
TotalAV Antivirus is a rapidly growing name in the cybersecurity industry, known for its comprehensive feature set and reliable protection against various online threats. Founded in 2016 in the United Kingdom by a team of cybersecurity experts, TotalAV has quickly established itself as a solid choice for many users. This review aims to provide a thorough analysis of TotalAV Antivirus, covering its installation process, features, performance, pricing, and more.
Pros
- Comprehensive virus and malware protection
- User-friendly interface
- Extensive feature set including VPN, password manager, and device optimization tools
- Good performance in lab tests
- Free and premium versions available
Cons
- Some advanced features are only available in premium versions
- Can impact system performance during scans
- Frequent upselling of additional features
Features and Capabilities
Feature | Description |
Virus and Malware Protection | Utilizes advanced algorithms and a comprehensive virus database to identify and eliminate viruses, malware, spyware, and other malicious software. |
Real-Time Protection | Continuously scans your device and blocks threats in real-time. |
Web Shield | Blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts. |
Ransomware Protection | Monitors and blocks untrusted applications from modifying or encrypting sensitive files. |
Firewall | Monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent unauthorized access. |
VPN | Provides encrypted internet connections to safeguard online activities, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. |
Device Optimization Tools | Includes tools to clean up junk files, optimize device speed, and fix registry issues. |
Password Vault | Stores and manages your passwords securely. |
Identity Protection | Monitors the dark web for breaches involving your personal information. |
Ad Block Pro | Blocks annoying ads and enhances browsing speed and security. |
System Tune-Up | Enhances system performance by managing startup items and clearing browser histories. |
Safe Browsing VPN | Ensures secure browsing by encrypting internet traffic. |
Virus and Malware Protection
TotalAV provides comprehensive virus and malware protection through several advanced technologies:
- Real-Time Protection: Constantly scans your device, blocking any detected threats immediately.
- Web Shield: Protects against malicious websites and phishing attempts.
- Ransomware Protection: Monitors and blocks untrusted applications from modifying or encrypting your sensitive files.
Firewall and VPN
These two features are crucial for ensuring online privacy. While most antivirus software includes a firewall, not all offer a VPN. TotalAV includes both in its more expensive plans, providing a higher level of protection.
For those unfamiliar, a firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. Think of it as a gatekeeper that prevents unauthorized access to your device. The firewall provided by TotalAV is included in their Internet Security and Total Security plans, offering enhanced protection against unauthorized access and other threats.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is another essential feature that encrypts your internet connection, making your online activities private and secure. This is particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi networks, as it prevents hackers from intercepting your data. The VPN from TotalAV, known as Safe Browsing VPN, is included in the Internet Security and Total Security plans, providing reliable encryption to ensure your online presence is protected at all times.
Unfortunately, these features are only included in the more expensive plans. The Internet Security plan starts at $39 per year (renews at $119), and the Total Security plan starts at $59 per year (renews at $149). These plans offer comprehensive protection, but users on cheaper plans will not have access to the firewall and VPN.
Device Optimization Tools
To keep your device running smoothly, TotalAV offers some handy tools:
- System Tune-Up: This feature helps boost your system’s performance by managing startup items and clearing out browser histories, making your device run more efficiently.
- Ad Block Pro: Say goodbye to those annoying ads! Ad Block Pro not only blocks ads but also enhances your browsing speed and security, giving you a smoother and safer online experience.
These tools are designed to ensure your device remains fast and efficient while you go about your daily tasks.
Privacy-Focused Secure Browser
TotalAV’s Secure Browser is a great tool for enhancing your online privacy. Not every antivirus includes a secure browser, but TotalAV does. For those who might not know, this browser blocks ads and trackers that can invade your privacy. It also comes with built-in security features to prevent unauthorized data collection, ensuring a safer and more private browsing experience. This means you can surf the web without worrying about being tracked or bombarded by ads.
Additional Security Features
TotalAV doesn’t stop at just a firewall and VPN; it includes several other features that boost your security:
- Password Vault: This is a secure place to store and manage your passwords. You don’t have to remember every single password because this tool does it for you.
- Identity Protection: Monitors the dark web for breaches involving your personal information. If your data is compromised, you’ll be alerted right away.
- Safe Browsing VPN: Not every antivirus offers a VPN, but TotalAV does. It encrypts your internet traffic, making your online activities private and secure.
Pricing and Plans
Overview of TotalAV Pricing
Plan | Cost (Annual) | Devices Covered | Key Features |
TotalAV Free Antivirus | Free | 1 | Basic protection, real-time scanning, limited device optimization tools |
TotalAV Antivirus Pro | $29.00 (renews at $99.00) | 3 | Advanced protection, Ransomware Shield, Web Shield, advanced firewall, VPN |
TotalAV Internet Security | $39.00 (renews at $119.00) | 5 | All Pro features plus more devices, additional system optimization tools |
TotalAV Total Security | $59.00 (renews at $149.00) | 6 | All Internet Security features plus Password Vault, Ad Block Pro, and Priority Support |
Comparison: Free vs. Premium
When comparing the free and premium versions of TotalAV, several key differences stand out:
- Free Version:
- Cost: Free
- Protection: Basic virus and malware protection.
- Features: Includes real-time scanning and limited device optimization tools.
- Limitations: Lacks advanced features like ransomware protection, full VPN, and premium customer support.
- Premium Version:
- Cost: $29.00 to $59.00 per year, depending on the plan and number of devices.
- Protection: Enhanced security with additional layers such as Ransomware Shield, Web Shield, and advanced firewall settings.
- Features: Offers a comprehensive suite including VPN, Password Vault, Ad Block Pro, and System Tune-Up.
- Customer Support: Premium users receive priority customer support with faster response times.
The premium versions are particularly beneficial for users needing robust, all-encompassing security and privacy features, while the free version is suitable for basic protection needs. This tiered approach allows users to choose the level of protection that best fits their requirements and budget.
How to Turn Off TotalAV Auto-Renewal
Turning off auto-renewal for TotalAV is simple. You can either send an email to cancel@totalav.com or call their customer service. In your email or call, let them know you want to disable the auto-renewal feature. Make sure to do this before your subscription renews to avoid being charged for another year. If you need any assistance, their customer support team is there to help.
Installation and Setup
Getting TotalAV set up on your device is pretty simple. Here’s how you do it:
- Download the Installer: First, go to the official TotalAV website and download the installer for the version you want—whether it’s the free version or one of the premium plans.
- Run the Installer: Open the downloaded file. You might see a prompt asking if you want to allow the program to make changes to your device—click “Yes” to proceed.
- Choose Installation Type: You’ll get two options—Express and Custom. The Express installation is good for most users and installs the standard features. If you want to pick and choose which features to install, go with the Custom option.
- Follow the Prompts: The installer will guide you through the rest of the process. You’ll need to accept the license agreement and confirm your choices.
- Initial Scan: After the installation is complete, TotalAV will perform an initial scan of your device to check for any existing threats. This is a quick scan to ensure your system is clean from the start.
- Complete Setup: Once the initial scan is done, TotalAV will finalize the setup. You might be asked to create or log into a TotalAV account, which helps you manage your subscription and settings.
How Does TotalAV Impact Your Device?
TotalAV Antivirus aims to provide strong security without dragging down your device’s performance. However, like any antivirus software, it does have some impact:
- Background Scans: TotalAV runs continuous background scans to ensure real-time protection. These scans use a small amount of CPU and memory, but most users find this impact negligible during everyday use.
- Full System Scans: When you run a full system scan, TotalAV can be more resource-intensive. These thorough scans can temporarily slow down your device, especially if it’s an older model or has limited resources.
- Optimization Tools: To help manage performance issues, TotalAV includes tools like System Tune-Up. These tools clean up junk files, manage startup items, and optimize system performance, which helps balance out any resource usage from the antivirus software itself.
TotalAV Device Compatibility
One of the advantages of TotalAV is its ability to work across multiple devices with a single subscription. This means you can protect your Windows PC, Mac, Android phone, and iPad all with one account. This cross-device compatibility is convenient for users who have a mix of different devices in their household or business.
Windows PCs
TotalAV is compatible with Windows PCs, which means it can protect your desktop or laptop computer from various threats like viruses, malware, and phishing attacks. The installation process is straightforward. You just download the installer from the TotalAV website, run it, and follow the on-screen instructions. Once installed, TotalAV provides real-time protection, regular system scans, and other security features like a firewall and VPN.
Mac Computers
Mac users can also benefit from TotalAV’s protection. Although Macs are often considered less vulnerable to malware than Windows PCs, they are not immune. TotalAV for Mac includes features like real-time protection, system cleanup tools, and a secure browser. The software runs smoothly on macOS, offering a user-friendly interface that integrates well with the Apple ecosystem.
Android Devices
TotalAV offers an app for Android devices that provides comprehensive protection for your smartphone or tablet. The Android app includes features like real-time protection, safe browsing, and a VPN. It also has tools to help improve device performance, such as junk file cleanup and battery optimization. You can download the TotalAV app from the Google Play Store, and the setup process is quick and easy.
iOS Devices
iPhone and iPad users are not left out. TotalAV for iOS includes features designed to protect your device and personal information. While iOS is known for its robust security, additional protection can help guard against phishing attacks and unsafe websites. The app also includes tools for secure browsing and a VPN to keep your internet activity private. You can download the TotalAV app from the App Store.
Browser Extensions
TotalAV also offers browser extensions for popular web browsers like Chrome and Firefox. These extensions provide additional security features, such as blocking malicious websites and phishing attempts. They are easy to install and run seamlessly in the background as you browse the internet.
TotalAV for iPhone & TotalAV for Android
TotalAV offers dedicated apps for both iPhone and Android devices, providing robust security features to protect your mobile devices from a variety of threats. Here’s a closer look at what each platform offers.
TotalAV for iPhone
The TotalAV app for iPhone is designed to enhance the security of your iOS device. Here are some key features:
- Real-Time Protection: The app provides real-time protection against malware and other threats. It continuously scans your device and alerts you if it detects anything suspicious.
- Safe Browsing (VPN): The VPN feature encrypts your internet connection, ensuring that your online activities remain private. This is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks.
- Device Locator: In case you lose your iPhone, TotalAV’s app can help you locate it. You can track your device’s location and even trigger an alarm to find it quickly.
- Photo Manager: This feature helps you manage your photo library by identifying duplicate and similar photos, allowing you to free up space on your device.
- Battery Manager: The app includes tools to monitor your battery usage and extend its life by optimizing various settings.
The TotalAV app for iPhone is available on the App Store and is easy to install. Once installed, the app provides a straightforward interface that is simple to navigate, even for users who are not tech-savvy.
TotalAV for Android
TotalAV’s Android app offers a comprehensive set of features to protect your smartphone or tablet. Here’s what you can expect:
- Real-Time Protection: Similar to the iPhone app, TotalAV for Android provides real-time protection against malware, phishing attacks, and other threats. It scans apps, files, and websites to keep your device safe.
- Safe Browsing (VPN): The VPN feature encrypts your internet connection, ensuring that your browsing activities remain private and secure. This is particularly important when using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
- App Lock: This feature allows you to lock specific apps with a PIN or fingerprint, adding an extra layer of security to your sensitive information.
- Junk Cleaner: The app includes tools to clean up junk files and cache, helping to improve your device’s performance and free up storage space.
- Battery Saver: TotalAV’s battery saver feature helps extend your device’s battery life by managing power-hungry apps and settings.
The TotalAV app for Android is available on the Google Play Store. Installation is quick and easy, and the app’s interface is designed to be user-friendly, making it simple to access and use all the features.
Lab Test Results
TotalAV Antivirus has been put through its paces by various independent labs and consistently scores well:
SE Labs: TotalAV’s performance in SE Labs tests confirms its reliability in protecting against a wide range of threats, including phishing attacks and targeted malware. The software is particularly noted for its effectiveness in blocking threats before they can cause harm.
AV-TEST: TotalAV frequently scores high in AV-TEST evaluations, especially in Protection, Performance, and Usability categories. Recent tests show near-perfect scores for detecting and blocking malware.
AV-Comparatives: In real-world protection tests, TotalAV performs admirably, demonstrating high detection rates and low false positives. The performance tests indicate that TotalAV has minimal impact on system speed compared to other antivirus solutions.
How TotalAV Handles Your Data
TotalAV takes user privacy seriously, but it’s important to understand their data collection practices. They collect data to improve their services and ensure effective security. This includes:
- Device Information: Data about your device, such as operating system, hardware specifications, and unique identifiers.
- Usage Data: Information on how you use the software, which helps TotalAV improve its functionality and user experience.
- Threat Data: Details about any threats detected on your device, used to enhance TotalAV’s threat detection algorithms.
TotalAV’s privacy policy is transparent about what data is collected and how it’s used. However, some users might have concerns about the extent of data collection and the sharing of anonymized data with third parties for research and analysis.
Keeping Your Data Safe
TotalAV employs strict security measures to protect the data it collects:
- Encryption: Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, ensuring sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access.
- Access Controls: Only authorized personnel have access to user data, and access is logged and monitored to prevent misuse.
- Third-Party Audits: TotalAV undergoes regular security audits by third-party organizations to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Despite these measures, users should be aware of TotalAV’s data collection practices and configure their settings accordingly.
Customer Support and User Experience
TotalAV offers various customer support options to assist users:
- Help Center: TotalAV’s online help center provides a comprehensive library of articles, guides, and FAQs for troubleshooting common problems and learning how to use different features.
- Email and Ticket Support: Users can submit a support ticket or send an email for more complex issues. Response times can vary, but premium users typically receive faster service.
- Phone Support: Premium users have access to phone support for urgent issues, allowing them to speak directly with a support representative.
- Live Chat: Available for premium users, offering real-time assistance with any issues or questions.
What Are the Best Alternatives to TotalAV?
While TotalAV is a popular and effective antivirus solution, it’s always good to consider alternatives to ensure you are getting the best protection for your needs. Here are some of the best alternatives to TotalAV:
Avast Free Antivirus is a widely recognized name in the antivirus market, known for its comprehensive protection and user-friendly interface. Key features include:
- Real-Time Protection: Protects against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
- Behavior Shield: Monitors your applications for suspicious behavior to prevent zero-day attacks.
- Wi-Fi Security Scan: Checks your home network for vulnerabilities and helps secure your Wi-Fi.
- Smart Scan: Combines antivirus, software updates, network security, and performance issues into one scan.
Avast Free Antivirus is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, making it a versatile option for users with multiple devices. It provides strong security features without the need for a subscription, making it an excellent free alternative to TotalAV.
McAfee Total Protection is a comprehensive antivirus solution that offers a wide range of features to keep your devices secure:
- Real-Time Protection: Guards against viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware.
- Identity Theft Protection: Monitors your personal information and alerts you if it is at risk.
- VPN: Includes a secure VPN for private browsing.
- Password Manager: Helps you store and manage your passwords securely.
- Parental Controls: Tools to help parents manage their children’s online activities.
McAfee Total Protection is available for multiple devices and platforms, offering robust security features and an easy-to-use interface. It’s a strong alternative for users who want comprehensive protection across all their devices.
Avira Antivirus is known for its reliable protection and a range of features designed to enhance your device’s security and performance:
- Real-Time Protection: Protects against viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware.
- VPN: Includes a VPN to keep your online activities private.
- System Speedup: Tools to help optimize your device’s performance by cleaning junk files and managing startup items.
- Privacy Tools: Features to help protect your privacy, such as secure browsing and anti-tracking.
Avira Antivirus is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It offers a good balance of security features and performance optimization tools, making it a solid alternative to TotalAV.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is TotalAV Antivirus Safe? Yes, TotalAV Antivirus is considered safe and reliable for protecting against various online threats. It consistently receives high marks from independent testing labs for its security capabilities.
- Can TotalAV Antivirus Slow Down Your Computer? While TotalAV runs efficiently in the background, full system scans can be resource-intensive and may temporarily slow down older or less powerful devices. The impact is generally minimal on modern systems.
- Why Can’t I Uninstall TotalAV? Some users may encounter issues when trying to uninstall TotalAV. It is recommended to use the TotalAV Uninstall Utility, available on the TotalAV website, to remove the software completely from your system.
- How Often Does TotalAV Update Its Virus Definitions? TotalAV updates its virus definitions regularly to ensure that your device is protected against the latest threats. These updates typically happen automatically in the background.
- What Are the Best Alternatives to TotalAV? Some of the best alternatives to TotalAV include Avast Free Antivirus, McAfee Total Protection, and Avira Antivirus. Each offers strong security features and reliable protection for your devices.
- How Can I Cancel TotalAV? To cancel TotalAV, log into your account on the TotalAV website, navigate to the subscription settings, and follow the instructions to cancel. If you encounter any issues, contacting customer support can help.
- How Much Is TotalAV per Year? The cost of TotalAV varies depending on the plan you choose. Premium plans typically range from $29.00 to $59.00 per year, with various features and levels of protection included.
- What Benefits Does a VPN Provide? A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection, making your online activities private and secure. It is particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi networks, as it prevents hackers from intercepting your data.
- Can I Use TotalAV with Another Antivirus? It is generally not recommended to use multiple antivirus programs simultaneously, as they can conflict with each other and cause performance issues. TotalAV provides comprehensive protection on its own.
- Is TotalAV Easy to Use for Beginners? Yes, TotalAV is designed with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for beginners to navigate and use its features. The setup process is straightforward, and the software provides guided instructions and tooltips.
For a comprehensive comparison of TotalAV and other leading antivirus programs, check out our Best Antivirus article. Discover which antivirus solution best fits your needs and offers the highest level of protection.