How we test Mac Antivirus
To thoroughly test Mac antivirus software, we combine hands-on evaluation with data from independent security labs. We assess malware detection, usability, performance, and value for money. We start with a clean macOS installation and download known malicious software and visit malicious websites to evaluate protection against online and offline threats. We then assess performance impact and user experience. We also evaluate the usefulness and accessibility of the software’s tools, including VPNs, password managers, firewalls, and parental controls. Finally, we look at how well the software detects and deals with Windows viruses and other types of malware.
Updated November, 27, 2025: This article is regularly updated and we aim to assess each suite on a yearly basis or when new features are launched.
It wasn’t so long ago that many users believed Macs didn’t need security software. Not only was the platform thought to be inherently secure by design, but the vast majority of computer users were running Windows, so that was where the money was for malware writers. Several high-profile attacks and a surge in popularity later, and now even Apple acknowledges macOS is a target, building in security tools like XProtect and Gatekeeper for basic protection from known Mac malware.
Trouble is, it’s really not the known threats that keep us awake at night, and the dangers are not limited to malware. The most dangerous digital security threats are the ones we don’t see coming – those are the ones that will be successful in stealing our data, our privacy, our identity, and our money.
See our top pick in Mac antivirus software
BLACK FRIDAY 2025 ANTIVIRUS DEALS
It’s Black Friday week and many of best Mac antivirus apps we have reviewed are discounted until Cyber Monday on December 1, so now is a great time to get a good deal.
- Intego’s has 70% off its Mac Premium Bundle X9 (which includes Virus Barrier, NetBarrier, Mac Washing Machine, Content Barrier and Personal Backup), bringing the price down to $29.99/£23.99 annually. Get Intego’s deal here: Mac Premium Bundle X9.
- Norton has taken 73% off Norton 360 Standard, bringing the price down to $24.99/£19.99 for the first year. Get Norton’s deal here: Norton 360 Standard.
- Avast has 60% off, bringing the cost to cover one Mac down to $31.08/£25.99 for a year. Get Avast Premium Security here.
- ESET has 50% off ESET Home Security. ESET Home Security Essential is now $24.99/£31.49 a year. Get ESET’s deal here: ESET Home Security (U.S.) / ESET Home Security (U.K.)
- Surfshark has 88% off. You can get Surfshark One for 27 months for $59.13/£42.93. Get the deal here: Surfshark One.
Investing in a decent security suite for Mac is a smart move, adding an extra layer of protection and being safe rather than sorry. We tested Apple’s own solution against a raft of malware and although it did an OK job keeping us safe, we proved that there were times when a questionable application could be installed without warning. A good analogy is to think of XProtect as the lock on your Mac’s front door, while paid antivirus is its alarm system and security cameras. With virus – also adware, spyware, trojan, and ransomware – definitions updated several times a day (far more frequently than Apple’s offering), you get real-time protection from all new and emerging threats.
In our tests of Apple’s malware-protections, our only option was to wipe our Mac and return to the back up we made before the reckless behavior – and hope we hadn’t passed anything on. Apple doesn’t offer customer support or virus removal guarantees when the worst happens, nor does it protect you from cross-platform threats across all your devices. With paid antivirus software you get all this, plus more: extra features might include web and phishing protection, software updaters to patch vulnerabilities, VPNs, password managers, parental controls, secure cloud storage and backup, and dark web monitoring.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your Apple computer from digital threats. We thoroughly test all Mac antivirus products for usability and functionality, and consult independent lab data to determine which is the most reliable and trustworthy security product for your Mac. No-one is better placed to guide you on which antivirus to choose for your Mac than Macworld, the leading authority on Mac products and products built for Mac.
Best antivirus for Mac reviewed and ranked
Jump straight to a Mac antivirus product for more details:
- Intego Mac Internet Security X9 – Best value security tool for a single Mac
- Norton 360 – Best all-round, multi-platform security suite
- Surfshark One – Best for privacy, and unlimited device protection
- Avast Premium Security – Best for AI-powered Mac security
- AVG Internet Security for Mac – Best for trialing Mac antivirus
1. Intego Mac Internet Security X9 – Best antivirus for Mac users
Pros
- Built for Mac with simplicity in mind
- Easy to set up and customize
- Solid malware protection
Price When Reviewed:
From $24.99 for first year, usually $49.99 a year (1 Mac) Using our link
Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is our top pick for Mac antivirus software. It is approved by independent testing labs AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, offering solid antivirus and firewall protection. In November SE Labs gave Intego Mac Internet Security a highly commendable 98% protection accuracy rating. As the only antivirus in this round-up to be built from the ground-up for Mac, it has a simplicity about it that Apple users will appreciate.
We love how easy this no-fuss Mac antivirus is to set up and use, with deep customization options, and no pushy upsells. If you have just the one Mac you wish to protect, Intego is an extremely effective security product – and also the cheapest paid option here.
Who’s it for?
Intego is for Mac users who want simple, but effective security, and are looking to gain peace of mind without diving into system-level configuration gymnastics. Intego’s VirusBarrier is ideal for users who have a single Mac or MacBook to protect, while NetBarrier lets them quickly and easily set up profiles for home, work or public connections.
Why we picked it
Intego’s Mac Internet Security X9 is a strong choice for Mac antivirus software for several key reasons. Intego offers protection specifically for macOS, this means its robust feature set is tailored to the Mac. While some rivals offer more features those apps can feel like they are a cut-back PC app running on the Mac. Only Intego offers such an easy-to-use set of security utilities for Mac users.
Further considerations
The basic package includes the company’s VirusBarrier real-time antivirus and NetBarrier firewall, along with anti-phishing protection. If you need additional features, the Premium Bundle adds parental controls so you can monitor internet time and block inappropriate content, optimization utilities for reducing file clutter and improving system performance, organizational tools for putting your most frequently used files at your fingertips and neatly arranging your desktop and dock, plus backup. A VPN is also available as an add-on.
Because Intego is a Mac-only security suite, it isn’t suitable for users who also want to protect their iPhone or iPad, Windows PC or Android device. Most alternative antivirus products offer cross-platform protection.
If unbeatable malware protection is your only concern, there are better alternatives to Intego. In September 2024, AV-Test awarded Intego a rating of 5 (out of 6) for Protection, 6 for Speed, and 6 for Usability. Then, in June 2025, AV-Comparatives rated it 97.1% for Mac malware protection, 97% for protection from potentially unwanted applications, and 100% for Windows malware detection. All four of the alternative Mac antivirus programs listed below scored a 6 for Protection from AV-Test, plus 100% for Mac malware protection and the maximum possible 99% for protection from potentially unwanted programs from AV-Comparatives.
Use our link to get the best deal on Intego Mac Internet Security X9 and Mac Premium Bundle.
Read our full
Intego Mac Internet Security X9 review
2. Norton 360 – Best all-round, multi-platform security suite
Pros
- Virus Protection Promise
- Instant reassurance for scams
- Includes Norton’s VPN and Password Manager
Cons
- Some features Windows only
Price When Reviewed:
Standard (3 devices): $24.99 for first year, usually $94.99 a year; Deluxe (5 devices): $29.99 for first year, usually $119.99 a year
Best Prices Today:
Norton is a name with which most readers will be familiar, which is important for a tool that’s going to be responsible for your digital security. Norton’s Virus Protection Promise means you’ll get your money back if it can’t remove a virus from your Mac.
Including VPN, a password manager, Deepfake protection, and antivirus, antimalware, ransomware and hacking protection, it has a more complete feature set than many of the Mac antivirus offerings here – without the high price tag to match.
Norton 360 appeals for its top marks across both AV-Comparatives and AV-Test’s June 2025 benchmarks, delivering on malware protection, performance, and usability.
A new feature that moves Norton up our ranking here is AI-powered Genie Scam Protection. The Genie Scam Assistant is available around the clock to answer your security questions, and can provide instant reassurance for dodgy-looking emails and texts.
Who’s it for?
The standard Norton 360 package is well suited to security-minded individuals who need a solution to cover all angles, and would appreciate the peace of mind afforded by an AI scam assistant that is able to answer questions in real time. The Deluxe package is ideal for couples, covering up to five devices including Macs, iPhones and iPads, while the Advanced package is perfect for families, with up to 10 devices covered.
Further considerations
Norton 360 supports Mac, iOS, Windows and Android, but if you use only Mac then you may be better served by Intego. Here macOS feels like more of an afterthought, with some features (such as cloud backup) available to Windows users only.
There’s a lot of functionality here, and a lot of customization options, but if you’re not comfortable going digging into the settings for them then you might find this overkill. Some technical knowledge is required to take full advantage of these features.
Although Norton performed very well in independent testing, in our own tests it missed a few threats, such as OSX.Proton, and it struggled to scan Zip files. We also found that the browser extension and private browser still allowed us to travel to questionable websites from spam email links.
Read our full
Norton 360 review
3. Surfshark One – Best for privacy, and unlimited device protection
Pros
- Supports unlimited devices
- Excellent malware protection
- Includes VPN, identity and privacy protection
Cons
- Cheaper options available
Price When Reviewed:
Surfshark One, 24 months at $2.19 a month with 3 free months (Total for 27 months: $59.13); 12 months at $3.39 a month with 3 free months (Total for 15 months: $50.85); or $17.95/month.
If you have multiple devices to protect, Surfshark One’s unlimited device protection for macOS, Android, and Windows is unbeaten. Not only does this antivirus product ace AV-Test’s malware protection benchmark, it has several extra features designed with privacy in mind, including the Surfshark VPN the company is arguably better known for.
Additional features found within Surfshark One include: Alert, which alerts you if your email, credit card or personal data is leaked in a data breach; Search, which lets you browse the web ad-, tracker and threat-free; Alternative ID, which generates a new identity and proxy email for online registrations; and CleanWeb, for blocking pop-ups.
Who’s it for?
Many of the digital threats we face today target the person as well as the PC. Surfshark One is the Mac antivirus tool for anyone who is concerned with protecting their personal data and identity, as well as their Mac (or PC, or Android device).
Further considerations
While Surfshark One packs a lot of features, it is also the most expensive option in this round-up – especially if you plump for the one-month plan (not an option with all Mac antivirus vendors). All plans are billed monthly, with the cheapest tying you in for two years. If cost is a concern, Intego offers the cheapest entry point.
Surfshark One has not been tested by AV-Comparatives but, as we noted, notched up the maximum possible score for protection in AV-Test’s benchmarks in June 2025. However, it did drop half a point on both speed and usability, where every other Mac antivirus product here scored the full six points.
Read our full
Surfshark One review
4. Avast Premium Security – Best for AI-powered Mac security
Pros
- Scam Guardian fights AI-powered threats
- No impact on performance
- 60-day trial available
Price When Reviewed:
From $49.08 for first year, usually $77.99 a year (1 Mac).
Like Norton 360, Avast is going big on AI in the latest edition of its Premium Security suite. The logic is there: if AI is enabling the most sophisticated digital threats, AI may also present the best solution for finding and thwarting them. Avast also boasts an on-demand scam assistant as part of its new Scam Guardian module, providing instant reassurance for your security concerns, and it can prevent you clicking on dodgy links in scam emails and on fraudulent websites.
Premium Security from Avast covers Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android, with packages available for one or up to 10 devices. You get a clean interface that is easy to use, and robust malware protection (scoring top marks in AV-Test and AV-Comparatives benchmarks in June 2025), with flexible scan options, smart network tools, and strong defense against browser hacks and ransomware.
Who’s it for?
Avast is well suited to individual users or families who are active on the internet, with protection focused on helping you spot the latest scams and guarding you while you shop or bank online.
Further considerations
If you’re not ready to buy Avast Premium Security, the company offers a generous 60-day trial, as well as a free version of its real-time antivirus. We would strongly urge you to consider the Premium version for its new AI-powered Scam Guardian module, and protection beyond basic malware.
Read our full
Avast Premium Security review
5. AVG Internet Security for Mac – Best for trialing Mac antivirus
Pros
- Easy to use
- Strong malware protection
and removal - 60-day trial available
Price When Reviewed:
$3.89 a month for 1 Mac ($46.68 for the first year, then $77.99 a year), or $4.99 a month for 10 devices ($59.88 for the first year, then $99.99 a year).
AVG is probably better known for its free antivirus than its premium security suite, but it impresses with its broad feature set, clean interface, and solid malware/phishing protection. If you’re not sure whether to take the plunge and purchase paid antivirus then it offers the easiest path to do so, first offering a 60-day trial and then a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
In June 2025, AVG Internet Security for Mac scored top marks with AV-Test for Protection, Speed, and Usability, and also scored the maximum possible with AV-Comparatives when pitted against Mac malware, Windows malware, and potentially unwanted applications.
Who’s it for?
AVG Internet Security for Mac is for – as the name implies – Mac users. It does not support Windows or Android, although versions for those platforms are available. Best suited for cautious Mac users who want layered protection without complexity, the free trial lets them check it out with no strings attached.
Further considerations
AVG is mostly well designed and easy to navigate. It is good at its basic job, letting you use the web with confidence. We would like to see clearer indication of when scans are running, and it didn’t manage to prevent a fake Adobe Flash Player from being installed in our tests, but it’s difficult to fault this otherwise very strong Mac antivirus, which also did a great job of removing malware that did get through. It doesn’t particularly stand out among the competition here, but nonetheless it offers Mac security you can trust.
Read our full
AVG Internet Security for Mac review
Other Mac antivirus software we tested
Macworld reviews many more antivirus products than you see in our ranking above. Not appearing in our top five doesn’t mean a product isn’t going to do a good job of protecting your Mac, merely that it failed to stand out among the best of the competition. You’ll find some more top contenders below, with links to our full reviews for more details. We wouldn’t advise installing any Mac antivirus without first checking our antivirus software reviews.
(For PC antivirus, see our sister site PCWorld’s guide to the best Windows antivirus.)
McAfee Total Protection
Why we recommend it: McAfee Total Protection 2025 covers the bases with solid antivirus, real-time scanning, and a basic VPN feature, but stumbles with vague alerts, an outdated WebAdvisor protection system, and noticeable performance hits.
Who’s it for: It’s a decent all-in-one for casual users wanting broad protection, but power users or privacy hawks might want something leaner, faster, and easier to configure.
Read our full
McAfee Total Protection review
Avira Prime
Why we recommend it: Avira Prime offers a sleek, modular approach to antivirus with solid customization, a zippy Quick Scan, and strong cleanup tools. While Full Scan times drag and phishing defense needs sharpening, features like unlimited VPN and Identity Assistant shine.
Who’s it for: Avira Prime seems best suited for privacy-focused users who want full control without overwhelming complexity.
Read our full
Avira Prime review
Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac
Why we recommend it: Trend Micro Antivirus delivers strong malware defense, smart folder protection, and detailed logs for the everyday user who wants solid security without diving into sysadmin territory.
Who’s it for: While setup can be clunky and its Web Protection feature needs polish, it’s a great fit for home users who want customization, automation, and visibility without too much fuss.
Read our full
Trend Micro Antivirus review
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
Why we recommend it: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac delivers fast scans, solid real-time protection, and a clean install process. While it fumbles on some pre-existing threats and Safari phishing defense, it’s a reliable day-to-day application.
Who’s it for: Bitdefender is arguably ideal for users wanting basic, no-fuss Mac protection with the option to scale up to Total Security for multi-platform coverage should they desire.
Read our full
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac review
MacPaw, Moonlock
Why we recommend it: MacPaw is best known for CleanMyMac, but now it’s brought out its own Mac antivirus app. What’s present in Moonlock, in terms of malware detection and removal makes it a viable option for Mac users who want good protection with minimal fuss. Its antivirus tools catch some threats that can be missed by other utilities, such as AdWind and CrossRat, but let too many others slip past.
Who’s it for: Moonlock includes some great learning tools, making it well suited to users who feel a bit lost navigating the world of anti-malware. MacPaw really makes an effort to teach less-technical users why certain security settings matter.
Read our full
Moonlock review
BitMedic Pro Antivirus
Why we recommend it: BitMedic Pro Antivirus is a budget-friendly, feature-packed tool with decent adware and phishing detection, but it’s beginning to show its age, with stability issues, vague scan results, and no updates since 2020 hurting the experience.
Who’s it for: The software seems best suited for bargain hunters who want basic, occasional scans as opposed to those relying on consistent, up-to-date protection.
Read our full
BitMedic Pro Antivirus review
Sophos Home Premium for Mac
Why we recommend it: Sophos Home Premium brings strong multi-device protection with a clean interface and solid web filtering. Still, its setup is clunky, external scans are awkward, and some malware slipped past, which raised some eyebrows.
Who’s it for: It’s best suited for families or small offices needing centralized management and broad coverage, not power users demanding airtight, real-time threat elimination.
Read our full
Sophos Home Premium for Mac review
Malwarebytes Premium Security
Why we recommend it: Malwarebytes Premium Security for Mac is a user-friendly tool with strong malware detection, but lacks deeper customisation, external volume scanning, effective web protection, and Windows-specific features.
Who’s it for: It’s best for casual users seeking set-it-and-forget-it defence with its built-in VPN feature, not power users needing granular control or all-surface threat coverage.
Read our full
Malwarebytes Premium Security review
Best Mac Antivirus: Specs Comparison
| Developer | Product Name | USB Scan | Ransomware Protection | Adware Prevention | Anti Phishing Protection | Email Protection | Firewall | VPN | iOS Version | Parental Controls | Support | Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intego | Internet Security X9 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Email/Phone | 30 days |
| Surfshark | Surfshark One | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Chat/Email | 30-day money back guarantee |
| AVG | Internet Security for Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | 60 days | |
| Avast | Premium Security | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Email/Forum | 60 days |
| McAfee | Total Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Phone/Chat | 30 days |
| Trend Micro | Antivirus for Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | 30 days | |
| Norton | Norton 360 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Phone/Chat | 60 days |
| Avira | Avira Prime | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 30 days | |
| Bitdefender | Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Email/Chat | 30 days |
| MacPaw | Moonlock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | 7 days | |
| Pocket Bits LLC | BitMedic Pro Antivirus | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Email/Support Form | 7 days |
| Sophos | Sophos Home Premium for Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Chat/Email | 30 days |
| ESET | Eset Home Security | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Email/Phone | 30 days |
| Malwarebtyes | Malwarebytes Premium Security | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Email/Forum | 14 days |
Can I use free Mac antivirus?
Apple’s XProtect is a free antivirus built into macOS, while Gatekeeper blocks unverified apps. We’ve installed Mac malware on a Mac with only Apple’s protections in place and while Apple’s security layers offered some protection, malware and suspect applications could still be installed if warnings are ignored.
An advantage of running a free Mac antivirus product from a third-party company rather than Apple’s antivirus is more frequent updates, making it better able to protect you from the latest threats, as well as other nasties including adware, spyware, trojans, and ransomware.
The antivirus engine in free and paid antivirus programs is typically the same. The difference is in all the extra features afforded by the premium suite, including the availability of customer and/or AI-powered tech support when something goes wrong, cross-platform support for all your devices, web and phishing protection, privacy features such as a VPN and identity- or dark web monitoring, parental controls, and more.
The old adage that you get what you pay for is true, and if you are genuinely concerned about Mac security then it is advisable to pay for the most complete protection you can get. If value for money is your most important criteria, you should check out the best Mac antivirus deals. But if you’re on a really tight budget, free antivirus is still going to do a better job of protecting you than Apple’s security tools.
What’s the best free Mac antivirus?
Here are the best free antivirus for Mac apps we have reviewed:
How we test Mac antivirus
Each software package is evaluated by creating a clean installation of macOS, cloning it for each antivirus product, and then booting separately into each one to install a different package. This is to ensure that previous app installations don’t interfere with new ones – sometimes antivirus software treats other antivirus software as an infection.
We consider the strength of protection against threats (online and offline), and how well it addresses the ever-expanding types of attacks. We spend time using the software. Ease of use and user interface is important because if the software is too complicated people will not use it, it should be easy to find the tools users need, and alerts should make sense and be relevant. Equally performance really matters because if an app slows down your Mac you are likely to turn that app off.
We also look at the features on offer. The best antivirus suites go beyond the basics of real-time protection and deeper scans, adding features like password managers and firewalls, some incorporate a VPN. However, we do assess whether these extras are helpful, or just unnecessary additions.
In addition to visiting malicious websites, downloading known malicious software, and even running said malware on our Mac, we also reference the most recent reports from two labs that regularly cover macOS malware: AV Comparatives and AV-TEST. These laboratories test antivirus software against sets of known malware as well as products that are grouped as potentially unwanted applications (like adware).
The latter doesn’t damage or expose your computer or its files but may consume power and CPU cycles. Because the testing effectively looks at a combination of virus databases and behavior, they remain good gauges even after many months. When an antivirus for Mac software package lacks a rating from a known security research lab, we do more extensive testing with real malware.
We also test Mac antivirus products from a usability and functionality perspective, and we evaluate pricing which, more often than not, comes in the form of an annual subscription with different tiers of features. We advise on the best options based on value for money.
Finally, while we give props for a lot of different features and behaviors, we mark down products if they lack any or all of the following:
- A nearly perfect score on macOS malware detection
- Ransomware monitoring
- Native browser plug-in or system-level Web proxy
- A high score on Windows malware detection
Why you can trust Macworld for antivirus advice
Macworld has been testing Mac software since our conception during the launch of the Mac in 1984, and we know Macs better than anyone. When it comes to antivirus apps we recognise that, despite Apple’s built-in systems to combat the threat of malware, in the current climate there is value in adding an extra layer of protection. Our Mac antivirus software reviewers have worked in the industry for decades, and have experience working with clients and fixing their IT problems.
How to choose the best Mac antivirus for your needs
There are a lot of Mac antivirus programs to choose from. What you want is one that offers a familiar and easy-to-use interface that works well on a Mac – a key reason why we recommend Intego’s antivirus. You should also look for antivirus with a good detection rate – not just for Mac viruses, but also for PC viruses, unless you want to be passing viruses on to friends and clients running Windows. Low impact on system resources is also critical, especially if your Mac isn’t the most powerful model.
Consider the type and number of devices you want to protect – are you looking for an app to cover one Mac, or Mac, iPhone, iPad and even a PC? Your budget matters here, too: do you prefer a subscription model or a one-time payment?
Mac antivirus vendors typically offer different add-ons, and it is certainly a case of you get what you pay for: free products will have fewer bells and whistles, but the most comprehensive Mac security suites will include password managers, parental controls, cloud storage and more. The underlying antimalware engine will usually be the same for all security products from a particular company, so you can save money if you don’t need all those extra features.
Best Mac Antivirus FAQ
Do I need antivirus for Mac?
Plenty of Mac users will tell you that Apple computers are inherently secure and don’t require protection beyond the software already provided by Apple. We’d argue that they are wrong, or at very least overconfident.
Macs are generally more secure than their Windows brethren because macOS is a Unix-based operating system, which means it is sandboxed. This is like having a series of fire doors: even if malware gains access to your Mac, it is unable to spread to other areas of the machine. But while they are more difficult to exploit than Windows PCs, it is not impossible.
You can read more about this topic in our article do Macs need antivirus? More general advice can be found in our Mac security tips; and those who have been hit by a malware attack should see how to remove a virus from a Mac.
How does antivirus software protect your Mac?
All Mac antivirus software packages find viruses using both on-demand- and always-on protection. The former examines individual files either during scheduled scans or when you decide to run one. This can take a long time, especially if you have a lot of files, and some antivirus products will hog your Mac’s processor power to prioritize the scan, so it’s worth selecting a convenient time. (See how to scan a Mac for malware).
Always-on malware protection protects you when a scan is not currently active. If malware arrives – perhaps via an email or a downloaded file – your antivirus software should detect and quarantine it. Quarantining a file involves moving it to a safe folder, allowing you to decide what to do with it. You’ll typically receive a notification of the discovered malware, but some Mac antivirus products can be more informative than others in these notifications (something we keep in mind in our testing).
The effectiveness of this on-demand and always-on virus protection is absolutely the most important thing when it comes to choosing Mac antivirus, but additional features may also affect your choice.
Many Mac security suites now include ransomware protection. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a fee to decrypt them. An anti-ransomware feature will typically block any app from writing to a user’s home folders, such as Documents or Photos, unless that app has been whitelisted. Some apps, such as Microsoft Word, are pre-approved, and you can whitelist any that you trust.
Web protection via browser plugins or extensions is also a common component and aims to stop you (or your children) from visiting infected websites or handing over personal information when you shouldn’t.
Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN?
One of the add-ons you might find with Mac security products, although also commonly sold separately, is Mac VPN (virtual private network). For many users, these are of interest because they can mask your location and allow you to view things (like streaming series) that are otherwise off-limits in your location. But they also have a very real benefit for security, protecting your internet connection by encrypting it, which is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks. In this day and age we should all be using VPNs and, while we’d recommend buying a dedicated Mac VPN product, one built into your antivirus software is better than nothing – just be prepared to be nagged to upgrade to the full product.
What is the best value Mac antivirus?
But value is perceived differently by all users: for some the best value Mac antivirus is the free one, and for others, it is the one that is affordable but includes the most useful add-ons. We prefer to consider value in terms of which is the best all-round offering, rather than the budget deal. We believe that, for protecting a single Mac, Intego offers the best value.
That said, there are ways you can save money even on the more expensive products. Bear in mind that all antivirus for Mac apps are sold as yearly subscriptions, and often the first year has a hefty discount. When that first year is up, there’s nothing stopping you switching to another product and benefiting from that discount again. Alternatively, opt for a three- or even five-year subscription to save even more money – and why not: it’s not like viruses are going to disappear in the meantime and you won’t need it.
Some of the best Mac antivirus products can also cater to your other devices – and not just iPads and iPhones, but also Windows and Android devices. If you have multiple devices in your household, this can present a huge saving.
Take a look at our recommendations for the Best Mac Antivirus deals, which includes the cheapest options.
How to spot fake Mac antivirus software?
Because many of us are waking up to the idea that malware is a threat to the Mac, malware writers have made it their business to play on that fear. There have been cases of malware writers disguising their viruses as antivirus apps – two notable examples are Mac Auto Fixer and MacDefender. It’s important to always read reviews on reputable sites such as Macworld before installing any software on your Mac or MacBook.
At the same time, don’t believe everything you read. MacKeeper is a great example of an antivirus program that has got a bad rap, but it’s worked hard to repair its reputation. It has gained Apple Notarization, which means the software has been checked by Apple for malicious components, and the company has garnering certification from various bodies to prove it isn’t a PUP (potentially unwanted program), including an AV-Test certificate. That said, we haven’t recommended it here, and that’s simply because we feel that there are better options available. If you have already installed MacKeeper and wish to try one of our alternative recommendations, we explain How to uninstall MacKeeper.
What can’t Mac antivirus protect you from?
Using a Mac antivirus product, especially one that includes tools to improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing you’re completely safe from personal and private information leaking out and that you no longer need to keep your wits about you. That’s not quite the case. While there’s no reason to panic, you should still practice caution – and there are a few more issues you should consider when using Mac antivirus, too.
First, an antivirus for Mac product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms – certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like. However, helping the greater good means you’ll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews.
Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an antivirus package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computer’s hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as appropriate.
Third, antivirus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer that’s being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering.
What virus cleaner does Apple recommend?
Apple has never recommended a third-party virus cleaner, and has instead focused on the Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions found within macOS, which are regularly updated with operating system updates.
How good is Apple’s virus protection?
It’s actually very good, and there isn’t much that gets past it in the way of viruses and malware, given its Xprotect and Gatekeeper features – but these can be overridden, and questionable software can be installed and activated if the user knows what they’re doing.
Still, the protection is present, it’s updated well, and Apple keeps a good eye on things, but new viruses and malware are sent out from bad actors all the time, and this is where a good third-party application can come in handy.
Is there free virus protection for Mac?
The Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions serve as free virus protection for macOS, but you can also get basic virus protection from many of the well-known antivirus providers.