5 Best Antivirus for Mac in 2025

To identify the best antivirus for Mac, we’ve examined a variety of antivirus programs and conducted numerous penetration tests on Macs with authentic malware examples. After careful review after careful consideration, my preferred choices include TotalAV and Norton 360. I suggest going through the entire review carefully and weighing the particulars of choosing the best antivirus for Mac.

Which is the best antivirus for Mac?

I tested a wide range of antivirus software for Mac to identify the best antivirus solutions that effectively safeguard your device against threats like ransomware, spyware, and other malicious applications. As a third-party choice, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus gets high marks for safeguarding your Mac in real-time, with efficient malware removal and detection that won’t slow down your computer.

5 Best Antivirus for Mac in 2025: Protect Your Device from Viruses

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus provides a high-quality antivirus software that’s full of features and provides complete security and threat elimination for Mac. Bitdefender is indeed the top choice for the best antivirus for Mac. It can identify all sorts of malware, including malware and ransomware, and will disinfect any threat or reschedule the threat for elimination. It is possible to perform both on-demand and in-access scans for instant security for the entire computer, and modify for certain areas, without putting the load on your system.

For Mac users, Bitdefender blocks adware and hacking attacks, and also protects Time Machine backups. You can also utilize an extension dubbed Traffic Light. The Traffic Light browser extension finds trackers, halts attempts to phish, and searches for unsafe web pages. The Bitdefender Antivirus Plus membership includes protection against data breaches and a VPN, but there’s just 200MB of data per device every day, and it includes 24/7 assistance for users.

Pros

• Real-time and manual scans
• Complete malware removal and detection
• Security against Ransomware
• Live customer assistance

Cons

• Some features are unavailable on Mac

Also read: Who is Better for Security: VPNs vs. Firewalls vs. Antivirus

2. Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes is an easy-to-use antivirus software for Mac that safeguards your Mac from all types of malware, such as Trojans, botnets, malware and cryptominers, spyware, or potentially undesirable software (PUPs). When a threat is discovered, it is quarantined by the program to be reviewed, and it can either be erased or restored. It is possible to run scans on demand for free, which makes Malwarebytes Free a great choice for a second-opinion scanner or upgrade to the annual price of $45 Standard Plan for immediate (on-access) and scheduled scans.

Its Malwarebytes interface is easy and user-friendly, and includes settings for optimizing scan speed in conjunction with system performance and Trusted Advisor security suggestions for devices. You can also enhance your security by installing the Browser Guard extension, which blocks third-party ads and malware trackers on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

Pros

• Simple user-friendly interface
• Malware detection and removal
• A solid free software for second-opinion scanning
• 14-day free trial of premium features

Cons

• No ransomware or exploit protection on macOS

3. Avast

Avast is a well-known brand in the world of antivirus. Its products always score high in independent laboratory tests. Avast antivirus is a free, simple-to-use antivirus for Mac that protects your computer from malwareincluding ransomware, along with other security and privacy features that you’ll typically be required to pay for when using other products. If Avast detects a threat using an in-real-time, scheduled, or manual check, it will quarantine this threat for removal.

If you subscribe to the Basic plan, Avast will also check the email programs for malicious attachments, offer security tests for networks, remove online trackers, and verify your email address for known security breach reports. Additionally, you get VPN service, but it’s limited to five GB per day. A move from Gold ($7 monthly) includes additional options for security and increasing system performance, and an upgrade to a Platinum membership ($10 monthly) provides identity protection and 24/7 support for customers.

Pros

• Simple and user-friendly interface
• Privacy and security features at free
• Protection against ransomware

Cons

• Upselling in the app

4. Norton 360

Norton provides comprehensive real-time protection for your devices from cyberattacks, such as malware, viruses, and ransomware. It also comes with additional security and privacy tools, such as the VPN and password manager, and dark-web monitoring for users of all Norton 360 users.

Through its best antivirus for Mac, it is possible to scan your entire system or select folders, and set up fast scans for high-risk locations or personalize your own. The software will identify any dangers for future actions. Other helpful tools include a cleaner for files and the startup manager for increasing the speed of your device.

Norton’s application is simple to use, but there’s some setup needed through the web to make use of all extensions and add-ons. Norton 360 scores highly on independent tests. It has a 100% malware detection rate and has a small impact on the performance. If you need security for several devices, or need more options. Norton 360 Standard ($40 for the first year) comes with three devices.

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Security against malware and viruses up to 10 computers
• Additional security and privacy features in a paid subscription
• Dark web monitoring

Cons

• Costly upon renewal

5. XProtect

In some cases, the best antivirus for Mac could be the one already built into your device. Apple’s XProtect runs quietly in the background, automatically scanning files without requiring any installation or user action.

XProtect is a program that runs when you access it, which means it scans for malware each time you start or modify an application or when its signatures for viruses are updated, and can detect and stop malware that is known to be running. It also works with Apple’s other security features, such as Gatekeeper and Notarization, to help keep your system secure.

For the typical Mac user who follows security best practices when downloading or browsing, XProtect provides decent antivirus security for absolutely nothing. This Mac antivirus drawback is that you can’t perform scheduled or manual scans to look for malware, however, the second-opinion scanners like Malwarebytes Free or Avast One could provide a second layer of protection. Additionally, you’ll be unable to access additional security and privacy options offered by third-party software, but when antivirus is all you’re looking for, XProtect does the job.

Pros

• Free protection for your Mac device
• Runs in the background

Cons

• No extra features
• No scheduled or manual scan options

Also read: Top 10 VPN for Internet Security

Factors to consider when choosing the best antivirus for Mac

When we were evaluating the best antivirus for Mac, we considered many aspects:

• Scan options: Real-time (on-access) scans are more likely to ensure that threats are identified quickly and removed or quarantined. We also appreciate the option to schedule periodic or manual scans when required.
• Specifications: Some antivirus software is focused on malware and antivirus detection however, it’s beneficial to have additional kinds of security based on your personal habits, security and privacy needs. The antivirus we tested has options that range from scanning email attachments and VPN service, and security monitoring on dark sites and identity theft security. It is also possible to consider options to enhance the performance of your system, for example, junk file cleanup.
• Pricing: You don’t need to shell out a large sum (or even anything) for basic antivirus, which includes third-party scanners that back your Mac’s built-in security against malware. Most of the time, higher-end plans and services include additional features that are worth it only when you need these features.
• Customer support: If you want access to assistance with the installation or use of the antivirus program, search for businesses that provide live assistance via multiple channels, with extended hours.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best antivirus for Mac is essential to ensure your device stays protected from the latest threats like malware, ransomware, and spyware. Carefully considering factors such as real-time protection, system performance impact, and ease of use, as well as additional features such as a VPN or password manager, can help you find the Mac security solution that suits your needs.