Best antivirus software for Mac in 2026

If you think you don’t need an antivirus for your Mac – that’s simply not true. Despite the built-in antivirus, xProtect, Mac devices can still get infected with malware. xProtect is not as efficient as a third-party antivirus.

Cybernews security researchers have discovered multiple cases where Macs were not immune to malware, highlighting the importance of antivirus protection for these Apple devices.

To find the best antivirus for Mac, we've tested numerous antivirus programs and conducted multiple penetration tests on Macs using real-world malware samples. After careful consideration, my top picks are TotalAV and Norton 360. However, I recommend reading the full review and carefully considering the details to choose the best antivirus software for your Mac.

Best antivirus for Mac in 2026: shortlist

1. TotalAV Mac Antivirus & Security – best antivirus for Mac overall in 2026
2. Norton 360 Deluxe – all-in-one cybersecurity suite with advanced antivirus
3. Bitdefender – privacy-focused Mac antivirus with excellent malware detection rates
4. Intego ONE – Mac-oriented antivirus that is ideal for MacBook Air
5. Surfshark – next-gen antivirus for Mac with built-in VPN

Does MacBook need antivirus software?

In the past, Macs were less targeted by malware, leading some to believe they didn’t need reliable antivirus protection. However, as Macs become more popular, cybercriminals are turning to this overlooked operating system.

While Windows has been the most popular operating system since 2013, Mac adoption is rising, especially in business. JumpCloud’s Q1 2024 SME IT Trends Report reveals that the use of macOS has grown by 22%. This has led cybercriminal groups to try targeting Mac computers. Unfortunately, as a survey by Moonlock has revealed, over 50% of macOS users have experienced malware, hacking, or fraud.

While built-in technologies like Gatekeeper and XProtect offer some protection for Mac, they have limitations. Gatekeeper stops bad apps but doesn’t check for existing viruses. It relies on the App Store or Notarization and updates infrequently. XProtect finds known viruses but might miss new ones and doesn’t scan often. All in all, Apple’s security measures are okay, but antivirus adds an extra layer of security.

The best Mac antivirus in 2026 – detailed list

If you want a premium antivirus for your Mac, you will find my top picks with their specs compared below. My selection is based on our in-house tests, evaluating features, security capabilities, pricing, and customer support.

1. TotalAV Mac Antivirus & Security – best antivirus protection for Macs overall

Maximum devices:	8
Free version or free trial:	Free version
Key features:	Real-time protection, System Tune-Up, and Total AdBlock
Current deal:	Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF

Visit TotalAV

After days of testing several antivirus programs, I found that TotalAV offers the most seamless experience for Mac users. It's simple to navigate and delivers top-tier security features.

One of my favorite TotalAV features has to be the System Tune-Up tool. It efficiently cleared out duplicate and junk files I didn’t even know were cluttering my system, freeing up some disk space. I also enjoyed the ad blocker (Total Adblock), which blocked ads that tend to slow down my browser. On top of that, the Total WebShield feature adds an extra layer of protection by blocking malicious websites.

During our in-house testing of TotalAV, I was genuinely impressed with its performance. The real-time scanning managed to catch 89.3% of the malware samples and identified samples from live websites as they were downloaded. The system scan itself was quick, taking just 10 minutes. During the test, CPU usage remained low, averaging 8%. This scan caught 92.7% of planted malware samples.

I also looked at the latest results from AV-TEST (from December 2024). TotalAV scored 99.5% in detection of widespread and prevalent malware. The only minor hiccup was 20% slower speeds when installing legitimate software. Comparing these results to the previous tests in September, I see that TotalAV performed slightly worse; however, it’s nothing you would notice in practice.

TotalAV prices start at $19.00 for the first year, but significantly increase after the initial subscription period ends. You can make use of its limited free version for one device and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

TotalAV protects up to 8 devices, which should be enough for all your everyday needs. If you need more scalability, such as for a small business, I’d suggest looking into Avira, which covers up to 5 devices.

Overall, if you’re a Mac user looking for an affordable, all-around solid antivirus, I can’t recommend TotalAV enough. It's given me peace of mind, which is exactly what I was hoping for.

2. Norton 360 Deluxe – great antivirus for Mac with a rich security suite

Maximum devices:	10
Free version or free trial:	Free trial
Key features:	Genie Scam Protection, Parental Controls, and LifeLock
Current deal:	Get up to 60% OFF Norton Antivirus

Visit Norton

If you’re on the hunt for an intuitive antivirus for your Mac, Norton 360 is definitely worth a closer look. From my experience, it combines effective malware detection with an interface that's easy to navigate, making it a solid choice for both beginners and more advanced users.

One of the things I appreciated most about Norton 360 is its powerful real-time protection, powered by AI and machine learning, to find and stop new malware. What really stood out for me was the option to scan for junk files, a feature that helped boost my Mac’s performance by clearing out unnecessary clutter.

I appreciate that Norton is committed to protecting users from online scams. Norton’s new feature, Genie Scam Protection, is an AI-powered feature designed to detect scams, block malicious actors, and help prevent account takeovers.

Norton 360 security features for Mac are endless, including a smart firewall to block unauthorized access, a password manager, and cloud backup. The system optimization tool is another great addition — it’s simple to use and quickly optimizes your device's performance. While other antivirus programs like TotalAV and Intego ONE offer similar tools, I found Norton’s to be more user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Another feature I found valuable was dark web monitoring. Knowing that Norton actively monitors whether my personal data has been leaked or breached gave me extra reassurance. Plus, Norton 360 includes a built-in VPN, much like TotalAV, which is a nice bonus for keeping your online activity private.

That said, I didn’t like that Norton takes you to the browser and provider dashboard for certain features, like parental controls and dark web monitoring. Having to leave the Norton app to manage these features felt a bit inconvenient, especially when I wanted everything to be streamlined.

During our Norton 360 tests, the full scan consistently delivered the best results, detecting 95.3% of the malware samples we planted. This scan took about 12 minutes, with CPU usage averaging 8-10% and occasionally spiking to 20%. The detected malware was instantly removed, ensuring quick protection without requiring user action. However, the real-time protection was 79.3% effective and had a greater impact on CPU usage, with spikes reaching up to 26%.

According to the latest AV-TEST results from December 2024, Norton 360 for Mac blocked 100% of malware and earned the maximum score of 6.0 in protection, performance, and usability categories. That aligned perfectly with my own testing experience.

As for pricing, Norton 360 Deluxe for Mac offers a 7-day free trial and starts at $29.99 for the first year, covering up to 10 devices. After the first year, the renewal price remains at $29.99/year, which is quite reasonable for the features you get. Plus, there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee, so there’s really no risk in trying it out.

Overall, Norton 360 is a fantastic option for Mac users who want an intuitive, beginner-friendly antivirus that doesn’t compromise on features or protection.

3. Bitdefender Total Security for Mac – high-performance macOS antivirus with minimal system impact

Maximum devices:	10
Free version or free trial:	Free version and a free trial
Key features:	Real-time protection, advanced scans, and Safe Files
Current deal:	Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF

Visit Bitdefender

If you're in the market for a high-performing, feature-packed antivirus, Bitdefender might be exactly what you're looking for. Personally, I felt like I actually had really well-rounded protection on my Mac when I first started using Bitdefender. It gave me peace of mind knowing my system was secure on all sides.

Bitdefender covers all the essential scan types you’d expect, and I really appreciated its real-time protection. The Smart Scan feature is great for finding system vulnerabilities, similar to what you get with TotalAV. But what really sold me on Bitdefender were the extra features.

The built-in VPN is a nice bonus, along with anti-theft and anti-tracker tools. I especially liked the ad blocker, which did a great job stopping ads and trackers from snooping on my data. Also, I enjoyed the Safe Files feature, which allows you to pick specific folders to protect them against ransomware.

That said, there were a couple of downsides. Unlike Norton 360 or TotalAV, Bitdefender doesn’t have system optimization tools for Mac, which would’ve been nice. Also, I had to download a separate app for parental controls and a VPN, much like with Norton 360, which I found inconvenient.

During our in-house Bitdefender tests, the full scan took around 25 minutes. The CPU usage during the scan hovered between 13-20% and caught and removed 95.3% of the malware samples. The real-time protection was just as solid, with the same 95.3% detection rate.

According to AV-TEST, Bitdefender scored the maximum in all categories, and AV-Comparatives gave it a perfect 100% for Mac protection.

Bitdefender prices for macOS start from $19.99 for the first year (Bitdefender Total Security) and then increase to $89.99/year. Each package includes automatic updates and premium customer support. This plan covers up to 10 devices, but you can get a family plan and secure up to 25 devices.

Bitdefender is a good choice for macOS users who prioritize performance and don’t mind spending extra for it.

4. Intego ONE – reliable Mac protection from malware

Maximum devices:	5
Free version or free trial:	Free trial
Key features:	Antivirus, 2-way firewall, SmartClean, and VPN
Current deal:	Get Intego, now 25% OFF!

Visit Intego

If you're a Mac user like me, finding an antivirus that is suitable for macOS can be a challenge. That’s where Intego ONE comes in, as it feels like it was tailored for Macs. After trying it out, I can say it truly delivers in both performance and ease of use.

First of all, the Intego ONE macOS application feels really well-designed. It's packed with useful features but doesn’t feel overwhelming. For example, its antivirus has 24/7 monitoring and scheduled scans to protect your Mac against viruses, spyware, adware, and other malware. I also liked its advanced 2-way firewall, and what really surprised me was how customizable the controls are, making it easy to tailor them to your personal and your family’s needs.

Also, one of my favorite features was SmartClean, which made my Mac much faster by cleaning up all the junk, such as cache files, logs, and even stuff I forgot about in the Downloads folder. And there's also a built-in VPN that keeps your browsing private by hiding your real IP and geolocation.

As far as performance goes, our in-house Intego ONE tests showed disappointing results. Intego ONE’s full scan took about 16 minutes and detected only 40% of the planted malware samples. However, CPU usage remained pretty manageable, peaking at 31.7%, so I didn't feel like my Mac was slowing down that much during scans.

Independent labs had a different experience with Intego ONE. In September 2024, AV-TEST gave it perfect scores for protection and usability. Performance-wise, Intego ONE scored 5/6, which is in line with our results, showing that it barely slows down your computer during scans. Moreover, AV-Comparatives gave it a 99.1% rating, which really confirms it’s up there with the best. Considering both in-house and independent lab test results, Intego ONE is not completely reliable when it comes to detecting all malware.

Intego ONE prices start at $29.99 for the first year, which increases to $39.99/year after that. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Honestly, if you're looking for a Mac-focused antivirus with great protection and features that feel like they were made for your Mac, Intego ONE is worth checking out.

5. Surfshark Antivirus – versatile macOS antivirus with a VPN

Maximum devices:	5
Free version or free trial:	Free trial
Key features:	Real-time protection, on-demand scans, and VPN
Current deal:	Get Surfshark Antivirus - 85% OFF + 3 months FREE

Visit Surfshark Antivirus

If you're after a well-rounded security package for Mac, I think Surfshark Antivirus is a great option. Honestly, it just ticks so many boxes for me. It’s affordable, it comes bundled with one of the top VPNs on the market, and it throws in some really handy security extras, like the Alternative ID feature.

One thing that stood out for me right away is how easy it is to use. Surfshark gives you full, quick, and custom scans. I liked that with the folder scan you can easily drag and drop the files you want to scan for threats.

Surfshark Antivirus might not have all the features that other antivirus providers offer, but its real strength lies in the fact that it comes packaged with one of the best VPNs on the market. Also, it includes Surfshark Alert, which warns you about any data breaches.

One of the Surfshark One features I have found myself using a lot is Surfshark Search. It’s like using an incognito mode but better. It removes all ads from your search results and gives you organic results without collecting any of your data. Plus, it offers webcam protection, which is a nice touch.

However, one thing I missed was a firewall. It's a pretty standard feature in most antivirus programs, like TotalAV or Norton, and not having it here was a bit disappointing. It also lacks device optimization tools, which would’ve been nice just to keep things running smoothly.

When we tested Surfshark Antivirus, we were impressed with how fast it finished the full system scan, only taking about 8 minutes. However, it did have the highest CPU usage during the scan, hovering at 30-40%. Its detection rate was solid at about 90.7%, while the real-time protection was also good with an 89.3% detection rate.

One thing to keep in mind is that while Surfshark’s Windows version has earned AV-TEST’s prestigious Top Product award, the macOS version hasn’t been independently tested yet. So, if you’re on a Mac, you might want to take that into consideration.

Surfshark Antivirus prices start at $37.66 for the first 15 months and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. After the initial period, the price increases significantly.

I would recommend Surfshark for Mac users looking for well-rounded protection that includes antivirus, VPN, and ad-free browsing capabilities.

6. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac – easy-to-use macOS antivirus

Maximum devices:	10
Free version or free trial:	Free trial
Key features:	Real-time protection, advanced scans, and parental controls
Current deal:	Get Trend Micro, now 25% OFF

Visit Trend Micro

Trend Micro is worth considering if you're in the market for a very user-friendly Mac antivirus. I found that it does a great job detecting viruses, spyware, and ransomware using AI, which gave me peace of mind knowing my Mac was in good hands.

While Trend Micro has some great scan options, I did feel that it lacked some of the additional features you get with other top providers, such as Norton 360 or TotalAV. Those options come with folder and vulnerability scans that Trend Micro doesn't have, which felt like a bit of a downside for me.

One thing I liked about Trend Micro, though, was its Website Filter. It really helped block access to suspicious or unwanted sites, and I can see how it would be a fantastic tool for parents. You can select age categories like Child, Pre-teen, or Teen, which makes it super easy to tailor the protection based on who’s using the computer.

I also loved the camera and microphone protection features, which gave me alerts whenever an app tried to access my camera or microphone.

If you opt for the premium plans, you can get a VPN or password manager, but I wasn’t impressed by the VPN. It felt too slow for streaming or torrenting, so if that’s a big deal for you, TotalAV or Surfshark Antivirus might be a better fit.

During our in-house tests, Trend Macro’s real-time protection and full scan detected and quarantined 65% malware samples. It’s not an ideal result but the full scan was very light on the CPU, peaking at 4.5%.

When I looked at independent testing, AV-TEST gave Trend Micro perfect scores across the board for protection, performance, and usability. And AV-Comparatives rated it 100% for Mac malware protection, which definitely added to my confidence in the product.

The cheapest Trend Micro subscription plan starts at $29.95/month per year and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. After the first year, the price increases to $39.95/year.

Trend Micro may be most suited for Mac users looking for an easy-to-use antivirus with an excellent parental control tool and high performance.

7. Malwarebytes – secure Mac antivirus with privacy protection features

Maximum devices:	20
Free version or free trial:	Free version and free trial
Key features:	Real-time protection, on-demand scanning, and Browser Guard
Current deal:	Get Malwarebytes, now 50% OFF

Visit Malwarebytes

If you're after a lightweight antivirus for your Mac, I’d say Malwarebytes is definitely worth checking out. What I really like about it is its simplicity. It doesn’t try to be overly complicated, yet it still includes some key extras like a built-in VPN and a handy AI-powered Security Advisor dashboard, which keeps you informed about any Mac cybersecurity issues.

For macOS, Malwarebytes only offers 1 type of scan, and, while it doesn't explicitly say so, it seems to be a quick scan. It finishes in seconds, only scanning a few thousand files. I believe it’s efficient and perfect for when you just want something to quickly check your system without hogging resources.

Compared to feature-rich options like TotalAV or Norton 360, Malwarebytes does feel quite empty. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The minimalistic approach is refreshing, and it still has a solid focus on privacy, which I appreciate a lot. I especially enjoyed the free Browser Guard extension, which blocks dangerous links, malicious websites, ads, and trackers.

If you opt for the premium Malwarebytes plan, you also get access to its Privacy VPN, which is perfect for staying anonymous online and securing public Wi-Fi connections. Additionally, the Trusted Advisor feature was another highlight, offering a protection score along with helpful insights to manage my security effectively.

One feature that left me a bit unimpressed was the App Blocks, which stops apps from unidentified developers. It’s nice, but let’s be honest, macOS already does this, so it didn’t feel that special.

During our in-house Malwarebytes tests, its performance was somewhat disappointing. Initially, the scan didn’t detect any malware. It was only after selecting the custom scan and configuring the settings that we saw a somewhat better result, with Malwarebytes detecting 50% of the malware samples.

Malwarebytes has participated in some independent tests for Mac devices and achieved excellent results on AVLabs’s test. However, its presence in major testing labs remains limited.

As for Malwarebytes pricing, plans start at $44.99/year. It doesn’t come with any first-year discounts, but it does offer a 14-day free trial and a lengthy 60-day money-back guarantee, which is more than enough time to see if it’s right for you.

If you're after a simple Mac antivirus that delivers solid protection without overwhelming you with features, Malwarebytes could be just what you need.

8. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac – robust antivirus with free version for Mac

Maximum devices:	5
Free version or free trial:	Free version and a free trial
Keay features:	Real-time protection, anti-phishing tools, and a VPN
Current deal:	Get 1 year of Avira at 65% OFF

Visit Avira

Avira is really worth trying if you are looking for a strong free antivirus for Mac. The free version includes solid security, including real-time protection and in-depth scans, which is a rare find for a free antivirus.

Avira has all the essential scans, and I appreciated how the real-time virus scan was constantly working in the background, checking every file I opened. If anything suspicious popped up, Avira would automatically put it into quarantine, where I could either safely delete it or review it later.

When it comes to features, Avira impressed me with its protection against phishing, spam, and suspicious links. I felt like I had everything I needed under the Protection options tab, which even included email and ransomware protection. On top of that, there’s a junk remover tool that I found really handy for clearing out duplicate and temporary files.

Avira’s password manager is a nice touch, and while the VPN was useful, the 500MB monthly data cap felt pretty limited on the free version, and I found myself running out of data pretty quickly.

During our in-house Avira tests, it detected 95 out of 100 malicious files during a full scan. It scanned over 420,000 files in about 8 minutes, while the CPU load stayed pretty low, between 1% and 9%, so it didn’t slow my Mac down.

AV-TEST also gave Avira nearly perfect scores for protection, performance, and usability. And AV-Comparatives confirmed it’s a solid choice, scoring Avira 99% for Mac malware protection.

Now, while Avira’s free version is pretty generous, it does include ads and limited features. If you want to unlock everything, Avira’s paid plans start from $22.99/month per year and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. After the first year, the price increases to $44.99/year.

Avira is suitable for Mac users looking for a capable free antivirus that also offers affordable scaling options.

9. ESET – resource-light antivirus with powerful anti-theft

Maximum devices:	5
Free version or free trial:	30-day free trial
Key features:	Real-time protection, anti-theft, ransomware defense, secure browser
Current deal:	Get ESET, save up to 30%

Visit ESET

ESET Cyber Security is a great pick for Mac users who want strong protection with minimal impact on performance. Its real-time antivirus engine uses advanced machine learning and cloud scanning to catch the latest malware and ransomware, while the anti-theft feature adds extra peace of mind for Mac owners.

The app is clean and intuitive, with fast installs and easy settings – even for multi-device setups. During our hands-on tests on macOS, ESET instantly detected 90%+ of live threats in real time and scored 100% in full scan mode. AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives rated ESET as one of the safest Mac antiviruses on the market in 2025, with near-perfect online protection results and minimal false alarms.

ESET proved impressively lightweight in our testing, using barely any CPU or RAM – even during thorough system scans, which finished in under 7 minutes. Features like the secure browser and network inspector help keep your online activity safe. Just note that ESET does not offer an iOS app, and while its phishing defenses are decent, they aren't the top of the industry.

Now, while ESET’s free trial is generous, there isn’t a truly free version for the long term. Paid Mac plans start from $34.99/year for a single device, with options to extend coverage and discounts for the first year. Multi-device protection gets expensive, but all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ESET is ideal for Mac owners who want excellent malware defense, minimal system impact, and bonus anti-theft features – especially for laptops and multi-device homes.

10. Avast – popular free antivirus with solid web protection

Maximum devices:	30
Free version or free trial:	Free version and a free trial
Key features:	Real-time protection, phishing and ransomware shields, network inspector
Current deal:	Get up to 60% OFF Avast Antivirus

Visit Avast

Avast Free Antivirus is a go-to option if you want free, dependable protection for your Mac. It comes with real-time scanning to guard against viruses, spyware, ransomware, and scam emails, even on its no-cost tier.

Avast’s easy, well-organized interface gets you scanning quickly. The free Mac version covers all the basics: it checks files as you open them and blocks malicious downloads or email attachments with Core Shields.

Network Inspector lets you see every device on your Wi-Fi, and the ransomware shield lets you lock down sensitive folders automatically. You’ll also get instant alerts about attempted malware, and can review/quarantine suspicious files for peace of mind.

In our in-house tests, Avast’s real-time protection managed to block 63% of active threats. Full scans detected 65% and quick scans picked up 57% – respectable, though not quite on par with top Mac antivirus software like Bitdefender. That said, independent lab tests for 2025 put Avast among the best for blocking everyday malware and phishing attempts, so it’s a solid choice for Mac security.

Performance-wise, Avast runs with little impact on your Mac, and full scans finish in just a few minutes. The clean design is beginner-friendly, but free users will notice a steady stream of upgrade ads, and some non-essential features are locked behind paywalls.

Now, if you want to access premium features like the full firewall, unlimited VPN, and priority support, Avast’s paid Mac plans start at $31.20/year with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How to choose the best Mac antivirus

I recommend to start by looking into independent lab tests, such as AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives, to see how effective the antivirus is at detecting and removing malware, as well as the overall impact on the system’s performance

If you're looking for a comprehensive security suite, check whether the provider offers add-ons like VPNs, firewall protection, web browsing safety, email scanning, parental controls, and password managers, which can further enhance your security.

Also, check reputable online sources to see if there are any worries about data breaches or threats to privacy.

Finally, make sure the antivirus is compatible with your Mac. It’s also a good idea to try a trial version or check out our reviews to see how easy the antivirus is to install and use.

Best Mac antivirus software compared

Brand	Malware detection rates	Devices covered	Ransomware and adware protection	System impact (background)	System impact (scans)	Firewall	Malicious URL blocking	Free version
TotalAV	92.7%	8	✅ Yes	Light	Moderate	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Norton	95.3%	10	✅ Yes	Moderate	Heavy	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
Bitdefender	95.3%	10	✅ Yes	Moderate	Heavy	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Intego ONE	70%	5	✅ Yes	Moderate	Moderate	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Surfshark AV	90.7%	5	✅ Yes	Heavy	Heavy	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
Trend Micro	80%	10	✅ Yes	Moderate	Heavy	❌ No	✅ Yes	❌ No
Malwarebytes	50%	20	✅ Yes	Light	Very Light	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Avira	95%	5	✅ Yes	Light	Light	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
ESET	90%	5	✅ Yes	Very light	Light	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
Avast	65%	30	✅ Yes	Light	Light	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

How we tested the best antivirus software for Mac

To choose the best antivirus protection for Mac, we conducted extensive research and testing on each provider. Our final list was based on evaluating over two dozen antivirus programs. Each antivirus program was installed on the MacBook Pro with Apple M2 Pro, 8GB RAM, almost 270GB of storage, OS – Ventura 13.5.

We planted up to 10 malicious files onto the device to see if the antivirus detects and blocks them all. Another goal was to test all available malware scan types to find out the impact on the CPU. Lastly, we also collected independent test lab results to compare them with the ones we got when testing Mac antivirus software on this list. Here’s what we focused on when selecting best antivirus for macOS:

1. In house testing (25%). We downloaded different types of malware – spyware, adware, trojans, and worms – to test the antivirus software capabilities for detecting ransomware and then ran antivirus scans.
2. Independent lab testing (25%). We checked tests conducted by AV-Test and AV-Comperatives. These websites regularly check performance, usability, and antivirus protection rates. The best ones should score the maximum points in each category to be classified as the top security tools.
3. Real-time protection (20%). New cyberthreats appear daily and can easily infiltrate the system within seconds. We monitored how each antivirus program on Mac was able to detect malware in real-time.
4. Features (15%). Many great antivirus applications don’t offer as many features for macOS as they do for Windows. We only selected the products that do not limit available security features and provide tailored antivirus solutions for Mac.
5. Price (15%). It’s possible to get high-quality protection from malware without spending a fortune. We reviewed reliable antivirus service providers' plans and whether they offer reasonable prices for their products.

Best practices for boosting Mac performance and security

In addition to using a powerful antivirus program, you can try the following methods to further increase the security of your macOS device:

• Install the latest macOS updates as they often include important security patches
  
• Enable FileVault a feature encrypts your entire drive, protecting your data even if your Mac is lost or stolen

  

• Use a strong password for your Mac login
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Apple ID
• Enable the macOS firewall to block unwanted network connections

  

• Set the Gatekeeper function to allow apps from the App Store and identified developers
• Turn off sharing services you don’t use, such as File Sharing, Printer Sharing, or Remote Login

  

• Use Time Machine or another backup solution to regularly back up your data

If you notice slower speeds or other issues on your macOS device, try the following tips to boost its performance:

• Update your macOS to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes
• Use the built-in storage management tool to free up space

  

• Minimize the number of apps that launch at startup
• Use Activity Monitor to identify resource-heavy processes

  

• Clear cache and temporary files to free up space and improve performance
• Restart your Mac periodically to free up RAM

Is it safe to use a free antivirus on Mac?

Yes, it may be safe to use a free antivirus if the provider has been audited by independent companies and has a reputable background in general. However, keep your expectations in check – the free version of a premium product will have some limitations.

I suggest checking out the best free Mac antivirus services offered by our experts. That’s because many dubious free antivirus programs distribute malware.

If you’re looking for truly trustworthy antivirus protection, I recommend investing in TotalAV software. This software provides complete and trustworthy security for your Mac.

TotalAV antivirus offers excellent ransomware and malware removal for Mac. Additionally, the package includes features such as a VPN, an optimization tool to clean junk files, and a password manager. Its pricing starts from $19.00/month per year and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service out.

Video review: best antivirus for Mac

Check out our video review of the best antivirus software for macOS devices. We overview their features, performance, malware detection rates, and overall price-to-value ratio.

How Apple protects your Mac from malware

Apple has pretty good antivirus tools in place to protect you from malware. For example, this includes Gatekeeper. It's a security feature that forces every app you're installing to be digitally signed by Apple. You can install apps that are not signed, but it will require special clearance. It makes installing untrustworthy apps a multiple-step process, which means that the total number of malicious apps installed is significantly lower.

Another built-in antivirus tool is xProtect In the cases of known malware found in the macOS systems, it removes all malware automatically with every update. While this is a great addition to security, it requires a system update to clean your devices.

So, while macOS has some built-in tools to protect your devices from viruses and hacks, it doesn’t offer the same level of security as antivirus software could. Thus, we see more and more attacks on Apple devices.

Conclusion

Malware is not going anywhere, so it’s a good idea to protect your Mac with a premium antivirus. After testing dozens of antivirus programs, my top pick is TotalAV. It shows excellent malware detection rates and minimal impact on your Mac’s performance.

With a VPN, an ad blocker, and dark web monitoring, TotalAV also serves as a well-rounded online security suite. Norton 360 and Intego ONE are also great options for Mac devices. Norton 360 includes parental controls and is ideal for families. Intego ONE, on the other hand, is an antivirus designed for Macs, offering a seamless experience.

FAQ