Best Antivirus for Mac: Protecting Your Apple Device

Cybersecurity is a must for everyone these days. Whether you’re just browsing, working, or gaming, your Mac faces a variety of cyber threats. macOS does have strong security features, but no system is entirely safe from harm. That’s where antivirus software comes in handy. In this article, we’ll look at the best antivirus options for Mac, so you can make a smart choice to keep your device protected.

Why Do Macs Need Antivirus?

Before diving into the best antivirus options, let’s address a common question: Do Macs really need antivirus software? The short answer is yes. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Rising Threats
    While Macs are less targeted by malware compared to Windows PCs, the number of threats specifically designed for macOS is increasing.
  2. Phishing and Scams
    Antivirus software can help protect against phishing attacks and online scams that aim to steal your personal information.
  3. Network Protection
    Antivirus programs often include features that protect your entire network, ensuring safe browsing and secure connections.
  4. Peace of Mind
    Having antivirus software provides an extra layer of security, giving you peace of mind while you work, play, and browse online.

Top Antivirus Software for Mac

Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9

Overview: Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is a comprehensive security solution designed specifically for macOS. It combines antivirus, firewall, system optimization, parental controls, and backup tools to provide robust protection and enhance your Mac’s performance.

Pros

  • Designed specifically for macOS, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance.
  • Includes comprehensive antivirus and anti-malware protection.
  • Advanced firewall protection with NetBarrier.
  • System optimization tools to clean and speed up your Mac.
  • Parental controls to monitor and manage children’s online activities.
  • Backup tools to secure important data.

Cons

  • Higher price point compared to basic antivirus solutions.
  • VPN service not included in the standard package.

Best For: Mac users who need a comprehensive security suite with additional features for system optimization, parental controls, and data backup.

$24.99 at Intego (first year)

McAfee

Overview: McAfee provides comprehensive protection with various plans tailored to individual and family needs. It offers robust antivirus, privacy, and identity protection features.

Pros

  • Comprehensive device and identity protection.
  • Includes VPN and scam protection.
  • Advanced plans offer extensive monitoring and alerts.

Cons

  • Higher-end plans can be expensive.
  • Some features only available in advanced plans.

Best For: Users looking for comprehensive protection for multiple devices and advanced identity theft coverage.

$39.99 at McAfee Total Protection (first year)
Antivirus Reviews

Norton

Overview: Norton is one of the most trusted names in antivirus protection, known for its comprehensive security features and reliable performance.

Pros

  • Comprehensive protection with additional features like VPN and password manager.
  • High detection rate for malware.
  • Excellent customer support.

Cons

  • Can be expensive.
  • Resource-heavy, which might slow down older systems.

Best For: Users looking for comprehensive security with additional features like a VPN and dark web monitoring.

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Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

Overview: Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac provides robust security features tailored specifically for Mac users. It offers protection against malware, ransomware, and other online threats, ensuring your Mac stays safe and secure.

Pros

  • Comprehensive malware and ransomware protection.
  • Web threat protection blocks dangerous websites.
  • Effective against phishing and email scams.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Social media privacy protection.

Cons

  • Limited additional features compared to competitors.
  • Potential impact on system performance during full scans.

Best For: Mac users looking for strong malware and ransomware protection with additional web threat and social media privacy features.

$29.95 at Trend Micro (first year)

Avast

Overview: Avast is known for its comprehensive security features and user-friendly interface. It offers both free and premium versions, providing robust antivirus, privacy, and performance optimization tools.

Pros

  • Offers a free version with essential protection features.
  • Strong protection against a wide range of threats.
  • Includes additional tools like a secure browser and Wi-Fi inspector.

Cons

  • Frequent pop-ups encouraging upgrades to the paid version.
  • Some features can be intrusive or annoying.

Best For: Users looking for a feature-packed antivirus solution with strong protection, even if it means dealing with occasional upsell attempts.

$34.68 at Avast Software (first year)

Features to Look for in a Mac Antivirus

When choosing the best antivirus for your Mac, there are several key features to consider:

  1. Real-Time Protection
    This ensures that your Mac is continuously protected against threats as they arise.
  2. Performance Impact
    A good antivirus should have minimal impact on your Mac’s performance, so it doesn’t slow down your system.
  3. Ease of Use
    User-friendly interfaces and straightforward settings make it easier to manage your security.
  4. Additional Tools
    Look for extras like VPN services, password managers, and parental controls that can enhance your security suite.
  5. Customer Support
    Reliable customer service can be a lifesaver when you encounter issues or need help with your software.

Which Mac Antivirus is the Best for Malware Protection?

When it comes to malware protection, Norton stands out as the top choice for Mac users. Norton’s real-time threat protection continuously monitors your system for viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware, offering a robust defense against a variety of threats. It has consistently ranked highly in independent tests, such as AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, due to its high detection rates and minimal false positives.

Norton utilizes advanced machine learning algorithms and heuristics to identify and neutralize both known and emerging malware threats, ensuring comprehensive protection​​​​. Additionally, Norton’s comprehensive approach includes additional features like a secure VPN and password manager, which further enhances its security suite, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing malware protection on their Macs​​.

Which Mac Antivirus is the Best for Phishing Protection?

For the best phishing protection, McAfee is a top contender. McAfee offers advanced scam protection that shields against phishing attacks, which are increasingly sophisticated and pose significant risks to personal information. McAfee’s extensive monitoring and alerts help users avoid phishing scams by identifying suspicious emails and websites before they can do harm.

McAfee’s WebAdvisor feature actively scans and warns you of potentially harmful websites, preventing you from entering sensitive information on malicious sites​​. The inclusion of a secure VPN in McAfee’s suite further enhances online privacy, ensuring that users can browse the internet safely and securely. Additionally, McAfee’s Identity Theft Protection service monitors the dark web for your personal information, providing another layer of security against phishing and identity theft.

Which Mac Antivirus is the Best for Ransomware Protection?

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac excels in ransomware protection, making it an ideal choice for users concerned about this particular threat. Trend Micro provides comprehensive defense against ransomware through its advanced behavioral analysis and real-time protection features. It detects and blocks ransomware threats before they can encrypt your files and demand a ransom.

Trend Micro’s Folder Shield feature adds an extra layer of protection by allowing users to specify which folders are safeguarded against unauthorized encryption​​. Its real-time protection and advanced threat detection capabilities make it particularly effective against ransomware. Additionally, Trend Micro’s web threat protection helps prevent you from visiting malicious websites that could harbor ransomware, thereby reducing the risk of encountering such threats online​​.

Which Mac Antivirus is the Best for Spyware Protection?

When it comes to spyware protection, Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the best option for Mac users. Intego’s VirusBarrier X9 offers real-time and on-demand protection against spyware, ensuring that your personal data remains safe from prying eyes. The software uses advanced anti-spyware technology to detect and remove spyware, keyloggers, and other malicious software that could compromise your privacy. Its advanced two-way firewall, NetBarrier X9, provides additional security by monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic, preventing unauthorized access and data leaks​​.

This multi-layered approach makes Intego particularly effective at preventing and removing spyware, safeguarding your privacy and sensitive information. Moreover, the system optimization tools included in the Mac Washing Machine feature help maintain your Mac’s performance while keeping it free from spyware and other threats.

Independent Lab Tests Highlighting the Best Antivirus for Mac

Here’s a detailed look at some of the most respected independent lab studies that highlight the best antivirus options for Mac in 2023 and 2025.

AV-Comparatives: A Comprehensive Evaluation

AV-Comparatives is a well-regarded independent testing lab that conducts thorough evaluations of antivirus software. In their 2023 Mac certification test, AV-Comparatives reviewed ten security solutions on macOS Ventura, including Avast Security Free for Mac, AVG Antivirus Free for Mac, Avira Prime for Mac, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, Intego Mac Internet Security X9, Kaspersky Plus for Mac, and Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac. These products were tested for their ability to protect against prevalent Mac threats, maintain system performance, and generate minimal false alarms.

AV-Comparatives’ rigorous testing involved subjecting the antivirus programs to various malware samples and evaluating their real-time protection capabilities. The report highlighted that all certified products demonstrated a high level of protection and reliability. For example, Intego Mac Internet Security X9 was praised for its macOS-specific features, such as VirusBarrier and NetBarrier, which provide robust malware detection and firewall management.

AV-TEST: Detailed Performance Metrics

AV-TEST, another prominent independent testing organization, is known for its detailed analysis of antivirus software. In their March 2025 evaluation of antivirus products for macOS Sonoma, AV-TEST tested several products including Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, Clario, Kaspersky, Norton, and Trend Micro. The evaluation focused on three key metrics: protection, performance, and usability.

The results from AV-TEST were impressive, with many products achieving perfect scores across all categories. Norton, for example, scored 100% in protection, performance, and usability, making it a top contender for the best antivirus for Mac. AV-TEST’s comprehensive testing ensures that users can rely on these products to provide robust protection without compromising system performance.

Making an Informed Choice

Choosing the best antivirus involves considering various factors, including protection capabilities, system performance impact, usability, and additional features like VPN services and parental controls. Independent lab tests from AV-Comparatives, AV-TEST, and SoftwareLab provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different antivirus products.

By relying on these independent evaluations, users can make informed decisions and select an antivirus solution that best meets their needs. Whether it’s the comprehensive protection offered by Norton, the macOS-specific features of Intego, or the well-rounded security of McAfee, these lab-tested products ensure that your Mac remains secure against evolving cyber threats.