Are Apple’s MacOS computers immune to viruses?
Judging by news reports, it’s a fair question. Windows PCs outnumber Macs nine to one worldwide, and that has made Windows an irresistible target for hackers. You don’t hear about many viruses targeting the Mac, possibly because the OS accounts for just 9.5% of the market.
But that doesn’t make the Mac immune. Of course Macs can be infected with viruses, Trojans, ransomware, and other malware. So if you use Apple products, you need to check out the best antivirus for Mac.
While probably the least-known antivirus of the bunch, Intego’s Mac-only product provides powerful malware-stopping capabilities. Besides virus detection and prevention, Intego also provides space reclaiming and system optimization tools that we found to be more than useful.
Like Bitdefender, Trend Micro also relies on AI technology in order to stay one step ahead of malware and quickly adapt to new challenges. Trend Micro’s antivirus software comes with a variety of useful tools like a password manager, system optimizer, and a tool for maintaining social media privacy. It might not yet be the best antivirus for Mac, but it offers a more-than-solid layer of protection for an incredibly affordable price.
Bitdefender is a household name in the global antivirus market, entrusted by millions to keep their Macs safe. This antivirus relies on AI-based algorithms to detect and predict malware attacks. Bitdefender also features a robust anti-ransomware system and bundles in a free VPN with its services. The combination of these features has led us to declare Bitdefender the best Mac antivirus currently available.
Kaspersky is responsible for one of the most powerful and long-standing antiviruses currently on the market. Its feature-packed software comes with a three-layer defense system purpose-built to stop any cyber attacks dead in their tracks. Additionally, it’s one of the few companies to offer protection for up to 10 devices as well as a generous free plan, which is why we consider it to be the best free antivirus software for Mac.
Another strong contender for the title of the best antivirus for Mac that’s free, Avast is one of the most widely-used cybersecurity products out there. Its main strengths are its incredible ease of use, unnoticeable impact on performance, and powerful Web Shield.
If you’re looking for an antivirus that will form a nearly impenetrable shield around your Mac, you should definitely check out Norton 360 Deluxe. Besides real-time virus protection, Norton also provides you with 100 GB of encrypted storage, dark web monitoring, and data leak monitoring. Norton also provides a 100% guarantee you’ll be protected from viruses, which is why it’s considered by many to be the best antivirus program for Mac.
While McAfee has become somewhat infamous due to the fact it’s usually marketed and bundled aggressively with other products, it actually has a great antivirus to offer. The pricier plans for McAfee Total Protection come with both a VPN and encrypted storage, as well as a complimentary one-year license for McAfee Gamer Security. We definitely believe McAfee Total Protection has earned its place on our best antivirus for Mac OS list.
Malwarebytes has developed a lightweight yet effective antivirus that’s incredibly enjoyable to use. The company has managed to create arguably the best antivirus protection for Mac packaged in a small, non-demanding app that’s perfectly capable of fending off any type of attack. This antivirus also has the fastest Mac scanning speed of all the providers we’ve reviewed, fully scanning your device in less than 30 seconds.
Apple has always prided itself on the security of its products. But using a Mac doesn’t mean you can’t fall victim to ransomware attacks or have your device infected with viruses. Past experiences tell us that we need virus protection for MacBook.
Although macOS includes malware detection software from Apple, your Mac is not entirely protected from attacks. Skilled hackers create undetectable malware and ransomware, and by the time your system identifies the problem, your personal data might be compromised. That’s why it's crucial to install an antivirus app. But can a free antivirus package offer adequate protection?
Most cybersecurity vendors give users a choice between a free Mac antivirus and the best paid antivirus. Both can be useful, but if you’re not on an extremely tight budget, we recommend the paid version.
A free Mac antivirus program can protect your files from malware and threats that have not yet affected your system. The software usually scans, recognizes, and shows potential threats in real-time, but it cannot protect you from all viruses. Hackers use sophisticated techniques like phishing emails to steal your personal or business data.
Therefore, the best-rated antivirus for Mac needs to offer advanced protection against spyware, viruses, ransomware, and other threats. Paid software is far more likely to have all the necessary features for scanning and protecting your devices.
Top antivirus software solutions shield your data from bad actors who rely on phishing attacks, ransomware, and other techniques to compromise your system. And you can’t put a price on peace of mind. Whatever the cost, paid software solutions are the logical choice.
If you choose the right vendor, you can secure as many as 10 devices under the one package. The best antivirus and malware for Mac can also usually be installed on iPods, iPads, and iPhones. This is a perfect solution for families looking to protect multiple devices.
Paid versions also usually help guarantee online privacy by adding a VPN connection. Other features commonly found in paid antivirus software include parental controls, disabling the webcam, and removing phishing apps. Some software saves your personal information and detects it if it shows up on the dark web. This list of features isn’t available with even the best free antivirus for Mac.
Paid antivirus software comes with technical support that will help you with the installation process and troubleshooting throughout the life of your contract. Most antivirus companies have reliable and knowledgeable customer support agents who stand ready to help.
Signing up for a free version can be a good way to test out a product. But if you want the right level of security for your Mac, you need to upgrade to a paid package.
Whether you have a Mac laptop or desktop PC, our list will help you find the right software. We focused on products that scan the Mac for a virus in real-time, block access to malicious websites, delete malware, and eliminate other threats.
Some of these threats come in the form of ransomware attacks. That’s why you need to employ modern software that protects you from this malware by blocking phishing apps and sending alerts when it spots your personal information on the dark web.
Check out our reviews to make sure you choose the best antivirus for Mac.
Last but not least, Intego is the Mac antivirus to install if you’re looking to keep your operating system both secure and optimized for performance.
Ever since its beginnings in 1997, Intego has focused on creating the best antivirus software for macOS. Unsurprisingly, it has developed an exceptional product over the years. These days, Intego effortlessly ranks among the best antivirus options for Mac.
Intego’s software comes heavily loaded with features. At a price a bit higher than one might expect, the premium bundle includes all the security products: VirusBarrier, NetBarrier, Mac Washing Machine, ContentBarrier, and Personal Backup. The exceptional combined performance of these apps provides the ultimate virus protection for Mac.
VirusBarrier is the most notable feature, providing excellent protection against malware, while NetBarrier improves the firewall that comes with your Mac. When scanning, VirusBarrier will detect an impressive number of viruses thanks to its continuously updated virus base. From there, it will quarantine and delete them, all without slowing down your Mac.
The remaining features are also incredibly useful in keeping your Mac optimized and your data safe. The Washing Machine app, for instance, will not only get rid of all the junk files you might have, but also organize your folders for you. With ContentBarrier, you can monitor and manage your kids’ activities, while Personal Backup makes sure your files never get sent to oblivion.
Intego’s antivirus software for Mac is a bit pricey, with the cheapest, one-device premium package costing $39.99 per year. That said, it is undoubtedly worth every cent. Extremely powerful yet unbelievably lightweight, each of Intego’s premium package products is bound to amaze you.
Trend Micro is a high-end company with antivirus products that provide great protection and security for Mac users at moderate prices. This fast-acting antivirus software offers two programs for Mac computers: Antivirus for Mac and Maximum Security, both of which cost $39.99 per year.
Trend Micro uses a sophisticated method to detect malicious software. With the “Enable machine-learning” option set on default, the program analyzes the computer’s behavior in order to identify unusual and suspicious activity.
It’s important to note that this virus scan for Mac can take up to an hour to complete, with the detailed probe using a lot of the computer’s CPU. This leaves you with only around 10% of the remaining virtual cores in use, which is quite a burden on your system.
However, this Mac antivirus software makes it up with excellent additional features, such as Folder Shield. This option adds an extra layer of defense that shields you from malware that can encrypt your files. It guards your Documents and Pictures folders, connected USB drives, and other files synchronized with your cloud drives.
Not only can it scan your Mac for malware and ransomware, but it also offers reliable and thorough web protection that monitors your online activity. Trend Micro privacy tools help you block and avoid shady sites, while also throwing in parental controls. The feature comes with a social media scanner and extensions for popular browsers that ensure privacy on social media platforms.
When it comes to phishing attacks, the Trend Micro Email Security feature offers the best security Mac users can hope for. The unparalleled level of protection of user data, including passwords and credit card details, drastically reduces the prospects of any breaches.
Bitdefender antivirus products are highly regarded and widely used all around the world. The company has developed a strong candidate for the overall best Mac antivirus software. The system is available for macOS X Yosemite (10.10) and later versions. It’s straightforward and easy to install.
One of the program’s more impressive characteristics is that it works automatically. As soon as the installation process is complete, the system will ask to enable the Safe Files feature. This powerful engine protects valuable files from ransomware and other malicious software. You can create a folder for the files you wish to protect and prevent all other apps from accessing them and making changes.
Bitdefender's Mac virus scanner is among the fastest on the market. As you’d expect from the best antivirus and VPN for Mac, the program begins by scanning your device by default. Deep scanning takes less than 30 minutes on average.
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac implements real-time protection, which enables continuous scans and removes malware instantly. The system identifies Mac viruses while protecting against threats to Windows. This is a crucial feature, because your Mac can also play host to viruses that are harmful to Windows PCs.
An annual subscription to Bitdefender Mac antivirus starts at $23.99. Like many of the best antivirus for Mac and Windows solutions, the cheapest plan covers one device. It protects you from malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks and offers up to 200 MB/day of VPN usage. The VPN guarantees online anonymity and protects you from unsecured WiFi connections.
Bitdefender for Mac also features the Traffic Light browser extension - powerful protection against viruses that activates when you access dangerous websites. This can be very useful to online shoppers who unknowingly access web pages with contagious content.
In addition, this best antivirus app for Mac has an anti-tracker extension for browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer. Anti-tracker protects your privacy by blocking sites that collect information. For instance, some trackers monitor website traffic and analyze your online behavior so they can tailor ads to your preferences.
In short, Bitdefender offers probably the best antivirus for Mac and PC that is affordable and comprehensive - a complete set of tools for protecting your systems.
Kaspersky is a Moscow-based cybersecurity and antivirus provider with more than 20 years of experience. It offers some of the best antivirus software solutions for a broad range of operating systems. In recent years, the company’s top antivirus software system has been gaining popularity among Mac users.
Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac is the perfect choice for users who are looking for advanced protection. The software can detect and eliminate both Mac and Windows viruses, ransomware, and other malware. It also includes tools that ensure your privacy and security while you’re browsing the net.
Kaspersky antivirus for Mac scans your device for malware without slowing down your computer. The system allows you to connect external devices to your Mac and scan them too.
One big reason Kaspersky made our list of the best antivirus software for Mac is the product’s dashboard. It’s easy to navigate and it lets you know if you need updates or scans. There are several buttons, including Scan, Update, Privacy, and Safe Kids. The dashboard allows you to see which features are activated and which you can add. For instance, Kaspersky for Mac allows you to install a VPN with limited bandwidth
Kaspersky also includes parental controls that protect your child from inappropriate online content. This is why many parents consider it the best Mac security software. To top it off, Kaspersky is also easy to uninstall.
Moreover, Kaspersky’s virus protection prevents unauthorized surveillance and safeguards your privacy. With just one click, you can block all apps from accessing the Mac’s webcam. Unfortunately there are no exclusion settings for specific applications, so if you enable this feature, you’ll be blocking access to the camera for all programs, including Skype and Zoom.
This product’s main downside is the price. A single license starts at $23.99 per year, which might be too pricey for some users, especially since features like password management and file backups aren’t included in the standard package of Kaspersky’s best antivirus for Windows and Mac. To get access to these features, you’ll need to upgrade to Kaspersky’s premium package.
Millions of users worldwide believe that Avast publishes the best free antivirus for Mac. The company’s free antivirus software provides basic protection for both PCs and laptops. It’s easy to install and it doesn't require any sophisticated maintenance.
In addition to protecting your systems from viruses, the software also includes free malware removal. However, the free version doesn't come with any advanced features.
For a greater degree of protection, you can turn to Avast Premium Security, which is also easy to set up. But this antivirus software requires 500 MB of hard disk space and macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) or later. For $39.99 per year, you get a license for a single device. If you want to protect multiple devices, you’ll have to dish out $89.99 for an annual subscription. Unlike many of the best antivirus and malware protection for Mac solutions, Avast can protect as many as 10 devices running a mix of operating systems. Managing your accounts isn’t complicated, and you can easily remove and add devices.
Avast offers real-time antivirus protection that blocks malware, detects spyware, and identifies apps that collect your data.
There is at least one Avast for Mac review online that claims the Avast Web Shield extension for Chrome can slow down your computer, which isn’t surprising when you factor in all of the features this program offers. Nevertheless, this great security software for Mac is still the most reliable protection against phishing threats. In addition, Avast sends you notifications and alerts when you access a suspicious website.
The best part is that you don’t need to worry about whether or not your transactions are safe. The software provides a completely new layer of security for online shopping that works equally well on mobile and desktop devices. It protects you from website spoofing and redirects you to legitimate sites where you can safely make your purchases.
In a bid to address the growing threat of ransomware attacks, Avast has developed an advanced ransomware protection system. The system is constantly on, and that’s why this is the best Mac malware protection tool for users who need to protect sensitive content.
Norton is an American software company that offers a broad range of cybersecurity services, including antivirus products for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android platforms. In our Norton antivirus review, we evaluated the Norton 360 Deluxe package. This is a highly popular antivirus for MacBook Pro, but it works just as well with other Apple products.
The installation process is fairly simple, and an annual subscription for $89.99 will allow you to install the software on as many as three devices.
The dashboard is easy to use. It tells you the last time your computer was scanned and when the last updates were made. At the bottom of the screen, you can navigate through features and tools that remove malware from your devices.
This antivirus for Mac is widely used by those who are looking for something more than just a basic level of malware threat detection and removal. Of course, the software protects your files from spyware, viruses, and other malware. Another notable feature is a powerful AI system. The package also includes a self-sufficient firewall, a webcam blocker, a parental control system, and unlimited VPN.
Regarded as ideal antivirus software for MacBook laptops, Norton 360 comes with a distinctive dark web monitoring feature. This is a system that alerts you if it finds any of your personal information on the dark web. Out of the box, Norton 360 Deluxe searches only for your email address, but you can add other personal details that you want the software to monitor.
Although this MacBook virus cleaner has an excellent backup system that can store up to 500 MB of your valuable files on the cloud, that feature is only available for Windows.
If you are looking for robust antivirus software to protect the entire family, look no further than McAfee. This provider offers the best virus protection for Mac users who need an antivirus system for multiple devices.
Once you activate McAfee, you can manage all your accounts from a single platform. The system monitors the activity of all computers, scans them, and quickly removes malware.
McAfee’s low price makes it very affordable. You get premium antivirus protection, VPN extension, protection for web browsing, IP protection, and password management for $29.99.
If you upgrade to an annual subscription of $49.99, you can protect up to 10 devices. That’s why this Mac security software is an ideal solution for the entire family and for shielding their devices from malware, spyware, and ransomware. You can also choose a package that protects five devices for $39.99 per year.
The software is easy to install and use, but according to online reviews, many users aren’t thrilled with the clunky interface. While other programs allow you to start scanning your devices with a single click, McAfee requires you to go through several stages before the software starts scanning.
On the other hand, this antivirus protection for Mac is equipped with great tools that allow users to manage their accounts and schedule scans. The system can work in real time, monitoring your devices around the clock without slowing down your computer. You can also choose on-demand scanning or select the times when you want to run the antivirus.
In addition, McAfee has identity theft protection for both iPhones and desktop apps. This is an important feature for protecting personal data. Unfortunately, it isn’t available with the basic package.
The software handles internet security for Mac by protecting your online communication with advanced firewalls that block malicious websites. Moreover, the system helps minimize bandwidth usage by blocking autoplay videos.
Malwarebytes might be the second-last entry on our top antivirus for Macs list, but that doesn’t mean it’s less effective in cleansing your device than other providers.
It has a real-time tracker that scans Macs for malware, removes infected files, and blocks malicious websites. It helps you avoid spam emails and protects you from harmful websites and downloaded files. The software also has a convenient adware blocker for users who don’t like annoying ads and popups.
There is a free 14-day trial period that includes access to free virus scan and fast malware removal. After the expiration date, you can use the software to clean already infected devices, but you won’t be able to protect your computer from attacks in real time.
This is an excellent antivirus for MacBook Pro and all other Mac systems not older than macOS 10.11. According to Malwarebytes for Mac reviews, users appreciate this software because of its efficiency. It can complete a scan of your disk image within 30 seconds without jeopardizing your workflow. The system runs smoothly in the background, and you won’t even notice it’s working. Of course, you get to manage the scanning schedule and decide the most convenient time to run the Mac malware scanner.
Malwarebytes has a modern interface that displays the current health status of your computer. Managing the software is easy and fast. You can enable Mac malware protection with a single click.
The premium version of this Mac antivirus will cost you $3.33/month for one device, but this package doesn't include features like VPN or parental controls. The biggest defect is the absence of tools for ransomware detection, which are provided by most competing products.
Statistics indicate that the growing malware threat facing Mac users has contributed to the development of more sophisticated antivirus software.
Numerous vendors offer comprehensive software suites that secure your device from viruses, detect malware, and protect you from rapidly growing ransomware attacks. In order to narrow down the selection of antivirus software, we created an objective, feature-based evaluation methodology.
There is no shortage of providers that offer free antivirus for Mac. One of the more prominent is the Avast free antivirus software that many of us have used at one point in time.
We evaluated the best antivirus programs based on the pricing plans they offer. We looked at the most affordable options that include the best features, then examined scalable packages and assessed whether they provided protection for multiple devices. And, of course, we searched for Macintosh antivirus software that was on sale at a discount price, as well as noting special offers. In most cases, discounts are available only for new customers and for the first year of the contract.
Most of the vendors on our list offer a free trial that lets you test the product before signing up for a paid package.
Virus protection software has to be easy to use, as a lot of customers aren’t tech-savvy. They purchase software to protect their personal information, and they’re looking for a system that isn’t too complicated to install and use. This is also one of the reasons we evaluated antivirus software for Mac that conducts its scans in real-time. Of course, you have the option of setting your own schedule or scanning your device on-demand.
The simplicity of the dashboard was also essential in our evaluation. Modern antivirus software must have a well-designed interface where you can monitor the system's health.
We evaluate each package’s account management features. This is important for users with multiple devices to protect. Only the best antivirus vendors allow users to monitor all accounts from one single device.
Bear in mind that the best MacBook antivirus software usually requires the newest versions of macOS.
The Mac virus scan is a basic tool that is at the center of every product on our list. As soon as you start running your antivirus system, it will scan your computer for threats. After scanning is complete, the software will show you which files are infected. Since you can easily come across viruses while browsing the internet, the best thing is to enable the system to work continuously so they never wind up on your Mac in the first place.
Some antivirus software will not allow you to download or unzip infected files. And even if they do, the best security for Mac will not allow you to run infected apps.
Mac devices can serve as carriers for viruses that attack Windows PCs, so vendors work on software solutions that recognize malware that threatens both Macs and Windows systems.
The next thing we looked at is ransomware protection. Ransomware blocks access to the victim's data until a ransom is paid. Ransomware attacks have grown rapidly over the past few years, leading antivirus companies to develop an extra layer of protection against this threat.
Another threat Mac users face is phishing - a fraudulent action where hackers use social engineering methods to steal personal data like credit cards and passwords. We took a hard look at the latest antivirus for MacBook Air and other Apple devices, making sure the products possessed the proper protection against phishing.
Next on our list of requirements is a VPN connection. A virtual private network protects your privacy online and helps you get access to geo-restricted content.
For many users, the best antivirus software must have a parental control system. This feature is popular among parents who wish to shield younger family members from potentially harmful and inappropriate online content.
Of course, each program on our list includes a password manager - a tool that helps users save and protect their passwords.
Yes, you do need virus protection for Mac. Even though Apple users are safer than those using Windows, they aren’t entirely immune to cyberattacks. Apple devices have become increasingly vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and spyware. Antivirus providers have responded to the growing threat by creating antivirus software and security systems, especially for Mac devices.
Yes, Apple recommends the use of antivirus software as an extra layer of protection. If you haven’t secured your Mac yet, we strongly suggest checking out some of the antivirus for MacBook solutions on our list.
iPhones don’t offer a convenient environment for viruses and malware. However, no device is immune to attacks from hackers, so even an iPhone can be compromised. In our antivirus software review, you’ll find comprehensive protection for MacBooks and iPads and an antivirus for iPhone.
Contrary to popular opinion, Macs can absolutely get malware. Windows devices are more prevalent and hence a more attractive target for cyberattacks. However, Mac-targeting viruses are becoming more common, meaning you should definitely look into finding the best antivirus software for Mac.
Most of the most popular Mac antivirus providers offer a free plan. However, most of the free tiers provide you with just basic antivirus protection, without other useful features such as ransomware defense, VPNs, and suchlike.
Yes, Norton 360 Deluxe is a good antivirus system for Mac. The software employs an extraordinary AI system and machine learning technology for protecting data from malware, ransomware, and spyware. Thanks to excellent features like a VPN browser extension and parental controls, Norton antivirus for Mac is one of the most popular software solutions for Mac users. In addition, this Mac virus cleaner comes with a tool for dark web monitoring, and if it recognizes your personal data on a malicious website, you'll be instantly notified.
Avast antivirus for Mac is an exceptional product. The software has a free version, but a growing number of users are upgrading to Avast Premium Security. This is largely due to its robust security tools for online shopping. Our Avast antivirus review outlines the many advanced features that this product delivers beyond simple malware removal for Mac. Some of them allow you to make secure payments and online transactions, while others detect malicious websites. The only downside is the price; the least expensive annual subscription costs $69.99.
Yes, Malwarebytes is safe for Mac. This vendor offers affordable security for Mac, allowing users to have the fastest virus scan for Mac. Malwarebytes has a powerful system that protects users from malware by blocking access to malicious websites. Malwarebytes has a powerful Mac virus cleaner in case your device gets infected with a virus. It’s also a great ad-blocker.
There are many great products to choose from when selecting an antivirus system for your desktop and mobile devices. Deciding which one is the best depends on your needs. For example, Kaspersky has the best parental control tools, while Norton Deluxe 360 offers additional features for an extra layer of protection against hackers. If you’re looking for cheap and effective antivirus software, you might consider Bitdefender. But if you’re a fan of a clear and straightforward interface, you should avoid McAfee.
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