Best antivirus software for Mac in 2024
To introduce independent antivirus software reviews that are free from undue influence or bias, we conduct thorough in-house tests and analysis. Our final assessments are based on objective criteria and empirical evidence.
We frequently repeat our tests, evaluate new features, and perform reassessments to make sure our reviews are accurate and up to date.
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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. I recommend third-party antivirus apps for Apple computers because they consistently demonstrate strong malware detection and overall performance.
After extensive in-house testing of Mac antivirus programs with real-world malware samples, I’ve found TotalAV to be the best antivirus for protecting Mac computers. If you're considering other options, check out our detailed reviews of the top alternatives.
What's the best Mac antivirus in 2024?
- TotalAV Mac Antivirus & Security – best antivirus for Mac overall
- Norton 360 Deluxe – Mac antivirus software with feature-rich security suite
- Bitdefender – privacy-focused Mac antivirus
- Intego Mac Internet Security X9 – Mac-oriented antivirus protection
- Surfshark Antivirus – Mac antivirus with great browser compatibility
Our team of researchers thoroughly tests antivirus software following a well-established testing process. In unison, our experts combine in-house and independent testing lab findings with first-hand experience to help you make informed decisions about each product. Learn how we test antivirus software.
The best Mac antivirus in 2024 – detailed list
To find the best Mac antivirus protection, we tested more than two dozen providers. Below, you'll find a detailed analysis of each provider, including key features, test results, and my personal experience with each product.
1. TotalAV Mac Antivirus & Security – the best antivirus for macOS in 2024
| Maximum devices: | 8 |
| macOS compatibility: | OS 10.9 or above |
| Price starts from: | $19.00/year |
| Current deal: | Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF |
If you're like me and want an antivirus that’s not just effective but also incredibly easy to use, TotalAV has been my go-to solution. After testing several antivirus programs, I found TotalAV offers the most seamless experience. It's simple to navigate and delivers top-tier security features.
One of my favorite 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 worked wonders in blocking ads that tend to slow down my browsing. 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 September 2024), and they backed up my experience. TotalAV scored perfectly in both protection and performance. The only minor hiccup was one false block when installing legitimate software.
TotalAV prices start at $19.00 for the first year, which then increases to $99.00/month. 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 50 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 |
| macOS compatibility: | OS 10.12 or above |
| Price starts from: | $29.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get up to 58% OFF Norton Antivirus |
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.
Norton 360 also offers a robust list of security features for Mac, 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 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%. 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 September 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/month, 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: | 15 |
| macOS compatibility: | OS 10.10 or above |
| Price starts from: | $29.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF |
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, 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, which definitely boosted my confidence in it.
Bitdefender prices for macOS start from $29.99 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 15 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 Mac Internet Security – reliable Mac protection from malware
| Maximum devices: | 5 |
| macOS compatibility: | OS 10.10 or above |
| Price starts from: | $19.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get Intego, now 60% OFF! |
If you're a Mac user like me, finding an antivirus that is suitable for macOS can be a challenge. That’s where Intego 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 on my computer.
First of all, the Intego macOS application feels really well-designed. It's packed with useful features but doesn’t feel overwhelming. For example, there is VirusBarrier, which basically works toward protecting the user from viruses, spyware, and other types of malware. I also liked how the NetBarrier worked very much like an advanced firewall. But what really surprised me was how customizable the parental controls are, making it easy to tailor it to your family’s needs.
Also, one of my favorite features was the Washing Machine. This feature helped me clean up all the junk from my computer, such as cache files, logs, and even stuff I forgot about in the Downloads folder. And then there's the Content Barrier feature, which monitors chats and blocks inappropriate websites, making it ideal for keeping kids safe online.
That said, I did find one thing about Intego a bit frustrating. Instead of everything being in one place, it splits up its features into mini apps. While this makes it easier to access specific functions, having to jump between apps was a bit annoying for me.
As far as performance goes, Intego tests showed pretty solid results. Intego detected 7 out of 10 malware samples. The quick scan took about a minute but didn’t catch any malware, while the full scan took around 5 minutes and got rid of the malware it found. CPU usage also remained pretty manageable, hovering in the range of 20-40%, so I didn't feel like my Mac was slowing down that much during scans.
As for official testing, in September 2024, AV-TEST gave it perfect scores for protection, performance, and usability. Moreover, AV-Comparatives gave it a 99.1% rating, which really confirms it’s up there with the best.
Intego prices start at $19.99 for the first year, which increases to $49.99/year after that. All plans come with a free 14-day trial and 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's worth checking out.
5. Surfshark Antivirus – versatile macOS antivirus with a VPN
| Maximum devices: | 5 |
| macOS compatibility: | OS 11.0 or above |
| Price starts from: | $34.86/year |
| Current deal: | Get Surfshark Antivirus - 86% OFF + 4 months FREE |
If you're after a well-rounded security package, 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. Also, it includes Surfshark Alert, which warns you about any data breaches.
One of the features I have found myself using a lot is Surfshark Search. It’s like using an incognito mode but better. It removes all the ads out of 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 I tested Surfshark Antivirus, I was impressed with how fast it finished the system scan, 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 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 $34.86 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. Malwarebytes – secure Mac antivirus with privacy protection features
| Maximum devices: | 20 |
| macOS compatibility: | OS 11 or above |
| Price starts from: | $44.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get Malwarebytes, now 30% OFF |
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 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, thanks to its caching system. 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 minimalist 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 and achieved excellent results on AVLabs’s test. However, its presence in major testing labs remains limited.
As for pricing, plans start at $44.99/month. 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.
7. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac – robust antivirus with free version for Mac
| Maximum devices: | 50 |
| macOS compatibility: | OS 10.10 or above |
| Price starts from: | $26.99/year |
| Current deal: | Get 1 year of Avira at 58% OFF |
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.
The password manager is a nice touch, and while the VPN was useful, the 500MB monthly data cap felt pretty limited. It’s nowhere near Norton’s or Surfshark’s unlimited VPN, 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 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 $26.99/month 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.
8. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac – easy-to-use macOS antivirus
| Maximum devices: | 10 |
| macOS compatibility: | OS 10.12 or above |
| Price starts from: | $19.95/year |
| Current deal: | Get Trend Micro, now 54% OFF |
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 thrilled with 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 with Trend Micro, it detected 8 out of 10 malware samples, missing two keylogger threats. That was a bit concerning, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me since the full scan did a thorough job.
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 $19.95/month 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.
9. MacKeeper (Clario) – a Mac-dedicated antivirus
| Maximum devices: | 3 |
| macOS compatibility: | OS 10.13 or above |
| Price starts from: | From $71.40/year |
| Current deal: | Get up to 75% OFF Mackeeper! |
If you are looking for a feature-rich Mac-specific antivirus, MacKeeper is worth a try. It has industry-standard security and a pretty solid set of protection features that really caught my eye.
While testing MacKeeper, I noticed it offers full and custom scans, but weirdly, there’s no quick scan option. Also, MacKeeper doesn’t show exactly how many files were scanned, so you’re kind of left wondering whether your entire system was checked or not.
That said, it does offer some useful tools. The Update Tracker is one of my favorites, which checks if any of your apps are outdated up to 5 times a day. I also liked the Login Item scanner, which helps you spot potentially malicious apps or attachments running in the background so you can stop them before they cause problems.
MacKeeper goes a step further with features like ID Theft Guard, which monitors for data breaches, a built-in VPN, and an ad blocker for both Chrome and Safari. On top of that, it has a memory cleaner that frees up RAM in real-time and a smart uninstaller to help you get rid of apps you’re no longer using.
What I didn’t like about MacKeeper, though, was that it doesn’t include essential protections like web protection, a firewall, a vulnerability scanner, or parental controls. These are features I’ve come to expect from top-tier antivirus providers like Bitdefender and Avira, so it felt like MacKeeper was falling short here.
In terms of performance, it’s hard to find recent independent test results for MacKeeper. However, during in-house tests, it only detected potentially unwanted applications and riskware, and applications with older versions were detected as scareware.
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 3 devices. 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
When choosing the right antivirus for macOS it’s important to know what to look for. I recommend starting by looking at performance reviews to see how the antivirus affects your Mac’s speed and how effective the antivirus is at detecting and removing malware. AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives run performance tests that can help with this. You might also want to take advantage of free trials to see if the software slows down your computer during scans or everyday use.
If you're after the best value or comprehensive security, check the extra features the providers offer. Many antivirus programs offer add-ons like VPNs, firewall protection, web browsing safety, email scanning, parental controls, and password managers, which can further enhance your security.
Moreover, make sure the antivirus gets regular updates to its virus definitions and database. You can look for them on the providers' official websites. 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 and any other devices you might want to protect, like smartphones or tablets. 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. A user-friendly interface makes it easier to stay protected without hassle.
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 |
| 1. TotalAV | 92.7% | 8 | ✅ Yes | Light | Moderate | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 2. Norton | 95.3% | 10 | ✅ Yes | Moderate | Heavy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| 3. Bitdefender | 95.3% | 15 | ✅ Yes | Moderate | Heavy | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 4. Intego | 70% | 5 | ✅ Yes | Moderate | Moderate | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| 5. Surfshark AV | 90.7% | 5 | ✅ Yes | Heavy | Heavy | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| 6. Malwarebytes | 50% | 20 | ✅ Yes | Light | Very Light | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 7. Avira | 95% | 50 | ✅ Yes | Light | Light | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 8. Trend Micro | 80% | 10 | ✅ Yes | Moderate | Heavy | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| 9. MacKeeper | 95% | 3 | ✅ Yes | Light | Moderate | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
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 this Mac antivirus software. Here’s what we focused on when selecting best antivirus for macOS:
- 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 an antivirus scan on the system.
- Independent lab testing (25%). We checked tests conducted by AV-Test and AV-Comperatives. These websites regularly check performance, usability, and antivirus protection. The best ones should score the maximum points in each category to be classified as top security tools.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Why 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 operating system.
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.
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:
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Install the latest macOS updates as they often include important security patches.
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Enable FileVault. This 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.
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Enable the macOS firewall to block unwanted network connections.
- Set the Gatekeeper function to allow apps from the App Store and identified developers.
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Turn off sharing services you don’t use, such as File Sharing, Printer Sharing, or Remote Login.
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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.
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Use the built-in storage management tool to free up space.
- Minimize the number of apps that launch at startup.
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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.
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Optimize system preferences.
- Keep your desktop organized.
- Close unused applications.
- Use Finder to identify and delete large files that you no longer need.
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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 hasr 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 and comes with a 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.
What is the best antivirus for Mac?
With the continuously increasing number of malware on Apple devices, I recommend protecting your Mac with a robust antivirus. While TotalAV is the best Mac solution overall, 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.
FAQ
Does Mac come with antivirus installed?
Yes, all Macs have built-in antivirus functionality in their File Quarantine. It's called XProtect, and it’s included on all systems, starting with macOS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. It's now counting 15 years of being the first barrier of your system's protection.
What virus cleaner does Apple recommend?
Apple has in-built antivirus technology called XProtect on all macOS devices. However, it only detects known viruses and might miss new ones. Third-party providers that specialize in cybersecurity, such as TotalAV, are more beneficial, as they frequently update their products and include additional security features.
Which Mac antivirus is best for malware protection?
Norton 360 and Malwarebytes provide the best malware protection. Based on our test results, these providers detect 95.3% of malware during full scans, quickly quarante or remove them, ensuring your Mac stays secure against even the most persistent malware.
Which Mac antivirus has the best phishing protection?
Norton 360 and Bitdefender offer top-notch phishing protection, blocking malicious sites and emails to safeguard your sensitive information from phishing attempts and online scams.
