Many people think Macs don’t need antivirus, but they are not immune from viruses and malware – don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your Apple computer from threats. Our experts have tested multiple security suites, and in this article outline only the best Mac antivirus programs. These are the security apps they would install on their own Mac or MacBook.
Not everyone knows how to check their Mac for viruses, but you don’t need to be a security expert to keep your Mac safe. Apple includes basic built-in antivirus protection in macOS, but a good Mac antivirus product adds an extra layer of protection, keeping your Mac safe from new and known malware, blocking ransomware, ensuring you don’t pass. on Windows viruses, and protecting older systems from security vulnerabilities caused by outdated software.
The most difficult decision for you is deciding which of the many Mac antivirus programs is going to do the best job of keeping you and your data safe, and which ultimately offers the best value. Our Macworld experts are here to help, and no-one is better placed to guide you on which antivirus to choose for your Mac than the leading authority on Mac products and products built for Mac (the clue is in our name). We thoroughly test all Mac antivirus products from a usability and functionality perspective and use a combination of our own testing data and AV Comparatives/AV-Test lab data to ascertain which is the most reliable and trustworthy security product for your Mac.
Best Mac Antivirus 2025: Reviewed and Ranked
Our top pick right now is Intego Mac Internet Security. But depending on the type and number of devices you want to protect, and your budget, you may prefer one of the other Mac antivirus programs in our list below. Some cover more than Macs, so you can also use them to protect your iPhone, iPad and other devices. You won’t find every Mac antivirus product we’ve tested here, just those that make the grade.
1. Intego Mac Internet Security X9 – Our top Mac antivirus
Pros
- Built for Mac
- Easy set up
- Good performance
Cons
- Mac-specific (no Windows/Android protection)
Covers: macOS
Intego’s Mac Internet Security X9 does the job and takes Macworld’s top slot with minimal fuss, which is saying something. The application combines strong antivirus in VirusBarrier, solid firewall protection in NetBarrier, and a genuine Mac feel that doesn’t seem as if you’re wrestling with a sloppy Windows port to macOS. Setup’s a breeze, customization runs deep, and there are no pushy upsells. It’s ideal for home users, remote workers, and parents needing peace of mind without diving into system-level configuration gymnastics.
Intego’s Mac Internet Security X9 combines the company’s VirusBarrier and NetBarrier applications to provide both antiviral protection and network traffic filtering programs. There’s also an Intego Premium Bundle X9 that includes five apps: VirusBarrier and NetBarrier as well as Mac Washing Machine (a Mac cleaner), ContentBarrier (Parental controls) and Personal Backup (a bootable backup).
The Mac Internet Security X9 is easy to download, install, and configure. It checks for the latest viral definitions and sets up real-time scanning features and intuitive network monitoring, allowing users to see and work with both incoming and outgoing Internet connections on their Mac.
Mac Security X9 offers impressive configuration and customization for the VirusBarrier and NetBarrier tools. VirusBarrier performs well in protecting users from viruses, while NetBarrier acts as a firewall that protects connections. The application allows users to create settings for home, work, or public connections, and allows or deny connections as needed.
There are some issues to address, we’d like to see a running counter tracking the number of files processed in a VirusBarrier scan and we were disappointed that it allowed traffic to questionable websites linked to spam messages.
Mac Internet Security X9 doesn’t try to upsell users to Intego’s other suites and services. The tools in place are effective, work well, and make this utility worth considering. Best of all, Intego Mac Internet Security is built for Mac and is easy to set up and easy to use. Use our link to get the best deal: You can get Intego Mac Internet Security X9 and Mac Premium Bundle here.
- AV Comparatives, June 2024: 99% Mac Malware Protection, 93% Mac PUA Protection, 100% Windows Malware Detection.
Read our full Intego Mac Internet Security X9 review
2. Surfshark One – Great Mac antivirus combined with VPN
Pros
- Good speed and performance
- Impressive anti-virus/anti-malware shielding
- Identity alert and protection
Cons
- Multi-year contracts
- Occasional trouble accessing Google services
Covers: macOS, Android, Windows
Surfshark One has moved beyond the product line’s VPN core and smartly layers in anti-malware, private search, and identity protection to boot. Real-time threat blocking performs well, and privacy tools add real value. The subscription model may feel steep, but for privacy-focused users or frequent travelers whose road warrior needs demand they’re protected at all times. This all-in-one suite punches above its weight—and impresses, even if you might not have heard of it before.
Moving beyond its VPN roots, Surfshark has added additional tools to its package and the result is this combination VPN/anti-malware/alert/private search/identity protection suite.
The VPN module (reviewed here: Surfshark VPN review) includes the usual tools such as geolocation and IP address hiding with more complicated tools such as IP configuration, an Internet kill switch, rotating IP addresses, and Invisible on LAN features.
Surfshark One’s real-time protection tool was able to catch dozens of malware installers. Efforts to install malware were stopped with the application quickly quarantining them. While I was able to get a false Adobe Flash Player installation through, Surfshark One was able to isolate the vast majority of everything that was thrown at it.
Surfshark Privacy tools include a Search feature that hooks into a private server so that your search history can’t be tracked, and the company offers an Alternative ID tool so you can create a private identity. A beta identity protection feature can also be used, which can generate a virtual phone number.
There’s also email monitoring, credit card monitoring, and ID monitoring with customizable settings to control the frequency at which you receive email updates.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle is the VPN style monthly pricing structure which can tie you in for a couple of years.
Read our full Surfshark One review
3. AVG Internet Security for Mac – Easy to use and effective
Pros
- Caught an impressive number of questionable apps
- Long trial
- Easy to use
Cons
- Missed a fake Flash player
- No indication that scans are happening
Covers: macOS
AVG Internet Security for Mac impresses with its broad feature set, clean interface, and solid malware/phishing protection. Real-time scanning, customizable exceptions, and strong ransomware defense stand out, though some UI clarity is lacking and can make you blink and say “What?” on occasion. The application is ideal for cautious Mac users who want layered protection without complexity. This, paired with a generous 60-day trial period, makes testing it a no-brainer.
AVG Internet Security for Mac is available as a 60-day trial period before billing begins, which is a good reason to try it out.
AVG Internet Security offers Computer Protection, Web & Email Protection, Hacks Attacks, and Payment Protection. A Smart Scan feature checks your virus definitions to make sure they’re up to date and scans for viruses and malware. A Ransomware Shield, Network Inspector, and Fake Website Shield features look things over to see where you stand in terms of your overall online presence and security. The set of whitelists and exceptions can be customized to hone in on files you want to scan and leave out areas you want to leave alone.
Scans on external drives and specific folders are easy to set up and execute, the scheduling feature works well, the software can set up location configurations, and there are customization options for network security. A quick antiviral scan took a few minutes while a full scan of an entire NVME drive with 821GB of data on it took just over 5.5 hours to complete.
Our tests with malware and phishing-based websites went well. The software, combined with macOS’s Gatekeeper functionality to stop the vast majority of malware installations, quarantining them quickly and preventing installation. The software also prevented questionable external code from being loaded on suspect websites and blocked phishing sites from loading.
AVG Internet Security for Mac caught an impressive amount of viral, phishing, and malware activity and did its job well, all while wrapped in a bright, friendly user interface that’s easy to navigate.
There are a few places for improvement with AVG Internet Security for Mac. One criticism is that the scheduled scan feature doesn’t readily display that the scan is taking place. Also, during testing, the software allowed a fake version of Adobe Flash Player to be installed. If you do override the macOS Gatekeeper and AVG security features and install malware, AVG Internet Security does a good job of removing it.
Have a look at its 60-day trial to see what works for you. Alternatively try out the free AVG AntiVirus for the Mac which covers all the bases: blocking viruses and malware from websites, downloads, and email attachments.
- AV Test, March 2025: 100%
- AV Comparatives, AV Comparatives, June 2024: 100% Mac Malware Protection, 98% Mac PUA Protection, 100% Windows Malware Detection.
Read our full AVG Internet Security for Mac review
4. Avast Premium Security – Great suite of tools at a good price
Pros
- Doesn’t impact performance
- Caught problem test files
Cons
- Slow manual scanning
- No option for single device license
Covers: Mac, PC, iOS and Android
Avast Premium Security for Mac delivers robust protection with flexible scan options, smart network tools, and strong defenses against browser hacks and ransomware. Its clean interface makes it easy to use, though there’s a definite feature gating behind higher tiers, which is annoying. The software is best for Mac users seeking premium protection or savvy users opting for the solid free versions available for download.
There are four Mac antivirus products from Avast. The paid for Avast Premium Security and Avast One, and the free Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essential. Avast Free Antivirus is a free version of Avast Premium Security, while Avast One Essential offers additional features like ransomware protection, privacy protection, and data leak detection.
Avast Premium Security is a well-featured suite that protects your Mac from various threats, including browser script hacks, ransomware, and remote attack activity. It includes modules such as Virus Scans, Core Shields, Traffic Monitor, Network Inspector, Email Guardian, Ransomware Shield, and Quarantine, all easily accessible from the home screen.
Virus scan options include Smart Scan, Deep Scan, Targeted Scan, or External Storage Scan. The Traffic Monitor shows data usage and bandwidth usage, while Network Inspector scans the network for safety and alerts users when unfamiliar devices join the network. Core Shields prevents fake websites from loading and triggering software.
The main frustration with Avast Premium Security is its subscription-based model, but that tends to be standard these days. Some features are only available on the Avast Ultimate subscription tier.
Those looking to save money can try the two free Antivirus for Mac solutions, Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essential. If you want just a virus scanner, we recommend Avast’s Free Antivirus, which is the free version of Avast Premium Security. Avast One offers some additional functions and a different interface, but and annoys with intensive advertising for paid functions.
You can get Avast Premium Security for Mac here. Also consider Avast One, Avast Free Antivirus and Avast One Essential.
- AV Test, March 2025: 100%
- AV Comparatives, June 2024: Approved, 100% Mac Malware Protection, 98% Mac PUA Protection, 100% Windows Malware Detection.
Read our full Avast Premium Security review
5. Norton 360 – Good value antivirus
Pros
- Easy-to-use & effective
- Multiple device cover
- Minimal performance impact
Cons
- No backup on macOS
- Didn’t spot threats in zip files
Covers: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
Norton 360 for Mac packs solid protection, smart tools like Dark Web monitoring and cloud backup, and thoughtful customization, provided you’re willing to dig around through the preferences and settings. It nails most threats, but misses some like OSX.Proton and struggles with .zip scans. The software is ideal for security-minded users comfortable with light troubleshooting and system-level tweaks, but it also may be a bit too intense for casual users who’d like minimal setup.
Norton 360 is easy to download and install, and works fairly well. It provides protection in Mac OS X 10.10 or later. The Standard package protects one device. For more devices (including Macs, iPhones or PCs), the Deluxe or Select package are required. The software offers 110GB of cloud-based backup, a password manager, a basic VPN client, and Dark Web monitoring.
Within Norton 360 for Mac you’ll find a Startup Manager module, File Cleanup module, and Dark Web protection module. With antiviral monitoring and scanning it’s easy to create white lists and exceptions as well as schedule scans, including of external volumes like USB thumb drives. However, the application still can’t perform scans on .zip files, I had to decompress the text drive of sample infections before it could see them.
The VPN is basic but easy to configure your preferred country of origin and initiate a connection. The password manager is reliable and includes a downloadable recovery key. There is an admirable level of possible customization on the firewall, although technical knowledge is needed.
In our tests, the software was successful in catching a good amount of viral activity, with 25 individual infections detected on a test drive after scanning it. However, Norton 360 for Mac missed the OSX.Proton malware.
Extensions for web browsers and Norton Private Browser are included. These warn about spam and phishing-based websites, but still allowed us to travel to questionable websites from spam email links.
There are bugs, for example, when using Cloud Backup were we were unable to successfully click the “Get Started with Backup” button and create an initial backup set for the cloud.
- AV Test, March 2025: 100%
Read our full Norton 360 review
6. McAfee Total Protection – Good protection for up to five devices
Pros
- Good price point for five devices
- Secure VPN offers a good set of basic tools
Cons
- Poor ID Protection and WebAdvisor features
- Laggy performance and system freezes
Covers: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, ChromeOS
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. 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.
McAfee Total Protection is a well-known antivirus and security software that offers a range of features, including anti-viral, anti-malware, identity protection, VPN, and scheduling tools. However, there are some issues.
It excels in its core antivirus and antimalware protection. The Real-Time Protection feature scans mounted external drives on the fly, effectively preventing malware installation despite warnings. It complements macOS’s GateKeeper feature by alerting users to suspicious software.
The Custom Scan feature allows for targeted scanning of specific folders and local volumes, while the customization options enable the standard behaviour of suspect files, such as quarantine and deletion.
The Secure VPN client is a basic VPN that lets you choose a location, activate it, and enable or disable the VPN feature based on your network. It functions well, but its feature and customization options may be limited for hardcore VPN users.
However, there are issues. The most concerning bug is that installing McAfee Total Protection 2025 caused our MacBook Pro’s performance to lag and eventually crash, which required a reboot.
Antivirus scans may remove suspect files, but they don’t provide file names or locations. Instead, users must return to the home screen and pull up the History window, adding extra steps.
McAfee occasionally sends emails informing users of potential data breaches, but these emails lack specific details. This contrasts sharply with haveibeenpwned.com, which allows users to enter their email addresses, view breached data, and suggest password changes.
McAfee’s WebAdvisor feature hasn’t been updated in over twelve months and lets users visit suspicious websites from their spam folder without warning.
McAfee Total Protection 2025 offers essential features like virus protection and basic VPN functionality. However, it struggles with ID protection, WebAdvisor functionality, system performance.
Read our full McAfee Total Protection review
7. Avira Prime – Well designed antivirus allrounder
Pros
- Easy to use
- Full VPN
- Won’t slow down your Mac
Cons
- No fine-tuning scan options
Covers: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
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. Avira Prime seems best suited for privacy-focused users who want full control without overwhelming complexity.
Avira Prime, the paid version of Avira’s free antiviral software Avira Free Security (see our review), provides several tools. Avira Prime is designed around several modules (Virus Scans, Protection Options, Quarantine, VPN, Passwords, Cookie Cleaner, Identity Assistant, Junk Cleaner, Uninstaller, and Startup Apps). Each module can be customized and configured as needed. The software installs cleanly and requests permission to fully access the hard drive.
The Quick Scan can take less than 10 seconds, while a Full Scan took over six hours to look over 800+ gigabytes of files on a one terabyte SSD. The Custom Scan feature allows files and folders to be dropped in for quick scanning as well as external volumes to be scanned through as needed. There is a scheduler so you can program scans in advance.
You can minimize Avira Prime and work with other applications as the scan continues which is lucky because the Full Scan took over six hours to complete. Avira Prime located and quarantined several minor worm files, but missed suspect files such as the Wave web browser, which has been implicated in assorted phishing scams.
Cookie Cleaner module allows you to view and clean up cookie data, helpfully grouping cookies into different categories to make it easy to remove tracking and ads-based items in different browsers. Junk Cleaner reclaimed a decent 55GB of space when we tried it. There’s also an uninstaller manager for cleaning up deleted apps and managing those that start automatically.
Identity Assistant can track your email addresses, phone numbers, credit cards, bank accounts, physical addresses, driver’s license, and so on, to check for any illicit activity. The included Password Manager is a combination of local system and browser extensions plus a web-based management console with its own master password.
The password manager and junk files cleaner are included in both free and paid-for versions of Avira. Where Prime differs from the Free Security version is that you get full, use of the VPN service instead of a 500MB per month limit. The VPN can also block malicious website content.
You can get Avira Prime here. Also consider Avira Free Security for Mac.
Read our full Avira Free Security for Mac review.
- AV Test, March 2025: 98.2%
Read our full Avira Prime review
8. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac
Pros
- High malware detection rate
Cons
- Didn’t detect some malware
- Fewer extra features
Covers: macOS
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. 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.
Trend Micro Antivirus provides excellent antivirus protection. When tested with Objective See Mac Malware, the application detected and deleted almost all malware, except for a fake Adobe Flash Player extension that macOS removed.
A scheduling feature allows daily, weekly, or monthly setup and execution, enabling the application to run autonomously.
Folder Shield offers boosted protection for various user folders and allows creating a Trusted Program list. It also scans inserted USB drives by default.
The Web Protection module includes Privacy Scanner, Web Threat Protection, and Website Filter elements, which can block controversial content and allow users to add and block trusted websites.
The quick access to the logs, which cover scan results, unsafe websites found, filtered websites, updates received, folder shield, and dangerous notifications, impressed me. While this version of Trend Micro Antivirus isn’t designed for sysadmins, system logs are useful for monitoring system activity, and the pre-sorted logs are helpful.
Unfortunately there are a few issues. The installation was trickier than expected, requiring manual configuration of extensions. The Web Protection feature doesn’t effectively warn or protect against websites associated with spam folders, allowing users to access sites offering free prepaid Visa cards, Bitcoin payouts, and online casino gambling.
In use, Trend Micro Antivirus stated twice that full disk access wasn’t granted during testing despite correct settings, requiring uninstallation and reinstall twice. This may be a bug between Trend Micro Antivirus and macOS Sequoia 15.5. Apple and Trend Micro should collaborate to identify the issue.
When working correctly, the application is impressive. It effectively blocked most malware, offered high customization options, and provided ready access to help and feedback boards. While the Web Protection feature could benefit from clearer warnings for scams and phishing attempts, it meets the needs of its target market.
- AV Test, March 2025: 100%
Read our full Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac review
9. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
Pros
- Doesn’t slow down your Mac
- Effective real-time protection
- Unobtrusive browsing protection
Cons
- No password manager
- Limited VPN
- No identity protection
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac covers: macOS, Bitdefender Total Security covers: macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
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. 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.
Bitdefender has a number of solutions for the Mac, including a free option. There’s Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, which offers basic protection for up to three Macs, Bitdefender Total Security, which protects up to five devices (macOS, iOS, Windows and Android), and Bitdefender’s free Virus Scanner for Mac, which we review here: Bitdefender’s free Virus Scanner Review.
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is easy to download, install, and assign full drive permissions. It offers a speedy Quick Scan mode that performs a quick overview and locate, quarantine, and remove viral candidates within a few minutes as well as a Full Scan mode which runs in the background so you can continue to work. External volumes such as USB flash drives can be scanned.
There isn’t much in the way of malware that gets by it. However, we found the application’s ability to locate and neutralize malware that was already on the system mixed – it missed four significant pieces of malware.
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offers anti-phishing protection in the form of web browser extensions for the Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox web browsers. These offered varying degrees of success. Under Safari, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offered no prominent phishing protection, allowing us to visit questionable websites with no warning whatsoever.
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offers an anti-tracker for web browsers and access to a VPN with basic functionality and a limit of 200MB a day. It encourages you to update to the full version, there are better VPNs for Mac out there.
There is a 30-day trial available. There is also the more expensive Bitdefender Total Security which includes Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac as well as coverage for iOS, Android and Windows which offers a license that covers five devices, including Macs, Windows, Android and iOS and has a 30-day trial available.
- AV Test, March 2025: 100%
- AV Comparatives, AV Comparatives, June 2024: 100% Mac Malware Protection, 99% Mac PUA Protection, 100% Windows Malware Detection.
Read our full Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac review
10. CleanMyMac
Pros
- Easy to use and a nice interface
- Subscription or one-time purchase available
Cons
- Left some adware and malware behind
Covers: macOS
CleanMyMac shines as a system optimizer with a sleek interface and solid customization. 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. This is best suited for users who want a fast, user-friendly Mac cleaner with some malware protection, not those needing robust, full-time antivirus defense.
The thing about CleanMyMac is that it is a Mac Cleaner and optimizer first and an antivirus second, but the fact that CleanMyMac’s antivirus protection is built into the suite of tools makes it worth assessing as an antivirus solution. The question is whether if you use CleanMyMac for it’s primary purpose, will it also protect you from malware?
Looking at CleanMyMac as an antivirus tool, we found that the software offers a good level of customization, and it’s easy to choose between the three scan modes (Quick Scan, Balanced Scan, and Deep Scan), each of them offering quick performance as CleanMyMac scans your hard drive and external drives. It’s also easy to configure scan behaviors, such as whether or not to include external drives in your scans or target .DMG files, and whitelists can also be created to exclude specific volumes and folders from the scans.
In our tests results were mixed though. The software teamed up well with macOS’ GateKeeper feature, stopping questionable software that hasn’t been signed as safe by Apple from being installed, but it was still possible to get a fair amount of malware past these systems and on to our Mac.
The Quick Scan feature caught two elements from CrossRat and a threat in the form of the infamous AdWind malware. The Balanced Scan function was able to root out most of the Elite Keylogger malware. The Deep Scan feature found the remnants of the AdWind malware, but we had to dig that out with a third-party utility.
CleanMyMac was able to catch some elements of malware as they were being opened for the first time, but there were questionable chunks of software that remained even after they’d purportedly been removed and the Mac had been rebooted.
CleanMyMac also offered no tangible warning against visiting questionable websites and allowed us to click on every questionable link to be found in Gmail’s Spam folder without warning.
The interface is excellent, and MacPaw makes good use of its potentially great MoonLock antiviral engine to catch a fair amount of viral activity, but it still left adware and malware behind.
Read our full CleanMyMac review
11. BitMedic Pro Antivirus – A great $10 option
Pros
- Fast, simple to use.
- One-time $10/£10 payment.
- Good external drive scanning and scheduling tools.
Cons
- Clunky user interface.
- Buggy, occasional application crashes.
Covers: macOS
BitMedic Pro Antivirus is a budget-friendly, feature-packed tool with decent adware and phishing detection, but it’s begun to show its age, with stability issues, vague scan results, and no updates since 2020 hurting the experience. The software seems best suited for bargain hunters who want basic, occasional scans as opposed to those relying on consistent, up-to-date protection.
BitMedic Pro Antivirus is a good antiviral program, albeit with some shortcomings that need to be worked through, not least the fact that this hasn’t been updated since 2020.
The program, which retails for $9.99/£9.99/CA$9.99 on the Mac App Store, which is a real bonus. It features a nice complement of tools, including an Antivirus Scan module, an Adware Cleaner module, a Result Log, a Custom Scan module, a Browser Privacy module, and a System Settings module that allows you to schedule deep scans, customize system behaviors, and create a whitelist of files not to scan.
Initial tests with the Antivirus Scan module’s quick scan and deep scan went well and BitMedic Pro Antivirus was able to find several phishing-based emails. The application crashed twice during testing though. Frustratingly, there was a lack of specific descriptions as to what the infected files were and their full location, even after a drop-down arrow was clicked.
The inclusion of an Adware Cleaner module is a nice touch – it performs well, and runs quickly. The Browser Privacy module functions as a quick and easy way to clean up your history, auto logins, bookmarks, remove all extensions, and reset the preferences on your browser, but this is an all-or-nothing option and we’d prefer to disable or delete individual extensions.
The price point, is very appealing, but there are a few elements that let it down.
Read our full BitMedic Pro Antivirus review
12. Sophos Home Premium for Mac
Pros
- Reasonable protection.
- Reasonably priced for 10 devices.
Cons
- Awkward web-based dashboard interface.
- Difficulties scanning an external or network volume.
Covers: macOS
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. It’s best suited for families or small offices needing centralized management and broad coverage, not power users demanding airtight, real-time threat elimination.
Sophos Home Premium is a well-rounded anti-piracy/anti-malware suite, its core modules centering around antivirus protection, web protection, ransomeware protection, and malicious traffic detection.
The software is available for a good price to protect up to 10 devices. In the past Sophos offered a free version of its Home product with just the antivirus protection and website protection. That was discontinued in late 2021. There is a free 30-day trial.
We had some issues installing and getting the software set up. Everything is controlled via the Menu Bar icon and a web-based dashboard and it’s not always clear it is running.
Once you’ve signed in, it’s easy enough to customize and configure core elements such as actions that occur when malware is found, scan scheduling, and web filtering, and elements such as accessible scan logs and network file scanning.
You can choose between quick scans and full scans, which can take several hours and cover the full extent of the hard drive. While the scan scheduling feature worked well, it only allows you to set schedule times set to every 30 minutes (11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, etc). Scanning an external volume such as a thumb drive or network volume feels is harder than it should.
You can configure Web Filtering options to allow blocking for certain categories, such as adult content. The filters work reasonably well and it’s easy enough to create a whitelist to provide exceptions.
There’s room for improvement. Although Sophos Home Premium functions well with macOS’s GateKeeper feature and caught and filtered a respectable amount of test malware, it allowed the AdWind malware and an infected copy of Adobe Flash Player to be installed. We had to use another utility to remove the AdWind malware.
Read our full Sophos Home Premium for Mac review
13. Eset Home Security
Pros
- Good level of antiviral protection
- Customization and preference options
Cons
- A few bugs
- Promised password manager and encryption features missing
ESET Home Security Premium completes its primary task of antiviral and malware prevention well, and there’s an excellent level of customization, but several bugs need to be fixed and key features are missing.
ESET Home Security offers antivirus, malware protection, Real-time File System Protection, a password manager, and encryption. It downloads and installs cleanly from ESET’s website and provides a 30-day trial with an email address.
The price varies based on the number of devices and subscription years. It covers Macs, PCs, smartphones, and tablets. An ESET Home app is available for iPhone and iPad.
The Settings menu offers various options, including blacklists and whitelists, detection levels, access to logs and proxy servers, reactions to new volumes, and extensive customization.
Scheduled scans can be set up for local or cloud drives, and updated software versions can be manually rolled back. A “Submit a Sample” feature allows users to send suspect files for ESET analysis.
ESET Home Security Premium offers mixed protection against viruses and malware. macOS’ GateKeeper feature and ESET’s protection layers prevented most malware installation and ESET’s initial scan quietly quarantined suspect files without incident, but it let AdWind malware and a fake Adobe Flash Player through.
Some bugs have been fixed since we last looked at ESET in mid 2024, and drive scan times have improved. The scheduler feature now activates scans as promised. However, the software lacks a progress bar or elapsed time readout during scans.
The ‘included’ Password Manager is available only via an app downloaded through the Mac App Store, and the promised encryption features are missing.
Despite its ease of use, including scanning target volumes, performing background tasks, and customising settings, ESET Home Security Premium lacks critical features advertised in its marketing. The developers should review the advertised features and deliver what’s been promised.
ESET’s phishing protection is minimal, as it allowed me to visit questionable websites linked to suspect emails without warning.
ESET Home Security Premium is effective at preventing viruses and malware, but it has several bugs that need fixing. While it offers good customization and improved scan speeds, features like the Scheduler and phishing protection don’t work, and key features like a password manager and encryption tool are missing.
Read our full Eset Home Security review
14. Malwarebytes Premium Security
Pros
- Friendly user interface.
- Impressive scan speed.
- Reliable malware removal.
Cons
- Left some malware.
- Lack’s custom scan feature.
- Features from the Windows version not included.
Covers: macOS
Malwarebytes Premium Security for Mac is a slick, speedy tool with strong malware detection and a user-friendly interface, but lacks deeper customization, external volume scanning, effective web protection, and Windows-specific features that have yet to make it over to the macOS platform. This is best for casual users wanting set-it-and-forget-it defense with its built-in VPN feature, not for power users needing granular control or airtight, all-surface threat coverage.
Malwarebytes Premium Security for Mac offers antiviral, VPN, and Real-Time Protection features. There is also a free antivirus from Malwarebytes which we look at here: Malwarebytes Free Antivirus Review.
Malwarebytes Premium builds on the free version of Malwarebytes, which is reasonably good at hunting down and removing some of the peskiest viruses and malware, but was thwart with bugs and crashes when we tested it.
The paid-for version sports a bright, friendly user interface and a good array of features. It includes quick viral scans, functional scheduling for scans, decent customization elements including whitelist creation, a good VPN client, and Real-Time protection that keeps an eye on what’s attempting to be installed.
The software performed well, offering speedy scans. Malwarebytes was able to quarantine and remove almost all the malware I installed, although it left elements behind such as the controversial Wave web browser, an incompatible version of MacSecurity, and a fake Adobe Album application.
The VPN isn’t as customizable as a dedicated VPN client, but it performs well and gets the job done. See our review of the Malwarebytes VPN.
There doesn’t seem to be a custom scan element that allows you to easily scan an external volume such as a thumb drive, and the Real-Time Protection feature doesn’t kick in and scan an external volume once it’s mounted, nor can you drag and drop a volume into Malwarebytes for it to scan – which you can do in the Windows version of Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes offers no warnings against questionable websites and links either.
Read our full Malwarebytes Premium Security review
Best Free Mac Antivirus
Looking for a free antivirus for Mac? Here are our top recommendations that we have reviewed:
- Avast Security for Mac (read our review) – offers a free option alongside the Premium plan. Get it here.
- Avira Free Antivirus for Mac (read our review) – is free and also includes a VPN. Get it here.
- AVG Antivirus For Mac (read our review) – free version offers basic features. Get it here.
- Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac (read our review) – is free to use. Get it here.
- Intego VirusBarrier Scanner (read our review) – free virus scanner. Get it here.
- Malwarebytes Antivirus for Mac (read our review) – has a free version as well as a paid version. Get it here.
Other antivirus for Mac software tested
We test lots of Mac antivirus apps but not all of them make the cut and appear in our round up of the Best Mac Antivirus. We have also reviewed the following:
We wouldn’t advise installing any program without first checking our antivirus software reviews. And while you will find some free options below, if value for money is your most important criteria you should also check out our best Mac antivirus deals. (For PCs, see our sister site PCWorld’s guide to the best Windows antivirus.)
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.
We also evaluate pricing, which more often than not comes in the form of an annual subscription with different tiers of features. We advice on the best options based on value for money. We also track the best Antivirus for Mac deals.
Finally, while we gave 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’s antivirus experts
Macworld has been here testing Mac software since our conception alongside the launch of the Mac in 1984, so 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, to that end we continually evaluate the best Mac antivirus software. Our Mac antivirus software reviewers have worked in the industry for decades and have experience working with clients and fixing their 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 – which is one reason why we recommend Intego’s antivirus. You should also look for antivirus with a good detection rate – not just for Mac viruses, but crucially for PC viruses, unless you want to be passing viruses onto Windows using friends and clients.
Other things that make one antivirus better than another is the low use of systen resorces – especially if your Mac isn’t the most powerful model out there.
Another factor is 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 will also be a factor. Do you want to tie into a subscription model or would you prefer a one-time payment? Some antivirus apps do still offer this.
Different vendors 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: 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 | 30 days | |
| Avast | Premium Security | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Email/Forum | 30 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 | CleanMyMac | 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 |
Best Mac Antivirus: Buying Advice
FAQ
Do Macs need antivirus software?
Plenty of Mac users will tell you that Apple computers are inherently secure and don’t require protection. 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.
The Silver Sparrow malware was detected on Macs powered by the M1 processor and infected hundreds of thousands of Macs. And it’s just one example – there have been many more since.
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.
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?
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.
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 of 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 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 given 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. Although the techies’ unwritten code tends to be to install a free copy of Malwarebytes on your Mac, keep it updated, and run it on occasion to weed out things macOS’s security features might miss and clean them up.
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