Intego Review 2026: Intego ONE, VPN, Prices and Safety

Intego at a glance

Intego makes security software for Mac, with a smaller antivirus for Windows. Its main product today is Intego ONE, one app that combines real-time antivirus, a firewall, a cleanup tool called SmartClean and Intego VPN ^[1].

The names many people still search for, such as Mac Internet Security X9, Mac Premium Bundle X9 and VirusBarrier X9, belong to the older generation. Intego's site now sells Intego ONE for Mac, Intego ONE for iOS and Intego Antivirus for Windows ^[1][2]. Intego's help center still keeps an X9 section for existing users ^[11].

• Best for: Mac users who want one paid app for malware protection, an outbound firewall and disk cleanup, with a VPN as an option.
• Platforms: macOS 12.4 or later on Intel or Apple Silicon; Windows 7 or later for the separate Windows antivirus; iPhone coverage only with the Complete plan ^[2][4].
• Price: from $29.99 for the first year on one Mac, renewing at $39.99 a year, as shown on intego.com on 2026-10-08 ^[2].
• Refunds: a 30-day money-back window on every plan ^[2][5].
• Lab results: 6 of 6 points in protection, performance and usability from AV-TEST in March 2026 ^[7]; Approved in AV-Comparatives' 2026 Mac review with 96.7% Mac malware protection ^[8].

How we reviewed Intego and how we earn money

For this 2026 update we checked every fact against Intego's own pages: the homepage, the pricing page, the VPN page, the Windows antivirus page, the terms of use and Intego's own blog ^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}. We then compared Intego's claims with the latest independent lab results from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives ^[7][8].

The interface screenshots on this page come from our earlier test of the X9 apps. Intego ONE has a newer design, so the screenshots show what the older apps looked like and what many existing users still run. Each source is listed at the bottom with the date we read it.

2-spyware.com earns a commission only from partner products, such as the Fortect offer shown on this page. Intego was a Mac partner of ours in the past, but we have no affiliate deal with Intego today and earn nothing if you buy it. That lets us judge it on its merits.

One more note on reviews in general. Intego's own pricing page states that it sometimes pays review sites to refer customers ^[2]. Its parent group, Kape Technologies, also lists several VPN brands among its holdings ^[10]. Keep that in mind when you read rankings elsewhere, and check the lab results yourself.

What is Intego? Company, ownership and history

Intego describes itself as a Mac security company with more than 25 years of experience, protecting Apple devices since 1997 ^[2]. The Windows page adds a vendor claim of more than 30 million protected devices ^[4].

Intego, Inc. is the company in the terms of use, and those terms are governed by Delaware law ^[5]. In July 2018, London-listed Kape Technologies PLC acquired Intego, as Intego announced on its own blog from Seattle ^[9]. Kape still lists Intego Antivirus among its top brands, next to ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access and CyberGhost VPN ^[10].

Intego also runs The Mac Security Blog, where its writers cover Mac malware, Apple security updates and how-to guides ^[6]. The blog is a useful free resource even if you never buy the software.

From X9 to Intego ONE

Until recently, Intego sold separate apps. VirusBarrier X9 was the antivirus, NetBarrier X9 the firewall, ContentBarrier X9 the parental control tool, Mac Washing Machine X9 the cleaner and Personal Backup X9 the backup app. Mac Internet Security X9 bundled VirusBarrier and NetBarrier, and Mac Premium Bundle X9 bundled all five.

AV-TEST's archive still shows Intego Mac Internet Security X9 version 10.9 as certified in June 2017 ^[12]. In March 2026, AV-TEST tested the new app as Intego One 1.2.3 ^[7]. In short, the protection engine lives on, but the product line and the names have changed.

What Intego ONE does: the four tools

Intego describes Intego ONE as one app with four tools: antivirus, firewall, SmartClean and Intego VPN ^[1]. Which of them you get depends on the plan you buy ^[2].

1. Antivirus

The antivirus offers real-time protection plus quick and scheduled scans, and it updates its definitions on its own ^[2]. Intego says it removes viruses, malware, spyware and adware ^[2]. It also detects Windows malware, so a Mac does not pass infected files on to PCs. AV-Comparatives confirmed that it caught all 100 Windows samples in its 2026 test ^[8].

Macs already include Gatekeeper and XProtect, which block many known threats. A third-party scanner adds a second opinion, scans of external drives and downloads, and alerts you can read. That matters most with adware and droppers such as the Shlayer trojan, which spread through fake updates and pirated downloads.

2. Firewall

The firewall shows which apps try to connect to the internet and lets you allow or block them ^[1]. The pricing page adds that you can create custom rules for specific applications ^[2]. macOS has its own firewall, but it focuses on incoming connections. Intego's control over outgoing app traffic is the part many users value.

The older NetBarrier X9 offered three ready-made profiles, Home, Work and Public Hotspot, with separate rules for each. The default settings suit most people, and advanced users can add exceptions.

3. SmartClean

SmartClean, in the Advanced and Complete plans, removes junk files, caches, logs and leftovers, analyzes storage, and monitors memory and CPU ^[2]. It also includes an App Uninstaller that removes an app and its related files together ^[6].

Cleanup tools on the Mac have a mixed reputation, because some fake cleaners like Advanced Mac Cleaner and Mac Tweak exaggerate problems to sell licenses. SmartClean is different in one useful way: it is an optional part of a tested security suite, not the main selling point. Treat its speed claims as convenience, not as a fix for old hardware.

4. Intego VPN

Intego VPN comes only with the Complete plan ^[2]. It encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address, and the next section covers it in detail ^[3].

Intego VPN review: what you get and what we could not verify

Many readers search for an Intego VPN review, so here is what Intego states and what it leaves out. The VPN is now part of Intego ONE Complete rather than a separate purchase on the pricing page ^[2]. Older catalogs sold it as Intego Privacy Protection VPN.

• Encryption and IP masking: traffic is encrypted, and your IP is replaced with one from Intego's servers ^[3].
• Protocol: Lightway, which Intego describes as designed for both speed and security ^[3].
• Kill switch: blocks all traffic if the VPN connection drops ^[3].
• Encrypted DNS: DNS requests are encrypted to prevent leaks ^[3].
• Auto-connect: the VPN can switch on by itself when you join an unknown or unsecured network ^[3].
• Logging: Intego states that it never records your browsing history and follows a strict no-logs policy ^[2][3].
• Streaming: Intego says you can watch your streaming libraries from home while you travel ^[3].

What we could not verify: Intego's VPN page does not give a server count or a list of countries ^[3]. It also does not mention an independent audit of the no-logs claim. We found no independent lab test of Intego VPN speed or leak protection.

Intego is honest about the limits of a VPN. Its own FAQ says a VPN does not block or remove viruses, which is why it pairs the VPN with the antivirus ^[3]. Our verdict on the VPN: a sensible add-on for public Wi-Fi and everyday privacy on one Mac and one iPhone. If the VPN is your main need, a dedicated VPN with published audits and server lists gives you more to check.

Lab results: how well does Intego detect Mac malware?

In AV-TEST's March 2026 round on macOS Tahoe, Intego One 1.2.3 scored the maximum 6 points in protection, performance and usability ^[7]. Eight of the ten products in that round scored the same, while Avira and Trend Micro lost points in protection ^[7].

AV-Comparatives' 2026 Mac Security Test gives a more detailed picture. Intego ONE Complete blocked 96.7% of 1,500 Mac malware samples and 94% of 1,500 potentially unwanted apps ^[8]. It detected all 100 Windows malware samples. The lab gave it its Approved award ^[8].

That 96.7% is good, but it is the lowest Mac malware score in that test. The other products scored between 99.0% and 100% ^[8]. We also could not confirm Intego in AV-TEST's June 2026 results, so March 2026 is the latest AV-TEST round we cite ^[7].

AV-Comparatives also noted a sensible design choice. If real-time protection or the firewall is turned off, Intego shows a persistent alert in the main window, and protection can be switched back on with one click ^[8].

Intego prices and plans in 2026

Intego ONE comes in three plans, each for 1, 3 or 5 Macs, on a 1-year or 2-year term ^[2]. Prices below are for one Mac in US dollars, as shown on intego.com on 2026-10-08. Intego often runs discounts, so the first-year price changes over time.

On the 2-year option, the pricing page shows the renewal amount with both a yearly and an every 2 years label ^[2]. Intego's terms say the renewal term is the one stated in your subscription terms at checkout, so read that line before you pay ^[5].

The Complete plan is the only one that also covers an iPhone, with Intego VPN, a network speed test and a security assessment on iOS ^[2]. Plans for 3 or 5 seats let you invite family members from your account page without sharing your login ^[2].

Intego Antivirus for Windows prices

The old X9 prices from our earlier review, such as $19.99 for VirusBarrier X9 and $69.99 for Mac Premium Bundle X9, no longer apply. Intego ONE has replaced those products on the pricing page ^[2].

Is Intego free? Trials, free scanners and what you pay for

Intego ONE is paid software. The pricing page offers no free plan, and every plan is covered by a 30-day money-back policy instead ^[2]. Intego's terms still mention free trials of its products, but we found no trial download offered on the pricing page in October 2026 ^[2][5].

In practice, the refund window works as the trial. You pay, install, test it for up to 30 days, and ask for a refund if it does not suit you ^[5].

If you want free protection on a Mac, macOS already includes XProtect and Gatekeeper. Intego's value lies in the extras: a second scanner, outgoing firewall control, cleanup and the VPN.

Subscription, renewal, cancelling and refunds

Intego plans renew automatically by default at the end of each term unless you cancel automatic renewal ^[5]. The fee is charged to the payment method you last used, and you may turn off automatic renewal at any time ^[5].

Purchases and refunds are handled through third-party payment companies ^[5]. Your card statement may therefore show a payment processor name rather than Intego.

How to cancel Intego

1. Sign in to your Intego account from the Sign In link on intego.com ^[1].
2. Find your subscription and turn off automatic renewal. Intego's terms link to a help article with these steps ^[5].
3. Keep the confirmation email. Your protection keeps working until the paid term ends.
4. Remember that deleting the app does not cancel the subscription. Intego's own blog says recurring payments continue until you cancel them in your account ^[6].

How to get a refund

Email Intego's support team within 30 days of the purchase date, with your subscription details and the reason for the request ^[5]. Intego says refunds are processed within 14 days ^[5]. After the refund, the terms ask you to uninstall the software from your devices ^[5].

Intego notes that different terms may apply when you bought through another seller ^[5]. If you bought through a reseller or an app store, check that seller's refund rules too.

Is Intego safe, legit or a virus?

Intego is a legitimate security company, not a virus. It has sold Mac security software since 1997 and has been part of Kape Technologies since 2018 ^[2][9]. Its products are tested by AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, and both labs list Intego in their 2026 Mac results ^[7][8].

Intego also states that its app is notarized by Apple, which means Apple scanned the build before it could run on macOS without warnings ^[1].

Some searches for an Intego virus come from people who see Intego components running in Activity Monitor, or a scan alert they did not expect. Those are normal parts of an installed security app. The real risk is fake copies. Download Intego only from intego.com, never from torrent sites or repack portals.

A fair point about privacy: Intego belongs to a group that also owns several VPN brands ^[10]. That is common in the industry and is no reason to avoid it, but you should read the privacy policy if the VPN is part of your plan.

Installation, system requirements and login

Intego ONE needs macOS 12.4 or later, an Intel or Apple Silicon processor, at least 8 GB of memory, with 16 GB recommended, and 2 GB of free disk space ^[2]. The 8 GB minimum is above what many security apps ask, so owners of older base-model Macs should check before buying.

Installation follows the usual Mac pattern. You download the installer from your account, open it, approve the system permissions macOS asks for, and sign in. The older X9 installers placed the apps in an Intego folder in Applications and showed overlay tips explaining each feature.

For Intego antivirus login, use the Sign In link on intego.com, which opens the Intego account portal ^[1]. That is where you manage seats, downloads and renewal.

Intego Antivirus for Windows needs Windows 7 or later, 500 MB of free disk space, 2 GB of memory and an internet connection ^[4]. It includes real-time protection, a web shield against phishing sites, scheduled scans, protection against unwanted apps, and what Intego calls financial protection against ransomware and banking trojans ^[4]. We found no 2026 lab test of the Windows product, so we cannot rate its detection.

How to uninstall Intego from a Mac or PC

Because Intego installs system components, removing it is not always a simple drag to the Trash. Intego's own guide recommends an app's official uninstaller for security software and VPNs ^[6]. These steps cover both the new and the old versions.

Uninstall Intego ONE or X9 on a Mac

1. Turn off automatic renewal first if you are leaving for good, because uninstalling does not cancel billing ^[6].
2. Open Finder and press Command, Shift and A to open Applications ^[6].
3. Look for an Intego folder or an app with Uninstall in its name, and open it ^[6].
4. If you cannot find it, press Command and Space and search for uninstall ^[6].
5. Follow the prompts, enter your admin password, and restart the Mac.
6. If no uninstaller is present, get it only from Intego's official site or support center, not from download portals ^[6].

For older X9 apps, the original installer disk image usually contained the uninstaller as well. Intego's help center has an article titled How to Uninstall Intego Software for Mac, but it asked us to sign in when we tried to read it ^[11]. If you get stuck, contact Intego support from your account.

Uninstall Intego Antivirus for Windows

On Windows, remove it from the list of installed apps in Settings like any other program, then restart the PC. If you are switching to another antivirus, make sure Microsoft Defender or the new product is active afterwards.

If an app keeps coming back after removal, that is a sign of something else on the system. Our guide on cleaning up malware leftovers explains how to check for the remains.

Intego crack, torrent and free download searches

Searches for an Intego torrent or a free Intego download with a key are common. We do not link to cracks or help with keys, and we advise against them.

A cracked security app has had its code changed by an unknown person, and it runs with the deepest permissions on your Mac. Pirated Mac downloads are also a known route for malware droppers such as Shlayer. Intego's own blog warns that unofficial download sites can include malware ^[6].

A cracked copy also gets no definition updates, which is the part of an antivirus that keeps it useful. If cost is the issue, the Essential plan is the cheapest legitimate option, and macOS's built-in protection is free.

Intego vs MacKeeper, Malwarebytes and others

Intego vs Malwarebytes: neither the AV-TEST March 2026 round nor the AV-Comparatives 2026 Mac test included Malwarebytes for Mac, so there is no recent lab score to compare ^[7][8]. The practical difference is scope. Intego ONE adds a firewall with per-app rules, a cleanup tool and, in Complete, a VPN, while many users install Malwarebytes mainly as an on-demand scanner.

Intego vs MacKeeper: we did not re-test MacKeeper for this review, and MacKeeper did not appear in either 2026 lab test we read ^[7][8]. MacKeeper is better known as a cleaner. If you see its ads in your browser, our page on MacKeeper pop-up ads explains where they come from.

Against mainstream suites from Bitdefender, Norton, Kaspersky or ESET, Intego scores the same 6 of 6 points in AV-TEST ^[7]. It sits slightly behind them in AV-Comparatives' Mac malware score ^[8]. Intego's advantage is its Mac-only focus and the outbound firewall.

Intego pros and cons

• Pro: full marks from AV-TEST in protection, performance and usability in March 2026 ^[7].
• Pro: detects Windows malware too, which helps in mixed Mac and PC homes ^[8].
• Pro: per-app firewall rules, which macOS does not offer by itself ^[2].
• Pro: one app with clear plan tiers and a 30-day refund window ^[2].
• Pro: Complete covers an iPhone too and includes a VPN with a kill switch ^[2][3].
• Con: Mac malware score of 96.7% in AV-Comparatives 2026, the lowest among the products listed ^[8].
• Con: renewal prices are well above first-year prices ^[2].
• Con: the VPN publishes no server count and no independent audit on its page ^[3].
• Con: needs at least 8 GB of memory ^[2].

Verdict: is Intego good for Mac?

Yes, Intego is a good choice for Mac users who want more than macOS's built-in protection in one tidy app. Its AV-TEST results are top marks, the firewall gives real control over outgoing traffic, and the pricing is clear if you look at the renewal line.

It is not the strongest detector in every test. AV-Comparatives placed its Mac malware rate slightly below the leading suites in 2026 ^[8]. If the VPN is your main reason to buy, check a dedicated VPN with published audits as well.

For most home users, Essential covers the security basics at the lowest price, and Complete makes sense if you also want the VPN and iPhone coverage. Set a reminder before the renewal date, and use the 30-day refund window if it is not the right fit ^[5].