Top 10 Recommended Antivirus Providers For Mac (2024)

While Macs are known for their security, they’re not invincible. Here’s our list of the top 10 recommended antivirus providers to keep your Mac safe from malware, phishing attacks, and other online threats.

We’ve considered factors like real-time protection, ease of use, extra features, and value for money to help you choose the best option for your needs.

Intego Mac Internet Security X9

Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is a security suite designed specifically for Macs, offering a combination of antivirus and firewall protection. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

Antivirus Protection (VirusBarrier X9):

• Real-time scanning to constantly monitor your Mac for threats.
• Protects against various malware types including adware, spyware, Trojan horses, and more.
• Scans for both Mac and Windows malware, safeguarding you from spreading infected files unknowingly.
• Scans connected external drives and optionally iOS devices plugged into your Mac.
• Quarantines identified threats to prevent them from harming your system.

Firewall Protection (NetBarrier X9):

• Monitors your network traffic to identify and block potential security risks.
• Offers various firewall profiles for easy configuration based on your network environment (home, public Wi-Fi, etc.)

Additional Considerations:

• Easy setup and configuration, making it user-friendly for non-technical users.
• Automatic updates ensure you have the latest protection against evolving threats.
• Available as part of Intego’s Mac Internet Security X9 package or the more comprehensive Mac Premium Bundle X9 (which adds features like parental controls and backup software).

Avast Premium Security & Avast Free Security

Avast offers two main options for protecting your devices: Avast Free Security and Avast Premium Security. Let’s explore the features of each to help you decide which suits your needs best.

Avast Free Security:

• Core Protection: Provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
• Smart Scan: Scans your PC for viruses, outdated software, and network weaknesses.
• Ransomware Shield: Blocks unauthorized applications from modifying your protected files.
• Basic Firewall: Monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic for suspicious activity (limited functionality compared to Premium).
• Software Updater: Keeps your software applications up-to-date to address security vulnerabilities.

Avast Free Security is a good option for:

• Users on a budget who need basic protection against common threats.
• Those who primarily browse safe websites and download files cautiously.

Avast Premium Security:

Includes all features of Avast Free Security, plus:

• Real Site: Protects you from fake websites designed to steal your information.
• Sandbox: Allows you to safely test suspicious files in an isolated environment.
• Email Guardian: Scans incoming and outgoing emails for malicious attachments and links.
• Remote Access Shield: Blocks unauthorized attempts to remotely access your computer.
• Sensitive Data Shield: Protects sensitive documents from unauthorized access.
• Webcam Shield: Prevents unauthorized applications from accessing your webcam.
• Password Protection: Stores and manages your passwords securely.
• Data Shredder: Permanently deletes sensitive files to prevent recovery.
• Advanced Firewall: Provides more granular control over network traffic compared to the basic firewall in Free Security.
• Multi-Device Protection: Secures up to 10 devices across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS (with a single subscription).

Avast Premium Security is ideal for:

• Users who want comprehensive protection against various online threats.
• Those who frequently browse the web, download files, or use online banking.
• People who need to secure multiple devices with a single subscription.

AVG Antivirus Free for Mac

AVG Antivirus Free for Mac is a solid option for users seeking basic protection against malware threats on their Macs. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

Core Protection:

• Real-time Scanning: Continuously monitors your Mac for viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and other threats.
• Scheduled Scans: Allows you to configure automatic scans at regular intervals to maintain protection.
• Link Scanner: Checks downloaded files and websites for malicious content before you interact with them (limited functionality compared to paid versions).
• Email Protection: Scans incoming emails for suspicious attachments and links (basic functionality).
• Behavioral Analysis: Monitors applications for suspicious activity to identify potential threats.
• Quarantine: Isolates detected threats to prevent them from harming your system.

Additional Features:

• Simple and User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate for users of all technical backgrounds.
• Low System Impact: Designed to run efficiently without significantly impacting your Mac’s performance.
• Automatic Updates: Ensures you have the latest virus definitions for optimal protection against evolving threats.

Limitations of AVG Antivirus Free for Mac:

• Limited Email and Web Protection: Compared to paid versions of AVG Antivirus, the free version offers less comprehensive scanning of emails and web links.
• No Additional Features: Lacks functionalities like advanced firewall protection, data shredder, or password manager available in paid options.
• No Technical Support: Free users don’t have access to dedicated technical support from AVG.

Who should consider AVG Antivirus Free for Mac:

• Users on a budget who prioritize basic protection against common malware threats.
• Individuals with good browsing habits who primarily use trusted websites and download files cautiously.
• People who already have a separate solution for features like advanced firewall protection or password management.

Overall, AVG Antivirus Free for Mac provides a good starting point for Mac security. However, if you require more comprehensive protection, including email and web security features, technical support, or additional functionalities, you might want to consider upgrading to a paid version of AVG Antivirus or explore other security suites that offer those features in their free tiers.

Norton 360

Norton 360 is a comprehensive security suite that offers a variety of features to protect your devices from online threats. Here’s a breakdown of its key components:

Core Protection:

• Real-time Threat Protection: Continuously monitors your devices for viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other online threats.
• Smart Firewall: Monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic to identify and block suspicious activity.
• Safe Browsing: Warns you about malicious websites and helps you avoid phishing scams.
• Cloud Backup (on select plans): Stores a copy of your important files securely online to safeguard against data loss due to ransomware attacks, hard drive failures, or accidental deletion.

Additional Features (depending on plan):

• Password Manager: Securely stores and manages your login credentials for various websites and applications.
• Dark Web Monitoring: Scans the dark web for your personal information and alerts you if it’s found, helping you take steps to protect your identity.
• Parental Control (on select plans): Manages your children’s online activity, allowing you to filter websites, control screen time, and monitor their online behavior.
• Secure VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic and helps you browse the web anonymously, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
• SafeCam (on select plans): Alerts you and helps block unauthorized access to your webcam, preventing potential spying attempts.
• PC Cloud Backup (on select plans): Provides an additional layer of data protection specifically for your PC.
• System Optimization Tools: Helps improve your device’s performance by cleaning up unnecessary files and optimizing settings.

Benefits of Norton 360:

• Multi-Device Protection: Secures multiple devices (PCs, Macs, smartphones, tablets) with a single subscription (depending on plan).
• Comprehensive Protection: Offers a wide range of features to safeguard against various online threats.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and manage security settings, even for non-technical users.
• Strong Reputation: Norton is a well-established security brand with a proven track record in the industry.

Things to Consider:

• Pricing: Norton 360 comes in various subscription plans with different features and device coverage. It can be more expensive compared to some basic antivirus solutions.
• System Performance: Some users report that Norton 360 can slightly impact system performance, especially on older devices.

Overall, Norton 360 is a powerful security suite that provides comprehensive protection for your devices. It’s a good choice for users who want a one-stop solution to secure their digital lives.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or have a relatively new and powerful device, you might consider exploring other antivirus options that offer basic protection at a lower cost.

Bitdefender Total Security & Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

Bitdefender offers two main security solutions for Mac users: Bitdefender Total Security and Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. Let’s delve into the details of each to help you decide which best suits your needs.

Bitdefender Total Security:

Comprehensive Protection:

• Real-time Threat Protection: Safeguards your Mac against viruses, malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other online threats.
• Advanced Threat Protection: Utilizes advanced behavioral analysis to identify and block zero-day threats (new, unknown threats).
• Firewall: Monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent unauthorized access and malicious activity.
• Safe Browsing: Warns you about malicious websites and helps you avoid phishing scams.
• Vulnerability Scan: Identifies and helps patch security weaknesses in your software applications to minimize vulnerabilities.
• Anti-tracker & Ad blocker: Protects your privacy by blocking online trackers and preventing intrusive ads.
• VPN (limited traffic on free plan): Encrypts your internet traffic for secure browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi networks (limited data allowance on the free plan).
• Password Manager: Securely stores and manages your login credentials for various websites and applications.
• Parental Control (on select plans): Manages your children’s online activity, allowing you to filter websites, control screen time, and monitor their online behavior (available on select plans).

Additional features (depending on the plan):

• File Encryption: Encrypts sensitive files on your Mac for added security.
• Data Shredder: Permanently deletes unwanted files to prevent data recovery.
• System Optimization Tools: Helps improve your Mac’s performance by cleaning up unnecessary files and optimizing settings.

Benefits of Bitdefender Total Security:

• All-in-one security: Offers a comprehensive suite of features to protect your Mac from various online threats and manage your digital security.
• Excellent protection: Renowned for its robust security features and detection capabilities.
• Minimal system impact: Designed to run efficiently with minimal impact on your Mac’s performance.
• User-friendly interface: Easy to navigate and manage security settings.

Things to Consider:

• Pricing: Bitdefender Total Security comes in various subscription plans with different features and device coverage. It can be more expensive compared to basic antivirus solutions.

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac:

Essential Protection:

• Real-time Threat Protection: Safeguards your Mac against viruses, malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other online threats.
• Advanced Threat Protection: Utilizes advanced behavioral analysis to identify and block zero-day threats.
• Firewall: Monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent unauthorized access and malicious activity.
• Safe Browsing: Warns you about malicious websites and helps you avoid phishing scams.
• Anti-tracker & Ad blocker: Protects your privacy by blocking online trackers and preventing intrusive ads.

Benefits of Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac:

• Essential protection: Provides core security features to safeguard your Mac from common threats.
• Lightweight: Designed with minimal impact on your Mac’s performance.
• More affordable: Typically less expensive compared to Bitdefender Total Security.

Who should choose which?

• Bitdefender Total Security: Ideal for users who want comprehensive protection for their Mac, including features like VPN, parental control, password management, and data security tools.
• Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac: A good choice for users who prioritize core protection against common online threats and value affordability and a lightweight solution.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for an all-encompassing security suite with a variety of features, Bitdefender Total Security is a great option.

If you prioritize basic protection at a more affordable price, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is a solid choice.

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac offers a layer of security designed to protect your Mac from online threats. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

Core Protection:

• Real-time Threat Protection: Continuously scans your Mac for viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious software.
• Web Threat Protection: Blocks malicious links and downloads found in emails, instant messages, and while browsing the web. Helps prevent phishing scams designed to steal personal information.
• Phishing Email & Website Blocking: Warns you about unsafe websites and phishing attempts to protect your online identity.
• Behavior Monitoring: Analyzes application behavior to identify and block suspicious activities that might indicate malware.

Additional Features (depending on plan):

• Folder Shield: Provides an extra layer of protection for your important files and folders by preventing unauthorized modification or deletion (available on some plans).
• Social Network Privacy Protection: Helps you manage privacy settings on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter (limited functionality compared to some competitors).
• Parental Controls (on select plans): Allows you to restrict your children’s access to inappropriate websites and manage their online activity (available on select plans).

Benefits of Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac:

• Easy to Use: Designed with a user-friendly interface for straightforward setup and configuration.
• Low System Impact: Generally runs efficiently without significantly impacting your Mac’s performance.
• Focus on Web Security: Provides strong web filtering and anti-phishing protection.

Things to Consider:

• Limited Features in Free Version: The free version offers basic protection and lacks functionalities like Folder Shield and Parental Controls.
• Less Comprehensive Compared to Some Competitors: While effective for core protection, Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac might not offer the same range of features as some other security suites on the market.

Who should choose Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac?

• New Mac Users: The user-friendly interface makes it a good option for those who are new to Macs and want a straightforward security solution.
• Users Prioritizing Web Security: If you’re concerned about online threats like phishing scams and malware-laden websites, Trend Micro’s web filtering and anti-phishing features can be valuable.
• Budget-Conscious Users (with paid plans): The free version provides basic protection, and some paid plans might be more affordable compared to feature-rich security suites from other vendors.

Overall, Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac is a decent option for basic protection against online threats. It’s easy to use and has a free version available.

However, if you require more comprehensive security features like advanced ransomware protection, parental controls, or a VPN, you might want to consider exploring other security suites that offer those functionalities.

Avira Prime & Avira Free Security for Mac

Avira offers two main security options for Mac users: Avira Prime and Avira Free Security for Mac. Here’s a breakdown of their features to help you decide which suits your needs best:

Avira Free Security for Mac:

• Core Protection: Provides real-time scanning to safeguard your Mac against viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware.
• Web Protection: Blocks access to malicious websites and helps prevent phishing attacks.
• Privacy Tools:
  • VPN (limited data): Encrypts your internet traffic for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi (with limited data allowance).
  • Password Manager: Generates and stores strong passwords for your online accounts (limited features compared to premium password managers).
  • Performance Optimization: Includes basic tools to clean up junk files and free up disk space.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate for users of all technical backgrounds.
• Low System Impact: Designed to run efficiently without significantly affecting your Mac’s performance.

Who should consider Avira Free Security for Mac?

• Budget-conscious users: It’s a completely free solution offering basic protection against common threats.
• Those with good browsing habits: If you primarily use trusted websites and download files cautiously, the core protection and web filtering can suffice.
• Users wanting a lightweight solution: Avira Free Security is known for its minimal system impact.

Limitations of Avira Free Security for Mac:

• Limited Features: Lacks functionalities like advanced firewall protection, parental controls, or data breach monitoring present in paid security suites.
• Restricted VPN Data: The free VPN has a limited data allowance, restricting extensive browsing or streaming.
• Limited Password Management: The password manager offers basic functionality compared to dedicated password management tools.

Avira Prime:

Avira Prime offers all the features of Avira Free Security for Mac, plus:

• Enhanced Protection:
  • Advanced Ransomware Protection: Provides additional safeguards against sophisticated ransomware attacks.
  • Software Updater: Automatically updates your software applications to address security vulnerabilities.
• Advanced Privacy Tools:
  • Unlimited VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic for secure browsing and anonymizes your online activity (unlimited data allowance).
  • Premium Password Manager: Offers advanced features for managing strong passwords across all your devices.
  • Data Breach Monitoring: Alerts you if your personal information is exposed in a data breach.
• Performance Optimization: Includes additional tools for optimizing your Mac’s speed and performance.
• Multi-Device Protection: Secures up to 5 devices across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS with a single subscription.

Who should consider Avira Prime?

• Users who want comprehensive protection: Avira Prime offers advanced features beyond basic protection, providing peace of mind against evolving threats.
• Those who frequently browse online: The unlimited VPN and advanced web protection features are valuable for frequent web users.
• People needing multi-device security: Securing multiple devices with a single subscription makes it cost-effective.

In conclusion, Avira Free Security for Mac is a good option for basic protection on a budget.

However, if you require more than the fundamentals, Avira Prime offers a compelling upgrade with advanced features, unlimited VPN, and multi-device protection.

McAfee Total Protection

McAfee Total Protection is a security suite designed to safeguard your devices (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) against a wide range of online threats. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

Core Protection:

• Real-time Threat Detection: Continuously scans your devices for viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other malicious software.
• Firewall: Monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic to identify and block suspicious activity. Helps prevent unauthorized access to your devices.
• Web Protection: Blocks access to malicious websites known to harbor phishing attempts or distribute malware.
• Identity Theft Protection (on select plans): Monitors the web for your personal information and alerts you if it’s found exposed in a data breach (available on select plans).

Additional Features (depending on plan):

• Password Manager: Securely stores and manages your login credentials for various websites and applications.
• Safe Family (on select plans): Provides parental controls to manage your children’s online activity, filter websites, and monitor their online behavior (available on select plans).
• VPN (on select plans): Encrypts your internet traffic for secure browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi networks (available on select plans).
• File Shredder: Permanently deletes sensitive files to prevent data recovery.
• PC Optimization Tools: Helps improve your device’s performance by cleaning up unnecessary files and optimizing settings (available on Windows plans).

Benefits of McAfee Total Protection:

• Comprehensive Protection: Offers a wide range of features to safeguard your devices from various online threats and manage your digital security.
• Multi-Device Protection: Secures multiple devices (PCs, Macs, smartphones, tablets) with a single subscription (depending on plan).
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and manage security settings, even for non-technical users.
• Well-Established Brand: McAfee is a well-known name in the cybersecurity industry with a long track record.

Things to Consider:

• Pricing: McAfee Total Protection comes in various subscription plans with different features and device coverage. It can be more expensive compared to some basic antivirus solutions.
• Potential System Performance Impact: Some users report that McAfee Total Protection can slightly impact system performance on older devices.

Who should choose McAfee Total Protection?

• Users who want all-in-one security: Ideal for those who want a comprehensive security solution to protect their devices from various online threats and manage their digital security.
• Families with children (on select plans): Parental controls features can be valuable for parents who want to supervise their children’s online activity.

Overall, McAfee Total Protection is a robust security suite that provides comprehensive protection for your devices. It’s a good choice for users who value convenience and want a one-stop solution to secure their digital lives.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or have a relatively new and powerful device, you might consider exploring other antivirus options that offer basic protection at a lower cost.

Eset Cyber Security Pro

ESET Cyber Security Pro, while still functional for users with existing subscriptions, is no longer actively sold by ESET.

It has been replaced by their all-in-one protection plans under the ESET HOME umbrella. However, here’s a breakdown of the features ESET Cyber Security Pro offered to understand its functionalities:

Core Protection:

• Real-time Threat Detection: Continuously scanned your Mac for viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other online threats.
• Firewall: Monitored incoming and outgoing network traffic to identify and block suspicious activity, helping prevent unauthorized access to your device.
• Web Protection: Blocked access to malicious websites known to harbor phishing attempts or distribute malware.

Additional Features:

• Email Protection (Limited): Offered some level of email scanning for malicious attachments and links, but might not have been as comprehensive as some competitor products.
• Anti-Phishing: Safeguarded you from falling victim to phishing scams designed to steal personal information.
• User-friendly Interface: Made it easy to navigate and manage security settings.
• Low System Impact: Designed to run efficiently without significantly impacting your Mac’s performance.

Limitations (compared to current ESET HOME offerings):

• Limited Features: ESET Cyber Security Pro lacked functionalities available in current ESET HOME plans, such as parental controls, password management, or data breach monitoring.
• Potentially Outdated Protection: As it’s no longer actively supported by ESET, it might not have the latest virus definitions or security features compared to current offerings.

Here’s what ESET recommends for current ESET Cyber Security Pro users:

• No action required: If you have an active ESET Cyber Security Pro subscription, it will continue to provide protection until your subscription expires.
• Upgrade to ESET HOME: ESET recommends upgrading to one of their ESET HOME security plans (Security Essential, Premium, or Ultimate) for continued and potentially more comprehensive protection. These plans offer a wider range of features and are compatible with various devices, including Windows, Mac, and Android.

Overall, while ESET Cyber Security Pro was a decent security solution for Macs in the past, it’s no longer the best option due to its limited features and lack of active updates. Upgrading to a current ESET HOME plan provides a more comprehensive and future-proof security solution.

BitMedic Pro Antivirus

BitMedic Pro Antivirus is designed specifically for Macs, offering a focus on real-time protection and ease of use. Here’s a closer look at its key features:

Core Protection:

• Real-time Threat Detection: Continuously scans your Mac for viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and other online threats.
• Automatic Updates: Ensures you have the latest virus definitions for optimal protection against evolving threats.
• Health Monitor: Watches designated folders and files for any unauthorized changes, potentially indicating malware infection.

Additional Features:

• Quick Scan & Deep Scan: Allows you to choose between a rapid scan for common threats or a more thorough scan for deeper system inspection.
• Custom Scans: Enables you to select specific folders or your entire hard drive for targeted scanning.
• Whitelist: Lets you exclude trusted applications or files from scans to avoid unnecessary alerts.
• 24/7 Real-Time Monitoring: Provides continuous protection against emerging threats.
• USB Drive Scanning: Safeguards your Mac from potential threats on connected external USB drives.
• Adware & Browser Cleaning: Helps remove unwanted adware and clean up your web browsers for a more optimized experience (limited functionality compared to dedicated cleaning tools).
• Schedule Scans: Automate scans to run at regular intervals for consistent protection.

Benefits of BitMedic Pro Antivirus:

• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and manage for users of all technical backgrounds.
• Lightweight: Designed with minimal impact on your Mac’s performance.
• USA-Based Company: Offers customer support based in the United States (may be a deciding factor for some users).
• Free Lifetime Updates: Ensures you always have access to the latest virus definitions.
• No Monthly Fees: You pay a one-time fee for lifetime access to the software and updates (pricing model might differ depending on where you purchase).

Things to Consider:

• Limited Features Compared to Some Competitors: While effective for core protection, BitMedic Pro Antivirus might not offer the same range of features as some security suites on the market (e.g., firewall, parental controls, VPN).
• Independent Testing Results Limited: There might be limited independent testing data available compared to well-established antivirus brands.

Who should choose BitMedic Pro Antivirus?

• New Mac Users: The user-friendly interface makes it a good option for those who are new to Macs and want a straightforward antivirus solution.
• Budget-Conscious Users: The one-time fee structure can be appealing for users who prefer a non-subscription model.
• Users Prioritizing Basic Protection: If you prioritize core protection against common threats and value a lightweight solution, BitMedic Pro Antivirus can be a good choice.

Overall, BitMedic Pro Antivirus offers a user-friendly and lightweight solution for basic Mac protection. It’s a good option for users who prioritize core functionality and a one-time purchase model.

However, if you require more comprehensive security features like a firewall, parental controls, or a VPN, you might want to explore security suites from other vendors that offer those functionalities.