The best antivirus software for Mac

This is one of the priciest options on the market. However, it's currently discounted and more than worth the lower price. Particularly as Bitdefender offers a wide range of malware protection services, with complete protection for Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android devices.

Their multi-layer ransomware creates more barriers to cyber criminals stealing your most precious data and information. There’s also webcam protection, so you can forgo the paranoia of taping something over your cam.

Bitdefender’s software also protects against email attacks and phishing. It offers a password manager to help keep track of all those different accounts. Unlike competing software, it also features a file shredder.

There are parental control options for mums and dads who want to protect their children from threats both on and off the computer. You can block inappropriate content as well as monitor text messages and phone calls and allow your children to check in as “safe” in certain locations. You'll even get notifications if they’re outside of a safe zone.

These days we all have a variety of devices in the home. And with McAfee Total Protection, you have a license for up to 10 devices. It's a significant bonus for an antivirus software that has a few small weaknesses. 

Its more expensive than most, but the digital download version of McAfee Total Protection is heavily discounted. Its scan takes an average length of time compared to its competitors, and does a solid job of detecting most threats. Similarly, the built-in firewall detects most threats automatically, while a vulnerability scan reminds you to install critical updates. 

Reviewers have found McAfee's URL blocking to be on the weaker side. But McAfee offers an unique pledge: If your PC gets a virus, a McAfee expert will remotely access your machine to remove it. If they fail, you get a full refund.

Elsewhere, there are iOS and Android apps to further reassure you. The iOS app is fairly rudimentary, merely offering backup, encryption, and device tracking, rather than any antivirus tools. However, the Android app is suitably beefy with antivirus, URL blocking, clean up tools, and a remote lock.

In all cases, McAfee AntiVirus Plus hardly slows down the system it's installed on, amply reminding you of why it's worth the investment.

With 30 years in the field, Norton AntiVirus software is a one of the standard bearers. Indeed, Norton 360 offers enhanced, feature-packed security for your devices and a VPN for online privacy.

As well as the antivirus software itself, it has multiple browser extensions. As part of its ability to protect you from dangerous search results, there's Norton Safe Search, along with Norton Toolbar, which assigns each site a safety rating, and the Norton Identity Safe password management tool. The options continue throughout the software, which might be confusing for novices. 

Fortunately, a choice of a full system scan, quick scan, or custom scan is exactly the kind of options you want to see. There's the addition of the Norton Power Eraser too for when you're extra paranoid about potential malware sources.

Norton has spruced up its engine in recent years, keeping things lightweight for even the most basic spec of PC — so you don't have to wait hours for results. 

It also does a fantastic job of providing phishing protection, keeping on top of every new development thanks to a regular updated blacklist. Throw in spam protection and the aforementioned Identity Safe password manager, and Norton 360 Standard hardly misses a beat.  

You might not be convinced that you should have to pay for Mac security. In which case it's worth giving the free version of Avast a whirl. At least try it on for size.

Avast finds itself listed as the best free Antivirus for Macs across multiple publishers' lists with its impressive engine detection that doesn't skimp where other free competitors do. Though we think the paid version of Avast falls behind other brands at the same level. Others may disagree.

It has two features — a live WiFi vulnerabilities monitor and ransomware shield — that work in tandem with the traditional malware scanner, thus creating an overall armour against common vulnerabilities. It's been proved highly effective in tests, so you know your Mac's in good hands.

Dating all the way back to 1997, Intego has been making Apple-specific tools to deliver Mac safety software since way before Apple was cool. In other words, Intego knows the ins and outs of Apple tech as well as Apple itself, so if you're outsourcing for online security, you can't go wrong with this brand.

The current Intego Mac Premium X9 bundle covers all of the bases with two barriers: VirusBarrier X9 and NetBarrier X9. As the name suggests, VirusBarrier protects against actual viruses while NetBarrier keeps cyber criminals away when you're online. It's a two-pronged defence.

Intego's slick cleaner platform, Washing Machine, features actual appliance-like toggles to schedule scans or get rid of junk or duplicate files — essentially optimising your Mac to run as efficiently as possible. Any infected pieces found will be quarantined from the rest of the system.

The only real downside is the price, which increases if you want to add more devices to the bundle. But with this level of security it's worth the cost.