As technology advances, so do hackers' and thieves' methods and tools to infect devices and steal others’ vital personal and financial information. According to a recent report, cybersecurity complaints to the FBI increased by 400% in the past five years. Statistics like that only drive home the importance of proper device protection.
With such amazing security-related features, it’s understandable to ask, do Macbooks need antivirus software in 2025? SoftwareCW has the answers. You’ll also find additional tips to keep your MacBook safe from ransomware, adware, and other viruses.
The Excellent Security That Helps Power MacBooks
- Built-in Protections: A MacBook’s built-in programs, like XProtect and Gatekeeper, do a wonderful job of preventing malware and other potentially dangerous files and applications.
- Consistent Security Updates: Apple does an amazing job of quickly pushing out critical updates to its user base of millions, which can help deter MacBooks from needing antivirus software for easier-to-resolve cybersecurity threats.
- A Unix-based OS: Offering granular control over applications and files paired with independent updates typically makes it tougher for hackers to gain unauthorized access to macOS systems and devices.
While these previously mentioned qualities are impressive, they don’t make MacBooks automatically safeguarded from online and offline dangers. For example, these features won’t catch all phishing attacks or suspicious websites pretending to be the real deal. That’s when antivirus software can help you avoid these threats.
So, Do MacBooks Need Antivirus Software?
Yes. It’s true that fewer viruses exist for Macs than PCs. However, that’s primarily because there are far fewer Mac devices and users than those who own PCs. That’s not to discredit MacBooks and Apple, the company that makes these laptops. It’s hard to deny the superior security that Macs offer.
In the past few decades, you may have heard that Apple-based devices such as MacBooks are immune to viruses. While that has remained largely accurate, newer virus types, especially malware, have begun to make their way into the macOS ecosystem. This development, along with others, has increased the need for MacBook antivirus software.
While MacBooks may deal with fewer virus types, it doesn’t mean they’re immune to being infected with malware from sketchy downloads or otherwise unsafe files and programs. Mac-based devices are also being targeted more than ever by adware and crypto-jacking attacks.
What’s the Best MacBook Antivirus Software?
There’s no need to search the internet for the best antivirus programs for Mac users—we did the hard work for you. Have peace of mind that your valuable laptop stays protected. Check out antivirus software for Mac devices below.
Norton 360 Premium
The brand Norton is synonymous among Windows users for device protection. However, you might not know that Norton software also protects Apple devices, including MacBooks, from malware, spyware, ransomware, and other types of viruses. When many people and companies have MacBooks needing antivirus software, they choose Norton 360 Premium.
Norton 360 Premium can protect your MacBook as you download programs, browse the internet, and enter your personal information. This software also offers superior protection, whether on private or public wi-fi, making it great for those who travel often.
Additional features of Norton 360 Premium include:
- 75 GB of cloud backup space
- Access to a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- Dark Web Monitoring
- Family parental controls
McAfee Total Protection
Over 600 million users trust McAfee Total Protection. Like Norton, McAfee’s products offer protection for PCs and Mac devices. This software provides many top-notch features that Norton 360 Premium offers, such as monitoring the dark web for your information, an integrated VPN, and protection from internet-based threats.
McAfee uses a Personalized Protection Score feature as part of its interface. This system eliminates the confusion and guesswork of fixing security weaknesses on your devices. McAfee Total Protection is also one of the best MacBook antivirus tools due to its helpful and secure Password Manager feature that safeguards your personal log-in information.
Download McAfee Total Protection
Trend Micro Maximum Security
When people ask if Macbooks need antivirus software, many experts point to Trend Micro Maximum Security. We can’t discuss the best MacBook antivirus software without mentioning Trend Micro’s current offering. This software promises to protect its users from over 250 million cybersecurity-related threats. These can include malware, spyware, ransomware, and other digital dangers.
Trend Micro Maximum Security also offers seamless integrations with popular cloud-based services that include Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, and Google Drive. Plus, it relies on cloud-based AI technology as one of several ways it proactively targets and protects devices against ever-evolving threats.
Download Trend Micro Maximum Security
McAfee AntiVirus Plus
Being another leading name in the cybersecurity world, it may be no surprise to see McAfee products mentioned twice in our list. McAfee AntiVirus Plus remains an often-trusted solution, especially if you need MacBook antivirus software on a tight cybersecurity budget. This helpful software also alerts you of potentially risky websites, protecting your personal and financial information.
This software’s award-winning technology safeguards users from various device-related dangers, including malware, suspicious websites, and similar dangers. Plus McAfee AntiVirus Plus offers users 24/7/365 support for help with any potential questions or problems.
Download McAfee AntiVirus Plus
Bonus Tips to Help Mac Users Avoid Viruses
Besides using the best MacBook antivirus programs, a few additional measures can further secure your laptop. Here are several extra tips:
- Never browse or download from websites that pose security risks
- Ensure you install the latest macOS updates from Apple
- Update programs as new versions become available
- Be cautious of clicking or tapping links in emails
- Enable FileVault, one of Mac’s built-in security features
- Always enable and use two-factor authentication when possible
- Utilize antivirus-based protection when browsing the internet
Another vital measure is to create backups. A backup is a saved state of your operating system, installed software, and other crucial device-related data.
Do MacBooks need antivirus software? If you want superior peace of mind and fully safeguarded devices, having a program watch over files, applications, and websites is never a bad idea. When you need the best MacBook antivirus software, find it at SoftwareCW. We carry a massive range of software at low prices, including antivirus programs, operating systems, and much more.