MacKeeper Review 2025

Introduction

If you’re a Mac user searching for an all-in-one solution to keep your device secure, fast, and clutter-free, chances are you’ve come across MacKeeper. You might have heard mixed opinions in the past – and you wouldn’t be alone. For years, MacKeeper struggled with trust issues due to aggressive marketing and performance concerns. But that’s changed.

Fast forward to 2025, and MacKeeper is now owned by Clario Tech, a cybersecurity company aiming to rebuild trust with a product that does more than just scan for malware.

So, what’s the real story behind MacKeeper in 2025?

In this review, you’ll get a clear, expert-driven look at:

• 🔐 How strong MacKeeper’s security tools really are
• ⚡ Its speed and system performance
• 💵 Whether the pricing is fair for what you get
• 👨‍💻 How easy it is to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy

We’ll also show you who this antivirus is best suited for – whether you’re a solo Mac user, managing a household of devices, or just looking to clean up and lock down your system in one go.

Let’s get into it.

MacKeeper has come a long way since its rocky beginnings. Originally developed by ZeoBIT and later acquired by Kromtech, it faced major criticism for aggressive ads and underwhelming performance. Today, it’s owned and maintained by Clario Tech Limited, a cybersecurity company headquartered in London.

Clario has spent the past few years transforming MacKeeper into a certified and reputable antivirus and optimization tool for Mac users. It’s now certified by AppEsteem and independently tested by AV-TEST, proving that it’s no longer the system-hogging software it once was.

One Product, Many Features

Unlike some antivirus brands that offer multiple subscription tiers (like Basic, Pro, or Ultimate), MacKeeper keeps things simple.

You get one complete suite with all features included, no locked-down modules or upselling add-ons inside the app.

Key highlights include:

• Malware scanning and real-time protection
• Built-in VPN
• Adware cleaner and duplicate finder
• Identity theft protection
• Smart uninstaller and memory cleaner

💡 This unified approach is a big plus if you’re tired of managing separate apps for security, cleaning, and privacy.

Device and OS Compatibility

MacKeeper is exclusively built for macOS. If you’re using a Windows or Android device, this won’t be the right tool for you.

Here’s what you need to run it:

• macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) or newer
• Compatible with Intel and Apple Silicon (M1, M2, etc.) chips
• Needs at least 120MB of free disk space for installation

MacKeeper is more than just an antivirus. It’s designed to be a full Mac optimization suite that combines malware protection, privacy tools, and performance boosters into one clean interface. Here’s what you get under the hood.

🔐 Malware and Threat Protection

At its core, MacKeeper includes real-time protection designed to block malware before it does any damage. This includes:

• Real-Time Antivirus: Constant monitoring for malware, trojans, adware, and ransomware.
• On-Demand Scans: You can run full or custom scans manually at any time.
• Find & Fix Tool: Automatically scans your system for security and performance issues in one click.
• Adware Cleaner: Targets and removes intrusive ads and browser hijackers.

💡 Real-time protection is essential if you often download files, browse unfamiliar websites, or share your Mac with others.

In recent third-party lab tests (which we’ll cover shortly), MacKeeper showed excellent detection rates and zero false positives, a strong sign that its antivirus engine is both powerful and precise.

🧰 Additional Tools and Features

MacKeeper bundles in a suite of extras that most standalone antivirus tools don’t offer – especially those focused solely on malware. These added tools bring real value if you’re looking to simplify your setup.

Here’s what stands out:

• VPN Private Connect: Encrypts your internet traffic using AES-256 for anonymous browsing (no data caps).
• ID Theft Guard: Monitors your email and online accounts for data breaches, with real-time alerts.
• Smart Uninstaller: Helps you remove apps and their leftover files (which macOS often misses).
• Duplicate Finder: Scans for redundant files that take up space and slow down your system.
• Memory Cleaner: Frees up RAM to boost app performance.
• Update Tracker: Identifies outdated apps to help you patch vulnerabilities quickly.

While it lacks a firewall and parental controls, the feature set is surprisingly deep for a Mac-only app – especially with privacy and optimization built-in.

MacKeeper has evolved into a reliable Mac utility, blending antivirus protection with optimization and privacy tools. But like any software, it has both highlights and limitations.

Here’s a closer look at where it shines – and where it still falls short.

✅ Pros

1. Full-featured all-in-one suite
MacKeeper goes beyond antivirus by offering VPN, ID theft protection, adware cleanup, and Mac optimization tools in one package.

2. User-friendly interface
The layout is thoughtfully designed, making it easy to access features like malware scans, memory cleanup, and the VPN with minimal clicks.

3. Strong malware protection
It performs well in independent lab tests, offering real-time protection against viruses, ransomware, and adware with very few false positives.

4. Includes VPN and ID monitor
With no extra setup, you can browse privately using its unlimited VPN and monitor your email for breaches using the ID Theft Guard tool.

⚠️ Cons

1. Above-average pricing
While it offers many features, the price is higher than some rivals, especially if you’re only interested in antivirus protection.

2. No built-in firewall
Unlike other premium antivirus tools, MacKeeper doesn’t include a firewall to control incoming or outgoing network traffic.

3. Mac-only support
It’s designed exclusively for macOS, so you can’t install it on Windows, Android, or iOS devices, limiting cross-platform coverage.

4. Reputation still rebuilding
Despite genuine improvements, MacKeeper still faces lingering skepticism due to its aggressive advertising and past controversies.

💡 Should you be concerned? Not really.
MacKeeper has done a lot to clean up its image and its software. If you’re a Mac user looking for an all-in-one utility, it offers excellent value – just be aware of what you’re getting and what you’re not.

One of the biggest concerns Mac users have with antivirus software is performance impact. You want your system protected, but not at the cost of slowdowns or spinning beachballs every time you open an app.

Thankfully, MacKeeper does a solid job balancing protection with performance. Let’s break it down.

🚀 System Impact

MacKeeper is surprisingly lightweight, especially compared to legacy antivirus tools. During real-time protection and background operations, it uses very little CPU or memory.

When running a full system scan, we noticed only a minor spike in CPU usage, and there was no lag when multitasking or using resource-heavy apps like Chrome or Photoshop. That’s a big win if you rely on your Mac for creative work or productivity.

💡 For most users, you can run a scan in the background and keep working without interruptions.

⏱️ Scan Speed and Updates

The scan speeds are impressive for a tool that scans more than just malware. MacKeeper’s “Find & Fix” tool, which checks for malware, adware, junk files, and outdated apps, takes only a few minutes for a standard system.

• Quick Scan: 2–5 minutes
• Full Scan: Typically under 20 minutes on average systems

Updates to the virus database are automatic and fast – happening quietly in the background, so you’re always protected without lifting a finger.

🖱️ Setup and Navigation

Installing MacKeeper takes less than five minutes. After downloading the installer from the official website, it guides you through setup step-by-step – no bloatware or unnecessary options.

Once inside the app, the interface is clean, modern, and well-organized. Features are grouped by category (Security, Cleaning, Performance, Privacy), and everything is just one or two clicks away.

🎯 Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll feel right at home navigating the app.

📱 Mobile Experience

MacKeeper is designed strictly for macOS, so there’s no iPhone or iPad version. While this keeps the software tightly focused and optimized, it also means you won’t get multi-device protection like you would with some cross-platform antivirus tools.

User experience summary:

Overall, MacKeeper delivers a smooth, responsive experience. You won’t have to sacrifice speed or usability to stay protected. and for most users, it just works quietly in the background without ever getting in the way.

You don’t have to just take a company’s word for how secure their antivirus is – that’s where independent lab tests come in. These organizations run antivirus software through stress tests to see how well it really performs.

MacKeeper has been evaluated by some of the most trusted names in the industry, including AV-TEST and AppEsteem, and the results are actually impressive.

🛡️ AV-TEST Performance

AV-TEST is a leading German-based testing lab that evaluates security software on three main pillars: Protection, Performance, and Usability.

In their most recent evaluations, MacKeeper scored:

• Protection: 6/6
• Performance: 5.5/6
• Usability: 6/6

These scores show that MacKeeper blocks malware effectively, has minimal impact on system performance, and avoids false positives – all essential for a smooth experience.

🔍 Protection tests included zero-day attacks, widespread malware, and file execution threats.

🔬 Detection Rates

According to recent AV-TEST results, MacKeeper demonstrated close to 100% detection rates in real-world testing scenarios. That’s on par with leading Mac antivirus software like Bitdefender and Norton.

It also had no false positives, meaning it doesn’t flag safe apps or files as threats – a common issue with lower-quality antivirus tools.

🏅 Certification and Reputation

MacKeeper is now:

• Certified by AV-TEST as a trusted antivirus product
• Approved by AppEsteem, an organization that ensures software is transparent, safe, and free from deceptive practices
• Listed in official Apple notarized software, showing it meets Apple’s security standards

💡 This is a huge shift from its early reputation and shows MacKeeper is now a trustworthy option for Mac security.

MacKeeper takes a simple, transparent approach to pricing. Instead of offering multiple confusing tiers, it gives you one fully-featured plan – with different prices depending on how many Macs you want to protect.

This makes it easier to choose without having to compare Basic, Pro, or Ultimate versions like other antivirus tools.

💳 Pricing Breakdown

You can choose between monthly or annual billing, with discounts available for longer-term plans.

🧾 What’s Included

Every plan includes full access to:

• Antivirus with real-time protection
• Built-in VPN (unlimited data)
• ID Theft Guard with breach alerts
• Adware and junk file cleaner
• Smart Uninstaller and Duplicate Finder
• Memory Cleaner and Update Tracker

There are no locked features or upsells once you subscribe – what you see is what you get.

💰 Free Trial & Refund Policy

• Free scan: You can download MacKeeper and run a free system scan (malware and performance check).
• Refund: Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for all paid plans, no questions asked.

MacKeeper isn’t the cheapest Mac antivirus, but it offers excellent value if you plan to use its full range of features. If you only need basic protection, it might feel a bit pricey – but for users who want all-in-one performance and security, it’s competitively priced.

It’s one thing for a company to claim their software is fast, secure, and easy to use – but what are real users saying about MacKeeper?

To give you a fair picture, we analyzed customer reviews from multiple platforms, including Trustpilot, Reddit, and software review sites.

🌟 What Users Like

Many Mac users praise MacKeeper for its clean interface and all-in-one design. People love being able to scan for viruses, clean up space, and connect to a VPN – all without switching between apps.

Here are the most common compliments:

• “Everything I need in one place”
  Users appreciate having antivirus, privacy tools, and Mac optimization in a single dashboard.
• “Simple and stress-free”
  Many mention how easy it is to set up and navigate, even for non-tech-savvy users.
• “Effective at finding junk and threats”
  Several reviewers say MacKeeper detected malware and cleaned gigabytes of clutter quickly.
• “Fast and doesn’t slow down my Mac”
  Performance impact is minimal, even during full scans – a major plus for older MacBooks.

😬 What Users Don’t Like

Despite major improvements, MacKeeper still faces criticism, especially from users familiar with its past.

Here are the most common complaints:

• “Still expensive for what it offers”
  Some feel the pricing is too high, especially if they only need basic antivirus protection.
• “Limited to Mac only”
  No support for Windows or mobile devices means it’s not ideal for users with mixed systems.
• “Skepticism due to past reputation”
  Even with certifications and better reviews, older users remember aggressive marketing and bloatware.

⭐ Ratings Snapshot

• Trustpilot: 4.4 / 5 (based on thousands of reviews)
• CyberNews: 3.5 / 5
• SafetyDetectives: 4.5 / 5
• Reddit consensus: Generally positive in recent years, with warnings to download only from the official site.

User reviews confirm that MacKeeper has turned a major corner. While pricing and its Mac-only scope still limit its appeal for some, the software is now widely seen as legitimate, functional, and much improved from its early days.

Final thoughts:

Most users agree that Sophos offers reliable, scalable protection that’s especially useful for IT-managed environments. It’s a strong favorite among businesses that prioritise proactive defence and central management.

So how does MacKeeper stack up against other well-known antivirus brands? While it shines in some areas, it also lags behind competitors in others – especially when it comes to network security and cross-platform support.

We’ve compared MacKeeper with two top Mac antivirus tools: Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac and Intego Mac Internet Security X9. These are widely recommended for their protection capabilities and feature sets.

🆚 Head-to-Head Comparison

🔍 Final Comparison Thoughts

• MacKeeper stands out for its all-in-one design – antivirus, VPN, cleaning tools, and ID monitoring in one package.
• Bitdefender wins in raw protection and value but lacks system utilities and charges extra for full VPN access. /read our FULL Bitdefender review/
• Intego is a solid, affordable Mac-only option with excellent protection and a built-in firewall, but no VPN or ID protection. /read our FULL Intego review/

💡 If you want a lightweight utility that does more than just block viruses – and you’re only using Macs – MacKeeper makes a strong case.

👇🏼 Still not sure? Read our in-depth Antivirus Software comparison.

So, is MacKeeper worth it in 2025?

If you’re a Mac user who wants more than just antivirus, MacKeeper is one of the most well-rounded tools available. It doesn’t just protect against malware – it also cleans junk, speeds up your Mac, monitors for data breaches, and includes a VPN for secure browsing.

✅ Great for:

• Users who want an all-in-one Mac utility
• Non-tech-savvy individuals who prefer simple, automated protection
• Anyone who values built-in tools like VPN, ID Theft Guard, and system cleanup

❌ Not ideal for:

• Users who need firewall control or parental controls
• Households with mixed platforms (Windows, Android)
• Those looking for the absolute lowest-cost antivirus

⭐ Overall Rating: 4 / 5

MacKeeper has come a long way. Its strong malware protection, ease of use, and unique extras make it a serious contender – especially if you’re all-in on macOS.

It’s not the cheapest, and it lacks a few advanced tools that security-focused users might expect. But for everyday Mac users who want a cleaner, faster, and safer machine, MacKeeper is finally living up to its promise.

1. Is MacKeeper safe to use in 2025?

Yes. MacKeeper is certified by AV-TEST and AppEsteem, making it a safe, legitimate antivirus for macOS. Its older reputation no longer reflects its current product.

2. Does MacKeeper include a VPN?

Yes, it includes a built-in VPN with unlimited data. It’s great for securing your internet connection on public Wi-Fi or masking your IP while browsing.

3. Will MacKeeper slow down my Mac?

No. MacKeeper has a minimal impact on system performance. Scans are lightweight, and background processes run efficiently even on older Macs.

4. Can I use MacKeeper on multiple devices?

Yes, but only on Macs. You can choose a plan for 1 or 3 devices. It doesn’t support Windows, Android, or iOS.

5. Is there a free version of MacKeeper?

You can download it and run a free scan, but cleaning and protection features require a paid plan. There’s no permanently free tier.

6. What’s included in the paid plan?

Everything. You get antivirus, VPN, identity theft protection, junk file cleanup, memory optimization, duplicate finder, and more – all unlocked.

7. Does MacKeeper protect against ransomware and phishing?

Yes. It offers real-time protection against a wide range of threats, including ransomware, phishing attempts, spyware, and adware.

8. How do I cancel MacKeeper or get a refund?

You can cancel through your MacKeeper account or contact support. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

9. Can I trust MacKeeper after its shady past?

The company has changed ownership and undergone full re-certification. It’s now recognized by major testing labs and complies with clean software standards.

10. Is MacKeeper better than free antivirus options?

Yes, if you need more than basic malware protection. Its built-in VPN, breach alerts, and cleaning tools offer more value than free tools like Avast or AVG.

MacKeeper Review 2025

• 1Overview
• 2Software Specification
• 3Pros and Cons
• 4Software Capabilities
• 5Lab Results
• 6Pricing and Packages
• 7Feedbacks
• 8MacKeeper VS Alternatives
• 9Conclusion
• 10Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)