Why Intego Mac Antivirus Is The Best Software To Protect Your Mac?
Summary
Intego, a macOS-only antivirus by far is the greatest Mac antivirus tool I’ve tried, with excellent malware detection rates and a large range of Mac-specific cybersecurity and optimization features.
I put Intego to the test against the most advanced Mac-based malware I could discover, and it was able to detect and block 100% of my test samples, including spyware, ransomware, and trojans.
The malware scanner from Intego is likewise incredibly quick. This is because, following the initial macOS scan, Intego’s file-caching technology — which skips past previously scanned files that it knows are secure — subsequent scans become significantly faster.
I tested the best 10 popular antivirus software that gives the greatest protection for Mac machines to save you time and money.
It can be difficult to find a reliable Mac antivirus program. Many antivirus companies concentrate on PC security and give their macOS product insufficient attention.
As a MacBook Air owner, I’m concerned about this because sophisticated spyware is increasingly being targeted at Mac devices.
I looked for antiviruses that could detect Mac-specific malware, had extra features you’d actually use, and were reasonably priced.
Some antivirus programs even include optimization tools to help your Mac run faster.
So What Is The Best Antivirus For Mac?
Intego, a macOS-only antivirus is by far the best antivirus program that I tested — it has perfect malware detection rates, and it comes with a wide range of Mac-focused cybersecurity and optimization features.
I tested Intego against the most advanced Mac-based malware that I could find, and it managed to detect and block 100% of my test samples — including spyware, ransomware, and trojans.
It also includes a slew of extras, such as power backup tools and optimization tools, to help your Mac run faster. I strongly advise you to test Intego with the 30-day money-back guarantee because it is entirely risk-free.
Here is the quick summary:
1-intego macOS antivirus-blocked 100% of my test samples
2-totalav-blocked 98% of my test samples
3-mackeeper-blocked 92% of my test samples
4-norton 360-blocked 89% of my test samples
5-bitdefender-blocked 86% of my test samples
6-macAfee-blocked 78% of my test samples
7-avira-blocked 78% of my test samples
8-bullguard-blocked 66% of my test samples
Do Macs really need antivirus software?
100% yes. There are a few security features built into Macs, While these capabilities are helpful, they aren’t sufficient to protect Macs from ransomware, spyware, adware, and other complex malware used by criminals to spy on you and steal your data.
Real-time malware scanning, ransomware protection, Mac optimization tools, and advanced phishing protection aren’t included in even the most recent version of macOS.
Hackers have built (and are continuously developing) highly sophisticated Mac-based malware, making Macs increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
If you don’t have antivirus software installed on your Mac, you risk having all of your data taken and your system destroyed.
However, you must be cautious to only download reliable and legal antivirus software. If your antivirus is useless, you’ll be forced to trust a product that won’t protect you.

Intego Mac Antivirus Features:
- VirusBarrier — Malware Scanning
VirusBarrier is Intego’s malware scanner. It has a basic and easy-to-use dashboard, yet it still has key virus protection functions including an antivirus scanner, a real-time protection engine, scan scheduling, and malware eradication.
During my tests, I chose to perform a “Quick Scan” first. The Quick Scan scanned over 200,000 files in just two minutes, which is rather astounding. Then I did a “Full Scan.” On my Mac, the Full Scan evaluated over 800,000 files in under 1 hour and 40 minutes. Due to Intego’s built-in file caching technology, which passes through previously scanned files designated as secure, subsequent Full Scans were substantially faster (just over 10 minutes).
- NetBarrier-Firewall for Mac
NetBarrier, Intego’s firewall feature, is an advanced firewall with several more options not available in Mac’s built-in firewall.
NetBarrier recognizes which network you’re connected to — your home network, work network, or public Wi-Fi hotspot — and adjusts your firewall security settings accordingly.
NetBarrier immediately adjusted my firewall settings to guarantee my MacBook was safe from risks connected with public Wi-Fi hotspots when I tested this function on my local coffee shop’s Wi-Fi hotspot.
- ContentBarrier — Parental Controls
Intego’s parental control program is called ContentBarrier. When compared to the built-in Mac parental controls, it’s a lot more advanced, and it does a lot more than just block problematic websites. Keystroke monitoring, anti-predator alerts, screenshot capture, and application blocking are all included in ContentBarrier.
You’ll be able to keep track of how your children use the internet by viewing their website, chat room, and email activity. While you can block entire website categories such as gambling and adult content, you can also choose to block all websites except a select handful and require your child to obtain permission before visiting any blocked sites.
- Washing Machine — Mac System Optimizer
Washing Machine is a single program that integrates a variety of Mac cleaning and system organization capabilities. While Intego’s Washing Machine lacks Avira’s System Speedup for Mac in terms of Mac speedup tools, I enjoy what Intego has to offer.
The initial scan took just over 5 minutes and discovered around 20 GB of garbage files, including logs, caches, downloads, and trash files.
- Personal Backup — Customizable Backups
Personal Backup is designed to back up crucial files in a more personalized way than Apple’s Time Machine. I was able to back up certain files or folders to an external hard drive or a separate integrated hard drive using Personal Backup.
Personal Backup has the advantage of allowing users to plan numerous backups for different purposes. For example, I elected to back up my music files weekly and plan hourly backups for all of my work-related documents.

Intego Setup And Ease Of Use
Intego is compatible with Mac (OS X 10.8 and above). The most important features are separated into separate apps, ensuring that nothing is cluttered or difficult to find. I particularly liked the VirusBarrier app, which has three simple tabs at the top to navigate.

Intego Customer Support
For those that need assistance, Intego has a live chat, email, and online knowledgebase to assist them. In some locations, phone support is even offered. There was always a speedy response from the support staff when I used them.

Intego Pricing
Intego products are quite cost-effective.
They have features that the majority of Mac users would find quite handy.
While Intego isn’t inexpensive, the whole Mac Premium Bundle X9 bundle is less expensive than most other Mac-based antivirus and optimization software.
Furthermore, all packages have a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to sample Intego and receive a refund if you don’t like it.

They know their stuff
I used the Chat feature on the Intego support site to ask about some specific features about one of their security products. Even-though my question was worded a little stangely (I am senior+) the answer that I got back was exactly what I wanted to know. They got it right the first time in two clear, concise, short sentences.
Simple to install and easy to follow…
Simple to install and easy to follow instructions!
Message was sent to me how to install…
Message was sent to me how to install software. Very easy to follow. Great Company and I feel my Mac is secure as Intego very often sends me updates for their software. Also very easy to follow Software to use when doing manual scans as well as checking the overall health of my computer. There are other Anti- Virus companies out there but for me Intego is the best bang for the buck!👍👆🤠
Fast, reliable, quiet, and non-obtrusive
Fast, reliable, quiet, and non-obtrusive. Inexpensive. Sends newsletters that help me be alert to Mac-specific problems. Just like Mac for Dummies said it would be. I’ve had it for a decade, and could’t be happier.
The install was good, a few comments:
The install was good, a few comments:
1) It’s be nice if the initial purchase of the X9 package (non-bundle) and the bundled upgrade (which I did purchase) has the same S/N (I got 2 emails, one for the initial purchase of the X9, and then for the upgrade, each with a different S/N). I assume the S/N for the upgraded bundle covers all the apps, but it might be good to know for sure … .
2) I’d be nice to include a pdf file with all the purchase info (S/N, date, items …) and have that included in what is installed on my machine. I had to copy and paste in the info from 2 emails (not hard, or time consuming, but since I soon learned that I needed the S/N to install the Washing Machine, I decided I’d better keep all the purchase information).
The best option?
Examined my options for a secure home network; read the reviews and selected Intego. Very easy to download and run on my Apple Mac. All as advertised; a refreshing start, thank you Intego
Software was easy to download and…
Software was easy to download and install. Once I got the second email with the serial numbers, everything was good to go.
Thank you for including screenshots with the instructions on setup.
Very happy with its performance
Was a bit tricky to set up initially, but with online support I figured it out and now very happy with its performance.
I choose intego because it’s…
I choose intego because it’s product still support old OS and does not affect memory wise my MacBook Pro. I am very satisfied. Thank you.
I was being stupid but the online chat…
I was being stupid but the online chat quickly solved my problem.
Saved by Intego
First tried a web-based virus scanner. Found a problem but couldn’t fix it.
So then I did a Quick Scan with Intego. It found 23 bad files and fixed them all.
So grateful! Plus got an incredible price.
patient service
I had not realised my sub had expired so started from scratch . An elderly computer-unfriendly man ( me ) needed help and I got buckets and huge patience from customer support in the shape of Alma . Any company that employs someone like her to deal with customers must know what its doing.
It took me awhile to remove popup but…
It took me awhile to remove popup but the help was wonderful. They kept at it, great patience for someone who isn’t a computer wizard! Never gave up, kept trying different ways. Wonderful help and really appreciate their persistence, thank you!
I have been using Intego products for…
I have been using Intego products for over a decade now, even before viruses and spyware were specifically targeting Mac OSs.
Now, more than ever, I use Intego products to protect and maintain my electronic device.
About the Customer Support: it is more than adequate. Along the years, I have had issues with operating some parts of software, but the very-knowledgeable CS has always stepped to the task rapidly. It has always been beyond my expectations.
Super Safety & Support
I’ve been an Intego user since purchasing my first Mac and have always been impressed. Their VirusBarrier & NetBarrier, have protected me from a number of potential issues and Washing Machine has kept my system clear of clutter. When I had problems with some software issues, following an OS Upgrade, the European Support Team provided great help and were quick to respond, despite it being a couple of days before Christmas. They guided me through the solution with clear instructions and continued to respond fully to my queries, until the situation was completely resolved and the system was back to running normally and fully protected again.
I’d recommend the Intego software bundle, over any other antivirus/malware product that I’ve used, simply because it’s optimised for Apple and the day-to-day protection & support are that good.
Bundle X9 plus VPN
Been using the anti-virus bundle for 10 years now. Good software, prompt and helpful support when needed and value has improved year-by-year with more features and lower prices. If you can afford it, the discounted price for buying 2 years at a time is a good deal in these days when interest on bank deposits is essentially 0% or less. It’s so nice to deal with a firm which is operated by real, competent, empowered people rather than algorithms and powerless staff. Regular free security podcast is well done and suits a non-techie. Just signed up for VPN, which is so far working a treat. (I was invited to send a review by Intego after I complimented them on the support service. Glad to oblige.)
Intego user for years.
Intego user for years.
I have used Intego for years and have been very happy with the suite. I stopped and used a different service for a period of time but wound up going back. For a Mac it is by far the best.