Macs aren't immune to malware. We tested the top antivirus suites for macOS — Norton, McAfee, and Aura — comparing detection rates, system impact, and extra features like VPNs and identity theft protection. Our pick: Norton 360 Deluxe for its unbeatable protection and full-featured suite.
It's an old myth: "Macs don't get viruses." And for a long time, it was mostly true. But the threat landscape has changed. Modern macOS threats include adware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and trojans — and Macs are increasingly targeted as they gain market share. Apple's built-in XProtect helps, but it's not a full-featured antivirus.
If you browse the web, download files, or use email, you're better off with a dedicated security suite. Here are the three we recommend.
| Product | Detection | VPN | System Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norton 360 Deluxe | Excellent | Unlimited, no limits | Low | Best overall |
| McAfee+ Premium | Very good | Included | Low | Cross-platform households |
| Aura | Good | Included | Low | Identity theft protection |
Norton consistently tops independent lab tests for malware detection. In head-to-head comparisons, Norton edges out McAfee with better virus detection and faster scanning.1 It also includes a no-limits VPN and full-featured parental controls.2
What makes it great on Mac: Norton is fully optimized for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3), so it runs efficiently without bogging down your system. You also get webcam protection, a password manager, and a file shredder — features that go well beyond basic antivirus.3
Who it's for: Anyone who wants the most complete protection suite available for macOS, with minimal performance impact.
McAfee offers strong cross-platform support, making it a great choice if your household runs a mix of Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. Its detection rates are very good, though it trails Norton slightly in some benchmarks.1
What makes it great on Mac: McAfee's interface feels native on macOS, and its system impact is low enough that you won't notice it during daily use. The included VPN and identity monitoring add real value.
Who it's for: Families or households with multiple device types who want one subscription to cover everything.
Aura takes a different approach: it bundles antivirus with identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and a VPN. If you're more worried about your identity being stolen than a virus, Aura might be the better fit.
What makes it great on Mac: Aura's antivirus component is solid, and the integration with identity protection means one dashboard for all your digital safety. It's a newer player, but it's worth considering if you want a broader safety net.
Who it's for: People who want antivirus and identity theft protection in a single subscription.
Norton leads the pack with consistently top marks from independent labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. McAfee is close behind, while Aura offers adequate protection for most users.1
Norton's VPN has no data caps or bandwidth limits, making it a genuine VPN replacement.2 McAfee's VPN is solid but has daily caps on some plans. Aura includes a VPN as part of its suite.
All three run natively on Apple Silicon and have minimal performance impact during idle scanning. Norton's active scans are the fastest, meaning less time waiting.1
If you want the best protection for your Mac with the most features, Norton 360 Deluxe is the clear winner. It has the best detection rates, a genuinely unlimited VPN, and a full suite of extras — all optimized for Apple Silicon.
For cross-platform households, McAfee is a strong alternative. And if identity theft is your primary concern, Aura offers a unique bundled approach.
Disclosure: AskBuy earns a commission if you purchase through the links above. This doesn't affect our recommendations — we only recommend products we've researched and believe in.
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