MacScan and VirusBarrier are two of those rarest of creatures in the software world: Mac-only security programs.
Although heavyweights from the Windows security arena like Norton and McAfee have recently increased their efforts to gain market share among Mac users, MacScan and VirusBarrier represent an approach tailored specifically to the platform.
That’s not to say that both programs do exactly the same thing, though. MacScan and VirusBarrier differ in a number of ways, and some users will likely find that one is much more suited to their needs than the other.
The Basics
SecureMac’s MacScan 2.7 runs on Intel or PowerPC-based machines with Mac OS X 10.5 and up. It’s priced at $29.99 US, with volume discounts available for users purchasing multiple licenses.
Intego VirusBarrier X6 runs on Intel or PowerPC-based machines running Mac OS X 10.5 and up, although users running Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6 and up) will need an Intel processor. VirusBarrier retails for $49.95 US for two licenses, or $69.95 for five.
Protection
MacScan and VirusBarrier are similar in what they do in terms of protection. MacScan is a dedicated anti-spyware and anti-malware program for the Mac. In addition to spyware applications and exploits, it deals with tracking cookies, and can be used to delete browser histories and caches. It will protect you against all known Mac spyware and malware including Trojans.
Similarly, VirusBarrier is a comprehensive security package, comparable to things like Norton and Kaspersky. It protects against Mac viruses and other malware, including spyware.
Performance
Both MacScan and VirusBarrier offer more than adequate performance in terms of speed and efficiency. Neither program will slow down your computer during normal operation, although in both cases you may notice a bit of sluggishness while doing the most detailed types of scans. At the same time, particularly in the case of VirusBarrier, the slowdown is much less than what you’ll get with free antivirus programs.
In a sense, VirusBarrier has an advantage over MacScan with respect to performance. While neither will hog your computer’s resources, VirusBarrier is more impressive than MacScan in that it simply does more.
Ease of Use
MacScan is a relatively simple utility in terms of functionality, and it is appropriately simple and easy to use from the end user’s perspective. MacScan can also be used to delete any of your web browser cache or history files, so if you regularly use two or more different web browsers, MacScan can be a convenient way to take care of all of your browser history management at once.
Ease of use is where VirusBarrier suffers a bit. Its interface is very unusual and unlike anything else on Mac. While some users may find it to their liking, the majority will probably just see it as an annoyance at first. VirusBarrier isn’t overly complex and can certainly be learned in a fairly short period of time, but compared to other antivirus programs that are simple and easy to use out of the box, VirusBarrier’s interface is a bit of a problem.
Conclusion
Overall, both programs are excellent, made by companies that specifically focus on developing Mac-only software and offer a free trial so we encourage you to test drive them. Both will protect you against Mac malware such as trojan horses (including the DNSChanger/RSPlug Trojan Horse, the iServices Trojan Horse, and the PokerStealer Trojan Horse), as well as all known Mac worms.
In terms of functionality, VirusBarrier probably gets the nod but in terms of price and value for money, that would certainly go to MacScan.
Related posts:
- iAntiVirus vs. MacScan: Mac Security Software Comparison
- MacScan Review: Anti-Spyware Software for Mac OS X
- VirusBarrier vs. iAntiVirus: Which is Better? Mac Security Comparison
- Intego VirusBarrier X6 Review – Mac Antivirus Software
- VirusBarrier vs. ClamXav Review: You Decide
