Main Features
TotalAV goes beyond blocking malware with several tools included. Based on our team’s research, the main features are:
- Real-time antivirus protection
- Anti-scam, anti-ransomware
- WebShield blocks online threats
- System Tune-up Tools
- iOS and Android compatible
- Ad-blocking capabilities
- VPN for private Browse (except Premium plan)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Award winning Antivirus
Review of TotalAV Compatibility and System Requirements
TotalAV has excellent compatibility. Its security plans are available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The system requirements are:
- Windows Vista (v6) 10 and newer
- Windows 2000 (v5) 7 and newer
- macOS 10.9 and newer
- macOS High Sierra (v5.10) 10.9 and newer
- Android 5 and newer
- iOS 8 and newer
We like that TotalAV is compatible with older versions of Windows and macOS. That allows those with with older laptops or budget desktops can get modern protection without requiring a hardware upgrade. Requirements for minimum memory, CPU, and disk space for each system are listed on the TotalAV website.
Browser compatibility is great too. For example, on Windows 10 or higher, TotalAV supports Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera GX.
3 Plan Options: Premium, Internet Security, or Total Security
TotalAV has three paid plans, so you can choose which antivirus solution meets your needs the best. All three have low introductory pricing.
Premium
This entry-level plan includes three devices. It has the lowest first-year price of the paid options. That includes real-time antivirus, ransomware, and phishing protection, as well as tune-up tools, including a disk cleaner, and WebShield browser protection. It will suit many individuals and couples looking for protection and optimization without the need for extras like a VPN, password manager, or full-feature ad blocker.
Internet Security
Get double the number of devices included with TotalAV’s Internet Security plan. Along with the six devices, this plan includes all the Premium features plus a Safe Browse VPN for online privacy and security. This option may suit families who want full device protection plus VPN. It’s roughly twice the Premium cost for the first year, but less than the Total Security plan, and still what we consider reasonable.
Total Security
Get eight devices in this top-tier plan that is value-packed with all the Internet Security features, plus Password Vault (a password manager) and Total Adblock (an advanced ad-blocking extension). All for only a slightly higher first-year fee than Internet Security. Multi-device households, those who want an antivirus, VPN, password manager, and ad blocker in one dashboard, and users looking for maximum privacy are likely to prefer this plan.
There is also a free plan. It is a decent entry point for occasional virus scans, but for real-time protection, phishing protection, anti-ransomware, and additional valuable features like a VPN, the paid tiers are more likely to suit a lot of people.
TotalAV Review: Pros and Any Limitations
Getting a clear picture of what to expect from TotalAV can help you determine how it fits your online activities, needs, and preferences.
High Malware Detection Scores in Tests
TotalAV’s antivirus protection has received several respected awards, including Top Product. It has also been awarded for its high malware detection scores, including the VB100 A+ rating. That award reflects TotalAV’s excellent reliability in detecting virus samples in tests done by Virus Bulletin, a respected body. Accolades like this indicate strong performance and reliability.
Real-Time Protection
The real-time protection includes scanning files as they are downloaded, detecting and blocking suspicious activities, and scheduled scans. This is more signature-based protection than behavior-based, which means it can only detect malware that is in TotalAV’s database of known threats. So, you may want a dedicated privacy or security app alongside the antivirus if the latter’s more advanced analysis is important to you.
Scheduled Scans
Set up automatic scans to happen at set intervals to identify potential issues like malware, which helps keep your system at its best without needing to manually intervene. Also, TotalAV for mobile devices (Android and iOS) have App Lock to secure apps with a fingerprint or PIN to increase privacy and security.
Multiple Types of Devices
TotalAV can help users manage many different devices across platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. That appeals to those who need protection while traveling, in addition to a desktop computer. Plus, it’s usable on three, six, or eight devices, depending on the paid plan choice.
Does TotalAV sound like a good fit for you? See what else buyers have to say.
See Buyer Reviews
Anti-Phishing and Anti-Fraud
Included in all three TotalAV paid plans, WebShield is a real-time browser feature blocking access to dangerous websites before they load. Its ability to block phishing, fraud, and malware-hosting domains will be valuable to many people, such as those who aren’t always sure which sites are fake, online shoppers, and remote workers. While it’s not a complete replacement for a browser security extension, WebShield increases the safety level when Browse or shopping online.
Speed
A standout quality of this antivirus is its lightweight nature. Background processes are designed to run without using excess resources. Quick scans do not take long, and some users online note that there is little system impact. This feature is often important to those who want to secure their devices without reducing performance.
System Tune-Up Tools
Several included tune-up tools are designed to improve device performance by optimizing start-up processes, cleaning up unnecessary files, and more. That helps keep devices clean without needing in-depth technical knowledge. Gamers may appreciate the ability to maximize their system’s performance, while those with older PCs could get a bit longer lifespan from their machines.
Ease of Use
TotalAV has an intuitive interface that has been described online as being beginner-friendly. The dashboard has a clean look and modern design, with an onboarding process after signup to explain the main features.
Firewall
A firewall is not an included feature. Instead, TotalAV’s focus is on malware detection and removal, with real-time protection and other valuable features. While it does not have a full firewall, the WebShield blocks access to known malicious sites.
Customer Service
There are many support options:
Some users online have reported occasional delays in non-urgent problems. That indicates urgent issues are best dealt with via live chat or phone. There are also useful FAQs, guides, and troubleshooting articles on TotalAV’s site.
Money-Back Guarantee
TotalAV has a money-back guarantee, in the rare case that you are not fully satisfied, showing confidence in its quality. That allows you to request a full refund of the Premium, Internet Security, or Total Security plan within 30 days of starting or renewing an annual or biannual subscription, or within 14 days of starting or renewing a quarterly or monthly plan. The refund is based on the policy terms posted on the TotalAV site.
What about Privacy Tools? VPN, Ad Blocking & Password Manager
Features like a VPN, ad blocker, and password manager may also be important to you. TotalAV offers them in certain plans, maximizing the utility of the antivirus. Three examples are:
Safe Browse VPN – Included in the Internet Security and Total Security plans, it encrypts your internet connection using AES-256 bit encryption, a top standard security-wise. It will be useful for those who want to hide their IP address, browse securely on public Wi-Fi, and access geo-restricted content.
Total Adblock – This ad-blocking browser extension, included in the Total Security plan, blocks pop-up ads, banner ads, and video ads, as well as third-party trackers and malicious ad links. If ads annoy you or you worry about tracking cookies, this feature is likely attractive.
Password Vault – This Total Security plan feature securely stores and encrypts passwords and logins behind a single master password. A single vault makes remembering passwords for several accounts easier and is made to be user-friendly.
TotalAV Review Conclusion
TotalAV is an antivirus suite with plan options to meet different needs, based on the number of devices, budget, and more. We like that it offers security without needing in-depth tech know-how.
While traditional app monitoring and a full firewall are absent, TotalAV does have a lot to offer. Main features like WebShield, real-time protection, and system tune-up tools offer protection and performance benefits. Depending on the plan chosen, useful extras like a VPN, ad blocker, and password manager are available at a low introductory price. It offers terrific value for use across multiple devices.
Based on our research, TotalAV is a popular, comprehensive antivirus solution with ease of use that appeals to those who want security and privacy tools in one package.
