In the realm of cybersecurity, early antivirus solutions primarily concentrated on safeguarding PCs from malware, with Mac protection being an afterthought. Intego, however, has consistently prioritized Mac users, establishing itself as a dedicated defender against threats targeting Apple’s ecosystem. The latest offering, Intego ONE, merges robust antivirus capabilities with a comprehensive firewall, marking a significant evolution in its product lineup. Independent lab assessments affirm Intego’s effectiveness against Mac malware, while the integrated firewall feature is a welcome addition. Nevertheless, competitors such as Norton AntiVirus Plus and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus for Mac have garnered perfect scores in lab tests, particularly excelling in phishing protection—a feature that Intego currently lacks. As a result, these two alternatives have earned the distinction of Editors’ Choice winners in the Mac antivirus category.
Intego ONE: A New Name and Appearance
Previously known as Intego Mac Internet Security, the rebranded Intego ONE signifies a shift towards a more unified and user-friendly solution. The firewall component has been streamlined for ease of use, and while the parental control feature has been removed—an aspect that was never a standout—the introduction of SmartClean replaces the older Washing Machine system. Moreover, the VPN is now seamlessly integrated into the main antivirus application, enhancing the overall user experience.
Pricing: How Much Intego ONE Costs Depends on What You Want
Intego ONE offers a tiered pricing structure that caters to various user needs. At the entry-level Essential tier, which emphasizes antivirus and firewall protection, the annual fee is a competitive .99—comparable to other products like CleanMyMac and ESET Cyber Security. For those seeking multiple licenses, a three-license package is available for .99, while a five-license option costs .99. The Essential tier provides full antivirus and firewall protection but does not include system cleanup or a VPN.
Upgrading to the Advanced tier introduces the SmartClean system cleanup tool, priced at .99 for a single license, .99 for three licenses, and 9.99 for five. Transitioning from Essential to Advanced incurs an additional cost of to , depending on the number of licenses chosen. The top-tier Intego ONE Complete subscription, which includes a full-scale VPN, is available for .99 annually, aligning with the pricing of comprehensive security suites like McAfee Total Protection. However, it’s worth noting that many competitors offer similar services at lower price points.
For users hesitant to commit financially, Intego provides a 7-day free trial, allowing potential customers to explore its features without any upfront payment. For those on a tighter budget, free alternatives such as Avast One Basic and AVG AntiVirus are also available.
Getting Started With Intego
Installation of Intego’s Mac antivirus is straightforward, with a free trial readily accessible. Users must grant Full Disk Access and other necessary permissions for optimal functionality. Once the latest malware definitions are downloaded, the software is prepared for action. The user interface features a castle icon in the menu bar, which opens a panel displaying security statistics and a scan initiation button. The main application window provides easy navigation through various features, including Antivirus, Firewall, VPN, SmartClean, and Settings, depending on the selected tier.
One Testing Lab Certifies Intego’s Protection
While Mac malware is less prevalent than its Windows counterpart, it remains a concern. Intego has been recognized in lab reports from AV-Comparatives, achieving a commendable 97.1% malware detection score, though it falls short of the perfect scores attained by competitors like Avast and Norton. Intego’s settings indicate its capability to detect both Mac and Windows malware, ensuring that Macs do not inadvertently become conduits for Windows-targeted attacks.
Excellent Windows Malware Detection and Speedy Full Scan
Intego demonstrated impressive speed during testing, completing a quick scan in just over a minute—significantly faster than the average. The full system scan took only seven minutes, showcasing the software’s efficiency. When tested against a range of Windows malware samples, Intego successfully detected 92% of threats, outperforming many competitors.
No Protection Against Malicious and Fraudulent Websites
Despite its strengths, Intego currently lacks protection against malicious websites and phishing attacks, a critical feature offered by many competitors. This gap in functionality is notable, especially as phishing sites continue to pose significant risks to users. However, Intego has acknowledged this shortcoming and plans to introduce web-level protection in the near future.
Firewall: Updated and Much More Approachable
The firewall component has been integrated into the main application, replacing the previous standalone NetBarrier. This new approach simplifies user interaction, allowing for easy monitoring of network activity without overwhelming users with complex settings. The firewall effectively blocks unauthorized incoming connections while providing users with the ability to manage app access to the network.
SmartClean: Not Worth the Upgrade Cost
SmartClean, available in the Advanced and Complete tiers, aims to enhance system performance by identifying and removing unnecessary files. While it offers useful optimization features, the additional cost for this upgrade may not be justified for all users. The feature provides insights into CPU and RAM usage, along with the ability to delete junk files, but whether it warrants the price increase remains a subjective decision.
VPN: Streamlined and Easy to Use
The Intego Complete tier includes a full-powered VPN, leveraging technology from sister company ExpressVPN. This integration offers users enhanced privacy by encrypting internet traffic and masking their IP addresses. The VPN interface is user-friendly, featuring a world map for selecting server locations and displaying connection status. However, the pricing for the VPN component may be higher than standalone options available in the market, leading some users to consider alternative VPN services.
