Intego Antivirus Review 2024

Our detailed Intego antivirus review explores how the product breaks the trend of Windows-first cybersecurity solutions as one of the few antivirus programs designed specifically for macOS.

With advanced security features like NetBarrier, Intego consistently achieves high protection scores. In addition, it has a VPN with over 35,000 servers. It also has some downsides, though, such as the absence of an app for iOS devices. So, how does it stack up against the top antivirus software solutions?

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. What is Intego?
2. Is Intego Safe?
3. Intego Plans & Pricing
4. Intego Security Features
5. Intego Performance
6. Intego Compatibility and Ease of Use
7. How Does Intego Compare To Other Antiviruses?
8. How to Set Up Intego
9. Intego Customer Support And User Reviews
10. Our Other Antivirus Guides
11. FAQs
12. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. What is Intego?
2. Is Intego Safe?
3. Intego Plans & Pricing
Show Full Guide
4. Intego Security Features
5. Intego Performance
6. Intego Compatibility and Ease of Use
7. How Does Intego Compare To Other Antiviruses?
8. How to Set Up Intego
9. Intego Customer Support And User Reviews
10. Our Other Antivirus Guides
11. FAQs
12. References

What is Intego?

The antivirus is known among Mac users for its two main features – VirusBarrier and NetBarrier. VirusBarrier is a malware scanner, while NetBarrier is a state-of-the-art firewall. However, there’s much more to it, such as a system optimizer, parental controls, personal backups, and a VPN.

Although it’s primarily macOS antivirus, Intego introduced a Windows application a few years ago. Unlike other antivirus providers, though, Intego’s Windows version offers fewer features than the macOS app. However, it compensates with clear and simple navigation, making cybersecurity simple.

In the past, many users have believed Mac devices can’t get viruses. However, research by SentinelOne shows that threat actors are using sophisticated social engineering techniques to compromise Mac users – so it’s important to use security tools like those provided by Intego.

Is Intego Safe?

Yes, Intego is a safe antivirus for both macOS and Windows devices. The provider offers a wide range of features, including a robust malware scanner, advanced firewall, and Web Shield to safeguard against various types of malware such as viruses, trojans, and more.

In recent third-party assessments completed by AV-Test, Intego achieved scores of 5.5 or 6 out of 6 for protection. This indicates a high level of success in catching zero-day threats and widespread malware attacks.

Nevertheless, Windows users shouldn’t ignore the fact that it’s a Mac-focused antivirus tool and that macOS users receive more thoroughly developed features.

Intego Plans & Pricing

Intego antivirus has two subscription plans for macOS users and one for Windows. Subscription prices go up with the number of devices you want to secure, and you can get a discount for signing up for two years rather than one.

Can I Get Intego for Free?

Intego antivirus doesn’t have a forever free version. However, there are two ways to test the service risk-free.

There’s a 30-day free trial period where you can explore each product before making a commitment. Then, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee included with every Intego subscription, so after subscribing, you’ll have up to 30 days to change your mind and request a refund.

Intego Security Features

Intego stands out in the antivirus market with its broad feature suite that’s tailored for Apple computers. Each Intego tool comes in a separate application. The Windows app offers fewer features but consolidates them into a single app. Continue reading to learn about Intego’s security features.

VirusBarrier

VirusBarrier is Intego’s primary toolkit and contains its malware scanner and real-time virus protection features. You can enable 24/7 monitoring for cyber threats with it, with a low impact on the device’s CPU load.

Using the malware scanner, you can choose to run full and quick scans, and you can set these to run manually or on a schedule, or you can drag-and-drop files to check. If malware is detected, Intego places it in Quarantine, while reliable files that don’t need scanning are marked as Trusted Files.

While Intego doesn’t offer a dedicated application for iOS smartphones or tablets, you can connect them to your macOS computer. The VirusBarrier tool will then scan these devices for infected files downloaded through email.

NetBarrier

NetBarrier is Intego’s proprietary two-way firewall, which is designed to provide inbound and outbound security for both Wi-Fi and wired network connections to stop data breaches.

NetBarrier automatically detects the type of network connection you’re using and enables the appropriate settings. This is a valuable addition to your online security, as it limits the need for you to constantly monitor the types of connections you use and helps prevent information leaks.

Mac Washing Machine

The Mac Washing Machine is an advanced system optimization tool built specifically for macOS devices. The cleaner scans attachments, localization files, logs, items in the trash, and cache files and then allows you to delete unwanted items.

The tool also helps you remove duplicate files and rarely-used applications, which can quickly fill up your device’s storage space. To prevent accidental file removal, you can use the “Preview” function, which enables you to inspect files before they’re deleted.

The Mac Washing Machine also automatically organizes files on your desktop into folders, making it easier to navigate through years of collected information. You can also easily drag and drop files into your preferred folders.

ContentBarrier

Parental control tools are often included in antivirus programs today. Intego includes the ContentBarrier feature for managing children’s online access to meet these needs.

You can use the tool to create separate profiles with individual restrictions. For example, if your school-age child needs to use a search engine for research, you can temporarily block streaming sites for them without applying the same restriction to your other children.

The ContentBarrier also lets you set screen time limits to reduce the number of hours your kids spend online and ensure you’re aware of when they’re online and using the internet.

Another significant benefit of ContentBarrier is its Anti-Predator chat monitoring feature. This monitors chats for questionable content and promptly notifies you about anything concerning.

Personal Backup

Intego’s Personal Backup tool is a great way to prevent data loss if your device is stolen or disabled. Unlike the macOS Time Machine feature, Personal Backup allows you to synchronize data between multiple devices or hard drives.

Intego provides four backup functions:

• Backup – Backed up files or folders on another device or hard drive
• Bootable backup – Enables you to create a complete backup of your system, including the current macOS version installed on your device to create a startup disk
• Synchronize – Allows you to keep two sets of files in sync
• Restore – Allows you to update files in the original source from the backup, which can be helpful if they’ve been damaged or corrupted

You can also schedule regular automatic backups to ensure that none of your data is unexpectedly lost.

Intego Privacy Protection VPN

Intego’s Privacy Protection VPN is available for both Mac and Windows users. However, it’s not included by default and requires an additional fee. While it may not be considered among the best VPNs today, Intego provides a reliable anonymous browsing tool.

With the Mac Premium Bundle + VPN and the VPN add-on, you get a user-friendly VPN with an eye-catching design with AES-256 encryption. It provides you with essential security features, such as a kill switch and split tunneling, to prevent leaks and optimize your VPN traffic.

Privacy Protection VPN also includes an ad blocker to streamline your browsing and block trackers. The VPN can also be used to bypass geo-restrictions on various streaming services, applications, and websites, as it boasts an impressive server fleet of 35,000+ servers in 83 countries.

Intego Performance

When evaluating Intego’s performance, we also looked at independent assessments from AV-Test, which tested Intego VirusBarrier. This provides a structured image of how well the antivirus performs in identifying and blocking malware, spyware, trojans, and other threats.

In the assessment, VirusBarrier demonstrated excellent capabilities and detected 99.2% of prevalent threats identified in the previous four weeks. The antivirus also achieved a perfect usability score of 6.0. This means it didn’t misreport any files as threats, ensuring you’ll only be alerted to actual dangers.

Intego scored 5.0/6.0 in Performance testing. The antivirus slowed down two processes slightly more than the industry average, but in a third category, it performed less well, significantly slowing down the installation of frequently used applications.

This result may have been an outlier, as Intego scored perfect results in two of the last four sets of tests.

Intego Compatibility and Ease of Use

For years, Intego only provided software for Macs – and was one of the best antiviruses for Mac – and it didn’t offer features for any other operating system. However, the company has expanded its offerings by introducing Intego for Windows to provide tools for a broader range of users.

There are now two versions of Intego antivirus – one for macOS and one for Windows. They differ significantly in terms of functionality and navigation. Let’s explore these differences below.

How Does Intego Compare To Other Antiviruses?

Intego vs Norton for Mac

Intego is a better choice for Mac users who want a personalized macOS experience and advanced features like a firewall that protects multiple types of network connections.

However, Norton is a more affordable option, with even the cheapest Intego subscription costing $10 more, so if you have a tight budget, Norton is the winner.

Intego vs BitDefender

Bitdefender has maintained its position at the top of the antivirus rankings for years, steadily expanding its customer base. One notable advantage over Intego is its pricing, starting at $29.99/yr. Additionally, Bitdefender’s plans extend protection to up to 25 devices.

Unlike Intego, Bitdefender also provides one of the most robust antivirus apps for iOS, helping you to safeguard personal information across all your devices.

Intego vs TotalAV

TotalAV is one of the top cybersecurity services in the industry, offering user-friendly apps with top-notch security features. However, it’s worth noting that Intego for macOS arguably offers a better experience.

While Intego may come at a slightly higher price point than TotalAV, with introductory pricing, its tailored Mac application could justify the investment for those seeking an efficient security solution.

How to Set Up Intego

Intego may be one of the most intuitive antivirus programs we’ve tested, and both the setup process and the app are beginner-friendly. Here are step-by-step instructions on getting started.

1. Go to the official Intego website and choose the subscription you want.

2. Provide your payment details and create an account.

3. Head to the email inbox that you’ve provided to Intego, find the software file, and download it to your device

4. In the Downloads folder, find Intego’s .DMG file, click to open it, and double-click to start the installation process.

5. Launch Intego through the Finder or the “Intego Tower” ​icon in the top right corner of your menu bar.

6. Run the Intego application you wish to use, such as VirusBarrier, and run a full malware scan.

Intego Customer Support And User Reviews

Intego offers live chat, email support, and a knowledge base. The fastest contact channel is live chat, providing instant communication with a customer success manager. However, it’s important to note that live chat is only available during weekday business hours for U.S. Central time.

For more complex issues or when live chat isn’t available, you can opt for email support. This method requires providing personal information like your name and the serial number of the operating system. There’s also an informative knowledge base, which can guide you through certain processes.

On Trustpilot, Intego’s customers have indicated that they’re very satisfied. The product has an “Excellent” 4.8/5 overall rating, with 98% of reviews being four or five stars.

Users have praised Inetgo’s customer support on the platform, noting that it provides a human experience rather than relying on automized answers and that support agents are knowledgeable and helpful.

Our Other Antivirus Guides

If you would like to learn more about virus protection and cybersecurity, make sure to check out our other guides below:

• Best antivirus with parental control
• Best business antivirus
• Best antivirus with VPN
• How to choose antivirus software

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