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Best antivirus for Mac: Top 13 Security Apps You Can Trust
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Best antivirus for Mac: Top 13 Security Apps You Can Trust
iPhones and Macs have become part of every individual and organization’s needs in the current situation for their speedy performance & security measures. To ensure the best protection of those devices, there are a lot of the Best antiviruses for Mac available in the market.
Let’s talk about some of them and choose the best one for you out of all. Moreover, in the end, we can talk about the best exercises that you can learn through a dedicated course. What are we waiting for? Let’s get straight to the topic!
What is Antivirus?
A computer application called antivirus software is made to identify, stop, and eliminate dangerous software—also referred to as malware—from your devices. It operates by looking for recognized malware signatures and questionable activity in files, applications, and incoming data.
Its main objective is to safeguard your data and system against disruption, theft, or damage brought on by ransomware, Trojan horses, worms, viruses, and other online dangers. Let’s talk about the “Best antivirus for Mac!”
Top 13 Mac Antivirus in 2025
Following are the top 13 Best Mac Antivirus in 2025:
- Intego Mac Internet Security X9: Specifically made for Macs, it has a strong firewall and has good detection rates for malware unique to macOS. It is a complete security suite for Mac users and frequently includes helpful extras like data backup and system cleansing tools.
- Surfshark One: This bundle offers strong malware detection and real-time protection by combining antivirus software with a potent VPN. Users who value both privacy and security will find this lightweight solution suitable, as it doesn’t cause severe system slowdowns.
- AVG Internet Security for Mac: Provides a lightweight scanner that doesn’t significantly affect system performance along with efficient real-time protection. Offers a strong layer of defense by including ransomware protection in addition to email and online protection.
- Avast Premium Security: Regularly receives top marks in independent lab tests and offers robust protection against ransomware, malware, and phishing. It offers a comprehensive security suite with additional features like webcam protection, VPN, and data breach monitoring.
- McAfee Total Protection: In addition to offering complete web security and 100% malware detection rates, certain plans also permit coverage for an infinite number of devices. It is a strong choice for customers with several devices because of its features, which include a strong firewall, a secure VPN powered by TunnelBear, and identity protection measures.
- Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac: Provides exceptional phishing prevention together with strong security features, which is essential for secure online banking and browsing. It successfully detects a variety of dangers, such as viruses and spyware, and is made to be easy to use.
- Norton 360: Norton 360, a well-known cybersecurity leader, provides thorough defense against ransomware, malware, and phishing, frequently with a 100% detection rate. It comes with a password manager, cloud backup (although PC cloud backup is limited to Windows), a secure VPN, and Dark Web monitoring.
- Avira Prime: Provides a very strong antivirus engine that has little effect on system performance and continuously high detection rates. With its unrestricted VPN, password manager, and system optimization tools, this all-inclusive suite offers a great deal of protection and functionality.
- Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac: Well-known for its cloud-based scanning and great performance, it offers superior malware detection without causing your Mac to lag. For a comprehensive security approach, it has features like Time Machine prevention, Safe Files for ransomware prevention, and an adware blocker.
- CleanMyMac X: It is mostly a utility for system optimization and cleanliness, but it also has a simple virus eradication function. Although it’s helpful for clearing out your Mac, it’s usually regarded as an add-on utility rather than a complete antivirus program.
- BitMedic Pro Antivirus: It offers real-time antivirus and adware protection and was created especially for macOS. It frequently receives high independent test scores. In addition to features like custom scans and browser privacy cleaning, it concentrates on essential antivirus tasks.
- Sophos Home Premium for Mac: Strong defense against malware, ransomware, and harmful websites is provided by this user-friendly collection of enterprise-grade security technologies. It is appropriate for families because it offers remote control for numerous devices and parental web blocking.
- Malwarebytes Premium Security: Renowned for having powerful malware detection and removal tools, especially for locating and eliminating tenacious threats. It provides web protection and real-time protection, with a primary focus on malware prevention and a limited feature set.
Benefits of Antivirus for Mac
| S.No. | Benefits | How? |
| 1. | Comprehensive Malware Protection | Compared to built-in security capabilities, dedicated antivirus software offers a more reliable and regularly updated defense against a greater range of macOS-specific and new malware threats. |
| 2. | Real-time Threat Detection | Instantaneously preventing and quarantining dangerous files before they can execute and do harm, it actively monitors your system and downloads in real-time. |
| 3. | Protection Against Cross-Platform Malware | By identifying and eliminating malware unique to Windows, antivirus software for Mac can stop your computer from serving as a conduit for malicious files distributed to Windows users. |
| 4. | Enhanced Phishing and Scam Protection | Advanced web protection technologies that proactively prevent harmful websites and phishing efforts intended to steal your personal information are included in many antivirus programs. |
| 5. | Ransomware Defense | In order to identify and stop ransomware from encrypting your important data and requesting a ransom, modern Mac antivirus programs have multiple layers of protection. |
| 6. | Adware and Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) Removal | They efficiently detect and eliminate bothersome adware and perhaps undesired applications that can impair system functionality, show obtrusive advertisements, and jeopardize privacy. |
| 7. | Privacy and Identity Protection | In addition to malware, several suites include tools like password managers, VPNs, and dark web surveillance to improve online privacy and safeguard your financial and personal information. |
| 8. | Improved System Performance and Cleanup | In order to combat the slowdown frequently brought on by malware or bloatware, several antivirus products come with optimization tools that can help remove unnecessary files, control startup items, and enhance system performance. |
Best Free Mac Antivirus in 2025
The following are some of the free Mac Antivirus programs:
1. Avast Security for Mac: Provides basic malware protection, which includes real-time scanning and detection of threats such as spyware, ransomware, and viruses. Include email and web shields to assist in stopping harmful websites and stop malicious attachments from getting to your mailbox.
2. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac: offers a powerful antivirus engine that efficiently identifies PC-based threats and malware unique to macOS, stopping your Mac from transmitting them.
It is portable and frequently includes extra free utilities like a password manager for increased privacy and a VPN (with data limits).
3. AVG Antivirus for Mac: Offers strong, real-time protection against spyware, ransomware, and viruses while having no effect on system performance. incorporates email and web security tools to assist in preventing harmful files and links, making internet browsing safer.
4. Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac: An extremely lightweight program that focuses mostly on on-demand scanning to find viruses on Windows and macOS. It is great for fast scans and cleaning particular files or folders, but it does not provide real-time security.
5. Intego VirusBarrier Scanner: An extremely lightweight program that focuses mostly on on-demand scanning to find viruses on Windows and macOS. It is great for fast scans and cleaning particular files or folders, but it does not provide real-time security.
6. Malwarebytes Antivirus for Mac: Outstanding at identifying and eliminating potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and adware, which can be a common annoyance for Mac users.
While the premium edition includes real-time protection, the free version provides an on-demand scanner for current infections.
Other antivirus for Mac software tested
| S.No. | Antivirus | What? |
| 1. | Total AV Antivirus Pro | In addition to having helpful supplementary features like a VPN and system tune-up tools, this antivirus often receives good marks in independent lab testing for malware detection.
The subscription plans offer extensive real-time protection and web security capabilities across several platforms, while the free version has limitations. |
| 2. | Eset Home Security | Although ESET provides a strong firewall and efficient malware detection, its Mac version usually lacks some of the capabilities found in its Windows equivalent.
Although some customers find its online and email protection for Mac less reliable than rivals, it frequently excels at identifying viruses that other scanners might overlook. |
| 3. | Total Defense Antivirus for Mac | This solution frequently licenses Bitdefender’s powerful scanning engine, which offers extensive defense against ransomware and malware on Windows and macOS.
Since it is based on a different engine, it might not be directly certified by independent labs, but it usually provides strong anti-phishing capabilities and real-time security. |
| 4. | ClamXav | ClamXav, which is based on the open-source Clam Antivirus engine, offers simple and effective malware scanning tailored for macOS.
It is a fantastic option for people that value simple, efficient malware protection without a lot of extra features because of its reputation for simplicity and minimal system impact. |
| 5. | F-Secure Total for Mac | In addition to offering robust malware protection, F-Secure Total delivers a more complete security suite that includes a VPN, password manager, and identity monitoring.
Although it performs well in independent lab testing for protection, some users have complained that its parental controls are simple to get around and that its complete scans can take a long time. |
Why can you trust Macworld’s antivirus experts?
One can trust Macworld’s antivirus experts for the following reasons:
- Mac-Specific Focus: Since Macworld focuses on Apple products, its professionals are specialists in macOS vulnerabilities and the distinct security environment of the Mac ecosystem.
- Long-Standing Reputation: With decades of experience, Macworld has a lengthy history and a solid reputation as a reliable source for news and reviews of Apple products.
- Hands-on Testing Methodology: They test antiviral software thoroughly and practically on real Mac systems, evaluating things like feature efficacy, performance impact, and installation.
- Malware Sample Testing: In order to thoroughly verify detection rates and real-time scanning capabilities, their assessments frequently include a variety of recent Mac malware samples.
- Consideration of User Experience: They assess the software’s usability, interface design, and handling of typical user interactions and notifications in addition to its raw performance.
- Comparative Analysis: Usually, they contrast various antiviral programs with one another, offering a useful comparative viewpoint on advantages and disadvantages.
- Transparency in Methodology: They frequently include insights into their testing procedure, including the macOS versions and testing conditions used, even though they aren’t always completely thorough for every review.
- Regular Updates and Re-evaluations: Reputable sites like Macworld regularly update their ratings and reassess antivirus software to reflect the latest threats and product updates because the cybersecurity landscape is constantly changing.
How to choose the best Mac Antivirus for your needs?
| S.No. | Factors | Why? |
| 1. | Level of Protection and Detection Rates | For the detection of both macOS-specific and cross-platform malware, such as ransomware and phishing threats, look for tools that routinely receive good scores in independent lab testing (such as AV-Comparatives and AV-Test). |
| 2. | Performance Impact on Your Mac | Select antivirus software that ensures minimal slowdowns to your system’s speed and responsiveness throughout daily use by running silently in the background and performing scans efficiently. |
| 3. | Features Beyond Basic Antivirus | Depending on your total security requirements, take into account extra security solutions like a firewall, VPN, password manager, webcam/ mic protection, parental controls, or identity theft monitoring. |
| 4. | Ease of Use and User Interface | Select software with a user-friendly, uncluttered interface that makes it simple to change settings, comprehend scan findings, and access all security features without any technical difficulties. |
| 5. | Cost and Customer Support | Make sure the service offers helpful customer care channels like live chat or phone for assistance, and assess whether the cost fits within your budget by taking into account free trials or money-back guarantees. |
Conclusion
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Frequently Asked Questions
About the Best antivirus for Mac
1. Do Macs need antivirus software?
Dedicated antivirus software is still advised for complete protection against the increasing diversity and complexity of ransomware, adware, phishing, and macOS-specific malware, even if Macs come with robust built-in security protections.
2. How does antivirus software protect your Mac?
By checking files and programs for known malware signatures, examining questionable activity, and preventing or eliminating threats instantly, antivirus software safeguards your Mac. This includes protections against ransomware and phishing.
3. Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN?
By encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address, a VPN adds increased privacy and security to your Mac antivirus suite, even though it isn’t technically required for antivirus operation.
4. What is the best-value Mac antivirus?
According to recent evaluations, TotalAV is commonly regarded as the best-value Mac antivirus because of its robust security, easy-to-use interface, and frequently affordable initial pricing—though renewal fees should be taken into account.
5. How to spot fake Mac antivirus software?
Fake Mac antivirus software can be identified by its aggressive marketing strategies, bad grammar or spelling, inability to close the program or install genuine antivirus software, and uninvited pop-up alerts alleging infections.
6. What can’t Mac antivirus protect from?
Even the greatest Mac antivirus software cannot completely guard against all threats, especially those that come from user error (such as downloading files from unreliable sites or falling for phishing scams), zero-day vulnerabilities (exploits that developers or security companies are unaware of), or device theft.
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