Why we like it

XProtect comes pre-installed and configured on every MacOS device, like the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and Mac Mini. You don’t need to enable anything or fiddle with any settings to make it work. XProtect is updated daily to ensure protection against all new threats, and automated scans are run with every update. You don’t get much control over the settings -- or the scan schedule -- but you can count on it to provide continuous protection without slowing down your device.

There are no recent third-party tests for XProtect, making it difficult to say for certain how effective it is. However, only 6% of malware infections in 2022 were on MacOS devices. While part of this is because there’s less malware created for MacOS, it suggests that the protection provided by XProtect (and other MacOS security measures) is excellent.

Who it’s best for

XProtect is a great choice for the average MacOS user because it’s free and works smoothly in the background from the moment you boot up MacOS, providing reliable antivirus protection. However, it only offers antivirus so you may want to consider a third-party security suite if you need parental controls, identity theft protection or antivirus software for devices powered by other operating systems such as Windows.

Why we like it

Bitdefender Ultimate Security for MacOS detected 100% of threats when tested by AV-Test in December 2024. Furthermore, Bitdefender uses minimal resources, causing fewer slowdowns of standard programs and file transfers than other antivirus tools. It did slow down software installation, but the slowdown rate was on par with other third-party antivirus software for MacOS. This means your computer should run smoothly while Bitdefender is working. You can also use it to run manual scans and schedule scans, giving you more control over your security than XProtect.

Bitdefender protects against most common forms of malware, including ransomware (which holds your data hostage to extort money from you) and phishing (which induces you to share passwords and other sensitive information). You’ll also get AI-powered anti-scam features to help you identify potentially harmful emails, text messages, QR codes or website links.

The Bitdefender Ultimate Security package further protects you with numerous tools not included in XProtect. These include a VPN to keep your online activity private and adblocker software with anti-tracking protocols to prevent companies from stealing your data. Bitdefender’s VPN lacks advanced features found in our top-rated VPNs but there’s no built-in VPN for MacOS, so the Bitdefender VPN may be a good choice for budget-conscious casual VPN users. Bitdefender Ultimate Security also includes a password manager but its features are similar to Apple Password Manager, so this isn’t a huge draw.

You’ll also get identity protection that will monitor data leaks and inform you when your data has been found on the Dark Web so you can take action to protect your identity. Moreover, this protection can apply to up to five devices, including MacOS, iOS, Windows and Android devices.

US residents can spring for the higher-tier Bitdefender Ultimate Security packages to gain comprehensive protection against identity theft and financial fraud, including up to $2 million of identity theft protection. People with serious financial and identity theft concerns may benefit from upgrading but if you’re only interested in antivirus, the base plan works just fine.

Who it’s best for

Bitdefender Ultimate Security is your best choice if you’re looking for a full-service solution that protects every aspect of your online activity, not just the downloads monitored by typical antivirus software. US residents with significant assets may also consider Bitdefender Ultimate Security for its identity theft insurance. Additionally, multi-device users get protection for non-MacOS gadgets.

Pricing

Bitdefender Ultimate Security starts at $90 for the first year (renewing at $160 per year). This plan includes the core antivirus software with protection from ransomware, phishing and other online scams, plus basic identity tracking. More expensive Ultimate Security plans don’t add additional antivirus protections, just financial fraud protections, making them more appropriate for people concerned about stolen identities and asset monitoring. 

The mid-tier Bitdefender Ultimate Security plan costs $120 for the first year (renews at $190 per year) and includes everything from the first plan plus identity theft protection with up to $1 million in insurance. You’ll also get credit monitoring and reporting tools for one credit bureau.

The highest-tier Bitdefender Ultimate Security package starts at $150 for the first year and renews at $250 per year. This plan includes everything from the second-tier plan plus identity theft insurance of up to $2 million, ransomware resolution and refund, credit monitoring with three credit bureaus and investment account alerts.

AV-Test found that Norton 360 for MacOS had a 100% malware detection rate in December 2024. Norton’s antivirus also has minimal impact on system resources, with no detrimental effect on download speed and only mild effects on application speed and file transfer, so you won’t notice a major change in how your computer operates.

All Norton antivirus plans feature amenities you won’t find with XProtect, including cloud backup storage starting at 2GB and a password manager. However, MacOS features other programs with these benefits: iCloud, which offers 5GB of free cloud storage, and Apple Password Manager, which offers basic password creation and protection tools similar to the Norton equivalent. If you’re on a budget, you’ll be fine with Apple’s free security tools. But if you have more advanced needs or use non-Apple devices, Norton 360 can be a great choice. 

You can spring for a more expensive Norton package to get a VPN, parental controls and privacy monitoring. Higher-tier plans also include identity theft protection and reimbursement for up to $25,000 of stolen funds. Moreover, Norton’s most expensive plan can protect up to 10 devices, five more than you’ll be able to protect with Bitdefender.

Who it’s best for

Norton 360 is your best bet if you’re looking for comprehensive antivirus protection and privacy monitoring for more than five devices. Parents will also love its parental controls. However, you might want to choose a different cybersecurity bundle if you have significant assets and you want more extensive identity theft insurance.

Pricing

Norton antivirus starts at $30 for the first year (renews at $60 per year) for the core antivirus, password manager and 2GB of cloud backups, with coverage for one device. Norton 360 Standard provides antivirus coverage for three devices, 50GB of cloud backups, dark web monitoring, a VPN and a password manager, costing $40 for the first year ($95 upon renewal). This is similar to the core Bitdefender plan, with the main difference being the addition of backups.

You’ll need to spring for the Norton 360 Lifelock plan, priced at $100 for the first year and $190 per year on renewal, to get coverage for 10 devices. This plan also includes 250GB of cloud backups, parental controls, credit monitoring and identity theft protection with stolen fund reimbursement of up to $25,000. These additional features are great, but you might be better off with Bitdefender Ultimate Security’s advanced plans if you have significant assets to protect.