If you think Macs don’t need antivirus software, you’re not alone—and you’re not exactly right. The days of “Macs don’t get viruses” are long gone. In 2025, the threat landscape has shifted hard, and Macs are now just as attractive to cybercriminals as any other system.
So, what’s the best antivirus for Mac this year? Which ones actually work without slowing your machine to a crawl? We dug into independent tests, feature breakdowns, and real-world performance to give you the full picture.
Best Antivirus for Mac in 2025
Looking for the best antivirus for Mac in 2025? These top-rated options combine power, speed, and value:
-
Norton 360 – Best overall for protection, speed, and features
-
Bitdefender – Best lightweight and AI-powered antivirus
-
TotalAV – Best budget-friendly Mac antivirus with solid tools
These options are lab-tested, user-approved, and designed to keep your Mac fast and secure in 2025.
Why Mac Users Can’t Skip Antivirus Anymore
macOS has built-in tools like XProtect, but those only scratch the surface. They’re great at blocking old threats but can miss newer, sneakier attacks. Think phishing links, ransomware, or drive-by downloads you didn’t even notice.
Simply put: the stakes are higher, and XProtect isn’t enough. Third-party antivirus tools now pack in real-time scanning, web protection, performance tuning, and even VPNs.
How We Chose the Best Antivirus for Mac
We didn’t just throw darts at a list. Here’s how we picked the top contenders in 2025:
- Independent lab test results (AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives)
- Malware detection accuracy
- System performance impact
- Extra features: VPN, password manager, optimization tools
- Value for money
Norton 360 – The Best Antivirus for Mac Overall
Norton 360 isn’t just the leader—it’s the full package. According to AV-TEST data, it scored a perfect 18/18 across protection, performance, and usability.
Why Norton Wins:
- 100% malware detection, including Mac-specific threats
- Unlimited VPN included
- Built-in password manager
- No noticeable performance hit
- 100% virus protection guarantee
If you’re after a powerhouse suite that covers all bases, this is the best antivirus for Mac.
Bitdefender – Smart, Fast, and Unobtrusive
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac brings AI-powered threat detection and real-time scanning wrapped in a minimalist interface.
Bitdefender’s AV-Comparatives report shows strong performance in phishing and malware protection with near-zero false positives.
Highlights:
- Multi-layer ransomware defense
- Lightweight and fast
- Great for phishing and fraud detection
- Available with VPN (premium plans)
TotalAV – Best Antivirus for Mac on a Budget
TotalAV proves you don’t need to empty your wallet for decent protection. In CyberNews testing, it blocked over 92% of malware with minimal system impact.
What You Get:
- System Tune-Up tools
- VPN and ad blocker bundled in
- Great real-time download scanning
- First-year deal at just $19
Independent Testing Roundup: Who Stands Out?
AV-TEST Scores (March 2025):
| Antivirus | Protection | Performance | Usability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norton 360 | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 |
| Bitdefender | 6/6 | 6/6 | 6/6 |
| TotalAV | 5.5/6 | 5.5/6 | 5.5/6 |
According to AV-Comparatives, CrowdStrike Falcon Pro achieved 100% malware detection for the sixth year in a row.
Subheadline: What to Look For in a Mac Antivirus in 2025
Not all antivirus tools are created equal. The best antivirus for Mac should include:
Advanced Security Tools:
- Anti-phishing defense
- Adware and spyware cleanup
- Safe browsing extensions
Performance + Privacy Features:
- VPN with unlimited bandwidth
- Built-in password manager
- File shredder or secure delete
Do Antivirus Tools Slow Down Your Mac?
Short answer: not anymore.
Modern solutions like Bitdefender and Norton 360 are built to run efficiently, even on older Macs. They work quietly in the background and score full marks in system performance.
CrowdStrike Falcon Pro, while designed for enterprises, is also incredibly lightweight for professional-grade protection.
Price Comparison Table
| Antivirus | Starting Price (Year 1) | VPN Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norton 360 | $29.99 | ✅ | All-in-one protection |
| Bitdefender | $24.99 | ✅* | AI-powered & fast performance |
| TotalAV | $19.00 | ✅ | Budget users |
What About Apple’s Built-In Tools?
XProtect is helpful—but far from complete. As Apple explains in their official guide, it only scans for known threats and lacks real-time scanning or phishing defense.
If you’re serious about protection, you’ll need more muscle.
Final Verdict: What’s the Best Antivirus for Mac?
Let’s break it down:
- Go Norton if you want top protection, VPN, and full features.
- Choose Bitdefender if you prefer a quiet, tech-savvy powerhouse.
- Pick TotalAV if price is your top concern but you still want strong protection.
Final Paragraph: Wrapping It Up
2025 is no time to rely on hope and Apple alone. The best antivirus for Mac keeps your system running smooth, your data locked tight, and your mind worry-free. Whether you’re gaming, freelancing, or just doomscrolling—protect your Mac with the software that matches your digital lifestyle.
