Best Antivirus for Mac 2024: Top 5 Ranked

The idea that Macs do not need antivirus protection is outdated. While macOS has built-in security features like Gatekeeper, XProtect, and MRT (Malware Removal Tool), targeted Mac malware has increased significantly. Adware, PUPs, and Trojans designed specifically for macOS are now common. This ranked list covers the best Mac antivirus products available in 2024.

Mac Threat Landscape in 2024

Mac malware is not as prevalent as Windows malware, but it is growing. The most common threats facing Mac users are adware like Genio and Shlayer, browser hijackers, and potentially unwanted programs that install themselves alongside legitimate software downloads. More serious threats include Trojans like Silver Sparrow and XCSSET, which target both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

The built-in protections in macOS handle many known threats, but they are reactive rather than proactive. XProtect updates only include signatures for already-identified threats, meaning zero-day Mac malware can slip through. A dedicated Mac antivirus provides proactive behavioral detection that catches new threats before they are catalogued.

1. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

Bitdefender for Mac is the clear winner for macOS protection. In AV-Test's macOS evaluations, Bitdefender scored a perfect 6/6 across protection, performance, and usability. It detected 100% of Mac-specific malware in testing and showed minimal system impact, with a 3% slowdown during scans.

The standout feature is Time Machine protection, which prevents ransomware from encrypting your Time Machine backups. This is a unique feature that no other Mac antivirus offers. The web filter module also provides excellent protection against phishing and malicious URLs in Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.

• Detection: 100% (AV-Test Mac)
• System impact: 3%
• Best feature: Time Machine ransomware protection
• Apple Silicon: Fully supported

2. Norton 360 for Mac

Norton 360 Deluxe includes a full Mac version with excellent detection scores. In AV-Test Mac evaluations, Norton blocked 100% of on-demand and access threats. The Mac version includes webcam protection, a feature that is increasingly relevant as Mac-specific spyware becomes more sophisticated.

The included unlimited VPN and LifeLock identity theft protection make Norton the best value if you need those additional features. For Mac users who only want antivirus protection without the extras, Norton is slightly more expensive than necessary. But if you value the full security suite, Norton 360 Deluxe is a strong choice.

• Detection: 100% (AV-Test Mac)
• System impact: 5%
• Best feature: Full suite with VPN and LifeLock
• Apple Silicon: Fully supported

3. Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9

Intego is the only antivirus company that builds products exclusively for macOS. This focus shows in features that are specifically designed for Mac users. The Premium Bundle includes VirusBarrier (antivirus), NetBarrier (firewall), ContentBarrier (parental controls), Washing Machine (cleanup tool), and Personal Backup.

In AV-Test evaluations, Intego scored 6/6 for protection but showed higher system impact than Bitdefender, with a 7% slowdown during scans. The detection rate for Mac-specific threats is excellent. Intego's deep macOS integration is its main advantage, with features like scanning iOS backups stored on your Mac for malware.

• Detection: 100% (AV-Test Mac)
• System impact: 7%
• Best feature: Mac-exclusive design and iOS backup scanning
• Apple Silicon: Fully supported

4. Malwarebytes for Mac

Malwarebytes for Mac is the best tool for removing adware and PUPs, which are the most common threats facing Mac users. If your Mac is showing unwanted pop-ups, browser redirects, or strange extensions you did not install, Malwarebytes will find and remove them when other products miss them.

The real-time protection module provides a supplemental layer alongside macOS built-in protections or another antivirus. The scheduled scanning feature ensures regular check-ups. Malwarebytes is not a full security suite, so it does not include a firewall, VPN, or parental controls. But as a targeted adware and PUP removal tool, it is unmatched on Mac.

• Best at: Adware, PUP, and browser hijacker removal
• System impact: 4%
• Best feature: Unmatched PUP and adware detection
• Apple Silicon: Fully supported

5. Avast Security for Mac

Avast Security for Mac is the best free option for Mac users. The free version includes core malware protection, web shield for safe browsing, and a Wi-Fi vulnerability scanner. In AV-Test evaluations, Avast for Mac scored 6/6 for protection and usability, with a 5.5/6 for performance.

The Premium tier adds ransomware protection, a phishing shield, and email scanning. For most casual Mac users, the free version provides adequate supplemental protection alongside macOS built-in security. The main drawback is Avast's promotional popups for its paid products, which some users find intrusive.

• Detection: 99.5% (AV-Test Mac)
• System impact: 5%
• Best feature: Best free protection for Mac
• Apple Silicon: Fully supported

Summary Comparison Table

Do Macs Really Need Antivirus?

The short answer is yes, for most users. macOS includes solid built-in protections, but these are primarily reactive. A dedicated antivirus adds proactive behavioral detection, phishing protection, and specialized tools for removing adware and PUPs that macOS's built-in tools struggle with.

The level of protection you need depends on your usage. If you only browse mainstream websites and download software exclusively from the Mac App Store, macOS built-in security may be adequate. If you download software from varied sources, click on links in emails, or use your Mac for business and financial tasks, a dedicated antivirus provides meaningful additional protection.

Pros and Cons: Free vs Paid Mac Antivirus