BullGuard vs Combo Cleaner

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, BullGuard developed a reputation as a reliable antivirus provider with a focus on home users, families, and gamers. Their services stood out for blending strong, multi-layered threat detection with performance optimization features—most notably their Game Booster, which allowed users to enjoy lag-free gaming while staying protected. BullGuard’s security suite included essential tools like real-time protection, a configurable firewall, encrypted cloud backup, and a secure browser for financial transactions. Their interface was praised for being user-friendly, especially for non-technical users, and they performed consistently well in independent lab tests from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. While macOS and mobile support was limited compared to Windows, BullGuard maintained a loyal customer base thanks to their practical features and straightforward approach to cybersecurity. In addition to strong malware defenses, they offered useful extras such as a vulnerability scanner, customizable parental controls, and system optimization tools, making them a well-rounded option. In 2021, they were acquired by NortonLifeLock, and by mid-2022, all BullGuard products and services were fully migrated to Norton’s ecosystem, ending standalone BullGuard offerings.

Combo Cleaner is developed by RCS LT, a Lithuania-based company founded in 2007. What started as a local IT service provider has since shifted toward cross-platform cybersecurity tools, with their flagship product, Combo Cleaner, positioned as a mix of antivirus and system optimization. Available on macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS, their app aims to give users an all-in-one solution for essential threat protection and device maintenance. They offer real-time malware detection, disk cleanup, duplicate and large file scanners, privacy tools, and ransomware folder protection (on Windows). Their mobile apps focus more on photo cleanup, app management, and browsing safety. The platform is updated frequently, with hourly malware definition updates and an AI-powered security assistant to assist with scam detection and threat awareness. Users often note how easy their software is to install and navigate, though feedback around refund policies and the usefulness of the free version is mixed. While they’ve earned certifications like VB100 and OPSWAT Bronze, they haven't been evaluated by major independent antivirus labs. The simplicity of Combo Cleaner's tools appeals to many, but whether their performance matches their claims is a different matter. This review closely examines what they do—and what they leave out.