The Best Mac Antivirus Software We’ve Tested for 2026

Pricing and pricing tiers: The most common yearly price for one-Mac antivirus protection is $49.99, and that’s precisely what Bitdefender costs. For $20 more, or $69.99 per year, you can install Bitdefender on three Macs. And that’s the entire pricing scheme—there are no further volume discounts.

Independent lab test scores: I follow five labs around the world that perform regular evaluations of Windows antivirus efficacy, and two of them also test Mac antivirus apps. According to AV-Test, Bitdefender received a perfect score, earning maximum points for protection, performance, and usability. In a test by AV-Comparatives, it didn’t reach 100%, but 99.4% is pretty darn close.

Scores in hands-on tests: When comparing antivirus apps, it’s always nice to have some hard numbers to crunch. Phishing is platform-agnostic, so I can run my standard phishing detection test on macOS just as easily as on Windows. And while Windows malware can’t infect a Mac, almost all Mac antivirus apps promise to detect malware even when it’s designed to infest Windows. Bitdefender scored a near-perfect 99% in my phishing test and detected 82% of my Windows malware samples, which is quite good.

VPN included: Bitdefender keeps the files and data on your Mac safe, but when you transmit data to the untamed internet, the antivirus has no power. What you need is a VPN, an app that encrypts your data before it ever leaves the Mac, preventing any possibility of snooping or tampering. Bitdefender does come with a VPN, but it has some significant limitations. One benefit of using a VPN is that you can select a server in the country of your choice, making your internet traffic seem to come from that country. But Bitdefender’s limited VPN takes that choice away from you; you use whatever server it assigns. Additionally, you are limited to 200MB of VPN bandwidth per day.

Features beyond antivirus: Bitdefender’s Windows antivirus is so feature-packed you might think it’s a security suite. That’s not true of the Mac edition, but it does go beyond the basics. Its ransomware protection system works by flagging all unauthorized access to important files, allowing you to permit legitimate programs while blocking attackers. Its Anti-Tracker browser extension blocks ads and other trackers as you surf the web, and the Traffic Light extension marks dangerous search results with a red icon. And your subscription is cross-platform, allowing installation on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.

Lab test fans: You don’t take claims and promises from an antivirus (or any software) at face value. You want to see proof. If the experts at an antivirus lab torture-test the app and report it’s a winner, you’re happy. Kudos from two labs, like Bitdefender? Twice as happy!

Laid-back users: Keeping your Mac safe from malware isn’t a hobby for you; it’s a chore. Every minute you spend fiddling with the antivirus is a minute lost forever. With Bitdefender, once you get past a few initial tasks, you can relax. Simply turn on AutoPilot and let the app do its job, without bothering you.

Ransomware hawks: The thought of losing your in-progress novel (or your payroll) to ransomware horrifies you. You want an antivirus that backs up its normal protection with added shielding against ransomware. And you don’t mind occasionally reassuring the antivirus that the editing program you just installed is authorized to work on your files.

Pricing and pricing tiers: Norton’s annual subscription to protect a single Mac costs $59.99, which is slightly higher than the median of $49.99. If you have more than one Mac in your household, the five-license subscription for $84.99 per year is a better deal.

Independent lab test scores: Independent testing labs regularly put antivirus apps through rigorous testing and publish their results. Two of the labs I follow, AV-Test Institute and AV-Comparatives , include macOS-focused antivirus tools in their regular testing. And both gave Norton the maximum possible score. Avast also received perfect scores from these labs, which isn’t surprising given that Norton and Avast use the same antivirus engine.

Scores in hands-on tests: Malware designed to run under Windows can’t execute on a Mac, but Norton aims to eliminate Windows malware regardless, so your Mac doesn’t become a carrier. In testing with my current Windows malware collection, though, Norton only eliminated 51%. Phishing websites, on the other hand, can fool you no matter what operating system you’re on. In my hands-on phishing test, both under macOS and Windows, Norton scored a perfect 100% detection.

VPN included: Antivirus apps frequently integrate or bundle a VPN. It’s a great pairing—the antivirus protects your data on the Mac, and the VPN protects it as it traverses the internet. Using a VPN also hides your IP address and location, and can even let you access region-locked content. However, Norton AntiVirus doesn’t include a VPN. If you want the protection of a full-powered VPN, you’ll have to upgrade to Norton 360 Deluxe.

Features beyond antivirus: Norton AntiVirus takes care of all expected antivirus tasks on your Mac, but it does much more. It includes a firewall to defend against network attacks, and its secure browser aims to protect your most sensitive transactions with a collection of add-ons that enhance security and privacy. Additionally, it protects your privacy and blocks ads and other trackers in your browser. The Norton Genie component flags scams in texts and email and can explain its findings conversationally. Several features are designed to enhance system performance, including a startup manager and a junk file cleanup tool. You even get a password manager as part of the package.

Feature collectors: When choosing an antivirus, you want more than just everyday standard features. An antivirus that comes with a comprehensive suite of features to enhance your privacy and security is likely to meet your needs. And Norton is exactly such an app.

Lab test fans: You’re a stickler for perfection in all things, and the independent antivirus testing labs all have their own ways to measure perfection. When two labs assign perfect scores to a Mac antivirus app, as they’ve done for Norton, you know it’s good.

Loyal customers: Loyally sticking with the same antivirus year after year means you don’t have to keep learning the ins and outs of a new program. When you set up Norton for automatic renewal, your loyalty is rewarded with a guarantee. If malware gets past the antivirus, Norton’s experts will manually track down the problem by remotely accessing your computer. And if they can’t fix it, you get your money back.

Performance seekers: Years ago, you were burned by a security suite that hogged resources and dragged down your Mac’s performance. You’re left with a nagging worry about performance. Norton addresses that worry with a collection of features designed to improve system performance. Even if security activity did impact system speed, the optimization features would surely compensate for it.

Pricing and pricing tiers: Do you think Avast’s entry-tier price of $179.99 per year seems wildly out of line with most competitors? Look again. First, the subscription allows you to install Avast on up to five devices, including Macs and PCs. Second, what you get is a full security suite, not just antivirus. For an impressive per-device price, consider the $279.99 Family Play plan, which lets you protect up to 30 Macs or PCs. That’s about $9.33 per device, not bad.

Independent lab test scores: When multiple antivirus testing labs include an antivirus app in their testing regimen, you know the app is significant enough to merit their attention. And when multiple labs award their top possible score to an app, you know it’s effective. Like Norton, Avast received perfect scores from both AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.

Scores in hands-on tests: To evaluate Windows antivirus apps, I have a comprehensive collection of tests that yield clear, numeric scores. Many of my tests aren’t compatible with macOS, but I can report that when challenged with hundreds of real-world fraudulent (phishing) websites, Avast detected an impressive 99% of them. Even more impressive, it eliminated 97% of my Windows malware samples. Yes, Windows malware won’t run on a Mac, but eliminating it eliminates any chance that it might get transferred to a vulnerable Windows PC. With scores of 99% and 97%, Avast has the second-best average in this group.

VPN included: Avast One is more than just an antivirus for your Mac; it’s a full-on security suite. It’s not surprising, then, that Avast includes a no-limits VPN component. When you connect through the VPN, your data is encrypted all the way from your Mac to the VPN server. Since your traffic seems to come from the server, your actual location is hidden. And you can even spoof your location to access content that would otherwise be locked away. You don’t even have to think about it much. If you connect to an insecure network, Avast reminds you to use the VPN.

Features beyond antivirus: Avast One is a security suite, so naturally, it goes well beyond antivirus basics. I’ve mentioned the no-limits VPN and permission-based ransomware protection. An anti-tracker extension keeps advertisers and others from tracking and profiling your online activities. Avast will monitor the dark web and other locations, warning if it detects your email exposed in a breach. Its unusual Email Guardian filters your web-based email in the cloud, protecting email on all your devices. Other features include a powerful network inspector, an uninstall utility, several system tune-up features, and even a scanner that finds duplicate and low-quality photos.

Feature collectors: If two antivirus apps provide equal protection, you look to see which one offers the most extras beyond that basic protection. Avast is a full-on security suite, so in a feature face-off, it’s almost always going to win.

Lab test fans: You wouldn’t buy a new 3D printer or air fryer without checking consumer websites for test results. And you won’t select an antivirus unless the independent labs vouch for it. With perfect scores from two labs, Avast is thoroughly loved by the labs.

Ransomware hawks: If a Trojan or bot slips past your antivirus, it will surely get caught after the next antivirus update. But if the attacker is ransomware, it’s already too late. That worries you, so you look for an antivirus like Avast that builds in a whole layer of protection specifically devoted to preventing ransomware damage.

Score trackers: As a loyal PCMag reader, you respect the hands-on testing we do to help compare antivirus products. Scores for some Mac antivirus apps vary significantly. Not Avast. With two scores averaging 98%, it’s way ahead of all but one competitor.

VPN users: You know that every website you visit can find your location by checking your IP address, and that exposure worries you. Or you’d like to watch content from your home country that’s blocked in the USA. Or you just want to crank up protection for your internet connections. You want a VPN, and Avast gives you one with no arbitrary limits on bandwidth or server location.

Performance seekers: When your Mac seems to be sluggish, you’re tempted to blame the antivirus, maybe even turn it off. To help you resist that temptation, Avast includes features to optimize your system and remove unnecessary and redundant files.

Pricing and pricing tiers: You don’t have to break the bank to get antivirus software for your Macs. For just $29.95, you can obtain a three-Mac ClamXAV subscription. That’s well below the one-Mac price for most other Mac antivirus apps. Three not enough? By roughly doubling your subscription to $59.95 per year, you can protect three times as many Macs—nine in all.

Independent lab test scores: Researchers at AV-Test evaluate antivirus apps based on three criteria: protection, performance, and usability. That last item refers to minimizing errors where the antivirus reports a valid app or website as dangerous. An app can earn up to six points each, for a maximum total of 18 points. And that’s exactly what ClamXAV scored, a perfect 18. AV-Comparatives didn’t include it in their latest reports, but a perfect score is still a perfect score.

Scores in hands-on tests: If you want ClamXAV to detect malware that’s designed to attack Windows, you must flip a switch titled “Enable detection of non-Mac malware.” I did so for testing, with disappointing results. Challenged with nearly 100 real-world Windows malware samples, ClamXAV detected just 38% of them. A nice high phishing protection score might serve to counteract this low, low showing. However, ClamXAV doesn’t attempt to detect phishing fraud.

VPN included: In recent years, many security companies have enhanced their antivirus and security suite offerings by integrating or bundling a VPN application. Doing so allows them to continue protecting your private data even as you transfer it across the internet. ClamXAV is not among that group. If you want VPN protection along with your ClamXAV antivirus, you’ll have to purchase a top-quality VPN separately.

Features beyond antivirus: Some antivirus apps, both for Mac and Windows, pile on so many security bonuses they’re hard to tell from suites. Others stick to the basics, scanning to remove existing malware and monitoring in real time to defend against any new infestations. ClamXAV falls into the latter category. It doesn’t even include protection against malicious and fraudulent websites, which is found in most of its competition.

Lab test fans: You wish there was a way to test-drive your new antivirus, but there isn’t. Fortunately, independent testing labs have developed methods to safely evaluate the efficacy of antivirus software. Just one lab currently reports on ClamXAV, but that lab gives it a perfect score. That certainly beats the numerous competitors that don’t boast even one lab score.

No-frills fiends: After resisting, you finally accepted the idea that you have to install antivirus software on your Macs, not just your PCs. But you’re not pleased. You certainly don’t want an antivirus that’s in your face with a plethora of features. ClamXAV handles basic antivirus tasks without adding any extraneous bells and whistles.

Thrifty users: It’s annoying that you have to protect your Macs with antivirus software, even more annoying when the expense busts your budget. ClamXAV can help. Where the median for most Mac antivirus apps is around $50 per year, ClamXAV charges $29.95—and that gets you three licenses. Upgrade to a 9-license pack for $59.95 if you want to feel really thrifty.

Pricing and pricing tiers: At $39.99 per year to protect a single Mac, ESET is cheaper than most competitors. Pricing to protect more Macs remains on the inexpensive side. You pay $5 per year for each Mac beyond the first, up to five licenses for $59.99.

Independent lab test scores: Of the five antivirus testing labs I follow, two include Mac antivirus apps in their testing, and one, AV-Test Institute, recently rated ESET, earning the maximum possible score. That’s doubly impressive if you know that most Mac antivirus apps don’t show up in any lab tests.

Scores in hands-on tests: I use my Windows coding skills to help devise testing routines for antivirus apps, but those skills don’t mean a thing on the Mac. Even so, I do manage some hands-on testing. Phishing (and phishing protection) knows no limits when it comes to operating systems. ESET scored 100% in my phishing protection test on both Windows and Mac. I also check each Mac app’s ability to detect my Windows antivirus samples. ESET quarantined 84% of those, better than most competing products.

VPN included: Antivirus and VPN protection make a nice pairing. The antivirus provides a protective shield for your devices and the data they store. When that data traverses the internet, the VPN ensures that no one can peek at it or tamper with it. Only a few Mac antivirus apps build in VPN functionality, and ESET is not one of them.

Features beyond antivirus: Some antivirus apps pack in all kinds of extras, things like dark web monitoring, parental control, password management, webcam protection…it’s a long list. ESET does include a firewall component, but not a lot else. Its biggest bonus is device control. As in the Windows edition, you can limit access to specific devices, device types, or users. For those with the skills to manage its configuration, device control can be a joy.

Lab test fans: When you go to buy a major appliance, you look for the best stats, specs, and test results. And you expect the same from your antivirus. ESET appears in the latest reports from one lab, AV-Test Institute. That’s better than the competitors who have no current lab scores, which is more than half of them. It doesn’t hurt that ESET reached the maximum possible score in that one test.

Tech experts: When you get a new gadget, you pore over the manual to make sure you’re using all its high-tech features. When your phone’s OS updates, you likewise want to get all the benefits. If you dig into ESET like that, you’ll find some powerful components like Device Control and a detailed, live report on running applications. Sure, it takes uncommon expertise to use these components, but you’ve got that in spades.

Thrifty users: You’ve accepted that Macs need antivirus protection too, but you resent having to pay for it, and you certainly don’t want to pay more than necessary. ESET’s one-Mac subscription costs less than most competing apps, a good start. In addition, you can sign up to protect precisely the number of Macs you need, up to five, so you’re not wasting money on unused licenses.

Pricing and pricing tiers: An Intego subscription to protect one Mac runs $49.99 per year, precisely the median among products I’ve evaluated. For $66.99 per year, you can install Intego on three Macs. If that’s not quite enough, $84.99 gets you a five-device subscription.

Independent lab test scores: When evaluating Mac antivirus tools, I rely heavily on the independent testing labs. I don’t have the macOS programming skills to perform all my own tests, the way I do with Windows. AV-Comparatives conducted a thorough evaluation of Intego and assigned it the lowest score of the test group, 97.1%. We can hope it does better next time.

Scores in hands-on tests: Almost every macOS antivirus includes a network or browser feature designed to detect and block malicious and fraudulent websites. That’s handy for testing, as my phishing protection test isn’t tied to any specific platform. I thought Intego’s Safe Browsing would handle phishing, but in fact, all it does is make sure you’ve got phishing protection turned on in the browser. Sorry, Intego, no phishing score for you. This app aims to eliminate malware designed to run on Windows, Linux, and macOS, not just macOS. But in testing, it only recognized 79% of my current Windows malware collection.

VPN included: The primary role of an antivirus is to eliminate malware infecting your Mac and protect against future attacks. Its purview doesn’t extend outside the Mac. However, many Mac antivirus apps enhance their protection by incorporating a VPN. Now your data is protected as it heads out to the web. Intego isn’t one of those apps. It sticks with antivirus and skips VPN.

Features beyond antivirus: Mac-centric Intego does everything an antivirus should. Well, almost—it omits the expected protection against malicious and fraudulent websites. Its one significant add-on is the NetBarrier firewall component, which adjusts its protection for Home, Work, and Public networks. It’s a two-way firewall that both blocks attacks from the network and manages network permissions for the programs on your Mac. But that’s about it for extras.

Mac loyalists: Almost every Mac antivirus app you can find originates from a company that started its life protecting Windows PCs. That’s not your style. You’re happier with an antivirus that is and always was specific to macOS, like Intego.

No-frills fiends: When the myth that Macs don’t get viruses got busted, you weren’t pleased. You know you have to install an antivirus, but you resent it. You certainly don’t want an app that exceeds its assigned tasks. With its focus on core antivirus strengths, Intego may be just what you need.

Pricing and pricing tiers: As you’ll see, MacKeeper goes well beyond antivirus basics. That’s a good thing, because its pricing goes well beyond the average. At $71.40 per year for a single license, it costs more than most competitors. Increasing the subscription price to $89.40 expands your coverage to three Macs. At the three-license level, MacKeeper still costs more than its competitors.

Independent lab test scores: MacKeeper doesn’t suffer from any bad lab test scores…because it doesn’t have any lab scores at all. That could mean the labs chose not to include it, or that the company declined to participate. No lab scores means we just don’t know.

Scores in hands-on tests: Like Intego, MacKeeper’s publisher is Mac-forward. Like Intego, it’s still designed to detect any Windows-based malware that may appear. And like Intego, it scored poorly when tested with real Windows malware, detecting just 74% of them. As for phishing, my other handy source of numeric test results, MacKeeper, doesn’t attempt phishing detection.

VPN included: MacKeeper’s scheduled scans eliminate any malware hiding in the crannies of your Mac, and its real-time protection fends off all attempts at new malware infestations. However, antivirus software is powerless once your data leaves the Mac and heads out onto the web. To extend the reach of its protection, MacKeeper integrates a virtual private network (VPN). Because it encrypts your data all the way from your Mac to the VPN server, even the owner of the network you’re using can’t snoop or tweak your data. Having your traffic go through the server both hides your location and allows you to pretend to be somewhere else.

Features beyond antivirus: MacKeeper promises to “protect, optimize, and clean” your Mac. Cleanup features include a startup manager, an uninstall utility, and general tune-up options such as junk file removal. Its vulnerability scanner finds apps on your Mac that lack security patches and, when possible, automates the update process. Like Avast, it scans your photos to find and delete duplicates and near-duplicates. Other bonus features include dark web monitoring for your email address, an active Do Not Track system for your browsers, and the previously mentioned full VPN.

Feature collectors: You want it all, and you want it now. Antivirus alone isn’t enough, so you look for apps that max out on bonus features. Going beyond just antivirus is at the core of MacKeeper’s identity. As noted, it promises to “protect, optimize, and clean your Mac.”

Mac loyalists: Given the choice of a Mac app ported from a Windows original or an app that was written for macOS from the start, you’ll always choose the latter. MacKeeper fits the bill. It even has “Mac” in the name!

VPN users: You’re among the clever few who understand that the power of your antivirus ends when data leaves your Mac. Having your internet traffic encrypted all the way from your Mac to a VPN server gives you peace of mind. Being able to hide your location or spoof a false one is a nice bonus. No wonder you like MacKeeper, with its integrated VPN.

Performance seekers: Keeping your Mac free of malicious software is great, but you also want to keep it free of useless and redundant files. With its multi-pronged approach to Mac messes, MacKeeper eliminates junk files, frees up unused memory space, keeps your apps up to date, and more. Nice, huh?

Pricing and pricing tiers: Most antivirus apps, whether for Mac or Windows, offer several pricing tiers, with volume discounts at, say, three, five, and 10 licenses. But what if you only need six? Until recently, Malwarebytes had you covered, with pricing for any number of devices from one to 20. At present, you still pay $44.99 per year for one license, a bit below the median. Three- and five-license packs cost $59.99 and $79.99, respectively, as they did before the change. You can protect 10 Macs for $119.99 per year, or 20 for $169.99. Given that the old pricing plan ran $129.99 for 10 and $229.99 for 20, that’s a nice price cut. However, the flexibility of selecting the exact number of licenses you need is no longer available.

Independent lab test scores: For many years, Malwarebytes withheld its Windows antivirus product from independent lab tests, citing that the tests weren’t advanced enough for Malwarebytes’ technology. Whether for that reason or another, Malwarebytes doesn’t show up in the latest test results from either AV-Test or AV-Comparatives. It doesn’t have any bad scores; it just doesn’t have a score.

Scores in hands-on tests: Baseball fans closely track stats for their favorite players, things like batting average and RBI. Antivirus fans also appreciate statistics, such as phishing detection percentages and success rates against Windows malware. With Malwarebytes, the stats are mixed. It doesn’t try at all to detect Windows malware—a reasonable position given that Windows malware can’t run on a Mac. However, that does result in a big fat zero for my test using Windows malware. Redemption comes in the form of its 96% phishing detection score. Still, this isn’t an app for users who place a strong emphasis on statistics.

VPN included: When you connect to a website, that site learns a lot about you, including your IP address and approximate location. Running that connection through a VPN provides anonymity, since the site only sees the IP address of the VPN server. And with a VPN, your connection is protected against all snooping and tweaking, even by the owner of the network you’re using. Malwarebytes recognizes the value of combining antivirus with a VPN, but it’ll cost you. To use the VPN, you must upgrade from the basic antivirus to Malwarebytes Plus or opt for the Malwarebytes Ultimate bundle.

Features beyond antivirus: While it handles the core tasks required of any antivirus, Malwarebytes doesn’t do much else. It does include the Browser Guard extension, which, among other things, blocks ads and other trackers. The Digital Footprint component searches the dark web for your email address. Rather than simply reporting on found breaches, it displays other private data that was exposed, along with your email.

Identity defenders: Every time you turn on the news, you hear about another data breach (and hope it doesn’t affect you). Many Mac antivirus apps check the dark web and report on any exposure of your email address. Malwarebytes takes protection a notch higher, reporting on all the personal data it detects in breaches.

Pricing and pricing tiers: You can sign up to have Total Defense protect as many Macs as you want…provided the number you want to protect is three. A Total Defense subscription costs $59.99 and allows installation on up to three Macs. As with Trend Micro, if you want a subscription with licenses for more devices, you must upgrade to a full security suite.

Independent lab test scores: I appreciate the opportunity to review scores from independent antivirus testing labs. It’s especially important for my Mac antivirus reviews, as the coding skills I use to create my own test apps are strictly Windows-based. However, the labs can only test a limited number of apps, and even when they select an app for their testing collection, the company may still opt out. Whether Total Defense wasn’t invited or declined the invitation, the result is the same—no lab scores for me to consider.

Scores in hands-on tests: It’s all very well to report that an antivirus seems to work, but it’s so much better to supply test results that back up that statement. My phishing protection test utilizes real-world fraudulent websites, hundreds of them, and reports the percentage of verified frauds each antivirus detects. With a 97% detection rate, Total Defense performs well, although several competitors have achieved 100%. Another handy number defines how well the antivirus identifies and quarantines malware written to run under Windows. In that test, Total Defense only scored 75%. That’s still better than some of the others.

VPN included: When you connect to the internet through a VPN, nobody can view or tamper with your web traffic, and you hide your real IP address and location behind the VPN server’s details. Where an antivirus defends the data stored on your Mac, a VPN defends that data as it traverses the internet. It’s a common addition to antivirus apps, whether on Mac or Windows. And…it’s not something you get with Total Defense.

Features beyond antivirus: Total Defense doesn’t overload users with unnecessary features like some competitors. It includes all the antivirus must-haves—scanning for existing malware, blocking new malware attacks, and steering the browser away from malicious and dangerous sites. Ransomware is particularly nasty, so Total Defense supplements regular antivirus protection with a permission-based ransomware blocker. Whenever an unknown program attempts to modify a file in a protected folder, it alerts you and provides an opportunity to block that program. Where most similar components focus on protecting Documents, Pictures, Desktops, and similar folders, Total Defense also extends protection to your Time Machine backups.

Laid-back users: You have no interest in interacting with your antivirus. You want it to just do its job without any tiresome interaction. And you can do that with Total Defense. Just flip on AutoPilot and ignore it. How relaxing!

No-frills fiends: You don’t want a host of security components partying in your Mac; you just want protection from viruses and other malware. Total Defense fits your profile. It scans to wipe out malware, monitors to defend against attacks, and steers your browser away from harmful sites. And that’s it.

Ransomware hawks: While you’re not enthused about finding your Mac infested with a Trojan or spambot, your real nightmare is the worry that ransomware could turn your essential files into encrypted gibberish. Sure, the antivirus should catch it, but that’s not enough. You’ll be happy that Total Defense protects your important folders and even your Time Machine backups against all unauthorized changes.

Pricing and pricing tiers: On the plus side, Trend Micro’s subscription price of $39.95 per year for a single license is well below the median of $49.99. But that’s the extent of its pricing. There are no volume discounts. If you want a Trend Micro subscription that protects more Macs, you must purchase one of Trend Micro’s security suite products.

Independent lab test scores: You may not realize this, but antivirus companies selected by testing labs actually pay for the privilege of being tested. In return, they get to boast of their high scores or use detailed reporting from low scores to do better next time. Some companies don’t get selected in the first place, while others choose not to pay the fee and participate. Whatever the reason, Trend Micro doesn’t appear in the latest reports from the labs.

Scores in hands-on tests: There’s nothing like cold, hard numbers for comparing antivirus apps. Some of my testing apps are incompatible with macOS, but a couple remain available. If you unwittingly give your login credentials to a phishing website, you’re hosed regardless of your operating system. And Trend Micro, like most Mac antivirus apps, aims to detect malware even when it’s written for Windows, not macOS. At least that’s the intention. Tested with my current Windows malware collection, Trend Micro only detected 63%. Fortunately, it pulled a good save with its phishing protection score. Challenged with hundreds of real-world phishing pages, it correctly steered the browser away from 98% of them.

VPN included: VPN protection for your internet connections is a useful adjunct to antivirus protection for your Mac. Several Mac antivirus apps include a VPN, although some require an additional payment to remove limitations. Trend Micro’s menu includes a link to obtain VPN protection for free, but that’s somewhat misleading. You can download the VPN for free, but you can’t use it unless you pay. You can get a seven-day free trial, but only if you sign up to pay once the trial ends.

Features beyond antivirus: With Trend Micro, if you want more than one license, you must upgrade to the suite. But with that one antivirus license, you get so many security features that you might think you’ve already got a suite. Unusual for a Mac antivirus, Trend Micro includes a simple parental control system, as well as a secure file shredder. Its webcam protection, while limited, is also uncommon. A browser extension helps you identify and suppress ads and other trackers, and also color-codes search results, with red indicating dangerous and green indicating safe. Performance tune-up functions include removing junk and duplicate files, identifying duplicate and similar photos, and flagging missing security patches. Where competitors just check the dark web for breaches involving your email, Trend Micro’s mobile-only ID Security checks a broad selection of personal data. Other bonuses include a file archive utility, a secure deletion shredder, and added protection for your Gmail. It’s quite a collection.

Feature collectors: Bigger is better. In your book, an antivirus with a boatload of bonuses always beats one with just a few extras. While Trend Micro does offer a security suite for macOS, the standalone antivirus is so packed with useful security extras that you might mistake it for a suite.

Ransomware hawks: If your Mac is the first victim of a zero-day ransomware attack, you could lose all your important files. You hate that thought. You want an antivirus that’s loaded for bear, with extra defenses designed specifically to protect your important files even if ransomware gets past the antivirus. And yes, Trend Micro puts that protection front and center.

Performance seekers: When you see your antivirus running a scheduled scan, you worry that it’s sucking CPU cycles away from your important programs. Even when you don’t see it doing anything, the worry remains. To ease your mind, you need an antivirus that incorporates system optimization features to counteract any slowdown. And yes, Trend Micro does exactly that.

Identity defenders: You know that antivirus software can’t protect your identity from thieves, but you’re not prepared to invest in a full-on identity theft remediation service. You’ll surely be pleased to find that Trend Micro’s ID Security checks numerous private data items for exposure on the dark web.

Pricing and pricing tiers: The yearly subscription price for a Mac antivirus app ranges from $25 to almost $90. Right in the middle, you’ll find Webroot at $49.99 per year. Its volume pricing is straightforward. Add $20 to protect three Macs, and an additional $20 to upgrade your subscription to cover five Macs.

Independent lab test scores: Webroot’s Windows antivirus immediately eliminates any malicious programs it recognizes, marks other programs as known and trusted, and monitors any unknowns, isolating them from causing permanent damage. Its cloud “brain” analyzes each unknown, which can take a little time. That delay wreaks havoc with some lab tests. I don’t have the coding skills to verify that the Mac edition works in precisely that way, but I can verify that Webroot doesn’t currently participate in lab testing for its Mac antivirus.

Scores in hands-on tests: I’d like to be able to say that Webroot scored 100% in my phishing detection test and in my test using Windows-based malware. It would almost be true—Webroot did manage 100% phishing detection. But it “only” reached 99% detection of my Windows malware samples. Even if it didn’t attain double perfection, Webroot beats all the others as far as hands-on test scores go.

VPN included: If the network you’re using has been compromised, it’s possible the network owner could snoop on your connections, or even tweak the data you send and see. Using a VPN eliminates that threat, as your data is encrypted all the way from your Mac to the VPN server. As a bonus, your traffic appears to originate from the server, so your actual location remains hidden. Webroot offers a VPN app, either as a standalone product or as part of the Webroot Total Protection suite, but it is not bundled with the antivirus.

Features beyond antivirus: Although Webroot Essentials for Mac is not a full security suite, it does incorporate some useful features beyond the typical antivirus collection. Its secure deletion file shredder lets you wipe out sensitive files so thoroughly that nobody, not even the NSA, can recover them. Your Webroot installation includes a premium subscription to the LastPass password manager. And its System Analyzer and System Optimizer will delight users with the technical expertise to take advantage of them.

Score trackers: Sure, you’ll grant that test scores are just numbers, but you really like to see high numbers. In two of my hands-on tests, Webroot scored 100% and 99%, outperforming all its competition. Everyone loves 100% success.

Tech experts: Where high-tech reporting and abilities send some users into shivering conniptions, you find they mesh perfectly with your expertise. Webroot’s System Analyzer and System Optimizer features are too complex for the average user, but for you, they’re both useful and fascinating.

Pricing and pricing tiers: McAfee Total Protection is a cross-platform security suite that supports macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and even ChromeOS. As a suite, it naturally costs more than simple antivirus apps. Pricing starts at $89.99 for a one-Mac subscription. For just $10 more, you can expand to three licenses. And shelling out $119.99 lets you install McAfee on all five of your Macs.

Independent lab test scores: Years ago, when I first expanded my Windows antivirus reviews to include antivirus apps for macOS, I only included apps that appeared in test reports from at least one independent antivirus lab. The labs regularly change their lists of tested products, though, and at present, well over half the Mac antivirus apps I track don’t appear in any lab reports. McAfee is among that majority.

Scores in hands-on tests: I don’t have the skills or resources to port all my Windows antivirus tests to macOS, but some carry over. Testing a Mac antivirus using Windows malware is one such. Although the Windows malware won’t run, it could conceivably be transferred to a Windows PC, where it would pose a danger. McAfee for Mac aims to eliminate Windows malware, but in testing, it only detected 77% of my samples. On the positive side, when I tested it against hundreds of real-world phishing websites, it detected 100% of them and redirected the browser to a warning page.

VPN included: Back when Macs loaded programs from disks and networks were something found only in offices, antivirus protection running on your Mac was enough. Now, though, your Mac is poised on the brink of a dangerous ocean called the internet. To protect your data in transit, it’s wise to supplement antivirus protection with a virtual private network (VPN), which protects your connection against any interference and hides your location. McAfee integrates a simple VPN—just turn on the switch for protection.

Features beyond antivirus: One advantage of a McAfee subscription is that it allows you to install protection on any of your devices, regardless of whether they run macOS, Windows, iOS, or Android. It supplements antivirus protection with a firewall that blocks attacks from outside, but omits the one-time Application Control system. As noted earlier, McAfee comes with a VPN that puts no limit on bandwidth or server selection. Where many competitors simply scan the dark web to see if your email address has been exposed, McAfee’s Identity Protection scan can check for exposed bank accounts, credit cards, phone numbers, and numerous other personal data items.

Loyal customers: You find switching antivirus apps annoying, and you’re not bothered by signing up for automatic renewal of your McAfee subscription. By showing your loyalty with automatic renewal, you get a loyalty guarantee from McAfee. If the antivirus ever fails to block a malware attack, McAfee will either fix the problem or provide a refund.

VPN users: You keep hearing that while the antivirus keeps your Mac free of malware, it can’t do anything to protect your data as it travels the internet. The experts recommend adding a VPN to plug that security hole. With McAfee, you don’t need to add anything, since the VPN is built right in.

Identity defenders: You’re not so concerned about malware attacking your Mac, as it’s never happened to you. Having someone steal your identity, use your credit cards, even get arrested posing as you—that is your big worry. McAfee doesn’t match the features (and expense) of a full-scale identity theft defender, but it comes closer than most. You fill in up to 60 items of personal data, and McAfee warns you if any of them turn up on the dark web.