As a cyber security expert with over a decade of experience securing data and systems, I‘ve seen the threat landscape evolve significantly over the years. And one trend that‘s become clear is that Macs are not immune to cyber attacks. While Macs are generally more secure than PCs due to a combination of hardware and software factors, they still face increasing risks from malware and other threats.
In fact, the amount of Mac-specific malware has grown steadily in recent years. According to data from Malwarebytes, malware threats on Macs increased by over 400% from 2018 to 2019 alone. And with Macs now accounting for over 16% of the global computer market based on Statista figures, they are an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals.
So if you own a Mac in 2024, having robust antivirus protection is more critical than ever. But with dozens of Mac security products on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one provides the best combination of protection, performance, and value.
In this in-depth comparison, I‘ll be taking a close look at two of the top choices for Mac antivirus software: CleanMyMac X and MacKeeper. I‘ll evaluate their key features, malware detection capabilities, system optimization tools, ease of use, and more to help you decide which is the better option to keep your Mac secure this year.
CleanMyMac X Review
CleanMyMac X is a popular all-in-one Mac utility that aims to both protect your device from threats and optimize its performance. Developed by Ukrainian company MacPaw, it‘s been on the market for over a decade and has earned generally positive reviews from users and critics.
The software is built around three core areas of functionality: Cleanup, Protection, and Speed. Let‘s take a closer look at each one.
Cleanup
One of CleanMyMac X‘s standout features is its powerful suite of tools for reclaiming storage space on your Mac. It can scan your entire drive and identify unnecessary junk files, large and old files, unused apps, and other space hogs that can be safely removed.
In my testing, I found the software did an excellent job of freeing up gigabytes of space by clearing out redundant files, caches, logs, Xcode junk, and more. It also provides useful visualizations of your drive space usage before and after cleanup.
Protection
On the security front, CleanMyMac X provides an essential layer of protection against malware. It utilizes a regularly updated database of virus definitions to scan your Mac for threats and remove any detected infections. Based on my own experience and [AV-Comparatives testing results], the software performs well in real-world malware detection.
However, CleanMyMac X is a bit limited on advanced security features compared to some other products. It lacks web protection capabilities to block malicious sites, anti-phishing measures, firewall, and other proactive defenses. For comprehensive security you may want to pair it with a more full-featured antivirus.
Speed
To keep your Mac running smoothly, CleanMyMac X includes a handful of tools for optimizing speed and performance. Some of the highlights are an application uninstaller to fully remove unwanted apps and their remnants, maintenance scripts to run optimizations with one click, and RAM management.
While I didn‘t notice massive improvements in performance, these tools are effective for troubleshooting slowdowns and regaining some speed. However, power users who really want to fine tune their Mac may prefer standalone optimization utilities.
A central feature that ties together all of CleanMyMac X‘s functionality is the Smart Scan. With one click, it will scan your Mac for junk files, malware threats, and optimization opportunities. It‘s a convenient way to cover all the bases and only takes a couple minutes to run.
Pricing
CleanMyMac X follows a subscription model with several pricing tiers:
- 1 Mac: $35 per year
- 2 Macs: $50 per year
- 5 Macs: $80 per year
Each license includes unlimited scans, virus definition updates, and application updates. The pricing is very reasonable for what you get, especially compared to some pricier competitors.
There‘s also a limited free trial available so you can test out the software before buying. However, some key features are not included.
MacKeeper Review
Next up is MacKeeper, a comprehensive security and optimization suite designed exclusively for Macs. Originally released in 2010, it‘s gone through some significant improvements and iterations over the years.
The latest version offers an impressive array of features and cutting-edge technologies to safeguard your Mac against the modern threat landscape. I‘ll walk through the key components and capabilities.
Antivirus Protection
At its core, MacKeeper provides robust antivirus functionality powered by its own engine. It leverages a continuously updated virus database to detect both Mac and Windows-based malware that may be lurking on your device.
In the [latest AV-Test evaluations], MacKeeper earned a perfect 100% score for malware detection on macOS. That puts it among the top tier of Mac antivirus products tested.
The software includes multiple scan modes including a full scan of every file, a quick scan of likely spots for infections, and a custom scan you can tailor. Suspicious files are quarantined for review before deciding to delete them permanently.
Real-time protection is also available to watch for and block new malware infections as they happen. On top of that, MacKeeper features adware and spyware removal, application install safety checker, and USB drive scans for external media.
ID Theft Protection
A standout feature of MacKeeper is its ID Guard functionality. This constantly monitors leaked databases on the dark web and notifies you if your personal information like email address, credit card number, or social media login has been compromised.
With data breaches occurring at an alarming frequency, having an early warning system like this is extremely valuable to mitigate the risks of identity theft and financial fraud.
Tracker and Ad Blocking
For those concerned with privacy, MacKeeper includes a useful tracker and ad blocker within its private and secure browser for Mac. It prevents advertisers and other third-parties from monitoring your browsing activity and collecting your data without consent.
As someone who is wary of pervasive online tracking and profiling, I appreciate this feature a lot. It provides more peace of mind that my web activity isn‘t being exploited while also eliminating annoying ads.
System Optimization Tools
In addition to its strong security capabilities, MacKeeper offers a well-rounded set of utilities for maintaining and optimizing your Mac:
- Safe cleanup: Removes unnecessary junk files and caches to free up disk space
- Duplicates finder: Scans for duplicate files, folders, photos, etc. that can be removed
- Application uninstaller: Thoroughly removes apps and associated files
- Memory cleaner: Clears RAM to boost performance
- Update tracker: Checks for and installs updates for your applications
- Disk usage analysis: Visualizes what‘s taking up the most space on your drive
While not as comprehensive as CleanMyMac X, I found these tools to work well and provide a noticeable boost in storage space and speed after running them. They add a lot of value beyond just antivirus.
Customer Support
MacKeeper offers 24/7 customer support by phone, email, and live chat. In my experience, the support reps are knowledgeable and quick to assist with any issues.
It‘s worth noting that MacKeeper‘s support does rely on a remote access tool to perform certain troubleshooting and repairs on your device. While I understand the hesitation some may have with granting that permission, MacKeeper has been verified by Apple as authentic and trustworthy software.
As a security professional, I carefully vet any software before installation and feel confident in MacKeeper‘s legitimacy and safety. The support process is secure and the remote connection is terminated as soon as the session ends.
Pricing
MacKeeper is available through several different subscription options:
- 1 month: $10.95
- 6 months: $38.95
- 12 months: $63.20
- 24 months: $88.80
All plans cover a single Mac and include full access to every feature. Opting for a longer term provides considerable savings compared to the monthly rate.
If you‘re hesitant about committing to a paid plan, MacKeeper does offer a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. It‘s a great way to thoroughly test out the software to see if it meets your needs.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Now that we‘ve taken an in-depth look at both CleanMyMac X and MacKeeper individually, let‘s see how they stack up against each other in a few key areas:
| Feature | CleanMyMac X | MacKeeper |
|---|---|---|
| Malware detection | Good | Excellent |
| Web protection | No | Yes |
| Optimization tools | Extensive | Good |
| Customer support | Decent | Excellent |
| Value | Great | Good |
Both products offer strong malware detection capabilities, but MacKeeper has a slight edge with perfect scores from AV-Test and the addition of real-time protection. It also provides anti-phishing and tracker blocking features for safer web browsing that CleanMyMac X lacks.
However, CleanMyMac X is more comprehensive when it comes to system cleanup and optimization tools. It has a wider array of utilities to remove junk files, manage disk space, and boost performance.
MacKeeper‘s ID Guard feature for dark web data leak monitoring is a major value add you won‘t find in most competitors. The 24/7 support with remote assistance is also a big plus if you ever need extra technical help, though that does require allowing remote access to your Mac temporarily.
Pricewise, both products are in the same ballpark, with CleanMyMac X a bit cheaper at the base subscription. Overall though, I think MacKeeper delivers somewhat more bang for your buck with its additional security tools beyond just antivirus and the excellent support.
Bottom Line
Circling back to the original question – which is the better antivirus software for protecting your Mac in 2024?
Honestly, I think both CleanMyMac X and MacKeeper are solid products that will keep your Mac well-protected against malware and running smoothly. CleanMyMac X is the top choice if your priorities are reclaiming disk space and optimizing performance. The software has an impressive and easy-to-use set of utilities for those tasks.
However, for the best overall security and value, MacKeeper is my pick. Its exceptional malware detection, real-time protection, web safety tools, dark web monitoring, and 24/7 support provide the most comprehensive safeguards against threats. And the bundled optimization features are a welcome bonus.
Of course, there are other great Mac antivirus products worth considering like Bitdefender, Intego, and Norton. But for an all-in-one security and performance solution, you‘d be hard-pressed to find a better package than MacKeeper.
No matter which specific software you choose, the most important thing is using a reputable antivirus app and keeping it up to date. Being proactive about security is essential in today‘s perilous cyber landscape filled with data thieves, scammers, and other threats. Stay safe out there!
