Best Antivirus for Mac 2025 - Top Security Software Compared

The Best Mac Antivirus Software of 2023

Introduction

Mac computers are known for their security, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely immune to malware and other cyber threats. In fact, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of attacks on Macs. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable antivirus software installed on your Mac to protect against viruses, Trojans, spyware, adware, and other types of malware.

In this article, we’ll review the best antivirus software for Macs in 2023, based on their ability to detect and remove malware, their impact on system performance, and their extra features. We’ll also discuss what Mac antivirus software can and cannot protect you from, and how we test these products.

Best Overall: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is our top pick for the best Mac antivirus software in 2023. It offers excellent protection against all types of malware, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, adware, and ransomware. Bitdefender’s virus detection capabilities are second to none, thanks to its advanced machine learning algorithms and extensive database of malware signatures.

Bitdefender also has a minimal impact on system performance, which means it won’t slow down your Mac while scanning for malware. Additionally, it includes features like anti-phishing, anti-ransomware, and a firewall, making it a comprehensive security solution for your Mac.

Best Value: Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac

Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac is our choice for the best value Mac antivirus software in 2023. It offers many of the same features as Bitdefender, including excellent malware detection, a minimal impact on system performance, and additional tools like anti-phishing and a firewall.

However, Kaspersky also offers some unique features, such as its “Privacy Protection” tool, which helps to protect your personal information online, and its “Safe Money” feature, which helps to secure online transactions. Additionally, Kaspersky offers a more affordable pricing plan than Bitdefender, making it a great value for the price.

Best Free Option: Avast Free Mac Security

If you’re looking for a free antivirus software for your Mac, Avast Free Mac Security is our top pick. It offers basic protection against malware and includes features like Wi-Fi scanning and a password manager. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of paid options like Bitdefender or Kaspersky, it’s still an effective way to protect your Mac from basic threats.

Best for Advanced Users: Malwarebytes for Mac

Malwarebytes for Mac is our choice for the best antivirus software for advanced users in 2023. It offers a more comprehensive set of tools and features than other products on this list, including advanced detection and removal capabilities, a customizable scan schedule, and a variety of additional utilities.

However, Malwarebytes is also more complex and may require more technical expertise to use effectively. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Malwarebytes is not as effective at detecting and removing some types of malware as other products on this list, so it’s not recommended for beginners or casual users.

Can Mac Antivirus Software Protect You From Everything?

While Mac antivirus software can protect you from many types of cyber threats, there are some things that they cannot protect you from. For example, antivirus software cannot protect you from phishing attacks or social engineering tactics, which rely on tricking users into divulging personal information or installing malware themselves.

Additionally, antivirus software may not be able to detect and remove all types of malware, particularly new or previously unknown threats. This is why it’s still important to practice safe computing habits, such as regularly backing up your data, avoiding suspicious downloads or emails, and using strong passwords.

How We Test Mac Antivirus Software

We test Mac antivirus software using a combination of real-world malware samples and laboratory tests. We create a clean installation of macOS on a test machine and then install each antivirus product separately, ensuring that previous installations don’t interfere with new ones.

We then visit malicious websites, download known malware samples, and run them on our test machine to see how effectively each antivirus product detects and removes threats. We also reference reports from two independent labs that regularly test macOS malware detection: AV Comparatives and AV-TEST.

Conclusion

In conclusion, protecting your Mac from cyber threats requires a reliable antivirus software. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is our top pick for its excellent malware detection capabilities, minimal impact on system performance, and comprehensive set of features. Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac offers great value for the price, while Avast Free Mac Security is a good option for those looking for a free solution. Malwarebytes for Mac is recommended for advanced users who want more control over their security settings.

Remember that no antivirus software can protect you from everything, so it’s still important to practice safe computing habits and regularly update your software to ensure the best possible protection.