Intego Antivirus Review (2024 Update): The Pros & Cons

Intego Antivirus for Mac 2024: Full Review

Intego is ranked #2 of the best antivirus for Mac.

We’ve put Intego to the test and can confidently say it’s one of our top picks for Mac security in 2024. Not only did it catch all Mac-specific malware in our tests, but it also outperformed Apple’s built-in security and rivals like MacKeeper.

We especially liked the Mac Premium Bundle X9 plan. This package offers more than just antivirus protection—it includes a firewall, backup tools, system cleaning utilities, and parental controls. You get a lot of bang for your buck, as it’s cheaper than most of its competitors.

Intego even offers a top-notch VPN, although this comes at an extra cost. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a safe choice to try out.

Anti-malware

We put Intego’s VirusBarrier through its paces and found it to be user-friendly yet powerful. The dashboard is straightforward, offering essential tools like real-time protection, scan scheduling, and malware removal.

What impressed us was the ability to scan not only your Mac but also any connected iOS devices or external drives. This means you can keep your iPhone and iPad malware-free, even though Intego doesn’t have an iOS app. Additionally, the tool scans emails if you use Apple’s Mail app and detects PC-based malware, reducing the risk of infecting others’ computers.

We clocked the Quick Scan at just over 6 minutes for scanning 270,000 files, and the Full Scan took just an hour for 1.5 million files—considerably quicker than many competitors. Thanks to its file caching tech, subsequent scans are even faster. Even better, these scans had minimal impact on our Mac’s performance, making it possible to multitask without lag.

In terms of threat handling, you get three options: Trust, Quarantine, and Repair. We did notice that the ‘Repair’ option failed for some malware samples, but these were safely quarantined. This isn’t a major issue but could be improved for clarity.

While VirusBarrier does offer a “Safe Browsing On” feature, we think it falls short in terms of robust web security. Yet, it’s worth noting that it still outperforms rivals like MacKeeper that offer zero anti-phishing protection.

Lastly, the real-time protection was rock-solid. It stopped all ransomware attacks in our tests instantly, giving us the peace of mind that our Macs are always safeguarded.

Overall, VirusBarrier offers quick, efficient, and comprehensive scans with minimal system impact. It could improve in notifying users about quarantine issues and enhancing web security, but it remains a solid choice for Mac protection.

Firewall (netbarrier)

We explored Intego’s NetBarrier feature and found it to be a game-changer in the Mac security landscape, far outpacing Apple’s built-in firewall. One standout feature is its ability to auto-detect the type of network you’re connected to—be it home, work, or public Wi-Fi—and adjust the firewall settings accordingly.

We took it for a spin at a local coffee shop and were pleased to see that the firewall settings adapted to the risks of using public Wi-Fi. But if you prefer, you can also manually adjust settings to Allow or Block both incoming and outgoing internet and local (LAN) connections.

NetBarrier is vigilant about app activity. It alerts you when any app or background script attempts to access the internet, which was eye-opening for us; apps we rarely used were consistently trying to connect online.

The Applications tab is particularly useful, showing you a list of programs trying to establish internet connections. From there, you can either allow, block, or set them to ask for permission, giving you full control over your network activity.

All in all, we find NetBarrier to be a robust and intuitive firewall solution. It offers superior functionality compared to Apple’s offering and excels in blocking unwanted internet connections.

VPN

We took Intego’s VPN, known as Privacy Protection, for a test drive and were quite impressed. The service shares its backbone with Private Internet Access (PIA), a well-regarded standalone VPN. This gives Intego’s VPN a leg up over other antivirus-bundled options like MacKeeper’s VPN.

One drawback, though, is that the VPN is not bundled with Intego’s other plans—it requires a separate subscription. This breaks the convenience of a unified interface and subscription.

Feature-wise, it’s robust. Privacy Protection incorporates PIA’s military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, no-logs policy, and kill switch. It even grants access to PIA’s global server network. But PIA offers slightly more, including mobile device and Tor support, at a somewhat similar price point.

That said, Intego’s VPN still packs in a lot, like unlimited data, 10-device support, OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, split-tunneling, P2P torrenting, obfuscation, and an ad-blocker. Many of these features aren’t usually found in standalone VPNs.

Speed-wise, we observed only minor drops compared to our local network, even when connected to distant servers. Streaming services like Netflix and iPlayer worked flawlessly without lag or buffering.

In summary, Intego’s VPN excels in features and performance. It outperforms many antivirus-bundled VPNs in capabilities like split-tunneling and torrenting. The only hiccup is that it’s a separate subscription, a convenience factor we hope Intego addresses in future plans.

Personal backup

We experimented with Intego’s Personal Backup and found it to be a comprehensive backup solution, even outperforming Apple’s Time Machine in terms of customization. Admittedly, we stumbled initially due to a lack of clear instructions, but once we got the hang of it, the feature really shined.

Personal Backup allowed us to create tailored backup schedules. We could back up specific files or folders to an external drive and set different frequency schedules—like weekly backups for music and hourly backups for work documents.

The feature suite is well-rounded, including options for Bootable Backup, Synchronize, and Restore. Bootable Backup lets you create a complete system backup including your current macOS version, essentially making it a lifesaver if your Mac goes belly-up. No more waiting for hours to reinstall the OS.

Synchronize keeps your files in sync across multiple devices. Make a change on your Mac, and the same file updates on your external drive, useful if you’re toggling between an iMac and a MacBook.

Restore is straightforward, doing exactly what it says: restoring your backed-up files.

In sum, Personal Backup offers a rich feature set and high customization, setting it apart not just from Apple’s Time Machine but also from other antivirus products like Bitdefender that offer less capable backup solutions.

Parental controls (contentbarrier)

We took ContentBarrier for a spin and found it to be a powerhouse in parental control features, easily outclassing both Mac’s built-in options and many other antivirus competitors like Norton and Kaspersky.

ContentBarrier is chock-full of functionalities that parents will appreciate. You can block or allow specific websites and apps, set up internet access schedules, and even monitor instant messages. Customization is a big plus here—you decide what to block or filter.

Advanced features also impress. From keystroke tracking to anti-predator alerts, this software has it covered. We particularly liked the chat filtering, which can flag suspicious phrases in multiple languages. While it can’t filter encrypted apps like WhatsApp, it allows you to block them entirely, which is a decent workaround.

The software also sends detailed reports to your email, updating you on your child’s digital activities—visited sites, emails, chats, and more. And although the app could do better with in-app guidance, it’s fairly intuitive. For further queries, Intego’s online resources proved helpful.

In a nutshell, ContentBarrier sets a high bar for parental controls in the antivirus realm, especially for Mac users. Its rich features and customization options make it a go-to choice for parents concerned about their children’s online safety.

Optimizer (washing machine)

We put Intego’s Washing Machine through its paces and were genuinely pleased with its capabilities. This Mac cleaner offers three main features: Reclaim, Duplicates, and Organize, each serving a unique function.

Reclaim unclogs your system by identifying junk files. We loved that the software guides you on what to delete and what not to, using a “Safe to Aggressive” dial. Our test run freed up around 5 GB of space, a satisfying result indeed. It beats other cleaners like MacKeeper, which offer little to no guidance on what you’re erasing.

Duplicates, as the name suggests, finds and lets you eliminate redundant files. Here, too, the software stands out by offering previews and the option to select folders for scanning—something many other cleaners don’t. We were able to clear out multiple versions of the same file with ease.

But the star feature for us was Organize. This tool sorts your desktop clutter, rearranges your Dock, and allows for Smart Folders. It’s like having a digital Marie Kondo for your Mac.

While system speedup tools are noticeably absent, the existing functionalities more than make up for it. Organize alone makes this tool a must-have for Mac users looking to declutter and optimize their systems.

So, if you’re a Mac user in need of some digital tidying up, Intego’s Washing Machine is a solid choice. Its user-friendly interface and detailed guidance give it an edge over rivals.

Plans and pricing

In the table below are the core products with their features and prices.

The prices shown are from the USA. However, most brands have different prices (and currencies) in other regions. So visit the brand’s website to see the price in our country.

Plan description

We delved into Intego’s pricing options and found that their plans cater to different needs without breaking the bank. The plans range from $39.99 to $84.99 per year and offer options for 1, 3, or 5 Macs. A unique perk is Intego’s “Dual Protection” feature, which also protects your Windows PC for a nominal fee. It’s rare for a Mac-centric antivirus to offer PC protection.

The budget-friendly Mac Internet Security X9 costs $39.99/year, providing the core VirusBarrier and NetBarrier functionalities. It’s decent for users focused solely on malware protection and internet security.

The mid-tier plan, Mac Premium Bundle X9, is excellent. For $69.99/year, you get the VirusBarrier, NetBarrier, Washing Machine, Personal Backup, and ContentBarrier. It’s a complete package for those who want total security, parental control, and system optimization.

Lastly, for $89.99/year, the Mac Premium Bundle + VPN is the most comprehensive. It features everything from the Premium Bundle and adds the VPN on top. Considering the $ 20 price difference, we’d recommend it.

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making them risk-free options. Given the robust performance of each tool, Intego provides excellent value for Mac users seeking a reliable, all-in-one security solution.

Test score comparison

Next to our own anti-malware tests, we analyze those by AV-Test. We’ve compared the 10 most recent test scores for Mac of the antivirus brands that frequently partake in these trials. The tests were performed by AV-Test, the German anti-malware test lab. They use three factors:

• Protection (1-6): Antivirus protection against malware attacks.
• Performance (1-6): System slowdown caused by the antivirus.
• Usability (1-6): Frequency of false alarms and disruptions.

We used their results, and this formula, to calculate the final score:

Final Score = 60% Protection + 20% Performance + 20% Usability.

Two important notes:

• Brands not listed in the table haven’t participated in the analysis by AV-Test. Avoid these brands, because we simply do not know if they are good at their job.
• Not all brands participate frequently in the tests. Look into the last column to see how often the brands have participated in the last 10 tests.

Although most brands have decent scores, Norton is the clear winner.

Source: AV-Test.

User reviews

We’ve compared the user reviews of all antivirus brands. We’ve used the scores and review count of TrustPilot, a leading user review platform. However, take these results with a grain of salt, as some brands actively attempt to increase their ratings.

Personally, we are wary of exceptionally high scores. Especially those by brands such as TotalAV, known for aggressive marketing and sales tactics.

We consider scores between 4.0 and 4.5 good and realistic. Higher scores are dubious, and lower scores indicate that the brand might have a poor product or customer service. McAfee’s scores, for instance, are worrying.

Source: TrustPilot.

Company Profile

Intego is owned by Kape Technologies (LSE: 

Intego, a subsidiary of Kape Technologies, has been a leading name in Apple security since its inception in 1997. Specializing solely in Apple products, the company offers a range of internet security and antivirus solutions designed to protect Macs, iPhones, and iPads from various online threats, including viruses and malware. Unlike many other antivirus providers that have branched out into Mac security, Intego has a long-standing focus on Apple’s ecosystem, making it a trusted name in the field.

The company’s software is crafted for both beginners and tech-savvy users, providing optimal protection without compromising on ease of use. Intego’s dedication to quality has garnered it numerous awards from Mac-focused publications worldwide.

Parent company Kape Technologies shares Intego’s vision for a safer digital world. Established in 2017, Kape aims to enhance online security, privacy, and freedom. With a customer base of 7 million paying users and over 100 million readers globally, Kape operates a variety of digital security products grounded in principles like transparency, user privacy, and data autonomy.

Kape has rapidly expanded its reach through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Intego in 2018. Operating on a scalable, SaaS-based model, the company has a global footprint with 1,000 employees spread across 10 countries.

Both Intego and Kape are committed to evolving as the digital landscape changes, continuously innovating to meet the growing security needs of their diverse user base.

How we test antivirus software

Below we describe how we run our tests. For even more details, visit our blog posts on how we test antivirus software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most frequently asked questions.