Updated on: December 12, 2024
Short on time? Here's the best Mac antivirus in 2024
- 🥇 Intego : Exclusive macOS antivirus software with 100% detection rates, a firewall, Wi-Fi protections, a Mac optimizer, advanced backup tools, and parental controls.
I tested the most popular antiviruses for Mac to find the ones that offer the best protection — ones that are good at detecting and blocking cyber threats that target Macs, while also improving upon Apple’s built-in protections.
Most antiviruses only focus on Windows protection, overlooking security features for Mac. However, I did find a few Mac antiviruses that are significantly better than the rest, with features like real-time malware detection, ransomware protection, web protection, network firewalls, and Mac cleanup and optimization tools.
Each antivirus on this list adds more functionality to Apple’s built-in security features, with things like advanced firewall protection and safer browsing with Safari, and many even have better backup functionality than Apple’s Time Machine.
They also provide protection against phishing attacks, browser hijackers, adware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), as these are among the most frequent attacks that target Mac users. While my #1 pick is Intego, all the products on my list are affordable, easy to use, and 100% secure. Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group.
TRY INTEGO (30 DAYS RISK-FREE)
Quick Summary of the Best Mac Antivirus Software for 2024
🥇1. Intego — Best Overall Mac Antivirus of 2024
Intego is by far the best antivirus program specifically designed for macOS — it has perfect malware detection rates, and it comes with a wide range of Mac-focused cybersecurity and optimization features. It’s very easy to use, so new users won’t have any issues accessing and using all of its features, but it also provides a ton of customization options, making it a good choice for advanced users too.
Intego detected and blocked 100% of the most advanced Mac-based malware I could find, while returning 0 false positives. You can also run virus scans on any connected external drives or iOS devices (including the latest iPhone), which is super handy.
Intego doesn’t only detect Mac-targeted threats, but it can also identify PC-based malware, so there’s no risk of you unknowingly spreading infected files to your other devices.
Intego’s malware scanner is also very fast. My first full scan took just 1 hour to analyze over 2 million files on my Mac (which is much quicker than a lot of top antiviruses), but better still, subsequent scans were even quicker because Intego uses file-caching technology — meaning that after the initial full system scan, it skips over previously scanned files that it knows are safe. Norton also uses file-caching, while most other antiviruses on this list don’t, so this is a definite plus. I tested Intego on my M1 MacBook Air and didn’t notice any battery drain, either, even when performing a full scan only on battery power.
Intego also has:
- Real-time malware protection.
- Smart firewall.
- Parental controls.
- Mac cleanup and optimization.
- Backup tools.
- VPN (separate purchase).
I really like Intego’s firewall, NetBarrier, which is far more advanced than the built-in macOS firewall. NetBarrier automatically changes the firewall settings depending on your network connection and also allows users to easily block or give permission to programs trying to connect to the internet — stopping sketchy apps from sending your personal data to unwanted areas of the web. Firewalls are an important safety feature, and Intego’s is one of the best.
Intego’s additional tools are also really useful. The optimization tools and parental controls work well, and I was really impressed by Intego’s backup feature, Personal Backup — it’s like Apple’s Time Machine, but so much better! Personal Backup not only makes restoring a previous backup super easy, but it also lets you customize different scan schedules for various files, folders, or types of media. It also enables you to create a bootable backup (including your entire OS) so you can easily rebuild your Mac on a new device, and if you regularly use 2 separate devices, you can even synchronize between 2 Macs so they’ll both always have your latest files.
Intego offers 3 affordable plans to choose from (and they all come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee). Intego’s cheapest plan, Mac Internet Security X9, includes essential antivirus protection alongside Intego’s firewall for $19.99 / year. The mid-tier plan, Mac Security and Performance adds the cleanup and optimization tools for $26.99 / year. Finally, the more advanced Mac Premium Bundle X9 adds parental controls and the Personal Backup feature for $34.99 / year. You can add Intego’s VPN to each plan for an additional cost, too, and purchase all plans for 1, 3, or 5 Macs. All Intego plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Intego is the best antivirus for Mac users — offering excellent Mac-based malware detection rates, a range of advanced internet security protections, and really good Mac cleanup and optimization tools. All of Intego’s additional features massively improve upon Apple’s built-in security features, and you can try them all risk-free using Intego’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
🥈2. TotalAV — Best for Ease of Use
TotalAV comes with strong internet security and an attractive user interface. Its antivirus engine performed almost perfectly during my tests, identifying all Mac-based malware samples. However, TotalAV’s real-time engine failed to stop a couple of simulated zero-day malware attacks that Intego blocked. That being said, TotalAV’s cloud-based scanner outperforms macOS’s built-in security features in detecting zero-day threats, while also reducing battery drain on MacBooks.
One thing that sets TotalAV apart from the competition — it’s really easy to use! TotalAV bundles all features into one easy-to-navigate dashboard, which is perfect for people who aren’t too tech-savvy. I also appreciate its cross-platform compatibility with iOS, Android, and Windows in case you own any of those devices as well.
TotalAV includes:
- Mac cleanup and optimization.
- VPN with unlimited data (included with the top 2 plans).
- Web protection.
- Password manager.
- Ad blocker.
- Data breach monitoring.
- Identity theft protection (US only).
I really like TotalAV’s Mac optimization tools, which include junk file removal, a startup program manager, and a browser manager. The junk file removal tool efficiently eliminates unnecessary files, thereby freeing up additional storage space on your system. With the startup program manager, you gain control over which applications launch at startup, potentially reducing your Mac’s boot time. Additionally, the browser manager allows you to manage browser extensions and cookies effectively, which, during testing, significantly improved my Safari browsing experience on my MacBook Air.
The VPN is one of the best around — it comes with unlimited data and is also one of the fastest VPNs that comes bundled with an antivirus — I noticed no slowdown or lag during streaming, downloading, or browsing on my M1 MacBook Air.
TotalAV also provides decent web protection that is designed to block phishing attacks and other dangerous websites. TotalAV’s web protection performed relatively well in my tests, blocking the majority of the fake and dangerous sites I tried to visit, but I prefer Norton’s anti-phishing protection, which is more advanced.
The best-value package is Internet Security ($39.00 / year) — it covers 6 devices and also includes the VPN. And the Total Security package ($49.00 / year) covers 8 devices and adds an ad blocker and a password manager. All of TotalAV’s plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
TotalAV is super easy to navigate and has a great range of security features. I really like the included VPN: it performed really well and maintained fast speeds across all servers. While I think Norton’s web protection is better than TotalAV’s, TotalAV’s is still decent. TotalAV’s packages have big first-year discounts, and all purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full TotalAV review >
🥉3. Norton 360 — Best for Web Security
Norton 360 has an advanced anti-malware engine that scored a 100% detection rate against the latest macOS malware samples on my MacBook Air. Norton’s scans were also notably faster than other antiviruses, as it uses file-caching technologies to skip over previously scanned files, similar to Intego. Thanks to that same file-caching tech, I noticed no battery drain during scans, either.
Norton 360 also offers a variety of features for Macs, including:
- Web security browser extension.
- Private browser.
- Privacy monitor.
- Smart firewall.
- Dark web monitoring.
- Password manager.
- VPN with unlimited data (included with all 360 plans).
- Mac cleaning tools.
Norton’s range of web security browser extensions includes “Safe Web” (compatible with Safari, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox) and “Safe Search” (available for Safari, Firefox, and Chrome).
Safe Search was okay, but it missed a few malicious sites and had a few false positives. Safe Web, however, is excellent — it detected all the phishing sites in my tests, including a number that Chrome and Safari missed. It can also detect malicious links on social platforms and protect your online banking sessions on select sites (PayPal, for example).
Norton Private Browser has all of Norton’s web protections pre-installed, making it very convenient for users who are less proficient with technology. I like that it’s compatible with older macOS versions such as Catalina, Big Sur, and Monterey — preventing issues with software incompatibility on older devices. Moreover, Norton will also work with all your Windows PCs and Android and iOS devices.
Norton’s password manager makes it really easy to store logins and keep passwords updated, while Norton’s VPN is simply excellent — fast, secure, and includes unlimited data on all 360 plans. It also works with most streaming sites and allows torrenting on dedicated servers.
Starting at $39.99 / year*, Norton 360 Standard is the best-value plan for most Mac users: it covers 1 device (3 in the US) and includes antivirus and web protection, device optimization tools, the VPN, and the password manager. Norton 360 Deluxe ($49.99 / year*) offers coverage for up to 5 devices and adds the privacy monitor, parental controls, and 50 GB cloud storage (but the cloud storage and parental controls don’t work on Mac). Norton 360 with LifeLock plans adds identity theft protection and alerts, credit monitoring, and $1 million coverage for identity theft damages (available only for US users), and covers up to 10 devices. Norton backs all purchases with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Norton 360 for Mac offers robust malware protection and several online security tools. I particularly like Norton’s web security browser extensions that improve upon Safari’s built-in protections, and I’m also a fan of its password manager and VPN. However, Norton could improve its macOS software, which currently doesn’t offer parental controls or cloud storage. That said, Norton still offers a high level of Mac protection, and you can try it risk-free for 60 days.
4. McAfee Total Protection — Good Anti-Malware Engine & Cybersecurity Protections
McAfee has a reliable anti-malware engine for Mac — it blocked all of the macOS malware samples and ransomware simulations that I launched during my tests, even detecting well-hidden keyloggers and spyware. While McAfee’s macOS software doesn’t have as many additional tools or functions as its Windows version, it does have a decent selection of useful extra security features. If you’re in a household with other devices, there’s also an iOS, Android, and Windows app for McAfee.
The web protection for Mac is outstanding. McAfee successfully blocked all of the dangerous sites and phishing pages I tried to access during my tests. The in-built web protection only works on Chrome and Safari, but there are also browser extensions available for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge that add extra features — like color coding risky sites before you click on them or alerting you if you mistype a URL. WebAdvisor also scans your downloads and alerts you if your firewall and antivirus are off before you start surfing the web.
You also get several additional features, and they all offer major improvements to the in-built macOS security features, such as:
- Real-time malware protection.
- Scheduled antivirus scans.
- Network firewall.
- Web protection tools.
- Anti-phishing.
- Social privacy manager.
- VPN (with unlimited data).
- Password manager.
- ID theft protection (available in 30+ countries).
McAfee’s firewall is simple but effective — it blocked every network intrusion during my tests. You can allow or block incoming and outgoing traffic (unlike macOS’s built-in firewall, which only blocks incoming connections). I also like that you can set custom rules for different Wi-Fi networks and mark them as Home, Work, or Public.
McAfee’s ID theft protection, VPN, and password manager (True Key) are all useful tools, and it’s great that McAfee includes these in its various plans.
McAfee covers up to 5 devices on the Essential plan ($39.99 / year). However, you get unlimited devices on the Premium ($49.99 / year) and Advanced ($89.99 / year) plans — and you can also use the subscription to cover Windows, Android, and iOS devices and gain access to the other included (but non-macOS compatible) features. All McAfee plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
McAfee has a solid anti-malware engine that effectively protects against a wide range of Mac-based malware. I particularly like McAfee’s firewall, and its additional tools provide a good level of general internet security. McAfee Total Protection Essential can cover up to 5 devices (including PCs and smartphones), while the two other more expensive plans allow unlimited devices. McAfee also offers huge first-year discounts and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. Bitdefender — Great macOS Ransomware Protection
Bitdefender includes a very advanced anti-malware engine that uses machine learning to capture threats before they cause damage — I launched a series of ransomware and other macOS-based malware attacks, and Bitdefender blocked all of them. It also uses a fully cloud-based scanner, making Bitdefender one of the most lightweight antivirus programs available.
Bitdefender also has a pretty cool collection of extra features, including:
- Time Machine Protection.
- VPN (200 MB data per day per device).
- Web security.
- Parental controls.
- Ad blocker.
- Anti-tracker.
I was really impressed with Bitdefender’s Time Machine Protection, which protects your backup files from ransomware attacks designed to encrypt them — so even if ransomware attacked your system, you could simply restore your system and all of your files by loading up the most recent Time Machine backup!
That said, I do think Intego’s backup tools are better, as they provide more customization options and are slightly easier to use.
Bitdefender’s web security features are also very good. During my tests, these features worked seamlessly with Safari and showed me whether specific website links were safe or dangerous. It also successfully blocked all the fake websites I tried to access. Bitdefender is also one of the best antiviruses for removing adware and PUPs from Mac devices and is great at detecting and blocking ransomware.
Bitdefender comes with a good range of other useful features, including very good parental controls and a handy anti-tracker feature.
Premium Security ($63.99 / year) is Bitdefender’s best-value plan. It provides access to all of Bitdefender’s features, including a full-featured password manager, a fast and lightweight VPN with no limitations, and coverage for 10 devices. Bitdefender Total Security ($40.99 / year) is also a good value, but it comes with limited versions of the VPN and password manager and only covers 5 devices.
Bitdefender also offers a free plan for Macs, which earned a spot on our best free Mac antiviruses of 2024 list thanks to it having the same advanced anti-malware engine as the paid version. However, it doesn’t come with any other premium features or real-time protection, so it’s really only good for finding and removing any existing malware on your Mac. Bitdefender’s paid plans are backed by a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Bitdefender offers very good protection against macOS malware and ransomware. Its web security tools are good, its Time Machine Protection keeps your files safe in case of a ransomware attack, and its VPN is one of the best on the market. Bitdefender has a range of plans to choose from, and you can try them out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Bitdefender review >
6. MacKeeper — Best for Intuitive Security Management
MacKeeper is designed specifically for Macs, is very user-friendly, and its security features are some of the most intuitive I’ve ever tested.
Its antivirus scanner is really good — it detected most of the malware samples during my tests, all of which were promptly removed from my system. Another thing I really like about MacKeeper is that it didn’t slow down my device during system scans, so I could work, watch videos, and run CPU-intensive programs without any slowdown or interruptions.
MacKeeper also includes:
- VPN (with unlimited data).
- Adware cleaner.
- Ad and tracking link blocker.
- Data breach monitoring.
- Mac performance & cleanup tools.
All of MacKeeper’s internet security features are easy to use. The VPN has fast speeds, a decent server network, works with top streaming sites, and comes with unlimited data. During my tests, the ad and tracking link blocker blocked hundreds of ads and tracking links in minutes and integrated seamlessly into Safari.
I really like MacKeeper’s data breach monitoring feature, which made it very simple for me to see if any online accounts associated with my email address had been hacked. However, MacKeeper is missing a lot of important features — most specifically, a firewall and anti-phishing protection, both of which are included with Norton 360. And it also lacks the wider range of important and useful security features that the other top antiviruses offer, such as parental controls and a password manager (Intego has great parental controls). Plus, it’s more expensive than a lot of competitors, particularly considering its smaller feature set.
All MacKeeper plans include the same features, but they’re priced differently depending on the length of your subscription and the number of devices you want to protect. You can choose between a monthly subscription for 1 Mac ($10.95 / month), a yearly subscription for 1 Mac ($57.12 / year), and a yearly subscription for 3 Macs ($71.52 / year). The monthly plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee, and the yearly subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
MacKeeper has a number of security features — including a VPN, an ad and tracking link blocker, and data breach monitoring. Its antivirus scanner is also excellent, detecting most of the malware files during testing without causing any system slowdown. However, it doesn’t offer many of the tools its similarly priced competitors have. You can try out MacKeeper risk-free with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full MacKeeper review >
7. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac — Best Free Mac Antivirus
Avira Free Antivirus for Mac has one of the best malware scanners around — it caught every piece of malware I downloaded to my MacBook, it performed a full system scan in under 40 minutes (faster than most competitors), and it didn’t impact my system’s performance at all, even when I was using CPU-intensive video-editing software.
Avira also has a decent range of free features:
- Real-time malware protection.
- Anti-phishing and anti-tracking.
- VPN (500 MB per month or 1 GB with a My Avira account).
- Password manager.
- Junk remover.
Avira’s anti-phishing and anti-tracking protections are really good. They caught most of the phishing sites I tried to open and prevented companies from tracking my data while browsing. These protections are found inside Avira’s browser extension, which works really well. The only downside is that this extension isn’t available for Safari — it only works on Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. I had no problems getting Norton’s browser extension to work on Safari.
Avira’s password manager is also very good — comparable to some of the best standalone password managers and way better than Apple’s in-built password manager. And its VPN provided a private, fast, steady internet connection whenever I used it. However, Avira’s free VPN is limited to just 500 MB per month on the free plan, which is only enough for you to browse the internet for 6–7 hours per month or watch 1 episode of a TV show (so not a lot!). However, you can get unlimited data in the upgraded Prime package, which also comes with a ton of other useful features.
Avira Free Antivirus for Mac has all the basics, but users who are looking for more functionality should consider upgrading to Avira Prime, which, apart from the VPN with unlimited browsing data, also gets you advanced Mac optimization and cleaning tools, premium mobile apps, and coverage for up to 5 devices, for $59.99 / year. Avira Prime has a lengthy 60-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Avira Free Antivirus for Mac is my favorite free Mac antivirus — it has a really good malware scanner, along with excellent anti-phishing and anti-tracking protections. I also like Avira’s VPN, but 500 MB per month is barely enough to get you through 1 episode of a TV show. If you’re looking for a VPN with unlimited browsing data, you should consider Avira Prime, which also adds advanced Mac optimization features, cleaning tools, coverage for up to 5 devices, and more.
8. Panda Dome Essential — Good Choice for Beginners
Panda Dome Essential offers good protection against Mac-based malware. Its malware engine caught a little more than 98% of the malware samples during my tests (it missed a couple of tricky spyware files as well as one trojan, which top competitors like Intego and TotalAV detected). It also provides a minimal and easy-to-navigate macOS app, making it a great option for beginners and non-technical users.
However, I was disappointed with how long its malware scanner took to scan my system. Unlike most competitors, which complete full scans in 2 hours or less, Panda took over 8 hours to perform a full system scan — and because it doesn’t use file-caching technology like Intego or Norton, every scan takes just as long! That said, Panda makes it easy to schedule scans for when you’re not using your computer, which is handy.
Panda only has a couple of additional features for Mac users, including:
- Real-time malware protection.
- Anti-phishing protection.
- VPN (150 MB per day).
The anti-phishing protection blocked most of the phishing sites I tried opening during testing, which is comparable to the other brands on this list. However, the VPN is limited to a very low 150 MB per day (which is barely enough for basic browsing), and it also doesn’t let you choose the server you want to connect to — meaning if you’re unable to connect to a server that’s closest to your location, you can expect a significant drop in speed.
That’s the extent of the features in Panda’s macOS app, so it’s pretty disappointing. However, Panda’s website offers a free data breach monitoring tool and a secure password generator. And if you go for the Panda Dome Complete plan or higher, you also get access to a password manager that’s compatible with Mac via the web app.
If you go for the Panda Dome Complete plan or higher, you also get access to a password manager that’s compatible with Mac via the web app. And if you also use a PC, you’ll gain access to Panda’s wide range of Windows-compatible features, which make it a much better overall value.
Panda offers a variety of plans, starting with Panda Dome Essential ($22.50 / year), which includes the malware scanner, anti-phishing protection, and limited VPN. Panda Dome Complete ($40.50 / year) includes the password manager, plus a range of decent features for PCs, Android, and iOS — making it the best value plan if you want to cover multiple devices.
Upgrading to Panda Dome Premium ($63.00 / year) brings you an unlimited-data VPN (and you can choose the server you’re connecting to), as well as multi-device coverage across all operating systems. However, the VPN isn’t as good as the best standalone VPNs, or even the best VPNs bundled with other antiviruses, so it’s not really worth the higher price for the VPN alone. But if you want to test Panda, all its plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Panda Dome Essential provides decent protection against Mac-specific malware. It also has anti-phishing protection and a limited VPN. Upgrading to Panda Complete gets you a password manager, while Panda Premium comes with a VPN with no limitations — and both include coverage for multiple devices and a range of other non-Mac-compatible features. All Panda purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
9. Kaspersky — Decent macOS Malware Protection
Kaspersky’s Mac antivirus engine worked pretty well in my tests — it caught over 95% of the malware samples that I downloaded onto my Mac. It’s also really quick, taking just 45 minutes to perform a full disk scan during my tests, which is faster than most others on this list.
Kaspersky for Mac also has:
- Real-time protection.
- Web protection and safe online shopping.
- Webcam protection.
- VPN (unlimited data).
- Anti-phishing.
- Data leak checker.
- Hard disk monitor.
- Password manager.
I like Kaspersky’s safe online shopping feature, which ensures online shopping payments are protected from hackers. The anti-phishing protection is also very good, blocking the majority of the fake sites I visited during my tests. Kaspersky’s browser extensions are compatible with Safari as well as Chrome and Firefox.
I was also surprised to see that Kaspersky includes webcam protection for Mac users — only a handful of Mac security programs offer protection against webcam hacking. Kaspersky also has a virtual keyboard, which is a nice way to avoid potential keyloggers and something that very few antiviruses offer.
However, Kaspersky’s dark web monitoring tool is pretty minimal and only checks for a handful of items — Norton’s feature, on the other hand, scans the dark web for driver’s license information, insurance numbers, bank account numbers, and more.
Another downside is that you’ll have to look elsewhere for Mac protection if you reside in the US — the US government has banned the sale of all Kaspersky products due to suspected ties to Russia, which Kaspersky categorically denies.
The best-value plan is Kaspersky Premium ($38.99 / year), which covers 3–10 devices (20 in some countries) across all platforms. It comes with a basic but decent password manager, a VPN with unlimited data, and some excellent parental controls (although you have to pay extra for the parental controls after the first year). All plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Kaspersky offers Mac users a good level of malware protection and a handful of decent internet security tools. It has online shopping protection, webcam protection, and a VPN (with unlimited data). You can try Kaspersky risk-free by using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Kaspersky review >
10. Malwarebytes — Minimalistic Antivirus for Mac Users
Malwarebytes for Mac comes with a good malware scanner with real-time and web protection — but not much else. During my tests, Malwarebytes identified around 90% of the malware I downloaded to my Mac computer, which is a good result, but not as good as Intego or TotalAV.
When it comes to web protection, Malwarebytes did a decent job blocking malicious sites, as well as removing ads and preventing ad trackers from collecting my data. However, the web protection is only available as a free browser extension for Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Malwarebytes has system-wide web protection for its Windows app, and I’d like to see it implemented in the Mac app as well.
Malwarebytes is very easy to use, so it’s a decent choice for people looking for a simple way to protect their Mac from malware. But it’s missing a lot of features I expect to see in premium antivirus suites — including a firewall, data breach monitoring, device optimization tools, parental controls, and a password manager.
Malwarebytes Standard starts at $44.99 / year for 1 Mac (you can also opt for a plan that covers up to 20 devices across all operating systems). While I prefer antivirus software with additional features, Malwarebytes is still a solid choice for users who only want basic security. It’s also a good option for non-tech-savvy users, although I think TotalAV or Avira are better for people new to antiviruses.
There’s also Plus, which adds a good VPN for $59.99 / year. The VPN has unlimited data, fast speeds, and servers in 40+ countries, but it doesn’t work with the most popular streaming apps. All Malwarebytes purchases come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Malwarebytes for Mac provides a good malware scanner with real-time and web protection. It’s a straightforward choice for Mac users prioritizing simplicity and fundamental protections, with the option to upgrade for broader security coverage. Malwarebytes backs all purchases with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Malwarebytes review >
Bonus. Sophos — Easy-to-Use Antivirus for Mac
Sophos for Mac is super easy to use. Its malware scanner performed really well in my tests and removed the majority of malware samples from my MacBook Air. It also stopped most of the simulated ransomware attacks I launched against it and prevented me from downloading an archive containing 1,000s of Mac-based malware samples.
Its remote management platform allowed me to schedule and initiate malware scans quickly, even when I was away from my computer, and I really like how I could remotely control the protections on my iOS device.
However, Sophos for Mac lacks many of the advanced features in the Windows version. For example, it doesn’t have AI threat detection and exploit protection, and it only provides really basic parental controls. Intego’s parental controls, on the other hand, provide excellent content filters and can stop your kid from receiving messages containing inappropriate content.
Overall, Sophos is a decent choice if all you want is basic malware protection and ease of use, but otherwise, you’re better off looking at alternatives on the market. If you want to try Sophos, its premium plan costs $44.99 / year and can cover up to 10 PC and macOS devices. Each plan comes with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Sophos for Mac provides good malware and ransomware protection, but it lacks many of the advanced features that make the Windows version great. However, it provides an intuitive web-based dashboard, making it super accessible and really easy to use for beginners — so if you’re only in the market for a basic and easy-to-use antivirus to protect your Mac, Sophos is a great choice. It also offers a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group.
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To identify the best antiviruses for Macs, I relied on the following criteria from our testing methodology:
- I singled out programs with advanced virus and malware scanning. During my tests, I installed 1,000 malware samples onto my Mac before running each scan, and only the software that could detect and remove these threats made it onto this list. I also looked at how fast and customizable each malware engine was.
- I looked for antiviruses with excellent real-time protection. I examined all of the antiviruses I tested based on their real-time capabilities and only picked those that performed exceptionally well in identifying and eliminating malware before it got the chance to infect my Mac.
- I checked if the antivirus offers web protection. Phishing scams, fake websites, and other online frauds are among the most common ways for hackers to infiltrate your Mac. Some of these scams and fake sites are extremely convincing, so it can be easy for even the most “scam-aware” person to fall for them. That’s why all of the antiviruses on my list include sound web protection.
- I looked for products that are easy to set up and use. All of the antiviruses on my list are well-designed, user-friendly solutions. What’s more, they all come with a free trial or money-back guarantee, so you can test them before committing long-term.
- I measured the overall impact on system performance. I monitored how each antivirus affected my system’s speed and responsiveness during various tasks, such as booting up, launching applications, and performing file transfers. I prioritized antiviruses that offered strong protection without compromising system performance or draining my laptop battery.
- I assessed the antivirus’s overall value. Just as the features and functionality vary between all the antiviruses on this list, so do the prices. But don’t be tempted to choose based on price alone. For this list, I calculated the cost of all the different inclusions (VPNs, cleanup and optimization tools, parental controls, etc.) to find the best offers.
- I considered cross-platform compatibility. Some Mac owners have other devices on different operating systems, so I evaluated whether the antivirus solutions provided comprehensive protection across different platforms. I preferred antiviruses that offered seamless integration and functionality across iOS, Android, and Windows.
Do You Need Virus Protection for Mac?
Yes, you do need virus protection for Mac. While Mac computers are known for their strong security features, they’re not completely immune to malware, especially to scams that rely on human error (such as phishing scams), PUPs and browser hijackers, adware, and ransomware.
Phishing attacks are a significant threat to Mac users, no less so than to non-Apple users. These attacks involve deceptive emails or websites designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. The more sophisticated these scams become, the harder they are to detect.
To redirect you to a fake website, malicious actors often first infect your Mac with a PUP, such as, for example, the fake Apple security warning. Once you click on such a fake notification, you’re usually redirected to a shady website.
Another method hackers commonly use is browser hijackers. These malicious programs modify web browser settings without user consent, redirecting search queries to unwanted websites or displaying intrusive ads.
Ransomware, although historically less common on Macs than on Windows systems, is becoming a growing concern as Macs continue to gain popularity. The LockBit group, for example, has developed ransomware specifically targeting macOS.
Given the increasing sophistication and prevalence of these threats, relying solely on macOS’s built-in security features may not be sufficient. Good antivirus software for Mac gives you peace of mind: it can detect a broader range of threats in real-time and offer frequent updates to address new vulnerabilities. And in addition to using an antivirus, you may want to find out more about how to keep your Mac secure here.
Quick Guide: How to Use an Antivirus on Mac
To get started with antivirus software on your Mac, follow these straightforward steps:
- Visit your chosen antivirus’s website and go to the product page. If you’re looking at Intego, for instance, you would click on “Protect Your Mac.”
- Select and purchase a plan. Find the “Buy Now” button for the plan you’re interested in and follow the site’s instructions to complete your purchase. Remember, many antivirus services like Intego and Norton offer a money-back guarantee, so you can choose a plan with confidence.
- Download and install the antivirus. Once you’ve made your purchase, download the antivirus software designed for macOS. Run the installer and follow the prompts, which will include granting permissions and accepting the license agreement. Stay by your Mac during this process to ensure everything goes smoothly. Most antivirus installations, including those from Intego and Norton, require an active internet connection, so ensure your Mac stays connected.
- Familiarize yourself with the antivirus application. After installation, take some time to explore the antivirus’s interface and features. Many antivirus providers, such as Intego, offer extensive online resources like knowledge bases and video tutorials to help you get acquainted with the software.
- Perform a virus scan. The top antivirus programs make it easy to initiate a virus scan with just a click. Simply press the “Run Scan” button or its equivalent, and the antivirus will begin scanning your Mac for any malware, removing any threats it finds.
Editors' Note: Intego and this site are in the same ownership group. - Explore additional features. Make sure to investigate all the extra tools your antivirus offers, such as optimization utilities, mobile apps, dark web monitoring, and password managers.
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- ESET. While ESET offers really good malware protection and a wide range of features for Windows and Android devices, its macOS offering isn’t very good when compared to the other antivirus software on my list. In addition, ESET doesn’t have an iOS app.
- Trend Micro. Trend Micro is a decent antivirus product that also supports Mac, but it lacks some of the features other premium antiviruses include, and its VPN is particularly disappointing.
- Webroot. Webroot is very easy to use and comes with some pretty good features, but it missed more Mac-specific malware during my tests than all the other products on this list.
- Avast. Avast provides a good range of protections for Mac, but setting it up requires a number of permissions that make the process more cumbersome compared to other antivirus software. While it offers good security features, the hassle involved in setting it up is a setback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an antivirus slow down my Mac?
No, a good antivirus will not slow down your Mac. Intego is lightweight, non-intrusive, and didn’t cause any noticeable slowdowns in my tests. It even offers low-priority malware scans that dedicate your Mac’s resources to running programs over the scanner — this ensures you can still perform intensive activities while staying safe from malware.
What is the best antivirus for Mac?
Intego is my favorite antivirus for Mac in 2024. It’s designed specifically for macOS, is inexpensive, and offers an impressive range of cybersecurity and Mac optimization tools.
Don’t Macs already have an antivirus built into the OS?
Macs have a few built-in security features, including:
- App Review. Audits the legitimacy of Apple Store apps before downloading.
- Gatekeeper. Scans apps for malicious code prior to launching.
- Web protection. Blocks malicious sites and tracking links on Safari.
- Anti-theft tools. Enables you to track Mac and iOS devices if they’re lost or stolen.
While these features are useful, they’re not good enough to fully protect Macs from ransomware, spyware, adware, and other advanced malware that hackers use to spy on you and steal your data.
Even the latest macOS doesn’t include real-time malware scanning, ransomware protection, Mac optimization tools, or advanced phishing protection. That’s why installing a comprehensive macOS-based antivirus suite like Intego — an antivirus designed to keep you 100% protected against all cybersecurity threats — is the best choice.
Which Mac antivirus has the best phishing protection?
Norton provides the best phishing protection for Mac, thanks to its robust security features. One key component is its Safe Web technology, which actively scans and blocks access to potentially dangerous websites. Another valuable feature is Safe Search, which helps users identify unsafe websites directly from their search engine results by marking potentially harmful sites before users click on them. Additionally, Norton has its own secure browser with all of its web protection features built-in.
Norton is my favorite, but a few other antiviruses have strong phishing protection on Mac, too. For example, McAfee blocks 100% of phishing websites, Bitdefender works seamlessly with Safari, and Avira comes with Safe Shopping, a browser extension that will keep you safe from fake online stores.
How to spot fake Mac antivirus software?
First, always verify the authenticity of the antivirus through its official website and avoid downloading antiviruses from pop-ups or emails. Secondly, credible antivirus software like Intego will always provide detailed information about its security features and have positive user reviews — so keep an eye out for that. Finally, be wary of software that generates alerts demanding immediate action (such as pop-ups saying your Mac is infected). This is a common scare tactic.
What is the best antivirus for Mac according to Reddit?
Intego frequently emerges as a highly recommended Mac antivirus on Reddit. However, I’ve also seen Reddit users recommend Norton.
Users tend to lean toward Intego thanks to its Mac-centric design, real-time malware scanning, and specifically optimized macOS firewall (NetBarrier). Meanwhile, Norton is often chosen due to its advanced malware detection, VPN at no additional cost, and identity theft protection. Both are honestly great choices, and that’s why they’re both ranked so highly on my list, too.
Is there a free antivirus for Mac?
Yes, Avira offers a decent free antivirus for macOS users. But keep in mind that free antiviruses are only free because there’s a “catch” — usually, these companies want you to upgrade to a paid plan.
If you don’t have a lot of sensitive data on your Mac, a free antivirus will work just fine. But if you’re like me and store all of your credit card details, login details, work documents, photos, and creative projects on your Mac, I highly recommend spending a few bucks on a low-cost premium Mac antivirus like Intego.
Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN?
Including a VPN with your Mac antivirus software is a wise decision for all-round security. A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts your online traffic, thereby hiding your IP address and preventing any unwanted snooping from third parties such as hackers or even your internet service provider. This is especially important when you are connected to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, where your data is most vulnerable.
While it’s not mandatory for an antivirus to have a VPN, having both in a single package certainly enhances your online privacy and security. In addition, having a VPN bundled with your antivirus software could also be more cost-effective and convenient than subscribing to each product separately. So, when choosing an antivirus for your Mac, considering one with a VPN included, like TotalAV or Norton, can be a smart choice.
