Best Mac Antivirus Software 2023

August 03, 2022 August 04, 2022

Best Mac Antivirus Software 2023

You need one of the best Mac antivirus software for your Mac and MacBook. The common misconception is that Apple products are completely impenetrable, which means there's no point in getting antivirus for Mac. Although it is not true at all.

There's a huge potential target out there that's irresistible to hackers and cybercriminals considering the sheer amount of Mac and MacBook owners around the world. The macOS operating system is Unix-based, which is sandboxed, so it can be challenging for a virus to do any real damage. However, malicious programs targeting Macs and MacBook Pros have not only become increasingly common, but also more powerful.

You'll need Mac-specific antivirus software designed to work with the unique demands of macOS to protect that new Mac. After all, even the MacBook Air 2022 isn't what you'd call cheap, and you don't want something expensive to be hit by a cyberattack.

We've tested several of the best antiviruses on the market so that we know which are the best. To help you out, we found the best Mac antivirus software designed specifically to protect your Mac system and collected them all into this list – whether you're looking for a paid version or a free one. . And, while you're at it, be sure to invest in the best Mac VPN as well.

Top 8 Best Mac Antivirus Software For 2023

1. Bitdefender Antivirus

2. Intego Mac Internet Security X9

3. Norton 360 Deluxe

4. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

5. Avast One

6. Clario

7. Avira antivirus

8. ClamXAV for Home Users

1. Bitdefender Antivirus

PROS

Excellent antivirus engine
Useful privacy protection touches
Scans for Windows malware too

CONS

Is missing a few features like a firewall

Bitdefender Antivirus Specifications

Maximum devices covered: 3
Stand out features: Online banking and web protection, Time Machine protection, multi-layer ransomware defenses

Bitdefender Antivirus Overview

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is one of the most accurate virus protection suites for Apple devices, built on a Sterling antivirus engine that's consistently rated among top performers by independent testing labs - and has fast scan times. Is.

However, it's not just about core antivirus protection, as Bitdefender also boasts of a comprehensive set of features. This includes multi-layer ransomware protection, and solid anti-phishing capabilities, with very strong AI-powered web browser protection delivered through an extension.

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac also offers an adware blocker and does a decent job when it comes to scanning and picking up Windows PC malware. This helps to avoid the possibility of transmitting Windows viruses to your friends or family who may have Windows 10 PC.

Time Machine protection is also a valuable addition as an added safety net to keep backups safe from ransomware attacks. And another nifty addition is the integration of Bitdefender VPN, although that said, the data allowance here is limited to 200MB per day, which is pretty low - so it's only good for occasional use. Still, it's better than nothing and easy in a pinch.

If you are concerned about viruses and other messes floating around on the internet, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is the best software for Mac. Finally, note that along with this standalone Mac antivirus, you can also get Bitdefender Total Security for your Mac, part of the firm's flagship security suite (which covers Macs, Android, and iOS devices, plus Windows PCs — up to 10). security can be obtained. total equipment).

Bitdefender Antivirus Review

2. Intego Mac Internet Security X9

PROS

Intelligent firewall
Easy-to-use
30-day free trial

CONS

Not always rated by independent test labs

Intego Mac Internet Security X9 Specifications

Maximum devices covered: 5
Stand-out features: Intelligent firewall, anti-spyware protection, online privacy protection

Intego Mac Internet Security X9 Overview

Intego is a veteran antivirus provider that has been defending Macs for more than two decades now, so if there's any software maker that knows what kind of protection Apple machines need, it's this company.

Mac Internet Security X9 provides good antivirus protection against the latest threats. Independent testing laboratories have generally rated it highly in the past (though it is not always included in AV-Test, in the last roundup where Intego featured, i.e. June 2021, it received full marks). Scans are quite fast, plus you get strong protection against Windows malware.

Outside of that strong core malware defense, Internet Security X9 features an intelligent firewall with anti-spyware countermeasures that closely monitors outgoing Internet traffic. In addition, Intego helps increase the level of privacy by protecting you from third-party applications that try to hide your data. Above all, Mac Internet Security X9 offers a clean interface, and it is thoroughly user-friendly.

Among Intego's downsides is that some of the suite's bonus extras don't quite top up in terms of power shown by top competition in the Mac antivirus arena, and the lack of recent evaluations at AV-Test (not that we're into it). Must read too, but it's still a disappointing gap in coverage).

Of course, Intego does offer a 30-day long free trial, so you can take Mac Internet Security X9 for a good spin to see if it meets your approval. Finally, note that there's also a full Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 that includes Internet Security X9 and a whole host of extras, including backup, performance optimization, and parental control features.

Intego Mac Internet Security X9 Review

3. Norton 360 Deluxe

PROS

Protects 5 devices
Some smart extra features
Bundled unrestricted VPN is a big bonus

CONS

More system performance impact than average
PC users get more

Norton 360 Deluxe Specifications

Maximum devices covered: 5
Stand-out features: Intelligent firewall, VPN, password manager

Norton 360 Deluxe Overview

Norton is another respected brand in the antivirus world and provides excellent malware detection for Mac computers. In fact, Norton 360 Deluxe, the brand's best option for multi-device users, offers protection for Mac, Windows PC, or mobile devices—up to five of them per license. So, if you have too many Macs or MacBooks to cover, or maybe even a Windows laptop, and of course your smartphone, Norton will have your back on all bases.

You get a slew of features here, with impressive antivirus protection, anti-ransomware, a smart firewall, and some neat extras like a password manager, and dark web monitoring (in some areas), with a significant bonus in the form of Norton. Secure VPN (with unlimited access) to help you maintain better security and privacy when online.

So, while you get several benefits on the security front, one thing to keep in mind is that Norton 360 has a more noticeable impact on your system performance than some of its rivals in our experience. It's also worth bearing in mind that Mac owners don't get some features, such as cloud backup and parental controls (but you can use them on a Windows PC).

Furthermore, the cost of this security suite is overpriced by default. However, there are usually offers that lock down a substantial amount of money. At the time of this writing, you can get a great deal on a subscription – especially when you consider the number of devices covered.

Norton 360 Deluxe Review

4. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

PROS

Great anti-malware defenses
Keeps you safe on social media
Parental controls included

CONS

Just covers a single Mac
System slow down

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Specifications

Maximum devices covered: 1
Stand out features: Social media protection, email scam filtering, parental controls

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Overview

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac is another great option for keeping your Mac secure, and its antivirus engine is well thought out by independent testing labs—generally speaking, it's the best of them all (even though Trend Micro may have slipped in just a touch (AV-Comparatives' Mac Ranking 2021).

The program's feature-set includes ransomware protection (courtesy of Folder Shield), parental controls, camera plus microphone protection, anti-phishing defense, and a social media privacy checker, which tackles many of the serious threats offered through these channels. Monitors the use of social networks for This package is generally user-friendly as well as easy to get hold of.

On the downside, Trend Micro suffers from a greater degree of system slowdown than most rival suites according to recent testing. In addition, the app only covers one Mac, so it lacks the added value of the additional licenses that many of the competition offer.

In addition, some rival antivirus suites offer more features. For example, Trend Micro lacks the security for the likes of a firewall or online banking - the firm's Pay Guard secure browser is reserved for the Mac suite for maximum security.

That said, note that at the time of writing, you can get the latter suite for a higher outlay than Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac - and it also has expanded coverage for up to five devices (including Windows PC, Android). provides. and iOS mobiles, plus Chromebooks, as well as Macs). In fact, discounts are often on such pricing, so it's well worth keeping an eye on a good deal on the Trend Micro Maximum Security Suite.

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Review

5. Avast One

PROS

Top quality protection against malware
Good range of features (but Windows gets more)
Keeps you impressively safe online

CONS

Built-in VPN isn’t the fastest or best

Avast One Specifications

Maximum devices covered: 5 (30 with the Family plan)
Stand-out features: Web Shield, VPN, network advisor

Avast One Overview

Avast One is the firm's all-in-one security package that provides multiple protections for Macs and other devices, with the Personal plan offering coverage for up to five pieces of hardware – so it can be used on Mac, Windows PC, Android, and iOS. is for mobiles.

Mac users get a lot of perks here – in addition to basic antivirus protection – with a dedicated anti-ransomware layer, a high-quality web shield to keep you safe online, plus an integrated VPN (with unlimited access) ahead. Raising the level of online security to grow. No, the VPN isn't the fastest offering by any means, but it's solid enough, and a great addition to the overall value of this suite.

On top of this, Avast One offers additional privacy-protecting features, such as tracking protection, data breach monitoring, and features like network advisors that enable you to turn on a VPN based on the sites you're visiting or situations like that. recommends. When you're connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi.

The Avast Antivirus engine is also very robust, and according to recent ratings from independent testing labs, it's one of the top-performing Mac defenders.

Of course, the Avast One on Mac doesn't have all the features seen with Windows PCs in terms of lack of some PC maintenance and speed-up tools - although it does have a basic cleanup function, and as we've seen, this suite has no problems right now. Too full too. It's worth a look for those who want good all-around coverage for multiple devices. And remember that if you have a lot of hardware, the family plan also includes 30 devices.

6. Clario Antivirus

PROS

Ace antivirus protection
NordVPN-powered integrated VPN
Supremely user-friendly

CONS

Mobile apps are really basic

Clario Specifications

Maximum devices covered: 6
Stand-out features: VPN, identity theft protection, secure browser

Clario Overview

Clare aims to be a comprehensive security package, and it succeeds in that goal, offering antivirus and more. Bitdefender, our top-rated provider, powers the main antivirus engine, so surprisingly, Clario does well here and has been rated the same as Bitdefender in recent tests from independent labs.

As mentioned, you get a whole host of security extras here. This includes a fully integrated Mac VPN service (powered by NordVPN, a reputable provider), identity theft protection, safe browsing, anti-tracking countermeasures, and more.

The Mac app is smartly designed to be very easy to use for beginners, although on the other hand, it pushes the ease of use so much that tech-savvy types may be put off. The other main drawback here doesn't apply to Mac users because the Mac app works well - but the mobile apps are frustratingly basic. Yes, Clario also supports iOS or Android devices (but not Windows) - up to three or six of them on monthly or yearly subscription plans, respectively.

The asking price is higher than some of the rival suites on this page. However, rolling together high-quality antivirus and Mac VPN protection in a beginner-friendly package will appeal to some Mac users.

Clario Review

7. Avira antivirus

PROS

Good antivirus defenses
Impressive web protection

CONS

Not many features

Avira antivirus Specifications

Maximum devices covered: 5
Stand-out features: Web protection, tracker blocking, anti-phishing

Avira antivirus Overview

Avira Antivirus Pro is a solid choice for Mac users that protects up to five devices (including Windows PCs). It's rated highly by independent testing labs, though AV-Test is a bit more enthusiastic than AV-Comparatives with its Mac-based evaluation of the product - one way or another, you'll definitely find strong core antivirus protection here. are getting. ,

However, the features are somewhat thin on the ground compared to the Windows version. On top of basic antivirus protection, there's web protection to block malware-laden websites, as well as capable anti-phishing technology, an ad blocker, as well as a browser tracking blocker to better maintain your online privacy. But it's about your lot.

There are alternative products on this list that offer more as extras, although Avira does a good job of what it tackles. And if you want more, you can always consider upgrading to the Avira Prime Suite, which has a built-in VPN (a very good one too) with no data limits, extras like a password manager, plus some performance And there are also maintenance tools.

Avira antivirus Review

8. ClamXAV for Home Users

PROS

Simple to use
Good value

CONS

No features outside of basic malware protection
Rarely rated by independent test labs

ClamXAV for Home Users Specifications

Maximum devices covered: 9
Stand out features: User-friendly interface

ClamXAV for Home Users Overview

ClamXAV doesn't have the flashiest names, but it's the best Mac antivirus for many IT professionals - not least because the firm only makes AVs for Apple computers. That doesn't mean it's overly complicated - there's a home version of the app targeted at the average consumer, and we found ClamXAV's interface to be one of the simplest and easiest to use of all the Mac antivirus software on this list.

It is particularly adept at catching viruses in email attachments, and while ClamXAV has not been frequently rated by large independent laboratories in recent times, it has performed decently in some evaluations.

Keep in mind that ClamXAV doesn't come with some of the Internet security tools seen in other suites, but it's still a good option for protecting your Mac, especially on the price front -- compared to rivals with its various subscriptions. The price is competitive. The ClamXAV for Home users version of the software allows for up to three Macs to be protected, or up to nine if you choose the Family Pack plan.