In today's digital landscape, safeguarding your Mac or Macbook is paramount. While Apple devices were once considered impervious to threats due to MacOS's Unix-based, sandboxed architecture, the reality is that malicious actors are increasingly targeting MacOS with custom-designed malware. This puts your valuable files and sensitive data at significant risk.

At TechRadar, our team of experts dedicates countless hours to rigorously testing antivirus software specifically designed for Mac devices. We employ industry-standard testing methodologies like AV-TEST to evaluate critical performance metrics. These include detection and quarantine times, the occurrence of false positives, the availability of additional security features, and, crucially, the overall value for money.

Beyond MacOS, we also assess the effectiveness of antivirus software for Windows, Android, and other platforms. For users seeking to encrypt their internet traffic, we offer a dedicated guide to the best Mac VPNs.

The Best Mac Antivirus in 2025: Our Top Picks

Our recommendations are based on thorough testing and analysis, focusing on key features, independent test results, and potential drawbacks of each provider. We also provide a comparative overview to help you make an informed decision.

1. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac: Overall Best Protection

(Image credit: Bitdefender)

Specifications:

• Maximum devices covered: 3
• Standout features: Online banking and web protection, Time Machine protection, multi-layer ransomware defenses

Reasons to Buy:

• Excellent malware protection
• Automatic system scrubbing
• VPN included
• Good overall value

Reasons to Avoid:

• Scans can be time-consuming
• No file encryption
• VPN usage caps

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac stands out as one of the most reliable and accurate virus protection solutions for Apple devices. Its core antivirus engine consistently receives top ratings from independent testing labs, and it boasts impressive scan speeds.

Beyond core antivirus capabilities, Bitdefender offers a comprehensive suite of features, including multi-layered ransomware protection, robust anti-phishing capabilities, and AI-powered web browser protection via a dedicated extension.

The software also includes an adware blocker and effectively detects Windows PC malware, preventing you from inadvertently spreading Windows viruses to friends or family using Windows machines. The Time Machine protection feature adds an extra layer of security, safeguarding your backups from ransomware attacks. The integrated Bitdefender VPN, while limited to 200MB of data per day, provides a convenient option for occasional use.

For users prioritizing robust protection against online threats, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is an excellent choice. It's also available as part of Bitdefender Total Security, a comprehensive security suite that covers Macs, Android, iOS, and Windows devices (up to 10 in total).

2. Intego Mac Internet Security X9: Best with Firewall

(Image credit: Intego)

Specifications:

• Maximum devices covered: 5
• Standout features: Intelligent firewall, anti-spyware protection, online privacy protection

Reasons to Buy:

• Good feature set
• Positive test results
• Blocks Windows malware
• 30-day trial available

Reasons to Avoid:

• Bonus features lack the power of top competitors
• Infrequent independent lab testing
• No mobile support

Intego is a long-standing antivirus provider with over two decades of experience in protecting Macs. Their Mac Internet Security X9 offers reliable antivirus protection against the latest threats. Independent testing labs have generally given it high marks, and scans are relatively quick. The software also provides strong protection against Windows malware.

In addition to core malware defense, Internet Security X9 features an intelligent firewall with anti-spyware countermeasures that monitor outgoing internet traffic. Intego also enhances privacy by defending against third-party apps attempting to collect your data. The software boasts a user-friendly interface.

While some of Intego's bonus features may not be as powerful as those offered by competitors, the 30-day free trial allows you to evaluate Mac Internet Security X9 and determine if it meets your needs. Intego also offers a Mac Premium Bundle X9, which includes Internet Security X9 along with backup, performance optimization, and parental control features.

3. Norton 360 Deluxe: Best for Multi-Device Users

(Image credit: Norton)

Specifications:

• Maximum devices covered: 5
• Standout features: Intelligent firewall, VPN, password manager

Reasons to Buy:

• Intelligent firewall
• Unrestricted VPN
• Highly configurable
• Great value

Reasons to Avoid:

• Mixed results from testing labs
• Extensive features can be overwhelming

Norton is a well-known and respected brand in the antivirus industry, offering excellent malware detection for Mac computers. Norton 360 Deluxe provides protection for Macs, Windows PCs, and mobile devices (up to five per license). This makes it an ideal choice for users with multiple devices.

The software includes impressive antivirus protection, anti-ransomware, a smart firewall, a password manager, dark web monitoring (in select regions), and Norton Secure VPN with unlimited access. However, Norton 360 can have a more noticeable impact on system performance compared to some competitors. Mac users also miss out on cloud backup and parental control features, which are available on Windows PCs.

While the default price is on the higher end, Norton often offers substantial discounts, making it a cost-effective option, especially considering the number of devices covered.

4. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac: Great Security with Social Network Protection

(Image credit: Trend Micro)

Specifications:

• Maximum devices covered: 1
• Standout features: Social media protection, email scam filtering, parental controls

Reasons to Buy:

• Easy to use
• Effective URL blocking
• Effective anti-ransomware layers
• VPN available

Reasons to Avoid:

• Limited configurability
• Cannot add devices to a license
• Above-average impact on system speed
• Disappointing test results

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac is a solid choice for securing your Mac, with an antivirus engine that is generally well-regarded by independent testing labs. Its features include ransomware protection (Folder Shield), parental controls, camera and microphone protection, anti-phishing defenses, and a social media privacy checker.

However, Trend Micro can cause a greater level of system slowdown compared to competitors. The app only covers a single Mac, and it lacks features like a firewall or online banking protection (Pay Guard is reserved for the Maximum Security for Mac suite).

Trend Micro Maximum Security for Mac, which provides coverage for up to five devices (including Windows PCs, Android, iOS mobiles, and Chromebooks), is often available at a similar price point, making it a more attractive option.

5. Avast One: A Good All-Round Option

(Image credit: Avast)

Specifications:

• Maximum devices covered: 5 (30 with Family plan)
• Standout features: Web Shield, VPN, network advisor

Reasons to Buy:

• Top-quality protection against malware
• Good range of features
• Keeps you impressively safe online

Reasons to Avoid:

• Built-in VPN isn't the fastest or best

Avast One is an all-in-one security package that provides a host of defenses for Macs and other devices. The Individual plan covers up to five devices, including Macs, Windows PCs, Android, and iOS mobiles.

Mac users receive a dedicated anti-ransomware layer, a high-quality Web Shield, and an integrated VPN with unlimited usage. The VPN, while not the fastest, is a valuable addition. Avast One also provides privacy-protecting extras like tracking protection, data breach monitoring, and a network advisor.

The Avast antivirus engine is very strong, and recent ratings from independent test labs indicate that it is one of the top-performing Mac defenders. While Avast One on the Mac doesn't have all the features seen on Windows PCs, it still offers plenty of value. The Family plan covers up to 30 devices.

6. Clario: All-in-One Security for the Less Tech-Savvy

(Image credit: Clario)

Specifications:

• Maximum devices covered: 6
• Standout features: VPN, identity theft protection, secure browser

Reasons to Buy:

• Easy to use for non-technical types
• Powered by Bitdefender and NordVPN
• Great value right now
• Integrated chat support in all apps

Reasons to Avoid:

• Underpowered mobile apps
• No Windows version
• Interface may frustrate experienced users
• Poor VPN unblocking results

Clario aims to be an all-encompassing security package, providing antivirus and a range of other features. The main antivirus engine is powered by Bitdefender, ensuring strong performance. Clario also includes a fully integrated Mac VPN service (powered by NordVPN), identity theft protection, secure browsing, and anti-tracking countermeasures.

The Mac app is designed to be very easy to use for beginners, but tech-savvy users may find it too simplistic. The mobile apps are less impressive. Clario supports iOS and Android devices (but not Windows), covering up to three or six devices on the monthly or yearly subscription plans, respectively.

While the price is higher than some competitors, the combination of high-quality antivirus and Mac VPN protection in a beginner-friendly package may appeal to some users.

7. Avira Antivirus Pro: Strong Core Defenses

(Image credit: Avira)

Specifications:

• Maximum devices covered: 5
• Standout features: Web protection, tracker blocking, anti-phishing

Reasons to Buy:

• Good malicious URL and anti-phishing protections
• Highly configurable
• Nice free option available

Reasons to Avoid:

• Noticeable slowdown when installed
• Setup is required before using
• Not recommended for mobile

Avira Antivirus Pro is a solid option for Mac users, providing protection for up to five devices (including Windows PCs). It receives positive ratings from independent test labs, offering strong core antivirus protection. In addition to fundamental antivirus defenses, Avira includes web protection, anti-phishing tech, an ad blocker, and a browser tracking blocker.

However, the feature set is somewhat limited compared to the Windows version. For more features, consider upgrading to Avira Prime, which includes a built-in VPN with no data limits, a password manager, and performance and maintenance tools.

8. ClamXAV for Home Users: Good Value Barebones Antivirus

(Image credit: ClamXAV)

Specifications:

• Maximum devices covered: 9
• Standout features: User-friendly interface

Reasons to Buy:

• Simple to use
• Good value

Reasons to Avoid:

• No features outside of basic malware protection
• Rarely rated by independent test labs

ClamXAV is a popular choice among IT professionals, as the company focuses exclusively on creating AV for Apple computers. The Home version of the app is targeted at the average consumer, and its interface is simple and easy to use. ClamXAV is particularly adept at catching viruses in email attachments.

While ClamXAV lacks some of the internet safety tools found in other suites, it is a good choice for protecting your Mac, especially considering its competitive pricing. The ClamXAV for Home Users edition allows for up to three Macs to be protected, or up to nine with the Family Pack plan.

The Best Free Mac Antivirus Solutions

While paid antivirus solutions offer a wider range of features and more comprehensive protection, several excellent free options are available for Mac users.

1. Avast Free Mac Security: Strong All-Round Free Protection

(Image credit: Avast)

Specifications:

• Standout features: Limited VPN Secure Connection and Data Breach Monitoring

Reasons to Buy:

• Real-time protection
• Blocks access to dangerous sites
• Detects network vulnerabilities

Reasons to Avoid:

• Need to upgrade for some features

Avast Free Mac Security provides a lengthy feature list for a free antivirus solution. It offers real-time protection, on-demand full system scans, and targeted checks on specific files, folders, or drives. You can also schedule scans to run automatically.

A Web Shield warns you about malicious websites, blocks dangerous downloads and email attachments, and protects your privacy by eliminating intrusive ad tracking. The wireless network scanner checks your network, router, and connected devices for vulnerabilities.

Avast's most recent test results were positive, with AV Comparative's 2018 test finding that the package detected 100 percent of sample threats. Upgrading to Avast Security Pro adds ransomware protection and instant alerts of Wi-Fi intruders or changes in your network security.

2. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac: Great for Blocking Malware

(Image credit: Avira)

Specifications:

• Standout features: Free VPN 500 MB limit per month, junk remover, protection cloud

Reasons to Buy:

• Good malicious URL and anti-phishing protections
• Highly configurable
• Nice free option available

Reasons to Avoid:

• Noticeable slowdown when installed
• Setup is required before using
• Not recommended for mobile

Avira Free Antivirus for Mac takes a simpler, more lightweight approach, focusing purely on keeping your system malware-free. Its real-time scanner is incredibly effective, checking any file the system accesses and picking up threats before they can do any harm. The scheduler allows you to set up the app to scan your system automatically.

The app also protects against PC-related malware, ensuring you won't share any files that might endanger your friends. AV Comparatives' last report found that the Avira engine blocked 100% of test malware.

Avira Antivirus Pro includes tech support and protects up to three devices with one license (Mac, Windows, and Android).

3. Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac: Incredibly Easy to Use

(Image credit: Bitdefender)

Specifications:

• Standout features: Custom location scans, malware searches even in archives and various other file types, growl notifications

Reasons to Buy:

• Excellent malware protection
• Automatically scrubs system
• VPN included
• Overall good value

Reasons to Avoid:

• Scans take awhile
• No file encryption
• Usage caps for VPN

Bitdefender Virus Scanner is a lightweight free malware hunter that can track down and remove both Mac and Windows-related threats. Its simple and straightforward interface makes it extremely easy to use. The app provides a status display and four buttons for running quick scans, in-depth checks, or speedy scans of running applications or folders.

Bitdefender issues virus signature updates every hour, and Virus Scanner always fetches the latest version before starting a scan. An option to exclude files and folders from the scan reduces the workload and speeds up scan times.

However, Bitdefender Virus Scanner lacks real-time protection or web filtering. Its simplicity reduces the chance of conflicts with other apps, making it a useful second opinion tool.

4. Malwarebytes for Mac: Quick and Easy Anti-Malware

(Image credit: Malwarebytes)

Specifications:

• Standout features: 14-day trial of the premium version

Reasons to Buy:

• Easy to use
• Powerful anti-exploit module
• Works with other antivirus tools
• Fast VPN

Reasons to Avoid:

• Below-average detection rates
• Not all test labs evaluate this program
• Skimps on features

Malwarebytes eliminates adware and other potentially unwanted programs that can waste system resources and slow down your Mac. The app is a lightweight installation, and the lack of real-time protection ensures there's no real impact on your system resources and the app is unlikely to conflict with other antivirus tools.

Malwarebytes claims the average system is scanned in less than 15 seconds. Installing Malwarebytes for Mac also gets you a 30-day trial of the Premium edition, which can detect and block threats as they appear.

5. Sophos Home Free: A Complete Security Suite for Free

(Image credit: Sophos)

Specifications:

• Standout features: Remote management, prevents connections to compromised or dangerous sites, parental web filtering

Reasons to Buy:

• Simple interface
• Remote management/configuration options
• Basic parental web filtering

Reasons to Avoid:

• No Quick Scan
• Very few local settings or options
• Rarely checked by the testing labs

Sophos Home Free offers more features than many competitors provide in their paid editions. It includes on-demand scanning, real-time protection, browser filtering, and parental controls. You can cover up to three Mac or Windows devices with a single account and remotely manage their status from a central web console.

AV Test's December 2017 Mac detection rate tests showed that Sophos delivered the same level of protection as products from Avast, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and other big names.

Sophos Home Premium includes advanced ransomware protection, monitoring of access to your webcam and microphone, live chat and email support, and the option to protect up to 10 devices.

Mac Antivirus: Frequently Asked Questions

How to Choose the Best Mac Antivirus?

Choosing the best Mac antivirus requires careful consideration. Don't simply opt for the cheapest or most convenient option. The protection you need may differ from others.

First, decide how much you're willing to spend. Free antivirus products are effective but lack premium features. If you have multiple systems on your network, you're at a higher risk of cyberattacks. Additional management tools, typically available with paid subscriptions, can help mitigate this risk.

Consider the security features you need, from basic ones like real-time protection, parental controls, and a password manager to access to secure VPN and dark web monitoring.

Finally, assess the impact of the antivirus software on your system. Some programs consume considerable bandwidth, which can be taxing on your computer.

How We Test Mac Antivirus

While Mac malware is less prevalent than Windows malware, it is still a significant threat. AV-TEST regularly evaluates antivirus programs, testing malware detection, false positives, and performance.

We combine AV-TEST's findings with our own product research and reviewing, focusing on usability, features, and day-to-day performance.

What is the Best Mac Antivirus?

Currently, our top recommendation is Bitdefender for Mac (also available as part of Bitdefender Total Security). It combines excellent virus protection with a comprehensive feature set and a user-friendly Mac antivirus client.

Do I Really Need Mac Antivirus?

The risk of infection remains relatively low, and practicing basic security measures can significantly reduce your risk. However, if you've experienced the impact of malware on a Windows system, you'll understand the time and effort required to restore your system. Consider whether your time is more valuable than the cost of a security app.

Mac Antivirus: What's the Effect on Performance?

While many believe that virus protection software negatively impacts performance, the effect is often less significant than we think. AV-Test found no measurable performance drop when using providers like ClamXav, MacKeeper, Kaspersky, or Norton. Sophos and Trend Micro added around two percent to the system load, while ESET and Bitdefender added around four percent.