The 4 Best Antivirus for Mac (2026 Update)

Norton 360 Antivirus for Mac Review

When we tested Norton 360 on macOS, we found it to be a polished and comprehensive security suite built around a clean, central dashboard called My Norton. From this hub, you can easily access all major security features, including malware protection, a firewall, a VPN, password management, and more.

Device Security

Norton 360 caters well to Mac users who value simplicity. The Quick Scan and LiveUpdate buttons make it easy to keep the software current and run a fast system check with a single click. For those who want more control, selecting Open reveals deeper system protection settings and advanced features.

Anti-Malware Performance

In our experience, Norton 360’s malware protection for macOS is outstanding. According to AV-Test’s independent evaluations, Norton has achieved a perfect 100% detection rate in every test since 2017. No other antivirus vendor—whether it’s Avast, Bitdefender, Intego, or Kaspersky—has maintained such consistent excellence on macOS.

Dark Web Monitoring

Norton’s Dark Web Monitoring feature impressed us during testing. It proactively scans dark web marketplaces for your personal information and alerts you if it finds anything suspicious. The system can monitor a wide range of data, including your email addresses, bank details, driver’s license, insurance numbers, and even gamer tags.

Together with its LifeLock integration (available in the U.S.), Norton offers one of the most advanced identity theft protection systems on the market.

Secure VPN

Norton 360 includes a free, unlimited VPN, a feature that many competitors restrict with daily or monthly limits. The VPN encrypts your internet connection, hides your IP address, and keeps you safe on public Wi-Fi.

In our tests, the VPN proved fast and reliable. It supports torrenting, works with Netflix, maintains a strict no-logs policy, and connects automatically when needed.

While Intego’s VPN provides extra features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and auto-connect options, Norton’s unlimited access at no extra cost gives it a strong advantage for most users.

Password Manager

Norton’s password manager is simple yet powerful. It creates and stores highly secure passwords and syncs them across all your devices automatically.

We particularly appreciated how it integrates biometric logins—letting you use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock your vault on both Mac and mobile devices. The autofill feature worked flawlessly during testing, saving time and reducing login errors.

Parental Controls

The parental control tools in Norton 360 are easy to set up and effective. They let you monitor your children’s activity, block inappropriate content or apps, and manage screen time limits. Families looking for a balanced mix of supervision and privacy will find Norton’s implementation practical and reliable.

Pricing and Plans

• Norton Antivirus Plus – €20 / $30: Core antivirus, firewall, and password manager for one Mac or PC.
• Norton 360 Standard – €35 / $40: Adds VPN and Dark Web Monitoring for one (EU) or three (US) devices.
• Norton 360 Deluxe – €40 / $50: Adds parental controls and a privacy monitor for up to five devices.
• Norton 360 Advanced – €45 (Europe only): Adds identity theft protection and covers ten devices.
• Norton 360 Select + LifeLock – $100 (U.S. only): Includes LifeLock identity theft protection and covers ten devices.

Verdict: Is Norton 360 the Best Antivirus for Mac?

Yes — in our hands-on testing, Norton 360 stands out as the best all-around security suite for macOS. It combines flawless malware protection with strong internet safety tools, including a firewall, VPN, password manager, Dark Web Monitoring, and parental controls.

Norton 360 delivers unmatched depth and polish for the price. And with a 60-day money-back guarantee, you can try it completely risk-free.

Intego Antivirus for Mac Review

When we tested Intego Antivirus for macOS, it became clear why this software is often considered Norton’s closest rival. Intego was designed specifically for Mac and offers a suite of tools that enhance security, performance, and parental control—all from a clean, intuitive interface.

Anti-Malware Protection (VirusBarrier)

Intego’s VirusBarrier module is at the heart of its defense system, and in our testing, it performed exceptionally well. It includes real-time protection, as well as options for quick, full, and scheduled scans. The software can detect a broad range of threats, including:

• macOS, Windows, and Linux malware
• Malicious scripts and hacking tools
• Keyloggers and spyware

We were impressed by VirusBarrier’s versatility. It can scan not only your internal storage but also external drives and devices, including iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches. It even checks for infected email attachments if you use the Apple Mail app. For Mac users who need robust, multi-platform protection, VirusBarrier stands out.

Firewall (NetBarrier)

Intego’s NetBarrier is one of the best firewalls we’ve tested on macOS. Unlike many firewalls that feel overly technical, NetBarrier presents its controls in a clear, user-friendly layout.

It automatically detects your network environment—whether you’re at home, work, or on public Wi-Fi—and adjusts security settings accordingly for both internet and local connections. This adaptive approach ensures you’re always protected without constant manual tweaking. Simply put, it’s an excellent example of how a firewall should function on a Mac.

Backup (Personal Backup)

Intego also includes its own Personal Backup feature, providing an alternative to Apple’s Time Machine and iCloud Drive. You can back up or synchronize your entire system, or select individual files and folders, to an external hard drive.

Unlike iCloud Drive, this solution involves no monthly fee—just bring your own storage device. During testing, backups ran smoothly and efficiently, making it a practical choice for users who prefer local, subscription-free backup options.

Mac Optimizer (Washing Machine)

To keep your Mac running smoothly, Intego includes a performance optimization tool called Washing Machine. It helps reclaim storage space and streamline your workspace through three main functions:

• Reclaim: Delete system junk and cache files.
• Duplicate Finder: Locate and remove duplicate files to free up extra space.
• Organize: Tidy your Desktop and Dock, and automatically group related files into Smart Folders.

We found these tools particularly useful for long-time Mac users who accumulate clutter over the years.

Parental Controls (ContentBarrier)

Intego’s ContentBarrier module provides powerful parental control features that are both easy to use and highly customizable. Setup is straightforward, with preset protection levels tailored for teenagers or younger children.

Advanced users can dive deeper and configure settings manually, including:

• Blocking websites or applications by category or individually
• Monitoring chats, screenshots, and keystrokes
• Receiving detailed activity reports via email

One standout capability is the Anti-Predator alert. This feature automatically notifies parents by email if the system detects potentially harmful conversations, identified through linguistic and behavioral analysis. In our tests, it worked quickly and accurately, offering real peace of mind.

VPN (Privacy Protect)

Intego offers a VPN as an optional add-on called Privacy Protect, built on the same technology as Private Internet Access (PIA), a service from Intego’s parent company, Kape Technologies.

During testing, Privacy Protect delivered excellent speed, airtight security, and full privacy—with no IP or DNS leaks detected. It supports streaming services like Netflix and torrent clients such as uTorrent, and it includes a wide range of configuration options. In fact, it’s one of the most customizable VPNs we’ve tested on macOS.

Although it costs an additional €20, the quality and flexibility make it worth considering for privacy-conscious users.

Pricing and Plans

Intego offers three primary packages for Mac users:

• Mac Internet Security X9 – €34: Includes the essential antivirus (VirusBarrier) and firewall (NetBarrier).
• Mac Premium Bundle X9 – €69: Adds parental controls (ContentBarrier), Personal Backup, and the Personal Backup.
• Mac Premium Bundle X9 + VPN – €89: Adds the VPN.

The optional Privacy Protect VPN can be added to any plan for an extra €20.

Verdict: Is Intego the Best Antivirus for Mac?

Intego is the strongest Mac-focused antivirus software we’ve tested. Its deep integration with macOS, intuitive design, and advanced security tools make it an excellent choice for Apple users.

While it lacks certain extras found in Norton 360—like a password manager and dark web monitoring—it compensates with a superior firewall and one of the most customizable VPNs on the market.

If your goal is to protect only Macs, Intego is an outstanding option. However, if you need to secure additional platforms like Windows or Android, Norton 360 remains the more versatile choice.

You can try Intego risk-free for 30 days, making it easy to experience its performance and features firsthand.

Kaspersky Antivirus for Mac Review

When we tested Kaspersky for Mac, we found it to be a polished and feature-rich security suite that blends powerful malware protection with privacy and parental control tools. Its clean interface and well-organized features make it an appealing option for both beginners and advanced users alike.

Protection Center

The Protection Center serves as your command hub, displaying key system information at a glance, including:

• License duration and status
• Active threats on your Mac
• Real-time protection status
• Malware database version

From this dashboard, you can also install Kaspersky Security, the browser extension that delivers some of the most comprehensive web protection we’ve tested. It offers a suite of togglable features that let you fine-tune your online safety:

• Web Antivirus: Scans incoming data and alerts you to suspicious or malicious content.
• Website Tracking Prevention: Stops websites from installing tracking cookies in your browser. This is disabled by default but easy to activate.
• Safe Money: Verifies the legitimacy and SSL certificates of online banks and e-commerce websites.
• URL Advisor: Flags dangerous or suspicious links before you click them.
• Onscreen Keyboard: Lets you type passwords securely using a digital keyboard to avoid keylogger tracking.

These layers of protection combine to make Kaspersky’s browser defense one of the most robust we’ve seen on macOS.

Scan Options

Kaspersky offers the familiar scanning modes: Quick Scan, Full Scan, and Scheduled Scan, along with the ability to scan specific files or folders.

We appreciated the drag-and-drop functionality—you can simply drop a file into the window to scan it, keeping with macOS’s intuitive design principles. The system performs efficiently, identifying potential threats quickly and with minimal system slowdown.

Updates

Maintaining an up-to-date malware database is critical, and Kaspersky handles this automatically. You can also manually trigger updates before a scan to ensure you’re using the latest definitions. During our tests, updates were fast and seamless, keeping the software ready for new threats.

Privacy Tools

The Privacy section focuses on protecting your personal data and digital footprint. It includes:

• Webcam Protection: Blocks all apps from accessing your camera. While effective, it would benefit from the option to whitelist trusted apps.
• Website Tracking Blocker: A quick-access shortcut to the browser extension’s anti-tracking tool, letting you toggle it directly from the main app.

Kaspersky also integrates its Secure Connection VPN, powered by Hotspot Shield technology (the same VPN engine used by Bitdefender and Panda). In our tests, it proved fast, secure, and private, with no IP or DNS leaks detected. It supports Netflix streaming and torrent downloads, though you’ll need the Plus or Premium plan to unlock unlimited data.

Parental Controls (Safe Kids)

Kaspersky’s Safe Kids is a separate parental control app that comes with a basic version included in your antivirus plan. It lets you block unsafe websites and limit access to specific content categories.

Upgrading to Safe Kids Premium adds advanced tools such as:

• Real-time GPS tracking
• Social media monitoring
• Low-battery notifications for your child’s device

We found Safe Kids to be well-integrated and straightforward, offering flexible parental oversight without being intrusive.

Preferences and Firewall

Under Preferences, you can fine-tune various settings—such as selecting which tracking cookies to block (analytics, ads, behavior trackers, or social networks).

You’ll also find Kaspersky’s Network Attack Blocker, which provides basic firewall functionality. While not as comprehensive as Norton’s or Intego’s full firewalls, it still offers valuable protection by scanning incoming traffic for potential attacks. When a threat is detected, it automatically blocks the offending IP source for one hour, adding an extra line of defense against network intrusions.

Pricing and Plans

Kaspersky has simplified its lineup into three main plans:

• Kaspersky Standard – €41: Core protection with antivirus, anti-phishing, and a basic firewall. Covers 1–5 devices.
• Kaspersky Plus – €51: Adds an advanced firewall and unlimited VPN access. Covers 1–5 devices.
• Kaspersky Premium – €54: Includes identity protection and parental controls. Covers 1–20 devices.

Each plan provides excellent value, and the option to expand device coverage makes Kaspersky suitable for both individuals and families.

Verdict: Is Kaspersky the Best Antivirus for Mac?

Kaspersky delivers exceptional protection and flexibility for macOS users. Its malware detection rates are consistently top-tier, and the Kaspersky Security browser extension remains one of the most capable web protection tools available.

The inclusion of webcam blocking, VPN integration, and parental controls gives it a well-rounded security profile. While its firewall is less advanced than those in Norton or Intego, Kaspersky’s Plus and Premium plans add valuable privacy and identity features that make it an excellent all-in-one choice.

You can try Kaspersky risk-free for 30 days, making it an easy and confident recommendation for Mac users seeking strong, reliable security.

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Review

When we tested Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac, we found it to be a sleek, intuitive security suite that closely mirrors its Windows counterpart in both design and performance. Its minimalist interface features a left-hand navigation panel with seven clear sections, each housing key tools and settings. Here’s what we discovered during our in-depth evaluation.

Dashboard

The Dashboard provides quick access to five of Bitdefender’s most important functions:

• Quick Scan: Instantly checks areas of your Mac most likely to be targeted by malware.
• System Scan: Conducts a full, in-depth scan of all files and directories.
• Protect a New Device: Helps you install Bitdefender on additional devices.
• Safe Files: Protects critical folders from unauthorized modifications.
• Web Protection: Guards against online threats while browsing.

This streamlined layout makes it easy to perform essential actions without diving into menus or settings.

Protection

The Protection tab contains the core of Bitdefender’s security engine. During testing, we found its malware detection and ransomware defense to be extremely effective and lightweight. The available tools include:

• Quick Scan: A fast scan targeting the most vulnerable system areas.
• System Scan: A full-scale malware inspection of your entire Mac.
• Custom Scan: Lets you scan specific files, folders, or drives.
• Quarantine: Displays and manages potentially infected files.
• Exceptions: Allows you to exclude trusted files or directories from scanning.
• TrafficLight: A browser extension for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox that blocks phishing sites and malicious downloads.
• Safe Files: Bitdefender’s ransomware protection layer that prevents unauthorized file changes.
• Time Machine Protection: Safeguards macOS’s native Time Machine backups from being encrypted or tampered with by ransomware.

These layered protections make Bitdefender a strong defense system against both known and emerging threats.

Privacy

Under Privacy, Bitdefender focuses on keeping your online activity secure and private.

• VPN: Bitdefender’s built-in VPN encrypts your internet connection, hiding your IP address and keeping you safe on public Wi-Fi. It performed well in our tests—fast, reliable, and compatible with both Netflix and torrenting. However, the free plan is capped at 200 MB per day, which is too limited for regular use. The unlimited version is available for an additional cost.
• Anti-Tracker: A browser extension that blocks online trackers and cookies in Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, improving privacy and page loading times.

These features make Bitdefender an excellent option for users focused on online anonymity and data protection—though the VPN’s data cap is a clear drawback.

Notifications

The Notifications tab serves as a clear activity log, displaying a chronological list of security events on your Mac. It keeps you informed of scans, updates, detections, and any issues that need your attention.

My Account

In My Account, you’ll find details about your subscription, including your license duration and renewal options. You can also access Bitdefender Central, a web portal where you manage your devices and monitor your account activity remotely.

Preferences

The Preferences section lets you fine-tune Bitdefender’s behavior. Here, you can toggle features such as Bitdefender Shield, adjust scan parameters, and set exclusions. Advanced users can choose to scan only modified files or skip large backups to speed up performance—a thoughtful touch that shows Bitdefender’s attention to user experience.

Pricing and Plans

Bitdefender keeps its Mac offering simple with a single, well-rounded plan:

• Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac – €20 / $20: Includes antivirus, anti-phishing, anti-tracking, ransomware protection, and a VPN limited to 200 MB per day. The unlimited VPN can be purchased separately. Covers 1 to 3 Macs.

Verdict: Is Bitdefender the Best Antivirus for Mac?

While Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is powerful and user-friendly, it falls short of being the best overall. Its malware and ransomware protection are excellent, and its TrafficLight browser extension and Anti-Tracker tools provide strong online defenses. However, the lack of a firewall and password manager, combined with the severely limited VPN, prevent it from topping our list.

For users seeking more comprehensive coverage—including identity protection, a firewall, and an unlimited VPN—Norton 360 remains the superior choice.

That said, Bitdefender still offers impressive protection and performance for the price, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.

Antivirus software uses several methods to detect and eliminate malware:

• Signature-based detection: Compares files and applications to a database of known malware signatures to detect threats.
• Heuristic analysis: Identifies new or modified malware by analyzing suspicious code or behavior patterns.
• Behavioral detection: Monitors real-time activity to detect abnormal actions typical of malware.
• Real-time protection: Continuously scans your Mac for malicious files, downloads, or system changes.
• Machine learning and AI: Uses advanced algorithms to detect emerging and unknown threats by recognizing patterns and anomalies.

For more, read our blog post on what antivirus software is.

Modern antivirus programs offer more than basic malware protection, incorporating essential features like:

• Anti-phishing protection: Blocks fraudulent websites and emails that attempt to steal personal data.
• Firewall: Controls network connections to prevent unauthorized access.
• Password manager: Encrypts and stores login credentials securely.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address for privacy.
• Identity theft protection: Monitors personal information and alerts you to potential breaches or misuse.
• Parental controls: Restricts children’s access to unsafe or inappropriate websites and apps.

Together, these features provide robust defense against diverse cybersecurity threats, keeping you secure in a connected world.

Antivirus software for Mac can protect you from a variety of malware threats, including:

• Adware: Displays intrusive ads and redirects browsers to unwanted sites.
• PUP (Potentially Unwanted Programs): Unwanted software that slows performance or tracks activity.
• Ransomware: Encrypts files and demands payment to unlock them.
• Rootkits: Conceals malicious code to maintain hidden access.
• Spyware: Secretly collects personal data, including passwords and browsing history.
• Trojans: Masquerades as legitimate software to deliver or install malware.
• Viruses: Infects files and spreads across systems, corrupting data.
• Worms: Self-replicating malware that spreads automatically through networks.

In addition to malware, modern antivirus suites offer anti-phishing, firewall, password manager, VPN, identity theft protection, and parental control tools to protect users from a wide range of cyber threats.

While antivirus software for Mac provides strong protection against many types of malware, it has limitations.

• Social engineering: Scams or manipulative tactics that trick users into sharing sensitive information or downloading malware.
• Zero-day attacks: Exploits unknown vulnerabilities before security patches are released.

To stay safe, it’s important to combine antivirus with cautious online behavior and regular software updates.

macOS includes several built-in security features aimed at protecting your device from malware and unauthorized access.

Built-in macOS Security Features:

• XProtect: Apple’s built-in malware scanner that automatically detects and removes known threats.
• Gatekeeper: Blocks unverified or unsigned apps from running unless approved by the user.
• FileVault: Encrypts your entire hard drive to protect data from unauthorized access.
• Sandboxing: Limits what apps can access on your system, reducing the impact of malware.
• Firewall: Controls incoming network connections to prevent unauthorized access.
• System Integrity Protection (SIP): Prevents malware from modifying system files or processes.
• Find My Mac: Allows remote locking or erasing of a lost or stolen device.

While effective, these features have limitations and don’t cover certain advanced protections available through third-party solutions.

While the security tools in macOS provide a solid foundation, they may not offer comprehensive protection, particularly against modern, evolving threats.

Security features missing in macOS:

• Cross-OS Password Manager: Apple’s Keychain works well within macOS and iOS but lacks full cross-platform compatibility.
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): macOS does not include a built-in VPN for secure, encrypted browsing.
• Identity Theft Protection: Lacks tools for monitoring personal or financial data breaches.
• Advanced Parental Controls: Offers basic restrictions but lacks comprehensive monitoring and reporting.
• Comprehensive Anti-Phishing: Safari provides limited phishing protection compared to dedicated security suites.

macOS security tools provide a robust starting point but fall short of the comprehensive protection offered by third-party antivirus suites.

Anti-Malware Protection (30%)

We evaluate how well the antivirus detects and removes various malware types like viruses, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.

• In-House Testing: Using 1,200 diverse malware samples, we conduct real-time attack simulations to assess detection and neutralization of known and emerging threats through signature-based and heuristic analysis.
• Independent Lab Results: We incorporate findings from respected institutes like AV-Test, SE Labs, and AV-Comparatives to validate our results.

Security and Privacy Features (30%)

We assess additional tools that enhance cybersecurity:

• Web Protection: Testing the software’s ability to block phishing sites and web-based threats by accessing known malicious websites.
• Firewall: Evaluating effectiveness using intrusion simulations and the ShieldsUP! test to secure network ports and monitor traffic.
• Password Manager: Assessing capabilities to generate, store, and auto-fill complex passwords, plus features like two-factor authentication and biometric login.
• VPN: Evaluating security protocols, encryption, speed, server locations, data limits, and support for streaming and peer-to-peer sharing while hiding IP addresses.
• Parental Controls: Testing screen time management, content filtering, location tracking, and resistance to bypass attempts to protect children.
• Identity Theft Protection: Assessing monitoring of personal info and responsiveness to potential identity theft alerts.
• Secure Cloud Storage: Evaluating capacity, security, usability, and features like file encryption and secure sharing.
• Anti-Ransomware: Simulating attacks to test detection and blocking of unauthorized encryption via behavioral detection and exploit prevention.
• Dark Web Monitoring: Checking effectiveness in scanning the dark web for personal info and providing timely alerts.

System Performance Impact (10%)

We measure how the antivirus affects device performance during everyday tasks:

• Resource Usage: Monitoring CPU and memory during scans and real-time protection.
• Performance Tests: Evaluating impact on launching apps, downloading files, browsing websites, and copying data, aligned with AV-Test criteria.

False Positives (10%)

Accuracy is crucial to avoid interruptions:

• False Positive Detection: Assessing how often legitimate applications or files are incorrectly flagged.
• Usability Tests: Referencing AV-Test evaluations to gauge false positive frequency for effectiveness and user-friendliness.

Price and Value (10%)

We analyze overall value by comparing features to cost:

• Cost Analysis: Considering subscription prices, device coverage, and multi-year plans.
• Feature Evaluation: Assessing if included features justify the price compared to competitors.

Ownership and Reputation (10%)

Trust is essential in cybersecurity providers:

• Company Background: Researching history, industry track record, mergers, or acquisitions.
• Privacy Policies: Examining data handling, privacy commitment, and compliance with regulations.
• Ethical Conduct: Investigating past unethical behavior, data breaches, or controversies.

Sources and tools

Below are the sources and tools we’ve used to test the antivirus software:

• Apple Platform Security
• AV-Comparatives Consumer
• AV-Test Android
• AV-Test macOS
• AV-Test Windows
• GRC Firewall Test
• Microsoft Defender
• SpeedTest VPN
• Trustpilot Security Software

Read more about how we test antivirus software.

We have tested 39 antivirus software from 28 brands. These range from free antivirus programs, to entry-level paid antivirus programs, mid-range paid antivirus software, and full-featured internet security suites.

These are the programs we recommend:

• Norton Antivirus Plus
• Norton 360 Standard
• Norton 360 Deluxe
• Norton 360 Advanced
• Norton 360 for Gamers
• Norton Antivirus for Mac
• Avast Antivirus One
• TotalAV Antivirus
• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
• Bitdefender Internet Security
• Bitdefender Total Security
• Bitdefender Premium Security
• McAfee Antivirus LiveSafe
• McAfee Total Protection
• Panda Dome Antivirus
• Avira Antivirus Prime
• Surfshark Antivirus
• Intego Antivirus
• Kaspersky Antivirus Standard
• Kaspersky Antivirus Plus
• Kaspersky Antivirus Premium
• AVG Antivirus

We believe that Norton Antivirus Plus is the best entry-level antivirus software and Norton 360 Deluxe the best antivirus all around.

If you have a specific operating system that you would like to protect, we probably have a dedicated antivirus comparison for it:

• The best antivirus of 2026 – For all OS.
• The best antivirus for Windows 11 – For Microsoft’s latest desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for macOS – For Apple’s desktop OS.
• The best antivirus for Android – For Google’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus for iPhone – For Apple’s mobile OS.
• The best antivirus with a VPN – For both security and privacy.
• The best antivirus with a Firewall – For a focus on network security.
• The best VPN of 2026 – For a dedicated privacy solution.

Click the links to be taken to your comparison of choice.

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