10 Best Antivirus Software for Mac

Posted By Ihor Kyselov | 14 Nov 2025

Contrary to popular belief, Apple devices are also vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Viruses, phishing attacks, malware — all of these can harm your MacBook.

Even the official Apple Security Guide emphasizes that built-in security features do not exclude the need to be alert and use additional tools. Therefore, owners of Apple laptops should take care to protect their data and system with the best antivirus for macs.

In this article, we review what is the best security software for Mac in 2025, compare paid and free options, and help you choose the best solution depending on your requirements.

Also: Best VPN for Mac: Top 9

How to Choose the Best Antivirus Software for Mac

When choosing antivirus software for Mac, it is important to consider that not all programs are equally effective, and not all of them are appropriate for macOS.

What and end user should consider when choosing antivirus software

Compatibility with macOS – make sure that the antivirus supports the latest version of macOS and does not cause conflicts with system functions.
Minimal system load – good software should run in the background without slowing down your MacBook.
Real-time protection – antivirus software should respond to threats instantly, not just during manual scans.
Phishing and malicious website detection – Internet security is just as important as protecting files on your hard drive.
Automatic threat database updates – the faster the virus database is updated, the better the protection.
Simple interface and settings – this is especially important for users who don't want to spend time on technical details.
Availability of a free version or trial period – this will give you the opportunity to test the product before purchasing.
Price and license terms – choose a plan that fits your budget and number of devices.

Comparison table: Best antivirus software for Mac (2025)

Antivirus	Functionality	Security (rating)	Price
Intego Mac Internet Security X9	Optimized for macOS, firewall, email protection	Very high (designed specifically for Mac)	From $24.99/year (claim up to 65% discount)
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac	Real-time protection, Time Machine, anti-phishing, VPN	99% (AV-Test, AV-Comparatives)	from $24.99/year (claim up to 62% discount)
Norton 360 Standard	VPN, 2 GB cloud storage, phishing protection, password manager	Very high ratings in independent tests	From $39.99 to $94.99/year
Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac	Parental control, anti-phishing, online banking protection	Very high	from $34.99/year
Avast Security for Mac (Free)	Basic protection, anti-phishing, Wi-Fi control	Medium to high	Free
Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac	AI detection, ransomware protection, web shield	Very high (AV-Test certified)	Approximately $29.95/year
Avira Free Security for Mac	Virus scanner, VPN (500 MB/month), easy to use	Medium-high	Free
Sophos Home Free/Premium	Multi-device protection, website filtering, cloud management	Medium-high	Free / from $44.99/year (Premium)
Clario	Antivirus + VPN + 24/7 support, modern interface	High (for everyday tasks)	Approximately $49/year
McAfee Total Protection	Antivirus, VPN, identity theft protection, family mode	Very high (on all operating systems, including Mac)	from $39.99/year

Top 3 free antivirus software for Mac

Despite macOS's built-in security features, viruses and phishing attacks are increasingly targeting Mac owners. Free antivirus programs are not “temporary” or “unreliable”: some of them offer real high-quality protection, especially for everyday use. Below is the list of proven solutions worth considering in 2025.

1. Avast Security for Mac (Free)

Avast is one of the most popular free antivirus programs on the market, and its macOS version is not an exception. The recommended antivirus for Mac offers basic but stable protection: it scans files for viruses, monitors suspicious activities, and checks the security of Wi-Fi networks.

Anti-phishing protection blocks malicious websites before a user has a chance to visit them. For an average user who just wants to ‘set it and forget it’, Avast can be a good starting point.

Advantages:

Easy installation and configuration — suitable even for beginners
Wi-Fi network scanning helps protect you in cafés, airports, and other public places;
anti-phishing in the free version — a rarity among competitors;
frequent updates to the antivirus database.

Disadvantages:

No comprehensive protection against ransomware.
Some features are only available after manual activation.
May slow down older systems during active scanning.

Also: How to secure your Mac on the Internet: 7 tips

2. Avira Free Security for Mac

Avira offers a free security suite that includes an antivirus scanner, limited VPN (up to 500 MB per month), and tools for cleaning and optimizing your system. This solution will be of interest to those looking for a universal program with several features "in one bottle."

The antivirus software free Mac module regularly scans the system, detects known threats, and the VPN allows you to access the Internet anonymously. But it's worth remembering that the free version does not include proactive real-time protection and does not always cope with new threats.

Advantages:

user-friendly interface and quick installation;
Built-in VPN — an extra layer of privacy;
System cleanup module helps free up space and remove junk files
Handles known malware well.

Disadvantages:

No constant background protection;
VPN is limited by traffic volume — only suitable for short-term use;
Some features are unavailable without registration.
Sometimes misses new types of threats without signatures.

3. Sophos Home Free

Sophos offers advanced free antivirus software and focuses on family or multi-user use. The one of top antivirus for Mac allows you to centrally manage the security of multiple devices simultaneously, including both Mac and Windows. Features include filtering of malicious and unwanted websites, parental controls, and cloud management.

This is especially useful for parents who want to protect their children from unsafe content. Despite its strong foundation, many advanced features, including protection against exploits and banking Trojans, are only available in the paid version.

Advantages:

Remote management of multiple devices from the cloud;
Suitable for families or small offices;
Includes parental controls and web filtering;
Supports both macOS and Windows.

Disadvantages:

No comprehensive protection against complex threats (in the free version);
Some features require manual configuration;
A Sophos account is required to access the control panel.

Best Paid Antivirus Software for Mac

Paid antivirus software for Mac offers a higher level of protection, advanced features, and ongoing technical support. If you store confidential data, actively use online banking, or work with corporate email, it makes sense to consider premium solutions. Below are the 7 best paid antivirus programs that are worth considering in 2025.

1. Norton 360 Standard

Norton 360 offers advanced protection suitable for both home users and small businesses. In addition to classic antivirus protection, the program includes unlimited VPN, password manager, phishing protection, 2 GB of cloud storage, and a webcam control module. Norton actively monitors data leaks and notifies users of potential threats. Updates are automatic, and the interface is easy to understand, even for those who have never dealt with cybersecurity before.

Advantages:

Comprehensive protection in one subscription
Unlimited VPN;
Password manager and webcam protection;
2 GB of cloud storage.

Disadvantages:

Significant system load during full scans;
High cost when renewing your subscription;
Some features are not available outside the US.

2. Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac

Kaspersky is one of the oldest and most trusted antivirus brands. The Mac version includes parental control, anti-phishing, firewall, and banking protection. The antivirus uses AI to detect suspicious activity and prevents ransomware and malware attacks. It is compatible with macOS Monterey and Ventura.

Advantages:

Excellent anti-malware protection;
Parental control included;
Good for online banking;
Minimal interface load.

Disadvantages:

Some features only available in Windows;
Price is higher than for free solutions;
Requires regular updates.

3. Intego Mac Internet Security X9

Intego is specially designed for Mac users and optimizes protection without overloading the system. It includes real-time scanning, firewall, anti-phishing, and network protection. This antivirus is ideal for those who want software fully adapted to macOS features.

Advantages:

Designed specifically for macOS;
Low system resource usage;
Firewall and email protection included;
Automatic updates.

Disadvantages:

No cross-platform support;
Paid version is required for all features;
Interface may seem outdated to some users.

4. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

Bitdefender offers real-time malware protection, ransomware protection, VPN, and anti-phishing. The software has a minimal interface and runs in the background without interfering with work.

Advantages:

High detection rate of threats;
Low impact on system performance;
VPN included;
Good support for macOS.

Disadvantages:

VPN limited in traffic;
Some features require subscription;
Interface is minimal and offers few customization options.

5. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

Trend Micro combines antivirus and AI technologies to provide real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and malicious websites. It includes a web filter to block dangerous sites and protects email traffic.

Advantages:

Good AI detection;
Web and email protection;
Low system load;
Certified by AV-Test.

Disadvantages:

Some advanced features are only in the paid version;
Interface may seem outdated;
Occasional false positives.

6. McAfee Total Protection

McAfee offers multi-device protection, VPN, identity theft protection, and a family mode. It is one of the most versatile solutions suitable for both Mac and other devices.

Advantages:

Excellent protection;
Multi-device support;
VPN and anti-theft included;
Suitable for families.

Disadvantages:

Price is relatively high;
May slow down older Macs;
Full configuration can be complex.

7. Clario

Clario is a modern antivirus with VPN, 24/7 support, and an easy-to-use interface. It combines simple protection with online privacy tools. Suitable for users who want a “set it and forget it” approach.

Advantages:

Modern interface;
VPN and online protection;
24/7 customer support;
Simple configuration.

Disadvantages:

Limited advanced settings;
Paid subscription required;
May not detect all zero-day threats.

Conclusion

If you need maximum protection designed specifically for macOS — choose Intego. If you are looking for a versatile solution for multiple devices — choose Bitdefender or Norton 360. For those who want basic protection and do not want to spend money — Avast or Sophos Home Free are great starting points. Regardless of the choice, it is important to remember: modern cyber threats are becoming more complex, so antivirus software is not an optional tool but a necessary element of digital hygiene for every Mac user.