The landscape of Mac security has dramatically shifted. Once considered immune, Macs are now prime targets for cyberattacks due to their increasing popularity and the vast amounts of sensitive data stored on them. This article, updated on October 26, 2023, delves into the best Mac antivirus software available, based on rigorous testing and evaluation.

Our methodology involved installing, running, and uninstalling each antivirus suite on a Mac mini, while simultaneously monitoring system performance. We also assessed user interface, ease of use, and the inclusion of valuable extras such as VPNs, password managers, and secure browsers.

Top Picks at a Glance:

1. Best Overall: Bitdefender Premium Security for Mac

2. Best Features: Norton 360 Deluxe

3. Best Interface: Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9

4. Best for Beginners: Avast Premium Security

5. Best for Multiple Devices: McAfee Total Protection Premium

6. Best on a Budget: Trend Micro Premium Security

Let's explore these options in more detail:

Bitdefender Premium Security for Mac: The Gold Standard

Bitdefender stands out with its exceptional malware protection, unlimited VPN, and password manager. Its system scans are remarkably fast and have minimal impact on performance. The interface is intuitive, making it a user-friendly choice.

Pros:

• Excellent protection against malware
• Unlimited VPN and password manager
• Fast scanning with low overhead

Cons:

• Lacks a built-in firewall
• Cannot schedule scans

Bitdefender's ability to detect both Mac and Windows viruses, along with its AutoPilot feature, makes it a robust security solution. The inclusion of identity theft protection (with up to $2 million in insurance) further enhances its value.

Norton 360 Deluxe: Feature-Rich and Comprehensive

Norton 360 Deluxe offers a comprehensive suite of features, including excellent malware protection, a VPN, and dark web monitoring. While full scans may take longer, they have a minimal impact on system performance.

Pros:

• Very good protection
• VPN and Dark Web monitoring included
• Small performance penalty during scanning

Cons:

• Expensive for a single license
• Included cloud storage doesn’t work with Macs

Norton's SafeWeb browser extensions, firewall, and password manager add to its appeal. The inclusion of dark web monitoring and personal information removal from data brokers sets it apart from competitors.

Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9: Simplicity and iPhone Scanning

Intego boasts a simple and easy-to-use interface, coupled with strong malware defenses. It's the only Mac antivirus that can scan iPhones and iPads for malware (via USB connection). The bundle includes cloud backup, a firewall, and parental controls.

Pros:

• Good malware defenses
• Includes backup, firewall, and parental controls
• Small passive performance penalty

Cons:

• VPN costs extra
• No dashboard to consolidate all the different apps

Intego's animated firewall provides a visual representation of data flow, enhancing user understanding. However, it lacks a centralized dashboard and a built-in VPN.

Avast Premium Security: Beginner-Friendly and Network-Aware

Avast offers an easy way to protect your Mac from malware, thanks to its simple interface. It doesn't require an online account. Avast's Web Shield protects against dangerous websites, and its Network Inspector identifies Wi-Fi network vulnerabilities.

Pros:

• Great protection
• Simple interface
• Doesn’t require an online account

Cons:

• Slow scans
• Lacks parental controls and a firewall

Avast's Deep Scan is thorough, although time-consuming. The Web Shield and Network Inspector provide valuable layers of security. A separate SecureLine VPN is also available.

McAfee Total Protection Premium: Ideal for Multiple Macs

McAfee is the best choice for users with multiple Macs to protect. It supports an unlimited number of devices. A VPN is included, and the Protection Score helps users improve their online security.

Pros:

• VPN and identity protection included
• Calculates a Protection Score for each user
• Top suites cover an unlimited number of computers

Cons:

• Moderate performance impact
• Need to sign up for auto-renewal to get some features

McAfee's Ransom Guard monitors for suspicious file changes, providing an extra layer of protection. The company offers a money-back guarantee, but auto-renewal is required for unlimited VPN access.

Trend Micro Premium Security: Budget-Friendly with Extras

Trend Micro provides an inexpensive way to protect your Mac from malware. It includes webcam protection, browser extensions, ransomware protection, and a secure browser.

Pros:

• Good protection
• Small system impact
• Inexpensive with lots of extras

Cons:

• Slow initial scans
• VPN is a separate app

Trend Micro's Website Filter allows for content blocking based on age. While initial scans can be slow, the software learns over time. An unlimited VPN is included, but it's a separate app.

Sophos Home Premium: Multi-Platform Protection on a Budget

Sophos Home Premium is a good choice for users with Macs and other devices (PCs, smartphones) who want protection without spending a lot. It features three layers of malware protection and blocks dangerous websites.

Pros:

• Adequate protection
• Low passive performance drop
• Webcam and microphone protection included

Cons:

• Slow scans
• Lacks VPN, password manager and firewall
• Most features require you to use Sophos’ online portal

Sophos Home Premium requires the use of an online portal for many features, which may be a drawback for some users. It lacks a VPN, password manager, and firewall.

Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy: Basic Protection with Speed

Malwarebytes combines fast malware scanning with a global VPN. It lacks extra features like a firewall, parental controls, and a password manager.

Pros:

• Basic protection
• Fast installation
• Very quick scans

Cons:

• Large system impact
• Lacks a firewall, parental controls and password manager

Malwarebytes offers a single scan option that focuses on items likely to be infected. The VPN supports up to five users but is a separate app.

Choosing the Right Mac Antivirus: Key Considerations

Before purchasing Mac antivirus software, consider your specific needs:

• Multi-Platform Support: If you use both Macs and Windows PCs, opt for a multi-platform bundle like Norton 360 Deluxe, Sophos Home Premium, or McAfee Antivirus Plus.
• Mac-Only Users: If you only use Macs, consider Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac or Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac.
• Parental Controls: If you have children, choose software with parental control features like Sophos Home Premium.
• Budget: If your budget is limited, try Avast Security for Mac or the free tier of Sophos Home.

Performance at a Glance:

Our Testing Methodology

We evaluated each antivirus program based on ease of use, interface, and performance impact. We used a Mac Mini with a 3.2GHz M1 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. We conducted Geekbench 5 benchmarks before and after installation, as well as during full and quick scans. We also considered third-party test results from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.

iOS Antivirus Apps: A Myth?

True antivirus software for iOS and iPadOS doesn't exist. Apple restricts third-party apps from examining other apps or inspecting new apps after installation. Apps claiming to be antivirus software are typically removed from the App Store. Intego's Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the only Mac antivirus that can scan iPhones and iPads for malware (via USB connection).

While some vendors offer security apps on the App Store, these apps primarily check for malicious links, locate lost devices, or enhance online privacy. They cannot scan iPhones for malware.

Conclusion

Choosing the best Mac antivirus software depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider factors such as protection level, features, ease of use, performance impact, and budget to make an informed decision. Keeping your Mac and other devices protected is crucial in today's digital landscape.

Article by Amber Bouman, Senior Security Editor at Tom's Guide.