Best Antivirus for Mac 2026: 5 Tested on M-Series (Worth It?)

“Macs don’t get viruses.” You’ve heard it. Maybe you’ve said it. And for years, it was close enough to true that Mac users could reasonably skip antivirus software. That era is over.

Mac-specific malware increased 400% between 2019 and 2024. Adware, ransomware, and trojans now target macOS specifically. In 2023, the AMOS (Atomic macOS Stealer) malware stole passwords, browser data, and cryptocurrency wallets from thousands of Mac users. The XLoader malware family adapted from Windows to target both platforms. Mac users are no longer flying under the radar.

Apple’s built-in protections help but don’t catch everything. We tested antivirus software on both M-series and Intel Macs to find options that provide real protection without dragging down system performance. Here are five worth considering.

Quick verdict: Intego Mac Internet Security wins for Mac-exclusive users who want the most native experience. Bitdefender offers the best cross-platform protection for households with mixed devices. Norton 360 bundles the most features if you also want VPN and identity monitoring.

Quick Comparison: Best Mac Antivirus 2026

Do Macs Really Need Antivirus Software?

Apple builds several security layers into macOS:

XProtect scans downloads and installed apps against a database of known malware signatures. Apple updates this database regularly, but it only catches threats Apple already knows about. Novel malware slips through.

Gatekeeper verifies that apps come from identified developers and haven’t been tampered with. It prevents obviously unsigned malicious software from running but can’t detect malware hidden in legitimately signed apps.

System Integrity Protection (SIP) restricts what software can modify protected parts of macOS. It prevents rootkits and other deep-level infections but doesn’t stop malware running in user space.

App Sandbox limits what App Store apps can access. However, apps downloaded from the web (including many legitimate tools) aren’t sandboxed.

These protections provide a solid baseline but have limitations:

• XProtect’s malware definitions lag behind new threats
• Gatekeeper can be bypassed by social engineering (users clicking “Open Anyway”)
• Neither actively monitors system behavior for suspicious activity
• None provide real-time protection against phishing or malicious websites

Third-party antivirus fills these gaps with real-time scanning, behavioral detection, and web protection that Apple’s built-in tools don’t offer.

Mac-Specific Threats You Should Know About

Understanding what threatens your Mac helps evaluate whether protection makes sense for you:

Adware and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs): The most common Mac threats. Programs like Pirrit, Bundlore, and Shlayer sneak onto Macs through fake Flash Player updates and software bundles. They inject ads into browsers, redirect searches, and track browsing behavior. Annoying more than dangerous, but they degrade your experience and compromise privacy.

Info-stealers: Malware designed to harvest credentials, browser data, and cryptocurrency wallets. AMOS (Atomic macOS Stealer) made headlines in 2023 for stealing Keychain passwords and data from 50+ browser extensions. Sold as malware-as-a-service, AMOS shows how Mac malware has become a business.

Ransomware: Less common on Mac than Windows, but not absent. KeRanger (2016) was the first significant Mac ransomware. More recent variants target businesses and high-value individuals rather than typical consumers.

Trojans: Malware disguised as legitimate software. The MacStealer trojan poses as legitimate apps to steal iCloud Keychain data, browser passwords, and cryptocurrency wallets. Users unknowingly install it thinking they’re getting useful software.

Cross-platform threats: Some malware targets both Windows and Mac. XLoader, originally a Windows info-stealer, now has a Mac version. If you share files between platforms, your Mac could harbor Windows malware that infects other devices on your network.

Detailed Mac Antivirus Reviews

Intego Mac Internet Security X9

Intego has focused exclusively on Mac security since 1997, longer than most competitors have acknowledged Macs exist. That heritage shows in software that feels genuinely Mac-native rather than a Windows app ported over.

Mac Internet Security X9 bundles two core components: VirusBarrier (antivirus) and NetBarrier (firewall). VirusBarrier provides real-time scanning that monitors files as you access them, catching malware before it executes. In AV-TEST’s June 2024 macOS evaluation, Intego detected 99.4% of Mac malware samples, earning a 17.5/18 overall score.

The detection engine handles both Mac-specific threats and Windows malware your Mac might encounter. This matters if you share files with Windows users or run virtual machines. Intego won’t let your Mac become a carrier that infects other devices.

NetBarrier distinguishes Intego from most competitors. Rather than relying solely on macOS’s built-in firewall, it provides two-way traffic monitoring. You control which apps can access the internet and can see exactly what’s communicating. Location-aware profiles automatically tighten security on public WiFi.

Performance on Apple Silicon impressed us. Intego rewrote their scanning engine for M-series chips, and it shows. Full system scans complete quickly without the CPU spikes we saw from some competitors. Background scanning has negligible impact on daily tasks.

The main limitation is platform scope. Intego protects only Macs. If you have Windows PCs, iPhones, or Android devices in your household, you’ll need separate protection for those. For Mac-only environments, this isn’t an issue; for mixed setups, consider Bitdefender or Norton instead.

Bottom line: Intego is the best choice for users committed to the Mac ecosystem. The native experience, Mac-first development, and included firewall provide compelling reasons to choose the Mac specialist over cross-platform competitors.

Get Intego Mac Internet Security

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Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac

Bitdefender brings its Windows dominance to macOS with excellent results. AV-TEST awarded Bitdefender for Mac a perfect 18/18 score in their latest evaluation, with 99.9% detection against Mac malware and 100% against Windows malware that might transit through your system.

The scanning engine runs remarkably light for its detection capabilities. Bitdefender uses a cloud-assisted approach where heavy analysis happens remotely, reducing the burden on your Mac. On an M2 MacBook Air, full system scans completed in under 15 minutes with no noticeable slowdown during use.

Ransomware protection stands out. Time Machine Protection specifically guards your backup files against ransomware encryption. Safe Files lets you designate protected folders that only trusted apps can modify. These layers address the worst-case scenarios where standard detection fails.

The TrafficLight browser extension provides real-time protection against phishing sites and malicious downloads. It works across Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, flagging dangerous links before you click them. In our testing, it caught several phishing pages that Safari’s built-in protection missed.

The included VPN helps secure public WiFi connections but comes with a 200MB daily cap. That’s enough for checking email at a coffee shop, not for regular use. Removing the cap requires upgrading to Bitdefender Premium Security or purchasing VPN access separately.

For households with mixed devices, Bitdefender Total Security covers Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android under one subscription. This cross-platform coverage makes it more economical than running Intego on Macs and something else on Windows PCs.

Bottom line: Bitdefender delivers the strongest malware detection we tested on Mac, with performance that belies its capabilities. Ideal for users who want premium protection or need to cover multiple platforms.

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Norton 360 for Mac

Norton 360 positions itself as a complete security suite rather than just antivirus. For Mac users who want protection bundled with VPN, password management, and identity monitoring, it consolidates multiple subscriptions into one.

Malware detection keeps pace with Mac specialists. In AV-TEST evaluations, Norton 360 for Mac detected 99.7% of Mac-specific malware samples. Real-time protection catches threats as they appear, and scheduled scans help verify nothing slipped through. Norton participates in the AV-TEST program specifically with their Mac product, not just the Windows version.

The unlimited VPN stands out among antivirus bundles. Where Bitdefender caps daily data and Intego doesn’t include a VPN at all, Norton provides unlimited bandwidth across 2,000+ servers. It’s not the most feature-rich VPN (no split tunneling, limited server selection compared to dedicated VPNs), but it’s genuinely useful for securing public WiFi and basic privacy.

Dark web monitoring scans breach databases and underground forums for your personal information. When your email, passwords, or other data appears in a breach, Norton alerts you. Combined with the password manager, this helps you respond to breaches by identifying and changing compromised credentials.

Cloud backup provides another differentiation point, though the value varies by tier. The Standard plan includes 10GB; Deluxe and higher offer more. For Mac users already paying for iCloud storage, this may be redundant.

The performance tradeoff exists. Norton runs heavier than Intego or Bitdefender on Mac. During scans, we noticed more CPU usage on an M1 MacBook Pro than with competitors. For high-end Macs, this won’t matter. Older Intel Macs might feel the difference.

Bottom line: Norton 360 makes sense if you want an all-in-one solution including VPN and identity monitoring. If you only need antivirus, lighter alternatives cost less and run leaner.

Try Norton 360 for Mac

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Malwarebytes for Mac

Malwarebytes built its reputation cleaning up infected Windows PCs when other tools failed. The Mac version carries forward that remediation expertise while staying remarkably lightweight.

The performance efficiency stands out. On M-series Macs, Malwarebytes barely registers in Activity Monitor. Full scans complete in minutes, not the 15-30 minutes typical of competitors. If you’ve avoided antivirus because you don’t want anything slowing down your Mac, Malwarebytes removes that objection.

Detection capabilities trail the leaders. Independent testing shows roughly 97% detection rates, below Bitdefender’s 99.9% and Intego’s 99.4%. That gap matters. In a landscape of hundreds of thousands of malware variants, each percentage point represents thousands of potential threats.

Where Malwarebytes excels is cleaning up existing problems. If adware has already invaded your Mac, or suspicious programs appeared without explanation, Malwarebytes often succeeds where other tools fail. Its strength lies in rooting out infections that have already taken hold.

The Browser Guard extension provides solid web protection without requiring the full paid product. It blocks malicious websites, phishing attempts, and potentially harmful ads. In our testing, it caught several threats before they reached the download stage.

Malwarebytes works well alongside Apple’s built-in protection or even other antivirus software. Some security professionals run it as a second-opinion scanner even when they have another antivirus installed. This complementary approach adds value without creating the conflicts that typically plague dual-antivirus setups.

Bottom line: Malwarebytes suits users who prioritize minimal system impact over maximum detection. Consider it if you want light protection that stays out of your way, or as a complement to other security measures.

Get Malwarebytes for Mac

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ClamXAV

ClamXAV wraps the open-source ClamAV scanning engine in a Mac-native interface. Built in Scotland by a small team, it takes a different approach than enterprise-backed competitors: simpler features, lower price, honest about what it does and doesn’t do.

The licensing model stands out. One personal license covers all your Macs, not just one or five. If you have a MacBook, iMac, and Mac mini, ClamXAV costs the same as protecting one device with competitors.

Detection relies on the ClamAV engine, widely used in enterprise email and server environments. It’s proven technology but not optimized for the latest consumer threats. Independent testing shows detection rates around 95%, below premium competitors. ClamXAV is honest about this: it doesn’t promise to catch everything.

The Sentry feature monitors folders you specify for changes, scanning new and modified files automatically. Most users configure it to watch Downloads and Applications folders. This provides basic real-time protection without the overhead of monitoring every file access system-wide.

Resource usage barely registers. ClamXAV runs light enough that even older Intel Macs won’t notice it. For users keeping aging MacBooks alive, this matters.

The interface feels dated compared to polished competitors like Intego or Bitdefender. It works, but it looks like software from a decade ago. Updates focus on detection capabilities rather than visual design.

ClamXAV lacks web protection, VPN, password manager, and the bundled extras other suites include. It scans files for malware. That’s it. For users who don’t need or want extra features, this focus is a feature, not a limitation.

Bottom line: ClamXAV offers honest, affordable protection for Mac users who want basic malware scanning without paying for features they won’t use. Not the strongest detection, but the best value for budget-conscious Mac users.

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Performance Impact on M-Series Macs

Apple Silicon Macs handle antivirus better than Intel Macs did. The efficiency cores handle background scanning without touching the performance cores you’re using for actual work. That said, software optimization matters.

Lightest impact: Malwarebytes and ClamXAV barely register in Activity Monitor. Users seeking invisible protection should start here.

Moderate impact: Bitdefender and Intego run efficiently with occasional brief CPU spikes during scans. Most users won’t notice during daily work.

Heavier impact: Norton 360 runs more processes and uses more memory. Fine on M2/M3 Macs with 16GB+ RAM. Older Macs with 8GB may feel it.

During our testing on an M2 MacBook Air (8GB RAM):

Product	Idle Memory	Full Scan CPU	Scan Duration
Intego	180MB	25-35%	12 min
Bitdefender	150MB	20-30%	14 min
Norton 360	280MB	40-50%	18 min
Malwarebytes	95MB	15-20%	6 min
ClamXAV	85MB	10-15%	8 min

All products completed scans without impacting normal browsing and document work. Video editing during scans showed noticeable slowdown only with Norton.

How We Tested

Our evaluation process focused on Mac-specific scenarios rather than just porting Windows test methodologies:

Detection testing used AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives data for products they evaluate, supplemented by our own testing against common Mac threats including adware samples, PUP installers, and known Mac trojans.

Performance measurement tracked CPU usage, memory consumption, and battery impact on both M-series and Intel Macs. We measured during idle, active scanning, and normal work scenarios.

Feature evaluation examined what each product actually provides on Mac, since many vendors offer fewer features on macOS than Windows. We verified claimed features work rather than taking marketing at face value.

Usability assessment considered installation ease, interface clarity, and notification frequency. Products that pester users with constant upselling were noted.

We purchased retail licenses and tested over three weeks in late 2024.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple's built-in protection (XProtect) make antivirus unnecessary?

XProtect provides basic protection but has limitations. It only checks against known malware signatures and updates irregularly compared to dedicated antivirus. It lacks real-time behavioral detection and web browsing protection. Think of XProtect as a baseline that third-party antivirus builds upon, not a complete solution.

Can Mac antivirus detect Windows viruses?

Yes, and this matters more than you might think. If you share files with Windows users or run Windows in a virtual machine, your Mac can harbor malware that doesn't affect your Mac but infects other devices. Good Mac antivirus detects both Mac and Windows malware to prevent your Mac from being a carrier.

Will antivirus slow down my MacBook?

Modern antivirus software optimized for Apple Silicon runs with minimal impact. Malwarebytes and ClamXAV are particularly lightweight. Heavier suites like Norton may cause brief slowdowns during scans on older Macs or systems with only 8GB RAM. Most users won't notice performance differences during normal use.

Is free antivirus sufficient for Mac?

Free options like the Malwarebytes free version (scan-only, no real-time protection) or Avast Free for Mac provide basic protection. However, they typically lack real-time scanning, web protection, and features like ransomware shields. Given that paid Mac antivirus starts around $30/year, the protection upgrade usually justifies the cost.

Do I need a firewall in addition to antivirus?

macOS includes a basic firewall, but it only blocks incoming connections by default. Intego's NetBarrier adds outgoing monitoring, letting you see and control what apps send data out. For most users, the built-in firewall plus antivirus provides adequate protection. Power users who want more control should consider Intego or a dedicated firewall tool.

What's the biggest Mac security threat right now?

Adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) remain the most common Mac threats. Info-stealers like AMOS represent the most dangerous emerging threat, targeting passwords and cryptocurrency wallets. Most Mac malware arrives through fake software updates, pirated software, or social engineering rather than drive-by downloads.

Should I use the same antivirus as my Windows PCs?

Using the same vendor across platforms (like Bitdefender or Norton) simplifies management and may cost less with family plans. However, don't choose a product just for consistency. Intego offers no Windows version but is the best Mac-specific option. Choose what's best for each platform rather than forcing uniformity.

Can antivirus conflict with macOS updates?

Occasionally. Major macOS updates sometimes cause brief compatibility issues with security software. Reputable vendors typically release updates within days. To minimize risk, wait a few days after major macOS releases before updating, check your antivirus vendor's compatibility notes, and ensure your antivirus is current before upgrading macOS.

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Final Verdict: Which Mac Antivirus Should You Choose?

Intego Mac Internet Security wins for dedicated Mac users. Built exclusively for Mac since 1997, it provides the most native experience with excellent protection and a genuine two-way firewall. If your household is Mac-only, Intego should be your first choice.

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac delivers the highest detection rates we tested. For users who want maximum protection or need to cover Windows devices alongside Macs, Bitdefender’s cross-platform licenses offer excellent value.

Norton 360 for Mac makes sense if you want antivirus, VPN, and identity monitoring bundled together. The unlimited VPN alone adds significant value compared to buying VPN separately. Expect heavier resource usage as the tradeoff.

Malwarebytes for Mac suits users who prioritize minimal system impact above all else. It’s also excellent as a second-opinion scanner alongside Apple’s built-in protection. Lower detection rates mean it shouldn’t be your only protection for high-risk users.

ClamXAV offers the best value for budget-conscious Mac users who want more than Apple’s built-in protection but don’t need premium features. The unlimited-device licensing stretches the value further for multi-Mac households.

The “Macs don’t get viruses” myth was never entirely true and certainly isn’t now. Your Mac contains valuable data, credentials, and financial information worth protecting. Any of these five options provides meaningful security improvement over relying solely on Apple’s built-in protections.