Don’t skimp on security for your Mac. These are the antivirus programs Macworld editors trust to protect their own Macs and MacBooks from the latest digital security threats.
It wasn’t so long ago that many users believed Macs didn’t need security software. Not only was the platform thought to be inherently secure by design, but the vast majority of computer users were running Windows, so that was where the money was for malware writers. Several high-profile attacks and a surge in popularity later, and now even Apple acknowledges macOS is a target, building in security tools like XProtect and Gatekeeper for basic protection from known Mac malware.
Trouble is, it’s really not the known threats that keep us awake at night, and the dangers are not limited to malware. The most dangerous digital security threats are the ones we don’t see coming – those are the ones that will be successful in stealing our data, our privacy, our identity, and our money.
Investing in a decent security suite for Mac is a smart move, adding an extra layer of protection and being safe rather than sorry. A good analogy is to think of XProtect as the lock on your Mac’s front door, while paid antivirus is its alarm system and security cameras. With virus – also adware, spyware, trojan, and ransomware – definitions updated several times a day (far more frequently than Apple’s offering), you get real-time protection from all new and emerging threats.
Apple doesn’t offer customer support or virus removal guarantees when the worst happens, nor does it protect you from cross-platform threats across all your devices. With paid antivirus software you get all this, plus more: extra features might include web and phishing protection, software updaters to patch vulnerabilities, VPNs, password managers, parental controls, secure cloud storage and backup, and dark web monitoring.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your Apple computer from digital threats. We thoroughly test all Mac antivirus products for usability and functionality, and consult independent lab data to determine which is the most reliable and trustworthy security product for your Mac. No-one is better placed to guide you on which antivirus to choose for your Mac than Macworld, the leading authority on Mac products and products built for Mac.Best antivirus for Mac reviewed and ranked
Jump straight to a Mac antivirus product for more details:
1. Intego Mac Internet Security X9 – Best value security tool for a single Mac Pros
Built for Mac with simplicity
Easy to set up and customize
Solid malware protection Cons
Mac only
Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is our top pick for Mac antivirus software. It is approved by independent testing labs AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, offering solid antivirus and firewall protection. As the only antivirus in this round-up to be built from the ground-up for Mac, it has a simplicity about it that Apple users will appreciate.
We love how easy this no-fuss Mac antivirus is to set up and use, with deep customization options, and no pushy upsells. If you have just the one Mac you wish to protect, Intego is an extremely effective security product – and also the cheapest paid option here.Who’s it for?
Intego is for Mac users who want simple, but effective security, and are looking to gain peace of mind without diving into system-level configuration gymnastics. Intego’s VirusBarrier is ideal for users who have a single Mac or MacBook to protect, while NetBarrier lets them quickly and easily set up profiles for home, work or public connections.Further considerations
The basic package includes the company’s VirusBarrier real-time antivirus and NetBarrier firewall, along with anti-phishing protection. If you need additional features, the Premium Bundle adds parental controls so you can monitor internet time and block inappropriate content, optimization utilities for reducing file clutter and improving system performance, organizational tools for putting your most frequently used files at your fingertips and neatly arranging your desktop and dock, plus backup. A VPN is also available as an add-on.
Because Intego is a Mac-only security suite, it isn’t suitable for users who also want to protect their iPhone or iPad, Windows PC or Android device. Most alternative antivirus products offer cross-platform protection.
If unbeatable malware protection is your only concern, there are better alternatives to Intego. In September 2024, AV-Test awarded Intego a rating of 5 (out of 6) for Protection, 6 for Speed, and 6 for Usability. Then, in June 2025, AV-Comparatives rated it 97.1% for Mac malware protection, 97% for protection from potentially unwanted applications, and 100% for Windows malware detection. All four of the alternative Mac antivirus programs listed below scored a 6 for Protection from AV-Test, plus 100% for Mac malware protection and the maximum possible 99% for protection from potentially unwanted programs from AV-Comparatives.
Use our link to get the best deal on Intego Mac Internet Security X9 and Mac Premium Bundle.
Read our full
Intego Mac Internet Security X9 review
2. Norton 360 – Best all-round, multi-platform security suite Pros
Virus Protection Promise
Instant reassurance for scams
Includes Norton’s VPN and Password Manager Cons
Some features Windows only
Norton is a name with which most readers will be familiar, which is important for a tool that’s going to be responsible for your digital security. Norton’s Virus Protection Promise means you’ll get your money back if it can’t remove a virus from your Mac.
Including VPN, a password manager, Deepfake protection, and antivirus, antimalware, ransomware and hacking protection, it has a more complete feature set than many of the Mac antivirus offerings here – without the high price tag to match.
Norton 360 appeals for its top marks across both AV-Comparatives and AV-Test’s June 2025 benchmarks, delivering on malware protection, performance, and usability.
A new feature that moves Norton up our ranking here is AI-powered Genie Scam Protection. The Genie Scam Assistant is available around the clock to answer your security questions, and can provide instant reassurance for dodgy-looking emails and texts.Who’s it for?
The standard Norton 360 package is well suited to security-minded individuals who need a solution to cover all angles, and would appeciate the peace of mind afforded by an AI scam assistant that is able to answer questions in real time. The Deluxe package is ideal for couples, covering up to five devices, while the Advanced package is perfect for families, with up to 10 devices covered. Further considerations
Norton 360 supports Mac, iOS, Windows and Android, but if you use only Mac then you may be better served by Intego. Here macOS feels like more of an afterthought, with some features (such as cloud backup) available to Windows users only.
There’s a lot of functionality here, and a lot of customization options, but if you’re not comfortable going digging into the settings for them then you might find this overkill. Some technical knowledge is required to take full advantage of these features.
Although Norton performed very well in independent testing, in our own tests it missed a few threats, such as OSX.Proton, and it struggled to scan Zip files. We also found that the browser extension and private browser still allowed us to travel to questionable websites from spam email links.
Read our full
Norton 360 review
3. Surfshark One – Best for privacy, and unlimited device protection Pros
Supports unlimited devices
Excellent malware protection
Includes VPN, identity and privacy protection Cons
Cheaper options available
If you have multiple devices to protect, Surfshark One’s unlimited device protection for macOS, Android, and Windows is unbeaten. Not only does this antivirus product ace AV-Test’s malware protection benchmark, it has several extra features designed with privacy in mind, including the Surfshark VPN the company is arguably better known for.
Additional features found within Surfshark One include: Alert, which alerts you if your email, credit card or personal data is leaked in a data breach; Search, which lets you browse the web ad-, tracker and threat-free; Alternative ID, which generates a new identity and proxy email for online registrations; and CleanWeb, for blocking pop-ups.Who’s it for?
Many of the digital threats we face today target the person as well as the PC. Surfshark One is the Mac antivirus tool for anyone who is concerned with protecting their personal data and identity, as well as their Mac (or PC, or Android device).Further considerations
While Surfshark One packs a lot of features, it is also the most expensive option in this round-up by quite some way. All plans are billed monthly, with the cheapest tying you in for two years. If cost is a concern, Intego offers the cheapest entry point.
Surfshark One has not been tested by AV-Comparatives but, as we noted, notched up the maximum possible score for protection in AV-Test’s benchmarks in June 2025. However, it did drop half a point on both speed and usability, where every other Mac antivirus product here scored the full six points.
Read our full
Surfshark One review
4. Avast Premium Security – Best for AI-powered Mac security Pros
Scam Guardian fights AI-powered threats
No impact on performance
60-day trial available Cons
Slow manual scanning
Like Norton 360, Avast is going big on AI in the latest edition of its Premium Security suite. The logic is there: if AI is enabling the most sophisticated digital threats, AI may also present the best solution for finding and thwarting them. Avast also boasts an on-demand scam assistant as part of its new Scam Guardian module, providing instant reassurance for your security concerns, and it can prevent you clicking on dodgy links in scam emails and on fraudulent websites.
Premium Security from Avast covers Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android, with packages available for one or up to 10 devices. You get a clean interface that is easy to use, and robust malware protection (scoring top marks in AV-Test and AV-Comparatives benchmarks in June 2025), with flexible scan options, smart network tools, and strong defense against browser hacks and ransomware.Who’s it for?
Avast is well suited to individual users or families who are active on the internet, with protection focused on helping you spot the latest scams and guarding you while you shop or bank online.Further considerations
If you’re not ready to buy Avast Premium Security, the company offers a generous 60-day trial, as well as a free version of its real-time antivirus.
