Regardless of the digital world being overrun bycybercriminals, Mac users consider themselves safe due to a common misnomer. Therefore, some Mac users do not agree with the fact that they should also have a third-party security software which is known as best malware removal for mac.
But the fact is if you are a heavy internet user and exchange files very often over the internet then you can be a victim of cyber-attack. So, if you are aMac user then you should have a reliable malware removal software installed on it. On the app store, you will find number of malware protection software. But to make it easy for you we are listing 15 best anti malware software for Mac.
Best Malware Removal Software For Mac
1. Systweak Anti-Malware
Systweak Anti Malware for Mac is one of the best Anti Malware software for Mac as it is easy to use and keeps your Mac safe and secure. It detects and quarantines malicious content on your Mac whether it is an unwanted program or infected files. Moreover, it keeps a check on start-up items for malware and threats. It enables you to scan your Mac in three ways – Deep and Quick Scan. It keeps the virus database up to date to ensure 24*7 security on your Mac. It also allows you to schedule the scan time, date and scan type according to your preferences.
2. Intego
After evaluating eight free and paid Mac antivirus products, we've chosen Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac ($40 per year) as the best Mac antivirus software. It had a nearly invisible impact on.
Intego Mac Internet Security X9 is an online protection designed for Mac exclusively. In a test result released in December 2016 it was found that the software was able to detect 96.8 percent Malware. This malware removal tool for Mac automatically scans the attachments as soon as you receive them and other files as soon as you attach a flash drive or an external hard drive to your Mac. If you require a technical support you can submit a request form given on the product website.
3. Sophos Home
This is one of the best malware removal for Mac that is used for malware removal. It protects Mac against viruses, malware, worms and more. This malware cleaner software comes with several features including Parental Web Filtering that allows you to restrict the content your children can view online and Web Protection, which protects you from accessing malicious sites.
It also has a feature of Remote Management to secure multiple devices in any location from a web interface. This anti malware software for Mac by Sophos is definitely an efficient product for the purpose of malware removal on Mac.
4. Panda
Another in the list of our best anti malware for Mac is Panda. It is useful for the users who often connect their system to the internet. It slightly makes your system to work slow but if you are having high end hardware and fewer apps you may not feel the difference. Panda security suit comes with a searchable knowledge base on which you can find solution common issues as well.
5. Norton Security
When it comes to cyber security, Norton by Symantec is a well-known name among best Mac anti malware software. Norton is providing cyber security from years. In the standard subscription, you will get a money back guaranteed protection, under this protection you can protect one Mac. The app claim to protect your Mac from viruses, spyware malware and other online threats. This malware removal software for Mac also safeguards your identity and online transactions.
6. Bitdefender
Another best anti malware software to protect your Mac from malware attacks is Bitdefender. Comparatively, it quickly detects and blocks phishing threats and viruses. Bitdefender scans received files and emails or messages quickly to ensure that there is no harmful component in them. It destroys malware for both Windows and Mac because malware for Windows cannot destroy your Mac but it can travel through emails or messages and can harm Windows computer of your friends which makes it the best Mac anti malware software.
7. Kaspersky
Kaspersky is much focused on internet security. It is tested over many parameters and can be considered as a strong anti malware protection software. There is an extra feature in Kaspersky which helps you to monitor the online activity of your children. This software is also loaded with other useful features such as real-time scanning and virtual keyboard, which helps you to complete your online shopping and transactions safely.
8. McAfee Total Protection
This malware removal software for Mac is capable blocking malware, ransomware, spyware and all other unwanted programs on your Mac. It comes with safe web browsing that helps & prevents you from visiting malicious sites, downloading dangerous content and from phishing attacks as well. Within the app, there comes a password manager with which you can manage all the passwords from one single app. McAfee Total Protection is an all in one combo with several functionalities. And prior to all it has perfect scan engine for virus detection and malware removal.
9. Avast
With Avast, you can regularly scan your system and it can also scan your files as soon as you open them. You can experience a little bit dip in the performance of your system but if you have set your Mac on gaming mode then you can watch videos and play games without any interruption.
Avast Mac malware removal tool comes with 24-hour telephone support and in addition to that you can also find online knowledge base and FAQs.
10. AVG
If you are looking for a free protection software for your Mac then AVG will be the best anti malware for Mac. It is having both paid and free version available on its website you can choose according to your requirements free version is having limited capabilities but if you are not a heavy user then it is also enough for you. In the free version, you will find basic protection from the virus spyware and ransomware, Blockage of unsafe download, links and email attachments. You can also scan your removable disks and drives in the real time.
11. ESET
Because of increasing number of Mac users’ hackers cannot ignore them and because now they are also targeting Mac users you need an efficient security software for your Mac. Eset is fit for all the basic security requirements of your Mac and at the same time you will notice your system lagging much. It is loaded with features which are best suitable for home users such as it is having gamer mode which allows you to enjoy your favorite games and online videos without any interruption which makes it the best malware removal software for Mac.
12. Avira
Another choice for you, if you are looking for free security software, is Avira. A free version is enough to protect you from basic threats and also comes with some basic optimization utilities. You will also find paid version over the website with some add on features such as parental control and device controls which helps you to protect your Mac from unauthorized access through external devices.
13. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac
Trend Micro has various products for system security, but the best malware protection software by McAfee is Antivirus for Mac. It protects your Mac from ransomware, malware, and all the other online viruses. It comes with email protection that keeps spams out of your inbox so that no malicious content could reach you in the form of an email. Also, protects you from viruses which enter into the Mac to steal personal data. It is one of the most used malware removal software for now. Make sure, you get one now.
14. F-Secure Anti-Virus
Next in the list of best Mac anti malware software is F-Secure. Like other security software F-secure protect your system from harmful infections. It is having other features too such as gaming mode and transaction protection but the security is a little bit less rigid. It is also having internet security which keeps you protected online. This malware removal tool for Mac scans your incoming email, messages attached pen drives and allows you to create a safe backup. You can get support over the phone on weekdays until midnight.
15. Total AV
This anti malware software for Mac is a package that provides you with several features. It defends your Mac from ransomware, spyware, adware, malware and all other online viruses. It comes with real-time protection that scans your downloads and installs every time you access them. It also has a remote firewall that allows you to block and unblock connection requests. Total AV malware removal software protects your Mac from phishing and spoofed websites that can steal your data and personal information.
So, these were the best anti malware for Mac you can choose any one of them as per your choice and requirement. Because of emerging cybercrime, it is better to have an extra layer of security on your system because you store your personal financial and professional data on your Mac so you should not take a chance with its security.
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) — $36.99 (save $63)
- Kaspersky Internet Security (1 device) — $49.99 (save $10)
- McAfee Total Protection (3 devices) — $24.99 (save $55)
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.