Top 10 Best Mac Antivirus Software 2019 Compare some of the best virus protection services for Mac There is a common misconception that Mac computers are so secure that they don’t need antivirus protection, this however is not correct!
October 2, 2019 | By James Raymond (97 votes, 4.99 / 5
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PC security has been the greatest challenge for customers lately, following the WannaCry ransomware that hit major organization including the NHS a year ago, and Petya, yet another ransomware attack which shook the digital world. If you are looking out to patch and update the machines and install the right security software, then you have nothing to worry on.
If you are using a Mac device and you are unsure of which antivirus is the right one to meet your demand, this article is the right one. Read on to know more about the best Antivirus programs for Mac OS in 2019.
Do Macs require an antivirus?
A lot of Mac enthusiasts claim that Apple PCs are innately secure and it doesn’t require any additional security system. We’d contend that they are incorrect.
Mac OS-based systems are for the most part more secure than Windows for two reasons. Technically, macOS is a Unix-based working framework. As a Unix-based working framework macOS is sandboxed.
It resembles having a progression of fire entryways: regardless of whether malware accesses your Mac, it can’t spread to the core of the machine. Its a myth or misperception that Mac systems are not unhackable, but rather they are harder to misuse than Windows PCs.
The second reason is that, at the present time, there are far fewer Macs than there are Windows PCs. Less targets and these are harder to hack.
To be upfront, Macs are not completely safe, the more the usability of Mac products, the more space for cybercriminals to explore their ways to infect the Mac environment with high chances of potential risks.
WannaCry was quite a news in 2017, while news broke of Petya – yet another ransomware attack- in late June. Additionally, in June, clients were cautioned by security firms Fortinet and AlienVault that there are new variations of malware focusing on Macs subsequent to being distributed on the Dark Web.
A report from Malwarebytes in August 2017 demonstrates that Mac malware has expanded 230% since July 2016. Accordingly, digital security is more vital than any time in recent memory, and a decent antivirus is all you need to remain safe.
Best Antivirus for Mac 2019 (November Updated List)
1.Comodo Antivirus for Mac
Comodo Antivirus for Mac is an efficient security application that has been the most sought after and is considered to top the list as the best antivirus solutions for Mac OS. Users can just install-and-forget. Comodo Mac antivirus software wraps up some of the robust technical security features to perfectly cover the Mac security requirements.
It is labeled as the Proactive Antivirus software to deliver 360 degree protection to Mac computers. It works smartly to battle against viruses, computer worms, Trojan horses, and other types of malware and the most notorious ransomware. It also provides an antivirus solution as a 30-day trial offer.
Features:
- Easy to use, user- interface
- Sandbox to isolate suspicious files
- Effective virus scanning that can be scheduled as per your convenience
- On-access scanning to verify each file for any suspicious activities
2.Nortan Antivirus for Mac
Norton Antivirus for Mac is by Symantec. The most recent report confirms that Norton manages to detect 100% of viruses. It does not bring down the system performance as well, which boosts the users’ confidence to keep your Mac systems safe without any downtime.
Features:
- Secures Macs, PCs, Android and iOS devices through a single product
- Notifies users if the app is suspicious before you download them.
- Alerts users on the scams and suspicious activities through social media
- Obstructs Infected and and malicious downloads
3.Kaspersky Antivirus for Mac
This is another malware protection option for Mac – Kaspersky. It works more likely to the other antiviruses from Comodo and Norton.
It also offers safer-banking software, anti-spyware, with a 30-day trial offer.
It also offers safer-banking software, anti-spyware, with a 30-day trial offer.
Features:
- It provides file back up and encryption
- No impact on performance
- Simple to Set up and Configure
- Easy to use
- Blocks unwanted and unknown files and programs
4.Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
One more of the best antivirus for Mac alternatives is Bitdefender Antivirus. Like Comodo, Kaspersky, and Norton, AV-Test’s lab, Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac blocked and turned down 100 percent of the dangers that came against it.
Features:
- Multi-level layer Protection
- Obstructs and deletes annoying adware
- Doest not interfere and bring down the performance
- Delivers complete security
- Protection during online shopping
- Provides consistent cloud based protection
5.Intego Mac Internet Security X9
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The main different antivirus tried by AV-Test to figure out how to recognize 100% of the infections came against it was Intego, yet there is a drawback is that it put the greatest strain on the Mac while testing, backing it off more than any others in this round-up.
Nevertheless, in the event that you are looking to try it for yourself to see whether you’re content with the performance speed of the machine with Intego running, you can opt to choose the free trial offer.
6.Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac
Trend Micro works well to identify 99.5% of infections as per AV-Test, so falls simply behind the top performers we’ve specified yet by a little edge.
It’s a bit on the expensive side, however, at £49.95 for one system which is for more than one year, and there’s no free trial accessible. There is, nonetheless, a 30-day trial with a money back offer.
7.Sophos Antivirus for Mac
Sophos Anti-Virus is also one of the best security software in the industry that the product identifies and encounters 98.4% of malicious threats.
It has no major impact on the performance of the system. That might be sufficient for you to see the difference, which further depends on what machine spec you have.
Features:
- Delivers Advanced Computer Security
- Deletes viruses, Trojan horses, ransomware, and any other malicious apps and programs.
- Proactive security from new and developing malware
- Easy to Install and Manage
- Obstructs suspicious Content
8.ESET
ESET is a paid version of Mac antivirus. This is affordable security software and ensures to outsmart 98.4% danger recognition, and scores great in speed tests.
You can get ESET Cyber Security for £29.99 for one device/year. You can utilize the 30 day trial period to try out the software before you purchase it.
Related Resources:
BEST DEALS ON ANTIVIRUS FOR MAC THIS WEEK:
- Bitdefender Total Security for Mac (3 devices) — $71.99 (save $18)
- Webroot Internet Security for Mac (3 devices) — $29.99 (save $30)
- Norton 360 Premium (10 devices) — $44.99 (save $55)
- Kaspersky Internet Security (1 device) — $19.99 (save $40)
- McAfee Total Protection (3 devices) — $19.99 (save $60)
There's a common misconception that Macs don't need antivirus software. Unfortunately, that's far from accurate these days.
Macs are generally more secure than PCs, thanks to a more secure operating system where certain aspects of its software are more locked down and harder to infiltrate by rogue software. Also, fewer people own Macs meaning fewer targets for criminals. However, that doesn't mean that it's impossible to get a virus on your Mac, or receive a suspicious piece of malware either.
SEE ALSO: Best cheap laptops: 10 options for under $500
A report from Malwarebytes found that Mac malware has seen an increase of over 270% between 2016 and 2017. That number is likely to rise in 2018 with new threats like OSX.MaMi and Dark Caracal cited in the article as significant ways of disrupting Mac owners. The more Macs are used, the more they’ll be targeted by cyber criminals. And everyone loves the must-have MacBook of the moment, right?
MacOS might still be more secure than Windows but why take a risk with your valuable data? We've taken a look at some of the best antivirus solutions out there for your Mac, ensuring you have an extra layer of security between your data and nefarious viruses. We’ve evaluated their effectiveness at detecting viruses, and lay out any of their additional security features too.
Protect your Mac against ransomware attacks, computer viruses, and more with these antivirus products:
Offers choices of scanning types • Offers idle scanning for when you're not active • Includes two Safari plugins
Was known for having performance issues in the past
Norton gives you plenty of options to scan your Mac in the background without the performance dips of the past.
1. Norton Security for Mac
Norton runs in the background, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity or threats to your system, without any need for interaction from you.- One Mac: $39.99/year
- Up to five Macs: $49.99/year
The gist: One of the oldest names in the security software business, it's easy to know what to expect from . Essentially, it runs in the background, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity or threats to your system, without any need for interaction from you. In the past, Norton software has been known for causing performance dips but that's far from the case here. For one thing, its idle scanning feature only scans during quiet periods with that scan pausing the moment you use your Mac.
What it offers: Norton Security for Mac offers a few different options for scanning. You can switch to automatic, always-on protection and never think about it again, or there's schedule scanning for appropriate times of day for you. It's the idle scanning feature that's most useful though, which simply works when you need it to.
Additionally, includes two Safari plugins. Safe Web helps you avoid visiting rogue sites, while Identity Safe is a simple password management tool. Neither are quite as expansive as the antivirus facility, but as a useful way of cutting off issues at the source, they do the job admirably.
The price: uses a subscription based service: $39.99 for the first year provides you with one Mac license. If you want to use the software on more than one Mac, you'll need to upgrade to Norton Security Deluxe for $49.99 for the first year. The $10 upgrade gives you up to 5 licenses (for PC, Mac, Android and iOS smartphones), as well as parental controls if you need them.
What it offers: Norton Security for Mac offers a few different options for scanning. You can switch to automatic, always-on protection and never think about it again, or there's schedule scanning for appropriate times of day for you. It's the idle scanning feature that's most useful though, which simply works when you need it to.
Additionally, includes two Safari plugins. Safe Web helps you avoid visiting rogue sites, while Identity Safe is a simple password management tool. Neither are quite as expansive as the antivirus facility, but as a useful way of cutting off issues at the source, they do the job admirably.
The price: uses a subscription based service: $39.99 for the first year provides you with one Mac license. If you want to use the software on more than one Mac, you'll need to upgrade to Norton Security Deluxe for $49.99 for the first year. The $10 upgrade gives you up to 5 licenses (for PC, Mac, Android and iOS smartphones), as well as parental controls if you need them.
Offers extra tools like anti-spam protection • Comprehensive
Not quite as fast or accurate as Norton
It might not be the speediest or the most attractive antivirus software, but for those after comprehensive security assistance, it's unparalleled.
2. McAfee Total Protection
McAfee offers extra tools like digital document shredding and anti-spam protection that help it rise above the rest.- One device: $24.99 (first year)
- Five devices: $39.99 (first year)
- Ten devices: $29.99/month (first year)
The gist: Another familiar name in the security software world, is more than just antivirus software, offering a full security suite of features. It's a name that was synonymous with being a tad bloated in the past but that's far from the case now. If you want something more powerful than simple antivirus protection, this will scratch that itch.
What it offers: As expected from a name as big as McAfee, there's the prospect of award-winning antivirus scanning. It's not quite as fast as Norton's nor quite as accurate, but it's still highly competent.
Where things are ramped up is McAfee Total Protection's many extra tools, much beloved by its users. There's anti-spam protection that works with many popular email clients, a digital document shredding tool, Wi-Fi protection settings, and a network manager so your network can't be hijacked without your knowledge. Parental controls are also available along with True Key identity management which uses multiple forms of authentication to ensure that only the correct owner of your Mac will be able to use it. It's all about cutting off your risks before you even get that far.
It might not be the speediest or the most attractive antivirus software, but for those after comprehensive security assistance, it's unparalleled.
The price: The price you pay depends on how many systems you want to run it on. You can protect one device for $24.99 or five for $39.99, and up from there. In each case, that's the price for the first year of use.
What it offers: As expected from a name as big as McAfee, there's the prospect of award-winning antivirus scanning. It's not quite as fast as Norton's nor quite as accurate, but it's still highly competent.
Where things are ramped up is McAfee Total Protection's many extra tools, much beloved by its users. There's anti-spam protection that works with many popular email clients, a digital document shredding tool, Wi-Fi protection settings, and a network manager so your network can't be hijacked without your knowledge. Parental controls are also available along with True Key identity management which uses multiple forms of authentication to ensure that only the correct owner of your Mac will be able to use it. It's all about cutting off your risks before you even get that far.
It might not be the speediest or the most attractive antivirus software, but for those after comprehensive security assistance, it's unparalleled.
The price: The price you pay depends on how many systems you want to run it on. You can protect one device for $24.99 or five for $39.99, and up from there. In each case, that's the price for the first year of use.
Has won many awards • Super fast • Offers security suite tools like adware blocker • Works on Macs and PCs
Its Autopilot background scanner can't be scheduled
Bitdefender is the choice of many tech-savvy users who love its speed and reliability.
3. Bitdefender Total Security 2019 for Mac
A little cheaper than its competitors, it's a strong opening gambit for a company that's more well known among tech savvy folks than the average consumer.- Up to 5 devices: $49.99.(first year)
The gist: antivirus option might be a lesser known name in the antivirus and security software world, but it's garnered many awards for its antivirus engine. Some sources have even found 100% success rates for virus and malware detection, although mileage will vary depending on the viruses involved. A little cheaper than its competitors, it's a strong opening gambit for a company that's more well known amongst tech savvy markets than the average consumer.
What it offers: Speed is one of the best things about . Within seconds of use, it'll scan thousands of your files with a full scan taking mere minutes. Opting to scan specific locations such as your Mac's system library is also an option, streamlining your experience. No one wants to wait around for a full virus scan, so it's refreshing to see Bitdefender just get on with things, or provide you with convenient alternatives.
There's also the ability to search for malware quickly within various archives and common filetypes, such as PDF or ZIP, further extending your options. An always-on scanner known as Autopilot keeps an eye on things when you don't want to do anything manually, although that does mean no choice of scheduling.
Security suite features are also included, such as an adware blocker, anti-phishing detection for webpages, and backup protection for your Time Machine backups.
The price: is currently priced at $49.99 for five devices for the first year. It'll work across platforms so it's ideal if you have additional Macs, smartphones (Android or iOS) or PCs that require protection.
What it offers: Speed is one of the best things about . Within seconds of use, it'll scan thousands of your files with a full scan taking mere minutes. Opting to scan specific locations such as your Mac's system library is also an option, streamlining your experience. No one wants to wait around for a full virus scan, so it's refreshing to see Bitdefender just get on with things, or provide you with convenient alternatives.
There's also the ability to search for malware quickly within various archives and common filetypes, such as PDF or ZIP, further extending your options. An always-on scanner known as Autopilot keeps an eye on things when you don't want to do anything manually, although that does mean no choice of scheduling.
Security suite features are also included, such as an adware blocker, anti-phishing detection for webpages, and backup protection for your Time Machine backups.
The price: is currently priced at $49.99 for five devices for the first year. It'll work across platforms so it's ideal if you have additional Macs, smartphones (Android or iOS) or PCs that require protection.
Speedy • Uses the cloud, so great for older computers • Includes anti-phishing tools and other features
Doesn't use a large database for detection, if that matters to you
Webroot's cloud-based solution makes it perfect for protecting an older Mac without using up precious RAM.
4. Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus for Mac
Webroot Antivirus for Mac stores all its anti-malware protection information on the cloud, meaning it's speedy and has a small footprint on your Mac.- One device: $29.99 (first year)
- Three devices: $44.99/month (first year)
- Five devices: $59.99/month (first year)
The gist: isn't like other anti-virus software, in that it's keen to make absolutely no impact on your Mac's performance, no matter how old your system is. Instead of using a large database to detect issues, it primarily relies on behavioral based detection, snooping out when something doesn't seem normal for your system. Tackling things with a different approach means it's perfect for old systems that haven't got the space or the RAM bandwidth for too much probing.
What it offers: Webroot Antivirus for Mac stores all its anti-malware protection information on the cloud, meaning it's speedy and has a small footprint on your Mac. By saving you the effort of downloading virus definition updates, it's also impressively accurate while speedy. Most full scans will only take a matter of minutes rather than hours, no matter how dated your technology is.
Alongside such fast scanning, works to cut things off at the source. It has anti-phishing tools that block harmful sites before you even load them, along with a firewall and network connection monitor. Working as pseudo security software means it's a little more effective than simply scanning your system as and when needed.
However, the real advantage here is how undemanding Webroot Antivirus for Mac is. It simply just works, without making you worry about any noticeable performance impact while your Mac is in use.
The price: Webroot Antivirus for Mac works out as $29.99 per year for one device license. $44.99 provides you with three licenses per year, so it suits a household well.
What it offers: Webroot Antivirus for Mac stores all its anti-malware protection information on the cloud, meaning it's speedy and has a small footprint on your Mac. By saving you the effort of downloading virus definition updates, it's also impressively accurate while speedy. Most full scans will only take a matter of minutes rather than hours, no matter how dated your technology is.
Alongside such fast scanning, works to cut things off at the source. It has anti-phishing tools that block harmful sites before you even load them, along with a firewall and network connection monitor. Working as pseudo security software means it's a little more effective than simply scanning your system as and when needed.
However, the real advantage here is how undemanding Webroot Antivirus for Mac is. It simply just works, without making you worry about any noticeable performance impact while your Mac is in use.
The price: Webroot Antivirus for Mac works out as $29.99 per year for one device license. $44.99 provides you with three licenses per year, so it suits a household well.
Built just for Macs • High accuracy rate • Works on iOS devices too • Provides network protection as well
Not as speedy as some • A bit pricier than some others
For a more stylish and intuitive way of tackling your virus protection, Intego is unbeatable.
5. Intego Mac Internet Security
Intego does a fantastic job of detecting anything thrown at it, albeit a little slower than with some antivirus protection.- One device: $39.99 (first year)
- Three devices: $54.99 (first year)
The gist: is software that's exclusively for Mac products. Unlike other entries here, it's been built from the ground up just for Mac, with no hint of a one-time clunky Windows interface in sight. For a more stylish and intuitive way of tackling your virus protection, it's unbeatable.
What it offers: High rates of accuracy is very much Intego Mac Internet Security's game. It does a fantastic job of detecting anything thrown at it, albeit a little slower than with some antivirus protection. As soon as it's installed, scheduled and real time protection is activated by default, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to avoid poking around the software.
By default, it automatically detects Mac malware, but it'll also keep an eye out for anything Windows or Linux based, so you can be sure to not accidentally send such files elsewhere. It keeps an eye on files on your iOS devices too.
Besides the key antivirus protection features, also includes NetBarrier X9 to provide network protection, securing your Mac from unauthorized access when you're on a public network, like public Wi-Fi.
The price: A one-year subscription for one device costs $39.99 with that price rising to $54.99 for up to three devices.
What it offers: High rates of accuracy is very much Intego Mac Internet Security's game. It does a fantastic job of detecting anything thrown at it, albeit a little slower than with some antivirus protection. As soon as it's installed, scheduled and real time protection is activated by default, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to avoid poking around the software.
By default, it automatically detects Mac malware, but it'll also keep an eye out for anything Windows or Linux based, so you can be sure to not accidentally send such files elsewhere. It keeps an eye on files on your iOS devices too.
Besides the key antivirus protection features, also includes NetBarrier X9 to provide network protection, securing your Mac from unauthorized access when you're on a public network, like public Wi-Fi.
The price: A one-year subscription for one device costs $39.99 with that price rising to $54.99 for up to three devices.