Best Mac Antivirus Software for 2024 January: tool to find new malware

The best Mac antivirus programmes can help keep viruses from infecting your MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, and other Apple devices.

Using excellent antivirus software for Mac has been very important for me in keeping my Apple devices, like my MacBook, iMac, and Mac mini, safe from possible threats. As more people bought Apple products, like the iPhone, it became more important to keep them safe from malware, ransomware, and other online threats.

With the release of macOS Mojave, I’ve seen that Apple made big steps towards improving security. For example, they made it possible for Safari to block trackers effectively, which has greatly improved my online privacy. Another benefit is that having a password manager has made it easier and safer for me to keep track of my sensitive login information.

Big Sur goes a step further by enclosing the operating system in a secure volume that malware cannot access. Additionally, Monterey has subtly improved security features including quicker password access and the ability to hide your IP address in Mail and Safari. Although Mac antivirus software can defend against known malware threats, real-time antivirus protection is superior. For this reason, it’s crucial to get a virus removal solution for your Mac, MacBook, or other Apple computers.

Understanding the importance of antivirus software on Mac systems

Antivirus software is just as important for Mac systems as it is for any other operating system if you want to keep them safe and secure. Even though macOS is thought to be safer than some other operating systems because it is based on Unix and has several security features, malware and other cyber threats can still affect it. Here’s why it’s important for Macs to have antivirus software:

Malware Threats: macOS has a built-in security feature called XProtect that can find and stop known malware. However, new versions of malware and zero-day threats can still take advantage of security holes. Antivirus software can protect you from these new threats in real time.

Ransomware Protection: During a ransomware attack, your files are encrypted and you are asked to pay a ransom to get them back. Antivirus software can find and stop attempts to use ransomware, so your important files won’t be held hostage.

Phishing and Fraud: Antivirus software can help stop phishing attacks by finding and blocking malicious websites and email attachments that try to trick users into giving out sensitive information or downloading malware.

Safe Online Banking and Shopping: Antivirus software can give you safe browsing features that protect your personal and financial information when you bank or shop online.

Adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) can’t get into your system if you have antivirus software. These programs can slow down your Mac and might give out information about you.

Best Mac Antivirus Software

Attacks by cybercriminals are changing, therefore advanced threats require quick and effective countermeasures. Security against both known and unidentified cybersecurity threats can be provided by a premium Mac antivirus product that focuses on macOS security and has a high malware and virus detection rate. Below, we have mentioned best Mac antivirus software.

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

Best Mac Antivirus Software

Features

  • Excellent malware detection and removal.
  • Real-time protection against threats.
  • Minimal impact on system performance.
  • Multi-layer ransomware protection.

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac has a user-friendly interface, a low price, nearly flawless malware detection, and a very low impact on system performance. For these reasons, it is once again our Editor’s Choice for the best antivirus software for Mac. Unusually for an antivirus program for Mac, Bitdefender can undo ransomware encryption, including Time Machine backups. Bitdefender also offers extensions to protect your web browser and blocks online trackers to protect your privacy.

The Autopilot and Bitdefender Shield features ensure that the software runs without much human intervention. The only drawbacks are the lack of the password manager included in the Windows version of Bitdefender Antivirus, and the fact that the Bitdefender VPN service is limited to 200 MB per day unless you pay more. Otherwise, it’s a near-perfect antivirus for Mac.

Pros

  • Excellent malware detection and removal.
  • Minimal impact on system performance.
  • Comprehensive real-time protection.

Cons

  • Relatively expensive.
  • Limited extra features compared to other options.

Norton 360 Standard

Best Mac Antivirus Software

Features

  • Comprehensive protection with multiple layers of defense.
  • Secure VPN for online privacy.
  • Cloud backup for important files.
  • Parental control features.

Norton 360 Standard offers many useful extras, including an unlimited VPN service and an unlimited password manager – two features you have to pay extra for with the competition. It also has a two-way firewall, a system optimizer, and dark web monitoring of your personal data. More importantly, Norton 360 Standard has minimal impact on system performance, tech support is always available, and Mac malware detection works flawlessly.

However, you will have to pay a high price for this luxury, although you will save money compared to a standalone VPN or password manager. We hope that Mac users will soon get the parental controls, webcam protection and backup software that Norton 360 Standard Windows users already have.

Pros

  • Strong malware protection and online privacy features.
  • Includes a VPN and cloud backup.
  • User-friendly interface.

Cons

  • Can slow down system performance during scans.
  • Slightly higher cost compared to some competitors.

Avast Security for Mac

Best Mac Antivirus Software

Features

  • Solid malware detection and removal.
  • Real-time protection against various threats.
  • Wi-Fi network scanning for vulnerabilities.
  • Email and web protection.

Avast Security for Mac has improved greatly since it was renamed Avast Free Mac Security. The malware detection rate is now almost perfect, the impact on system performance is much lower, and the annoying ads that tried to convince you to subscribe to paid Avast programs have been drastically reduced. Avast also scans websites for phishing scams and other common threats, as well as scans your Wi-Fi network for outdated devices and unwanted guests.

The interface is attractive and easy to navigate, but note that some features, including ransomware rollback, are only available to paid customers. However, the password manager and email attachment screener are gone, and technical support is limited to online documents. However, if you are looking for a solid, reliable Mac antivirus at zero cost, this is the program for you.

Pros

  • Free version available with basic protection.
  • Decent malware detection capabilities.
  • Offers a variety of additional features.

Cons

  • Pop-up ads in the free version can be intrusive.
  • Some concerns about user privacy and data sharing.

Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac

Best Mac Antivirus Software

Features

  • Strong anti-malware capabilities.
  • Phishing and online fraud protection.
  • Safe Money feature for secure online transactions.
  • Virtual private network (VPN) for enhanced privacy.

Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac has a perfect malware detection rate, low system load during scans, and an intuitive user interface. It can even turn off a MacBook’s webcam, a feature that Apple itself does not offer. Kaspersky also offers a secure web browser for banking and online shopping, as well as browser extensions that block malicious URLs and tracking cookies and warn of risky websites.

However, the best additional features are just gimmicks. The password manager only holds 15 entries. Parental control is limited to a single child device with no location tracking. The VPN service only gives you 300 MB of data volume per day. Unlimited versions cost $15, $15, and $30 per year, respectively, which isn’t terribly expensive, but with Norton 360 Standard you get two of them at no additional cost. At least Kaspersky doesn’t keep trying to push these products on you.

Pros

  • Effective malware detection and blocking.
  • Offers features like VPN and parental controls.
  • Low impact on system performance.

Cons

  • Can be relatively expensive.
  • Previous controversies around alleged data sharing.

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

Best Mac Antivirus Software

Features

  • Strong antivirus and anti-malware protection.
  • Web threat protection for safe browsing.
  • Ransomware protection and Folder Shield feature.
  • Minimal impact on system resources.

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac offers excellent malware protection at a reasonable price, but it places a significant load on the system during full scans. If you can ignore this drawback, you will find ransomware protection for specific folders, webcam protection, a social media privacy scanner, and even a parental web filter.

Trend Micro’s user interface is a bit outdated, but it works. However, the program does not stand out much when competitors such as Bitdefender and Norton offer more. There are definitely worse things about Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac, but there are also better things.

Pros

  • Good malware detection and protection.
  • Includes features like a privacy scanner and social media protection.
  • System impact is relatively low.

Cons

  • Some users find the interface confusing.
  • Limited extra features compared to other options.

Intego Mac Internet Security X9

Best Mac Antivirus Software

Features

  • Specifically designed for Mac protection.
  • Real-time scanning for malware and viruses.
  • Network protection against threats.
  • Parental controls and backup options.

Intego has been making the Mac antivirus software since 1997, and Mac Security X9 offers very fast scans, accurate malware detection, and a comprehensive firewall. The program also supports older versions of macOS, starting with Mavericks from 2013. Intego Mac Security X9 is solid software that does its job well, although the user interface is a bit spartan. You can also add effective antivirus protection for Windows for a small extra charge.

But Intego’s relatively high price does not do justice to its poor functionality. While other paid Mac antivirus programs offer browser extensions, a password manager, or even the VPN to justify the purchase, Intego’s additional features are not much different from what you can get with free Mac antivirus software.

Pros

  • Specifically designed for Mac systems.
  • Offers real-time protection and advanced firewall.
  • Provides anti-phishing and anti-spyware features.

Cons

  • Might not have as wide a range of features as some competitors.
  • Slightly less known compared to other brands.

Sophos Home Premium

Best Mac Antivirus Software

Features

  • Advanced malware detection and removal.
  • Web filtering and malicious content blocking.
  • Remote security management.
  • Protection for multiple devices.

Sophos Home Premium can protect up to 10 computers, Mac or Windows, at a low price, and its parental web filters can keep kids from seeing offensive material online. It also offers special protection against ransomware and for your webcam and microphone. The impact on the background system is stronger than its competitors, though not nearly as strong as some Windows antivirus products. During active scans, the impact is relatively low.

The user interface is minimal and is mainly in the menu bar; for more control, there is a powerful online management tool. Technical support is available 12 hours a day, Monday through Friday, and is limited to email and chat interactions. We wish we had some third-party lab test data on the effectiveness of Sophos’s Mac malware scanner, which could place it higher among the best antivirus programs for Mac.

Pros

  • Strong malware detection and removal.
  • Includes parental web filtering and remote management.
  • Can protect multiple devices under one license.

Cons

  • User interface can be a bit complex.
  • Scans might slow down older Mac systems.

McAfee Antivirus Plus

Best Mac Antivirus Software

Features

  • Effective malware detection and removal.
  • Web protection and firewall.
  • Password manager for secure logins.
  • Performance optimization tools.

The generous 10-device license of McAfee Antivirus Plus enables it to provide antivirus protection to an entire family of Macs (and/or Windows PCs and Android phones) at a reasonable annual cost. However, the program does not offer many additional features for Macs, which makes it difficult for Apple customers to recommend it. All Mac users get is a firewall, while Windows users get ransomware protection, crypto jacking protection, and a system optimizer.

McAfee Antivirus Plus also has the heavy system impact during scans and a confusing interface. Also, we don’t know exactly how well McAfee Antivirus Plus protects against Mac malware. There are no recent Mac malware detection test results for McAfee, so its protection performance cannot be compared to the best Mac antivirus software.

Pros

  • Offers a variety of security features.
  • Good malware detection rates.
  • Can cover multiple devices with one subscription.

Cons

  • Scans can be resource-intensive.
  • Some users find the interface overwhelming.

Choosing the Right Mac Antivirus Software for You

Getting the right Mac antivirus software is important if you want to protect your computer from possible threats and keep it safe. Even though Macs are generally thought to be safer than Windows PCs because they are based on Unix and less malware is known to target them, that doesn’t mean they are completely safe. Here are some steps and things to think about when choosing antivirus software for a Mac:

Check Your Needs: Think about how much protection you want. Are you looking for basic antivirus features or more advanced ones like a firewall, real-time scanning, protection against phishing, and detection of ransomware?

Research Well-Known Brands: Stick with well-known antivirus software brands that have a good reputation. In the antivirus industry, brands like Norton, Bitdefender, McAfee, and Kaspersky have a good track record.

Check for Compatibility: Make sure the antivirus software works with your version of macOS. Update your operating system often so you can stay on top of security patches.

Impact on Performance: Look for antivirus software that has a small impact on the speed of your system. Antivirus programs that are big and use a lot of resources might slow down your Mac.

Interface that is easy to use: Choose software that is easy to understand and use. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding your way around the settings or starting scans.

FAQs

Does macOS really need antivirus?

Yes, you do need antivirus software for your Mac. Mac computers are not immune to viruses, and other types of malware and attacks that are made specifically for Macs are becoming more common. Using your device’s built-in security features and following best practices for device security can help, but antivirus software can protect your device even more.

What is the number one antivirus software for Mac?

In AV Comparatives’ tests for 2023, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac did well. It found 99.7% of Mac viruses, as well as 100% of Windows viruses and 98.2% of potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). AV-Test’s tests in June 2023 also gave Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac the best scores in every category.

Amy Hinckley
Amy Hinckley
The Dell Inspiron 15 that her father purchased from QVC sparked the beginning of her interest in technology. At Bollyinside, Amy Hinckley is in charge of content editing and reviewing products. Amy's interests outside of working include going for bike rides, playing video games, and watching football when she's not at her laptop.

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