Guardio is a security application designed to protect users while browsing online with Chromium-based browsers such as Chrome, Edge, or Opera. It functions as a browser extension and focuses on preventing browser-based threats, including malicious websites, phishing attempts, and malware downloads.

 

 

Features:

Guardio is a comprehensive security solution designed to protect users while browsing online. Here are its main features:

• Real-Time Browsing Protection: Guardio actively scans every site, platform, and page you visit, warning you in real time about dangerous websites and downloads.
• Malware and Adware Removal: It blocks and removes malware, malicious software, and nasty extensions from your browser.
• Identity Protection: Guardio alerts you the moment your sensitive information is leaked online in a data breach, allowing you to act quickly to protect your identity.
• Identity Monitoring: The service includes monitoring for up to five different email addresses, providing immediate alerts when your data is exposed.
• Scam Resolution Recommendations: Guardio offers guidance on how to resolve scams and assists with identity theft issues.
• Family Coverage: You can add another four family members to your account at no extra charge.
• Insurance Coverage: In the US, Guardio provides $1 million in identity theft insurance coverage.

These features make Guardio a strong contender for users looking for browser-level security and identity protection services.

Pros:

• Browser-Level Protection: Guardio offers robust protection against malicious and fraudulent web pages directly within the browser.
• High Performance in Tests: It has received top scores in hands-on tests for its browser-level security features.
• Subscription Model: One subscription covers up to five people, making it a good option for families or small groups.
• Data Breach Reporting: The service includes well-designed data breach monitoring.
• Identity Theft Insurance: Through a partnership with TransUnion, Guardio provides identity theft insurance.

Cons:

• Limited Scope: Guardio’s protection is limited to Chromium-based browsers and does not extend to other parts of the user’s system.
• Cost: Some users may find Guardio expensive compared to other antivirus solutions that offer broader protection.

User Feedback:

• Positive Experiences: Many users have reported that Guardio has effectively protected them from various online threats and provided a sense of security while browsing.
• Customer Support: Users have praised Guardio’s customer support for being helpful and responsive.

Pricing:

The pricing for Guardio varies depending on the plan you choose:

• Basic Plan: Free, offering essential browser protection for your computer and phone.
• Premium Plan: This plan starts at $5.99 per month if billed annually and includes features like real-time scan and protection, harmful site blocks, phishing detection, and more. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month.
• Business Plan: Designed for team protection at $14.99 per person/month, this plan provides all the features in the Premium plan plus user management and support SLA.

Guardio also offers a 7-day free trial for the Premium and Business plans, allowing you to experience the full range of features before committing to a subscription¹.

Comparison with Other Antivirus Solutions:

While Guardio excels at browser-level protection, it does not offer the full range of features that traditional antivirus programs provide. Other antivirus products like Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and McAfee AntiVirus Plus include similar browser protection features but also protect against malware on the entire device across various platforms.

Conclusion:

Guardio is a specialised tool that excels in its niche of browser-level security. It is particularly suitable for users requiring protection primarily while using Chromium-based browsers. However, for those seeking comprehensive antivirus protection beyond the browser, other options may be more cost-effective and provide a broader range of security features.

Does it work on mobile devices, too?

Yes, Guardio offers a mobile app compatible with both iOS and Android devices. The mobile app provides additional security features such as mobile data leak alerts, email security on your phone, malicious SMS filtering, and more. When you purchase a Premium plan on the desktop, you can add the app and log in on your phone, and one plan covers all your devices. The Guardio mobile app can protect you on any mobile browser and alerts you about dangerous links on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

For more detailed information and plans, you can visit https://guard.io/