Sometimes they make sense: These are the best antivirus programs for macOS

Apple's Mac computers offer strong defenses against cyberattacks out of the box, but it can still be beneficial to install additional protection software. A recent test of nine programs, including free solutions, shows which antivirus guards are recommended for macOS.

In June , AV-Comparatives tested nine antivirus programs for computers running macOS. To receive certification, the products had to demonstrate strong malware protection and effective real-time protection, minimize false positives, offer solid system performance, and be user-friendly.

Additionally, AV-Comparatives tested the detection of Windows malware, where available. This may seem pointless at first glance, but Macs can be vectors for Windows malware, which is especially problematic within a shared network.

Four test winners, two of them free

Four programs share first place: Avast Free Security for Mac, AVG AntiVirus Free, Kaspersky Premium for Mac, and Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac. They detected 100 percent of Mac malware samples.

They found 99 percent of potentially unwanted programs (PUAs). These are applications that aren't inherently harmful, but have annoying features like pop-up ads or spy on user behavior. They are often secretly installed with free software. The test winners identified 100 percent of the Windows malware.

Do Macs even need additional protection?

If you use a Mac computer, you can generally feel very safe. On the one hand, a large portion of common malware targets Windows systems, and on the other, macOS has strong built-in protection: "Gatekeeper" only allows the installation of trusted software. "XProtect" is a built-in malware scanner that detects and blocks known malware.

System Integrity Protection (SIP) prevents system files and processes from being modified, and sandboxing limits apps' access rights to the system. A firewall prevents unauthorized access from the internet or Wi-Fi.

It depends on

For experienced users who exercise caution and regularly install updates, the built-in protection measures are sufficient. However, if you don't only install software from secure sources like the App Store, often carelessly click on links in emails or open attachments, or share your computer with several people, an additional protection program can be a useful addition.

AV-Comparatives also points out that third-party antivirus software with heuristic and behavioral detection engines can intercept attacks that signature-only scanners might miss. These programs also offer browser extensions for web and phishing protection that block malicious URLs before they load.