Top 10 Best Antivirus For Mac In 2023

With the prevalence of cyber threats on the rise, it’s important to know how to protect your Mac from viruses, malware, and other malicious software. 

With so many antivirus programs available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. This article will provide you with a list of 10 of the best antivirus programs for Mac. 

10 Best Antivirus for Mac in 2023

Make your Mac safe and secure with the best antivirus. From free options to premium antiviruses, here are our picks for the best programs to keep your Mac safe and secure.

#1. Intego: Best Overall Mac Antivirus of 2023

Intego is the best Mac antivirus of 2023. It offers the most comprehensive protection against malware, spyware, and other online threats. It also has a very user-friendly interface and is easy to use. 

It is the best choice for anyone looking for comprehensive protection against all types of online threats.

Specifications

MacOS Compatibility	10.9 Mavericks and later
Hardened/Secure Browser	No
Browser Extensions	No
Firewall	Yes
Webcam Protection	No
Password Manager	No
Ransomware file protection	No
Parental controls	No
Scan scheduling	Yes
Support options	Email, FAQs

Features of Intego

• Malware protection in real-time.
• Mac optimization and cleaning.
• Backup application.
• Adaptive firewall.
• Parental authority.

Our Editor’s Choice: Best antivirus software

Pros of Intego

• Intego is one of the most comprehensive and best Mac antivirus solutions available.
• It offers excellent protection against all types of malware, including viruses, spyware, adware, and more.
• Intego’s virus definitions are updated regularly to ensure that your Mac is protected against the latest threats.
• The software is easy to use and has an intuitive interface.
• Intego offers a wide range of features, including real-time protection, malware removal, and more.

Cons of Intego

• Some users have reported that Intego slows down their Macs.
• The software is not available for Windows or Linux platforms.
• The price of Intego is higher than some other antivirus solutions on the market.

#2. McAfee Total Protection: Best for Mac Optimization

McAfee offers real-time protection against online threats, including viruses, malware, and phishing attacks. It also includes a firewall to protect your Mac from network-based attacks. 

In addition, it provides parental controls to help you keep your children safe from inappropriate content online. 

McAfee Total Protection is an excellent choice for Mac users who want comprehensive protection against all types of online threats.

Specifications

MacOS compatibility	MacOS compatibility
Hardened/secure browser	No
Browser Extensions	Yes
VPN	No
Parental controls	No
Firewall	Yes
Password manager	No
Scan scheduling	Yes
Ransomware file protection	No
Webcam protection	No
Support options	Phone and online chat

Features of McAfee Total Protection

• Real-time malware protection.VPN (with unlimited data).
• Password manager.
• ID theft protection.
• Scheduled antivirus scans.
• Network firewall.
• Web protection tools.
• Anti-phishing.

Pros of McAfee Total Protection

• Protects your Mac from viruses, malware, and other online threats.
• Provides real-time protection against new and emerging threats.
• Automatically scans your Mac for viruses and malware.
• Blocks phishing attacks and other malicious websites.
• Scans email attachments and downloads for threats.

Cons of McAfee Total Protection

• May conflict with other security software.
• Some features require a paid subscription.
• Not as effective at removing existing malware as some other products.

#3. Bitdefender Total Security: Antivirus for Mac

Award-winning protection against all Internet threats, including viruses, spyware, phishing, and identity theft. 

Advanced security features include a firewall, parental controls, intrusion detection, and prevention.

Specifications

MacOS compatibility	10.10 Yosemite and later
Browser Extensions	Yes
Webcam protection	No
Password manager	No
Hardened/secure browser	No
Parental controls	No
Firewall	No
Ransomware file protection	Yes
Scan scheduling	No
VPN	Yes, but limited
Support options	24/7 phone, email, chat, plus FAQs and forums.

Features of Bitdefender Total Security

• Parental controls.
• System optimization.
• Ad blocker.
• Anti-tracker.Time Machine Protection.
• VPN (200 MB data per day per device).
• Web security.

Pros of Bitdefender Total Security

• Excellent malware protection for Macs.
• Ransomware protection.
• User-friendly interface.
• Good value for money.
• Parental controls.

Cons of Bitdefender Total Security

• Some features require a subscription.
• No live chat support.
• Cannot schedule scans.

#4. TotalAV: Best for Mac

TotalAV for Mac is one of the best antiviruses on the market. It offers excellent protection against malware and has a very user-friendly interface. 

TotalAV is also one of the most affordable antiviruses, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users.

TotalAV is compatible with all versions of macOS, from Mavericks to Catalina. 

It also provides protection against phishing attacks, system scans, and browser extensions that might be intrusive or malicious. 

Plus, TotalAV can scan for vulnerabilities and fix them with one click.

Specifications

MacOS compatibility	Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks and higher
Browser Extensions	Yes
Firewall	Yes
Hard Disk	Minimum 1.5 GB of free disk space
CPU	64-Bit Intel Core 2 Duo processor or higher.
Browser	Safari 6 or newer.
Password Manager	Yes
VPN	Yes, (with unlimited data).
Webcam protection	Yes
Support options	24/7 phone, email, chat, plus FAQs and forums.

Features of TotalAV

• Web protection.
• Password manager.
• Ad blocker.
• Data breach monitoring.
• Identity theft protection (US only).
• Mac cleanup and optimization.
• VPN (with unlimited data).
• Network firewall.

Pros of TotalAV

• Easy to use and install.
• Lightweight and unobtrusive.
• Excellent protection against malware and other threats.
• Fast scanning speed.
• Free trial available.

Cons of TotalAV

• Limited features in the free version.
• Some users have reported issues with false positives.
• No phone or live chat support.

#5. Norton 360: Top Antivirus for Mac

Norton 360 is a comprehensive security suite that helps protect your Mac from online threats. 

It includes an antivirus engine, firewall, and web protection to block phishing attacks and other malicious websites.

It also has a password manager and two-factor authentication to help keep your accounts secure. Norton 360 is available as a free trial, but you’ll need to purchase a subscription to continue using it after the trial expires.

Specifications

MacOS compatibility	10.14 Mojave and later
Browser Extensions	Yes
Hardened/secure browser	No
Ransomware file protection	No
Password manager	Yes
Firewall	Yes
Parental controls	No
Scan scheduling	Yes
Webcam protection	No
VPN	Yes, unlimited
Support options	24/7 phone, email, chat, plus FAQs and videos

Features of Norton 360

• Password manager.
• VPN (with unlimited data).
• Mac cleaning tools.
• Web security browser extension.
• Smart firewall.
• Dark web monitoring.

Pros of Norton 360

• It provides real-time protection against mac viruses, malware, and other online threats.
• It’s fast and lightweight, so it won’t slow down your Mac.
• The intuitive interface makes it easy to use.
• You can schedule scans and updates, so you’re always protected against the latest threats.
• Norton 360 offers a money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

Cons of Norton 360

• Norton 360 is a bit more expensive than some other Mac antivirus software.
• The subscription required for some features can be a turnoff for some users.
• Some users have reported that Norton 360 can be difficult to uninstall.

#6. MacKeeper: Best for Mac Optimization

MacKeeper is one of the best antiviruses for Mac. It offers excellent protection against viruses, malware, and other online threats. It also provides a variety of features to help keep your Mac running smoothly.

MacKeeper is a great choice for those who want comprehensive protection for their Macs. It offers real-time protection against viruses and malware, as well as against phishing attacks and other online threats. 

It also includes various security features, such as a firewall and intrusion detection. MacKeeper provides some nice bonus features, such as a file shredder and a bootable backup drive.

Specifications

MacOS compatibility	MacOS 10.9—10.10.
Firewall	Yes
RAM	2 gigabytes (GB)
CPU	64-bit Intel-based processor, Apple M1, or newer.
Disk Space	113 megabytes (MB)
VPN	Yes, unlimited
Support options	24/7 phone, email, chat, plus FAQs and videos

Features of MacKeeper

• Ad and tracking link blocker.
• Data breach monitoring.
• Mac performance & cleanup tools.
• VPN (with unlimited data).

Pros of MacKeeper

• Protects against the latest threats.
• Fast and lightweight.
• Easy to use.
• Affordable.
• 24/7 customer support.

Cons of MacKeeper

• Some features require a paid subscription.
• May not be compatible with all Macs.
• Can slow down your computer.

#7. Panda Dome Essential for Mac: Effective Antivirus for Mac

Panda Dome Essential is one of the best antiviruses for Macs. It offers great protection against malware and viruses, and it’s also straightforward to use. 

Panda Dome Essential is available for free, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a free antivirus for your Mac.

Specifications

MacOS compatibility	Mac OS X 10.10 or later.
Password manager	Yes
Firewall	No (For Windows only)
Hard disk	200 MB free space
VPN	Yes(150 MB per day)
Parental controls	No

Also read: Best Antivirus For Windows

Features of Panda Dome Essential for Mac

• Anti-phishing protection.
• Real-time malware protection.
• VPN (150 MB per day).

Pros of Panda Dome Essential for Mac

• Real-time protection against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
• Complete security for all of your devices with just one account.
• Easy to use and install.
• Fast and lightweight.
• 24/7 support from Panda Security.

Cons of Panda Dome Essential for Mac

• Some features are only available in the premium version.
• Does not include a firewall.
• Cannot schedule scans.

#8. Kaspersky: Best Antivirus for Mac

Kaspersky is a comprehensive program that offers protection against a wide variety of threats, including viruses, malware, and phishing attacks.

It also includes a number of extra features that make it a great choice for Mac users. 

For example, Kaspersky includes a VPN service that can be used to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy online.

Specifications

MacOS compatibility	macOS 10.12 Sierra or later
Browser Extensions	Yes
Scan scheduling	Yes
Ransomware file protection	No
Password manager	Yes, but limited
Webcam protection	Yes
Firewall	No
Parental controls	Yes, but limited
VPN	Yes, but limited to 300MB per day
Hardened/secure browser	Yes
Support options	24/7 phone, chat, or email support; FAQs and documents

Features of Kaspersky

• Webcam protection.
• VPN (unlimited data).
• Anti-phishing.
• Password manager.
• Real-time protection.
• Web protection and safe online shopping.

Pros of Kaspersky

• Kaspersky provides comprehensive protection against all types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, worms, and spyware.
• Kaspersky’s real-time protection technology delivers instant protection against new and emerging threats.
• It is easy to install and use, and it comes with a free trial.
• Kaspersky offers excellent customer support and a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

Cons of Kaspersky

• Some users have reported that Kaspersky’s antivirus software slows down their Macs.
• Kaspersky’s Mac antivirus software is not compatible with all versions of macOS.
• Some users have reported that Kaspersky’s customer support is slow to respond to inquiries.

Also Read: How to Choose The Best Antivirus for macOS

#9. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac: Best for Mac Optimization

Avira Free Antivirus is a great option for those who are looking for a free antivirus solution. It offers protection against all types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, worms, and more. Also, it has a real-time protection feature that will scan your system for threats automatically.

One thing to keep in mind is that Avira Free Antivirus does have some limitations. 

For example, it doesn’t offer ransomware protection or a firewall. However, it’s still a great option if you’re looking for basic protection against malware.

Also Read: Avira Free Download Antivirus

Specifications

MacOS compatibility	MacOS 10.15 (Catalina) or higher
Firewall	No
Password manager	Yes
Hard Disk	500 MB free hard disk space
Parental controls	No
VPN	Yes (150 MB/month)
Ransomware file protection	No
Malware	Yes

Features of Avira Free Antivirus for Mac

• Password manager.
• Basic optimization tools.
• Real-time malware protection.
• Anti-phishing and anti-tracking.
• VPN (500 MB per month).

Pros of Avira Free Antivirus for Mac

• Protects against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
• Scans for vulnerabilities in your system and apps.
• Blocks phishing attacks.
• Includes a firewall to protect your network connection.
• Automatically updates to the latest virus definitions.

Cons of Avira Free Antivirus for Mac

• Does not include live support.
• May slow down your Mac.
• Limited features compared to a paid version.

#10. Malwarebytes: Most Cost Effective for Mac

Malwarebytes is a powerful, lightweight antivirus that can be used on both Mac and PC. It has a simple interface and is easy to use. 

Malwarebytes has a free trial with full features available, and a premium version for $39.99/year which includes real-time protection, automatic updates, and priority support.

Specifications

MacOS compatibility	MacOS 10.15 Catalina (minimum version 10.15.4), macOS 11 Big Sur, macOS 12 Monterey
Firewall	No
Ransomware Protection	Yes
Hard disk space	250 MB of free space
VPN	Yes, (with unlimited data)
Exploit Protection	Yes
Browser Extension	Safari, Chrome, Firefox,
Support options	24/7 phone, chat or email support.

Features of Malwarebytes

• Ad and tracking link blocker.
• Data breach monitoring.
• Mac performance & cleanup tools.
• VPN (with unlimited data).

Pros of Malwarebytes

• Malwarebytes is available in both a free and premium version, so you can choose the level of protection that’s right for you.
• The Malwarebytes Anti-Malware engine is highly effective at detecting and removing malware.
• Malwarebytes is easy to use and has a simple, intuitive interface

Cons of Malwarebytes

• The free version of Malwarebytes only offers basic protection, so you may need to upgrade to the premium version to get full protection.
• Malwarebytes doesn’t offer real-time protection against malware, so it won’t stop an infection from happening in the first place.

Comparison of the Best Antivirus for Mac in 2023

There are a lot of antivirus programs for Macs out there. It can be hard to decide which one is the best for your needs. 

That’s why we’ve put together a comparison of the best antivirus for Mac in 2023.

We have looked at features, performance, security, and ease of use to find the best antivirus for Mac. 

We have also considered pricing, so you can find an option that fits your budget.

Antivirus	Basic Price	Firewall	VPN	Free Mac Version	Money-Back Guarantee	Rating
1. Intego	$19.99	Yes	Purchase separately	No	30 Days	9.5
2. McAfee	$29.99	Yes	Unlimited data	No	30 Days	9.6
3. Avira	$49.99	Yes	Unlimited data (with Avira Prime) / 500 MB/day on free plan	Yes	60 Days	9.0
4. Panda	$44.24	Yes	150 MB/day on free plan	Yes	30 Days	8.9
5. Kaspersky	$41.96	Yes	Unlimited data (with Kaspersky Plus and Premium)	No	30 Days	8.9
6. Malwarebytes	$44.99	No	Unlimited data (with Premium + Privacy)	Yes	60 Days	9.0
7. Norton	$74.99	Yes	Unlimited data (with all 360 plans)	No	60 Days	9.1
8. Bitdefender	$39.99	Yes	200 MB/day per device	Yes	30 Days	9.3
9. TotalAV	$19.00	Yes	Unlimited data (with TotalAV Internet Security)	Yes	30 Days	9.1
10. MacKeeper	$74.52 Per Year	No	Unlimited data	Yes	14 days	8.9

How Does Mac Antivirus Software Work?

Mac antivirus software works in a similar way to antivirus software for other platforms. 

It scans files on your computer for signs of malware and removes any infected files it finds.

It is important to keep your Mac antivirus software up to date, as new malware is constantly being created. 

Antivirus software providers release regular updates to their programs to ensure that they can detect and remove the latest threats.

Mac antivirus software can be run manually or set to run automatically at regular intervals. 

It is generally recommended to run scans regularly, especially if you download files from the internet or open email attachments from unknown sources.

How to Choose the Best Antiviruses for Mac in 2023

Before you buy or install Mac antivirus software, you should first determine what you truly require. Fortunately, this procedure is very similar to shopping for Windows antivirus software.

Do you own and use both Macs and Windows PCs? If so, a multiplatform, multi-device bundle such as Norton 360 Deluxe, Sophos Home Premium, or McAfee Antivirus Plus should be considered. 

Similarly, Bitdefender and Kaspersky offer internet security suites that include the same software that we’ve listed here.

Do you only have Macs in your house? 

Then there’s no need to go overboard: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac or Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac’s one- or three-device versions should do.

Do you have any young children or teenagers? 

Consider Mac antivirus software like Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac or Sophos Home Premium, which includes parental controls or web-content filters.

The next step is to determine how much you can spend. If money is an issue, consider Avast Security for Mac or the free tier of Sophos Home. 

The disadvantage is that these are not as good as many paid programs.

If you can afford to spend $50 every year, you have a lot of possibilities. 

Most antivirus vendors routinely provide discounts of up to 60%, either directly from their websites or through online shops, at least on the initial purchase.

How We Test the Best Mac Antivirus Software

We have a dedicated team of Mac users who test antivirus software on a regular basis. 

Our testing process is designed to give each program a fair chance at detecting and removing malware.

We start by downloading the latest version of each program from the developer’s website. We then install the program on a clean installation of macOS Sierra. 

We make sure that all other security measures, such as a firewall, are turned off to give the antivirus program sole responsibility for protecting the system.

We then infect the system with various pieces of malware, including viruses, trojans, spyware, and adware. We observe how well each program detects and removes these threats. 

We also take note of any false positives, which is when the program incorrectly identifies a harmless file as being malicious.

After our initial round of testing, we may run additional tests if there are any red flags that need further investigation. 

For example, if one program consistently detects more threats than another, we will run more tests to see if this is an accurate reflection of its abilities or if it is simply triggering more false positives.

Once our testing is complete, we compile our results and publish them in our annual roundup of the best Mac antivirus software.

Top 5 Best Tips for Securing Your Mac 

It is important to be familiar with the steps to secure your Mac. To help you out, below are the steps for securing your Mac.

#1. Turn on your firewall

The firewall serves as your first line of defense against any security threats. 

To enable your firewall, navigate to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall. 

To make changes, click the padlock icon in the lower-left corner of the window and enter your password. 

Then click the Turn On Firewall button. Select Firewall Options for more advanced tuning.

#2. Avoid opening unknown files

Never open email attachments or other files received from unknown or suspect sources. Examine the email and the name it appears to be from.

#3. Be careful of software providers

Install software only from trusted sites you know you can trust, and avoid downloading pirated software.

#4. Make use of strong passwords

Make sure your Mac, as well as all of your local and internet accounts, are secured with strong passwords of at least eight characters. 

Check Which Antivirus Software Is Best?

Numbers, letters (both upper and lowercase), and special characters should all be included in passwords. Here you may put your password strength to the test.

#5. Maintain software updates

Always keep your Mac and software up to date. Not from pop-ups, but from the developers’ websites or the App Store.

What Should I Look for in Mac Antivirus Software?

Look for the following features in antivirus software:

#1. Performance: 

First and foremost, the best antivirus can detect, prevent, and remove all sorts of malware, including viruses, worms, adware, and others. 

Antivirus software should also be capable of detecting phishing attempts. 

Our Best Antivirus Software for Macs of 2023 and Best Antivirus Software of 2023 evaluations can direct you to lists of efficient antivirus programs.

#2. Pricing: 

Only purchase programs that have the ability to cover all of your PCs, tablets, phones, and other devices.

#3. Ease of Use: 

If the software offers a free trial, take advantage of it to ensure that the program is simple to use and does not slow down your computer.

Conclusion: Best Antivirus for Mac

With the ever-growing threat of cybercrime, having the best antivirus for Mac is more important than ever. 

We have provided you with 10 of the best antiviruses for Mac to help make sure that your data and personal information are protected from malicious attacks. 

Take the time to research your options and choose a platform that works well with your computer’s system software so that you can keep it safe and secure all year round.

FAQs – Best Antivirus for Mac

We Have Discussed Antivirus Software for Macs and Mac Security Tips Previously. 

To Gain A Better Understanding Of The Best Mac Antivirus See below for answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).