Best antivirus for Mac software in 2025

Macs are known for their strong built-in security, but such protection is no longer enough when cyber threats are ever-evolving. The idea that Macs are immune to malware is no longer accurate, and hackers are increasingly targeting macOS with sophisticated attacks, including ransomware, spyware, and phishing schemes. So, to ensure truly effective protection, using the best antivirus software for Mac is a must in 2025.

A robust antivirus software improves the chances of macOS withstanding cyber attacks and protects the system with advanced features like real-time threat detection, privacy tools, and protection against phishing. Because there is so much antivirus software, choosing the perfect one for you and your Mac might be challenging. That’s why I compiled a list of the best antivirus for Mac in 2025, and by choosing any off the list, you can be sure your device will stay safe.

Want to learn more about this software? Then, continue reading this article for my in-depth review, which will help you make an informed decision about choosing effective protection for your Mac.

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Best antivirus for Mac: shortlist

1. TotalAV

   the overall best antivirus for Mac in 2025
   9.7
2. Norton Antivirus

   a Mac antivirus with parental controls
   9.1
3. Bitdefender Antivirus

   a lightweight Mac antivirus software with high protection rates
   9.4
4. Malwarebytes

   a fast Mac antivirus with strong ad blocking & VPN
   8.0
5. Surfshark Antivirus

   an antivirus for Mac with a built-in premium VPN
   8.8

Why do Macbooks need an antivirus?

While all Macs have built-in cyber threat defenses, such as the XProtect and Gatekeeper, this does not make them entirely impervious to advanced cyber attacks. For instance, XProtect mainly scans for known malware, leaving Macs vulnerable to zero-day and sophisticated threats that can evade detection. As for Gatekeeper is a compelling feature when verifying app signatures, but it falls short of blocking phishing attacks, ransomware, spyware, and malicious websites.

So, how serious are these threats? For example, phishing scams can easily trick users into sharing sensitive information, while ransomware encrypts various files and demands payment for recovery. Malicious websites and spyware are designed to uncover user data and make it an easy grab for cyber thieves or malicious onlookers.

How does antivirus software help block these cyber threats? Usually, the best antivirus software complements MacOS defenses with real-time protection, detecting and blocking zero-day threats and providing a shield against phishing and ransomware attacks. Many such antivirus software also includes advanced features like secure browsing, network monitoring, and privacy protection, making up for a comprehensive defense against cyber risks. In a nutshell, antivirus software for Mac masks the gaps in the built-in defenses, turning your device into a cyber fortress.

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Best antivirus for small businesses: complete list

1. TotalAV – the best antivirus for Mac with great malware protection and optimization
2. Norton 360 – an advanced antivirus software for Mac with VPN and parental controls
3. Bitdefender – a lightweight antivirus for Mac with excellent malware defense
4. Malwarebytes – a fast antivirus for Mac with strong ad blocking and VPN features
5. Surfshark Antivirus – a budget-friendly antivirus for Mac with VPN included

I chose my best Mac antivirus in 2025 by checking how well each software matched my strict criteria. Only the top choices excel in malware detection, offer failproof real-time threat protection, and are truly compatible with macOS without compromising speed, functionality, usability, or advanced features. Read more about my top Mac antivirus choices in the thorough reviews below.

1. TotalAV - the best antivirus for Mac overall

TotalAV is Mac's overall best antivirus software, offering a well-rounded approach against various cyber threats. I particularly like how easy to use it was and how well it incorporates into macOS operations without hindering or slowing down day-to-day use.

I did my own in-house testing by planting malware samples and running various TotalAV scans, including quick, custom, and deep scans. Every time, TotalAV caught all my pre-planted malware samples, solidifying an effectiveness of 100%. As for the real-time protection, the shield caught and blocked all samples I gave to it, working flawlessly and with 100% efficiency. Independent AV testing labs, such as AV-test and AV-comparatives, rank TotalAV as the top antivirus software, giving a 5.5 overall score and confirming my scan test results with an even 100% efficiency.

The key features of this antivirus program include real-time protection, which continuously scans and blocks threats from harming your system. Advanced WebShield that blocks malicious websites, preventing phishing and ransomware attacks. Then, there’s the robust built-in VPN for network traffic encryption and system optimization tools for optimal system performance.

TotalAV subscription starts at $1.58 for the first year and climbs up to $99.00 upon renewal. The software is compatible with macOS X 10.9 Mavericks and higher, requiring a minimum 2 GB RAM and 1.5 GB of free disk space. One subscription covers up to 6 devices and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

All of these features make TotalAV the perfect choice for Mac users who seek a fuss-free, easy-to-use, and highly compatible Mac antivirus software. Plus, this TotalAV bundle makes up for a well-rounded cybersecurity solution with a robust VPN.

For more information, read our in-depth TotalAV review.

2. Norton 360 - an advanced antivirus software for Mac with VPN and parental controls

Norton 360 is the best antivirus software for Mac and is perfect for those looking for an advanced cybersecurity solution. With the added system optimization tools, parental controls, and a secure VPN, Norton 360 is simply ideal for the task.

I tested Norton 360 by pre-planting malware samples and running all the scans offered to check their effectiveness. Unsurprisingly, Norton 360 caught all of them, proving its title as one of the top antivirus software with 100% efficiency. I’ve also compared my results with those from independent AV testing labs, and I found the same results there, proving that Norton 360 is as secure as it gets. The same story is repeated with real-time protection, which works with 100% accuracy and efficiency.

The key feature of Norton 360 is reliable real-time protection, which the built-in secure Norton VPN greatly enhances. Additionally, Norton 360 offers a parental controls suite and a password manager to safely store and manage passwords, credentials, and credit card info. Lastly, there’s also a two-way firewall to monitor the traffic to and from your Mac.

You can get Norton 360 Standard package for $2.50 for the first year, which goes up to $94.99 upon renewal. This subscription covers one device and it’s compatible with all macOS devices, requiring a minimum of 2 GB RAM and 300 MB of available hard disk space.

Norton 360 is ideal for Mac users who want a comprehensive security solution beyond basic antivirus protection. With a built-in VPN, parental controls, and a two-way firewall, it is a well-rounded solution against cyber threats.

For more information about this software, read our in-depth Norton Antivirus review.

3. Bitdefender - a lightweight antivirus for Mac with excellent malware defense

Bitdefender Antivirus is the best antivirus for Mac users who want something lightweight yet robust. Additionally, I enjoyed how the app’s minimalistic design integrated seamlessly into the macOS aesthetic and did not hinder my day-to-day Mac experience.

Bitdefender proved a strong contender as one of the top Mac antivirus programs, performing at 90% accuracy during my full scan testing and scoring the same in real-time protection tests. However, the AV-tests lab gave Bitdefender a 100% accuracy score in detecting and removing malware, which is higher than I got during my in-house tests. Nevertheless, such a score still puts Bitdefender among the most robust antivirus software.

Bitdefender’s key features include mandatory real-time protection and Adware Blocking, which blocks malicious ads and enhances browsing security. The aptly named Time Machine Protection feature guards your backups against ransomware attacks. Lastly, Bitdefender scans are amazingly fast and lightweight, with the quick scan lasting only around 40 seconds and the deep scan lasting around 7 minutes.

This antivirus for Mac is priced at $0.83 per year for a single device. If you’d like, you can get a plan to cover 3 devices simultaneously, which will cost you $59.99, making it a more budget-friendly choice. Bitdefender Antivirus is compatible with all macOS x Yosemite (10.10) and later versions. Plus, it requires minimal system resources, making it a great choice if you constantly run out of space on your device.

Overall, Bitdefender will cater to those who want something light and secure. With Bitdefender, you’ll be getting all that, plus a minimalistic interface that matches the overall feel of a Mac device.

For more information, read our Bitdefender Antivirus review.

4. Malwarebytes - a fast antivirus for Mac with strong ad blocking and VPN features

Malwarebytes is an excellent choice for Mac users who want an ultra-lightweight antivirus solution with fast scanning capabilities. It’s particularly effective for blocking ads and trackers, making it a strong option for privacy-conscious users. However, Malwarebytes needs full disk access on your Mac to effectively detect viruses, malware, and other threats while ensuring smooth performance. If you've been using Malwarebytes for a while, you've likely granted this access before. However, updating to macOS Ventura revokes these permissions, requiring you to restore them manually.

During my in-house testing, Malwarebytes completed a full system scan in just 5 seconds, scanning over 21,000 files with minimal CPU load (4-48%). However, it failed to detect some malware samples planted in the system, which was rather disappointing. Real-time protection also did not flag specific malware files downloaded via the wget command, indicating weaknesses in its malware detection capabilities.

Nevertheless, Malwarebytes excels in ad blocking, scoring 99/100 on Adblock-tester.com and offering strong protection against tracking. The included Malwarebytes VPN provides servers in 39 countries and features a kill switch for added security, though it lacks transparency about its protocols and has not undergone third-party audits. It also has decent speeds of up to 100 Mbps, suitable for casual, anonymous browsing.

Malwarebytes's pricing starts at $1.87/month, with discounts available for annual plans. It supports macOS 10.12 (Sierra) and later models, which makes it a viable choice for users seeking a lightweight security solution focused on ad blocking and privacy tools rather than traditional antivirus protection.

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5. Surfshark Antivirus - Budget-friendly antivirus for Mac with VPN included

Surfshark is the best antivirus software for Mac users who want a well-rounded cybersecurity protection package that includes software and a premium VPN. It is also a very affordable solution that provides users with excellent functionality and reliability.

During my testing, which I performed the same way as with other antivirus software by planting malware samples, Surfshark wasn’t as effective as competitors but still performed at a very high level. To be more precise, Surfshark identified and neutralized 7 out of 10 samples during the full scan and 9 out of 10 during real-time protection tests. However, this software isn’t as lightweight as I’d hoped, and during the full scan, the CPU usage sometimes reached up to 80%.

The key features that make Surfshark a great choice for Mac users are the reliable real-time protection and full scans that you can schedule anytime. That said, no other AV software comes with as good a VPN as Surfshark, which is known for its unbreakable security and excellent geo-unblocking qualities. Lastly, Surfshark Antivirus comes with a feature called quarantine management, which isolates detected threats and enables users to review and manage suspicious files as they wish.

Surfshark Antivirus comes together with Surfshark VPN in a package called Surfshark One, starting at approximately $4.24/month, billed annually. This is by far the most affordable choice, bearing in mind that the price does not change after the first year. Surfshark is compatible with all macOS versions, starting from Big Sur 11 and newer.

Surfshark Antivirus is best suited for those needing an affordable, easy-to-use security solution that covers all the most important bases. While this software does not have as many advanced features as the competition, Surfshark VPN alone is an excellent product for anyone prioritizing cybersecurity.

Best antivirus for Mac compared

How I tested antivirus software for Mac

While all Macs come with built-in defense features such as the XProtect and Gatekeeper, it is not enough to guard your device against sophisticated threats nowadays. So, testing antivirus software for Mac helps figure out the best software that’s first and foremost compatible with macOS, maintains great system performance, and delivers robust protection against threats. Here’s how I tested available antivirus software for Macs:

Criteria. Every reliable antivirus must have real-time protection to safeguard from zero-day threats and unbeatable malware detection while performing system scans. Additionally, I evaluated their ease of use and valued beginner-friendly ones. I also checked on system performance to ensure the software didn’t render my Mac unusable while running in the background.

Testing process. To test the scans' accuracy, I planted 10 malware samples (ransomware, adware, keyloggers, and so on) and extracted them onto the local system. Then, I ran the scans and checked their efficiency. I’ve also planted 10 malware samples for real-time protection tests, stored them in the local environment, and then downloaded them onto the device with Real-time protection enabled.

In addition to the malware detection tests, I evaluated the performance of additional features such as browser protection, browser extensions, and overall app compatibility.

Performance metrics. Several performance metrics played a key role during my evaluation process, including the malware detection percentage, the speed it took to complete various scans, and the impact on system resources measured in used CPU percentage.

After performing all these tests and evaluations, I found that TotalAV, Norton 360, and Malwarebytes, worked 100% accurately at detecting malware and providing real-time protection. The lightest software was Bitdefender, which scored slightly lower at detection rates but used only up to 30% CPU, even during a full scan. That said, Surfshark was the absolute top contender in simplicity of use and intuitive interface design.

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Is it safe to use a free antivirus for Mac?

No, using a free antivirus for Mac is not safe. Free antivirus software almost always comes with limited features, lacking such vital points as protection against ransomware, phishing attacks, and zero-day threats. Moreover, free antivirus programs aren’t updated as often as premium ones, rendering them utterly inefficient against ever-evolving threats. Besides all this, you’re very likely to be left without customer support, so if any issues arise, you’ll be left alone to deal with them. Lastly, free antivirus software still has to make money, so that they might collect and sell your data, compromising your privacy in unimaginable ways.

Instead of choosing a potentially unsafe and risky free antivirus software, I recommend trying out TotalAV and using its 30-day money-back guarantee for an entire month of unpaid premium software use. During those 30 days, you’ll access all its premium features, including a VPN, and have plenty of time to try out its functionality and usability. Who knows, you might enjoy this premium safety and might decide that robust and guaranteed cybersecurity is what you need after all.

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Conclusion

With cyber threats becoming more elaborate daily and bad actors targeting more private users, the built-in Mac defense systems aren’t enough to ward them off any longer. However, your device can be easily safeguarded with the best antivirus software for Mac. Such software will protect your Mac and sensitive data against zero-day threats, modern ransomware, malware, and viruses, while a built-in VPN will secure your online activities.

My top recommendation for the top antivirus for Mac in %%currentyear%% is TotalAV. This software is very simple to use, budget-friendly, and offers 100% accuracy in detecting even the stealthiest malware. Plus, it has a built-in robust VPN for a well-rounded approach to cybersecurity.

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FAQ

Is antivirus software needed for Mac?

Yes, antivirus software is needed for Mac. The built-in Mac defense systems, such as XProtect and Gatekeeper, are no longer enough to safeguard your device against elaborate cyber threats. I recommend getting TotalAV for Mac, as it detects threats with 100% accuracy and offers high usability.

Do Macbooks have free virus protection?

Yes, but it is not enough to protect against phishing attacks, ransomware, and zero-day threats. I recommend supplementing these built-in defenses with TotalAV, which offers real-time protection and a strong defense against even the most elaborate cyber threats. Plus, it has a built-in VPN to enhance your network security.

What is the best antivirus software for Mac?

The best Mac antivirus software is TotalAV. This software offers 100% accuracy in detecting and eliminating various cyber threats with a strong repelling efficiency against real-time dangers. Additionally, TotalAV is very easy to use, and the price-to-feature ratio is probably the best in the industry.

How do I check my Mac for viruses?

To check your Mac for viruses, you have to use antivirus software. Antivirus software can run a full system scan to identify, point out, and neutralize all malware it finds during the search. If you want the highest possible accuracy, I recommend getting TotalAV or Norton 360, as both offer tested and verified 100% scan efficiency.

What free antivirus is the best for Macs?

The best free antivirus software for Mac is TotalAV. While you won’t get as many features as with the TotalAV premium plan, your Mac’s basic defenses will be significantly enhanced nonetheless. Plus, TotalAV is a well-respected brand, so that you won’t risk your security and privacy as with some lesser-known free antivirus software.

Can Macs get hacked?

Yes, Macs can get hacked. The built-in Mac cybersecurity features aren’t enough to protect your device against phishing attacks, data breaches, and zero-day threats, making it a vulnerable target for hackers. I recommend using reliable antivirus software like TotalAV to safeguard your device and data against bad actors.