Macs do get viruses, but the risk is lower than on Windows machines
Yes, you should run antivirus software on a Mac. Apple's built-in protections—Gatekeeper, XProtect, and Malware Removal Tool—catch some threats, but they are not a complete defense. They work mainly against known malware and block unsigned apps from running. A dedicated antivirus program fills the gaps by scanning files in real time, catching threats before they execute, and protecting against newer malware that Apple's tools have not yet seen.
Macs are targeted less often than Windows machines because there are fewer of them in use, and the operating system's Unix-based architecture makes it harder to exploit. That does not mean Macs are immune. Ransomware, spyware, and adware designed specifically for macOS appear regularly. In 2024, researchers found new variants of Atomic Stealer and other credential-stealing malware targeting Mac users. The lower attack rate is real, but it does not justify skipping protection entirely.
The decision comes down to your behavior and what you store on your machine. If you read files only from the App Store, avoid suspicious links, and do not use your Mac for banking or sensitive work, your risk is lower. If you read software from the web, use email attachments, or handle financial data, antivirus software is worth the small performance cost.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's built-in tools (Gatekeeper, XProtect, Malware Removal Tool) catch known threats but do not protect against new or targeted malware.
- Macs are attacked less often than Windows machines, but malware designed for macOS is discovered regularly and can steal passwords, encrypt files, or monitor activity.
- A third-party antivirus program provides real-time scanning and catches threats that Apple's tools miss, with minimal impact on speed on modern Macs.
- Your risk level depends on how you use your Mac: App Store downloads only is lower risk; web downloads, email attachments, and financial work is higher risk.
- Free antivirus options exist (Avast, AVG, Bitdefender) but paid versions offer better real-time protection and customer support.
How Apple's built-in protections work and what they miss
Gatekeeper checks whether an app is signed by a registered developer and whether it has been flagged by Apple. When you open a downloaded app for the first time, Gatekeeper verifies the signature. If the app is unsigned or comes from an unknown developer, Gatekeeper blocks it or warns you. This stops many amateur malware samples and repackaged legitimate apps.
XProtect is Apple's on-access scanner. It runs in the background and scans files as they are downloaded or opened. It compares files against a database of known malware signatures that Apple updates regularly. XProtect catches variants of known malware families, but it cannot detect new malware it has never seen before, and it does not scan files already on your drive unless you open them.
Malware Removal Tool runs automatically after system updates and scans for specific known threats. It is not a full antivirus—it targets only malware Apple has already identified and added to its database. If you are infected with something newer or more obscure, this tool will not find it.
The gap is clear: Apple's tools work only against malware they already know about. A new ransomware variant, a piece of spyware targeting Mac users, or a trojan delivered through a compromised website will slip past all three until Apple updates its database—which can take weeks or months. A third-party antivirus fills this gap by using heuristic scanning (analyzing behavior rather than just signatures) and threat intelligence from security researchers who find new malware faster than Apple does.
Real malware threats that target Mac users
Ransomware has become common on macOS. Variants like Encylopedia, Patcher, and newer strains encrypt your files and demand payment to unlock them. These are not theoretical—they have hit Mac users running businesses and managing creative work. Ransomware often arrives through phishing emails, compromised websites, or bundled with cracked software.
Spyware and credential stealers are equally real. Atomic Stealer, for example, steals passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, and browser data from Mac users. It spreads through fake read sites and trojanized apps. Adware like Genieo and Bnodlr hijack your browser, inject ads, and track your browsing. These do not destroy your data, but they compromise your privacy and can lead to identity theft or financial fraud.
Trojan downloaders pose another risk. They appear as legitimate apps or documents but actually read and install other malware once they run. A trojan might seem harmless until it installs a keylogger or a backdoor that lets an attacker access your Mac remotely.
The common thread: all of these threats are designed to run on macOS and are actively distributed. They are not hypothetical. Antivirus software catches them by recognizing their signatures, detecting suspicious behavior, or blocking known distribution sites.
How to choose between free and paid antivirus for Mac
Free options include Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, and ClamXav. These scan files and block known malware, but they often lack real-time protection or offer it only in limited form. Real-time protection means the antivirus watches your system continuously and blocks threats the moment they arrive, rather than waiting for you to run a manual scan. Free versions usually require you to scan manually or offer real-time scanning only for a limited trial period.
Paid options—Bitdefender, Norton, Kaspersky, Sophos, and others—include real-time scanning, automatic updates, and customer support. They cost between $30 and $80 per year for a single Mac. The real-time component is the main difference: it catches threats before they execute, which is more effective than scanning after the fact. Paid versions also update their threat databases more frequently.
If you read software only from the App Store and do not open email attachments from strangers, a free antivirus run once a month is probably enough. If you read from the web, use email heavily, or work with sensitive files, paid antivirus with real-time protection is worth the cost. The performance impact on modern Macs (2018 and newer) is negligible—most users will not notice a slowdown.
One caveat: some free antivirus programs make money by selling your browsing data or displaying ads. Read the privacy policy before installing. Bitdefender's free version and ClamXav are transparent about what they collect. Avast and AVG have faced criticism for data practices, so if privacy is a priority, stick with Bitdefender free or pay for a reputable paid option.
When you should prioritize antivirus on your Mac
If you use your Mac for work—especially if you handle client data, financial records, or intellectual property—antivirus is essential. A ransomware infection could shut down your business. If you manage passwords, banking, or cryptocurrency on your Mac, real-time protection is worth the cost. Credential stealers specifically target these activities.
If you read software from the web rather than the App Store, your risk is higher. Cracked software, open-source tools, and even legitimate software from smaller developers can be compromised. Antivirus catches these before they run. If you receive email attachments regularly or click links in emails, you are exposed to phishing and trojan downloaders. Antivirus provides a safety net.
If you share your Mac with family members or colleagues, antivirus protects everyone. One person clicking a malicious link can infect the whole machine. If you are not confident in your ability to spot phishing emails or suspicious downloads, antivirus is a practical safeguard. It is not a substitute for caution, but it catches mistakes.
The performance cost of antivirus on modern Macs
Antivirus software used to slow Macs noticeably, especially during scans. Modern antivirus is more efficient. On a Mac from 2018 or newer with at least 8 GB of RAM, a good antivirus program (Bitdefender, Norton, Kaspersky) adds less than 5 percent overhead during normal use. You may notice a brief slowdown when the antivirus runs a full scan, but daily work—browsing, email, document editing—is not affected.
Older Macs (2015 and earlier) may feel slower with real-time antivirus running. If you have a 2013 MacBook Air or older, consider running antivirus scans manually once a week rather than keeping real-time protection on. Or upgrade to a free antivirus that uses less resources, like ClamXav.
The performance cost is worth the protection. A ransomware infection or credential theft costs far more in time and money than the minor slowdown from antivirus.
What antivirus cannot do, and what you still need to do
Antivirus is not a complete defense. It catches malware, but it does not prevent you from being phished, tricked into giving away passwords, or falling for social engineering. If someone calls claiming to be Apple Support and you give them remote access to your Mac, antivirus will not stop them. If you reuse passwords across sites and one site is breached, antivirus will not protect your other accounts.
You still need to practice basic security: use a password manager (1Password, Bitwarden, LastPass) to create unique passwords for each site, enable two-factor authentication on important accounts, do not click links in unexpected emails, and do not read software from unfamiliar websites. Keep macOS updated—Apple patches security holes regularly, and staying current closes gaps that malware exploits.
Antivirus is one layer of defense, not the only one. It works best alongside good habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a virus just by visiting a website?
Rarely, but it is possible. A compromised website can try to exploit a browser vulnerability or trick you into downloading malware. Keeping your browser and macOS updated closes most of these holes. Antivirus adds another layer by catching malware if a read does occur.
Do I need antivirus if I only use the App Store?
Your risk is much lower, but not zero. Apple reviews App Store apps, but malware has slipped through before. A free antivirus scan once a month is a reasonable precaution. Real-time antivirus is probably unnecessary unless you also use email heavily or read files from the web.
Will antivirus slow down my Mac?
On Macs from 2018 or newer with 8 GB of RAM or more, a good antivirus adds minimal slowdown—usually less than 5 percent. Older Macs may feel slower. If performance is a concern, use a lightweight free option like ClamXav or run scans manually instead of keeping real-time protection on.
What is the best antivirus for Mac?
Bitdefender, Norton, and Kaspersky are consistently rated highest for detection rates and performance. Bitdefender's free version is solid if you want to avoid paying. ClamXav is lightweight and good for older Macs. Avoid antivirus that makes money by selling your data—read the privacy policy first.
Can antivirus remove malware that is already on my Mac?
Yes, most antivirus programs can quarantine or delete detected malware. If your Mac is already infected, run a full system scan with antivirus in Safe Mode (hold Shift while starting up) to prevent malware from interfering with the scan. If the infection is severe, you may need to reinstall macOS.