What is ScanGuard?
ScanGuard is relatively new to the cyber security scene, but offer a feature packed solution across a range of devices, with major first-year discounts.
Launching in 2015, ScanGuard quickly gained a great reputation for the number of features they include in all of their plans. Typically, the base plan offered by antivirus companies only provide a basic level of protection. However, with ScanGuard, you will have access to features, such as VPN’s and firewalls, that are usually restricted to only the most expensive plans with their competitors.
You do just need to be aware of the resubscription costs, if you are planning on having the protection on your device for longer than 12-months.
ScanGuard
What popular features do you get with ScanGuard?
- Password manager
- Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
- Free version
- Unlimited VPN available
- Real-time protection
- USB virus scanning
- Removes spyware and malware
- Multiple plans available
- Automatic updates
- Easy to use interface
Who is ScanGuard ideal for?
If usability is your main priority when it comes to choosing the right antivirus solution for you, then ScanGuard will be a great option.
The inclusions in their plans are very extensive, so even if you are unfamiliar with what you need, even the base plan will include a wide range of cybersecurity protection. Their interface is also incredibly simple to navigate, and it is the same across all platforms, so learn one, and you have learnt them all.
They also offer fantastic first year discounts, although you do have to look out for the high resubscription costs, as well as the lack of proper technical phone support.
Pros and Cons
- ScanGuard is one of the easiest to use antivirus software packages on the market. Particularly their VPN and parental control features.
- They offer significant first-year savings, in the order of 75% discounts. This provides excellent value given the quality of their product.
- Their cheaper plans offer some of the features that are only available on the more expensive tiers of other companies.
- Their 2-way firewall provides a high level of protection for your computer.
- While there first-year discounts are substantial, their resubscription costs are high.
- They do not offer any free trials. They do have a free version, but for any of the paid models, you will have to pay upfront, although there is a restricted money back guarantee.
People like you also researched
Here are some products we think might be a good fit based on what people like you viewed.
TotalAV
- Significant first year savings
- Real-time protection
- Removes spyware and malware
- Multiple plans available
McAfee
- Password manager
- Identity protection
- Advanced firewall tools
- Multiple plans available
Norton
- Real-time protection
- Removes spyware and malware
- Advanced firewall tools
- Provides protection for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android
How much does ScanGuard cost?
*based on information provided by the vendor. Actual cost may vary.
ScanGuard offers three tiers of plans which is inclusive of a fantastic range of features. Many of the features available on the lowest tier are only available on far more expensive plans with other companies.
They do offer a free version of their software, however it is very much set up to convince you to spring for a paid subscription. This is because the free version will identify any potential threats to your computer or device, but it will be up to you to remove the threat manually.
That is unless you take out a paid subscription which will take care of that for you. The bast plan is their Essential Antivirus Plan. This comes with the whole range of malware, ransomware and phishing identification and protection, all in real-time. In addition, it includes optimization tools for your device, firewall protection, VPN, and more. These features can be used on a single device. The first year cost of this plan is $24.95, however after the first year the resubscription cost will rise to $99.95.
If you have more then one device, the Pro Antivirus Plan will be a better choice for you, as it provides the same protection as the Essential Plan, but for up to three devices. They will also include a password manager in this plan. This plan will cost you $39.95 initially, but just like the other plans, the heavy discounts do not carry forward to subsequent years, which will then cost you $119.95.
The highest level of coverage from ScanGuard is their Ultimate Antivirus Plan. For this plan you will receive everything of the lower plans, plus additional optimization functions for your smartphone, and a safe browsing ebook. The cost of this plan is $59.95 in year one before increasing to $149.95 for subsequent years. We tend to think the Pro plan is the sweet spot of the ScanGuard.
Customer Support is available at ScanGuard
Customer Support from ScanGuard can be a little hit or miss. They offer all the usual methods of communication, such as live chat, email, an online knowledge base, and 24/7 phone support.
Their agents are typically very knowledgeable and fast to respond to your query, however the interesting thing is their phone support will only take queries on billing. If you have any technical enquiries, they will not respond to them, and instead will push you back to the chat or email functions.
Conclusion
Overall, ScanGuard offers a fantastic all-around package with a solid range of features in all of their plans. The Pro plan is certainly the best value if you have more than one device. We do not see the additional cost of the Ultimate plan being worthwhile except for the unique circumstances.
There are a few things that let it down, from their high resubscription costs, to the lacking technical phone support, and even some features, such as not being able to stop a scan once it has started. But overall we highly recommend the offering from ScanGuard if you are looking for an affordable, inclusive option.
