Choosing the best antivirus software for your Mac in 2025 is important to keep your device safe from online threats. Even though Macs are known for their strong security, having extra protection can save you from viruses, malware, and hackers. Here, we list the top 10 antivirus software options for Mac users in 2025 to help you make an informed choice.
Key Takeaways
- Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac offers excellent protection and additional features like a VPN and safe banking tools.
- Norton 360 Standard provides comprehensive security, including identity protection and parental controls.
- Avast Security for Mac is a solid free option with good malware detection and easy-to-use features.
- Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac is known for its strong protection against web threats and phishing attacks.
- Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is specifically designed for Macs, offering good malware protection and system cleaning tools.
1. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
Alright, folks, let’s talk about Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac. This bad boy is like the superhero of antivirus software. It’s got everything you need to keep your Mac safe from the baddies out there.
Why We Love It
- High detection rates: Bitdefender is like a bloodhound for viruses. It sniffs them out with minimal system impact.
- Multi-layer ransomware protection: Because one layer just isn’t enough!
- Privacy tools: Keep your secrets safe, folks.
- Secure VPN: Surf the web like a ninja.
- Anti-phishing features: No more falling for those “You’ve won a million dollars” scams.
- Performance optimization tools: Keeps your Mac running smoother than a buttered slide.
Pricing
| Plan | Duration | Price (Sale) | Price (Original) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 1 Year | $30 | $60 |
Real-World Performance
Bitdefender blocked 99.4% of threats in tests, coming in second only to Norton and McAfee. It even blocked real-world ransomware before it could wreak havoc. Just remember to enable the Ransomware Remediation feature in the settings.
Bitdefender is like having a digital bodyguard for your Mac. It’s always there, always vigilant, and doesn’t ask for much in return.
Final Thoughts
Bitdefender is packed with features and has an excellent detection rate. It’s easy to use, making it perfect for beginners. Plus, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out without any risk. If you want to keep your Mac safe, Bitdefender is the way to go.
2. Norton 360 Standard
Norton 360 Standard is like the Swiss Army knife of antivirus software. It’s packed with features that go beyond just keeping your Mac safe from malware. One of its standout features is LifeLock, which offers top-notch identity theft protection. This means it keeps an eye on your sensitive information and alerts you if it’s found on the dark web. Imagine getting a heads-up if someone tries to use your identity for medical care or as an alias!
Key Features
- Real-time malware detection: Norton stops threats in their tracks, ensuring your device stays clean.
- Robust firewall: Keeps threats from sneaking in through your network connection.
- Webcam monitoring: No more worries about someone spying on you through your webcam.
- Parental controls: Keep the kiddos safe online.
- Norton Secure VPN: Hides your online activities and even unblocks some geo-restricted content.
Performance
When it comes to scan speeds, Norton is a speed demon. It took just 29 minutes to scan 50 GB of files, which is faster than both Bitdefender and Avast. Plus, it blocked 99.2% of threats in recent tests. Talk about efficient!
Norton 360 Standard is not just about antivirus protection; it’s a full-fledged security suite that keeps every aspect of your digital life safe.
Downsides
- Pricey: Norton is on the expensive side, especially after the first year’s introductory price.
- Device Limit: It covers up to 10 devices, which might not be enough for some households.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comprehensive security solution that offers more than just antivirus protection, Norton 360 Standard is a solid choice. Just be prepared to shell out a bit more cash for all those extra features.
3. Avast Security for Mac
Alright, folks, let’s talk about Avast Security for Mac. This antivirus is like the superhero of malware-blocking. It stops threats dead in their tracks without slowing down your device. It’s super easy to use, making it a great pick for antivirus newbies.
Key Features
- Malware Protection: Avast boasts a 99.97% detection rate, so you can rest easy knowing your Mac is safe.
- Firewall: Keeps an eye on your network traffic to thwart hackers.
- Ransomware Shield: Automatically protects folders containing user documents.
- Customizable Scans: Choose between Smart Scans, Targeted Scans, and Full Scans.
Performance
Avast doesn’t create noticeable lag, and it even has a gamer mode for all you gaming enthusiasts out there. Scans are pretty quick too, with a full scan of 50 GB taking just 32 minutes.
Pricing
Avast offers several plans that won’t break the bank. You can even try Avast One Essential for free. If you need more features like a VPN or parental controls, you can upgrade to the Silver or Gold plans.
Avast Security for Mac is a solid choice for anyone looking to keep their Mac safe without sacrificing performance. Plus, it’s got a 30-day money-back guarantee, so why not give it a shot?
Customer Support
While Avast lacks live chat support, you can usually get a response via email within 24 hours. Not too shabby, right?
So, if you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use antivirus for your Mac, Avast Security is definitely worth considering.
4. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac
Alright, folks, let’s talk about Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac. This software might not be the top dog, but it’s got a clean interface that’s easy to navigate. Just hit the Scan button and you’re off to the races. No clutter, no fuss.
When it comes to protection, Trend Micro received an average score across test labs and our own research. It does stop threats like malware and ransomware, but your mileage may vary. Some users reported false positives, but we didn’t experience that. So, it’s got the basics covered.
One of the coolest features is the Pay Guard tool. This acts as a shield on sites where you hand over financial and personal information, like your bank account and online stores. Hackers and cybercriminals are always on the lookout for your credit card number or login credentials, so it’s great to see Trend Micro tackling these vulnerabilities head-on.
However, Trend Micro does impact system performance more than its biggest rivals and doesn’t have a long list of features. This makes it more usable for newcomers, but advanced users might find it lacking in customization options. Most tools simply toggle on or off.
You can increase functionality by opting for a more expensive plan. The next tier, Trend Micro Internet Security, includes parental controls and social media protection tools. For most folks, it’s worth spending a bit more on Trend Micro Maximum Security, which offers protection for Mac and mobile devices as well as Windows. Plus, it adds a password manager and secure file vault.
Trend Micro might not be the best anti virus software for mac 2025, but it’s a solid choice for those who want basic protection without the bells and whistles.
5. Intego Mac Internet Security X9
Overview
Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is a solid choice for Mac users who want to keep their systems safe. It’s designed specifically for Mac machines, which means it knows how to handle Mac-specific threats. However, setting it up can be a bit of a hassle since each tool needs to be downloaded and installed separately. This can get tedious quickly.
Key Features
- Parental Controls: Intego includes configurable parental controls, which is a rare find in Mac antivirus solutions.
- System Cleaner: The Mac Washing Machine helps tidy up your system by removing old software versions, remnants of deleted files, and unused apps.
- Network Protection: Keeps your network safe from threats that could be passed on to other devices.
Performance
Intego scores higher than average for malware detection, although it does miss a few threats. The app itself can cause a bit of lag, but it doesn’t affect your overall working and browsing experience too much.
Ease of Use
Each tool is a separate download with its own dashboard, making it harder to navigate the entire package. It would be much easier if everything was combined into a single download.
Customer Support
Customer support is a bit of a mixed bag. There are lots of pages to navigate through to find the support email form, and live chat is sometimes available.
Value
Intego is on the pricier side, especially considering that other Mac antivirus solutions offer more tools for less money. However, it does offer a 14-day free trial, so you can test it out before committing.
If you’re a Mac loyalist, you’ll want to check out Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9—it’s a bit of a mouthful, but it’s a solid service that’s easy to download, install, and navigate.
Final Thoughts
Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is a great pick for Mac machines, especially if you need parental controls and a good system cleaner. Just be prepared for a bit of a setup hassle and a higher price tag.
6. Sophos Home Premium
Sophos Home Premium is like having your own personal IT team, but without the awkward small talk. This antivirus software is perfect for those of us who are the go-to tech support for our family and friends. You can manage up to 10 devices remotely, which means no more driving across town to fix Uncle Bob’s computer.
Sophos Home Premium offers a range of features:
- Ransomware protection
- Defense against exploit attacks
- Financial transaction protection
- Webcam hijack prevention
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The parental control feature is less effective, and some advanced features require uncommon tech expertise. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right?
If you’re tired of being the on-call tech support for your loved ones, Sophos Home Premium is your new best friend. Manage everything from the comfort of your own home, or even from your favorite coffee shop.
In summary, Sophos Home Premium is a solid choice for those who need to manage multiple devices remotely. It’s inexpensive and packed with features, making it a great option for the tech-savvy and the tech-challenged alike.
7. McAfee Antivirus Plus
McAfee Antivirus Plus is like the Swiss Army knife of antivirus software. It’s packed with features, but it might be a bit heavy on your system. McAfee is one of the cheapest virus killers with 30 years of experience in the market. But how good is it really?
Key Features
- Protection Score: This nifty feature gives you a score out of 1,000 based on your online protection. It also provides simple steps to improve your device’s security.
- Identity Theft Monitoring: McAfee keeps an eye on the dark web for your personal information and alerts you if it’s compromised.
- Unlimited VPN: The VPN has no data caps and gives you access to servers in 22 countries. However, you need to agree to McAfee’s auto-renewal to use it without limitations.
- Parental Controls: These allow you to manage screen time, block inappropriate content, and monitor your kids’ locations.
Performance
McAfee is slightly resource-hungry, but it won’t interrupt what you’re doing. It’s a bit pricier than other options, but it covers an unlimited number of devices.
Customer Support
McAfee offers informative FAQs and a great community. However, live chat is with a virtual assistant, not a live agent.
If you’re looking for a feature-rich antivirus that offers excellent identity protection and don’t mind the higher price, McAfee Antivirus Plus is a solid choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent mobile apps
- Advanced identity protection
- Unlimited device coverage
Cons:
- Expensive
- Resource-hungry
- Clunky on Mac compared to Windows
Final Thoughts
McAfee Antivirus Plus is undoubtedly expensive, but it earns its spot in our top picks with standout mobile apps, advanced features, and its prioritization of identity protection. If you can afford it, you won’t regret the purchase.
8. Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac
Alright, Mac users, let’s talk about Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac. This software is like having a cyber bodyguard for your Mac. It’s got all the bells and whistles to keep your digital life safe and sound.
First off, Kaspersky is known for its top-notch cyber security monitoring tools. These tools are always on the lookout, ready to detect and block any threats that come your way. It’s like having a vigilant guardian for your data and networks.
Key Features
- Real-time Protection: Kaspersky offers real-time protection against malware, phishing, and other cyber threats. It’s always on guard, so you don’t have to be.
- Privacy Protection: Keep your personal information safe from prying eyes with Kaspersky’s privacy protection features.
- Parental Controls: If you’ve got kids, you’ll appreciate the parental controls that help keep them safe online.
- Performance Optimization: Kaspersky doesn’t just protect your Mac; it also helps it run smoothly by optimizing performance.
Pros and Cons
Let’s break it down with a quick list:
Pros:
- Excellent malware detection rates
- Comprehensive privacy features
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Can be a bit resource-heavy
- Not the cheapest option out there
If you’re looking for a reliable and comprehensive security solution for your Mac, Kaspersky Internet Security is a solid choice. It may not be the lightest on resources, but the protection it offers is worth it.
So, if you want to keep your Mac safe from the digital baddies, give Kaspersky a try. Your Mac will thank you!
9. Malwarebytes for Mac
Alright, folks, let’s talk about Malwarebytes for Mac. This software is like the Swiss Army knife of antivirus programs. It can protect up to 5 devices, which is more than enough to cover all your important gadgets at home. Plus, you can add a VPN to your package for just an extra $3 per month. Talk about a bargain!
Features
- Protection: Malwarebytes is not as effective at blocking malware as it is at removing current infections. But hey, it’s still pretty good at cleaning up the mess!
- Performance: Fairly light on resources, so you won’t even notice it’s running in the background.
- Ease of Use: Basic use is easy to figure out, but it gets a bit tricky when you need to customize settings.
- Advanced Tools: Doesn’t have the level of advanced features we’d expect in a Pro program.
- Customer Support: All support links redirect you to its extensive knowledgebase rather than provide live support options right away.
- Value: Monthly subscription prices are about right for what is offered.
Test Results
| Feature | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Not as effective at blocking malware as it is at removing infections | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fairly light on resources | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | Basic use is easy, but customization is tricky | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Advanced Tools | Lacks advanced features | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer Support | Redirects to knowledgebase | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | Prices are fair | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Malwarebytes increases your antivirus protection, so I tested its quality, ease of use, and features to find out if it’s worth the cost.
In our tests, Malwarebytes wasn’t as effective at stopping malware as some of the other names on this list. It couldn’t pick up on our simulated ransomware attack and was slow to react to malware. Hopefully, the company is working on this, and I’m confident that it’ll shoot up the rankings once it balances its excellent removal tools with a solid antivirus program.
10. F-Secure Safe
Alright, folks, let’s talk about F-Secure Safe. This antivirus software is like the Swiss Army knife of digital protection. It’s got a bit of everything, and while it might not be the easiest to use, it’s definitely worth the effort.
First off, F-Secure Safe comes with its own built-in VPN. Now, it’s not going to win any awards compared to the big names like ExpressVPN, but it’s a handy tool when you’re shopping online, accessing your banking accounts, or connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Think of it as an extra layer of protection.
Getting started with F-Secure Safe is a bit of a journey. The installation process will walk you through step-by-step, but be prepared to click through a lot of pages. It can be a bit overwhelming for new users. And configuring the various tools and options? Let’s just say it’s not the most intuitive process.
But here’s the kicker: F-Secure Safe offers 24/7 live support. Yes, you heard that right. If you run into any issues, you can reach out to an agent via live chat. And if things get really tricky, the agent can even connect to your device remotely to fix the problem. Talk about service!
F-Secure Safe is like having a digital bodyguard that never sleeps. It’s always on the lookout for threats, even when you’re not.
Now, let’s talk about performance. F-Secure Safe is excellent at blocking malware and protecting smart devices connected to your home network. However, you might experience some slowdown when launching programs or navigating the web. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Here’s a quick rundown of F-Secure Safe’s features and ratings:
| Feature | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Excellent malware blocking and protects smart devices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Some slowdown when launching programs or navigating the web | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | Not the easiest to figure out, but the tutorials do help | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Advanced Tools | Not as many tools as other antivirus software, but the ones included are helpful | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer Support | Live support is available including remote support for difficult issues | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | First-time users get a great bargain, but the price jumps higher on renewal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
In conclusion, F-Secure Safe might take some getting used to, but it offers a comprehensive suite of security and privacy tools. From network protection to a built-in VPN and 24/7 live support, it’s got you covered. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve and some occasional slowdowns. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right?
F-Secure Safe is a top-notch choice for keeping your devices secure. It offers excellent protection against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Easy to use and reliable, it’s perfect for families and individuals alike. Want to learn more about how F-Secure Safe can protect you?