In the realm of cybersecurity, the question of whether Macs require antivirus software often arises. This stems from a common belief that Apple devices are impervious to viruses and the fact that macOS comes equipped with its own basic antivirus solution. While it is true that the Mac operating system is designed with robust security features, it is not completely immune to threats. The built-in antivirus, Xprotect, offers sufficient protection for casual users but falls short in advanced features, centralized management, and reporting capabilities, which are essential for businesses and larger organizations.
Top Mac antivirus software comparison
When evaluating antivirus solutions for Mac, it is crucial to consider their ability to protect against malware, including viruses, trojans, and spyware. Many providers offer free versions of their software, which can be a great starting point. Additionally, the best options include features such as VPN services for secure browsing and ransomware protection to safeguard critical files. For businesses, centralized management and multi-device plans that provide discounts for protecting multiple Macs are particularly important.
| Starting price | Centralized management | Multi-device plans | Ransomware protection | VPN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender | Free, or .99 per year for up to 5 devices | With Small Office plan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Malwarebytes | Free, or .99 per year per device | With Teams plan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Avast | Free, or .19 per year for one device | With Essentials plan | Yes | Yes | No |
| ESET | .99 per year for one device | With EDR plan | Yes | No | Yes |
| Avira | Free, or .99 per year for 1 device | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Surfshark | .26 per year per device (24-month subscription) | No | No | No | Yes |
Bitdefender: Best overall
Bitdefender stands out with its extensive range of antivirus products tailored for Mac users. It offers a free on-demand virus scanner that is both accurate and user-friendly. For those opting for paid plans, features such as automatic threat detection, a VPN, and protection for Time Machine backups are included. The Small Office Security plan is particularly beneficial for small businesses, providing access to a centralized management portal at a competitive price. Bitdefender’s balance of protection, features, and usability has earned it high marks in independent testing.
Why I chose Bitdefender
Bitdefender’s diverse offerings cater to various business needs, achieving perfect scores in protection, performance, and usability from AV-TEST. Its reputation in the IT industry further solidifies its standing as a top choice.
Pricing
- Free: On-demand virus scanning for one device.
- Total Security: Automated threat protection, adware blocking, ransomware protection, and 200MB per day of VPN bandwidth for .99 per year for up to 5 devices or .99 per year for up to 15 devices.
- Small Office Security: Centralized cloud-based management, webcam, and microphone protection for 4.99 per year for up to 10 devices.
- Ultimate Small Business Security: Scam Copilot, unlimited VPN traffic, and email protection for 9.99 per year for 3 devices (minimum).
Features
- Ransomware protection.
- VPN.
- Time Machine backup protection.
- Adware blocker.
- Browser protection.
- Anti-phishing.
- Webcam and microphone protection.
- Centralized, cloud-based management.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable centralized management. | Some products are Windows-only. |
| Enterprise-grade solutions available. | Variety of products can be overwhelming. |
| Free version and trial available. |
Malwarebytes: Best for supplemental threat detection
Malwarebytes has carved a niche for itself by offering a free scanning utility that excels at detecting malware that other antivirus tools may overlook. Its compatibility with existing AV solutions makes it an excellent choice for users seeking additional protection. The paid plans enhance this capability with features like phishing protection and a VPN, along with a Teams plan that provides centralized management and priority business support.
Why I chose Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is particularly effective as a supplementary tool, making it ideal for users who require heightened security, such as those researching sensitive topics. Its ability to catch unusual threats makes it a valuable asset in any cybersecurity toolkit.
Pricing
- Free: On-demand malware scanning for one device.
- Basic Security: Malware, phishing, ads, and rootkit protection for .99 per year per device.
- Security + VPN: VPN included for per year per device.
- Family Device Security: Same features as the basic plan for 10+ devices, starting at 0 per year.
- Teams: Centralized management and monthly reports starting at 9.97 per year for 3 devices.
Features
- Ransomware protection.
- Phishing protection.
- Ad blocking.
- Rootkit protection.
- VPN.
- Personalized device security advice.
- Centralized management.
- Monthly reporting.
- Priority business support.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compatible with other AV solutions. | Paid plans can be costly. |
| Detects unusual threats effectively. | No multi-device discounts unless upgraded. |
| Provides monthly security reports. |
Avast: Best free antivirus for Mac
Avast distinguishes itself as a leading provider of free antivirus solutions for Mac, offering a comprehensive suite of features including an on-demand scanner, automatic firewall, and ransomware protection. Its paid plans are competitively priced, providing centralized management capabilities for businesses starting at just .37 per year. The user-friendly interface ensures that even those with limited technical skills can navigate the software with ease.
Why I chose Avast
Avast’s free antivirus option is rich in features, surpassing what is offered by XProtect. Its intuitive design makes it accessible for users of all skill levels.
Pricing
- Free: On-demand malware scanning, firewall, and email protection for one device.
- Premium Security: Advanced ransomware protection and Wi-Fi monitoring for .19 per year for one device or .99 per year for 10 devices.
- Essential Business Security: Centralized management and 24/5 support for .37 per year for one device, with discounts for additional devices.
Features
- Wi-Fi vulnerability detection.
- Firewall.
- Browser protection.
- Email protection.
- Ransomware protection.
- Password leak alerts.
- Email scam protection.
- Centralized management.
- Data theft protection.
- 24/5 live support.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive free software with many features. | Fined for selling customer data. |
| Affordable paid plans with management options. | No VPN offering. |
| User-friendly interface. |
ESET: Best for large companies
ESET provides a full suite of security products for Mac, including its well-regarded NOD32 antivirus. While the basic version offers essential protection, upgrading to a Premium or Ultimate plan unlocks additional features such as a password manager and VPN. Centralized management is available only with the ESET PROTECT XDR plans. Although ESET does not offer a free version, it allows for adding multiple devices at discounted rates.
Why I chose ESET
ESET’s extensive range of products caters to various business needs, including enterprise-grade solutions. Its flexible device addition policy is a significant advantage for growing organizations.
Pricing
- NOD32 Antivirus: .99 per year for one device, with discounts for additional devices.
- Essential: .99 per year (promotional price) with discounts for additional devices.
- ESET Premium: .99 per year (promotional price) with discounts for additional devices.
- ESET Ultimate: 5.99 per year for 5 devices, with discounts for additional devices.
- ESET Protect Entry: 1 per year for 5 devices, with discounts for additional devices.
Features
- Anti-phishing.
- Browser protection.
- Smartphone and smart home protection.
- Password manager.
- Data encryption.
- Metadata clean-up.
- Identity theft protection.
- VPN.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited device additions at a discount. | Higher pricing compared to competitors. |
| Enterprise-grade XDR available. | Resource-intensive application. |
Avira: Best for customization
Avira stands out by offering a wealth of free features typically reserved for more expensive solutions. Its installer allows users to select which features to install, enabling a tailored security experience for Mac users.
Pricing
- Free: Real-time protection, on-demand scans, cloud sandbox analyzer, secure password generator, VPN with a monthly limit, and junk file remover.
- Pro: Web protection, anti-phishing, anti-ransomware, and ad blocking for .99 per year for 1 device (promotional price) or .99 per month, with discounts for additional devices.
Features
- Cloud sandbox analyzer.
- Secure password generator.
- VPN.
- Junk file remover.
- Browser protection.
- Anti-phishing.
- Anti-ransomware.
- Ad blocking.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive free option. | No centralized management. |
| Highly customizable with free add-ons. | Limited solutions for larger organizations. |
Surfshark: Best lightweight antivirus app
While primarily recognized for its VPN services, Surfshark also incorporates antivirus capabilities within its Surfshark One security platform. The application is designed to be lightweight, ensuring that it does not hinder device performance. Users can run scans while engaging in resource-heavy tasks such as gaming or streaming. Although it lacks features like centralized management and ransomware protection, it compensates with unlimited access to its premium VPN service.
Why I chose Surfshark
Surfshark’s lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for users prioritizing performance. Its inclusion of a top-rated VPN service adds significant value to its offerings.
Pricing
- One: Malware protection, webcam protection, VPN, personal data masking, and data breach alerts for .69 per device per month for a 24-month subscription, .39 per device per month for a 12-month subscription, or .95 per device for one month.
- One+: Adds data removal services for .29 per device per month for a 24-month subscription, .09 per device per month for a 12-month subscription, or .95 per device for one month.
Features
- VPN.
- Webcam protection.
- Personal data masking.
- Data breach alerts.
- Ad-free search engine.
- Data removal from databases and people search sites.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight application. | Lacks centralized management. |
| Includes unlimited premium VPN service. | Limited business-grade features. |
How do I choose the best Mac antivirus software for my business?
When selecting antivirus software, it is essential to assess your specific needs and the limitations of the built-in Xprotect utility. For organizations with numerous Mac users requiring centralized management, solutions like Bitdefender or ESET are ideal. If your focus is on thorough cleanup after a security breach, Malwarebytes is a strong candidate. Budget-conscious businesses may find Avast and Avira to be excellent choices, while those seeking integrated VPN services should consider Surfshark One. Overall, Bitdefender emerges as the most balanced option, offering a blend of protection, features, and cost-effectiveness suitable for a variety of business environments.
Methodology
The antivirus providers featured in this comparison were selected based on their unique offerings for Mac devices. Data regarding protection, performance, and usability was gathered from AV-TEST, alongside customer reviews from platforms like Reddit. A comprehensive review of product pages and, where feasible, personal trials of free versions were conducted to evaluate individual features. My professional experience with these products, supplemented by insights from industry forums and publications, informed the assessment of their capabilities from an IT management perspective.
