TotalAV - Detailed Review
Security Tools
TotalAV - Detailed Review Contents
Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
TotalAV - Product Overview
TotalAV is a comprehensive antivirus software designed to provide top-notch security for your devices. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
TotalAV’s primary function is to protect your devices from various cyber threats, including viruses, malware, trojans, adware, and spyware. It offers real-time protection, ensuring your device is constantly monitored for potential threats.Target Audience
The target audience for TotalAV includes individuals and families who use multiple devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. The user base is diverse, with a significant portion being individuals aged 55-64, and the audience is predominantly from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and France.Key Features
Real-Time Protection
TotalAV provides real-time threat protection, which is enabled by default and minimally impacts device performance. This feature constantly monitors your device for potential threats and takes immediate action if any are detected.Advanced Cloud Scanning
The software leverages cloud scanning to compare suspicious programs with a cloud database of known malware threats, enhancing its ability to detect zero-day threats.Malware Scanning and Remediation
TotalAV offers various scanning options, including quick scans, system scans, smart scans, and custom scans. It also includes tools for malware remediation, ensuring that detected threats are cleaned up from your device.Multi-Device Coverage
TotalAV provides licenses that cover multiple devices, ensuring all your devices remain protected across different platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.Additional Security Features
- Total WebShield: A browser add-on that blocks malicious websites.
- Safe Browsing (VPN): A VPN feature for changing your location and encrypting your traffic.
- Total Cleaner: Device optimization features to improve overall performance.
- Total Password: A password manager for securely storing and generating passwords (available on the Total Security plan).
- Breach Scan: Monitors for data breaches and provides identity theft protection.
- Total Adblock: Blocks online advertisements, pop-ups, and trackers.
Data Breach Monitoring
TotalAV monitors data leaks and alerts you if your data has been compromised, offering up to $1 million in identity theft insurance in some jurisdictions. In summary, TotalAV is a versatile and powerful antivirus solution that caters to a wide range of users, offering a suite of features to ensure comprehensive security and device performance optimization. TotalAV - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of TotalAV is designed to be highly intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of users, including those who may not be tech-savvy.Interface Design
TotalAV’s interface is visually clear and easy to use. The company has recently revamped the interface to reduce clutter and eliminate unnecessary features, resulting in a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. When you open the app, the default screen is the Malware Protection section, where you can adjust your real-time protection settings or run a Smart Scan.Ease of Use
The app is organized in a way that makes it simple to find and use its various features. The main dashboard is divided into four main tabs: Antivirus, System Boost, Disk Cleaner, and Web Security. Each tab provides clear and concise options, allowing users to quickly perform tasks such as running antivirus scans or optimizing their system with just a few clicks.Accessibility of Features
From the left-side menu, you can quickly access over a dozen other features by hovering over each item. This layout ensures that all the tools and features are easily accessible without overwhelming the user. The interface is well-organized, making good use of space without feeling cluttered.Additional Tools and Extensions
While the desktop app is highly intuitive, the browser extensions, such as the WebShield browser add-on, may require a bit more time to get used to. However, once familiar, these extensions are effective in blocking malicious websites and ads, enhancing both security and browsing experience.Customer Feedback
Users generally praise the ease of use of TotalAV. Many reviews highlight that the interface is easy to navigate, even for beginner users. The user-friendly design makes securing and optimizing your PC or Mac a straightforward process.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience with TotalAV is positive. The combination of a clear interface, easy-to-use features, and effective security tools makes it a solid choice for those looking to protect their devices. The customer support, available through phone, email, and live chat, further enhances the user experience by providing prompt and helpful assistance when needed. TotalAV - Key Features and Functionality
TotalAV Overview
TotalAV is a comprehensive antivirus program that integrates several advanced security features, some of which are enhanced by AI and machine learning technologies. Here are the main features and how they work:Real-Time Threat Protection
TotalAV offers real-time threat protection that constantly monitors your device for potential threats. This feature is enabled by default and uses advanced cloud scanning to compare suspicious programs against a database of known malware threats. This method helps in detecting zero-day threats accurately and protecting your device more precisely. If a threat is detected, TotalAV issues a warning, quarantines the malware, and provides steps for removal.Total WebShield
The Total WebShield is a browser add-on that blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts. It uses frequently updated blacklists and AI-based detection to identify and block low-trust websites, cryptomining URLs, and other online threats. You can also customize it to whitelist specific domains.Safe Browsing (VPN)
TotalAV includes a VPN feature that encrypts your internet traffic, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure. This is particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi networks. The VPN helps in changing your location and encrypting your traffic, enhancing both security and privacy.Total Password
The Secure Password Vault is a password manager available in the Total Security plan. It securely stores, organizes, and retrieves your login details and can generate secure passwords. You only need to remember your master password to access all your stored passwords. However, it does not work with the mobile phone app, which is a notable limitation.Breach Scan and Identity Protection
TotalAV provides identity theft protection by continuously monitoring your credit card details, Social Security number, and other personal information on the dark web and breach databases. If a breach is detected, you are immediately notified. TotalAV also offers up to $1 million in identity theft insurance and live agent assistance for identity recovery, though this is limited to US users.Total Adblock
The Total Adblock feature is an extension for popular browsers that blocks various online advertisements, pop-ups, and trackers. It improves your browsing experience and security by eliminating ads, including YouTube video ads.System Clean-up and Optimization
TotalAV includes the Total Cleaner feature, which helps in optimizing your device’s performance by managing startup items, clearing browser histories, and removing junk files. This feature enhances system performance and frees up storage space.Anti-Phishing Protection
TotalAV’s anti-phishing protection is part of its WebShield feature, which blocks most phishing websites. While it may not block every phishing site (issuing a warning instead in some cases), it uses AI-based detection and frequently updated blacklists to protect against online malware distributors.AI Integration
While the sources do not provide detailed information on the specific AI technologies used by TotalAV, it is clear that the program leverages advanced algorithms and cloud-based scanning to detect and mitigate threats. The use of AI is implied in its ability to detect zero-day threats and its real-time scanning capabilities, which involve comparing programs against a cloud database of known malware threats.Conclusion
In summary, TotalAV combines traditional antivirus features with advanced tools like VPN, password management, and identity protection, all of which are enhanced by real-time scanning and AI-driven threat detection. These features work together to provide comprehensive security and privacy for your devices. TotalAV - Performance and Accuracy
Protection and Accuracy
TotalAV has demonstrated strong performance in independent lab tests. For instance, the October 2024 evaluation by AV-TEST awarded TotalAV perfect 6/6 scores in both the protection and usability categories, and a near-perfect 5.5 out of 6 in performance. It provided 100% protection against zero-day and prevalent malware. In tests conducted by AV-Comparatives in September 2024, TotalAV achieved an impressive online protection rate of 99.98% and an offline malware detection rate of 90.3%. However, it had 13 instances of false positives, which ranked it as Advanced rather than Advanced in the malware protection test.Malware Detection
In internal tests by Cybernews, TotalAV detected 7 out of 10 malware samples during a full scan, which is an adequate result. The scan took 16 minutes and had a moderate impact on CPU usage, ranging between 60% and 75%, allowing users to perform other tasks while the scan runs.Real-Time Protection and Performance
TotalAV’s real-time protection feature runs in the background, scanning downloads and analyzing programs to ensure viruses do not affect the device. This feature has little impact on device performance, making it user-friendly and efficient. The software scans devices quickly and accurately detects harmful files and programs without significantly affecting system performance.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Despite its strong performance, TotalAV has a few limitations. One notable issue is the lack of behavior-based detection, which is a holistic approach to detecting malware by observing its behavior. This could leave it vulnerable to new malware not yet in the virus database. Another significant limitation is the absence of a firewall, which could expose users to network attacks, especially when using public Wi-Fi. While the WebShield and VPN offer some protection, they do not replace the security provided by a firewall. Additionally, TotalAV failed to stop downloads of potentially harmful files in some tests, although it detected and quarantined these files once users tried to access them.Additional Features and Performance
TotalAV offers various additional features such as the Web Shield, which combines blacklisting with AI to detect viruses and block access to rogue websites, and the System Tune-Up tools, which help clear out junk files and optimize system performance. These features are generally effective and easy to use, although some, like the Total Cleaner app, are not included in the standard antivirus plans and come at an additional cost. In summary, TotalAV performs well in terms of protection and accuracy, with strong scores in independent lab tests and efficient real-time protection. However, it lacks certain features like behavior-based detection and a firewall, which are important for comprehensive security. These limitations should be considered when deciding if TotalAV meets your specific security needs. TotalAV - Pricing and Plans
TotalAV Pricing Plans Overview
TotalAV Antivirus Pro
- Price: $19/year (though some sources indicate a first-year price of $29 and a renewal price of $99).
- Devices Covered: Up to 3 devices.
- Features: Essential security features such as a malware scanner, real-time protection, phishing protection, ransomware protection, and system optimization tools. This plan also includes a web shield for safer browsing.
TotalAV Internet Security
- Price: $39/year for the first year, and $129/year upon renewal.
- Devices Covered: Up to 5 devices.
- Features: All the features from the Antivirus Pro plan, plus a VPN for enhanced privacy and security. This plan is considered a better value for most users due to the added VPN feature.
TotalAV Total Security
- Price: $49/year for the first year, and $149/year upon renewal.
- Devices Covered: Up to 6 devices.
- Features: Includes all the features from the Internet Security plan, plus priority tech support, an ad blocker, and a password manager. However, this plan is seen as less compelling due to the extra cost for these additional features.
Additional Services
- Unlimited Protection: An additional service that offers unlimited device licenses for $99/year.
- Safe Browsing (VPN): A standalone VPN service available for $99/year.
- Advanced Cloud Scanning: An additional service priced at $45/year.
- Total Password: A password manager service available for $99/year.
Free Plan
- Features: The free plan includes basic antivirus scanning, phishing protection, and the ability to contact customer service. However, it lacks real-time protection, ransomware protection, and other advanced features available in the paid plans.
Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service and receive a refund if they are not satisfied.
TotalAV - Integration and Compatibility
Integration and Compatibility of TotalAV
When considering the integration and compatibility of TotalAV, it’s clear that this antivirus software is designed to be versatile and user-friendly across a wide range of devices and platforms.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
TotalAV is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This means you can protect all your devices with a single subscription. For Windows, it supports versions from Windows 7 to Windows 11, and for macOS, it works with versions from Mavericks (10.9) and higher.
Device Support
TotalAV offers dedicated apps for both Android and iOS devices. The mobile apps are easy to set up and provide a range of features such as security scans, VPN access, device tune-up, WiFi checker, and data breach checks. These features ensure your mobile devices are well-protected and optimized for performance.
Browser Extensions
TotalAV integrates well with popular web browsers through its browser extensions. These extensions are available for Chrome, Edge, Opera, and Safari, providing features like WebShield, which blocks malicious websites and phishing links, and an ad blocker to prevent intrusive ads and trackers.
System Integration
The software includes a range of optimization tools that integrate seamlessly into its Smart Scanner. This scanner checks for junk files, browser cookies, duplicate files, and autorun programs that could slow down your system, all within a single scan. Features like Junk Cleaner, Duplicate File Cleaner, App Uninstaller, Startup Manager, and Browser Cleanup are all part of the System Tune-Up package, which is available on all plans.
Additional Tools and Features
TotalAV also offers other integrated tools such as a password manager (available with the Total Security plan), which includes password generators, encrypted vaults, and password auditing. The password manager works with popular browsers and allows unlimited passwords in its vault.
VPN and Web Security
The Internet Security and Total Security plans include a VPN feature that allows you to change your location and encrypt your traffic. Additionally, TotalAV’s WebShield and Safe Browsing features protect you from malicious websites, phishing, and ransomware links.
Customer Support
TotalAV provides 24/7 technical support through phone, email, or live chat, along with a support help center that includes video tutorials and FAQs. This ensures that you can get help whenever you need it, making the integration and use of the software smoother.
Conclusion
In summary, TotalAV is highly compatible across various devices and platforms, offering a range of integrated tools and features that enhance both security and system performance. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive customer support make it a solid choice for those seeking a versatile antivirus solution.
TotalAV - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
TotalAV provides multiple channels for customer support, ensuring you can get help whenever you need it:24/7 Live Chat
You can access live chat support directly from the TotalAV website or through a search engine. The live chat is prompt, and you will typically be connected to a real agent quickly after initial interaction with a bot.
Phone Support
TotalAV offers a 24/7 phone line available in several countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and more. The main toll-free number is 1-844-346-6837. The average hold time is less than 1 minute, and most customers report being very satisfied with the service.
Email Support
You can also contact TotalAV via email, with the most commonly used address being billing@totalav.com. Email responses typically come within a couple of days, which is reasonable for non-urgent issues.
Ticket System
There is an option to open a ticket by filling out an online form, which allows you to describe your issue in detail and receive a response accordingly.
Additional Resources
TotalAV offers several resources to help you troubleshoot and use their software effectively:Knowledge Base and FAQs
TotalAV has a detailed knowledge base and FAQs section on their website, which provides answers to frequently asked questions and guides on common issues. This resource is invaluable for independent troubleshooting.
Video Tutorials
The website includes video tutorials that walk you through various aspects of using the software, such as installation, scanning for threats, and optimizing performance.
Webinars
TotalAV hosts webinars where you can learn more about their products and ask questions directly to experts. These webinars are a great way to deepen your understanding of the software’s features and functionalities.
Other Support Features
Guides and Articles
TotalAV provides extensive guides and articles to help you resolve issues on your own. These resources cover a wide range of topics related to the software and its usage.
Mobile App Support
You can also contact customer support through the TotalAV mobile app, which allows you to get assistance for technical, account, or billing issues directly from your smartphone.
Overall, TotalAV’s customer support and additional resources are designed to be accessible, helpful, and efficient, ensuring that you can get the assistance you need quickly and effectively.
TotalAV - Pros and Cons
Pros of TotalAV
Comprehensive Security Features
TotalAV offers a wide range of security features that cater to various needs. It includes real-time threat protection, which constantly monitors for potential threats with minimal impact on performance. The software uses advanced cloud scanning to detect zero-day threats accurately.Effective Malware Detection
TotalAV has shown impressive malware detection results in independent tests. It achieved a perfect 6/6 score in protection and usability from AV-TEST and a 99.98% online protection rate from AV-Comparatives. It effectively detects and quarantines malware, including ransomware, viruses, and trojans.Additional Tools
The software comes with several bonus features such as Total WebShield, which blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts; Total Cleaner for device optimization; Total Password for password management; and a VPN for encrypting internet traffic. It also includes a Breach Scan to check for data breaches and Total Adblock to block advertisements and trackers.User-Friendly Interface
TotalAV is intuitive to use, with little impact on device performance. The app is easy to navigate, and the smart scanning feature allows for quick, system, and custom scans, which can be scheduled as needed.Good Customer Support
TotalAV offers prompt and effective customer support available through multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat. This is particularly beneficial for users who need assistance quickly.Identity Theft Protection
For users in the US, TotalAV provides comprehensive identity theft protection powered by Aura, which includes monitoring credit reports, dark web forums, and breach databases, along with live agent assistance for identity recovery.Cons of TotalAV
Phishing Detection Limitations
While TotalAV’s WebShield is effective against many phishing sites, it can sometimes fail to block certain phishing pages, instead issuing a warning. This is an area where it could improve compared to competitors like Norton.No Behavior-Based Detection
TotalAV lacks behavior-based detection, which means it can only recognize malware that is already in its database and not detect new, unknown threats based on their behavior.No Firewall
The absence of a firewall is a significant drawback, as it leaves users vulnerable to network attacks, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Although the VPN and WebShield offer some protection, they do not replace the security a firewall provides.False Positives
TotalAV has been noted to generate false positives, with 13 instances in one test, which led to it being ranked as Advanced rather than Advanced by AV-Comparatives.Expensive Renewal Prices
While the initial prices for TotalAV are appealing, the renewal prices can be quite expensive, which may not be budget-friendly for long-term users.Browser Extension Issues
TotalAV’s browser extensions are not well-designed and need improvement. This can be a disappointment for users relying on browser-level protection. By considering these points, you can make an informed decision about whether TotalAV meets your security needs. TotalAV - Comparison with Competitors
Comparison of TotalAV and Other Security Tools
When comparing TotalAV to other security tools in the AI-driven product category, several key points and unique features come to the forefront.Real-Time Protection and Phishing Defense
TotalAV offers real-time protection through its WebShield feature, which is a phishing protection browser extension. This tool verifies the safety of websites and protects against scams and spoofed sites. While this is a strong feature, Norton’s real-time protection, which includes the Intrusion Prevention System and Proactive Exploit Protection, is more comprehensive. Norton’s system detects and scans network traffic for vulnerabilities and blocks malicious attacks based on recognized behaviors.Additional Features
TotalAV stands out with its ad blocker, Total Adblock, which not only blocks ads but also helps speed up browsing and blocks third-party trackers for increased anonymity. It also includes device optimization tools such as a duplicate file finder, large and old files locator, and disk usage analytics, which are not included in Norton’s standard package.Performance and Scanning
In terms of scanning performance, TotalAV’s quick scan is relatively fast, but its full system scan can slow down the system significantly when encountering threats. In contrast, Norton’s scanning tools are faster and more efficient, with a quick scan taking under one minute and a full scan analyzing over 600,000 files in less than 10 minutes.Unique Features of Competitors
Norton
Norton offers parental controls, cloud backup, and dark web monitoring, which are not available in TotalAV. Norton also provides more comprehensive real-time protection and faster scanning capabilities.Bitdefender
While Bitdefender and TotalAV are closely matched in terms of protection, Bitdefender offers firewall protection, which TotalAV does not. Bitdefender also has slightly better performance ratings in independent tests.AI-Driven Security Tools
For those looking for more advanced AI-driven security solutions, there are other options available:SentinelOne
Known for its advanced threat hunting and incident response capabilities, using fully autonomous cybersecurity powered by AI.CrowdStrike
Focuses on monitoring user endpoint behavior and provides a cloud-native endpoint protection platform.Vectra AI
Specializes in hybrid attack detection, investigation, and response using network metadata.Darktrace
Excels in neutralizing novel threats with its autonomous response technology. These tools offer more sophisticated AI-driven security features that go beyond the capabilities of traditional antivirus software like TotalAV.Conclusion
TotalAV is a solid choice for antivirus protection, offering real-time protection, phishing defense, and device optimization tools. However, users seeking more comprehensive security features, such as parental controls, cloud backup, or advanced AI-driven threat detection, may find alternatives like Norton or specialized AI security tools like SentinelOne or CrowdStrike more suitable. Each product has its unique strengths, so the choice depends on the specific security needs and preferences of the user. TotalAV - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about TotalAV
What are the different subscription plans offered by TotalAV?
TotalAV offers three main subscription plans: Antivirus Pro, Internet Security, and Total Security. The Antivirus Pro plan starts at $29.00 for the first year and covers up to 4 devices. The Internet Security plan starts at $39.00 for the first year and covers up to 6 devices, adding a VPN. The Total Security plan starts at $49.00 for the first year and covers up to 8 devices, including additional features like a password manager and ad blocker.What security features are included in TotalAV?
TotalAV includes a range of security features such as real-time threat protection, malware detection, phishing protection, ransomware protection, and advanced cloud scanning. It also offers a web shield to block malicious websites, a VPN for secure browsing, and tools for device performance optimization. Additional features in higher plans include a password manager, ad blocker, and identity theft protection with breach scan and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.Does TotalAV offer real-time protection?
Yes, TotalAV provides real-time protection that is enabled by default. This feature constantly monitors your device for potential threats, including viruses, trojans, adware, and spyware. It uses advanced cloud scanning to detect and quarantine suspicious programs.Is TotalAV compatible with multiple devices and operating systems?
Yes, TotalAV is compatible with multiple devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The number of devices supported varies by plan, from 4 devices with the Antivirus Pro plan to 8 devices with the Total Security plan.Does TotalAV include a firewall?
No, TotalAV does not include a firewall in any of its subscription plans.What is the Total Password feature in TotalAV?
The Total Password feature, available only in the Total Security plan, is a secure password vault that allows you to store, organize, and retrieve your login details. It also generates secure passwords and requires only a master password for access. However, it does not work with the mobile phone app.Does TotalAV offer a free plan?
Yes, TotalAV offers a free plan that includes an antivirus scan to identify and remove malware and unwanted apps. However, this plan lacks real-time protection, ransomware, malware, and phishing protection available in the premium plans.How much do TotalAV plans cost after the first year?
After the first year, the prices for TotalAV plans increase. The Antivirus Pro plan goes to $99.00 per year, the Internet Security plan to $129.00 per year, and the Total Security plan to $149.00 per year.Does TotalAV offer customer support?
Yes, all TotalAV subscription plans include 24/7 customer support to help with any issues or questions you may have.What is the Total Adblock feature in TotalAV?
The Total Adblock feature, available in the higher plans, is an extension for popular browsers that blocks various online advertisements, pop-ups, and trackers. It improves your browsing experience and security by eliminating ads, including YouTube video ads.Does TotalAV offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes, TotalAV provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free. TotalAV - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of TotalAV
TotalAV is a formidable player in the antivirus and security tools market, offering a range of features that make it an attractive option for individuals concerned about online privacy and malware protection.Key Features and Benefits
- Real-Time Protection: TotalAV provides continuous real-time protection, scanning downloads and analyzing programs to ensure viruses do not affect your device. This feature is always running in the background, offering seamless protection without significant impact on your device’s performance.
- WebShield and Phishing Protection: The WebShield feature combines blacklisting with AI to detect and block malicious websites, phishing attempts, and ransomware. It also allows you to whitelist trusted sites and submit suspicious ones for future blocking.
- Additional Security Features: TotalAV includes ransomware detection, anti-phishing protection, and spyware/adware security. It also offers a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic, a password manager (Password Vault) to secure your login credentials, and an ad blocker (Total Adblock) to enhance your browsing experience.
- User-Friendly Interface: The software is intuitive and easy to use, making it suitable for both first-time antivirus users and seasoned professionals. It has little impact on device performance and is easy to navigate.
Who Would Benefit Most
TotalAV is ideal for individuals who are concerned about online privacy and malware protection but are on a budget. Here are some groups that would benefit most:- Home Users: Those with one to three devices who need comprehensive protection against malware, phishing, and ransomware.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals looking for affordable antivirus solutions with additional features like VPN, password management, and ad blocking.
- US Users: Specifically, those in the US can benefit from the Identity Theft Protection feature powered by Aura, which includes credit report monitoring, dark web forums surveillance, and breach database checks.
Overall Recommendation
TotalAV is a solid choice for anyone seeking reliable antivirus protection with additional privacy and security features. Here are some key points to consider:- Affordability: TotalAV offers competitive pricing, starting at $29.00 for the first year, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Comprehensive Protection: It provides real-time malware detection, anti-phishing protection, ransomware prevention, and other essential security features.
- Ease of Use: The software is user-friendly and does not significantly impact device performance, making it accessible to a wide range of users.