On this page17 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- MacKeeper vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- About MacKeeper
- Who it is for
- Features
- MacKeeper legitimacy and licensing
- MacKeeper pricing explained
- What MacKeeper does and what you get
- Independent test results
- Complaints and how to avoid problems
- Cancellation and refunds
- Who should skip MacKeeper
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
MacKeeper is real, notarized software that works, and it is not the scareware it was a decade ago. AV-TEST has certified it in every macOS round from December 2020 through March 2025, with 6 of 6 for protection each time, and its Trustpilot profile holds a 4.2 score on 2,371 reviews with the company answering every negative one. The questions are whether you need it and what it costs: $71.40 a year for one Mac (or $10.95 billed monthly) buys antivirus, a cleaner, a VPN, an ad blocker and breach monitoring, most of which macOS or free tools cover for typical users. The company that built MacKeeper's bad name, ZeoBIT, settled a $2 million class action in 2015, and Clario Tech has owned the product since 2019. If you want one paid dashboard with 24/7 chat support, it is a reasonable buy inside the 30-day refund window; if you mainly want malware protection, free or cheaper Mac tools do the job.
Your options
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MacKeeper This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review Non-technical Mac owners who want one paid dashboard for security, cleanup and a VPN with chat support a click away.
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TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves.
How we rated MacKeeper
Each company is evaluated across five criteria. Scores are weighted and combined into a single BestGuide Score out of 5. See how we rate the brands.
- Developer
- Clario Tech FZCO, Unit No. 3005-D6, Swiss Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, UAE; Clario has owned MacKeeper since 20192
- Price
- $10.95 a month for one Mac; $71.40 a year for one Mac; $89.40 a year for three Macs, as listed October 13, 2026 (list price shown as $131.40)3
- Refund window
- 30 days on annual plans, 14 days on monthly plans; a license used more than six months is non-refundable4
- Lab results
- AV-TEST macOS: 6 protection, 6 performance, 6 usability for MacKeeper 6.8 in March 2025; certified in every round since December 2020; MacKeeper 3.14 scored 0 for protection in June 20176
- Certifications
- Apple notarized since MacKeeper 5 (2020), AppEsteem since 2019, ISO 27001 since 2020, per the company2
- Requirements
- macOS 10.15 or later and 100 MB of disk space; current version 7.8, September 20261
- Support
- 24/7 in-app chat; US phone 1-800-787-8041; cancellation also by email to [email protected]5
- Legal history
- ZeoBIT, the original developer, agreed to a $2 million class settlement in 2015 (Yencha v. ZeoBIT, W.D. Pa.) over claims its scans overstated problems; no admission of fault8
Pros
- Certified by AV-TEST in every macOS round from December 2020 to March 2025, with 6 of 6 for protection each time
- Apple notarized, AppEsteem and ISO 27001 certified, per the company
- Antivirus, cleaner, VPN, ad blocker and breach alerts in one app
- 24/7 chat support and a 100% reply rate to negative Trustpilot reviews
- 30-day refund on annual plans
Cons
- $71.40 a year for one Mac is more than Mac-only antivirus rivals charge
- Auto-renewal and upselling are the most common complaints
- Much of what it does (cleanup, memory, duplicates) is already handled by macOS or free tools
- History of scareware ads and a $2 million class settlement under the original developer still colors its reputation
- Not tested in AV-TEST's June 2026 macOS round, and no BBB profile
Best for: Non-technical Mac owners who want one paid dashboard for security, cleanup and a VPN with chat support a click away.
Skip it if: You only need malware protection, you dislike auto-renewing subscriptions, or you are comfortable using macOS's built-in tools and a free scanner.
MacKeeper vs. competitors
| Company | Price, 1 device, first year | Renewal | Free version | Refund window | AV-TEST (latest macOS or Windows round) | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacKeeper | $71.40 (1 Mac) | Auto-renews; renewal price not listed separately | Yes, limited | 30 days annual, 14 days monthly | 6/6/6, macOS, March 2025 | Visit site |
| Intego Mac Internet Security (Intego ONE Essential) | $29.99 (1 Mac) | $39.99 a year | No | 30 days | AV-Comparatives Mac certified 2025 | Visit site |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Plus | $24.99 (1 device, Mac included) | Not listed; may be higher | Yes (Windows only) | 30 days | 6/6/6, Windows, August 2026; Bitdefender for Mac 6/6/6 macOS June 2026 | Read review |
| Malwarebytes Standard | From $59.99 (3 devices) | Auto-renews | Yes, scanner only | 60 days | 6/6/6, Windows, August 2026 | Visit site |
Antivirus software we reviewed
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MacKeeper This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review BestGuide rating: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Non-technical Mac owners who want one paid dashboard for security, cleanup and a VPN with chat support a click away. -
TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves. -
AVG BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Windows users who want a free antivirus with strong lab results, or a cheap first year of protection for one PC or a 10-device household. -
Webroot This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with older or slower PCs who want light, low-maintenance antivirus across a few devices and will manage renewal themselves. -
Malwarebytes This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want light, well-tested antivirus with web scam blocking, or a free second-opinion scanner to clean up an infected PC. -
PC Matic This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who mainly use well-known programs and want inexpensive, low-maintenance protection on several devices. -
ESET This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.4 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want proven antivirus that stays light on older or lower-powered computers, without paying for a large bundle. -
Trend Micro Best for: Families who want scam protection and parental controls across many devices, including Chromebooks.
MacKeeper pricing at a glance
MacKeeper plans as listed on mackeeper.com, October 13, 20263
| Plan | Macs | Price | Monthly equivalent | Refund window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-month | 1 | $10.95 billed monthly | $10.95 | 14 days |
| 12-month | 1 | $71.40 billed yearly | $5.95 | 30 days |
| 12-month | 3 | $89.40 billed yearly | $7.45 | 30 days |
| Free version | 1 | $0 | $0 | n/a; limited scans and one-week trial of some tools |
Every paid plan includes all features; plans differ only by Mac count and term. The pricing page shows a struck-through $131.40 list price and offers 10% and 15% promo discounts that may not stack. Subscriptions renew automatically with an email reminder at least 7 days before each charge. Separate Premium Services (remote tech help) carry their own fees and a 14-day refund window.
MacKeeper, step by step
Download and install
Get the installer from mackeeper.com (it is not in the Mac App Store). It needs macOS 10.15 or later and asks for Full Disk Access to scan everything.
Run the first scan
The Find and Fix scan checks malware, adware, junk files, duplicates and memory. The free version shows results and fixes a limited set of items.
Choose a plan
Pay $10.95 monthly or $71.40 a year for one Mac. A card is required and the plan auto-renews.
Use the tools
Real-time antivirus, Adware Cleaner, Safe Cleanup, Smart Uninstaller, Duplicates Finder, Memory Cleaner, Private Connect VPN, StopAd and ID Theft Guard breach alerts run from one dashboard.
Get help
24/7 chat is built into the app. Support agents also sell Premium Services, so decline any remote-access upsell you did not ask for.
Cancel or refund
Turn off auto-renewal under Manage subscription in your account, or email [email protected]. Annual plans are refundable within 30 days, monthly within 14.
About MacKeeper
MacKeeper is an all-in-one Mac security and optimization suite developed by Clario Tech, which has owned the software since 2019 and is headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. It bundles antivirus and adware protection, a VPN (Private Connect), a StopAd ad blocker, ID Theft Guard breach monitoring, and cleaning tools like Safe Cleanup and Smart Uninstaller into a single dashboard, with built-in 24/7 chat support. MacKeeper is Apple notarized and holds ISO 27001 certification, and the company reports more than 65 million downloads.
Who MacKeeper is best for
MacKeeper fits Mac users who want one app for security, privacy, and performance instead of installing several.
- Non-technical users who value a single dashboard and guided setup
- Mac users who want antivirus plus a VPN, ad blocker, and ID-theft monitoring together
- Anyone who wants 24/7 live chat support built into the app
- Users who want quick cleanup and performance tools alongside security
MacKeeper features
Strong Malware Protection
MacKeeper delivers real-time antivirus and adware protection with a near-perfect malware detection rate in independent testing, placing it among the top Mac security tools.
All-in-One Dashboard
Antivirus, adware cleaner, VPN, ad blocker, ID-theft monitoring, disk cleaner, and performance tools all live in a single interface, so there's no juggling separate apps.
24/7 Live Chat Support
A built-in chat window gives round-the-clock access to MacKeeper's privacy and security experts, a step beyond typical antivirus software.
Private Connect VPN & StopAd
An integrated VPN (Private Connect) and the StopAd ad blocker add privacy on top of core protection, though the VPN's country-selection interface is clunky.
ID Theft Guard
Monitors for data breaches 24/7 and alerts you if your information is exposed.
Pricing & Plans
MacKeeper offers a free 7-day trial of its RAM cleaner, then paid plans for full access, commonly listed around $71.40/year for one Mac and $89.40/year for three, or about $14.95/month. Pricing varies by promotion, and introductory rates typically renew at a higher price, so verify current terms before subscribing.
MacKeeper legitimacy and licensing
MacKeeper is legitimate software. It is developed by Clario Tech FZCO, headquartered in Dubai, which has owned the product since 2019. The app has been Apple notarized since version 5 in 2020, which means it passes Apple’s automated Malware. Any software designed to harm a device or steal data, including viruses, spyware and Ransomware. Malware that locks or encrypts your files and demands payment to release them. Compare antivirus software. Compare antivirus software checks (not an Apple endorsement), and the company reports AppEsteem certification since 2019 and ISO 27001 since 2020. The independent lab AV-TEST has certified MacKeeper in every macOS test round from December 2020 through March 2025, with a perfect 6 of 6 for protection each time.
The scam reputation comes from the product’s first years. The original developer, ZeoBIT, was sued in 2014 over claims that MacKeeper’s scans flagged problems that did not exist to push a $39.95 purchase; it agreed to a $2 million settlement in 2015 without admitting fault. MacKeeper pop-up ads were also widely associated with adware, and AV-TEST’s June 2017 round gave MacKeeper 3.14 a 0 for protection. None of that describes the current product, but it explains why Apple forums still warn about it.
MacKeeper pricing explained
As of October 13, 2026 the pricing page lists $10.95 for one month on one Mac, $71.40 for 12 months on one Mac ($5.95 a month) and $89.40 for 12 months on three Macs ($7.45 a month), against a struck-through list price of $131.40. Promo popups offer 10% or 15% off. Every paid plan includes every feature; you are only choosing the term and the number of Macs. All plans auto-renew, with a reminder email at least 7 days before the charge.
Refunds are 30 days on annual plans and 14 days on monthly plans; a license used for more than six months is non-refundable. MacKeeper also sells Premium Services (remote help from a technician) with a 14-day guarantee and a $199 one-month reference price in its refund terms; these are separate from the software subscription and are the source of many upsell complaints. For comparison, Intego’s Mac-only antivirus starts at $29.99 for the first year and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus at $24.99.
What MacKeeper does and what you get
One dashboard groups four areas. Security: real-time antivirus and an Adware Cleaner. Cleaning: Safe Cleanup for junk, Smart Uninstaller, Duplicates Finder. Performance: Memory Cleaner and an Update Tracker. Privacy: the Private Connect VPN, the StopAd blocker and ID Theft Guard, which checks whether your email, passwords or card numbers appear in known breaches. A free version runs scans and a one-week trial of some tools, then prompts you to pay.
What it does not do: it has no firewall and no malicious-URL filter beyond the ad blocker, and the VPN is a bundled extra rather than a full VPN service. The install asks for Full Disk Access, which is normal for a scanner but worth understanding before you grant it.
Independent test results
AV-TEST, the German lab, lists eight Clario and MacKeeper results. MacKeeper 6.8 scored 6 protection, 6 performance and 6 usability in March 2025; 6.6 scored 6, 5.5 and 6 in March 2024; 6.2 (March 2023), 5.8 (March 2022) and 5.0 (December 2020) all scored 6, 6 and 6. The company’s own site cites a 99.7% detection rate from the March 2025 run on macOS Sequoia. MacKeeper was not among the nine products in AV-TEST’s June 2026 macOS round, so the most recent certification is 18 months old. The one black mark is MacKeeper 3.14’s 0 for protection in June 2017, before Clario’s ownership.
What customers say about MacKeeper
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Patient, knowledgeable chat support
- Noticeably faster Mac after cleanup
- Easy install and license transfer to a new Mac
- One dashboard instead of several apps
Common complaints
- Auto-renewal charges and difficulty cancelling
- Upselling by support agents, including Premium Services
- Requests for remote access or passwords during chat
- Repeating the same information to several agents
- Account and email verification problems
Complaints and how to avoid problems
MacKeeper has no BBB profile. On Trustpilot, 8% of 2,371 reviews are one star, and the themes are consistent: unexpected auto-renewal charges, difficulty cancelling or getting a refund, support agents pushing Premium Services, requests for remote access or passwords during chat, and having to repeat the problem to several agents. Praise centers on patient support staff and faster Macs after cleanup. Trustpilot notes the company has not recently invited reviews, so the sample may not be representative.
Protect yourself by turning off auto-renewal right after purchase if you only want one term, declining remote sessions you did not request, never sharing your Mac password in chat, and keeping the purchase email so you can claim the 30-day refund. If MacKeeper appeared on your Mac without you installing it, that is adware behavior from a third party; uninstall it and run a free scanner.
Cancellation and refunds
To cancel, log in to your MacKeeper account, open Manage subscription on the license card and turn off auto-renewal; you can also email [email protected], call 1-(800) 787-8041 in the US, or use the in-app chat and choose Subscription Cancellation/Refund. Refund requests go through the online form or that email address, take 1 to 5 business days to review and 5 to 15 business days to pay out. Annual and semi-annual plans are refundable within 30 days of purchase, monthly plans within 14 days, and anything used more than six months is non-refundable. After a refund you must uninstall the software. Premium Services refunds are prorated after 14 days and shrink if technicians fixed more than three issues.
Who should skip MacKeeper
Skip it if you just want antivirus: Intego, Bitdefender and Malwarebytes cost less and post equal or better current lab scores. Skip it if you dislike subscriptions that renew on their own, because that is the number one complaint. And skip the cleanup pitch entirely if your Mac is running fine; macOS manages memory and caches itself, and deleting duplicates by hand is free. The case for MacKeeper is convenience: one app, one bill and someone to chat with at 2 a.m.
Alternatives to MacKeeper
-
Built-in macOS protection plus a free scanner
XProtect, Gatekeeper and notarization already block most Mac malware; the free Malwarebytes scanner handles cleanup with no subscription.
-
A Mac-only antivirus and firewall that costs less than half of MacKeeper’s first year if you do not want the VPN and cleaner.
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BitdefenderScored 6 of 6 across the board in AV-TEST’s June 2026 macOS round and starts at $24.99 for the first year.
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Strong adware and malware removal with a 60-day refund window and a free scanner for occasional cleanups.
Next steps
MacKeeper reviews
Written by readers, read by our moderators, never edited by the company.
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Frequently asked questions
Is MacKeeper safe to install?
Yes. The current version is Apple notarized, developed by Clario Tech FZCO, and certified by AV-TEST in every macOS round from December 2020 to March 2025. It asks for Full Disk Access, which a scanner needs to check every file.
Is MacKeeper a virus or malware?
No. It is security software. Its reputation problem dates to the original developer's aggressive pop-up ads and a 2014 lawsuit that ended in a $2 million settlement in 2015. If MacKeeper ads or an installer appeared without your consent, that came from adware on your Mac, not from the product itself.
How much does MacKeeper cost?
As of October 13, 2026: $10.95 a month for one Mac, $71.40 a year for one Mac, or $89.40 a year for three Macs. All paid plans include every feature and renew automatically.
Is there a free version of MacKeeper?
Yes. The free download runs scans and offers a one-week trial of some tools, but real-time protection, the VPN and ID monitoring require a paid plan.
Who owns MacKeeper?
Clario Tech FZCO, based in the Swiss Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. Clario has owned MacKeeper since 2019; earlier owners were ZeoBIT and Kromtech.
What was the MacKeeper lawsuit about?
A 2014 class action in the Western District of Pennsylvania alleged ZeoBIT's MacKeeper flagged nonexistent problems to sell the full version. ZeoBIT agreed to a $2 million settlement in 2015 without admitting fault; about $1.25 million went to a fund for buyers.
How do I cancel MacKeeper?
Log in, open Manage subscription on your license card and turn off auto-renewal, or email [email protected], call 1-800-787-8041, or use the in-app chat. Refunds are 30 days on annual plans and 14 days on monthly plans.
How do I uninstall MacKeeper?
Quit the app, drag it from Applications to the Trash, and MacKeeper's own uninstaller prompt removes its helper files. Cancel the subscription separately; deleting the app does not stop billing.
Does MacKeeper slow down your Mac?
AV-TEST gave it 6 of 6 for performance in March 2025 and 5.5 of 6 in March 2024, so the measured system impact is low. Reviewers more often report a faster Mac after its cleanup tools run.
Is MacKeeper better than Malwarebytes or Intego?
It bundles more (VPN, cleaner, ad blocker, breach alerts) but costs more. Intego's Mac antivirus starts at $29.99 the first year and Malwarebytes offers a free scanner and 60-day refund. For malware protection alone, the cheaper tools are enough.
Sources (10)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- MacKeeper: home page (accessed October 13, 2026)
- MacKeeper: about (accessed October 13, 2026)
- MacKeeper: pricing (accessed October 13, 2026)
- MacKeeper: refund policy (accessed October 13, 2026)
- MacKeeper: subscription termination (accessed October 13, 2026)
- AV-TEST: Clario (MacKeeper) macOS results (accessed October 13, 2026)
- AV-TEST: macOS home user tests, June 2026 (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Truth in Advertising: MacKeeper class action (Yencha v. ZeoBIT) (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Trustpilot: MacKeeper (accessed October 13, 2026)
- BBB: search for MacKeeper (accessed October 13, 2026)
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