Total Antivirus Review: Is It the Ultimate Defender for Your Digital Life?

Updated on September 6, 2024
total av

Today, cyber threats lurk around every corner. And, safeguarding your digital life has never been more important. Meet TotalAV –  widely regarded as a leading antivirus solution in the market.

This antivirus is designed to scan the device for malware and prevent incoming threats from being downloaded. This solution promises to be your ultimate defender against online dangers.

But does it live up to the hype? We’ll find out later. 

That being said, unique from built-in antiviruses, Total AV antivirus does great in malware removal and providing safety from other cyber threats like trackers.

Right now, we are here with a comprehensive Total antivirus review to find out if it offers total protection, whether is it worth the hype or not, and reasons why it is continuing to be an absolute pick for users.

TotalAV Review: Quick Summary

As we said earlier, TotalAV is a comprehensive antivirus software that aims to protect your digital life from various cyber threats. It offers a range of features that include malware protection, online privacy tools, system optimization, and more.

Concerning its compatibility, it is compatible with multiple devices like Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. This versatility makes it a suitable choice for both Personal and business use.

Here are some pros and cons that constitute a short summary:

Positives
  • All-around digital security
  • Includes performance and optimization tools
  • offers both free and paid versions
  • User-friendly and easy-to-use interface
  • Includes a VPN that has servers in 30 countries
  • Time-efficient scans
Negative
  • Slow installation process
  • Expensive auto-renewal
  • No behavior-based detection
  • Lacks a firewall

How Much Does Total AV Antivirus Cost?

TotalAV offers a free version and a paid one. Many users reported that the free version lacks some functionality. It’s not that it’s bad at removing malware, but the free version doesn’t really have additional value as compared to the premium version.

Then, why is there a free version? What can it do? Look below:

  • Use real-time protection.
  • Perfect for performing manual quick and full scans.
  • Scan devices for cookies and trackers. 

Eventually, after some days, the platform will ask you to upgrade it to the premium version. The prices for the same starts from $19.00 (for Antivirus Pro Plan). The same plan in the second year will cost you $99.00. 

The annual price for the same plan is $119, we know this can catch some people out, but it is what it is.

Apart from the antivirus pro plan, two other plans are also available. The cost and specifications of those plans are as follows: 

AspectFreeAntivirus ProInternet SecurityTotal Security
PlatformsPC, Mac, Android, iOSPC, Mac, Android, iOSPC, Mac, Android, iOSPC, Mac, Android, iOS
Number of device licenses1568
1st-year price$0$19$39$49
Price after 1st year$0$99$129$149
Advanced ransomware protectionNoYesYesYes
Cloud-based malware scanningNoYesYesYes
System clean-up toolsNoYesYesYes
Anti-phishing protectionYesYesYesYes
Ad blocker (Total Adblock)NoNoNoYes
Real-time protectionNoYesYesYes
Anti-malware scannerYesYesYesYes
Password managerNoNoNo Yes
VPN (Safe Browsing VPN)NoNoYesYes

Besides these plans, they claim to offer monthly, quarterly, biannual, and annual plans. But there is no such option. At checkout, it will only show you an annual plan.

Well, for any plan you choose (except the free one) you get a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to get a full refund in case you do not like the service. 

Turn Off TotalAV Auto-Renewal 

Do not want to continue with the increased prices after the first year? You can turn the auto-renewal off. The process for the same is straightforward. Here is how:

  1. Go to your TotalAV account.
  2. Find the “Billing Support”.
  3. Click “Disable Auto-Renewal”.
  4. Now follow the on-screen instructions.

Total Antivirus Review: Security Features and Benefits

TotalAV is known for boosting an array of impressive features designed to protect your digital environment. Let’s explore all of them:

Real-Time Protection

Are you used to software that scans on schedules or when prompted? Just get rid of them because modern software offers better protection. TotalAV’s real-time protection automatically scans files and programs the moment you download them.

It leaves no room for malware to enter. Want to know how to enable this feature? Well, this feature is enabled by default.

In addition to it, this antivirus uses advanced cloud scanning. This means if any program is found suspicious during the scan is compared with the ones included in the cloud database of known threats.

Somehow, if the suspected program appears to be a threat, then the antivirus issues a warning that will inform you of this malware. To take action, it immediately puts it into quarantine and then provides users with the steps on how to remove it from the system.

Malware Scan

TotalAV’s malware scans are a stable feature and are a white-listed version of Avira’s powerful anti-malware engine. This engine is one of the best in the market. This antivirus offers four types of scans:

  • Quick Scan: It looks at critical locations, new files, temporary files, and processes to find where the malware actually hides.
  • System Scan: It looks at every file on the computer and acts as a full scan.
  • Smart Scan: This scan is used for scanning a system for malware, junk files, and tracking cookies.
  • Custom Scan: Make TotalAV look for malware in selected files and folders only.
  • Scheduled Scan: Allow users to schedule a scan to run daily, weekly, every two weeks, or monthly. Scanning every week is mostly recommended.

WebShield Extension

Think of WebShield extension as TotalAV’s primary way to keep online threats at bay. It safeguards systems against malicious sites. As long as it is turned on, it automatically blocks unsecured web pages and crypto-mining URLs.

It’s a free Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge add-on that looks out for ransomware, scams, and phishing websites and redirects searches away.

For a comprehensive overview, here is how it works:

PlatformSafe SearchBlocks suspicious websitesStops tracking
ChromeYesYesYes
iOSNoNoNo
FirefoxYesYesYes
OperaNoYesYes
EdgeYesYesYes
AndroidNoNoNo

As you can see, it didn’t work with Android and iOS devices, meaning, it does not block intrusive ads.

System Tune-up

System tune-up is yet another worth-mentioning feature. This feature helps clear out junk files, and duplicate files, and even uninstall unused applications to clear the disk space and speed up computer performance.

Also, it allows cleanup for the browser as it manages history and cookies. This way you will be sure that unwanted third parties won’t store your information.

It includes the following system tune-up tools:

  • Duplicate File Finder: This tool looks for duplicate files with similar names and sizes. And, the best part is it does not delete duplicate files automatically. Meaning, that you can check them and delete them accordingly.
  • Application Uninstaller: Allows you to select multiple apps to uninstall. 
  • Junk Cleaner: Scans your computer system for junk files like cache update files, .temp files, and files in the recycle bin.
  • Startup Manager: Shows start-up apps and allows users to turn them on and off.
  • Browser Cleanup: Scan the browser and bring forward files that should be removed. For instance, cookies, cached items, download history, and save passwords.

Safe Browsing (VPN)

The two most expensive plans of TotalAV i.e. Internet Security and Total Security include the Safe Browsing VPN. It’s a pretty decent feature that reroutes the traffic to a secure server located in your chosen country.

This eventually means that it is encrypted, and you can remain private when browsing online. Most importantly, it protects against internal service providers., surveillance agents, and hackers.

Although this VPN is fast, at the same time, there are better ones out there. In addition, it comes with unlimited data and includes servers with over 50+ of them in 35 countries.

Total Antivirus Review: Additional Features

Apart from the core features, TotalAV has some additional features that are only available with expensive plans. Here are those features:

  • Secure Password: Only available on the most expensive plan i.e. Total Security. This feature allows you to safely store, organize, and retrieve login details and generate secure and virtually unhackable passwords.
  • Identity Theft Protection: It is designed to reduce identity theft exposure.
  • AdBlock: Ads can be dangerous as well. So, its AdBlock feature comes as an extension for most popular browsers and gets rid of all types of ads.
  • Anti-Phishing Protection: This tool is designed to block phishing sites and online malware distributors.
  • Total Browser: This feature adds convenience and improves security and privacy online.

Total AV Antivirus Review: How to Install 

Installation of this antivirus takes less than 5 minutes. So, without any further ado, let’s quickly learn how to install Total AV antivirus on your system: 

  1. Select a TotalAV plan. Make your choice by considering if you need the add-on or not.
  2. Download and uninstall the app on your device.
  3. Follow the instructions on the directed page. On that page, a link to download the antivirus will appear in front of you.
  4. Download it and create an account.
  5. Launch the app and get protected. It will automatically run a scan and enable real-time protection.

User Experience

As you can see, its features do not disappoint, eclipsing Windows defender. Now let’s explore this antivirus from users perspective:

Setup

Setting up Total AV is surprisingly quick and easy. Unlike other software that requires a reboot after installation, it does not require users to the standard device after installing.

Besides, you need to enable features like real-time protection, WebShield, and automatic scan.

Using TotalAV

Now, after enabling all the settings, you must be thinking that you have to pay attention to how it works. 

Well, for your information, you can just carry on doing your work without paying much attention as it keeps your device safe in the background with real-time protection, WebShield, and weekly system scans. 

H3- Overall Experience

As you just read, it is easy to use and navigate across all operating systems. but many prefer the Windows version as it has more features than others. Also, because the user interface on Windows makes good use of space without being cluttered with features. 

First, you will see four main tabs on the app’s dashboard i.e. Disc Cleaner, Antivirus, System Boost, and Web Security.

Other than that, there are the most popular functions that you can explore like a sidebar with more hand options, etc.

TotalAV For iPhone & Android

Besides on Windows PC, you can access TotalAV on iPhone or Android devices. Researchers have tested both apps to see if they at all differ from one another or if they provide the same protection and overall experience.

Let’s now look at how the TotalAV app for Android and iOS differs:

TotalAV for Android

TotalAV’s application for Android is easy to use and set up. The moment you launch the app, you will be prompted to log in or set up an account. Once you are done with creating an account, you can access the security suite.

Its Android app comes with the following features: 

  • Wi-Fi Checker: Safeguard network connections.
  • VPN Access: Provides identity theft protection.
  • Protect your device online. 
  • Data Breach Check
  • Security Scan: Scans the apps for potential threats.
Features on TotalAV Android App

All of these features are well-structured, with everything displayed on the main window.

TotalAV for iOS/iPhone

Although the fact iOS devices require less antivirus protection than other OS. Hence, viruses on iPhones and iPads are rare. Within its application for iPhones, there is no virus scan feature like on the Android one, because it has built-in protection from viruses.

What else can you find? Look below: 

  • Data breach checks to check if the email has been compromised.
  • Device locator to track the device if it gets lost or stolen.
  • System Security alerts about updates.
  • WebShield blocks dangerous websites.
  • Private connection VPN.

TotalAV Customer Support

The customer support of TotalAV is quite good. So, if you need assistance when dealing with their services, you can reach out to their customer support.

There are several options to connect with them. Those are: 

ModeAvailability
Guides or articlesYes
EmailYes
24/7 live chatYes
Phone lineYes ((Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, Europe, International number)
FAQsYes

The company offers 24/7 live chat, email, and an option for a phone call. In addition, knowledge-based articles are always there, you can utilize them to find answers to your queries. This is marginally helpful.

Summary

When evaluating if TotalAV Antivirus stands out in the field of digital security, several factors come into play. Most users appreciate its robust feature set which includes real-time protection, smart scanning tools, and performance optimization.

Is TotalAV legit? Yes, it is definitely a legit cybersecurity firm, mostly known for offering reliable antivirus software.

The pricing plans are competitive and flexible. Users review consistent satisfaction concerning malware detection rates and system optimization benefits. Yet some express concerns about customer support response times during critical moments.

Taking all this into account, this article will guide you toward deciding if investing in Total Antivirus aligns with your needs for securing your digital life effectively.

Ankit Kumar

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