Article
Best Antivirus for Mac in 2026 - Top Protection for macOS
Protect your Mac from malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Our experts tested the best antivirus software specifically designed for macOS security and performance.
Macs have a reputation for being more secure than Windows PCs, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to threats. in 2026, Mac malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks are more sophisticated than ever, targeting macOS users specifically.
While Apple’s built-in XProtect and Gatekeeper provide basic security, they often respond too slowly to emerging threats. Independent testing shows third-party antivirus solutions with heuristic and behavioral engines catch zero-day and fileless attacks that Apple’s built-in tools miss.
Our team tested the leading Mac antivirus solutions, analyzing detection rates from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, measuring performance impact on macOS, and evaluating Mac-specific features.
Quick Comparison
| Antivirus | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Norton 360 for Mac | Best Overall | $29.99/year | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. Intego Mac Internet Security X9 | Best Mac-Native Solution | $19.99/year | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. Bitdefender Total Security | Best Value for Mac | $12.99/year | ★4.8/5 |
| 4. Kaspersky Premium | Best Detection Technology | $44.99/year | ★4.7/5 |
| 5. TotalAV Total Security | Best for Mac Malware Detection | $49.00/year | ★4.6/5 |
| 6. McAfee Total Protection | Best for Multiple Macs | $39.99/year | ★4.5/5 |
| 7. Avast Security for Mac | Best Free Option | Free | ★4.4/5 |
| 8. ESET Cyber Security | Best for Performance | $34.99/year | ★4.4/5 |
| 9. Avira Free Security | Best Lightweight Free Antivirus | Free | ★4.3/5 |
| 10. MacKeeper | Best for Mac Optimization | $57.12/year | ★4.2/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
Norton 360 for Mac
Norton 360 for Mac has achieved a perfect 100% malware detection rate in every AV-Test evaluation since 2017—an unmatched record among Mac antivirus vendors. With unlimited VPN, dark web monitoring, AI-powered scam protection, and comprehensive parental controls, it offers the most complete security package for Mac users who want all-in-one protection.
Key Features
- ●100% malware detection rate
- ●Unlimited VPN included
- ●Dark web monitoring
- ●Password manager
- ●AI-powered Genie Scam Protection
- ●50GB cloud backup (Deluxe)
Pros
- ✓Perfect detection since 2017
- ✓Unlimited data VPN
- ✓Comprehensive security suite
- ✓Excellent customer support
- ✓60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- ✗Higher price than competitors
- ✗Can be resource-intensive
- ✗Renewal price increases
Intego Mac Internet Security X9
Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is the gold standard for Mac-native antivirus, built exclusively for Apple users with over 20 years of macOS expertise. Achieving 100% malware detection, it offers deep system integration, a superior NetBarrier firewall, and ContentBarrier parental controls that surpass even Norton and Kaspersky—ideal for Mac purists who want Apple-optimized protection.
Key Features
- ●100% malware detection
- ●Mac-native firewall (NetBarrier)
- ●Real-time virus protection
- ●ContentBarrier parental controls
- ●Mac cleaner and backup tools
- ●20+ years macOS expertise
Pros
- ✓Built specifically for macOS
- ✓Deep system-level protection
- ✓Superior firewall for Mac
- ✓Excellent parental controls
- ✓Lightweight and intuitive
Cons
- ✗VPN costs extra
- ✗No password manager
- ✗Mac-only (no cross-platform)
Bitdefender Total Security
Bitdefender Total Security delivers exceptional value at $12.99/year with perfect malware detection and zero performance impact on your Mac. It protects up to 10 devices across all platforms, includes Time Machine Protection against ransomware, and runs seamlessly in the background—making it ideal for budget-conscious users or families with multiple devices.
Key Features
- ●100% malware detection
- ●Zero performance impact
- ●Time Machine Protection
- ●Anti-phishing and firewall
- ●VPN (200MB/day limit)
- ●Up to 10 devices
Pros
- ✓Lowest price per device
- ✓No system slowdown
- ✓Perfect malware detection
- ✓Protects Time Machine backups
- ✓Covers up to 10 devices
Cons
- ✗VPN has daily data limit
- ✗No password manager included
- ✗VPN costs extra for unlimited
Kaspersky Premium
Kaspersky Premium achieves 100% malware detection with cloud-based adaptive security and advanced threat intelligence. Its IoT device protection and sophisticated parental controls make it exceptional for tech-savvy Mac users with smart homes, though some users may have concerns about the company's Russian origins.
Key Features
- ●100% malware detection
- ●Cloud-based adaptive security
- ●Advanced parental controls
- ●Identity monitoring
- ●Secure VPN included
- ●IoT device protection
Pros
- ✓Advanced threat intelligence
- ✓Excellent IoT protection
- ✓Strong parental controls
- ✓Minimal false positives
- ✓Cross-platform coverage
Cons
- ✗Political concerns for some
- ✗Higher price point
- ✗Privacy policy considerations
TotalAV Total Security
TotalAV Total Security performed exceptionally well in Mac-specific tests with a 98.7% protection rate from AV-Comparatives, actually scoring better on macOS than Windows. For $49/year covering 8 devices, you get comprehensive protection with VPN, ad blocker, password manager, and WebShield phishing protection—excellent value despite the steep renewal increase.
Key Features
- ●98.7% malware detection
- ●WebShield phishing protection
- ●VPN included
- ●Ad blocker
- ●Password manager
- ●Real-time protection
Pros
- ✓Better Mac than Windows performance
- ✓Comprehensive feature set
- ✓Covers 8 devices
- ✓Includes VPN and ad blocker
- ✓Great value for features
Cons
- ✗Slightly lower detection rate
- ✗High renewal price ($149/year)
- ✗Limited customer support
McAfee Total Protection
McAfee Total Protection stands out for covering unlimited devices at $39.99/year, making it perfect for households with multiple Macs and other devices. With 100% malware detection, $2 million identity theft insurance, and comprehensive online security features, it delivers exceptional value despite some performance impact during full scans.
Key Features
- ●100% malware detection
- ●Unlimited device coverage
- ●Secure VPN
- ●Password manager
- ●$2M identity theft insurance
- ●Safe browsing tools
Pros
- ✓Covers unlimited devices
- ✓Perfect malware detection
- ✓Identity theft insurance
- ✓Great for large households
- ✓Cross-platform protection
Cons
- ✗Full scans can slow system
- ✗Interface can be complex
- ✗Aggressive renewal pricing
Avast Security for Mac
Avast Security Free for Mac combines solid malware protection with an intuitive interface at no cost, displaying clear and persistent alerts upon threat detection. The free version provides essential protection, while paid plans starting at $31.20/year add full firewall, unlimited VPN, and priority support—ideal for users wanting basic protection without spending money.
Key Features
- ●Real-time malware protection
- ●Intuitive user interface
- ●Email shield
- ●Web shield
- ●Clear threat alerts
- ●Persistent notifications
Pros
- ✓Completely free version
- ✓Solid malware protection
- ✓Easy to use interface
- ✓Good for basic protection
- ✓No credit card required
Cons
- ✗Frequent upgrade prompts
- ✗Past privacy concerns
- ✗Limited features in free version
ESET Cyber Security
ESET Cyber Security excels at protecting Macs without slowing them down, using advanced machine learning and cloud scanning for minimal performance impact. While real-time detection is 90%+, full scans achieve 100% accuracy, and AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives rated it among the safest Mac antiviruses in 2026—perfect for users prioritizing system speed.
Key Features
- ●90%+ live threat detection
- ●100% full scan detection
- ●Machine learning protection
- ●Cloud scanning
- ●Anti-theft feature
- ●Minimal performance impact
Pros
- ✓Near-zero system impact
- ✓Fast installation
- ✓Clean intuitive interface
- ✓Top AV-TEST ratings
- ✓Advanced machine learning
Cons
- ✗Lower real-time detection
- ✗Single device coverage
- ✗Fewer premium features
Avira Free Security
Avira Free Security provides strong, fast, and lightweight malware scanning for Mac users at no cost. Its cloud-based detection catches most malware without impacting system performance, though the free version includes ads and lacks advanced features like VPN and password manager available in the $59.99/year paid subscription.
Key Features
- ●Real-time malware scanning
- ●Cloud-based detection
- ●Fast performance
- ●Web protection
- ●Free version with ads
- ●Low system impact
Pros
- ✓Completely free option
- ✓Lightweight and fast
- ✓Good malware detection
- ✓Cloud-based protection
- ✓Easy to use
Cons
- ✗Ads in free version
- ✗Limited features
- ✗VPN requires paid upgrade
MacKeeper
MacKeeper offers excellent antivirus scanning that detects most malware without causing system slowdown, plus Mac-specific optimization tools, VPN, and data breach monitoring. However, at $57.12/year for one Mac, it's missing essential features like firewall, anti-phishing, parental controls, and password manager that competitors include.
Key Features
- ●Excellent antivirus scanner
- ●VPN included
- ●Ad and tracker blocker
- ●Data breach monitoring
- ●Mac cleaning tools
- ●No system slowdown
Pros
- ✓Great malware detection
- ✓No performance impact
- ✓Includes VPN
- ✓Mac optimization tools
- ✓Data breach monitoring
Cons
- ✗Missing firewall
- ✗No anti-phishing
- ✗No parental controls
- ✗No password manager
How We Test Mac Antivirus Software
Our Mac antivirus testing methodology focuses on macOS-specific threats and performance:
Mac Malware Detection
We rely on independent labs that specifically test macOS protection:
- AV-Test: Dedicated Mac security evaluations testing Mac-specific malware
- AV-Comparatives: Mac Security Test & Review 2026 with real-world threats
- Real-world Mac malware: Protection against actual macOS trojans and adware
- Zero-day threats: Detection of previously unknown Mac threats
macOS Performance Impact
We measure how antivirus affects Mac performance:
- Full system scan speed on Mac hardware
- Impact on Mac boot time and app launching
- Background monitoring on macOS resources
- Performance during creative work (video editing, photo processing)
Mac-Specific Features
We evaluate features designed for macOS:
- Integration with macOS security features
- Time Machine backup protection
- Protection for Mac-specific apps
- Compatibility with latest macOS versions
- Native Mac interface design
Cross-Platform Value
For multi-device households:
- iOS and Android app quality
- Cloud sync between Mac and mobile
- Family plan device coverage
- Unified security dashboard
Understanding Mac Security in 2026
Do Macs Really Need Antivirus?
Yes, Macs absolutely need antivirus protection in 2026. While Apple’s built-in security is better than Windows Defender, Mac malware has increased significantly. The Anti-Phishing Working Group recorded over a million phishing attacks in Q1 2026, and Mac users are increasingly targeted.
Mac-Specific Threats
Modern Macs face unique threats:
- Adware: Persistent Mac adware that hijacks browsers
- Trojans: Mac-specific trojans disguised as legitimate apps
- Ransomware: Encrypts Time Machine backups and personal files
- Cryptominers: Uses Mac processing power to mine cryptocurrency
- Phishing: Targets Mac users through Safari and Mail
- Zero-day exploits: Unknown vulnerabilities in macOS
Apple’s Built-In Protection
macOS includes several security features:
- XProtect: Apple’s signature-based malware scanner
- Gatekeeper: Verifies apps from identified developers
- Sandboxing: Isolates apps from system resources
- Automatic updates: Regular security patches
However, Apple’s protection often responds slowly to new threats. Third-party antivirus uses heuristic and behavioral engines to catch zero-day and fileless attacks that XProtect misses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple’s built-in security enough for Mac?
Apple’s XProtect and Gatekeeper provide basic security, but they’re not enough for comprehensive protection in 2026. Third-party antivirus solutions like Norton and Intego achieve 100% detection rates and respond faster to emerging threats. Built-in protection might catch well-established malware, but it’s too slow for zero-day attacks that behavioral engines detect.
Will antivirus slow down my Mac?
Modern Mac antivirus is designed for minimal performance impact. Top solutions like Bitdefender and ESET have near-zero effect on Mac speed, scoring perfectly in performance tests. Intego, built specifically for Mac, integrates deeply with macOS for efficient protection. Full scans may temporarily use resources, but typically run during idle times.
What’s the difference between Mac-native and cross-platform antivirus?
Mac-native antivirus like Intego is built exclusively for macOS with deep system integration and Mac-specific features. Cross-platform antivirus like Norton and Bitdefender protects Macs plus Windows, iOS, and Android—better for multi-device households. Mac-native solutions often have superior Mac optimization, while cross-platform offers broader family protection.
Can Mac antivirus protect against phishing?
Yes, quality Mac antivirus includes anti-phishing protection that blocks malicious websites in Safari and other browsers. Norton, Bitdefender, and TotalAV all include real-time web protection. However, you should still exercise caution with suspicious emails and links—antivirus complements but doesn’t replace security awareness.
How often should I scan my Mac?
Most Mac antivirus runs real-time protection continuously in the background. Schedule weekly or monthly full system scans depending on usage. Quick scans can run daily. Modern antivirus automatically scans during idle periods to avoid disrupting your work on video editing, design, or other resource-intensive tasks.
Do I need antivirus if I only download from the App Store?
While App Store apps are vetted by Apple, Mac malware increasingly comes from phishing emails, malicious websites, and browser extensions. You can also encounter threats through email attachments, USB drives, and network shares. Antivirus provides comprehensive protection beyond just downloaded apps.
Can Mac antivirus remove existing infections?
Yes, quality Mac antivirus can detect and remove most Mac malware infections, including adware and trojans. However, some advanced threats may require specialized removal. It’s best to install antivirus before infection occurs—prevention is more effective than cleanup. Malwarebytes particularly excels at removing stubborn Mac infections.
What about free Mac antivirus?
Free Mac antivirus like Avast and Avira provides basic malware detection but lacks advanced features like VPN, password managers, ransomware protection, and Time Machine backup security. Free versions often display ads and may not include real-time protection. For comprehensive Mac security, paid versions ($20-50/year) offer significantly better value.