Best Antivirus for Mac in 2025: Top Picks for Ultimate Protection

Kenoxisav | 04 Apr 2025

Mac customers frequently agree that their gadgets are immune to viruses and malware. While macOS is more steady than Windows, it’s no longer invincible. Cyber criminals are hastily targeted by using MAC with delicate hazards inclusive of adware, spyware, ransomware and phishing scams.

If you want to keep your Mac safe, investing in a reliable antivirus is a smart move. But with so many options available, which one should you choose?

In this manual, we’ll cover the excellent antivirus software program for Mac in 2025, highlighting their key functions, pros, and cons to help you pick the right safety.

Do Macs Really Need Antivirus Software?

Yes! While macOS has built-in protection skills like XProtect and Gatekeeper, they aren’t foolproof. Hackers continuously broaden new malware that could slip beyond Apple’s defenses. Plus, if you by chance download malicious documents or visit risky web sites, your Mac could nonetheless be at risk.

A dedicated antivirus adds an extra layer of security, offering:

Real-time malware scanning

Phishing & ransomware protection

Performance optimization tools

Safe browsing & email scanning

Best Antivirus for Mac in 2025 – Top 5 Picks

1. Norton 360 – Best Overall Mac Antivirus

Pros:

Excellent malware detection & removal

VPN included for secure browsing

Cloud backup & dark web monitoring

Minimal impact on performance

Cons:

Slightly expensive

Full scan can be slow

Best for: Users who want all-in-one security with extra privacy features.

2. Intego Mac Premium Bundle – Best Mac-Specific Antivirus

Pros:

Designed exclusively for macOS

Includes firewall & network protection

Parental controls & backup tools

Cons:

No Windows or mobile protection

Interface feels outdated

Best for: Mac-only users who want tailored security solutions.

3. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac – Best for Lightweight Protection

Pros:

Extremely fast scans

Low system impact

Advanced anti-phishing tools

Cons:

Lacks extra features like a VPN

Limited customer support

Best for: Users who want strong, no-frills malware protection.

4. Malwarebytes for Mac – Best Free Malware Scanner

Pros:

Great free version for basic scans

Simple, user-friendly interface

Effective at removing adware & PUPs

Cons:

Real-time protection requires premium

No firewall or additional security tools

Best for: Users who need a free, on-demand malware scanner.

5. TotalAV – Best for Ease of Use

Pros:

Very beginner-friendly

Includes system cleanup tools

Good phishing protection

Cons:

Slower scans than competitors

Upsells additional features

Best for: Non-tech-savvy users who want simple, effective security.

Free vs. Paid Antivirus for Mac: Which Should You Choose?

Feature Free Antivirus Paid Antivirus

Real-time Protection No Yes

Malware Removal Basic Advanced

Phishing Protection Limited Strong

Extra Features (VPN, Firewall, etc.) No Yes

Customer Support Limited 24/7 Help

Verdict: If you want basic scanning, free options like Malwarebytes or Avira work fine. But for full protection, a paid antivirus like Norton or Bitdefender is worth the investment.