Bitdefender vs. Intego – Comparison review

All Internet users want to feel safe while surfing, no matter what device or software they are using. There are many online threats, viruses, fishing attacks, and many more that you can catch visiting malicious websites, downloading programs with hacker’s scripts, or receiving emails with an exploit attachment. The aim of all attacks is your private data, personal information, or software. That is why it is important to take care of online security.

There are several ways to protect yourself: creating backups, enabling multi-factor authentication, performing regular scans for infections, keeping all software up to date, using firewalls, monitoring web traffic, setting proper security configuration of access rights, and more.

In this article, we will focus on antivirus programs that detect and remove viruses and malware from your computer. They prevent malware from causing any damage to your computer and protect user’s data. We will compare two popular antiviruses – Bitdefender vs. Intego with detailed technical comparison to show which one is better and why.

Bitdefender vs. Intego – Comparison table

Purpose	Antivirus	Antivirus
Supported OS	Windows, macOS	macOS, Windows
Mobile/ Tablet version	Android, iOS
Internet protection	Ransome, Adware, Spyware, Zero-day exploits, e-threats, Rootkits, Trojans, Worms	Malware, Spyware, Adware, Phishing
Real-time protection
VPN
System optimizer
Password Manager
Automatic Software Updates
Safe Browser
Web cab/microphone monitor
Gaming mode
Firewall
Parental control
Business version
Free version
Dark Web Monitoring
Money-back guarantee	30 days	30 days
Free trial	30 days	7 days
Technical support	Phone / email / chat	Email
Additional features	File shredder, Safepay, Antispam, Credit Card Monitoring, and many more	Personal backup
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Main differences between Bitdefender and Intego

Even though Bitdefender and Intego are antiviruses; they have significant differences in features.

More detailed explanation of differences and details of subscription plans are provided in the next sections.

Bitdefender and Intego – Overview

To understand better all main features and capacities, we provide a further general review of each antivirus further.

Bitdefender provides multi-layer protection for several OS (Windows, iOS, Android, and Mac) from all known and zero-day cyber threats without influencing the device’s performance speed. It protects data and personal info from ransomware, adware, zero-day exploits, rootkits, spyware, and many more. It has tools to scan the devices, prevent network attacks, optimize, and speed up the device’s performance.

You may turn on movie or game mode to temporarily snooze pop-ups and delay information about unimportant activities from the background. The software also saves battery by adjusting the display, and system settings for optimal performance. In addition to standard features, the program possesses many tools for monitoring financial, medical, SSN, and other identical information. Depending on your subscription plan, you will receive insurance up to $2 million for identity theft. But Bitdefender is always on top of all independent tests as the best protection and performance software.

Bitdefender even provides free products – free antivirus for Windows, a virus scanner for Mac, Browser protection (links scanner, protection from malware, trackers, and phishing), and free mobile apps. If you need more protection features, you can choose between 7 different subscription plans based on the desired features and number of protected devices. For all products, the detailed guide for FAQs is available; if you need personal involvement, you may chat 24/7, call, or send an email.

Intego is a dedicated antivirus for MacOS. Even though it was created for Mac, there is an Intego Antivirus for Windows as well, but with a limited set of features. Intego has created an antivirus solution for Apple since 1997 (the company’s previous name was Rival). Intego has many useful features, strong security, and reliable technical support. The independent laboratories have proved that it can detect the vast majority of threats.

Intego security system for Mac consists of Virus, Network, and Content Barriers specially designed for Mac users. All of them protect Mac from all types of malware, viruses, and phishing attacks in real time. You can choose the required level of protection by purchasing the plan, including all tools (apps) or only some. For Windows, the software protects from cyber-threats with other tools: antivirus protection from malware, spyware, adware, and other threats; smart scan; bulletproof defense including zero-day threats; and web shield for safe browsing and shopping online.

All products are available in English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and French. For any questions, you may contact the live chat of the technical support team, but within working hours. Outside them, you may write an email ticket with a detailed description of your problem. You can use the comprehensive knowledge to find 99% of the responses there.

verdict

Bitdefender and Intego have strong protection features and can detect most of the cyber-attacks. But Bitdefender has more additional features and more possibilities of technical support, so it is the winner in the overview section.

Bitdefender vs. Intego – Face-to-Face Comparison

This chapter, in detail, compares the security and scanning features of the two programs. Also, you can find out system requirements and subscription plans. As Intego is the most popular for Mac users, we describe tools from the Mac package. For Windows users, the core features are the same, but they are not split into separate tools. If you need more information about Bitdefender, please check our previous comparisons with AVG and Avira.

Scanning

Bitdefender performs regular scans on vulnerabilities and possible security breaches in one click. You can choose between full, quick, vulnerability, or custom scans from the dashboard. It also identifies outdated software that misses security patches and informs regarding better fixes.

All scanning occurs in the cloud without slowing down the hardware resources. The antivirus does not scan the actual files and does not upload them into the cloud. The scan searches for ransomware, spyware, rootkits, viruses, and all other possible attacks.

Intego security is based on the VirusBarrier, which performs automatic real-time protection and scanning of files on your Mac from malware and virus threats. It also checks all software updates to be sure that you have the latest protection capabilities.

You can scan not only your PC but also a mobile device connected via Bluetooth or plugged in. All scanning activities do not slow down the PC performance. All scans have two options – automatic or scheduled.

verdict

The scanning capabilities of Bitdefender and Intego have shown the best results for finding cyber threats, including zero-day ones. There is no winner in this part of the comparison of Bitdefender vs. Intego.

Security

Bitdefender uses artificial intelligence to analyze and protect from any suspicious activities related to URLs on the network level, including malware and brutal attacks. It also has behavioral technology to monitor suspicious usage of apps. The Advanced Threat Defense module prevents encryption by ransomware of all files, video, images, etc., on the user’s device.

The web-filtering technologies are designed to ensure that you will never enter a harmful or scamming website, and the infected links will be blocked in advance. In the Ultimate security package, you receive additional protection from phishing websites masking the trustworthy ones, and your financial data and passwords are safe. The Bitdefender privacy firewall helps to safeguard your system from hackers.

In case sophisticated malware is found, Bitdefender will reboot the PC in rescue mode and clean up all threats. Many other tools for identity protection are available with the Ultimate package; we will discuss them in other sections.

Intego has a customized two-way firewall – NetBarrier. This user-friendly feature recognizes the type of network you are connected to and changes accordingly to all settings.

It monitors background app usage and informs about any problems. NetBarrier protects your PC from unauthorized access to wireless and Wi-Fi networks, blocking unsolicited connections.

When NetBarries detects other devices to connect your PC, you will receive a notification, and you can decide whether to allow or not access.

verdict

The security of Bitdefender is multi-layer and consists of many tools using AI as well, while Intego relies only on NetBarrier. For better protection when accessing suspicious websites, we call Bitdefender the winner in this round.

System optimization

Bitdefender has several optimization features. Exclusive Photon tool adapts hardware and software configurations to save PC resources and improve performance.

After disk analysis, it provides a report suggesting you delete junk, duplicated, and other files not used on your PC. Another tool, OneClick Optimizer, improves the speed and performance of your devices.

Intego has the Washing Machine app to delete cache files, logs, downloads, duplicate files, and more to clear space on your hard drive. It will also collect clustered files into folders.

This cleaner utility helps to get rid of junk files and clear unneeded files. It automatically detects the most used apps and files; all unwanted and unused ones can be deleted with one click.

verdict

The system optimization tools are effective for both brands. There is no winner in system optimization tools.

Supported OS

Bitdefender installation process is quick and easy. You need to create an account, choose the required product and activate it. After that you will have access to the installation process in the security panel. The installation wizard helps to go through the process without problems in 9 steps.

Minimum system requirements for Windows users are Windows 7 or later, 2 GB RAM, 2.5 GB disk space and Internet Explorer version 11 or higher. Minimum Hardware requirements for Mac users are macOS (10.10 or later), and 1 GB disk space.

Intego has a seamless setup process, but after installation on Mac (the total protection) you will have five apps, each one with dedicated functionality. While Windows Antivirus is downloaded as one single app. The setup process and further configuration is simple.

Minimum Hardware requirements for Windows users are Windows 7 or later, 500 MB disk space, 2 GB RAM and high-speed internet connection for updates. Minimum Hardware requirements for Mac users are High Sierra (10.13) or later, 1.5 GB disk space and the Internet connection for updates.

verdict

The minimum requirements for Mac and Windows users are close to each other. Intego requires less disk space for Windows, while for Mac, it requires more than Bitdefender. So, we can’t call the winner.

VPN

Bitdefender offers Premium VPN service in the ultimate package. Using this tool, your traffic will be encrypted, and you can hide your online presence, and protect your password and privacy info. It also has built-in anti-trackers to prevent collecting users’ fingerprints and record online activities. Unlimited VPN traffic is included in Ultimate Security, Ultimate Security Plus, and Premium Security Packages. You can also purchase the VPN service for $3.33 per month for ten devices (with an annual subscription and a seven-day trial).

With that service, you receive the security protocol with the highest security; there is no log policy. It allows access to all streaming sites without geolocation restrictions. Access to more than 4000 servers. The service is available for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, MacOS.

Intego has solid VPN service for the fixed price of $20 for Mac users per year. This price is for updating Mac Premium Bundle X9 to Mac Premium Bundle + VPN. The price does not count on the number of devices or subscription years. You can also purchase VPN for Windows or Mac separately for $4.17 per month (with annual subscription).

VPN protects online privacy and security by hiding your IP address. You can receive a new IP to access geo-restricted content. It also protects the user from the ISP (Internet Service Provider) recording their activities. You should be sure that your accounts are safe.

verdict

Bitdefender and Intego have VPNs for users of the most expensive subscriptions, or you can purchase them separately. The service helps to go around restrictions. Bitdefender proposes the service for a lower price than Intego, so it is the winner.

Mobile

Bitdefender has two separate apps for Android and Mac. The Android app has many protected tools to keep your devices safe from existing and new threats: detection of anomaly behavior of apps trying to steal your data, malware scanner, on-demand scanner, scanner of all newly installed apps, webpages anti-phishing, alert of scams in messages, anti-theft, saver of battery and performance, and VPN.

The price for a mobile app for one device is $14.99, and for five devices is $69.99. The system requirements for Android are Android 5.0 and later.

The iOS app has slightly other features: traffic filtration for all apps, protection of personal data (password, financial data, social accounts, and others), scan of your device, checking misconfigurations, protection against misusing the app traffic on the internet, alert of possible scams and phishing, encryption of internet traffic with VPN, and saving battery life. The price for one account is $14.99. The system requirement for iOS is iOS 12 or later.

Intego does not have a mobile app. You can also scan your device for viruses if it is connected to the PC, as stated above.

verdict

Obviously, Bitdefender is the most secure app for mobile devices compared to Intego. Intego does not provide any support at all, only scanning features with a connection to your main device.

Parental control

In the big list of features, Bitdefender has parental control. It offers additional digital safety for families with kids. You can block inappropriate content (sexual, violence, drugs, etc.) and apps and limit Internet usage.

From your Bitdefender app, you can monitor your kids’ activities. Depending on your device (iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS), the monitor capabilities are slightly different.

As a bonus for Intego users, there is another tool that you may turn on in the package – ContentBarrier. It works as a parental control software to block or adjust control levels for specific websites.

This tool is helpful for protecting kids online and setting healthy boundaries. You can create several profiles for each family member and set limits on Internet usage, and Anti Predator will notify you in case unappropriated chat content is detected.

verdict

There is no winner in this comparison of Bitdefender vs. Intego, as they both have parental control features with similar capabilities.

Additional tools

Bitdefender has numerous features that are not available for many other antiviruses. Antispam feature filters phishing emails in email clients (Microsoft Outlook, ThunderBird). Moreover, Bitdefender Autopilot recommends security actions, and Wi-Fi security advisors assess Wi-Fi networks and routers. Other useful tools are Microphone monitors, Webcam protection, safe online banking, anti-theft, social network protection, file shredder, and password manager. The maximum antivirus package includes Identity Theft Insurance (up to $2 mln.), Court Records, and Multiple Bureau Credit (up to 3 bureaus monitoring) monitoring. And this is not all; the full list of additional tools per each subscription package is available on the official website. You can purchase several tools separately: Password Manager ($19.98 per year), Identity Digital Protection ($39.99 per year), Identity Theft Protection Standard ($79.99 per year), and Identity Theft Protection Premium ($109.99 per year).

In addition to standard real-time protection and scanning, Intego users receive only personal backup. With backup, you can synchronize data across computers and restore files if required. This tool backup protects sensitive files during computer crashes, and creates bootable clones.

verdict

The uncompromised leader and winner in additional tools is Bitdefender. All tools are available in the Ultimate plan.

Price

Bitdefender has seven subscription plans with different mixtures of protection tools for almost every budget and different OS. You can also choose how many devices will be covered by Antivirus. All plans have a 30-day trial.

A detailed list of included tools is available on the official website. But all plans include multi-layer ransomware protection, protection from adware, spyware, malware, spam, phishing, scams, and fraud.

For Business, there are other subscription plans.

Intego proposes three plans for Mac users based on the required number of security tools. Also, you may choose the number of devices (1, 3, or 5) you are going to protect and the subscription length (1 or 2 years). You can purchase only Mac protection or also include protection for Windows devices. All subscription plans have a 7-day trial version. After the purchase of the chosen plan, you will receive the key to access all features for the upcoming year.

Mac Internet Security X9 includes real-time protection, firewall, scanning, VirusBarrier, and NetBarrie. Mac Premium Bundle X9 includes all from the previous plan plus a Mac Washing Machine and Content Barrier.

For business, you can quote a special proposal for VirusBarrier X9 and NetBarrier X9.
For Windows users, there is only one proposal.

verdict

Bitdefender has more subscription plans that cover more devices (up to 20) and more OS, including mobile. Moreover, you can purchase the Antivirus Plus, plan for one device for the minimum price of $29.99.

Conclusion

The detailed comparison of Bitdefender vs. Intego shows the high-security capabilities of both software. But Bitdefender has more tools to protect digital and private identities, a more supported OS, and a variety of subscription plans. If you need a simple antivirus specially designed for Mac users with the possibility to protect Windows devices, then we recommend Intego. Nevertheless, Bitdefender is recommended for protection up to 20 devices in one license for all OS. Bitdefender proposes, in addition to firm and reliable malware and ransomware protection, a firewall, VPN, and numerous tools for the protection of personal identity, banking accounts, SSNs, wallets, medical IDs, and many more. You just need to choose the required subscription plan from many options.