Best antivirus for Mac in 2026

    macOS includes important built-in protections, but it is not immune to malicious installers, credential theft or browser-based fraud. A good Mac antivirus should add strong web and malware defence without interfering with normal work.

    By Rui Matos · Reviewed under our testing methodology

    1

    TotalAV Antivirus Pro

    9.8/10 · Check local price

    An approachable security suite combining real-time malware protection, web safeguards and useful system-clean-up tools.

    Read the full TotalAV Antivirus Pro review
    Visit TotalAV

    Strengths

    • Straightforward setup and interface
    • Strong web and phishing protection
    • Useful device clean-up tools
    • Competitive introductory offer

    Limitations

    • Renewal can cost considerably more
    • VPN requires a higher-tier plan
    • Some extras promote upgrades
    2

    Bitdefender Total Security

    9.6/10 · Check local price

    A mature multi-device security suite with excellent independent lab results and layered ransomware protection.

    Read the full Bitdefender Total Security review
    Visit Bitdefender

    Strengths

    • Consistently strong independent test results
    • Low day-to-day performance impact
    • Layered ransomware protection
    • Broad device support

    Limitations

    • Feature-rich interface can feel busy
    • Unlimited VPN costs extra
    • Renewal pricing needs checking
    3

    Norton 360 Deluxe

    9.4/10 · Check local price

    A comprehensive security bundle with malware protection, cloud backup, a password manager and an unlimited VPN.

    Read the full Norton 360 Deluxe review
    Visit Norton

    Strengths

    • Broad all-in-one feature set
    • Unlimited VPN included
    • Cloud backup on Windows
    • Strong malicious-site blocking

    Limitations

    • Renewal price can rise sharply
    • Frequent prompts for extra services
    • Some features are platform-specific
    4

    Kaspersky Premium

    9.3/10 · Check local availability

    High-quality malware defence with an unlimited VPN, password management and identity-protection features in one plan.

    Read the full Kaspersky Premium review
    Visit Kaspersky

    Strengths

    • Excellent malware detection record
    • Low system impact
    • Unlimited VPN included
    • Useful privacy controls

    Limitations

    • Availability is restricted in some markets
    • Large feature set may overwhelm beginners
    • Review local regulatory guidance before buying
    5

    Avast One

    9.1/10 · Free plan available

    A polished security suite with a capable free tier and paid plans that add privacy, firewall and maintenance tools.

    Read the full Avast One review
    Visit Avast

    Strengths

    • Strong free antivirus option
    • Good independent detection results
    • Clear modern applications
    • Useful network safeguards

    Limitations

    • Paid plans contain overlapping tools
    • Upgrade prompts can be intrusive
    • Privacy history warrants consideration

    How we made this selection

    We assess products against a category-specific framework and consider the evidence behind their claims, not just the number of advertised features. Our current priorities for this comparison are:

    • Mac-specific malware and unwanted-app detection
    • Protection against phishing and malicious downloads
    • Performance during scans and normal use
    • Ransomware and sensitive-folder safeguards
    • Features that genuinely work on macOS

    Prices and promotions can differ by country and often increase at renewal. Treat any displayed amount as a comparison aid and verify the final total, billing period and cancellation terms with the provider.

    No security product eliminates risk. Keep devices updated, use unique passwords and multifactor authentication, maintain tested backups and verify unexpected requests through a trusted channel.