Best Antivirus for Mac in 2025

Your Mac is built for speed, style, and productivity — but it’s not immune to today’s sophisticated cyber threats. In 2025, phishing attacks, spyware, and adware are increasingly targeting macOS. If you’re a professional, student, digital nomad, or remote worker, it’s time to rethink your Mac’s security.

We independently tested and compared the leading antivirus solutions to help you find protection that’s not just strong, but seamless. Our top picks combine real-time malware detection, privacy tools like VPNs, and lightning-fast performance — all without slowing down your system.

Our top recommendation for Mac antivirus in 2025 is TotalAV — it’s fast, lightweight, and includes a VPN for full privacy. If you need even more privacy controls or cloud-powered threat defense, Surfshark Antivirus and Nord Antivirus are two standout options.

Quick Comparison: Best Antivirus Software for Mac in 2025

Antivirus	Best For	Free Version	VPN Included	Price (Yearly)	Rating (0-10)	CTA
TotalAV	All-around performance	✅	✅	From $19	9.5	[Try Now]
Surfshark AV	Privacy & anonymity	❌	✅	From $29.88	9.3	[Try Now]
Nord Antivirus	Real-time threat defense	❌	✅	From $35.88	9.2	[Try Now]

TotalAV – Best Overall Antivirus for Mac

If you’re looking for an antivirus that checks every box — speed, privacy, malware defense, and simplicity — TotalAV is the clear winner in 2025. It’s lightweight, beginner-friendly, and fully compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, and M3).

Why We Recommend TotalAV for Mac:

• Real-time malware protection that catches viruses, trojans, ransomware, and phishing attempts before they reach your system.
• Built-in VPN with unlimited data — ideal for browsing privately, streaming, or working on public Wi-Fi.
• System optimization tools to clean junk files and speed up your Mac.
• Smart Scan that finds malware, trackers, duplicate files, and performance issues in one click.
• An easy-to-use dashboard with a clean, modern interface.

Pros:

• One of the fastest antivirus apps for Mac (low CPU impact)
• Excellent value — often under $20/year during promo periods
• All-in-one dashboard includes VPN, ad blocker, and device tune-up

Cons:

• No separate firewall module (relies on macOS firewall)
• Limited advanced configuration for tech-savvy users

Best For:

• Everyday users who want strong protection without the complexity
• Remote workers, students, and Mac owners who value simplicity and speed

Final Word: TotalAV’s blend of performance, price, and real-world security features makes it the best antivirus for Mac users in 2025. It’s the first tool we install on a fresh Mac.

Try TotalAV Risk-Free – 30-Day Money Back Guarantee

Surfshark Antivirus – Best for Privacy & Digital Freedom

If privacy is your #1 priority, Surfshark Antivirus is your best bet. It’s part of the Surfshark One suite, which combines antivirus, VPN, identity protection, and a private search engine under one roof. Designed for Mac users who care about anonymity and security in equal measure.

Why We Recommend Surfshark AV:

• Real-time antivirus engine optimized for macOS
• Military-grade VPN with CleanWeb for blocking ads and trackers
• Alert system warns you of personal data leaks in real time
• Unlimited device support — secure your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and more
• Excellent UI that’s easy to use across all Apple devices

Pros:

• Bundles powerful antivirus with one of the best VPNs available
• Great for digital nomads, travelers, and privacy-first users
• Identity breach monitoring and private search tools included

Cons:

• No standalone antivirus — must subscribe to Surfshark One
• Slightly higher annual price than basic antivirus tools

Best For:

• Users who want advanced privacy in one unified subscription
• People who rely on public Wi-Fi or travel frequently

Final Word: Surfshark AV offers unmatched privacy features while still delivering solid malware protection. It’s ideal if you want more than just antivirus and prefer complete digital peace of mind.

Try Surfshark Antivirus – Save Big with Surfshark One Bundle

Nord Antivirus – Best for Real-Time Threat Defense

Nord Antivirus is the latest evolution from the creators of NordVPN — one of the most trusted names in online security. It’s laser-focused on real-time protection, making it ideal for users who regularly download files, browse unknown links, or manage sensitive data.

Why We Recommend Nord Antivirus:

• Cloud-powered malware detection stops threats before they reach your Mac
• Integrated NordVPN with advanced encryption and threat protection
• Ransomware shield and exploit protection are built-in
• Seamless updates and automatic scans in the background
• Simple, elegant Mac interface designed for speed

Pros:

• Exceptional real-time protection powered by cloud intelligence
• Bundled with one of the fastest VPNs for macOS (NordVPN)
• Proactive threat blocking that adapts to new malware daily

Cons:

• No free version
• Some security features roll out slower on Mac than Windows

Best For:

• Users working with sensitive data or frequently browsing unknown content
• Professionals who want a security-first antivirus with modern threat coverage

Final Word: If you prioritize early threat detection and enterprise-grade defenses, Nord Antivirus delivers. It’s powerful, polished, and backed by Nord’s security expertise.

Try Nord Antivirus – Get Up to 63% Off Today

How to Choose the Right Antivirus for Your Mac

Not all Mac users need the same level of protection, and not all antivirus software delivers it. Whether you’re concerned about malware, phishing scams, performance impact, or extra features like a firewall or VPN, choosing the right antivirus comes down to how you use your Mac. Here’s what to consider before you decide:

Key Features to Look For:

• Real-time protection: Stops threats before damage is done.
• Built-in VPN: Encrypts traffic and keeps browsing private.
• Ransomware shield: Blocks file-locking malware that targets photos, docs, and backups.
• System impact: Should be fast and quiet, especially on M1/M2 Macs.
• Privacy extras: Look for identity theft protection, tracker blocking, and secure browsing.

Match Your Profile:

• Working remotely or on the go? Pick an antivirus with VPN (such as TotalAV or Surfshark).
• Privacy-obsessed? Choose Surfshark with added breach monitoring and search protection.
• Dealing with risky files or sensitive data? Go for Nord with cloud-based real-time defense.

Your Mac deserves protection that fits your lifestyle — and doesn’t get in your way.

How We Tested These Antivirus Tools

To bring you accurate, real-world recommendations, we put each antivirus through a hands-on testing process using a MacBook Pro (M2) and an iMac (Intel).

Our Evaluation Criteria:

• Malware detection: We tested with real malware samples, adware, and phishing links.
• System performance: Monitored CPU and memory impact during scans and background protection.
• VPN performance: Measured VPN speed and stability for each bundled service.
• Ease of use: Rated interfaces, dashboard layout, and installation process.
• Feature depth: Looked for ransomware protection, smart scanning, breach alerts, and more.

All three services were tested over a 2-week period, using both everyday tasks and stress simulations to assess their effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Final Verdict

Choosing the right antivirus isn’t about checking boxes — it’s about choosing the tool that fits your digital life. Whether you’re a privacy-focused traveler, a student on a budget, or a professional managing sensitive files, the right pick makes all the difference.

• Want the best value with all the essentials? TotalAV
• Focused on privacy and security across all devices? Surfshark Antivirus
• Handling sensitive work files or high-risk browsing? Nord Antivirus

Your Mac deserves modern protection that works for how you actually use your device.

Ready to lock down your Mac? Start with TotalAV — affordable, effective, and easy to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Macs really need antivirus in 2025?

Yes. Although macOS has solid built-in security, it doesn’t protect against everything. Modern threats, such as phishing, malicious ads, ransomware, and fake apps, target Mac users just as frequently as they do Windows users.

Are Macs good against viruses?

Macs have strong built-in security features, but they’re not immune to threats. With increasing popularity, they’ve become targets for phishing, adware, and social engineering attacks. Antivirus software adds an essential safety net.

Does Apple have a virus cleaner?

Apple includes background tools like XProtect and MRT (Malware Removal Tool), which silently block and remove known threats. However, they don’t offer user-initiated scans or real-time web protection like third-party antivirus apps.

Can antivirus software slow down my Mac?

Not with the right software. TotalAV, Surfshark, and Nord Antivirus are optimized for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. They run efficiently in the background with minimal CPU usage.

What antivirus works best for MacBook Air and M1/M2 Macs?

TotalAV is the lightest on resources and works great on a MacBook Air. Surfshark and Nord also support Apple Silicon, offering excellent protection with built-in VPNs.

Can I use free antivirus for Mac?

Yes, but expect limitations. Free antivirus software may scan for known threats, but it won’t include real-time protection, a VPN, or ransomware shielding. For full protection, a premium plan is a better investment.