Do you need an antivirus for Mac?

Macs are safer by design than your standard PC, but they’re not completely immune to malware or viruses. Adding to the confusion, online guidance is all over the place — Apple, security researchers, and user forums often offer conflicting advice.

This article cuts through the noise to help you decide whether your Mac’s built-in protections are enough or if third-party antivirus software is worth it.

Do Macs already have built‑in security protection?

macOS includes robust protection that blocks many threats before they have a chance to do any harm, including:

• XProtect: Apple’s built-in antivirus software checks files against known malware signatures and runs automatic scans in the background. It updates regularly with new malware definitions;
• Gatekeeper: this tool only allows apps from the App Store or identified developers to launch. It verifies code signing to stop malicious apps and other malware from opening;
• FireVault: FireVault’s full-disk encryption safeguards sensitive data if your device is lost or stolen;
• System Integrity Protection (SIP): SIP is a security feature that protects critical system files and settings from tampering. Locking down these areas helps stop malware from changing core components;
• Malware Removal Tool (MRT): the MRT utility removes known malware families when they’re detected. It automatically scans your system to catch and delete threats without manual intervention;
• App sandboxing: macOS isolates apps to limit what any given piece of software can access. This reduces the blast radius if one app ever gets infected or compromised;
• Software Update: Mac software is routinely updated to offer security patches for your operating system, Safari browser, and other built-in components. 

All in all, Apple’s built-in security protects well against:

• Known Mac viruses and malicious code families;
• Unsigned or altered apps that try to modify protected areas;
• Many common PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and adware, but only once they’re classified as known malware;
• Security flaws that have been publicly revealed, but only after Apple ships security patches.

However, standalone Mac protection doesn’t actively cover:

• Behavior monitoring across all processes;
• Broad real-time detection in every app;
• Malicious links in emails or chats that aren’t yet flagged as known malware;
• Human error, like installing programs from untrusted third parties.

Mac security is strong, but it isn’t perfect. It won’t stop every social engineering trick or brand-new threat that hasn’t yet been identified, which is why 13% of malware detections targeted macOS in 2025.

When macOS’s built‑in security may be enough

macOS alone can offer reasonable security for you if:

• You only use your Mac for light browsing;
• You’re the only person using your device;
• You install apps only from the App Store or identified developers;
• You’re security-aware and keep Software Update turned on to regularly install macOS updates;
• You avoid shady download sites and ignore pop-ups urging you to clean your Mac when browsing.

The above apply to many Mac users who wouldn’t strictly need an antivirus for Mac. Paired with cautious habits, your operating system’s security features can deliver effective protection.

When an antivirus can add value on a Mac

Antivirus software on your Mac can provide peace of mind and practical protection for the following:

Frequent downloads

An antivirus might be helpful if you routinely download content, sideload apps, or exchange ZIP and installer files. Antivirus programs add a real-time check that can catch malicious or unwanted software before it runs.

Work or sensitive files

If you handle client data, intellectual property, or compliance-sensitive material, using a third-party antivirus is a good idea. An extra layer of protection reduces the risk that a single mistake will lead to a malware infection or data loss.

Public Wi-Fi usage

Antivirus software doesn’t encrypt traffic — that’s what a VPN (Virtual Private Network) does. However, it can still block malicious downloads and known threats you might encounter while browsing on a public network in a café, airport, or similar place. 

Shared devices

Using extra antivirus protection on a Mac or any device with multiple users is helpful. An antivirus offers an additional guardrail against malicious apps and PUPs. 

The same is true for less technical users. If you’re sharing your Mac with others who might not know about the device’s built-in security, having antivirus software running in the background — even when you’re not using it — can provide greater protection when something slips through Apple’s front line.

Accidental phishing clicks

Some antivirus programs come with anti-phishing technology and web protection to block known malicious links before you enter your credentials or download anything.

No software can stop you from clicking anything, but antivirus tools can flag suspicious links and minimize the damage that’s done after falling victim to a trap. 

Common myths about antivirus software on Mac

Since Macs and PCs are so different, it’s easy to encounter misinformation surrounding Apple devices and antivirus tools. Here are the top Mac antivirus myths and the truth concerning them.

Myth 1: Macs don’t get viruses

When it comes to viruses, it’s true that Macs are targeted less often than Windows devices. However, they’re not totally immune to malicious software.

Mac-specific malware designed to send you adware, steal your credentials, or fraudulently mine crypto exists. And any computer user can fall victim to social engineering, regardless of their operating system.

Myth 2: Apple blocks all malware threats automatically

Apple devices benefit from layered defenses that can block many known malware threats. That said, macOS’s built-in security can’t reliably protect every user, especially those who take part in riskier online behavior.

Apple’s XProtect antivirus software can only protect against malware that’s already defined in its database. As a result, you’re still vulnerable to things like zero-day threats, malicious browser extensions, and new phishing kits. Even legitimate software that’s abused post-install can harm your data or device.

Myth 3: An antivirus always slows Macs down

Old antivirus suites were relatively heavy and could cause your computer’s performance to suffer. Thankfully, many newer tools let your devices run smoothly without any noticeable changes in speed.

Modern Mac antivirus software focuses on light scanning with minimal impact. Nevertheless, it’s important to choose an optimized macOS-native app to minimize the risk of lag or sputtering.

Free vs. paid antivirus on macOS: what’s the difference?

In general, a free antivirus on your Mac computer:

• Often includes on-demand scans and basic virus protection for known malware;
• Can serve as a one-off malware removal tool to clean an infected device;
• May lack real-time scans, web protection, or ransomware monitoring;
• Might inject ads or alter system preferences.

In contrast, a paid antivirus:

• Usually adds real-time scans, malicious website blocking, phishing email checks, and faster definition updates;
• Often includes broader security measures like camera controls, scheduled scans, and improved customer support;
• Makes sense if you share your computer, handle sensitive data, or frequently install software from outside the App Store.

No matter which kind you choose, only install antivirus software from trusted developers.  

How an antivirus fits into a simple Mac security setup

Third-party antivirus software can work seamlessly alongside Mac’s built-in security. It makes sense when you think about them as layers.

macOS security serves as your baseline layer. Tools like Gatekeeper and FileVault can certainly enhance your security. It’s also important to keep macOS up to date and routinely install macOS updates to keep your Mac defenses in optimal shape.

An antivirus provides an added layer of device-level protection. It gives you a better chance of catching known malware, PUPs, and suspicious files before they touch critical system files.

Beyond your device, a VPN provides a layer of privacy at the connection level. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP (Internet Protocol) address to increase your online privacy.

If you’re looking for an antivirus provider that bundles a VPN together with malware defense, consider Surfshark. The Surfshark One suite combines a powerful antivirus, a VPN, and more cybersecurity tools to offer broad protection for macOS.

Example: a lightweight antivirus approach on Mac

Here is what using a lightweight antivirus app on Mac looks like using Surfshark Antivirus as an example:

• Simple setup: getting Antivirus up and running is easy. Download Surfshark and follow the on-screen instructions to schedule full and quick scans in a few clicks. Antivirus runs smoothly with Mac features like Gatekeeper, so there’s no need to make any complex system changes;
• Real-time protection: with Antivirus, you can defend your Apple computer with robust scanners that check apps and files in real time. Enjoy greater protection while you’re downloading files, installing programs, or just using your computer without having to manually set up a scan yourself;
• Low system impact: Antivirus’ scans don’t get in the way of anything you’re doing on your Mac. Manual and real-time scans run in the background, letting you work or play without any distractions or slowdowns;
• Part of a rich cybersecurity suite: Antivirus is bundled with a VPN, the Alert data leak notification tool, and the Alternative ID email generator in the Surfshark One suite to offer broader cybersecurity protection.

Key takeaway: Macs are safer, but not virus-free

Macs are safer by design than PCs, and their built-in security features can give meaningful protection to many users.

However, they’re not 100% invulnerable to malware, so some users — like heavy web users or power downloaders — can certainly benefit from an extra layer of defense.

If you want set-and-forget, low-impact protection, Surfshark Antivirus is a smart choice. Part of the Surfshark One plan, it’s bundled with strong security tools that offer greater safety for your device, data, and identity.

Protect your Mac with a lightweight antivirus

Enjoy Antivirus in the Surfshark One bundle

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