Best antivirus software for Mac in 2024

While Macs and MacBooks are perceived as less vulnerable to malware attacks than Windows devices, they are being increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. This is why it’s important to use specialized antivirus products in addition to Mac’s built-in protection tools.

Although the XProtect system on macOS is relatively secure, it’s insufficient against all threats. Third-party antivirus apps are recommended for Mac devices due to their regular testing malware detection capabilities and overall performance.

To help you choose the best protection on Mac based on your needs, I spent days rigorously evaluating top antivirus providers for their effectiveness on my Mac. With the help of researchers, I provide you with top recommendations.

What's the best antivirus for macOS?

1. TotalAV Mac Antivirus & Security – overall the best antivirus for Mac in 2024
2. Norton 360 Deluxe – Mac antivirus software with feature-rich security suite
3. Malwarebytes – privacy-focused Mac antivirus
4. Intego Mac Internet Security X9 – Mac-oriented antivirus protection
5. Surfshark Antivirus – Mac antivirus with great browser compatibility

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Do Macs need antivirus software?

In the past, Macs were less targeted by malware, leading some to believe they didn’t need another reliable antivirus. But things have changed. As Macs become more popular, cybercriminals are turning to this overlooked platform.

Why is this happening? While Windows has been the dominant 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 Macs because there's a lot of competition in the Windows world.

A survey by Moonlock found that over 50% of people have experienced malware, hacking, or fraud on Macs. While built-in technologies like Gatekeeper and XProtect offer some protection for Mac, they have their own 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.

To put it simply, you need antivirus software for your Mac. Apple’s security measures are okay, but antivirus adds an extra layer of security. With the rise in Mac-focused cybercrime, it’s not something to ignore.

Expert comment

Šarūnas Karbauskas

Security advocate and senior tech writer

Good antivirus software beats built-in device or OS security measures with its reliability, frequent updates, and extra features. It's easy to use and can be adjusted to fit anyone's needs. When choosing, I look for added security perks like dark web monitoring to get immediate notifications if I'm a victim of a data breach. Also, it's vital to choose products with a good reputation and great overall value.

That's why I suggest TotalAV or any other antivirus software on this list. They meet all my security needs and offer an excellent price-to-performance ratio.

The best Mac antivirus in 2024 – detailed list

We tested 26 antivirus programs with Mac so you don’t have to. When testing, we looked into their threat protection rates and security settings, ran some in-house tests, and looked at functionalities that a regular user would require, like a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use apps. We also evaluated overall performance and features.

1. TotalAV Mac Antivirus & Security – the best antivirus for macOS in 2024

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TotalAV is the best antivirus for Mac due to its strong real-time protection and excellent malware scan selection. Most importantly, it ensures 100% success in removing malware.

The latest independent tests on macOS with TotalAV were conducted in 2022 by AV-TEST. It returned zero false detections during a system scan and received perfect scores in all categories: protection, performance, and usability.

During our in-house TotalAV testing, its real-time scanning caught 90% of the malware samples we had planted and identified samples from live websites as they were downloaded. The System scan took only 6 minutes and caught all zero-day attacks and 4-week-old malware threats, as well as our device vulnerabilities (like old installations and duplicate files). The only minor downside was a spike of 99% in the CPU resources, but it dropped quickly.

TotalAV offers one of the most feature-rich desktop apps among the providers on this list that’s also well organized and easy to navigate. I found the System Tune-up tool very useful, as it quickly removed all duplicate and junk files from my Mac computer. I also liked TotalAV’s effective ad and tracker blocking – it figured out which websites needed specific JavaScript and got rid of the ads without any issues or slowing down browsing.

TotalAV prices start at $19.00 for the first year, which then increases to $99.00/year. 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 recommend opting for other leading antivirus providers like Avira (up to 50 devices).

Overall, TotalAV is a solid option for Mac users who need all-around protection for an affordable price.

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

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Norton 360 is another great antivirus for Macs due to its highly effective malware detection and removal. Based on my tests, I found this program very intuitive to use, with all essential security features.

This antivirus has several scan options, as well as the option to scan for junk files, which could be useful if you notice that your Mac’s performance has reduced. The core antivirus engine offers real-time protection, powered by AI and machine learning, to find and stop new malware.

According to the newest AV-TEST 2024 results, Norton 360 for Mac blocks 100% of malware. It received the maximum score of 6.0 in the protection, performance, and usability categories.

During our Norton 360 tests, it caught all the trickiest macOS malware types. However, note that the full system scan took over 10 minutes and 70-100% CPU load, which is more than what we saw with TotalAV.

Norton 360’s list of security features for Mac includes a smart firewall to prevent unauthorized access, parental controls, cloud backup, and more. I liked the system optimization tool, which quickly cleans up and optimizes the device's performance. While this feature is not unique to Norton 360, as TotalAV and Intego also have it, I liked that it’s easy to understand and navigate. I also appreciated Norton's dark web monitoring, as it informs if any user data has been leaked or breached. Additionally, you get a VPN with your subscription.

I didn’t like that Norton takes you to the browser and provider dashboard for certain features (like parental controls or Dark Web Monitoring), which can quickly become inconvenient.

Norton 360 Deluxe for Mac offers a 7-day free trial. The subscription price starts at $49.99 for the first year for 5 devices, and you get a 60-day money-back guarantee. After the first year, the price increases to $119.99/year.

Norton 360 is great for beginners as it has an intuitive and easy-to-use design but doesn’t compromise on features.

3. Malwarebytes – secure Mac antivirus with privacy protection features

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Malwarebytes is a lightweight Mac antivirus with a fully-developed VPN in its Premium plan. Additionally, it utilizes the Security Advisor dashboard to inform the user of Mac cybersecurity issues.

On MacOS, Malwarebytes offers only 1 scan option. Though they don't specify, it seems to be a quick scan because it finishes in a few seconds and checks just a couple of thousand files due to the caching system.

There are no recent independent tests of the Malwarebytes Mac version. However, during our in-house Malwarebytes testing, it detected all 10 malicious files we had planted and did so very quickly with low CPU usage.

Unfortunately, when testing Malwarebytes on macOS, I realized it's a very empty application compared to feature-rich providers like TotalAV and Norton 360, but I appreciated its focus on privacy. There's a free Browser Guard web extension that blocks dangerous links and malicious sites, turns off ads, and neutralizes trackers. Furthermore, premium subscribers can use its Privacy VPN for secure, unrestricted internet access and public Wi-Fi safety. Malwarebytes also has the App Blocks feature, which blocks applications from unidentified developers. However, it's not so special because macOS already does that.

Malwarebytes plans start at $44.99/year. It doesn’t offer a first-year discount, but you can make use of its 14-day free trial and a lengthy 60-day money-back guarantee.

Malwarebytes is a good option for users looking for a simple Mac antivirus program that doesn’t overwhelm with features but offers reliable performance and advanced privacy protection.

4. Intego Mac Internet Security – reliable Mac protection from malware

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Intego was initially developed specifically for macOS devices, keeping the features and app design in mind. This ensures good performance and ease of use on your Mac device.

Like most providers, Intego offers quick and full scans. During the latest AV-TEST, it didn’t perform as well as the top providers on this list, Norton and TotalAV. It lost points in protection and performance, meaning that it slows down standard software applications. However, it scored 99.1% for malware protection on AV-Comparatives.

Our in-house Intego tests showed good results. It detected 8 out of 10 malicious files, achieving an 80% protection rate. The quick scan quarantined 6 out of 10 malware samples, while the full scan identified and removed 8 out of 10 samples, showing an 80% success rate.

The Intego macOS app is well designed with extra features. VirusBarrier prevents viruses, spyware, and other malware from targeting your device. NetBarrier acts as an advanced firewall, personal backup, parental controls, and more. I was impressed with Intego’s parental controls feature – it doesn’t require a separate app and has a lot of customization options. Moreover, I appreciated the Washing Machine feature, which deletes unused files in caches, downloads, logs, and trash to free up space.

What I didn’t like about the Intego macOS app is that it’s installed as 5 different mini apps for different functions. While it makes accessing these functions easier, I found jumping from app to app inconvenient.

Intego prices start at $19.99 for the first year, which increases to $49.99/year after that. All plans come with a free 7-day trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Users looking for a Mac-focused antivirus will appreciate Intego for its good protection capabilities and an extensive list of features designed with Mac users in mind.

5. Surfshark Antivirus – versatile macOS antivirus with a VPN

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Surfshark Antivirus provides decent real-time protection for Macs from all types of online threats for an affordable price. Plus, it comes with an excellent VPN for additional privacy and identity protection.

Surfshark has full, quick, and folder scans. I liked that with the folder scan, you can easily drag and drop the files you want to scan for threats.

While Surfshark for Windows has earned the prestigious Top Product award from AV-TEST for its exceptional performance, antivirus hasn’t been independently tested on macOS. Our own testing showed good performance but not as high as, for example, Norton and TotalAV. It found 9 out of 10 threats, and the full scan took 25 minutes. On the plus side, the CPU load was rather low, only 22%, with momentary spikes that didn’t interfere much with our device use.

However, it's important to note that Surfshark’s performance on Windows has been rigorously evaluated, earning the Top Product award from AV-TEST.

Surfshark is not as feature-rich as other competitors. Its main advantage is that its packages include Surfshark VPN, one of the top VPNs on the market. I also liked the Surfshark Alert feature, which warns you about any data breaches so you can take action before any damage is done. It’s comparable to Norton’s dark web monitoring – the interface is clean, simple, and easy to use.

If you’re not a fan of Google ads, Surfshark Search will let you browse ad-free and anonymously (without collecting your data). I tested this feature and didn’t encounter any ads while browsing.

The main thing I didn’t like about Surfshark Antivirus is that it doesn’t have a firewall or device optimization tools like other antiviruses, such as TotalAV or Norton.

Surfshark Antivirus prices start at $50.85 for the first 15 months and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. After the initial period, the price increases to $239.25/year.

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

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

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Bitdefender is one of the top antiviruses for Macs on the market, with high performance and a good set of features.

Bitdefender antivirus offers all essential scan types, as well as real-time protection. Just like TotalAV, Bitdefender also offers a Smart scan for Mac users to find system vulnerabilities.

AV-TEST independent testing gave Bitdefender maximum scores in all categories, while AV-Comparatives gave it 100% for Mac protection.

During our in-house Bitdefender tests, it detected 9 out of 10 malicious files. The full scan spiked at only 50% of the CPU load at the highest, which is much less than TotalAV’s and Norton's results. This ensures that your device’s speed and performance remain mostly unaffected.

Bitdefender comes with features like a VPN, anti-theft, and anti-tracker. Moreover, Bitdefender has a trustworthy ad blocker that blocks ads and trackers from targeting your data. I found this feature to be easy to use and was able to customize the settings quite a lot. I also liked the Safe Files feature, which is exclusive to macOS. It lets you pick which folders are important so the antivirus keeps them safe from ransomware attacks. Plus, it protects your personal info and lets you decide which apps can make changes to those files.

However, unlike Norton 360 and TotalAV, Bitdefender lacks system optimization tools on Mac. What was also inconvenient for me was that, just like with Norton, you must download a separate app for the parental controls tool.

Bitdefender prices for macOS start from $9.99 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 5 devices, but you can scale your subscription and secure up to 15 devices total.

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

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

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Avira antivirus is one of the best free Antivirus programs for Mac. It has powerful features like real-time protection and in-depth scans and includes a password manager and a VPN.

Avira offers all essential scans, as well as a real-time virus scan that analyzes all files you use or click. Suspicious items are placed into quarantine, where you can safely delete them.

The newest AV-TEST review revealed that Avira excels in performance and usability but loses half a point in protection. However, AV-Comparatives confirmed the effectiveness of this antivirus – for Mac malware protection, Avira scored 99%.

In our own Avira tests, the antivirus detected all 10 malicious files with a quick scan. However, during the full scan, the CPU load was rather high, varying from 54% to 86%, and it took a whole 35 mins, which was longer than with TotalAV, for comparison.

In terms of features, I liked that Avira has a Web protection feature that prevents threats like phishing, spam, and bad links, Email protection, and Ransomware protection, all under the same Protection options tab. Additionally, there’s a junk remover, which can quickly and efficiently remove duplicates and temporary files.

Avira also includes a password manager and VPN. However, I found the VPN’s monthly 500MB data cap very limited compared to Norton’s unlimited VPN.

Plus, while Avira’s free version offers many features for free, most need a paid subscription, limiting its usefulness, and the constant ads can be annoying.

Avira’s paid plans start from $26.99/year and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. After the first year, the price increases to $44.99/year. The free version is available for Mac, but it doesn’t include email or internet protection.

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

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

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Trend Micro is a solid antivirus option for Mac that uses AI to block viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. It shows high overall performance and has a user-friendly design.

While Trend Micro offers good scan options, there are no extras, which you’d get with providers ranked higher on this list. For example, TotalAV and Norton 360 offer folder and vulnerability scans.

The latest AV-TEST on Trend Micro showed perfect results in all categories: protection, performance, and usability. Additionally, AV-Comparatives gave it 100% in Mac malware protection.

During our in-house Trend Micro tests, the quick scan caught 10 out of 10 threats. However, the impact on device performance was highly noticeable, which is a drawback, especially compared to lighter antivirus options like TotalAV or Bitdefender. On the other hand, the full scan had a low impact on system performance and took 44 minutes to complete.

Unfortunately, Trend Micro doesn't offer as many features as Norton or TotalAV. For instance, it doesn't have an anti-phishing tool, which is unusual nowadays. With premium subscription plans, you can get a VPN or password manager. However, the VPN has slow connection speeds, so it won’t be fit for streaming or torrenting.

One feature I liked was the Website Filter, which stops you from accessing unwanted or suspicious sites on your Mac. I think it’s a great parental control tool. Plus, it allows you to choose from categories like Child, Pre-teen, and Teen, depending on age groups.

The cheapest Trend Micro subscription plan starts at $19.95/year and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. After the first year, the price increases to $39.95/year. It’s somewhat pricy, considering that the plan only covers 1 device and has very basic features.

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.

9. MacKeeper (Clario) – a Mac-dedicated antivirus

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MacKeeper is an antivirus specifically designed for Mac devices. It uses industry-standard security, supplementing it with a good set of protection features.

There are full and custom scans available but no quick scan. Note that MacKeeper also doesn’t show how many files were scanned exactly, so you won’t know for sure if your whole system was scanned.

MacKeeper’s performance hasn’t been evaluated by AV-TEST independent tests in recent years. However, AV-Comparatives tests showed that MacKeeper successfully blocked 100% of the malware threats planted. During our in-house MacKeeper tests, it only detected potentially unwanted applications and riskware, and applications with older versions were detected as scareware.

MacKeeper offers quite a few features. I liked the Update Tracker, which checks if any of your apps are outdated up to 5 times a day, and the Login item scanner, which lets you identify what potentially malicious apps or app attachments are running in the background and stop them. MacKeeper also has the ID Theft Guard, which monitors for any data breaches, as well as a built-in VPN and an ad blocker extension for Chrome and Safari.

What I didn’t like about MacKeeper, though, was that it lacks such important protection features as web protection and parental controls, which are available with higher-ranked providers like Bitdefender and Avira.

MacKeeper prices start at $71.40 for the first year and come with a 14-day money-back guarantee. After the first year, the price renews at $119.40/year. This makes MacKeeper the most expensive Mac antivirus on this list, especially considering that it lacks some essential features and the cheapest plan only allows 1 device. For a better price-to-value ratio, I recommend TotalAV or Norton 360.

However, if you’re looking for an antivirus specifically designed for macOS with good performance, MacKeeper might be a good option for your Mac.

How to choose the best Mac antivirus?

Picking the right antivirus for macOS can feel tricky at first. With so many choices out there for safeguarding against malware and offering extra features for different devices, how do you figure out which one fits your needs?

• Check out reviews or performance tests to see how the antivirus affects your macOS speed. You can dive into AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives for these tests. Also, you can opt for free trials to check if it slows down your computer during scans or regular use.
• See what extra security features the antivirus offers. Things like a VPN, password manager, or other protection features can give your devices an added layer of security.
• Look at what else the antivirus offers, like firewall protection, web browsing safety, email scanning, parental controls, and secure browsing. Choose the features that match your needs.
• Research how well the antivirus catches different types of malware, such as viruses, trojans, worms, and ransomware. Check out independent tests, like AV-TEST and user reviews, to see how effective it is at finding and removing threats.
• Make sure the antivirus gets regular updates to its virus definitions and database. Product updates are key for staying safe against the latest threats. You can look for them on the official websites of providers. Also, check reputable online sources to see if there are any worries about data breaches or threats to privacy.
• Make sure the antivirus works with your operating system (in this case, macOS) and any other devices you want to protect, such as smartphones or tablets.
• Try a trial version or look at our reviews to see how easy the antivirus is to install, use, and navigate. A simple interface makes it easier to stay protected without hassle.

Considering these things will help you pick an antivirus for Mac that keeps you safe without making things complicated.

Best Mac antivirus software compared

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How we tested the best antivirus software for Mac

Not all antivirus programs offer the same package of security tools and protection solutions. For this reason, we have carefully tested 25 different products to find you the best antivirus software for Mac. Each antivirus program was installed on the Mac Mini with a 3.81GHz M1 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 215GB of storage.

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 this Mac antivirus software. Check the process of how we tested antivirus for macOS:

1. We set up each antivirus software on a macOS device. Each antivirus program was installed on the MacBook Pro with Apple M2 Pro, 8GB RAM, almost 270GB of storage, OS – Ventura 13.5.
2. Secondly, we planted malicious files on a macOS device. We downloaded all types of malware – spyware, adware, trojans, and worms – to test the antivirus software capabilities for detecting ransomware and then ran an antivirus scan on the system.
3. We checked malware detection rates. Independent testing labs, like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, regularly check Mac capabilities, performance, usability, and virus protection. The best ones should score the maximum points in each category to be classified as top security tools.
4. We monitored real-time protection. New cyber threats 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.
5. We explored available features. Antivirus applications that are rated as top products overall don't necessarily provide the same protection tools for macOS as for Windows. We only selected the products that do not limit available security features and provide tailored antivirus solutions for Mac.
6. We evaluated the product’s price and affordability. 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. They often include important security patches.
• Enable FileVault. It 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.
• Check and manage app permissions regularly.
• 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.
• Optimize system preferences.
• Keep your desktop organized.
• Close unused applications.
• Use Finder to identify and delete large files that you no longer need.
• Optimize Safari by clearing its cache and disabling unnecessary extensions.
• Disable FileVault (only if performance is more critical than security for you).

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 is known for a reputable background in general. However, keep your expectations in check – the free version of a premium product will have some limitations.

We suggest checking out the best Mac free 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, we 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. It comes at a great price (from $19.00/year) for the package. But you can also make use of the 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service out.

Video review: Best antivirus software 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 a malware removal tool. 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 an antivirus software could. Thus, we see more and more attacks on Apple devices.

Which antivirus do we recommend for Mac?

With the continuously increasing number of malware on Apple devices, we recommend protecting your Mac with a robust antivirus. Based on extensive testing, our top solution overall is TotalAV, while the other providers on our list may be more suited to specific user groups or needs.

TotalAV stood out with virtually flawless malware detection rates. It also has a low impact on your device's CPU, so your performance won't suffer. Plus, with extra security perks like dark web monitoring, you can relax knowing you're protected from threats. With all the important security features and top test scores, TotalAV is definitely the best antivirus for Macs out there.

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