Best Antivirus and Security Software in 2026: Windows, Mac, Home, and Business

Whether you’re on Windows or Mac, protecting your devices from malware, ransomware, and phishing is essential. Mac users often assume they don’t need security software — that’s increasingly untrue. Mac-targeted malware has grown significantly in recent years, and a good security tool is worth having regardless of platform.

This guide covers the best options for Windows and Mac, from home users to business teams.

Do Mac Users Need Antivirus?

Short answer: yes. macOS has solid built-in protections (XProtect, Gatekeeper, Notarisation) but they’re not a complete solution. Mac-specific malware, adware, and spyware are common — and the assumption that Macs don’t get viruses is outdated. A lightweight third-party tool adds a meaningful extra layer.

Best Antivirus for Home Users

1. Bitdefender Total Security — Best All-Round (Windows & Mac)

Top-rated in independent lab tests on both platforms. The Mac version is well-optimised — notably lighter on system resources than many competitors, which matters on older Macs. Covers up to 5 devices with antivirus, firewall, web protection, and parental controls.

Windows: ✅ Full feature set Mac: ✅ Full feature set, Apple Silicon native See latest deal

→ Read our full Bitdefender review

2. Malwarebytes Premium — Best Lightweight Option (Windows & Mac)

Malwarebytes is excellent on Mac — the Mac version is fast, unobtrusive, and one of the best tools for catching Mac-specific adware and PUPs (potentially unwanted programmes) that slip past other scanners. Good for older Macs where performance impact matters.

Windows: ✅ Mac: ✅ Apple Silicon native, excellent Mac-specific detection Pricing: From ~£3/month (1 device)

3. Intego Mac Internet Security — Best Mac-Only Option

Intego is built exclusively for Mac and has been for over 20 years. If you want a tool purpose-built for macOS rather than a Windows product ported to Mac, Intego is the specialist choice. Strong malware detection, real-time scanning, and a Mac-native interface.

Windows: ❌ Mac only Mac: ✅ Built exclusively for Mac, Apple Silicon native See latest deal

→ Read our full Intego review

4. Norton 360 — Best for Families (Windows & Mac)

Norton 360 bundles antivirus, unlimited VPN, password manager, dark web monitoring, and parental controls. Good cross-platform support for mixed Windows/Mac households. Slightly heavier than Bitdefender but a strong all-in-one family option.

Windows: ✅ Mac: ✅ Pricing: From ~£14.99/year (first year — check renewal pricing)

→ Read our full Norton 360 review

5. Windows Defender / macOS XProtect — Best Free Options

• Windows Defender (built into Windows 10/11): Now scores well in independent tests. Adequate for low-risk home use at zero cost.
• macOS XProtect + Gatekeeper: Apple’s built-in malware scanner runs silently in the background. Not as comprehensive as third-party tools but better than nothing.

Pricing: Free (built in)

Best Endpoint Security for Small Businesses

1. Bitdefender GravityZone — Best All-Round Business Security (Windows & Mac)

The business version of Bitdefender’s award-winning engine. The Mac agent is well-maintained and performs well on Apple Silicon — important for creative businesses running M-series Macs. Centralised GravityZone console manages Windows and Mac devices side by side.

Windows: ✅ Full feature set Mac: ✅ Apple Silicon native, managed via same console Pricing: From ~£3.50/device/month

2. Malwarebytes for Teams — Best Lightweight Business Security (Windows & Mac)

Strong Mac support — particularly good at catching Mac-specific threats that Windows-focused tools sometimes miss. Excellent choice for creative agencies or design studios running predominantly Macs where performance impact is a concern.

Windows: ✅ Mac: ✅ Excellent Mac-specific detection, Apple Silicon native Pricing: From ~£4/device/month

3. Jamf Protect — Best for Mac-Only Business Environments

If your business runs entirely on Macs, Jamf Protect is purpose-built for macOS endpoint security and works seamlessly with Jamf Pro for device management. Built on Apple’s Endpoint Security framework. The strongest Mac-native business security option available.

Windows: ❌ Mac only Mac: ✅ Built exclusively for macOS, best-in-class Mac protection Pricing: ~£5/device/month

4. SentinelOne — Best for Advanced Threat Protection (Windows & Mac)

AI-based behavioural detection that catches threats other tools miss. Strong Mac support with Apple Silicon native agent. More expensive but the strongest cross-platform protection for businesses with higher security requirements.

Windows: ✅ Mac: ✅ Apple Silicon native Pricing: From ~£5/device/month

Quick Comparison

Our Top Picks

• Best home (Windows & Mac): Bitdefender Total Security
• Best Mac-only home: Intego Mac Internet Security
• Best lightweight: Malwarebytes — home or business
• Best business (mixed Windows/Mac): Bitdefender GravityZone
• Best Mac-only business: Jamf Protect
• Best advanced protection: SentinelOne

Try Bitdefender Total Security See latest deal

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Macs need antivirus software in 2026? Yes — Mac-targeted malware has grown significantly in recent years and macOS’s built-in protection is not sufficient on its own. Intego is purpose-built for Mac and is the top recommendation. Bitdefender and Malwarebytes also offer excellent Mac versions. The idea that Macs don’t get viruses is outdated.

What is the best antivirus for a small business in the UK? Bitdefender GravityZone is the best antivirus for UK small businesses — it provides centralised management across all devices, works on both Windows and Mac, and costs around £3.50 per device per month. For Mac-heavy businesses, Jamf Protect is the specialist option.

Is Bitdefender better than Malwarebytes? For most users, yes. Bitdefender offers broader protection including real-time threat detection, firewall, and web filtering. Malwarebytes is excellent as a lightweight second-opinion scanner but is better used alongside another product rather than as your sole protection. Bitdefender is the stronger all-in-one solution.

Is free antivirus good enough for a small business? No — free antivirus tools lack business features like centralised management, advanced threat detection, and technical support. For a business handling client data, a paid solution like Bitdefender GravityZone or Malwarebytes for Teams is strongly recommended.

What is the best antivirus for Mac in 2026? Intego Mac Internet Security is the best antivirus purpose-built for Mac. It includes real-time malware scanning, a firewall, and web protection — all optimised for macOS. Bitdefender Total Security is also excellent on Mac and works across Windows, iOS, and Android too.

Last updated: May 2026. Pricing and features subject to change — always check vendor sites for current information.