Antivirus for MacBook

The Best Antivirus Software for MacBook in 2021

Apple's Macbook has historically been considered to be safe and secure for a number of reasons, but in recent years that has shifted. Although Apple has security measures in place, it is always important to have extra security at hand.

Written by Adam Stevenson - Technical Content Editor

 Updated on July 15, 2021

We provide you with recommendations for the best security software for the Macbook.

Make sure your information stays secure!

Top Antivirus for MacBook - Our 5 Picks

  • Real-time malware protection
  • Around-the-clock support
  • Strong privacy protection
  • Safe web browsing
Visit Site
Best Offer: 50%OFF
  • Real-time protection
  • Full-featured firewall
  • Live scanning files as you access them
  • Detecting PC-based malware
Visit Site
  • Complete Protection For All Devices With a single License
  • Configurable Firewall
  • Virus Protection Pledge Or Full Refund Guarantee
Visit Site
  • Multi-layered malware protection
  • Fast system scans
  • Secure web browsing
  • Enhanced security suite and advanced features
Visit Site
Ultra Deal: Save Up To $80
  • Firewall Security and VPN
  • Multi-device protection
  • Easy-to-access features
  • Advanced Malware protection
Visit Site

Do MacBooks Need Antivirus?

The easy answer is, yes they do.

All devices need to be protected. Apple's Macbooks have been regarded as safe and secure from viruses compared to other platforms for a long time.

When compared to particularly Windows, it is easy to think that it is safe. Well, no device is safe.  Apple MacBook threats might once have been less common, but that’s no longer the case.

You need to have a good antivirus solution for Macbook if you want to keep your personal information safe. Cybercriminals are everywhere and a good antivirus solution will prevent them from infiltrating your device.

The 5 Best Antivirus Solutions for Macbook - Full Review 2021

#1 Norton Security Deluxe

Norton

Norton 360 Deluxe delivers lab-certified Macbook antivirus protection along with a two-way firewall, a password manager, and a full-powered VPN.

Top Features:

  • Firewall
  • Exploit prevention
  • Full-featured VPN protection
  • File cleanup scanner
ProsCons
  • Includes no-limits VPN
  • Firewall blocks exploit attacks
  • Cleans up unneeded files
  • Limited detection of Windows malware

Norton Specifications

Supported DevicesNorton 360 Standard - 1 year or 2 year option / 1 pc, mac or mobile device
Norton 360 Deluxe - 1 year or 2 year option / 5 devices, pc, mac or mobile device
Norton 360 Premium - 1 year or 2 year option / 10 devices, pc, mac or mobile device
Operating SystemsmacOS, Windows, Android, or iOS devices
Pricing Plan

Norton Antivirus Plus - $9.99

Norton 360 Standard - $24.99

Norton 360 Deluxe - $24.99

Subscription Options1, 2, 3 Years
User TypeHome or Office

Norton Deluxe costs more than a simple Mac antivirus, but it's well worth the price

For more info on how Norton could protect your Macbook, visit our detailed Norton Review.

Try Norton Now!

Read our Norton Product Review for Macbook

#2 Intego

Intego

Intego is one of the leading providers of Mac cybersecurity software. It consistently scores high marks in independent testing labs and offers great features.

Top Features:

  • Antivirus
  • Firewall
  • Real-time malware protection
  • Data protection
  • Anti-spam software
ProsCons
  • Perfect protection
  • Almost no speed impact
  • Mac only

Intego Specifications

Operating SystemsMac
Supported Devices1 Mac/ 1 or 2 years
  3 Macs/ 1 or 2 years
  5 Macs/ 1 or 2 years
Pricing PlanFrom $34.99/1-year, Free Trial Available
User TypeHome and Business

Need more info? Check out our detailed Intego Review.

Intego

#3 McAfee

McAfee Antivirus

McAfee is packed with many security features and extra add-ons. It’s effective at blocking most zero-day attacks and widespread malware.

Top Features:

  • VPN 
  • Password manager
  • File encryption
  • File shredder
  • Firewall
ProsCons
  • All plans support major platforms
  • Basic package is feature-rich
  • Great firewall
  • Performance could be better
  • Apple products have fewer features

McAfee Specifications

Operating SystemsWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
Supported DevicesSingle device package - 1 device/1 year - Any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS device.
Individual package  - 5 devices/1 year - Any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices.
Ultimate package  - Unlimited Devices/1 year - Any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices.
Family package  - 10 devices/ 1 year - Any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices.
Pricing PlanFrom $34.99/yr, Free version available
Subscription Options1-year or 2-years
User TypeHome

McAfee is a familiar name in the antivirus community, but the fact is, it is a good antivirus solution for Macbooks, but not the perfect one.

Take a look at our expert McAfee Review including info on additional features. 

MacAfee

#4 Bitdefender

Bitdefender image

Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac laptops come with features like VPN protection, online tracker blocking, and ransomware protection to name a few.

Top Features:

  • Ransomware Protection
  • VPN
  • Anti-webcam hijack
  • Parental controls 
  • Two-way firewall
  • Browser Protection
ProsCons
  • Includes Virtual Private Network, or VPN
  • No-hassle Autopilot mode
  • Blocks trackers in browsers
  • Full access to VPN features requires a separate subscription.

Bitdefender Specifications

Supported DevicesBitdefender Total Security - 1 year/ 5 devices - Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices
Bitdefender Premium Security  - 1 year/ 10 devices - Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices
Bitdefender Small Office Security- 1 year/ 10 devices - Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS devices
Operating SystemsWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
Pricing PlanFrom $17.99/yr , Free Version Available
User TypeHome or Office

When you go seeking antivirus protection for your Macbook, consider relying on a company that’s made its mark in the Windows arena, like Bitdefender.

Visit our Bitdefender Review and find out about other features. 

Bitdefender

#5 AVG

AVG Antivirus

AVG AntiVirus offers easy-to-use software and the ability to customize it to run the way you want it to. 

Top Features:

  • Stops spyware, viruses & malware
  • Warns you against unsafe web links
  • Scans quickly and quietly
  • Versatile File-Shredder
ProsCons
  • Free
  • Easy-to-use
  • Lacks some features

AVG Specifications

Supported DevicesFree for 1 device - Compatible with any Windows, macOS, Android, iOS device
Operating SystemsWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
Pricing Plan

Free download for Mac

User Type

Home

AVG AntiVirus doesn't slow down a Macbook too much and offers a versatile file shredder.

Want to know more? Read our AVG Review 

AVG

Read our AVG Product Review for Macbook

How To Choose A Good Antivirus For A MacBook 

Remember, A MacBook antivirus is different from a PC antivirus. A MacBook antivirus needs to improve upon the already built-in macOS security features and provide value by fighting other kinds of malware that are unique to Macs. 

Here are the factors to keep in mind;

  • Real-time malware protection
  • Virus and malware scanning
  • Ease of use
  • Additional features
  • Value

How To Find The Best Antivirus for MacBook Pro

All Mac users should be using one of the best Mac antivirus programs, even if that program is free. A computer virus is so-called because it is capable of replicating itself and spreading. A virus is only one type of malware of which there are many, and unfortunately, there have been cases on Apple's Macbook Pro. When purchasing antivirus for yours, make sure that you keep the main features in mind, as mentioned above.

How To Find The Best Antivirus for MacBook Air

When it comes to choosing antivirus solutions for your MacBook Air, it is not that much different from the needs of a MacBook Pro. The important factors like real-time malware detection, comprehensive antivirus scanner, ransomware protection, network firewall, anti-phishing and mac cleanup, and optimization tools are all necessary for good antivirus solutions.

What Else Can Be Done To Keep My MacBook Safe? 

There are a few things you can do from your side to make your device safer. We have compiled a list to help you get into the habit of keeping your device safe;

  • Use a connection only you control like home broadband or a 3G/4G hotspot on your iPhone. - If you regularly connect to free Wi-fi hotspots of the kind found in hotels and cafes, your data may be at risk from snoopers and hackers
  • Disable sharing options, - Apple allows you to share folders and files with other users on your network. Do not share data when you are connected to public Wi-Fi.
  • Use a VPN
  • Use safer browser extensions - Always make sure the browser extensions you download are safe.

There are various other things you can do to keep your device safer, these are just the minimum.

Bottom line 

Apple does a lot to keep your Mac safe, but you have to work with it, installing updates when they arrive, not clicking on suspicious links in emails, not installing Flash, and so forth. You can choose a good antivirus solution for your laptop and do your part to keep your device safe. 

FAQ

1. Do MacBooks have viruses?

Yes, all devices connected to the internet can get infected with viruses.

2.  How can I check my MacBook for viruses?

To help identify malicious programs, you should consider using malware-detection software.

3. Can having an antivirus on a MacBook endanger my privacy?

No, antivirus solutions will only make your device more secure.

4. Do I need anti-malware protection for my MacBook?

If you choose the right antivirus solution, anti-malware protection will be included.

5. Is there a difference in security between MacBook Pro and MacBook Air?

No, there is no difference. The only difference is the spec of the device.