Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

• Best for Set-and-Forget Protection

  Bitdefender Antivirus Plus for Mac

  4.5 Outstanding

  Pros & Cons

  • • Perfect and near-perfect scores from testing labs
    • Protects files and backups from ransomware
    • Includes VPN
    • No-hassle Autopilot mode
    • Chat protection flags dangerous links
    • Blocks trackers in browsers
  • • Full access to VPN features requires a separate subscription

  Independent antivirus labs have put macOS antivirus tools to the test, reporting scores that indicate which ones are the most effective. Both AV-Test and AV-Comparatives consistently award Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac perfect or near-perfect scores, and it achieved good scores in my hands-on tests. In the default Autopilot mode, it performs its work while minimizing user interaction. This antivirus doesn’t boast the extensive feature set of its Windows equivalent, but it still exceeds the average macOS antivirus.

  Why We Picked It

  Pricing and pricing tiers: The most common yearly price for one-Mac antivirus protection is $49.99, and that’s precisely what Bitdefender costs. For $20 more, or $69.99 per year, you can install Bitdefender on three Macs. And that’s the entire pricing scheme—there are no further volume discounts.

  Independent lab test scores: I follow five labs around the world that regularly evaluate Windows antivirus efficacy, and two of them also test Mac antivirus apps. According to AV-Test, Bitdefender received a perfect score, earning maximum points for protection, performance, and usability. In an AV-Comparatives test, it didn’t reach 100%, but 99.4% is pretty darn close.

  Scores in hands-on tests: When comparing antivirus apps, it’s always nice to have some hard numbers to crunch. Phishing is platform-agnostic, so I can run my standard phishing detection test on macOS just as easily as on Windows. And while Windows malware can’t infect a Mac, almost all Mac antivirus apps promise to detect malware even when it’s designed to infest Windows. Bitdefender scored a perfect 100% in my phishing test and detected 88% of my Windows malware samples, which is quite good.

  VPN included: Bitdefender keeps the files and data on your Mac safe, but when you transmit data to the untamed internet, the antivirus has no power. What you need is a VPN, an app that encrypts your data before it ever leaves the Mac, preventing any possibility of snooping or tampering. Bitdefender does come with a VPN, but it has some significant limitations. One benefit of using a VPN is that you can select a server in the country of your choice, making your internet traffic seem to come from that country. But Bitdefender’s limited VPN takes that choice away from you; you use whatever server it assigns. Additionally, you are limited to 200MB of VPN bandwidth per day.

  Features beyond antivirus: Bitdefender’s Windows antivirus is so feature-packed you might think it’s a security suite. That’s not true of the Mac edition, but it does go beyond the basics. Its ransomware protection system works by flagging all unauthorized access to important files, allowing you to permit legitimate programs while blocking attackers. Its Anti-Tracker browser extension blocks ads and other trackers as you surf the web, and the Traffic Light extension marks dangerous search results with a red icon. The new Chat Protection extends link checking to popular chat platforms. And your subscription is cross-platform, allowing installation on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.

  Who It’s For

  Lab test fans: You don’t take claims and promises from an antivirus (or any software) at face value. You want to see proof. If the experts at an antivirus lab torture-test the app and report it’s a winner, you’re happy. Kudos from two labs, like Bitdefender? Twice as happy!

  Laid-back users: Keeping your Mac safe from malware isn’t a hobby for you; it’s a chore. Every minute you spend fiddling with the antivirus is a minute lost forever. With Bitdefender, once you get past a few initial tasks, you can relax. Simply turn on AutoPilot and let the app do its job, without bothering you.

  Ransomware hawks: The thought of losing your in-progress novel (or your payroll) to ransomware horrifies you. You want an antivirus that backs up its standard protection with additional ransomware protection. And you don’t mind occasionally reassuring the antivirus that the editing program you just installed is authorized to work on your files.

  Specs & Configurations

  Behavior-Based Detection
  Malicious URL Blocking
  On-Access Malware Scan
  On-Demand Malware Scan
  Phishing Protection
  Protection Type	Mac Antivirus
  Ransomware Protection
  VPN	Limited
  Website Rating

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• Best Lab Test Scores

  Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac

  4.5 Outstanding

  Pros & Cons

  • • Perfect scores from two independent testing labs
    • 100% detection of phishing fraud in our testing
    • Firewall with intrusion prevention
    • Private browser protects online activity
    • Virus Protection Promise
  • • Privacy features require a separate purchase

  Norton AntiVirus Plus is a feature-rich antivirus for Windows, and Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac goes well beyond the basics of antivirus protection. Independent labs verify its effectiveness—both AV-Test and AV-Comparatives awarded it a perfect score. It also earned a perfect score in my own hands-on testing against phishing.

  Where many Mac security apps limit firewall protection to blocking unsolicited incoming network traffic, Norton offers a full two-way firewall that blocks attacks from outside and prevents apps on your Mac from misusing the network connection. With Norton, you also get a cross-platform password manager, a security-first private browser, and an AI-based scam-fighting chatbot, among other bonuses.

  Why We Picked It

  Pricing and pricing tiers: Norton’s annual subscription to protect a single Mac costs $59.99, which is decidedly higher than the median of $49.99. If you have more than one Mac in your household, the five-license subscription for $84.99 per year is a better deal.

  Independent lab test scores: Independent testing labs regularly test antivirus apps and publish their results. Two of the labs I follow, AV-Test Institute and AV-Comparatives, include macOS-focused antivirus tools in their regular testing. And both gave Norton the maximum possible score. Avast and AVG also received perfect scores from these labs, which isn’t surprising given that Avast, AVG, and Norton use the same antivirus engine.

  Scores in hands-on tests: Malware designed to run under Windows can’t execute on a Mac, but Norton aims to eliminate Windows malware regardless, so your Mac doesn’t become a carrier. In testing with my current Windows malware collection, though, Norton only eliminated 51%. Phishing websites, on the other hand, can fool you no matter what operating system you’re on. In my hands-on phishing test, both under macOS and Windows, Norton scored a perfect 100% detection.

  VPN included: Antivirus apps frequently integrate or bundle a VPN. It’s a great pairing—the antivirus protects your data on the Mac, and the VPN protects it as it traverses the internet. Using a VPN also hides your IP address and location, and can even let you access region-locked content. However, Norton AntiVirus doesn’t include a VPN. If you want the protection of a full-powered VPN, you’ll have to upgrade to Norton 360 Deluxe.

  Features beyond antivirus: Norton AntiVirus handles all expected antivirus tasks on your Mac, but it does much more. It includes a firewall to defend against network attacks, and its secure browser aims to protect your most sensitive transactions with a collection of add-ons that enhance security and privacy. Additionally, it protects your privacy and blocks ads and other trackers in your browser. The Norton Genie component flags scams in texts and email and can explain its findings conversationally. Several features are designed to enhance system performance, including a startup manager and a junk file cleanup tool. You even get a password manager included in the package.

  Who It’s For

  Feature collectors: When choosing an antivirus, you want more than just everyday standard features. An antivirus that comes with a comprehensive suite of features to enhance your privacy and security is likely to meet your needs. And Norton is exactly such an app.

  Lab test fans: You’re a stickler for perfection in all things, and the independent antivirus testing labs all have their own ways to measure perfection. When two labs assign perfect scores to a Mac antivirus app, as they’ve done for Norton, you know it’s good.

  Loyal customers: Loyally sticking with the same antivirus year after year means you don’t have to keep learning the ins and outs of a new program. When you set up Norton for automatic renewal, you receive a loyalty guarantee. If malware gets past the antivirus, Norton’s experts will manually track down the problem by remotely accessing your computer. And if they can’t fix it, you get your money back.

  Performance seekers: Years ago, you were burned by a security suite that hogged resources and dragged down your Mac’s performance. You’re left with a nagging worry about performance. Norton addresses that worry with a collection of features designed to improve system performance. Even if security activity did affect system speed, the optimization features would surely compensate.

  Specs & Configurations

  Behavior-Based Detection
  Firewall
  Malicious URL Blocking
  On-Access Malware Scan
  On-Demand Malware Scan
  Phishing Protection
  Website Rating

  Get It Now

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  Learn More Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac Review
• Best for VPN Users

  Avast One Gold for Mac

  4.0 Excellent

  Pros & Cons

  • • Excellent scores from antivirus labs
    • No-limits VPN
    • Near-perfect score in our phishing protection test
    • Blocks browser fingerprinters
    • Bonus security, privacy, and performance features
  • • Not as feature-rich as its Windows equivalent
    • More expensive than many competitors

  It’s always nice to know that the experts think you’ve made a good choice. The lab-testing experts believe Avast One is nearly perfect. At least, it takes the highest possible scores in the latest reports from both labs I follow. It performs well in my own tests, earning a phishing protection score within a hair of perfection and achieving 97% detection of Windows-focused malware. As you’ll see below, Avast One isn’t just an antivirus. It’s a full security suite for your Mac.

  Why We Picked It

  Pricing and pricing tiers: Do you think Avast’s entry-tier price of $179.99 per year seems wildly out of line with most competitors? Look again. First, the subscription allows you to install Avast on up to five devices, including Macs and PCs. Second, what you get is a full security suite, not just antivirus. For an impressive per-device price, consider the $279.99 Family Play plan, which lets you protect up to 30 Macs or PCs. That’s about $9.33 per device, not bad.

  Independent lab test scores: When multiple antivirus testing labs include an antivirus app in their testing regimen, you know the app is significant enough to merit their attention. And when multiple labs award their top possible score to an app, you know it’s effective. Like Norton, Avast received perfect scores from both AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.

  Scores in hands-on tests: To evaluate Windows antivirus apps, I have a comprehensive collection of tests that yield clear, numeric scores. Many of my tests aren’t compatible with macOS, but I can report that, when challenged with hundreds of real-world fraudulent (phishing) websites, Avast detected 99% of them. Even more impressive, it eliminated 97% of my Windows malware samples. Yes, Windows malware won’t run on a Mac, but eliminating it eliminates any chance that it might get transferred to a vulnerable Windows PC. With scores of 99% and 97%, Avast has the second-best average in this group.

  VPN included: Avast One is more than just an antivirus for your Mac; it’s a full-on security suite. It’s not surprising, then, that Avast includes a no-limits VPN component. When you connect via the VPN, your data is encrypted from your Mac to the VPN server. Since your traffic seems to come from the server, your actual location is hidden. And you can even spoof your location to access content that would otherwise be locked away. You don’t even have to think about it much. If you connect to an insecure network, Avast reminds you to use the VPN.

  Features beyond antivirus: Avast One is a security suite, so naturally, it goes well beyond antivirus basics. I’ve mentioned the no-limits VPN and permission-based ransomware protection. An anti-tracking extension prevents advertisers and others from tracking and profiling your online activity. Avast will monitor the dark web and other sources, alerting you if it detects your email address exposed in a breach. The Email Guardian feature filters your web-based email in the cloud, protecting email on all your devices. Other features include a powerful network inspector, an uninstall utility, several system tune-up features, and even a scanner that finds duplicate and low-quality photos.

  Who It’s For

  Feature collectors: If two antivirus apps provide equal protection, look for the one that offers the most extras beyond that basic protection. Avast is a full-on security suite, so in a feature face-off, it’s almost always going to win.

  Lab test fans: You wouldn’t buy a new 3D printer or air fryer without checking consumer websites for test results. And you won’t select an antivirus unless the independent labs vouch for it. With perfect scores from two labs, Avast is thoroughly loved by the labs.

  Ransomware hawks: If a Trojan or bot slips past your antivirus, it will surely get caught after the next antivirus update. But if the attacker is ransomware, it’s already too late. That worries you, so you look for an antivirus like Avast that adds a whole layer of protection specifically designed to prevent ransomware damage.

  Score trackers: As a loyal PCMag reader, you respect the hands-on testing we do to help compare antivirus products. Scores for some Mac antivirus apps vary significantly. Not Avast. With two scores averaging 98%, it’s way ahead of all but one competitor.

  VPN users: You know that every website you visit can find your location by checking your IP address, and that exposure worries you. Or you’d like to watch content from your home country that’s blocked in the USA. Or you just want to crank up protection for your internet connections. You want a VPN, and Avast gives you one with no arbitrary limits on bandwidth or server location.

  Performance seekers: When your Mac seems to be sluggish, you’re tempted to blame the antivirus, maybe even turn it off. To help you resist that temptation, Avast includes features to optimize your system and remove unnecessary and redundant files.

  Specs & Configurations

  Behavior-Based Detection
  Malicious URL Blocking
  On-Access Malware Scan
  On-Demand Malware Scan
  Phishing Protection

  Get It Now

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  Learn More Avast One Gold for Mac Review
• Best for No-Frills Protection

  ClamXAV for Mac

  3.5 Good

  Pros & Cons

  • • Low price
    • Straightforward user interface
    • Can scan for Windows malware
  • • No filtering of malicious or fraudulent websites
    • No current lab certifications

  The virtue of open-source software is that anyone with the necessary skills can peruse the source code to spot problems. ClamXAV isn't itself an open-source project, but it builds upon the popular ClamAV, which is. It supplements that protection with its own scanning engine and antivirus database and wraps it all in an attractive user interface. ClamXAV offers options to scan your entire Mac for antivirus threats or focus on specific areas, such as your user folder and documents. It also scans files in real-time, and you can set it to run on a regularly scheduled basis. It doesn't provide the typical browser-level protection against malware-hosting sites, assuming its real-time protection will catch any malware you download. It also doesn't try to identify and block phishing websites.

  Why We Picked It

  Pricing and pricing tiers: You don’t have to break the bank to get antivirus software for your Macs. For just $29.95, you can obtain a three-Mac ClamXAV subscription. That’s well below the one-Mac price for most other Mac antivirus apps. Three not enough? By roughly doubling your subscription to $59.95 per year, you can protect three times as many Macs—nine in all.

  Independent lab test scores: Researchers at AV-Test evaluate antivirus apps based on three criteria: protection, performance, and usability. That last item refers to minimizing errors in which the antivirus flags a valid app or website as dangerous. An app can earn up to six points each, for a maximum total of 18 points. Not long ago, ClamXAV scored a perfect 18, but it doesn't appear in the most recent report. AV-Comparatives also didn’t include it in their latest reports.

  Scores in hands-on tests: If you want ClamXAV to detect malware that’s designed to attack Windows, you must flip a switch titled “Enable detection of non-Mac malware.” I did so for testing, with disappointing results. Challenged with nearly 100 real-world Windows malware samples, ClamXAV detected only 38%. A nice high phishing protection score might serve to counteract this low, low showing. However, ClamXAV doesn’t attempt to detect phishing fraud.

  VPN included: In recent years, many security companies have enhanced their antivirus and security suite offerings by integrating or bundling a VPN application. Doing so allows them to continue protecting your private data even as you transfer it across the internet. ClamXAV is not among that group. If you want VPN protection along with your ClamXAV antivirus, you’ll have to purchase a top-quality VPN separately.

  Features beyond antivirus: Some antivirus apps, both for Mac and Windows, pile on so many security bonuses they’re hard to tell from suites. Others stick to the basics, scanning to remove existing malware and monitoring in real time to defend against any new infestations. ClamXAV falls into the latter category. It doesn’t even include protection against malicious and fraudulent websites, a feature found in most of its competitors.

  Who It’s For

  Lab test fans: You wish there was a way to test-drive your new antivirus, but there isn’t. Fortunately, independent testing labs have developed methods to safely evaluate the efficacy of antivirus software. Just one lab currently reports on ClamXAV, and it gives it a perfect score. That certainly beats the numerous competitors who don’t boast a single lab score.

  No-frills fiends: After resisting, you finally accepted the idea that you have to install antivirus software on your Macs, not just your PCs. But you’re not pleased. You certainly don’t want an antivirus that’s in your face with a plethora of features. ClamXAV handles basic antivirus tasks without adding any extraneous bells and whistles.

  Thrifty users: It’s annoying that you have to protect your Macs with antivirus software, even more annoying when the expense busts your budget. ClamXAV can help. Where the median for most Mac antivirus apps is around $50 per year, ClamXAV charges $29.95—and that gets you three licenses. Upgrade to a 9-license pack for $59.95 if you want to feel really thrifty.

  Specs & Configurations

  On-Access Malware Scan
  On-Demand Malware Scan

  Learn More ClamXAV for Mac Review
• Best for Tech-Savvy Users

  ESET Cyber Security for Mac

  3.5 Good

  Pros & Cons

  • • Perfect score from one independent testing lab
    • Detected 100% of phishing fraud in testing
    • Powerful device control
    • Includes a simple firewall
    • Automatically schedules regular scans
  • • Some important security components are buried among less important settings
    • Device control may be too complicated for most users

  ESET Cyber Security for Mac handles all the essential tasks of an antivirus utility. It scans files for malware on access, on demand, and on schedule, and even detects and eliminates Windows-centric malware. On top of the basics, it includes a built-in firewall, and its live list of running processes lets the tech-minded user review exactly what’s going on in their Mac. With its device control, you can head off the twin dangers of malware entering your Mac from an infested USB drive and of a snoop using such a drive to exfiltrate private data. Just one thing: You have to be highly skilled in the ways of technology to use these features.

  Why We Picked It

  Pricing and pricing tiers: At $39.99 per year to protect a single Mac, ESET is cheaper than most competitors. Pricing to protect more Macs remains on the inexpensive side. You pay $5 per year for each Mac beyond the first, up to five licenses for $59.99.

  Independent lab test scores: Of the five antivirus testing labs I follow, two include Mac antivirus apps in their testing, and one, AV-Test Institute, recently rated ESET, earning the maximum possible score. That’s doubly impressive if you know that most Mac antivirus apps don’t show up in any lab tests.

  Scores in hands-on tests: I use my Windows coding skills to help devise testing routines for antivirus apps, but those skills don’t mean a thing on the Mac. Even so, I do manage some hands-on testing. Phishing (and phishing protection) knows no limits when it comes to operating systems. ESET scored 100% in my phishing protection test on both Windows and Mac. I also check each Mac app’s ability to detect my Windows antivirus samples. ESET quarantined 84% of those, better than most competing products.

  VPN included: Antivirus and VPN protection make a nice pairing. The antivirus provides a protective shield for your devices and the data they store. When that data traverses the internet, the VPN ensures that no one can peek at it or tamper with it. Only a few Mac antivirus apps build in VPN functionality, and ESET is not one of them.

  Features beyond antivirus: Some antivirus apps pack in all kinds of extras, things like dark web monitoring, parental control, password management, webcam protection…it’s a long list. ESET does include a firewall component, but not a lot else. Its biggest bonus is device control. As in the Windows edition, you can limit access to specific devices, device types, or users. For those with the skills to manage its configuration, device control can be a joy.

  Who It’s For

  Lab test fans: When you go to buy a major appliance, you look for the best stats, specs, and test results. And you expect the same from your antivirus. ESET appears in the latest reports from one lab, AV-Test Institute. That’s better than the competitors who have no current lab scores, which is more than half of them. It doesn’t hurt that ESET reached the maximum possible score in that one test.

  Tech experts: When you get a new gadget, you pore over the manual to make sure you’re using all its high-tech features. When your phone’s OS updates, you likewise want to get all the benefits. If you dig into ESET like that, you’ll find some powerful components like Device Control and a detailed, live report on running applications. Sure, it takes uncommon expertise to use these components, but you’ve got that in spades.

  Thrifty users: You’ve accepted that Macs need antivirus protection too, but you resent having to pay for it, and you certainly don’t want to pay more than necessary. ESET’s one-Mac subscription costs less than most competing apps, a good start. In addition, you can sign up to protect precisely the number of Macs you need, up to five, so you’re not wasting money on unused licenses.

  Specs & Configurations

  Behavior-Based Detection
  Firewall
  Malicious URL Blocking
  On-Access Malware Scan
  On-Demand Malware Scan
  Phishing Protection

  Get It Now

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• Best for Mac Loyalists

  Intego ONE

  3.5 Good

  Pros & Cons

  • • Malware protection certified by one independent lab
    • Inexpensive at entry-level pricing tier
    • Includes full-featured firewall
    • Free trial available
    • Detects Windows malware
  • • No protection against malicious or fraudulent websites
    • Full protection, including tune-up and VPN is expensive

  Most antivirus utilities for macOS originate from companies that have established their bona fides in the Windows market. Intego, by contrast, has been supplying macOS-specific security since 1997. Its latest release, Intego ONE, supersedes the previous Intego Mac Internet Security. It was recently certified by AV-Comparatives for protection against macOS malware. Intego detects malware that targets Windows as well, so your Mac doesn’t become a malware-carrying Typhoid Mary. At its lowest-priced tier, it provides effective antivirus and firewall protection. Higher tiers add system tune-up and VPN components.

  Why We Picked It

  Pricing and pricing tiers: An Intego Essential subscription to protect one Mac costs $39.99 per year, less than most competitors. For $54.99 per year, you can install it on three Macs. If three isn’t enough, a five-device subscription runs $69.99 per year. It’s a bargain. Upgrading to the Advanced tier gets you the SmartClean tune-up system and adds $30, $40, or $50 to the price, depending on the number of licenses you choose. Further upgrading to the Complete tier adds a simple VPN component and increases the yearly price by $20.

  Independent lab test scores: When evaluating Mac antivirus tools, I rely heavily on the independent testing labs. I don’t have the macOS programming skills to run all my own tests, as I do with Windows. AV-Comparatives conducted a thorough evaluation of Intego and assigned it the lowest score of the test group, 97.1%. That’s still much better than the competitors that have no lab certifications at all.

  Scores in hands-on tests: Almost every macOS antivirus includes a network or browser feature designed to detect and block malicious and fraudulent websites. That’s handy for testing, as my phishing protection test isn’t tied to any specific platform. Alas, Intego still doesn’t handle phishing pages or malware-hosting sites, though this feature is on the roadmap. As noted, Intego does its best to eliminate any Windows malware it encounters. In testing, it detected 92% of my current Windows collection, which is better than most of its competitors.

  VPN included: The primary role of an antivirus is to eliminate malware infecting your Mac and protect against future attacks. Its purview doesn’t extend outside the Mac. However, many Mac antivirus apps enhance their protection by incorporating a VPN. Now your data is protected as it leaves the web. To get Intego’s VPN solution, you must subscribe to the top pricing tier.

  Features beyond antivirus: Mac-centric Intego does everything an antivirus should. Well, almost—it omits the expected protection against malicious and fraudulent websites. It does include an integrated firewall that blocks network-based attacks and manages network permissions for the apps on your Mac. As noted, you can pay a bit more to add a system tune-up, or pay at the highest level to get both tune-up and VPN.

  Who It’s For

  Mac loyalists: Almost every Mac antivirus app you can find comes from a company that started out protecting Windows PCs. That’s not your style. You’re happier with an antivirus that is and always was specific to macOS, like Intego.

  No-frills fiends: When the myth that Macs don’t get viruses got busted, you weren’t pleased. You know you have to install an antivirus, but you resent it. You certainly don’t want an app that exceeds its assigned tasks. At its entry-level tier, Intego focuses on core antivirus strengths, which may be just what you need.

  Specs & Configurations

  Firewall
  On-Access Malware Scan
  On-Demand Malware Scan

  Learn More Intego ONE Review
• Best for Mac-Centric Households

  MacKeeper

  3.5 Good

  Pros & Cons

  • • Many security, privacy, and performance features
    • Integrated VPN
    • Speedy on-demand malware scan
    • All-inclusive premium services are available
  • • No protection against malicious or fraudulent URLs
    • No current lab test scores
    • VPN country selection is awkward
    • Premium services are disproportionately expensive

  Most antivirus utilities for macOS are developed by companies that have established credibility in the Windows market. Ukraine-based MacKeeper, by contrast, focuses completely on antivirus and other security software for macOS. Like ClamXAV, MacKeeper skips browser-based protection against malicious and fraudulent websites. Other than that omission, it boasts more features than most. Antivirus is, of course, present, along with system cleanup, ad blocking, performance tuning, privacy monitoring, an integrated VPN, and more. It costs more than a bare-bones antivirus, but you also get more.

  Why We Picked It

  Pricing and pricing tiers: As you’ll see, MacKeeper goes well beyond antivirus basics. That’s a good thing, because its pricing goes well beyond the average. At $71.40 per year for a single license, it costs more than most competitors. Increasing the subscription price to $89.40 expands your coverage to three Macs. At the three-license level, MacKeeper still costs more than its competitors.

  Independent lab test scores: MacKeeper doesn’t suffer from any bad lab test scores…because it doesn’t have any lab scores at all. That could mean the labs chose not to include it, or that the company declined to participate. No lab scores means we just don’t know.

  Scores in hands-on tests: Like Intego, MacKeeper’s publisher is Mac-forward. Like Intego, it’s still designed to detect any Windows-based malware that may appear. And like Intego, it scored poorly when tested with real Windows malware, detecting just 74% of them. As for phishing, my other handy source of numeric test results, MacKeeper, doesn’t attempt phishing detection.

  VPN included: MacKeeper’s scheduled scans eliminate any malware hiding in the crannies of your Mac, and its real-time protection fends off all attempts at new malware infestations. However, antivirus software is powerless once your data leaves the Mac and heads out onto the web. To extend the reach of its protection, MacKeeper integrates a virtual private network (VPN). Because it encrypts your data all the way from your Mac to the VPN server, even the owner of the network you’re using can’t snoop or tweak your data. Having your traffic routed through the server both hides your location and lets you pretend to be somewhere else.

  Features beyond antivirus: MacKeeper promises to “protect, optimize, and clean” your Mac. Cleanup features include a startup manager, an uninstall utility, and general tune-up options such as junk file removal. Its vulnerability scanner finds apps on your Mac that lack security patches and, when possible, automates the update process. Like Avast, it scans your photos to find and delete duplicates and near-duplicates. Other bonus features include dark web monitoring for your email address, an active Do Not Track system for your browsers, and the previously mentioned full VPN.

  Who It’s For

  Feature collectors: You want it all, and you want it now. Antivirus alone isn’t enough, so you look for apps that max out on bonus features. Going beyond just antivirus is at the core of MacKeeper’s identity. As noted, it promises to “protect, optimize, and clean your Mac.”

  Mac loyalists: Given the choice of a Mac app ported from a Windows original or an app that was written for macOS from the start, you’ll always choose the latter. MacKeeper fits the bill. It even has “Mac” in the name!

  VPN users: You’re among the clever few who understand that the power of your antivirus ends when data leaves your Mac. Having your internet traffic encrypted from your Mac to a VPN server gives you peace of mind. Being able to hide your location or spoof a false one is a nice bonus. No wonder you like MacKeeper, with its integrated VPN.

  Performance seekers: Keeping your Mac free of malicious software is great, but you also want to keep it free of useless and redundant files. With its multi-pronged approach to Mac messes, MacKeeper eliminates junk files, frees up unused memory space, keeps your apps up to date, and more. Nice, huh?

  Specs & Configurations

  On-Access Malware Scan
  On-Demand Malware Scan
  Vulnerability Scan

  Get It Now

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  Learn More MacKeeper Review
• Best for Simple Antivirus Protection

  Malwarebytes Premium Security for Mac

  3.5 Good

  Pros & Cons

  • • Speedy initial malware scan
    • Very good phishing protection score
    • Strong reputation among tech experts
    • Now includes identity protection features
  • • Identity protection is limited
    • No test results from independent labs

  When malware gets past your antivirus or keeps you from installing antivirus, who ya gonna call? Not Ghostbusters—Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes isn’t just a Windows product. You can run a cleanup scan on your Macs for free, just as you can on your PCs. Even better, install Malwarebytes for Mac Premium and get ongoing real-time protection against new attacks. Without scores from independent labs, you must rely on the company’s impressive reputation.

  The Browser Guard extension blocks ads and trackers, helping you avoid malicious and fraudulent websites. In testing, it earned good scores, though not at the top. It can also scan the dark web and report on any breaches involving your email addresses.

  Why We Picked It

  Pricing and pricing tiers: Most antivirus apps, whether for Mac or Windows, offer several pricing tiers, with volume discounts at three, five, and 10 licenses. But what if you only need six? Until recently, Malwarebytes had you covered, with pricing for up to 20 devices. At present, you still pay $44.99 per year for one license, a bit below the median. Three- and five-license packs cost $59.99 and $79.99, respectively, as they did before the change. You can protect 10 Macs for $119.99 per year, or 20 for $169.99. Given that the old pricing plan ran $129.99 for 10 and $229.99 for 20, that’s a nice price cut. However, the flexibility of selecting the exact number of licenses you need is no longer available.

  Independent lab test scores: For many years, Malwarebytes withheld its Windows antivirus product from independent lab tests, citing that the tests weren’t advanced enough for Malwarebytes' technology. Whether for that reason or another, Malwarebytes doesn’t show up in the latest test results from either AV-Test or AV-Comparatives. It doesn’t have any bad scores; it just doesn't have a score.

  Scores in hands-on tests: Baseball fans closely track stats for their favorite players, things like batting average and RBI. Antivirus fans also appreciate statistics, such as phishing detection percentages and success rates against Windows malware. With Malwarebytes, the stats are mixed. It doesn’t try at all to detect Windows malware—a reasonable position given that Windows malware can’t run on a Mac. However, that does result in a big fat zero for my test using Windows malware. Redemption comes in the form of its 96% phishing detection score. Still, this isn’t an app for users who place a strong emphasis on statistics.

  VPN included: When you connect to a website, that site learns a lot about you, including your IP address and approximate location. Running that connection through a VPN provides anonymity, since the site only sees the IP address of the VPN server. And with a VPN, your connection is protected against all snooping and tweaking, even by the owner of the network you’re using. Malwarebytes recognizes the value of combining antivirus software with a VPN, but it’ll cost you. To use the VPN, you must upgrade from the basic antivirus to Malwarebytes Plus or opt for the Malwarebytes Ultimate bundle.

  Features beyond antivirus: While it handles the core tasks required of any antivirus, Malwarebytes doesn’t do much else. It does include the Browser Guard extension, which, among other things, blocks ads and other trackers. The Digital Footprint component searches the dark web for your email address. Rather than simply reporting on found breaches, it displays other private data that was exposed, along with your email.

  Who It’s For

  Identity defenders: Every time you turn on the news, you hear about another data breach (and hope it doesn’t affect you). Many Mac antivirus apps check the dark web and report on any exposure of your email address. Malwarebytes takes protection to the next level, reporting on all the personal data it detects in breaches.

  Specs & Configurations

  Behavior-Based Detection
  Malicious URL Blocking
  On-Access Malware Scan
  On-Demand Malware Scan
  Phishing Protection

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• Best for Buying American

  Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus for Mac

  3.5 Good

  Pros & Cons

  • • Protects files and backups from ransomware
    • Excellent score in our phishing protection test
    • Detects and deletes Windows malware
    • Browser extension marks up dangerous links
  • • No direct certification from antivirus labs

  Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus for Mac protects your Mac’s files and backups from ransomware, just like Bitdefender. It earned an excellent score in my phishing protection test, though not at the very top. It detects and deletes Windows malware, offers Autopilot mode, and its browser extension marks up dangerous links in search results, similar to Bitdefender. Coincidence? Nope. When Total Defense needed to extend its protection to macOS, the company simply licensed Bitdefender's excellent Mac protection.

  Bitdefender receives perfect scores from two antivirus testing labs, but the labs make it very clear that their results apply only to the specific app being tested. While we can guess that Total Defense would also excel in these tests, we don’t have hard results. Total Defense also doesn't include Bitdefender's VPN, which is admittedly quite limited unless you pay extra for its premium edition.

  Why We Picked It

  Pricing and pricing tiers: You can sign up for Total Defense to protect as many Macs as you want… provided the number you want to protect is three. A Total Defense subscription costs $59.99 and allows installation on up to three Macs. As with Trend Micro, if you want a subscription with licenses for more devices, you must upgrade to a full security suite.

  Independent lab test scores: I appreciate the opportunity to review scores from independent antivirus testing labs. It’s especially important for my Mac antivirus reviews, as the coding skills I use to create my own test apps are strictly Windows-based. However, the labs can only test a limited number of apps, and even when they select an app for their testing collection, the company may still opt out. Whether Total Defense wasn’t invited or declined the invitation, the result is the same—no lab scores for me to consider.

  Scores in hands-on tests: It’s all very well to report that an antivirus seems to work, but it’s so much better to supply test results that back up that statement. My phishing protection test utilizes real-world fraudulent websites, hundreds of them, and reports the percentage of verified frauds each antivirus detects. With a 97% detection rate, Total Defense performs well, although several competitors have achieved 100%. Another handy number defines how well the antivirus identifies and quarantines malware written to run under Windows. In that test, Total Defense only scored 75%. That’s still better than some of the others.

  VPN included: When you connect to the internet through a VPN, nobody can view or tamper with your web traffic, and you hide your real IP address and location behind the VPN server’s details. Where an antivirus defends the data stored on your Mac, a VPN defends that data as it traverses the internet. It’s a common addition to antivirus apps, whether on Mac or Windows. And…it’s not something you get with Total Defense.

  Features beyond antivirus: Total Defense doesn’t overload users with unnecessary features like some competitors. It includes all the antivirus must-haves—scanning for existing malware, blocking new malware attacks, and blocking access to malicious and dangerous sites. Ransomware is particularly nasty, so Total Defense supplements regular antivirus protection with a permission-based ransomware blocker. Whenever an unknown program attempts to modify a file in a protected folder, it alerts you and gives you the option to block it. Where most similar components focus on protecting Documents, Pictures, Desktops, and similar folders, Total Defense also extends protection to your Time Machine backups.

  Who It’s For

  Laid-back users: You have no interest in interacting with your antivirus. You want it to just do its job without any tiresome interaction. And you can do that with Total Defense. Just flip on AutoPilot and ignore it. How relaxing!

  No-frills fiends: You don’t want a host of security components partying in your Mac; you just want protection from viruses and other malware. Total Defense fits your profile. It scans to wipe out malware, monitors to defend against attacks, and steers your browser away from harmful sites. And that’s it.

  Ransomware hawks: While you’re not enthused about finding your Mac infested with a Trojan or spambot, your real nightmare is the worry that ransomware could turn your essential files into encrypted gibberish. Sure, the antivirus should catch it, but that’s not enough. You’ll be happy to know that Total Defense protects your important folders and even your Time Machine backups against unauthorized changes.

  Specs & Configurations

  Behavior-Based Detection
  Malicious URL Blocking
  On-Access Malware Scan
  On-Demand Malware Scan
  Phishing Protection
  Website Rating

  Learn More Total Defense Essential Anti-Virus for Mac Review
• Best Feature Set

  Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

  3.5 Good

  Pros & Cons

  • • Excellent phishing protection score
    • Permission-based ransomware protection
    • Numerous bonus features
  • • No current scores from antivirus testing labs
    • One-license model not practical for all-Mac households
    • Webcam privacy lacks detail
    • Parental control limited to content filtering

  Figuring out how well an antivirus works isn’t a task for the average user; you need to call in the experts. Trend Micro has earned perfect lab scores in the past, though it doesn’t appear in the latest lab tests. In my hands-on testing, it finished a complete scan more quickly than the average, and it earned an excellent 98% score in my hands-on phishing protection test. This app is loaded with features beyond just antivirus. It prevents ransomware attacks by blocking all unauthorized changes to protected files. A warning system helps prevent misuse of your Mac’s camera and microphone. The latest edition adds new privacy and utility tools, though some require a separate payment for full functionality.

  Why We Picked It

  Pricing and pricing tiers: On the plus side, Trend Micro’s subscription price of $39.95 per year for a single license is well below the median of $49.99. But that’s the extent of its pricing. There are no volume discounts. If you want a Trend Micro subscription that protects more Macs, you must purchase one of Trend Micro’s security suite products.

  Independent lab test scores: You may not realize this, but antivirus companies selected by testing labs actually pay for the privilege of being tested. In return, they get to boast of their high scores or use detailed reporting from low scores to do better next time. Some companies don’t get selected in the first place, while others choose not to pay the fee and participate. Whatever the reason, Trend Micro doesn’t appear in the latest reports from the labs.

  Scores in hands-on tests: There’s nothing like cold, hard numbers for comparing antivirus apps. Some of my testing apps are incompatible with macOS, but a couple remain available. If you unwittingly give your login credentials to a phishing website, you’re hosed regardless of your operating system. And Trend Micro, like most Mac antivirus apps, aims to detect malware even when it’s written for Windows, not macOS. At least that’s the intention. Tested with my current Windows malware collection, Trend Micro only detected 63%. Fortunately, it pulled a good save with its phishing protection score. Challenged with hundreds of real-world phishing pages, it correctly steered the browser away from 98% of them.

  VPN included: VPN protection for your internet connections is a useful adjunct to antivirus protection for your Mac. Several Mac antivirus apps include a VPN, although some require an additional payment to remove limitations. Trend Micro’s menu includes a link to get free VPN protection, but that’s somewhat misleading. You can download the VPN for free, but you can’t use it unless you pay. You can get a seven-day free trial, but only if you sign up to pay once the trial ends.

  Features beyond antivirus: With Trend Micro, if you want more than one license, you must upgrade to the suite. But with that one antivirus license, you get so many security features that you might think you’ve already got a suite. Unusual for a Mac antivirus, Trend Micro includes a simple parental control system and a secure file shredder. Its webcam protection, while limited, is also uncommon. A browser extension helps you identify and suppress ads and other trackers, and color-codes search results: red indicates dangerous and green indicates safe. Performance tune-up functions include removing junk and duplicate files, identifying duplicate and similar photos, and flagging missing security patches. Where competitors just check the dark web for breaches involving your email, Trend Micro’s mobile-only ID Security checks a broad selection of personal data. Other bonuses include a file archive utility, a secure deletion shredder, and added protection for your Gmail. It’s quite a collection.

  Who It’s For

  Feature collectors: Bigger is better. In your book, an antivirus with a boatload of bonuses always beats one with just a few extras. While Trend Micro does offer a security suite for macOS, the standalone antivirus is so packed with useful security extras that you might mistake it for a suite.

  Ransomware hawks: If your Mac is the first victim of a zero-day ransomware attack, you could lose all your important files. You hate that thought. You want an antivirus that’s loaded for bear, with extra defenses designed to protect your important files even if ransomware gets past it. And yes, Trend Micro puts that protection front and center.

  Performance seekers: When you see your antivirus running a scheduled scan, you worry that it’s sucking CPU cycles away from your important programs. Even when you don’t see it doing anything, the worry remains. To ease your mind, you need an antivirus that includes system optimization features to prevent slowdowns. And yes, Trend Micro does exactly that.

  Identity defenders: You know that antivirus software can’t protect your identity from thieves, but you’re not prepared to invest in a full-on identity theft remediation service. You’ll surely be pleased to find that Trend Micro’s ID Security checks numerous private data items for exposure on the dark web.

  Specs & Configurations

  Malicious URL Blocking
  On-Access Malware Scan
  On-Demand Malware Scan
  Phishing Protection
  Vulnerability Scan
  Website Rating

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• Best for the Smallest Footprint

  Webroot Essentials for Mac

  3.5 Good

  Pros & Cons

  • • Perfect phishing protection score
    • Excellent detection of Windows malware
  • • No current results from independent testing labs
    • Web threat protection only for Chrome and not installed by default
    • A bug made the full scan take many hours

  Just like its Windows equivalent, Webroot Essentials for Mac is a tiny package. More than most, it closely resembles its Windows version, the main difference being the absence of a firewall protection button. Like Total Defense, Webroot offers entirely US-based tech support. Useful features include a system analyzer to check your Mac’s overall status, a secure deletion tool to permanently wipe sensitive files, and a system optimizer to clear junk files and enhance performance.

  Why We Picked It

  Pricing and pricing tiers: The yearly subscription price for a Mac antivirus app ranges from $25 to almost $90. Right in the middle, you’ll find Webroot at $49.99 per year. Its volume pricing is straightforward. Add $20 to protect three Macs, and an additional $20 to upgrade your subscription to cover five Macs.

  Independent lab test scores: Webroot’s Windows antivirus immediately eliminates any malicious programs it recognizes, marks other programs as known and trusted, and monitors unknown programs, isolating them to prevent permanent damage. Its cloud “brain” analyzes each unknown, which can take a little time. That delay wreaks havoc with some lab tests. I don’t have the coding skills to verify that the Mac edition works exactly that way, but I can confirm that Webroot doesn’t currently participate in lab testing for its Mac antivirus.

  Scores in hands-on tests: I’d like to say that Webroot scored 100% in both my phishing detection and Windows malware tests. It would almost be true—Webroot did manage 100% phishing detection. But it “only” reached 99% detection of my Windows malware samples. Even if it didn’t attain double perfection, Webroot beats all the others as far as hands-on test scores go.

  VPN included: If the network you’re using has been compromised, it’s possible the network owner could snoop on your connections, or even tweak the data you send and see. Using a VPN eliminates that threat, as your data is encrypted from your Mac to the VPN server. As a bonus, your traffic appears to originate from the server, so your actual location remains hidden. Webroot offers a VPN app, either as a standalone product or as part of the Webroot Total Protection suite, but it is not bundled with the antivirus.

  Features beyond antivirus: Although Webroot Essentials for Mac is not a full security suite, it does incorporate some useful features beyond the typical antivirus collection. Its secure deletion file shredder lets you wipe out sensitive files so thoroughly that nobody, not even the NSA, can recover them. Your Webroot installation includes a premium LastPass subscription. And its System Analyzer and System Optimizer will delight users with the technical expertise to take advantage of them.

  Who It’s For

  Score trackers: Sure, you’ll grant that test scores are just numbers, but you really like to see high numbers. In two of my hands-on tests, Webroot scored 100% and 99%, outperforming all its competition. Everyone loves 100% success.

  Tech experts: Where high-tech reporting and abilities send some users into shivering conniptions, you find they mesh perfectly with your expertise. Webroot’s System Analyzer and System Optimizer features are too complex for the average user, but for you, they’re both useful and fascinating.

  Specs & Configurations

  Behavior-Based Detection
  Malicious URL Blocking
  On-Access Malware Scan
  On-Demand Malware Scan
  Phishing Protection

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• Best for Multi-Device Households

  McAfee Total Protection for Mac

  3.5 Good

  Pros & Cons

  • • Cross-platform security suite
    • Money-back virus protection pledge
    • Perfect phishing protection score
  • • No current lab test results
    • Lacks features found in Windows edition

  McAfee Total Protection for Mac is the Mac-oriented manifestation of the cross-platform McAfee Total Protection suite. With your McAfee subscription, you get up to 10 licenses to install antivirus protection for the Macs in your household, as well as Windows, Android, iOS, or ChromeOS devices. For a modern household brimming with devices, McAfee can be a bargain, and it comes with a guarantee. If malware gets past McAfee’s protective shield, the company’s experts will remotely fix the problem. In the unlikely event that the malware is successful, McAfee will issue a refund.

  McAfee’s antivirus efficacy is backed by a guarantee, but not at present by lab test scores. The labs haven’t included McAfee's macOS edition in testing for several years, although it regularly received certification prior to that. In my own platform-independent phishing protection test, McAfee managed 100% detection both on macOS and Windows, and its WebAdvisor component also helps avoid malware-hosting pages and other online dangers.

  Why We Picked It

  Pricing and pricing tiers: McAfee Total Protection is a cross-platform security suite that supports macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and even ChromeOS. As a suite, it naturally costs more than simple antivirus apps. Pricing starts at $89.99 for a one-Mac subscription. For just $10 more, you can expand to three licenses. And shelling out $119.99 lets you install McAfee on all five of your Macs.

  Independent lab test scores: Years ago, when I first expanded my Windows antivirus reviews to include antivirus apps for macOS, I only included apps that appeared in test reports from at least one independent antivirus lab. The labs regularly change their lists of tested products, though, and at present, well over half the Mac antivirus apps I track don’t appear in any lab reports. McAfee is among that majority.

  Scores in hands-on tests: I don’t have the skills or resources to port all my Windows antivirus tests to macOS, but some carry over. Testing a Mac antivirus using Windows malware is one such. Although the Windows malware won’t run, it could conceivably be transferred to a Windows PC, where it would pose a danger. McAfee for Mac aims to eliminate Windows malware, but in testing, it only detected 77% of my samples. On the positive side, when I tested it against hundreds of real-world phishing websites, it detected 100% of them and redirected the browser to a warning page.

  VPN included: Back when Macs loaded programs from disks and networks were something found only in offices, antivirus protection running on your Mac was enough. Now, though, your Mac is poised on the brink of a dangerous ocean called the internet. To protect your data in transit, it’s wise to supplement antivirus protection with a virtual private network (VPN), which encrypts your connection and hides your location from prying eyes. McAfee integrates a simple VPN—just turn on the switch for protection.

  Features beyond antivirus: One advantage of a McAfee subscription is that it allows you to install protection on any of your devices, regardless of whether they run macOS, Windows, iOS, or Android. It supplements antivirus protection with a firewall that blocks attacks from outside, but omits the one-time Application Control system. As noted earlier, McAfee includes a VPN that imposes no bandwidth or server selection limits. Where many competitors simply scan the dark web to see if your email address has been exposed, McAfee’s Identity Protection scan can check for exposed bank accounts, credit cards, phone numbers, and numerous other personal data items.

  Who It’s For

  Loyal customers: You find switching antivirus apps annoying, and you’re not bothered by signing up for automatic renewal of your McAfee subscription. By showing your loyalty with automatic renewal, you get a loyalty guarantee from McAfee. If the antivirus ever fails to block a malware attack, McAfee will either fix the problem or provide a refund.

  VPN users: You keep hearing that while the antivirus keeps your Mac free of malware, it can’t do anything to protect your data as it travels the internet. The experts recommend adding a VPN to plug that security hole. With McAfee, you don’t need to add anything, since the VPN is built right in.

  Identity defenders: You’re not so concerned about malware attacking your Mac, as it’s never happened to you. Having someone steal your identity, use your credit cards, even get arrested posing as you—that is your big worry. McAfee doesn’t match the features (and expense) of a full-scale identity theft defender, but it comes closer than most. You fill in up to 60 items of personal data, and McAfee warns you if any of them turn up on the dark web.

  Specs & Configurations

  Firewall
  Malicious URL Blocking
  On-Access Malware Scan
  On-Demand Malware Scan
  Phishing Protection
  VPN	Full
  Website Rating

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