The best antivirus software for Mac: 11 tools to choose from

When I got my first Mac over 10 years ago, I believed the popular myth that macOS was sandboxed in a way that viruses couldn't access admin resources. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. In this article, I'll explain why all Macs need adequate protection against malware and suggest a few options for the best virus protection for Mac available today.

The best antivirus software for Mac: Quick comparison

Let me start with a quick comparison of the tools I’m going to share with you. All of these apps offer solid antivirus protection, so in this comparison, I’ll focus on the standout non-antivirus features and highlight who each app is best suited for. I hope this helps you identify your favorites right from the start.

Below the table, you’ll find a detailed description of each app, including pros and cons, to help you make an informed choice.

App	Best for	Cool non-antivirus Feature	Price
CleanMyMac	Users seeking optimization and malware protection	Smart Scan: removes system junk, duplicates, and malware in one go	$9.99/month + tax (via Setapp, includes 260+ apps)
Sophos Home	Users needing multi-device protection	Remote management: control security from a single online dashboard	From $44.99/year ($3.75/mo)
Intego Mac Internet Security X9	Users needing strong Wi-Fi and malware protection	NetBarrier Firewall: blocks unauthorized Wi-Fi connections	From $19.99/year (first year, $1.67/mo), then $49.99/year ($4.17/mo)
McAfee Antivirus	Families and users with multiple devices	Scam detector: alerts to malicious links	From $39.99–$249.99/year ($3.33–$20.83/mo)
ESET Cyber Security	Users seeking lightweight protection	Identity theft insurance: up to $1M in coverage for identity recovery	From $49.99/year ($4.17/mo)
Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac	Users focused on online security and anti-phishing features	AI Learning: adapts to new threats	From $29.95/year ($2.50/mo)
Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus	Households with multiple devices	10GB online backup	From $39.99/year ($3.33/mo)
Bitdefender Antivirus	Users needing basic antivirus with ransomware protection	Time Machine protection	From $29.99/year ($2.50/mo, first year)
Avira Prime	Families or small businesses needing multi-device protection	Unlimited VPN	From $9.99/mo (5 or 25 devices)
F-Secure Total	Families needing comprehensive, multi-device security	Identity monitoring: tracks up to 10 personal data items for breaches	From $69.99/year ($5.83/mo)
Surfshark Antivirus	Users needing lightweight antivirus and VPN	Rotating IP: changes IP address periodically	From $50.85/year ($3.39/mo, 15 months with 3 free months)

The best antivirus for Mac in 2025

There are dozens of worthy Mac antivirus options on the market to choose from. I’ve surveyed the most high-rated ones and present my top-10 picks below. 

1. CleanMyMac: The best Mac antivirus solution

When it comes to balancing continuous malware monitoring, ease of use, beautiful interface, and quick scans — no one beats CleanMyMac. 

CleanMyMac is a complete optimization solution for Mac. While you can easily scan for malware at any time and immediately remove anything you find, you also get a background monitoring solution that quietly keeps your Mac protected at all times. 

To scan your Mac for malware with CleanMyMac: 

1. Download and install the app.
2. Select Protection in the sidebar > Scan.
3. Remove any malware the app has found.

Plus, CleanMyMac gives you a host of other optimization tools, from cleaning up system junk to uninstalling applications and detecting large files you haven't used in a while.

If anything goes wrong on your Mac, you’ll get an instant alert. The best part is that it’s not limited to detecting malware and vulnerabilities — you’ll also be notified if your memory is overloaded or if an app starts behaving abnormally, with a pop-up to let you know right away.

Pros:

• Comprehensive cleanup and optimization
• Regular updates and support
• Additional features like duplicate finder, performance boost, and more.

Cons:

• Potential for accidental file deletion during Smart Scan (pay attention to the "Duplicates" section)

Price: Included in Setapp for $9.99/month + tax, along with 260+ other apps for macOS and iOS

"I used to run out of space mid-edit all the time — nothing kills momentum like that. Now CleanMyMac runs in the background every week, clears out junk I don’t even think about, and keeps my Mac running smooth for editing and uploads", says Thomas, creator of the NighTech Channel.

2. Sophos Home: Good for personal use

Sophos is a well-respected company in the malware protection space, offering solutions for corporate security, small business, and personal use. 

Sophos Home is a personal virus scan for Mac that continuously monitors your Mac for any suspicious activity and potential vulnerabilities. In addition, you can set up extra security features like parental controls and filtering potentially dangerous websites.

More advanced features include mic and camera monitoring, ransomware protection, and the ability to manage multiple devices. A free trial is available

Sophos Home can be a solid solution for those who own both macOS and Windows computers, as it supports both operating systems and allows you to protect up to 10 devices. Additionally, it can be used on an unlimited number of iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.

However, during my testing, I ran into an issue: the app was quite stubborn when I tried to remove it from my MacBook. I had to run a deep scan and use CleanMyMac to fully uninstall it.. 

Pros:

• Parental website filtering
• Remote management
• Up to 10 devices with the premium version

Cons:

• Can impact device performance during scans
• Lacks advanced features
• Could be more intuitive

Price: $44.99/year ($3.7/mo)

3. Intego Mac Internet Security X9: For secure Wi-Fi connection

Those Mac users who want a little bit more security might consider Intego’s Mac Internet Security Bundle, which consists of VirusBarrier and NetBarrier. 

VirusBarrier is an antivirus for Mac and iOS devices that provides 24/7 security and peace of mind, keeping your personal files safe. NetBarrier is an enhanced firewall that secures Wi-Fi connections to your Mac and tracks inbound and outbound traffic, immediately stopping any threats.

If you need more advanced features, Intego offers two higher-tier security suites. The Mac Security & Performance bundle includes a module that helps you remove unnecessary and duplicate files to free up space. The Mac Premium Bundle goes even further, adding tools for blocking inappropriate content, monitoring your child’s screen time, and backing up your files.

Pros:

• Protects against phishing, unknown apps and devices
• Removes unnecessary files and duplicates
• Offers VPN for an additional fee ($1.67/mo)

Cons:

• Can be resource-intensive during scans
• Lacks flexibility: offers pricing plans for 1, 3, and 5 Macs
• Price: from $19.99 for the first year (from $1.67/mo). Then — from $49.99/year ($4.2/mo)

4. McAfee Antivirus: Great family plans

McAfee is one of the most well-known security companies out there, providing a wide range of products from VPNs to password managers to identity monitoring to antivirus programs that cover all platforms. 

McAfee Antivirus for Mac gives your devices real-time protection from ransomware, malware, phishing attacks, and more. You also get identity monitoring, a file shredder, a firewall, and a personal protection score. 

Plus, McAfee recently added a scam detector feature. If the app suspects that a link in a message or email is malicious, you’ll be notified right away.

If I were looking for an antivirus solution for a family plan, McAfee would definitely be on my list. While their family plans aren’t the most generous in terms of numbers — covering two adults and four children — they’re still quite powerful and include support for security features across an unlimited number of devices.

Free trial is available. 

Pros:

• Works with macOS, iOS, Windows and Android
• Most plans include unlimited devices
• Includes VPN

Cons:

• Can be pricey compared to competitors

Price: from $39.99/year to $249.99/year ($3.3/mo to $20.8/mo), depending on the plan you choose

5. ESET Cyber Security: For different OS and gadgets

ESET provides cybersecurity software for both home and business use. Boasting over 100 million users worldwide, this malware protection software doesn’t drain your MacBook’s battery, doesn’t take lots of CPU away from intensive tasks, and automatically monitors all kinds of threats (e.g. phishing and spyware).

There are two versions of the software: Cyber Security and Cyber Security Pro. Each can be purchased for multiple devices, and licenses extend to multiple years.

Cyber Security is offered in three tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate — each with more advanced features than the last. While the Essential plan is fairly basic, I appreciate that it still includes smart home and smartphone protection right out of the box.

Upgrading to a higher-tier plan unlocks features like encryption for sensitive data and photos, enhanced file and folder security, unlimited VPN, and even support in case of lost credit, debit, or ATM cards.

On top of all that, the Ultimate plan includes identity recovery services and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.

Pros:

• Low system impact during scans 
• Has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Brave)
• Works with MacBooks, PCs, smartphones and tablets

Cons:

• The essential plan has very limited functionality
• Can be pricey compared to competitors

Price: from $49.99/year ($4.2/mo)

6. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac: For online security

It’s true that most highly-rated malware protection tools are able to detect roughly the same amount of malicious scripts. That’s why it’s important to consider some additional features when comparing those tools for your needs. 

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac, for example, not only stops malware but also blocks web threats, safeguards privacy, and helps you avoid email scams and phishing attacks. 

What I like about this tool is that all three plans — from the most affordable to the most expensive — include advanced AI learning to improve performance on your devices. 

What I don’t like, however, is that some features considered basic in other antivirus tools are treated as premium ones here. For example, password protection and management, mobile device security, safe browsing for children, and fixing and optimizing the system are only available in the highest-tier plan, which costs nearly $50 per year.

Pros:

• Protects against ransomware, internet, and email scams
• Includes advanced AI learning
• Clear UI

Cons:

• Features are limited, with the best only available in the most expensive plan (like a password manager or mobile security) 

Price: from $29.95/year ($2.5/mo)

7. Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus for Mac: For all devices in your home

If you have more than one Mac or you want to protect your whole family at once, you might consider solutions that include a few devices in their basic plan right from the start. 

Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus includes support for three Macs by default. It also offers a 60-day money back guarantee and free customer care. 

But it’s not just for Mac — the app also works with PCs and Android smartphones and tablets. Total Defense's features include family protection, helping safeguard your children from inappropriate content, as well as identity theft protection. On top of that, it offers 10GB of online backup storage. While that’s not an extraordinary amount, it’s enough to safely store your most important files.

On the protection front, ultra-fast malware scanning due to the company’s multi-layer detection technology and always-on ransomware protection make it one of the best internet security for Mac options out there. 

Pros:

• Protects against ransomware
• Has an intuitive user-friendly interface
• Gives you 10GB for online backups

Cons:

• The initial scan can take several hours to complete
• Sometimes, leaves behind remnants after deleting malware
• Can affect system performance

Price: from $39.99/year ($3.3/mo)

8. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac: For basic tasks

When you’re after the best malware protection for Mac, it pays to consider features other than malware removal. For example Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac features protection for your Time Machine backups, making it very difficult for anyone to hold your files hostage in a ransom attack. 

Besides, Bitdefender’s solution is a great overall antivirus, providing real-time protection, blocking adware, safeguarding your privacy online, and even including a free VPN. 

Another thing you might like about Bitdefender Antivirus is how unobtrusive it is. It runs quietly in the background and doesn’t get in your way — unless you choose to interact with it directly.

When considering pricing, keep in mind that first-year users receive a significant discount, up to 57% off. However, the price typically increases after the initial term. This isn't unique to Bitdefender — it's a common practice among many antivirus providers.

Pros:

• Has minimal impact on system performance
• Protects against e-threats
• Offers unlimited VPN

Cons:

• Limited VPN access (only in more expensive plans + traffic restrictions)
• No scheduled scans

Price: from $29.99/year ($2.5/mo)

9. Avira Prime: For families or small businesses

Similarly to Bitdefender, Avira Prime specializes on other features besides malware protection, such as anonymizing your web traffic, cleaning up your Mac, and saving your passwords — all in one app. 

Along with that, Avira doesn’t overwhelm you with a long list of features you might never use — unlike some other antivirus tools. Its feature set is simple, clear, and relevant.

What was a bit disappointing for me, though, was the difference between the Mac and Windows versions. While the Mac version actually includes more features overall, it lacks one tool I really miss: software updates. I’ve grown so used to this feature with my go-to antivirus (CleanMyMac) that I genuinely don’t know how people manage without it.

Avira Prime targets families or small businesses by selling five or 25 monthly or yearly licenses at a time. 

Pros:

• Has password manager
• Includes unlimited VPN
• Has junk cleaner

Cons:

• Plans only include 5 or 25 devices
• Doesn't offer privacy settings for macOS

Price: from $9.99/mo

10. F-Secure Total: Mac app for comprehensive protection

F-Secure Total is a comprehensive security solution for your whole family. It includes a powerful antivirus, browsing protection, parental controls, online privacy, and Wi-Fi protection, virtual location via a VPN, online identity monitoring, and a password manager.

This all-in-one security app is available for both Mac and iPhone and promises to be so light on your Mac that its performance will never be affected.

This app allows you to monitor your personal information for potential data breaches. You can add up to 10 personal items — such as your email address, credit card, passport, phone number, Social Security number, driver’s license, and more.

What I found disappointing was the Gaming Mode feature. It’s designed to protect your device while gaming without slowing down performance. So, why was it disappointing? Because it’s only available on Windows, not on Mac.

Pros:

• Works on macOS, iOS, Windows and Android
• Provides comprehensive protection
• Provides online identity monitoring

Cons:

• Limited VPN
• Password manager lacks features (e.g., autofill) in some plans

Price: from $69.99/year ($5.8/mo)

11. Surfshark Antivirus: Lightweight protection

If you want a lightweight solution that doesn’t include too many features you don’t need but still has a robust antivirus core, check out Surfshark.

I won’t go into standard features like antivirus protection, data breach alerts, or real-time threat detection — they’re all here, just as you’d expect from any powerful antivirus tool. But there are a few standout features that I find especially useful.

The first is country-specific search results. As a writer working with clients from around the world, this helps me check the SERPs my potential readers see and better understand their context. I simply pick a region, and my search results adjust to match that location.

Another feature I love is Rotating IP, which constantly changes your IP address to keep you anonymous and untraceable online.

And finally, there’s Bypasser. Even when your VPN is active, Bypasser lets specific apps or websites bypass it. That’s perfect for services that require your real location — like maps or local delivery apps.

Surfshark Antivirus is lightweight protection against all kinds of malware. Keep its real-time scanning on, and you won’t even notice it’s there. The interface is very user-friendly and easy to use.

Pros:

• Malware databases are updated every 3 hours
• Has scheduled scans and webcam protection
• Includes unlimited devices

Cons:

• Lacks some features, such as parental controls
• Doesn't have a free trial

Price: from $50.85/year ($3.39) + 3 extra months

More useful apps for your Mac

It’s not just Mac security and malware protection that you have to be worried about. You should also have handy solutions for maintaining your privacy, monitoring the state of your Mac, and getting rid of annoying ads that plague the web today. 

ClearVPN makes it easy to change your location, browse securely, and even access streaming services that have geo-blocks enabled. Unlike many other VPNs, with ClearVPN you don’t need to tweak lots of settings and preferences — it works intuitively right out of the box.

iStat Menus helps you monitor any aspect of your Mac effortlessly via the menu bar. You can track CPU, GPU, RAM, fans, disks, WiFi, and even local weather in real time and in just one click. A complete Mac monitoring solution without any hassle. 

AdLock is the perfect solution against something we all hate — annoying and intrusive web ads. This tool blocks pop-ups, online chats, visual ads, and trackers all at once. It also prevents videos from auto-playing and removes all other web notifications. 

How to choose the best Mac antivirus: Tips and 2025 trends

I hope by now you’ve narrowed down the tool that fits your needs. Still, even within the same industry — like security software — it’s tough to define a one-size-fits-all “best antivirus for Mac.” Even within the same industry, such as security software, it’s hard to define what the best antivirus for Mac would be for everybody. Use cases are different. What suits corporate-level security guidelines might be an overkill for personal use. Getting rid of ads is not the same as mitigating targeted attacks by malicious players. 

So, if you’re still unsure which app to go with, I recommend keeping the following tips in mind when choosing the right tool for you.

When evaluating the best antivirus for macOS, consider: 

• Your needs: Protect files, speed up Mac, improve privacy
• Your budget: Free, one-time license, or a subscription
• Number of users: Just for you, your family, or your company
• Admin controls: None at all or needing to manage other users
• Malware tracking: Trojans, keyloggers, adware
• Monitoring: Continuous or scan-based
• Ease of use: Intuitive or CLI-based

As of 2025, the antivirus market continues to grow, now estimated at $4.25 billion. Every day, more than 500,000 new malware threats are detected. Yet, not all devices are properly protected — for example, only about 50% of smartphones in the U.S. have any form of antivirus installed.

Despite that, antivirus software is improving rapidly, and new trends continue to emerge. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, here are two key trends to pay attention to:

• Cybersecurity suites over standalone antivirus. Today’s best antivirus apps are no longer just about blocking viruses. Most of them have evolved into comprehensive cybersecurity suites. These include extras like VPNs, identity theft protection, password managers, direct web monitoring, and more. So, when choosing an antivirus, it’s smart to consider your broader digital needs and look for a solution that covers them all.
• AI-powered tools. Like many other apps in 2025, modern antivirus tools are increasingly integrating AI-driven features. These help the software continuously learn and adapt, enabling smarter detection and prevention of threats.

Depending on your answers to the points above and preferences, you'll be able to pick the best anti-malware tool for your MacBook.

Do Macs need Mac antivirus software?

Macs are certainly more secure than Windows computers, right from the start. In addition, Macs have become even more secure over the years with the addition of Gatekeeper, System Integrity Protection, firewall, and Apple Silicon chips. 

However, Macs still have lots of weak access points that hackers are constantly targeting. The most obvious weakness when it comes to Mac — is its users. Most of the time Macs get infected with viruses because the user didn’t pay enough attention and let the malicious software or script in by giving it admin controls. 

No one is perfect, and malware can find its way into nearly any Mac. That’s why it’s essential to have the best security software for Mac you can get ready to step in as its own plan B. 

Try the top antivirus app for Mac for free

So what’s the best antivirus for Mac? If I had to choose, I’d pick CleanMyMac. Its speed, comprehensive coverage, and intuitive interface cover all the bases that most casual and professional users are looking for. In addition, get ClearVPN to protect your privacy online, iStat Menus to monitor the state of your Mac, and AdLock to get rid of any ads you don’t want. 

Best of all, CleanMyMac, ClearVPN, iStat Menus, and AdLock are all available to you for free for seven days through the trial of Setapp, a platform with more than 260 top-of-the-line Mac and iOS apps. Try everything Setapp has to offer at no cost and discover your new favorites.

FAQ

Now that you’re aware of all the best antivirus software for Mac, let’s review some critical points related to protecting yourself online.