Do Macs Really Need Antivirus Software?
Many people wonder if Macs truly need antivirus software, given the misconception that Apple devices are “virus-proof” and the fact that macOS comes with built-in antivirus protection. While Macs have a more secure operating system than Windows and come with Xprotect for antivirus protection, they are not entirely immune to threats. Xprotect, the built-in antivirus software, offers adequate protection for home users but lacks advanced security features for businesses and large organizations.
In this article, we will compare the top six antivirus software providers for Mac based on their protection capabilities, ease of use, and performance to help you choose the best option for your business.
Top Mac Antivirus Software Comparison
Every Mac antivirus software offers protection from malware such as viruses, trojans, and spyware. The providers listed here also include additional security features like VPN for private browsing and ransomware protection to safeguard important files. For businesses, centralized management of antivirus across the organization and multi-device plans for discounts on protecting multiple Macs are crucial features to consider.
| Provider | Starting Price | Centralized Management | Multi-Device Plans | Ransomware Protection | VPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender | Free or $59.99 per year for up to 5 devices | With Small Office plan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Malwarebytes | Free or $44.99 per year per device | With Teams plan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Avast | Free or $31.19 per year for one device | With Essentials plan | Yes | Yes | No |
| ESET | $34.99 per year for one device | With EDR plan | Yes | No | Yes |
| Avira | Free or $26.99 per year for 1 device | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Surfshark | $36.26 per year per device (24-month subscription) | No | No | No | Yes |
Bitdefender: Best Overall
Bitdefender offers a range of antivirus products for Mac, including a free on-demand virus scanner that is accurate and easy to use. Paid plans include automatic threat detection, ransomware protection, and a VPN. For small businesses, the Small Office Security plan offers centralized management at an affordable price. Bitdefender received a perfect score in AV-TEST’s analysis, making it a top choice for Mac antivirus protection.
Why Choose Bitdefender?
Bitdefender offers a variety of products with excellent AV protection. It has a strong reputation in the IT industry and scored perfectly across protection, performance, and usability in AV-TEST evaluations.
Pricing
- Free: On-demand virus scanning for one device
- Total Security: Automated threat protection, adware blocking, ransomware protection, and VPN starting at $59.99 per year
- Small Office Security: Adds centralized management and webcam protection for up to 10 devices
Features
- Ransomware protection
- VPN
- Time Machine backup protection
- Adware blocker
- Browser protection
- Anti-phishing
- Centralized management
How to Choose the Best Mac Antivirus Software for Your Business
Before selecting an antivirus solution for your Mac, consider your specific needs and whether you require centralized management, multi-device coverage, or additional security features. Each provider offers unique benefits, so evaluate your business requirements to find the best fit for protection, performance, and ease of use.
Methodology
To compile this list, we considered protection, performance, and usability data from AV-TEST, real customer reviews, and product features. We also tested free trial versions when available and researched industry forums and publications to provide a comprehensive evaluation of each Mac antivirus software provider.