Head-to-head · Antivirus for Mac
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac vs ESET HOME Security
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac leads on 0 checks, ESET HOME Security on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreBitdefender Antivirus for Mac · 9.2/10
- Free trialboth
- Most featuresBitdefender Antivirus for Mac · 4 of 5
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac scores higher on our rubric for antivirus for mac: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is the better fit for mac-focused protection at a low annual price. ESET HOME Security is the better fit for families wanting broad security controls.
- Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac fits best
Mac-focused protection at a low annual price
- ESET HOME Security fits best
Families wanting broad security controls
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Side by side
| Feature | Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | ESET HOME Security 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Antivirus for Mac | #6 in Antivirus for Mac |
| Best for | Mac-focused protection at a low annual price | Families wanting broad security controls |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $24.99/device/yr | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free trial length | 30 days · no card needed | 30 days · no card needed |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Browser extension | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, Chrome extension | Web, Windows, macOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac 4/5 · ESET HOME Security 1/5 | ||
| Ransomware protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phishing protection | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Real-time protection | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| VPN included | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Password manager | Not checked yet | — |
| Specs | ||
| Coverage scope | Mac-only | Not checked yet |
| Devices included | 1 devices | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is a paid macOS security application for individual Mac users who want protection for one or three devices. It detects and removes malware such as ransomware, adware, viruses, spyware, Trojans, keyloggers, and… Read the review → |
ESET HOME Security is a paid cybersecurity suite for individuals and families using Windows, macOS and Android. Its core coverage includes real-time antivirus and antispyware protection, anti-phishing and safe browsing, ransomware… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac — where it wins
- Real-time protection covers viruses and ransomware
- Safe Files and Time Machine Protection help protect backups and files
- 30-day trial available before purchase
Where it doesn't
- Coverage is limited to macOS and a Chrome extension
- Basic VPN is limited to 200 MB/day/device
- Renewal pricing may be higher than first-term pricing
ESET HOME Security — where it wins
- Combines antivirus, ransomware, anti-phishing and network protection
- Higher tiers add VPN, encryption, identity protection and remediation
- Centralizes devices, subscriptions and security status through ESET HOME
Where it doesn't
- Paid subscription with no free plan
- Important capabilities are divided across three tiers
- Broader controls may be more than a single Mac needs
- Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac9.2/10 · 30-day trial
Focused Mac protection with ransomware coverage, web defenses, and a 30-day trial.
Visit BitdefenderFull verdict → - ESET HOME Security8.8/10 · 30-day trial
A broad home-security suite for families that need protection beyond antivirus.
Visit ESETFull verdict →
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All antivirus for mac comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update