Best Antivirus Software for Mac in 2026
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We evaluated five leading security suites for macOS based on AV-TEST June 2026 lab scores, scanning speed on large datasets, and feature depth for Mac-specific threats. This ranking is for Mac users seeking protection against adware, infostealers, and network intrusions without compromising system performance.
How we ranked these
At a glance
| # | Product | Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intego ONE | 9.4 | $29.99 | Mac users prioritizing fast scanning speeds and detailed network control without technical complexity |
| 2 | Norton 360 | 9.1 | $39.99 | Users wanting an all-in-one security suite with integrated VPN and backup capabilities |
| 3 | Avast One | 8.8 | $49.08 | Users seeking a free starting point or strong email-specific protection |
| 4 | Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac | 8.5 | — | Most Mac users wanting strong protection against adware and infostealers without system drag |
Intego ONE
$29.99 9.4- Scanned over 877GB of data in under 10 minutes
- Detected almost every threat from more than 130 malware samples
- Includes detailed network monitoring with customizable allow/deny firewall rules
- Works alongside Apple’s XProtect and Gatekeeper for layered defense
- No phishing protection included
- No parental controls available
- VPN and iPhone security features are restricted to the higher-tier Complete plan
Best for: Mac users prioritizing fast scanning speeds and detailed network control without technical complexity
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Norton 360
$39.99 9.1- Achieved 6/6 scores for protection, performance, and usability in AV-TEST June 2026
- Includes unlimited VPN, cloud backup, and password manager in the bundle
- Offers a Virus Protection Promise for instant reassurance against scams
- Performance impact rated as 'Medium' in Macworld tests
- Some suite features are Windows-only, limiting utility on Mac
Best for: Users wanting an all-in-one security suite with integrated VPN and backup capabilities
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Avast One
$49.08 8.8- Achieved 6/6 scores for protection, performance, and usability in AV-TEST June 2026
- Offers a genuinely usable free tier with real-time protection and basic web defense
- Provides outstanding email protection via Email Guard
- Excessive upselling and interface fragmentation
- Occasional malware detection gaps reported
- Basic AI Assistant offers limited utility
Best for: Users seeking a free starting point or strong email-specific protection
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Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac
8.5- Achieved 6/6 scores for protection, performance, and usability in AV-TEST June 2026
- Low system impact due to a native, well-tuned macOS build
- Effectively blocks malicious and phishing sites
- Missed some threats in Macworld testing
- Limited extras compared to bundled suites like Norton
- No free option available
Best for: Most Mac users wanting strong protection against adware and infostealers without system drag
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How to choose
If you have large data volumes, Intego ONE scanned >877GB in under 10 minutes. If you prioritize lab-verified detection rates, Norton and Avast both scored 6/6 in AV-TEST June 2026.
Avast One offers a free tier with real-time protection, while Intego ONE starts at $29.99. Norton costs $39.99 but includes a VPN and backup, whereas Bitdefender is paid-only with no free option.
Choose Norton if you need an unlimited VPN and password manager included. Choose Intego if you prefer detailed firewall rules and iPhone integration, noting that Intego's VPN is restricted to the Complete plan.
Our verdict
Intego ONE is the top pick for Mac-specific performance and network control at $29.99, while Norton 360 is the best all-in-one suite for users needing a bundled VPN and backup.
Frequently asked questions
Which antivirus is fastest for Mac?
Intego ONE scanned over 877GB of data in under 10 minutes, making it the fastest option tested.
Is there a good free Mac antivirus?
Avast One offers a genuinely usable free tier with real-time protection and basic web defense, though paid plans start at $49.08.
Which suite has the best lab scores?
Norton 360, Avast One, and Bitdefender all achieved 6/6 scores for protection, performance, and usability in the AV-TEST June 2026 macOS test.
Does Intego include a VPN?
Intego's VPN and iPhone security features are restricted to the 'Complete' plan; the base plan focuses on Mac malware and firewall protection.
