Intego vs TotalAV

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.