While macOS has robust built-in security, the reality in 2025 is that paid antivirus solutions offer far more — from real-time ransomware defense to VPNs, identity theft protection, parental controls, and multi-device coverage.

If you store sensitive work files, shop online frequently, or want peace of mind while using public Wi-Fi, a paid antivirus for your Mac can be a worthwhile investment.

In this guide, we’ll review the best paid antivirus tools for macOS, including:

• Pros and cons

• Direct purchase links (affiliate-ready)

• Why they’re worth upgrading from free versions

• When to choose paid vs. free protection

👉 Looking for something free instead? Check Best Free Antivirus Software for macOS (2025)
👉 Windows user? See Best Free Antivirus Software for Windows (2025) and Best Paid Antivirus Software for Windows (2025)

1. Table of Contents

1. Top Paid Antivirus Tools for macOS in 2025

2. Quick Comparison Table

3. Detailed Reviews (Pros, Cons, Purchase Links, Upgrade Reasons)

4. Free vs Paid – Which One Should You Choose?

5. Final Thoughts

2. Top Paid Antivirus Tools for macOS in 2025

Our selections are based on independent lab results (AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives), macOS-specific performance, and real-world user feedback:

1. Bitdefender Total Security

2. Norton 360 Deluxe

3. Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9

4. Kaspersky Premium

5. McAfee Total Protection

6. Avast One (Premium)

7. Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

8. ESET Cyber Security Pro

3. Quick Comparison Table

4. Detailed Reviews

4.1 Bitdefender Total Security

✅ Pros:

• Excellent macOS malware detection

• Ransomware remediation & rollback

• Cross-platform coverage (Mac, Windows, mobile)

• Built-in VPN (200MB/day)

• Parental controls and anti-theft

❌ Cons:

• VPN daily limit unless upgraded

• Some settings only available via web console

💸 Purchase Link: Buy Bitdefender Total Security

📌 Why Upgrade:

• Full privacy protection with VPN

• Password manager and webcam defense

• Multi-device, cross-platform security

🔀 Go Paid If: You want top-tier security with minimal system impact and rich features.

4.2 Norton 360 Deluxe

✅ Pros:

• Real-time malware & ransomware protection

• Unlimited VPN included

• Identity theft monitoring & dark web alerts

• 50GB cloud backup

• Parental controls

❌ Cons:

• Slightly heavier system impact

• Renewal price higher than intro offer

💸 Purchase Link: Buy Norton 360 Deluxe

📌 Why Upgrade:

• All-in-one suite with VPN, cloud storage, and identity protection

• Great for families and remote work security

🔀 Go Paid If: You want complete identity, privacy, and device protection in one package.

4.3 Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9

✅ Pros:

• Built specifically for macOS

• Smart firewall & network protection

• Mac backup tool (Personal Backup)

• Parental controls and cleaner utilities

❌ Cons:

• No VPN

• Limited to macOS (no cross-platform)

💸 Purchase Link: Buy Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9

📌 Why Upgrade:

• Optimized for Mac performance and security

• Includes backup, cleanup, and parental controls

🔀 Go Paid If: You want a macOS-only, fully integrated security suite.

4.4 Kaspersky Premium

✅ Pros:

• Top malware detection in lab tests

• VPN & password manager included

• Excellent multi-platform support

• Device optimization tools

❌ Cons:

• Country-specific trust concerns

• Occasional upgrade prompts

💸 Purchase Link: Buy Kaspersky Premium

📌 Why Upgrade:

• Strong anti-phishing, ransomware protection

• Secure storage and data encryption

🔀 Go Paid If: You want lightweight yet powerful Mac security with extra privacy tools.

4.5 McAfee Total Protection

✅ Pros:

• Unlimited devices covered

• Identity theft monitoring & encrypted storage

• VPN included

• Strong firewall & anti-spam tools

❌ Cons:

• Slightly outdated interface

• VPN can disconnect on mobile

💸 Purchase Link: Buy McAfee Total Protection

📌 Why Upgrade:

• Best value for households with multiple devices

• Great identity protection suite

🔀 Go Paid If: You want one subscription to protect every device in your home.

4.6 Avast One (Premium)

✅ Pros:

• Integrated VPN, cleanup tools, and web protection

• Cross-device coverage

• Driver updater and app updates built in

❌ Cons:

• Past privacy concerns over data collection

• Occasional upgrade reminders

💸 Purchase Link: Buy Avast One Premium

📌 Why Upgrade:

• Combines antivirus, VPN, and performance tools in one dashboard

🔀 Go Paid If: You want security plus system optimization in a single product.

4.7 Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

✅ Pros:

• Excellent phishing & ransomware detection

• Pay Guard secure browser for banking

• Simple interface and fast scans

❌ Cons:

• VPN only included in higher-tier bundles

• More alerts than some competitors

💸 Purchase Link: Buy Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

📌 Why Upgrade:

• Focused on online payment and identity safety

🔀 Go Paid If: You often shop or bank online and want extra protection.

4.8 Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

✅ Pros:

• Excellent phishing & ransomware detection

• Pay Guard secure browser for banking

• Simple interface and fast scans

❌ Cons:

• VPN only included in higher-tier bundles

• More alerts than some competitors

💸 Purchase Link: Buy Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac

📌 Why Upgrade:

• Focused on online payment and identity safety

🔀 Go Paid If: You often shop or bank online and want extra protection.

4.9 ESET Cyber Security Pro

✅ Pros:

• Low resource usage

• Advanced firewall and network controls

• Parental controls built-in

• Excellent detection scores

❌ Cons:

• No VPN included

• More complex interface for casual users

💸 Purchase Link: Buy ESET Cyber Security Pro

📌 Why Upgrade:

• Perfect for advanced users wanting granular control over Mac security

🔀 Go Paid If: You like tweaking settings and want strong network defense.

5. Free vs Paid – Which One Should You Choose?

🆓 Stick with Free Antivirus If:

• You only have one Mac

• You avoid risky downloads and public Wi-Fi

• You don’t need extras like VPN or parental controls

• You already have other privacy tools

💸 Upgrade to Paid Antivirus If:

• You work with sensitive or financial data

• You want VPN, identity monitoring, or ransomware defense

• You use public Wi-Fi regularly

• You have multiple Apple devices or cross-platform needs

6. Final Thoughts

In 2025, paid antivirus for macOS means more than just malware scanning — it’s about privacy, identity protection, and convenience.

• For best all-round protection, choose Bitdefender Total Security.

• For families & identity safety, go with Norton 360 Deluxe.

• For Mac-only performance, Intego Premium Bundle X9 is unmatched.

• For unlimited devices, McAfee Total Protection is unbeatable.

If you’re not ready to pay yet, check Best Free Antivirus Software for macOS (2025) — but remember, for serious security and privacy, premium suites are worth every penny.