughly retested each Mac-based antivirus, explored new features, evaluated data handling practices, and refreshed our review with the latest plans and pricing.
🥇1. Intego — Best Overall Mac Antivirus of 2025
Intego is by far the best antivirus program for macOS. It has perfect malware detection rates and a wide range of Mac-focused cybersecurity and optimization features. It’s very easy to use, so new users won’t have any issues accessing and using all of its features, but it also provides a ton of customization options, making it a good choice for advanced users, too.
Intego detected and blocked 100% of the most advanced Mac-based malware I could find while returning 0 false positives. You can also run virus scans on any connected external drives or iOS devices (including the latest iPhone), which is super handy.
Intego not only detects Mac-targeted threats but also identifies PC-based malware, so there’s no risk of you unknowingly spreading infected files to your other devices.
Intego’s malware scanner is also very fast. My first full scan took just 1 hour to analyze over 2 million files on my Mac (which is much quicker than a lot of top antiviruses), but better still, subsequent scans were even quicker because Intego uses file-caching technology — meaning that after the initial full system scan, it skips over previously scanned files that it knows are safe. Norton also uses file-caching, while most other antiviruses on this list don’t, so this is a definite plus. I tested Intego on my M1 MacBook Air and didn’t notice any battery drain, either, even when performing a full scan only on battery power.
Intego also has:
- Real-time malware protection.
- Smart firewall.
- Parental controls.
- Mac cleanup and optimization.
- Backup tools.
- VPN (separate purchase).
I really like Intego’s firewall, NetBarrier, which is far more advanced than the built-in macOS firewall. NetBarrier automatically changes the firewall settings depending on your network connection and allows users to easily block or give permission to programs trying to connect to the internet — stopping sketchy apps from sending your personal data to unwanted areas of the web.
Intego’s additional tools are also really useful. The optimization tools and parental controls work well, and I was really impressed by Intego’s backup feature, Personal Backup. It’s like Apple’s Time Machine, but so much better! Personal Backup makes restoring a previous backup super easy and lets you customize different scan schedules for various files, folders, or media types. It also enables you to create a bootable backup (including your entire OS) so you can easily rebuild your Mac on a new device, and if you regularly use 2 separate devices, you can even synchronize between 2 Macs so they’ll both always have your latest files.
Intego offers 3 affordable plans to choose from (and they all come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee). Intego’s cheapest plan, Mac Internet Security, includes essential antivirus protection alongside Intego’s firewall for $19.99 / year. The mid-tier plan, Mac Security and Performance, adds the cleanup and optimization tools for $26.99 / year. Finally, the more advanced Mac Premium Bundle adds parental controls and the Personal Backup feature for $34.99 / year. You can add Intego’s VPN to each plan for an additional cost and purchase all plans for 1, 3, or 5 Macs.
Bottom Line:
Intego is the best antivirus for Mac users — offering excellent Mac-based malware detection rates, advanced internet security protections, and good Mac cleanup and optimization tools. All of Intego’s additional features improve upon Apple’s built-in security features, and you can try them all risk-free using Intego’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
🥈2. TotalAV — Best for Ease of Use
TotalAV comes with strong internet security and an attractive user interface. Its antivirus engine performed excellently during my tests, identifying all Mac-based malware samples. However, TotalAV’s real-time engine failed to stop a couple of simulated malware attacks that Intego blocked. That being said, TotalAV’s cloud-based scanner outperforms macOS’s built-in security features while also reducing battery drain on MacBooks.
One thing that sets TotalAV apart from the competition — it’s really easy to use! TotalAV bundles all features into one easy-to-navigate dashboard, which is perfect for people who aren’t too tech-savvy. I also appreciate its cross-platform compatibility with iOS, Android, and Windows.
TotalAV includes:
- Mac cleanup and optimization.
- VPN with unlimited data (included with the top 2 plans).
- Web protection.
- Password manager.
- Ad blocker.
- Data breach monitoring.
- Identity theft protection (US only).
I like TotalAV’s Mac optimization tools, including junk file removal, a startup program manager, and a browser manager. The junk file removal tool efficiently eliminates unnecessary files, freeing up additional storage space on your system. With the startup program manager, you gain control over which applications launch at startup. Additionally, the browser manager allows you to manage browser extensions and cookies, which significantly improved my Safari browsing experience on my MacBook Air.
The VPN is one of the best around — it comes with unlimited data and is also one of the fastest VPNs in an antivirus — I noticed no slowdown or lag during streaming, downloading, or browsing on my M1 MacBook Air.
TotalAV also provides decent web protection to block phishing attacks and other dangerous websites. TotalAV’s web protection performed relatively well in my tests, blocking the majority of dangerous sites I tried to visit, but I prefer Norton’s anti-phishing protection, which is more advanced.
Finally, TotalAV includes an ad blocker for Edge, Chrome, Safari, iOS, and Android, but the premium version is considerably better. It offers a straightforward interface with extensive customization. You can set website rules, manage your blocklist, and adjust settings, making it practical for new and experienced Mac users.
The best-value package is Internet Security ($39.00 / year) — it covers 6 devices and also includes the VPN. The Total Security package ($49.00 / year) covers 8 devices and adds an ad blocker and a password manager. All of TotalAV’s plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
TotalAV is super easy to navigate and has a great range of security features. I really like the included VPN: it performed really well and maintained fast speeds across all servers. TotalAV’s web protection is good and it has big first-year discounts on all its packages — plus, all purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full TotalAV review >
🥉3. Norton 360 — Best for Web Security
Norton 360 has an advanced anti-malware engine that scored a 100% detection rate on my MacBook Air. Norton’s scans were also notably faster than other antiviruses, as it uses file-caching technologies to skip over previously scanned files, similar to Intego. I noticed no battery drain during scans, thanks to that same file-caching tech.
Norton 360 offers a variety of features for Macs, including:
- Web security browser extension.
- Private browser.
- Data broker removal service (US only).
- Smart firewall.
- Dark web monitoring.
- Password manager.
- VPN with unlimited data (included with all 360 plans).
- Mac cleaning tools.
- Advanced AI scam protection.
Norton’s Safe Web offers great protection against malicious sites and helps to keep your online transactions secure. Norton also has free safe browsing extensions, including the Safe Search extension for Chromium browsers.
Safe Search was okay, but it missed a few malicious sites and had a few false positives. Safe Web, however, is excellent — it detected all the phishing sites in my tests, including a number that my browser’s built-in protections missed. It can also detect malicious links on social platforms and protect your online banking sessions on select sites (PayPal, for example).
Norton Private Browser has all of Norton’s web protections pre-installed, making it very convenient for users who are less proficient with technology. I like that it’s compatible with older macOS versions such as Catalina, Big Sur, and Monterey. Norton Private Browser also works with Windows PCs, Android, and iOS devices.
Norton will sync user data in your profile (browsing history, bookmarks, extensions, etc.) across devices — you can even create separate profiles for friends and family if someone else uses your device.
Norton’s password manager makes it really easy to store logins and keep passwords updated, while Norton’s VPN is simply excellent — fast, secure, and includes unlimited data on all 360 plans. It also works with most streaming sites and allows torrenting on dedicated servers.
Starting at $39.99 / year*, Norton 360 Standard is the best-value plan for most Mac users: it covers 1 or 3 devices, depending on your location, and includes antivirus and web protection, device optimization tools, the VPN, and the password manager. Norton 360 Deluxe ($49.99 / year*) offers coverage for up to 5 devices and adds parental controls, 50 GB cloud storage (but the cloud storage and parental controls don’t work on Mac), and more. For users in the US and certain other countries, Norton 360 with LifeLock plans adds identity theft protection and alerts, credit monitoring, and up to $3 million coverage for identity theft damages. Norton backs all purchases with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Norton 360 for Mac offers robust malware protection and several online security tools. I particularly like Norton’s web protection, which improves upon Safari’s built-in protections. I’m also a fan of its password manager and VPN. However, Norton could improve its macOS software, which currently doesn’t offer parental controls or cloud storage. That said, Norton still offers a high level of Mac protection, and you can try it risk-free for 60 days.
4. McAfee — Good Anti-Malware Engine & Cybersecurity Protections
McAfee has a reliable anti-malware engine for Mac — it blocked all of the macOS malware samples and ransomware simulations I launched during my tests, even detecting well-hidden keyloggers and spyware. While McAfee’s Mac version lacks the depth of Intego and offers fewer tools than its Windows counterpart, it still provides a solid set of security features. It also supports iOS and Android for multi-device households.
The web protection for Mac is outstanding. McAfee successfully blocked all the dangerous sites and phishing pages I tried accessing during my tests. The in-built web protection only works on Chrome and Safari, but there are also browser extensions available for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge that add extra features — like color coding risky sites before you click on them or alerting you if you mistype a URL. WebAdvisor also scans your downloads and alerts you if your firewall and antivirus are off before you start surfing the web.
You get several additional features, and they all offer major improvements to the in-built macOS security features, such as:
- Real-time malware protection.
- Scheduled antivirus scans.
- Network firewall.
- Web protection tools.
- Anti-phishing.
- Social privacy manager.
- VPN (with unlimited data).
- Password manager.
- ID theft protection (available in 30+ countries).
McAfee’s firewall is simple but effective — it blocked every network intrusion during my tests. You can allow or block incoming and outgoing traffic (unlike macOS’s built-in firewall, which only blocks incoming connections). I also like that you can set custom rules for different Wi-Fi networks and mark them as Home, Work, or Public.
McAfee’s ID theft protection, VPN, and password manager (True Key) are all useful tools, and it’s great that McAfee includes these in its various plans. The Mac app consists of a user-friendly interface, real-time threat alerts, and customizable scan options, working alongside Apple’s built-in XProtect and Gatekeeper tools.
McAfee covers up to 5 devices on the Essential plan ($39.99 / year). However, you get unlimited devices on the Premium ($49.99 / year) and Advanced ($89.99 / year) plans — and you can also use the subscription to cover Windows, Android, and iOS devices and gain access to the other included (but non-macOS compatible) features. All McAfee plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
McAfee has a solid anti-malware engine that effectively protects against Mac-based malware. I particularly like McAfee’s firewall, and its additional tools provide a good level of general internet security. McAfee Essential can cover up to 5 devices (including PCs and smartphones), while the two other more expensive plans allow unlimited devices. McAfee also offers huge first-year discounts and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. Bitdefender — Great macOS Ransomware Protection
Bitdefender includes a very advanced anti-malware engine that uses machine learning to capture threats before they cause damage — I launched a series of ransomware and other macOS-based malware attacks on my test iMac, and Bitdefender blocked all of them. It also uses a fully cloud-based scanner, making Bitdefender one of the most lightweight antivirus programs.
Bitdefender has a pretty cool collection of extra features, including:
- Time Machine Protection.
- VPN (200 MB/day per device on most plans).
- Web security.
- Parental controls.
- Ad blocker.
- Anti-tracker.
I was really impressed with Bitdefender’s Time Machine Protection, which protects your backup files from ransomware attacks — so even if ransomware attacked your system, you could simply restore your system and all of your files by loading up the most recent Time Machine backup!
That said, I think Intego’s backup tools are better, as they provide more customization options and are slightly easier to use.
Bitdefender’s web security features are also very good. These features worked seamlessly with Safari during my tests and showed me whether specific website links were safe or dangerous. It also successfully blocked all the malicious websites I tried to access. Bitdefender is also one of the best antiviruses for removing adware and PUPs from Mac devices and is great at detecting and blocking ransomware.
Bitdefender comes with many other useful features, including very good parental controls and a handy anti-tracker feature.
Premium Security ($64.99 / year) is Bitdefender’s best-value plan. It provides access to all of Bitdefender’s features, including a full-featured password manager, a fast and lightweight VPN with no limitations, and coverage for 5 devices. Bitdefender Total Security ($54.99 / year) is also a good value, but it comes with limited versions of the VPN and password manager. It also covers 5 devices.
Bitdefender also offers a free plan for Macs, which earned a spot on our best free Mac antiviruses of 2025 list thanks to it having the same advanced anti-malware engine as the paid version. However, it doesn’t come with any other premium features or real-time protection, so it’s really only good for finding and removing any existing malware on your Mac. Bitdefender’s paid plans are backed by a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Bitdefender offers very good protection against macOS malware and ransomware. Its web security tools are good, its Time Machine Protection keeps your files safe in case of a ransomware attack, and its VPN is among the best on the market. Bitdefender has a range of plans, and you can try them out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Bitdefender review >
6. MacKeeper — Best for Intuitive Security Management
MacKeeper is designed specifically for Macs, is very user-friendly, and its security features are some of the most intuitive I’ve ever tested.
Its antivirus scanner is really good — it detected most of the malware samples during my tests, all of which were promptly removed from my system. Another thing I really like about MacKeeper is that it didn’t slow down my device during system scans, so I could work, watch videos, and run CPU-intensive programs without any slowdown or interruptions.
MacKeeper also includes:
- VPN (with unlimited data).
- Adware cleaner.
- Ad and tracking link blocker.
- Data breach monitoring.
- Mac performance & cleanup tools.
All of MacKeeper’s internet security features are easy to use. The VPN has fast speeds, a decent server network, works with top streaming sites, and comes with unlimited data. During my tests, the ad and tracking link blocker blocked hundreds of ads and tracking links in minutes and integrated seamlessly into Safari.
I like MacKeeper’s data breach monitoring feature, which made it very simple to see if any online accounts associated with my email address had been hacked. However, MacKeeper is missing many essential features — specifically, a firewall and anti-phishing protection, which are both included with Norton 360. It also lacks the important security features that the other top antiviruses offer, such as parental controls and a password manager (Intego has great parental controls). Plus, it’s more expensive than a lot of competitors, particularly considering its smaller feature set.
All MacKeeper plans include the same features, but they’re priced differently depending on the length of your subscription and the number of devices you want to protect. You can choose between a monthly subscription for 1 Mac ($10.95 / month), a yearly subscription for 1 Mac ($57.12 / year), and a yearly subscription for 3 Macs ($71.52 / year). The yearly subscription comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
MacKeeper has a number of security features — including a VPN, an ad and tracking link blocker, and data breach monitoring. Its antivirus scanner is also excellent, detecting most malware files during testing without causing any system slowdown. However, it doesn’t offer many of the tools its similarly priced competitors have. You can try out MacKeeper risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full MacKeeper review >
7. Avira — Strong Malware Protection
Avira has one of the best malware scanners around — it caught every piece of malware I downloaded to my MacBook, it performed a full system scan in just over an hour (faster than most competitors), and it didn’t impact my system’s performance at all, even when I was using CPU-intensive video-editing software.
Avira also has a decent range of features:
- Real-time malware protection.
- Anti-phishing and anti-tracking.
- VPN (500 MB per month or 1 GB with a My Avira account).
- Password manager.
- Junk remover.
Avira’s anti-phishing and anti-tracking protections are really good. They caught most of the phishing sites I tried to open and prevented companies from tracking my data while browsing. These protections are found inside Avira’s browser extension, which works really well. The only downside is that this extension isn’t available for Safari — it only works on Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. I had no problems getting Norton’s browser extension to work on Safari.
Avira’s password manager is also very good — comparable to some of the best standalone password managers and way better than Apple’s built-in password manager. And its VPN provided a private, fast, steady internet connection whenever I used it. However, the VPN is limited to just 500 MB per month on all plans except for Prime, which is only enough for you to browse the internet for 6–7 hours per month or watch 1 episode of a TV show (so not a lot!). However, you can get unlimited data in the Prime package, which also comes with a ton of other useful features.
Avira Antivirus Pro for Mac has all the basics, but users who are looking for more functionality should consider upgrading to Avira Prime, which, apart from the VPN with unlimited browsing data, also gets you advanced Mac optimization and cleaning tools, premium mobile apps, and coverage for up to 5 devices, for $59.99 / year. Avira Prime has a lengthy 60-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Avira for Mac offers a top-tier malware scanner plus strong anti-phishing and anti-tracking protections. I also like Avira’s VPN, but 500 MB per month is barely enough to get you through 1 episode of a TV show. If you’re looking for a VPN with unlimited browsing data, you should consider Avira Prime, which also adds advanced Mac optimization features, cleaning tools, coverage for up to 5 devices, and more.
8. Panda Dome — Good Choice for Beginners
Panda Dome offers good Mac protection, catching over 98% of samples in my tests, though it missed some spyware and a trojan that Intego and TotalAV detected. Its minimal macOS app is easy to navigate and ideal for beginners. However, full system scans took over 8 hours — much slower than competitors like Intego or Norton, which finish in under 2 hours. Every scan is equally slow without file-caching, though scheduling scans for downtime helps.
For Mac, it offers real-time protection, anti-phishing, and a VPN capped at 150 MB/day. However, anti-phishing was below average and didn’t block most sketchy sites I tested — and the VPN data limit leaves a lot to be desired. It’s barely enough for a quick browse, and I couldn’t even pick a server.
If you go for the Panda Dome Complete plan or higher, you get access to a password manager compatible with Mac via the web app. And if you also use a PC, you’ll gain access to Panda’s wide range of Windows-compatible features, which make it a much better overall value.
Panda offers a variety of plans, starting with Panda Dome Essential ($20.00 / year), which includes the malware scanner, anti-phishing protection, and limited VPN. Panda Dome Complete ($36.00 / year) consists of the password manager plus decent features for PCs, Android, and iOS — making it the best value plan to cover multiple devices.
Upgrading to Panda Dome Premium ($56.00 / year) brings you an unlimited-data VPN (and you can choose the server you’re connecting to), as well as multi-device coverage across all operating systems. However, the VPN isn’t as good as the best standalone VPNs, or even the best VPNs bundled with other antiviruses, so it’s not really worth the higher price for the VPN alone. But if you want to test Panda, all its plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Panda Dome Essential provides decent protection against Mac-specific malware. It also has anti-phishing protection and a limited-data VPN. Upgrading to Panda Complete gets you a password manager, while Panda Premium comes with a VPN with no limitations — and both include coverage for multiple devices and a range of other non-Mac-compatible features. All Panda purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
9. Kaspersky — Decent macOS Malware Protection
Kaspersky’s Mac antivirus worked pretty well in my tests — it caught over 95% of the malware samples I downloaded onto my Mac. It’s also really quick, taking just 45 minutes to perform a full disk scan during my tests, which is faster than most others on this list.
Kaspersky for Mac also has:
- Real-time protection.
- Web protection and safe online shopping.
- Webcam protection.
- VPN (unlimited data).
- Anti-phishing.
- Data leak checker.
- Hard disk monitor.
- Password manager.
I like Kaspersky’s safe online shopping feature, which protects online shopping payments from hackers. The anti-phishing protection is also very good, blocking the majority of the dangerous sites I visited during my tests. Kaspersky’s browser extensions are compatible with Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.
I was also surprised to see that Kaspersky includes webcam protection for Mac users — only a handful of Mac security programs offer protection against webcam hacking. Kaspersky also has a virtual keyboard, which is a nice way to avoid potential keyloggers and something that very few antiviruses offer.
However, Kaspersky’s dark web monitoring tool is pretty minimal and only checks for a handful of items — Norton scans the dark web for driver’s license information, insurance numbers, bank account numbers, and more.
Another downside is that you’ll have to look elsewhere for Mac protection if you reside in the US — the US government has banned the sale of all Kaspersky products due to suspected ties to Russia, which Kaspersky categorically denies. For a similar feature set, Intego or Norton are the best alternatives for US users.
The best-value plan is Kaspersky Premium ($35.99 / year), which covers 3–10 devices (20 in some countries) across all platforms. It comes with a basic but decent password manager, a VPN with unlimited data, and some excellent parental controls (although you have to pay extra for the parental controls after the first year). All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Kaspersky offers Mac users good malware protection and a handful of decent internet security tools. It has online shopping protection, webcam protection, and a VPN (with unlimited data). You can try Kaspersky risk-free by using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Kaspersky review >
10. Malwarebytes — Minimalistic Antivirus for Mac Users
Malwarebytes for Mac comes with a good malware scanner with real-time and web protection — but not much else. During my tests, Malwarebytes identified around 90% of the malware I downloaded to my Mac computer, which is a good result but not as good as Intego or TotalAV.
When it comes to web protection, Malwarebytes did a decent job blocking malicious sites, removing ads, and preventing ad trackers from collecting my data. However, the web protection is only available as a free browser extension for Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Malwarebytes has system-wide web protection for its Windows app, and I’d like to see it implemented in the Mac app as well. That said, it does block malware disguised as trusted apps with its app block feature, which is pretty cool!
Malwarebytes is very easy to use, so it’s a decent choice for people looking for a simple way to protect their Mac from malware. But it’s missing a lot of features I expect to see in premium antivirus suites — including a firewall, data breach monitoring, device optimization tools, parental controls, and a password manager.
Malwarebytes Standard starts at $44.99 / year for 1 Mac (you can also opt for a plan that covers up to 20 devices across all operating systems). While I prefer antivirus software with additional features, Malwarebytes is still a solid choice for users who only want basic security. It’s also a good option for users who aren’t that tech-savvy, although I think TotalAV or Avira are better for people new to antiviruses.
There’s also Plus, which adds a good VPN for $59.99 / year. The VPN has unlimited data, fast speeds, and servers in 45+ countries, but it doesn’t work with the most popular streaming apps. All Malwarebytes purchases come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Malwarebytes for Mac provides a good malware scanner with real-time and web protection. It’s a straightforward choice for Mac users prioritizing simplicity and fundamental protections, with the option to upgrade for broader security coverage. Malwarebytes backs all purchases with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Malwarebytes review >
Bonus. Sophos — Easy-to-Use Antivirus for Mac
Sophos for Mac is super easy to use. Its malware scanner performed really well in my tests and removed the majority of malware samples from my MacBook Air. It also stopped most of the simulated ransomware attacks I launched against it and prevented me from downloading an archive containing 1,000s of Mac-based malware samples.
Its remote management platform allowed me to schedule and initiate malware scans quickly, even when I was away from my computer, and I really liked how I could remotely control the protections on my iOS device.
However, Sophos for Mac lacks many of the advanced features in the Windows version. For example, it doesn’t have AI threat detection and exploit protection and only provides basic parental controls. Intego’s parental controls, on the other hand, provide excellent content filters and can stop your kid from receiving messages containing inappropriate content.
Overall, Sophos is a decent choice if all you want is basic malware protection and ease of use, but otherwise, you’re better off looking at alternatives on the market. If you want to try Sophos, its premium plan costs $44.99 / year and can cover up to 10 PC and macOS devices. Each plan comes with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Sophos for Mac provides good malware and ransomware protection but lacks many advanced features that make the Windows version great. However, it provides an intuitive web-based dashboard, making it super accessible and easy to use for beginners — so if you’re only in the market for a basic and easy-to-use antivirus to protect your Mac, Sophos is a great choice. It also offers a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group.
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To identify the best antiviruses for Macs, I relied on the following criteria from our testing methodology:
- I singled out programs with advanced virus and malware scanning. During my tests, I installed 1,000 malware samples onto my Mac before running each scan, and only the software that could detect and remove these threats made it onto this list. I also looked at how fast and customizable each malware engine was.
- I looked for antiviruses with excellent real-time protection. I examined all of the antiviruses I tested based on their real-time capabilities and only picked those that performed exceptionally well in identifying and eliminating malware before it got the chance to infect my Mac.
- I checked if the antivirus offers web protection. Phishing scams, fake websites, and other online frauds are among the most common ways for hackers to infiltrate your Mac. Some of these scams and fake sites are extremely convincing, so it can be easy for even the most “scam-aware” person to fall for them. That’s why all of the antiviruses on my list include sound web protection.
- I looked for products that are easy to set up and use. All of the antiviruses on my list are well-designed, user-friendly solutions. What’s more, they all come with a free trial or money-back guarantee, so you can test them before committing long-term.
- I measured the overall impact on system performance. I monitored how each antivirus affected my system’s speed and responsiveness during various tasks, such as booting up, launching applications, and performing file transfers. I prioritized antiviruses that offered strong protection without compromising system performance or draining my laptop battery.
- I assessed the antivirus’s overall value. Just as the features and functionality vary between all the antiviruses on this list, so do the prices. But don’t be tempted to choose based on price alone. For this list, I calculated the cost of all the different inclusions (VPNs, cleanup and optimization tools, parental controls, etc.) to find the best offers.
- I considered cross-platform compatibility. Some Mac owners have other devices on different operating systems, so I evaluated whether the antivirus solutions provided comprehensive protection across different platforms. I preferred antiviruses that offered seamless integration and functionality across iOS, Android, and Windows.
- I reviewed how each antivirus handles privacy and user data. I prefer software that avoids excessive data collection and offers clear privacy policies — ensuring your personal details stay secure.
Do You Need Virus Protection for Mac?
Yes, you do need virus protection for Mac. While Mac computers are known for their strong security features, they’re not completely immune to malware, especially scams that rely on human error (such as phishing scams), PUPs, and browser hijackers, adware, and ransomware.
Phishing attacks threaten Mac users just as much as others. These attacks involve deceptive emails or websites that trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. The more sophisticated these scams become, the harder they are to detect.
To redirect you to a fake website, malicious actors often first infect your Mac with a PUP, such as the fake Apple security warning. You’re usually redirected to a shady website once you click on such a fake notification.
Another method hackers commonly use is browser hijackers. These malicious programs modify web browser settings without user consent, redirecting search queries to unwanted websites or displaying intrusive ads.
Ransomware, although historically less common on Macs than on Windows systems, is becoming a growing concern, too. The LockBit group, for example, has developed ransomware specifically targeting macOS.
Given these threats’s increasing sophistication and prevalence, relying solely on macOS’s built-in security features isn’t sufficient. Good antivirus software for Mac gives you peace of mind: it can detect a broader range of threats in real-time and offer frequent updates to address new vulnerabilities. In addition to using an antivirus program, you may want to find out more about how to keep your Mac secure here.
Quick Guide: How to Use an Antivirus on Mac
To get started with antivirus software on your Mac, follow these straightforward steps:
- Visit your chosen antivirus’s website and go to the product page. If you’re looking at Intego, for instance, you would click on “Protect Your Mac.”
- Select and purchase a plan. Find the “Buy Now” button for the plan you’re interested in and follow the site’s instructions to complete your purchase. Remember, many antivirus services like Intego and Norton offer a money-back guarantee, so you can choose a plan with confidence.
- Download and install the antivirus. Once you’ve made your purchase, download the antivirus software designed for macOS. Run the installer and follow the prompts, which will include granting permissions and accepting the license agreement. Stay by your Mac during this process to ensure everything goes smoothly. Most antivirus installations, including those from Intego and Norton, require an active internet connection, so ensure your Mac stays connected.
- Familiarize yourself with the antivirus application. After installation, take some time to explore the antivirus’s interface and features. Many antivirus providers, such as Intego, offer extensive online resources like knowledge bases and video tutorials to help you get acquainted with the software.
- Perform a virus scan. The top antivirus programs make it easy to initiate a virus scan with just a click. Simply press the “Run Scan” button or its equivalent, and the antivirus will begin scanning your Mac for any malware, removing any threats it finds.
Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group. - Explore additional features. Make sure to investigate all the extra tools your antivirus offers, such as optimization utilities, mobile apps, dark web monitoring, and password managers.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- ESET. While ESET offers good malware protection and a wide range of features for Windows and Android devices, its macOS offering isn’t very good compared to the other antivirus software on my list. In addition, ESET doesn’t have an iOS app.
- Trend Micro. Trend Micro is a decent antivirus product that also supports Mac, but it lacks some of the features other premium antiviruses include, and its VPN is particularly disappointing.
- Webroot. Webroot is very easy to use and has some pretty good features, but it missed more Mac-specific malware during my tests than all the other products on this list.
- Avast. Avast provides a good range of protections for Mac, but setting it up requires several permissions that make the process more cumbersome than other antivirus software. While it offers good security features, the hassle involved in setting it up is a setback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an antivirus slow down my Mac?
No, a good antivirus will not slow down your Mac. Intego is lightweight, non-intrusive, and didn’t cause any noticeable slowdowns in my tests. It even offers low-priority malware scans that dedicate your Mac’s resources to running programs over the scanner — this ensures you can still perform intensive activities while staying safe from malware.
What is the best antivirus for Mac?
Intego is my favorite antivirus for Mac in 2025. It’s designed specifically for macOS, is inexpensive, and offers an impressive range of cybersecurity and Mac optimization tools.
Don’t Macs already have an antivirus built into the OS?
Macs have a few built-in security features, including:
- App Review. Audits the legitimacy of Apple Store apps before downloading.
- Gatekeeper. Scans apps for malicious code prior to launching.
- Web protection. Blocks malicious sites and tracking links on Safari.
- Anti-theft tools. Enables you to track Mac and iOS devices if they’re lost or stolen.
While these features are useful, they’re not good enough to fully protect Macs from ransomware, spyware, adware, and other advanced malware that hackers use to spy on you and steal your data.
Even the latest macOS doesn’t include real-time malware scanning, ransomware protection, Mac optimization tools, or advanced phishing protection. That’s why installing a comprehensive macOS-based antivirus suite like Intego — an antivirus designed to keep you 100% protected against all cybersecurity threats — is the best choice.
Which Mac antivirus has the best phishing protection?
Norton provides the best phishing protection for Mac with robust features like Safe Web, which scans and blocks dangerous sites, and Safe Search, marking risky links in search results before I click. It even includes a secure browser with built-in protection.
Norton is my favorite, but a few other antiviruses have strong phishing protection on Mac, too. For example, McAfee blocks 100% of phishing websites, Bitdefender works seamlessly with Safari, and Avira comes with Safe Shopping, a browser extension that will keep you safe from fake online stores.
How to spot fake Mac antivirus software?
First, always verify the authenticity of the antivirus through its official website and avoid downloading antiviruses from pop-ups or emails. Secondly, credible antivirus software like Intego will always provide detailed information about its security features and have positive user reviews — so keep an eye out for that. Finally, be wary of software that generates alerts demanding immediate action (such as pop-ups saying your Mac is infected). This is a common scare tactic.
What is the best antivirus for Mac according to Reddit?
Intego frequently emerges as a highly recommended Mac antivirus on Reddit. However, I’ve also seen Reddit users recommend Norton.
Users tend to lean toward Intego thanks to its Mac-centric design, real-time malware scanning, and specifically optimized macOS firewall (NetBarrier). Meanwhile, Norton is often chosen due to its advanced malware detection, VPN at no additional cost, and identity theft protection. Both are honestly great choices, and that’s why they’re both ranked so highly on my list, too.
Is there a free antivirus for Mac?
Yes, Avira offers a decent free antivirus for macOS users. But keep in mind that free antiviruses are only free because there’s a “catch” — usually, these companies want you to upgrade to a paid plan.
If you don’t have a lot of sensitive data on your Mac, a free antivirus will work just fine. But if you’re like me and store all of your credit card details, login details, work documents, photos, and creative projects on your Mac, I highly recommend spending a few bucks on a low-cost premium Mac antivirus like Intego.
Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN?
Adding a VPN (virtual private network) to your Mac antivirus is smart for full security. A VPN encrypts your traffic, hiding your IP from hackers or ISPs — crucial on public Wi-Fi where data’s exposed. It’s not required, but bundling one with antivirus software boosts privacy and can save money over separate subscriptions. So, when choosing an antivirus for your Mac, considering one with a VPN included, like TotalAV or Norton, can be a smart choice.
