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MacPaw has established itself as a leader in design-conscious software within the Mac ecosystem over the years. Its premier product, CleanMyMac, has long been equipped with a malware removal module backed by Moonlock’s engine. In October 2025, the Kyiv-based company decided to spin off that security technology into its standalone offering: Moonlock, an antivirus app that does much more than merely scan for threats.
Moonlock differentiates itself from other security solutions by not leading with threat counts and detection percentages. Instead, it adopts a comprehensive approach aimed at educating users about malware. The premise here is simple: rather than inundating users with alarming alerts, Moonlock aims to provide clear explanations of what malware is, why it poses a risk, and actionable steps to take, promoting a ‘care, not scare’ methodology.
Despite the common misconception that Macs are free from viruses, MacPaw’s research indicates a different reality. According to their findings, 66 percent of Mac users encountered at least one cyber threat last year. The report highlights a pressing concern: macOS is increasingly being targeted, with a notable 67% rise in registered macOS backdoor variants in 2025.
Plans and pricing
Moonlock’s pricing starts at $54 per year for a single Mac, with options for licenses covering 2, 5, or even more than 10 devices. Monthly billing and one-time lifetime licenses are also offered for users seeking flexibility beyond an annual commitment.
For those considering a long-term investment, multi-year plans come with discounts reaching up to 67%. New users can take advantage of a seven-day free trial, although a credit card is required to initiate this trial. While this practice is not uncommon, it does require that users remember to cancel their trial if they choose not to continue. On a positive note, Moonlock provides a 30-day money-back guarantee—a generous safety net compared to the limited refund policies of some competitors.
Current Setapp subscribers benefit from complimentary access to Moonlock, making it an appealing option for those already invested in MacPaw’s ecosystem. However, at $54 for a single device, it falls at the higher end of the price spectrum compared to alternatives like ClamXAV’s three-Mac plan priced at $29.95. This discrepancy is worth considering for budget-conscious consumers.
Features
(Image credit: Moonlock)
Moonlock is structured into six main sections: Home, Malware Scanner, VPN, Network Inspector, System Protection, and Security Advisor. This design reflects a purposeful decision to provide a broader security suite as opposed to merely an antivirus, positioning the product as a versatile alternative to more specialized competitors like ClamXAV.
(Image credit: Moonlock)
Real-time protection operates continuously in the background, monitoring file activity, application behavior, and email attachments, even when the main application window is not active. The Malware Scanner supports both on-demand and scheduled scans, complete with built-in quarantine and removal functions. Detected threats come with easy-to-understand explanations instead of technical jargon.
(Image credit: Moonlock)
The integrated VPN, a simpler version of MacPaw’s ClearVPN, supports around 60 server locations across more than 45 countries. Independent testing has shown no evidence of DNS or WebRTC leaks, and MacPaw adheres to a strict no-logging policy. Speed performance on transatlantic connections holds around 82% of baseline download speeds, reaching up to 96% on localized servers.
Network Inspector adds a unique feature by allowing users to block outbound traffic to specific geographic regions. System Protection evaluates the inherent security settings in macOS and guides users to rectify any vulnerabilities. The Security Advisor offers a checklist for basic digital hygiene, providing practical advice on practices such as two-factor authentication and app permission management. Notably, AI technology assists in malspam classification, enabling prompt updates to threat databases before newly emerged strains can reach devices.
Privacy and Security
From a broader viewpoint, Moonlock underwent evaluation by the independent laboratory AV-Test in September 2025, securing its AV-Test certification. It achieved a commendable rating of 5.5/6 in Protection, 4.5/6 in Performance, and a perfect score of 6/6 for Usability, to be discussed in detail in the following section.
Concerning the credibility of the research team, Moonlock Lab has contributed significantly to the antivirus landscape, being the first to identify PyStealer on VirusTotal. The lab has also received acknowledgment from reputable organizations, including the SANS Institute, for discovering new variations of the infamous Atomic macOS infostealer.
When it comes to privacy, the VPN operates under a rigorous zero-logs policy, with all data processed locally. MacPaw even provides a Trust Center at security.macpaw.com to transparently discuss its data-handling practices, security standards, and certifications, setting a higher bar than many competitors.
A caveat, however, is that Moonlock is a relatively new product. While the underlying engine has been in use for some time within CleanMyMac, the standalone application is still establishing its presence in the market. It is reasonable to expect that improvements in protection and performance have been made since its last evaluation by AV-Test.
Interface and in use
The interface is sleek, modern, and straightforward, featuring a two-panel home dashboard that distinguishes tasks on the left from status information on the right. Users can easily assess their protection status at a glance. Unlike typical security software, Moonlock breaks down notifications into comprehensible terms, detailing what has been found, why it’s a risk, and the options available to manage it.
This user-centric approach ensures that users have the final say on whether to remove flagged items, avoiding the frustrations linked with automated deletions that might inadvertently remove legitimate software.
Moonlock’s system requirements are accommodating, supporting macOS 13 and needing just 515MB of disk space, making it suitable for older Mac devices. The app runs swiftly and doesn’t noticeably affect system performance during daily use. Installation mandates a MacPaw account, adding a step that some competitors like ClamXAV do not require, but it also facilitates a unified login, making license management and support more streamlined.
Ultimately, Moonlock stands out as an easily navigable Mac antivirus that empowers users with control, devoid of complex jargon.
Support
Moonlock leverages MacPaw’s existing support infrastructure, providing users with a dedicated knowledge base that covers installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. Those with questions can submit queries through the support portal, and in-app feedback is available through the Help menu.
(Image credit: Moonlock)
As is common with many Mac-centric security products, real-time chat or phone support does not seem to be included as a standard feature. For the majority of home users, the knowledge base and email channel should suffice. However, teams requiring intricate support should confirm response times before making a commitment, especially given that Moonlock is a relatively new standalone product and its support documentation continues to evolve.
The competition
ClamXAV emerges as the most direct competitor in the Mac-exclusive antivirus landscape. Priced at $29.95 annually for three devices, it is significantly lower than Moonlock’s starting fee of $54 for a single device. ClamXAV boasts a perfect score on AV-Test, rivaling Moonlock’s results. While ClamXAV offers focused antivirus functionality without additional features like a VPN or enhanced onboarding, it provides a compelling option for users prioritizing budget and basic antivirus protection.
Intego Mac Internet Security X9 presents a similar price point and includes a network monitor, boasting a longer history in independent tests. For households utilizing mixed devices, broader platforms like Bitdefender Total Security and Norton AntiVirus Plus offer larger feature sets.
Users already subscribed to CleanMyMac should remember that its embedded malware-scanning module, leveraging the Moonlock engine, continues to function autonomously. Thus, the question remains whether the full Moonlock app provides enough additional value to justify an extra subscription or spending.
Final verdict
Moonlock represents one of the most meticulously crafted security applications in the Mac domain. Its polished interface, wider feature set, and credible research team make it a notable contender. The 30-day money-back guarantee further enhances its appeal, despite the necessity of entering payment information upfront.
At $54 annually for one Mac, Moonlock stands nearly double the price of ClamXAV’s multi-device offering. While the value of the bundled VPN and Network Inspector partly justifies this cost, those with existing VPN solutions may not find the additional features significant enough. Setapp subscribers can access this tool at no extra charge, enhancing its appeal for existing users of MacPaw’s ecosystem.
For loyal CleanMyMac customers who rely on the embedded Moonlock engine, the standalone application adds greater depth, usability, and control. It enriches their experience without entirely replacing the functionalities they’ve become accustomed to, now presenting a comprehensive package that also includes a VPN, enhanced reporting, and a dedicated space for security features that were previously integrated within a Mac cleaning utility.
Moonlock ultimately makes a strong case for Mac users seeking a comprehensive subscription that encompasses antivirus, VPN, network monitoring, and system security guidance. It’s essential, however, to evaluate what you’re paying for in comparison to other options in the market.
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