TotalAV Review

TotalAV performed well in my tests. It offers excellent malware detection, strong real-time protection, and secure web browsing. However, it lacks an in-built firewall and parental controls, which most top competitors offer. 

Key Features — Robust Features for Maximum Security

TotalAV offers all the security features necessary to keep you from malware, phishing attacks, and other online threats. I tested all the key features and was impressed by the performance. However, it lacks a firewall and parental controls, which may be a drawback for advanced users.

Antivirus Scan

There are 3 types of scans you can use: 

• Quick scan. Target areas where malware commonly resides. It completed the scan in exactly 3 minutes when I tested.
• Full system scan. Carries out an in-depth examination of your entire device, which may take longer depending on your system’s storage capacity. During my tests, it took 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete the scan.
• Custom scan. Allows you to specify particular files or folders for scanning and offers scheduling options for routine checks.

When testing, I downloaded several EICAR malware samples and hid them in various folders, and it detected them all. This confirmed to me its ability to detect threats efficiently, even in a basic Quick scan.

I found the Full Scan slightly slower than some competitors, like Norton, but still faster than most. 

In my tests, TotalAV’s malware scanner did not produce any false positives. Thus, you can trust its virus scan results with complete confidence. Overall, TotalAV’s scanner offers a good mix of speed, accuracy, and ease of use, making it reliable for both basic and advanced protection.

Real-time protection

TotalAV’s real-time protection performs well in detecting and blocking threats as they occur. While it may not be as advanced as some top antivirus software I have tested, it is still highly reliable. 

In my tests, the real-time protection worked effectively. It immediately flagged and stopped malicious downloads and suspicious files. The feature runs quietly in the background without slowing down your system, making it convenient for everyday use.

I tested it by downloading an EICAR test file, and it blocked the threat immediately. 

However, I was disappointed that TotalAV does not include a firewall. This means it cannot monitor network traffic, which is an important layer of protection. You’ll need to rely on your device’s built-in firewall or use a third-party option.

Additionally, the real-time protection feature is not enabled by default. Fortunately, it’s easy to activate, and once switched on, it remains active until you choose to disable it manually.

Ransomware protection

TotalAV also offers robust ransomware protection that actively monitors your device to detect suspicious behaviors, such as unauthorized file encryption or unusual application activity. These are common indicators of ransomware attacks.

Its behavior-based detection identifies and stops new or evolving ransomware strains, even if they aren’t in its database. When it detects an infiltration attempt, it immediately notifies you and neutralizes the threat. It quarantines infected files to prevent the ransomware from spreading or causing further damage.

Web Protection

TotalAV’s WebShield is a feature designed to protect you from online threats by blocking access to malicious websites. It identifies and prevents connections to sites known for phishing, malware distribution, and other harmful activities. 

I tested it and it worked as promised. It blocked my access every time I tried accessing websites known to contain malware or phishing scams. I also like that you can configure it to block specific sites, including cryptomining URLs and low-trust websites. 

TotalAV also offers a Safe Site browser extension, but with WebShield enabled in the TotalAV settings, the app automatically blocks all unsafe websites.

Other Useful Features

Safe Browsing (VPN)

TotalAV’s Safe Browsing (VPN) is another handy tool that helps protect your online activity and privacy. It encrypts your internet connection, making it secure from hackers, ISPs, and other trackers. This is especially useful on public Wi-Fi, where sensitive data like passwords and credit card details are at risk.

During testing, the VPN provided a secure connection and successfully masked my IP address, keeping my identity private. It also stopped my ISP from seeing my online activity or throttling my internet speed. 

Streaming

The VPN has servers in over 50 locations across 34 countries. I tested it for unblocking popular global streaming services, and it worked effortlessly. For instance, I was outside the US while doing these tests, and I could still access my Amazon Prime Video and stream the US library without issues. 

Speeds

However, its speeds weren’t very impressive. Nearby servers gave me decent speeds, but servers more than 5,000 km away were significantly slower. For instance, I experienced lag when I tried playing Roblox with servers in the US. 

Overall, TotalAV’s Safe Browsing (VPN) ensures privacy, prevents tracking, and offers reliable performance for everyday use. You can also use it for streaming, but you might experience slowdowns on servers far away. If you want a VPN with faster speeds, I recommend you choose independent VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark. 

Ad Blocker

TotalAV’s ad blocker, known as Total Adblock, is designed to enhance your browsing experience by eliminating unwanted advertisements and pop-ups. This not only reduces distractions but also improves page load times and safeguards your privacy by preventing trackers from monitoring your online activities.

When testing, it effectively blocked various types of ads, including banners, video ads, and pop-ups, across multiple websites. I tested it with websites such as Forbes and Dramacool, and it blocked all of the ads. 

However, keep in mind that Total Adblock may not block ads inside videos or certain mobile apps because those ads are built directly into the app. You might also need to adjust the settings or whitelist some websites to make sure the content you want is displayed properly.

Cleanup Scan

TotalAV’s Cleanup Scan is an excellent tool for improving your device’s performance by identifying and removing unnecessary files. It targets junk files, temporary data, and other clutter that take up space and slow down your system.

During testing, the Cleanup Scan quickly analyzed my device and presented a clear summary of items that could be deleted. It highlighted unnecessary files, browser caches, and even duplicate files that were taking up significant storage. With just a few clicks, I was able to free up space and improve my system’s speed noticeably.

One standout feature is its ability to identify duplicate files. These often go unnoticed but can consume a lot of storage. Cleanup Scan made it easy to review and remove them without affecting important data. It also includes options to clean up browsing history and cookies, enhancing both privacy and performance.

Password Manager

TotalAV’s Password Manager, known as Total Password, is a premium add-on that helps you securely manage your login credentials. 

It stores your usernames and passwords in an encrypted vault, accessible through a single master password. This ensures your sensitive information stays protected and easily accessible.

Data Breach Scan

TotalAV’s Data Breach Scan helps you check if your personal information has been exposed in a known data breach. It scans your email address against a database of compromised accounts to identify any leaks. If it finds a match, it alerts you and offers recommendations to secure your accounts.

The tool is simple to use. After entering an email address, it quickly shows a list of breaches linked to that email. It also provides details about the type of data exposed, such as passwords or account information, making it easy to assess the risk.

What makes this feature valuable is its ability to help you act quickly. If a breach is detected, TotalAV advises on immediate steps like updating passwords or enabling two-factor authentication. While it’s highly effective for known breaches, it’s limited to publicly reported incidents, so it may miss exposures from undisclosed breaches.

Application Uninstaller

TotalAV’s Application Uninstaller helps free up space and remove unwanted or outdated software from your computer. While Windows has its own “Add or Remove Programs” tool, it often fails to work properly. 

During testing, the Application Uninstaller effectively identified and removed various programs, including those that are often difficult to uninstall through standard methods. I was impressed by its ability to detect potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that may have been installed without your knowledge. 

However, it’s important to note that while the Application Uninstaller is effective, it may not always remove all traces of certain stubborn programs. In such cases, additional manual steps or specialized uninstaller tools might be necessary.

Installation and Experience — Intuitive and Easy-to-Use Apps

TotalAV is simple to install and use on both desktops and mobile devices. It also offers apps for the most popular operating systems. 

Device Compatibility

TotalAV is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. 

Desktop

TotalAV offers native desktop apps for Windows (version 7 SP1 and later) and macOS (version 10.9 and later). The setup process for both devices is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. Once installed, its user-friendly design makes it easy to access and use all its features, even for beginners.

I liked that the Windows app has a well-designed and visually appealing interface — unlike many antivirus programs that bury app settings in multiple menus. The dashboard is clean and easy to navigate, with essential features like antivirus scans, system optimization, and security tools clearly organized for convenient access.

One of TotalAV’s strengths is its performance. It runs quietly in the background without noticeable system slowdowns, even during full scans. Notifications are timely but not intrusive, keeping you informed about threats or recommended actions without interrupting your workflow.

Mobile

TotalAV’s mobile apps for Android (5.0 and up) and iOS (12.0 and up) provide comprehensive security tools. Both versions havea clean, intuitive interface that make managing your device’s protection simple and hassle-free.

On Android, the app offers full malware scanning, real-time protection, and system optimization tools. It also includes an App Lock feature, which adds an extra layer of security for sensitive applications. During testing, scans were quick, and navigating the app was seamless, even for new users.

For iOS, TotalAV focuses on features tailored to Apple’s ecosystem. While malware scanning isn’t available due to iOS restrictions, the app includes a secure browsing VPN, device optimization tools, and system security checks. It also provides a straightforward layout, ensuring an easy user experience consistent with the Android version.

Setup & Installation

Installing this VPN is fast and straightforward on most devices. I completed the setup on my Windows laptop and Android phone in under three minutes.

Reliability and Support — Highly Responsive

TotalAV’s customer support offers several ways to get help, including email, live chat, and phone support. The live chat feature is fast and responsive. I reached out with questions about setting up the VPN, and the agent provided clear and helpful guidance in under five minutes. Chat support is not available for the free version. 

The 24/7 phone support stood out for its speed and efficiency. When I tested it, I was connected to a knowledgeable representative almost immediately. They walked me through troubleshooting steps without any confusion. There are country-specific phone numbers for regions like Australia, Canada, the United States, and others.

However, I was disappointed that I couldn’t get any response from TotalAV’s email support. I submitted a query and, even after 48 hours of waiting, never received a response. However, this isn’t a big concern since all my questions were answered through chat and phone support.  TotalAV also offers a ticketing system for less urgent inquiries. 

TotalAV has a detailed knowledge base and FAQ section filled with self-help resources. The knowledge base is well-organized, making it easy to find the articles you need. 

Information is divided into clear categories, so you can quickly navigate and locate what you’re looking for with just a few clicks.

Pricing

TotalAV offers several pricing plans to cater to different needs and budgets.

• Antivirus Pro: Priced at $19 for the first year, this plan covers up to three devices. After the first year, the renewal cost increases to $99 per year.
• Internet Security: For $39 in the first year, this plan protects up to five devices and includes a VPN. It renews at $119 per year.
• Total Security: At $49 for the first year, this plan provides coverage for six devices and adds features like an ad blocker and password manager. The renewal price is $149 annually.

These first-year discounts make TotalAV an affordable option initially. However, it’s important to note the higher renewal rates after the first year. 

For those on a budget, TotalAV’s free plan offers a virus scanner and access to the WebShield feature. However, it lacks real-time protection, a built-in VPN, and other essential features included in the premium plans. This makes the free plan suitable only for basic on-demand malware scanning.

I was a little disappointed to find out that it no longer offers a free trial. However, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the app risk-free. The refund process is straightforward — you can request a refund through live chat support, and they typically confirm it right away. 

Refunds are processed quickly, with the money returned to your account within 7 working days.