Intego vs MacKeeper

Intego vs. MacKeeper

Many antivirus providers build for Windows first and treat macOS as an afterthought, which creates a challenge for Mac users looking for dedicated protection. Two companies that break that mold are Intego and MacKeeper. Both focus on delivering full-featured tools designed specifically for Mac users, but they do so in different ways. This comparison looks at how they match up in terms of service range and customization, ease of use, security features, and pricing.

Service range and customization

Both Intego and MacKeeper go beyond simple malware protection. Each offers a broad suite of tools that includes system optimization, privacy features, and device maintenance. They also offer real-time scanning, scheduled scans, and quarantine tools to isolate threats. Both are macOS-first, meaning the interfaces and feature sets are built with Mac behavior in mind.

The difference lies in how these features are packaged. Intego’s tools are split across separate apps, like VirusBarrier for malware protection, NetBarrier for firewall settings, and Washing Machine for system cleanup. MacKeeper bundles everything into a single dashboard. MacKeeper also includes a built-in VPN and ID theft monitoring, while Intego sells their VPN separately and doesn’t monitor for breaches. For users looking to tweak settings or schedule tasks, Intego provides more detailed control, whereas MacKeeper favors automation and simplicity.

Ease of use and integration

Both platforms are user-friendly and aim to make Mac security accessible to everyday users. Installation is quick, dashboards are clean, and key tools are easy to find. They also support scheduled scanning and offer background processes that don’t interrupt your workflow. You don’t need technical experience to get started with either product.

That said, MacKeeper focuses more on one-click actions. Its “Find & Fix” tool scans multiple areas, like malware, junk files, and outdated software, then gives you a single button to clean everything up. Intego, on the other hand, separates functions by tool, which provides more precision but may require more effort to manage. MacKeeper is easier to use as an all-in-one app, while Intego gives more control to those who want to fine-tune how protection works behind the scenes.

Security and compliance

Both Intego and MacKeeper deliver reliable real-time protection against viruses, spyware, adware, and Trojans. Each updates their virus databases regularly and uses behavior-based detection to catch emerging threats. Both earned high marks from AV-Test in recent years, with Intego scoring especially well on usability and MacKeeper hitting perfect marks on protection and usability.

But the depth of protection differs. Intego includes a two-way firewall (NetBarrier) and parental controls (ContentBarrier), neither of which is present in MacKeeper. MacKeeper does offer a VPN and dark web monitoring, but lacks anti-phishing, financial fraud protection, or a firewall. MacKeeper also does not include a quick scan option or a password manager.

Pricing

Both companies offer flexible plans, but they approach pricing differently. Intego sells individual packages that you can bundle, like antivirus, parental controls, and optimization tools, with or without their VPN. Their basic Mac Internet Security X9 starts at $39.99 per year, while the Premium Bundle with all features and VPN goes up to $89.99 per year for one device.

MacKeeper’s antivirus is only available as part of their full suite. Their pricing starts at $5.95/month billed annually for one device, or $7.45/month for three Macs. They also offer a monthly plan at $14.95. You’ll get all features—VPN, ID theft monitoring, cleanup tools—without needing to buy separate add-ons. However, advanced live support costs extra through their Premium Services subscription, which starts at $58/month.

Conclusion

Intego and MacKeeper both offer strong protection for Mac users, but they cater to different needs. Intego is ideal if you want advanced tools like a firewall and parental controls, along with more control over how your system is secured. MacKeeper works better if you prefer a simple, all-in-one setup that combines antivirus, VPN, and cleanup features in a single app. Your decision depends on whether you value detailed customization or ease of use with bundled features.