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Intego vs TotalAV

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Pros
  • High detection rates for malware, spyware, and ransomware
  • Minimal system impact during scans and real-time protection
  • User-friendly interface with easy setup and navigation
  • Comprehensive suite includes antivirus, firewall, parental controls, and system optimization
  • Scheduled scans and automatic updates keep security up-to-date
Pros
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Multi-platform support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Quick and efficient scanning
  • Disk cleanup and system optimization tools
Cons
  • Fragmented features across multiple standalone apps
  • Windows version lacks many advanced features available for Macs
  • VPN subscription sold separately
  • Higher cost for full-featured plans compared to competitors
  • No dedicated mobile apps for iOS or Android
Cons
  • High renewal rates after the first year
  • Limited features in free and basic plans
  • No full two-way firewall
  • Frequent upselling during setup
Summary

Intego is a leading provider of Mac-focused security solutions, specializing in protecting Apple MacOS computers. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, with an R&D lab in Paris, they have over 25 years of experience in offering tailored antivirus, firewall, anti-spam, and data protection software for Macs. Known for their user-friendly approach, Intego’s comprehensive suite includes VirusBarrier for malware protection, NetBarrier for firewall defense, and ContentBarrier for parental controls, all designed to deliver robust and seamless security for Mac users. In recent years, Intego has expanded their offerings to include Windows protection and a standalone VPN service while maintaining a strong focus on Apple products. The company’s flagship bundle, Mac Premium Bundle X9, combines advanced security tools with system optimization and backup features, making it a versatile choice for both personal and business use. Intego has earned high marks from independent labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives for their effectiveness, minimal impact on system performance, and ease of use, reinforcing their reputation as a trusted security provider.

Summary

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, TotalAV has quickly established themselves as a reliable antivirus and security provider. The company has earned a reputation for offering effective, user-friendly solutions designed to protect devices from a wide range of online threats. TotalAV's services include real-time malware detection, ransomware protection, a built-in VPN for secure browsing, and system optimization tools like disk cleanup, junk file removal, and startup program management to improve device performance. These features help users keep their systems secure and running smoothly without complicating the user experience. TotalAV is compatible with a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users. While TotalAV enjoys positive feedback for their comprehensive protection and ease of use, some customers have raised concerns about their pricing model, particularly regarding higher renewal rates after the first year. Despite these criticisms, TotalAV’s responsive customer support and proactive efforts to address issues demonstrate their commitment to improving the user experience. With a 30-day money-back guarantee and competitive pricing, TotalAV remains a solid contender in the ever-growing antivirus market.

Quick Stats
  • Security Rating : Excellent
  • VPN : Separate add-on
  • Price : Starting at $39.99/year
  • Customer Experience : Excellent
  • Firewall : Included
  • Free Trial : True
  • Trustpilot Score : 4.8 out of 5
Quick Stats
  • Security Rating : Good
  • VPN : Included
  • Price : Starts at $29/year
  • Customer Experience : Good
  • Firewall : Not included
  • Free Trial : 7 days
  • Trustpilot Score : 4.7 out of 5
Selling Points
  • Mac-specialized security with specific macOS features
  • NetBarrier two-way firewall protection with network location profiles
  • Mac Washing Machine system optimization tool
  • Advanced ContentBarrier parental controls with anti-predator chat monitoring
  • Offers bootable clones and advanced backup options
Selling Points
  • Smart Scan combines malware protection and optimization
  • Integrated ad blocker for a cleaner browsing experience
  • Dedicated ransomware protection with behavioral detection
  • Multi-device protection under one subscription
General Features & Perks
  • Adware Removal
  • Anti-Phishing
  • Anti-Spam
  • Undisclosed
    Anti-Theft
  • Anti-Tracking
  • Behavior Analysis
  • Undisclosed
    Cloud Scanning
  • Dark Web Scanning
  • Dedicated Ransomware Protection
  • E-mail Scan
  • Undisclosed
    File Encryption
  • Free Version
  • ID Protection
  • Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
  • Malware Removal
  • Mobile App
  • On Demand Scan
  • Real-Time Protection
  • Spyware Removal
  • Undisclosed
    Vulnerability Scanner
  • Webcam Protection
General Features & Perks
  • Adware Removal
  • Anti-Phishing
  • Anti-Spam
  • Anti-Theft
  • Anti-Tracking
  • Behavior Analysis
  • Cloud Scanning
  • Dark Web Scanning
  • Dedicated Ransomware Protection
  • E-mail Scan
  • File Encryption
  • Free Version
  • ID Protection
  • Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
  • Malware Removal
  • Mobile App
  • On Demand Scan
  • Real-Time Protection
  • Spyware Removal
  • Vulnerability Scanner
  • Webcam Protection
System Optimization & Performance
  • Boot Time Scans
  • Undisclosed
    Browser Cleaner
  • Disk Cleaner
  • Junk Files Removal
  • Software/Driver Updater
System Optimization & Performance
  • Boot Time Scans
  • Browser Cleaner
  • Disk Cleaner
  • Junk Files Removal
  • Software/Driver Updater
Additional Perks
  • Cloud Storage Backup
  • Live Updates
  • Parental Control
  • Password Manager
  • Undisclosed
    Rescue Mode
  • USB Rescue Toolkit
  • USB Vaccination
Additional Perks
  • Cloud Storage Backup
  • Live Updates
  • Parental Control
  • Password Manager
  • Rescue Mode
  • USB Rescue Toolkit
  • USB Vaccination
Device Compatibility
  • Android
  • Browser Plugins
  • ChromeOS
  • Fire OS
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Windows
Device Compatibility
  • Android
  • Browser Plugins
  • ChromeOS
  • Fire OS
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Windows
Customer Support
  • Community Forum
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Undisclosed
    Phone
  • Social Media
  • Ticket
Customer Support
  • Community Forum
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone
  • Social Media
  • Ticket

Intego vs. TotalAV

Choosing the right antivirus software depends on your device type, usage habits, and privacy needs. Intego and TotalAV are two popular options, each with distinct strengths. Intego is known for their deep focus on Mac protection, while TotalAV appeals to a wider audience with an all-in-one package for multiple platforms. Here’s how they compare across service range, ease of use, security features, and pricing.

Service range and customization options

Both Intego and TotalAV give you the essentials: real-time protection, malware scans, anti-phishing tools, and basic performance optimization. They also offer extras like browser protection, scheduled scans, and email security. Whether you’re on Windows or Mac, you’ll find compatible versions for each.

The difference lies in specialization. Intego is heavily focused on Mac users, offering Apple-specific features like Mac Washing Machine for cleanup, NetBarrier for a two-way firewall, and ContentBarrier for parental controls. Meanwhile, TotalAV is more of a generalist with wider cross-platform coverage, including Android and iOS, and features like Smart Scan and Total AdBlock that appeal to casual users. TotalAV includes more bundled features across devices, whereas Intego’s Windows tools feel like scaled-down versions of their Mac offerings.

Ease of use and integration

Both antivirus tools emphasize ease of use. They have intuitive dashboards, simple installations, and guided user experiences that make them beginner-friendly. You can schedule scans, enable auto-updates, and access most tools without needing advanced knowledge. User reviews for both highlight their clean interfaces and smooth operation during background scans.

Intego’s features are split across multiple standalone apps, which may feel disjointed. Users need to switch between VirusBarrier, NetBarrier, and other tools to manage all functions. TotalAV, on the other hand, offers a more unified interface, integrating most features—like VPN, ad blocker, and performance tools—into one dashboard. It’s better suited for users who want a seamless experience with fewer apps to juggle.

Security and compliance

Both Intego and TotalAV offer strong security foundations. They provide real-time malware detection, ransomware protection, phishing defense, and regular malware definition updates. Each has been tested by independent labs like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. While both perform well against known threats, Intego has scored slightly higher for Mac-specific protection, while TotalAV has shown improvements in broader malware detection.

What sets Intego apart is their zero-day protection and firewall capabilities. They offer a two-way firewall and behavioral analysis to detect new, unknown threats—especially on Mac. TotalAV lacks a full two-way firewall but compensates with extra tools like a password vault, breach monitoring, and device optimization. If you’re more focused on privacy features like VPN and password management, TotalAV offers them in a more integrated format. Intego, by contrast, keeps their VPN as a separate add-on.

Pricing

Intego’s entry-level plan, Mac Internet Security X9, starts at $39.99/year for one device. It includes VirusBarrier for real-time malware protection and NetBarrier for firewall control. On the high end, their Mac Premium Bundle + VPN comes in at $89.99/year for one device and includes everything: antivirus, firewall, parental controls, system cleanup (Mac Washing Machine), file backup, and their Privacy Protection VPN. It’s a full suite aimed at users who want layered protection and system performance tools.

TotalAV’s lowest-priced paid plan, Antivirus Pro, starts at $29/year for up to three devices. It covers malware scanning, real-time protection, and basic system cleanup. The top-tier plan, Total Security, starts at $49/year (but renews at $179/year) and includes a VPN, password vault, ad blocker, and coverage for up to six devices. It’s built for users who want more than just antivirus—think of it as a bundle of security, privacy, and performance combined.

Conclusion

Intego and TotalAV both offer solid antivirus protection, but they serve different users. If you’re a Mac owner looking for software built specifically for macOS, Intego’s tools offer better integration, stronger system optimization, and advanced parental controls. They’re a top choice for Apple users who value security tailored to their operating system.

If you’re looking for broader coverage across devices and want everything bundled in one interface, TotalAV makes more sense. Their Smart Scan, ad blocker, and VPN integration make them ideal for users who want quick, accessible protection and aren’t tied to a specific operating system.