If you use a Mac, you should install one of the best Mac antivirus programs on your MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, and other Apple machines because they are no longer the least likely to become infected with viruses.
As Apple computers’ popularity has grown in recent years, cybercriminals have taken notice and are now developing malware and other viruses capable of infecting them. Because of the sheer number of Mac users worldwide, hackers have a perfect opportunity, and malicious programs targeting Apple computers are becoming more common.
While Apple provides its own antivirus protections in the form of Gatekeeper and XProtect, they do not always work well because they rely on antiquated methods to stop infections. The best Mac antivirus software, on the other hand, perform better, quickly detecting new malware strains and double-checking suspicious files “signed” with an Apple developer ID.
Because Apple computers can be used to infect PCs on the same local network, many Mac antivirus programs also scan for Windows malware. Some Mac antivirus programs also include useful extra features such as password managers, system optimizers, and even VPN services.
SPECIFICATIONS
- macOS compatibility: 10.10 Yosemite and later
- Browser extensions: Yes
- Firewall: No
- Hardened/secure browser: No
- Parental controls: No
- Password manager: No
- Ransomware file protection: Yes
- Scan scheduling: No
- Webcam protection: No
- VPN: Yes, but limited
- Support options: 24/7 phone, email, chat, plus FAQs and forums
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac has an easy-to-use interface, low pricing, nearly flawless malware detection, and a minimal impact on system performance. For these reasons, it is our Editor’s Choice for the best Mac antivirus software once again.
Bitdefender, unusually for a Mac antivirus program, can undo ransomware encryption, including on Time Machine backups. To protect your privacy, it also provides extensions to harden your web browser and blocks online trackers. The Autopilot and Bitdefender Shield feature allow the software to run without requiring much human intervention.
The only drawbacks are the lack of a password manager in the Windows version of Bitdefender Antivirus and the fact that the Bitdefender VPN service is limited to 200MB per day unless you pay more. Bitdefender did not perform as well as Norton and Avast in our tests and those of A/V testing labs, but the difference was minor. Aside from that, it is an almost perfect Mac antivirus program.
SPECIFICATIONS
- macOS compatibility: 10.14 Mojave and later
- Browser extensions: Yes
- Firewall: Yes
- Hardened/secure browser: No
- Parental controls: No
- Password manager: Yes
- Ransomware file protection: No
- Scan scheduling: Yes
- Webcam protection: No
- VPN: Yes, unlimited
- Support options: 24/7 phone, email, chat, plus FAQs and videos
Norton 360 Standard comes with a slew of useful extras, including unlimited VPN service and an unlimited password manager, both of which rivals (such as Bitdefender and Avast) charge extra for. It also includes a two-way firewall, a system optimizer, and monitoring of your personal data on the dark web.
More importantly, we discovered that Norton 360 Standard has a negligible impact on system performance, provides 24/7 tech support, and, last but not least, detects Mac malware flawlessly.
You will pay a lot for these extras, but you will save money on the cost of a standalone VPN or password manager. We hope that Mac users will soon have access to the parental controls, webcam protection, and backup software that Windows Norton 360 Standard users already have.
SPECIFICATIONS
- macOS compatibility: macOS 10.11 El Capitan or later
- Browser extensions: No
- Firewall: No
- Hardened/secure browser: No
- Parental controls: No
- Password manager: No
- Ransomware file protection: No
- Scan scheduling: Yes
- Webcam protection: No
- VPN: No
- Support options: Online documents
Avast Security for Mac has come a long way since it was known as Avast Free Mac Security. The malware detection rate is now nearly perfect, the impact on system performance is much lower, and the annoying ads that tried to upsell you to Avast paid programs have been significantly reduced.
Avast also scans your Wi-Fi network for outdated devices and unwanted guests, as well as websites for phishing scams and other common threats. We found its interface to be appealing and simple to use, but be aware that some features, such as ransomware rollbacks, are only available to paying customers.
However, the password manager and email attachment screener have vanished, and tech support is now limited to online documents. If you require more assistance, you should consider upgrading to Bitdefender or Norton. Nonetheless, if you want a solid, dependable Mac antivirus program for free, this is the one to get.
SPECIFICATIONS
- macOS compatibility: macOS 10.12 Sierra or later
- Browser extensions: Yes
- Firewall: No
- Hardened/secure browser: Yes
- Parental controls: Yes, but limited
- Password manager: Yes, but limited
- Ransomware file protection: No
- Scan scheduling: Yes
- Webcam protection: Yes
- VPN: Yes, but limited to 300MB per day
- Support options: 24/7 phone, chat or email support; FAQs and documents
Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac has excellent malware detection rates, minimal system impact during scans, and an easy-to-use user interface. It can even turn off the webcam on a MacBook, which Apple does not provide.
In addition, Kaspersky provides a hardened web browser for use when banking or shopping online, as well as browser extensions that block malicious URLs and tracking cookies and advise you to avoid risky websites.
The best extra features, however, only tease. The password manager can only store 15 items. Parental controls are limited to a single-child device and do not include location tracking. The VPN service only provides 300MB of data per day.
SPECIFICATIONS
- macOS compatibility: macOS 10.14 Mojave and later
- Browser extensions: Yes
- Firewall: No
- Hardened/secure browser: Yes
- Parental controls: Yes, but limited
- Password manager: No
- Ransomware file protection: Yes
- Scan scheduling: Yes
- Webcam protection: Yes
- VPN: No
- Support options: Phone, chat, email, forums
Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac provides excellent malware protection at a reasonable price, but it has a significant impact on the system during full scans. If you can get past that, you will find ransomware protection for specific folders, webcam protection, a social-media privacy scanner, and even a parental web filter. Trend Micro’s interface is dated, but it functions. However, the program does not stand out when compared to competitors such as Bitdefender and Norton. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac could certainly be worse, but it could also be better.
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