Top 10 Best Mac Antivirus Software of 2026

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac delivers top-tier protection against malware, ransomware, phishing, and zero-day threats using advanced machine learning and behavioral analysis. It excels in independent lab tests like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, achieving near-perfect detection rates with minimal impact on Mac performance. The software includes web protection, a limited VPN, and Time Machine backup scanning, all managed through an intuitive dashboard.

Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is a security suite tailored exclusively for macOS, offering robust antivirus protection via VirusBarrier real-time scanning and malware removal. It includes NetBarrier firewall for network threat blocking, anti-phishing tools, and ContentBarrier parental controls to filter inappropriate content. Designed for Apple users, it emphasizes lightweight performance without slowing down Macs.

Norton 360 Deluxe is a feature-rich security suite for Mac users, offering real-time antivirus protection, advanced threat detection, and malware removal tailored for macOS threats. It includes extras like an unlimited VPN, password manager, dark web monitoring, and 50GB cloud backup, providing all-in-one cybersecurity. While highly effective, it ranks third due to occasional performance impacts and higher renewal costs compared to top competitors.

Malwarebytes Premium for Mac is a specialized anti-malware tool that excels at detecting and removing adware, PUPs, ransomware, and zero-day threats through real-time scanning and behavioral analysis. It includes web protection to block malicious sites and exploit mitigation to prevent vulnerabilities from being leveraged. While not a full-spectrum antivirus suite, it prioritizes lightweight, efficient protection ideal for Mac users dealing with persistent infections.

Avast Security for Mac is a robust antivirus solution designed specifically for macOS, offering real-time malware scanning, phishing protection, and web shielding to safeguard against evolving threats. It includes additional tools like Wi-Fi Inspector for network vulnerabilities, Smart Scan for comprehensive system checks, and software updater to patch security holes. While the free version provides essential protection, the premium edition adds features such as ransomware shield and email guardian for enhanced security.

Avira Antivirus for Mac delivers real-time protection against malware, viruses, ransomware, and phishing threats optimized for macOS. It includes a capable free version with scanning, browser safety, and limited VPN, while premium tiers add unlimited VPN, password manager, and system speedup tools. Known for high detection rates from independent labs like AV-Test, it runs lightly without taxing Mac performance.

Sophos Home Premium is a multi-platform antivirus solution from Sophos that protects up to 10 Mac, Windows, and Android devices with real-time malware scanning, web protection, ransomware defense, and exploit prevention. It features a centralized web-based dashboard for easy remote management and monitoring across all protected devices. Ideal for home users, it leverages enterprise-grade technology adapted for consumers, including parental web filtering.

ESET Cyber Security for Mac is a lightweight antivirus program designed specifically for macOS, offering real-time protection against malware, ransomware, phishing, and exploits. It includes features like multi-layered scanning, network attack protection, and a ransomware shield, all while maintaining minimal impact on system performance. The software emphasizes efficient threat detection without overwhelming users with unnecessary extras.

TotalAV Antivirus for Mac provides comprehensive protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing threats through real-time scanning and intelligent WebShield technology. It also includes system optimization tools to clean junk files, manage startup items, and boost performance on macOS. Beyond core antivirus features, higher tiers offer VPN, password manager, and ad blocker for all-around device security.

Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac offers robust real-time protection against malware, ransomware, phishing, and other online threats specifically optimized for macOS. It includes features like web browsing protection, email scanning, and Pay Guard for secure transactions. The software is lightweight, with minimal impact on system performance, and integrates smoothly with macOS security features.