In a landscape where new antivirus solutions for Mac are a rarity, MacPaw’s Moonlock emerges as a fresh contender. Drawing from the antimalware technology that powers CleanMyMac, Moonlock offers an elegant user interface complemented by features designed to enhance your Mac’s security. Among its offerings are a basic VPN and a security configuration scan, although some functionalities, such as blocking traffic from 250 countries, may not perform as expected. Additionally, it has yet to shine in independent lab tests, leading users to consider established Editors’ Choice options like Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Norton AntiVirus Plus.
How Much Does Moonlock Cost?
Moonlock’s pricing places it slightly above many competitors, with an annual subscription set at for a single Mac. This is a bit higher than other popular antivirus solutions, such as CleanMyMac and G Data Antivirus, which are priced at .95 per year. For those looking to protect multiple devices, a two-device subscription costs , surpassing the prices of alternatives like Malwarebytes Premium Security and ESET Cyber Security. The most appealing option is the five-device plan at 8, which breaks down to .60 per Mac, though this remains pricier than most five-packs available.
Which Versions of macOS Are Compatible With Moonlock?
As a newly launched product, Moonlock requires macOS 13 (Ventura) or later for compatibility. In contrast, Webroot supports the current macOS and the three previous versions, while Norton only extends support to the two latest versions. While most Mac users tend to keep their systems updated, legacy software or older hardware can sometimes hinder upgrades.
Getting Started With Moonlock
Setting up Moonlock is a straightforward process. After creating an account and downloading the app, users must grant necessary permissions, including Full Disk Access. Unlike typical antivirus installations that feature standard slideshows, Moonlock opts for a more creative approach, presenting its features in a graphic novel style. Following installation, a full scan is recommended, completing in approximately nine minutes—significantly faster than the average.
What Do the Independent Labs Say About Moonlock?
Independent lab evaluations are crucial for assessing antivirus efficacy, particularly for Mac-specific applications. Moonlock has appeared in the latest report from AV-Test Institute, where it scored 5.5 out of 6 in protection and a perfect 6 in usability. However, its performance rating of 4.5 points brings its total to 16, falling short of the perfect scores achieved by competitors like Avast One Basic and Norton.
Security Advisor Gives Good Advice
The Security Advisor feature offers practical advice on enhancing security, with engaging visuals accompanying each suggestion. Users can commit to following these recommendations, which are tracked within the app. Completing all tips results in a checkmark overlay, signaling a commitment to improved security practices.
System Protection Corrects Your Security Settings
Moonlock’s System Protection feature scans for security settings that could be optimized. In testing, it identified nine areas for improvement, providing detailed instructions for each. Users can revisit the feature to confirm changes, enhancing their Mac’s overall security posture.
Very Simple VPN
Moonlock includes a basic VPN service, derived from MacPaw’s standalone ClearVPN. Priced competitively, the VPN adds an essential layer of protection for online activities, encrypting data as it travels across the internet. Users can select from 61 server cities in 50 countries, although the geographical distribution leans heavily towards Europe and North America.
Network Inspector Isn’t What You Think
Unlike other antivirus solutions that provide a comprehensive overview of connected devices, Moonlock’s Network Inspector focuses on blocking internet traffic from specified countries. While this feature covers over 250 nations, its effectiveness may be questionable, as users lack guidance on which countries pose actual risks.
Scans and Scheduling
Moonlock offers flexible scan scheduling options, allowing users to set up multiple scans tailored to their needs. However, it does not guarantee the removal of Windows malware, which is a common feature in many competing antivirus products.
Relax With Some Cartoons
As users navigate through the app, they encounter informational panels covering various security topics. These panels include links to articles and short animated videos, providing an engaging way to learn about cybersecurity.
Phishing Protection Not Present
Despite its capabilities, Moonlock currently lacks effective phishing protection. Testing revealed that it did not block any known fraudulent websites, a significant shortcoming compared to competitors that excel in this area. As such, users seeking comprehensive phishing defense may need to look elsewhere.
