Combo Cleaner vs Cylance Smart

Combo Cleaner is developed by RCS LT, a Lithuania-based company founded in 2007. What started as a local IT service provider has since shifted toward cross-platform cybersecurity tools, with their flagship product, Combo Cleaner, positioned as a mix of antivirus and system optimization. Available on macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS, their app aims to give users an all-in-one solution for essential threat protection and device maintenance. They offer real-time malware detection, disk cleanup, duplicate and large file scanners, privacy tools, and ransomware folder protection (on Windows). Their mobile apps focus more on photo cleanup, app management, and browsing safety. The platform is updated frequently, with hourly malware definition updates and an AI-powered security assistant to assist with scam detection and threat awareness. Users often note how easy their software is to install and navigate, though feedback around refund policies and the usefulness of the free version is mixed. While they’ve earned certifications like VB100 and OPSWAT Bronze, they haven't been evaluated by major independent antivirus labs. The simplicity of Combo Cleaner's tools appeals to many, but whether their performance matches their claims is a different matter. This review closely examines what they do—and what they leave out.

Cylance was founded in 2012 in Irvine, California, focusing on using artificial intelligence to prevent cybersecurity threats proactively. While their early success was rooted in enterprise solutions, they expanded into the consumer space in 2018 with Cylance Smart Antivirus—a lightweight, AI-based security tool designed to stop threats before they could run. Their antivirus software didn’t rely on traditional signature updates or scheduled scans. Instead, it analyzed behavior in real time and blocked suspicious files. Users could manage multiple devices through a centralized, cloud-based dashboard. They positioned their service as a minimal-intervention alternative for individuals and families seeking quiet, background protection. However, third-party testing was limited. The one major AV-Test evaluation in 2020 gave them strong performance marks but below-average protection results. They also lacked standard features found in broader security suites, such as VPNs or password managers. BlackBerry acquired Cylance Smart Antivirus in 2019 and gradually phased out their home antivirus. Arctic Wolf's acquisition of the company's enterprise solution led to their complete discontinuation by 2024. What did they bring to the table—and what can today’s users learn from their short-lived approach to home cybersecurity?