Last Updated: Jul 18, 2025 Throughout my tests, I was impressed with TotalAV’s performance. It has excellent malware detection scores, solid real-time security, reliable web protection, valuable features like a built-in VPN, and highly intuitive apps. Unfortunately, it lacks a firewall and parental controls. Plus, it has inconsistent customer support, so it’s not as good as Norton, the current best antivirus. Despite the few shortcomings, I consider TotalAV a reliable choice for comprehensive security, as it effectively defends against most cyber threats. Plus, you can try TotalAV risk-free with its 30-day-long money-back guarantee. Try TotalAV Now!

In a Rush? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary

Try TotalAV risk-free TotalAV offers strong, real-time protection backed by fast and accurate scans that catch threats the moment they appear. Its WebShield blocks phishing and malicious sites without disrupting normal browsing. Even during full system scans, it runs smoothly with minimal impact on your device’s performance.

Virus Scan — Multiple Scan Options and Impressive Virus Detection

TotalAV gives you four scan types: quick, full system, smart, and custom. I started with the quick scan, which finished in just under 3 minutes, and checked all key areas like startup programs and temporary folders. The full scan took around an hour and covered every file on my drive, including hidden directories and compressed archives.

To test how well it detects real threats, I used EICAR test files and tucked them into zip folders across my PC. TotalAV caught every single one, including the ones buried deep in system subfolders. It didn’t flag any safe files by mistake either, which means you won’t waste time reviewing false alerts. The Smart Scan flagged outdated apps, junk files, duplicate startup entries, and even browser cookies used for tracking. I could fix everything with a click, which made the whole cleanup process feel effortless. If you want a scanner that’s accurate, fast, and doesn’t drown you in warnings, TotalAV holds up really well. That’s why it’s one of the best antiviruses you can get in 2025.

Real-Time Protection — Flexible Settings With a 100% Real-Time Detection Accuracy

TotalAV’s real-time protection reacted the moment I tried downloading a malicious test file. It blocked access before the file hit my storage and flagged it with a clear pop-up. I also tested it with potentially unwanted programs bundled into a ZIP; it stopped them mid-extraction. These live protections worked consistently without needing any manual input. You can tweak how aggressive the scans are. “Smart” mode scans files likely to be threats, which keeps alerts low while still catching risky executables. “All” mode scans every file you touch, ideal if you want maximum control. If you prefer, “Custom” lets you set specific file types to watch.

Unlike some antiviruses that slow your system down during active monitoring, TotalAV stayed light. I saw no lag opening apps, moving files, or browsing while real-time protection ran in the background. You can choose how to handle flagged items, i.e., quarantine, delete, whitelist, or ignore them.

Web Protection — Blocks Phishing, Malware, and Suspicious Sites in Real Time

I tested TotalAV’s WebShield by visiting several phishing links and malware-hosting sites from a safe test environment. Each time, the page was blocked instantly with a clear warning. It didn’t just rely on blacklists, it also flagged shady URLs with low trust scores. I even tried bypassing the block, but the system wouldn’t let the page load.

You can fine-tune WebShield to block cryptomining domains and suspicious websites flagged for scams or data collection. I enabled all settings and found it didn’t interfere with normal browsing. Legitimate pages, even smaller ones, loaded without issue. That balance of protection and freedom is rare in antivirus tools. TotalAV also gives you a Safe Site browser extension, but it’s optional. The core protection works at the system level, so you’re safe even without the plugin. Still, the extension adds handy features like tracker blocking and a quick scan shortcut — good extras if you use Chrome or Firefox. The only drawback is that TotalAV doesn’t have a firewall, so you’ll have to rely on Windows’ native firewall for monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic. Windows Defender is adequate but isn’t robust enough to block advanced threats.

System Performance — Negligible Performance Impact

I ran TotalAV on a mid-range Windows 11 laptop with 8GB RAM and an Intel i5 processor. While idle, it used just 1-2% of CPU and stayed under 100MB of RAM, so I didn’t feel any slowdown during regular use. I could browse, stream, and open apps without delays, even with it running in the background. During a full system scan, CPU usage spiked to around 70%, but only briefly. RAM usage hovered between 200–300MB, which is still reasonable. I kept working on Google Docs while the scan ran and didn’t notice freezing or lag, though you might feel it on low-end systems if you’re multitasking heavily. TotalAV’s resource usage is well-optimized, but it’s not the lightest tool out there. It handles background protection quietly and scans efficiently without draining system power. If your device has at least 4 to 6GB of RAM, you should be able to run it comfortably without trade-offs in performance. TotalAV packs in more than just antivirus. It also helps clean your system, protect your passwords, and secure your browsing. You get useful extras like a built-in VPN, ad blocker, and breach alerts. If you’re in the US, there’s even identity theft protection with live support and insurance.

System Tune-Up — Clean Up Junk, Free Space, and Speed Up Your Device

I ran TotalAV’s System Tune-Up tools on a cluttered Windows laptop that hadn’t been cleaned in months. Within minutes, it flagged over 2.5GB of junk files, unnecessary startup apps, and duplicate files scattered across folders.

Everything was grouped neatly, and I could clear it all in one go. Besides these, TotalAV includes the following optimization tools:

Junk Cleaner — clears out temp files, cached updates, and recycle bin data to free up storage Duplicate File Finder — detects redundant copies of files taking up space Application Uninstaller — lists apps you rarely use and lets you remove them fast Startup Manager — stops unused apps from slowing down your boot time Browser Cleanup — wipes cookies, history, and cached site data in just one click

The tools ran fast and didn’t mess with important files. After the cleanup, I saw noticeable improvements in boot time and responsiveness when opening apps. If your system feels sluggish or bloated, these tune-up tools can give it a much-needed refresh.

Password Manager — Secure Vault With Autofill, 2FA, and Remote Logout

TotalAV no longer includes a built-in password manager in its main app. Instead, it offers Total Password, a standalone app or browser extension. I tested it on Chrome and Android, and the setup was quick. You create one master password, and from there, everything is locked behind AES 256-bit encryption with a zero-knowledge framework.

Once logged in, I could save unlimited passwords, generate strong new ones, and autofill login forms across sites. It also lets you store credit cards and notes securely. With Secure Me, I remotely logged out of every session on other devices, cleared cookies, and closed tabs. This came in handy when I forgot to log out on a shared PC. There’s built-in two-factor authentication for extra security, and everything syncs across devices smoothly. However, there’s no way to share passwords or import data easily from other password managers. That’s why it’s not as good as the top password managers out there, but Total Password is still pretty good for intermediate use.

Built-in VPN — Fast, Encrypted Browsing With Kill Switch and Protocol Options

TotalAV’s VPN runs on Windscribe’s network and comes bundled with its paid plans. I tested it across several servers and found that nearby connections were fast — I could stream in UHD with barely a 15% speed drop. Long-distance servers slowed things down more, with up to 40% speed loss, but browsing and emails still worked fine. The VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption and supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. I switched between them to test speed versus stability, and WireGuard offered the best performance overall. There’s also a kill switch, which instantly cuts off internet access if the VPN drops, helpful for keeping your real IP address hidden.

TotalAV doesn’t provide much detail on its VPN’s logging policy, which may concern privacy-first users. But in my tests, it passed all leak checks and didn’t expose DNS or WebRTC data. If you need basic encryption and region-switching with decent speeds, this VPN gets the job done — but don’t expect it to be comparable to top players in the VPN industry.

Data Breach Check — Instantly Finds Breached Emails and What Was Exposed

I tested TotalAV’s Data Breach Check by entering a few personal and work email addresses. Within seconds, it flagged six breaches tied to one email, including old leaks from LinkedIn and MySpace. It listed the sites and showed what was exposed, like passwords and usernames, which helped me know exactly what needed changing.

You’re not limited to your account email either. You can check any address, such as your friends’, family’s, or even work-related ones, and the tool will scan its breach database. It’s all accessible right from the dashboard under Data Breach Check. If your email shows up, TotalAV suggests what to do next, like resetting passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. It’s a quick, no-fuss way to stay ahead of data leaks, especially if you’ve reused logins or haven’t kept track of old accounts.

Total Adblock — Blocks Annoying Ads and Trackers for Smoother Browsing

Total Adblock reliably blocks ads for smoother browsing. Note that this feature isn’t available in the app, and you can only use it by getting the Total Adblock extension for your browser. Besides stopping ads, Total Adblock also blocks annoying trackers that may monitor your online activity to serve targeted ads.

Besides making browsing the web more enjoyable, it speeds up loading websites. And even more importantly, it provides the security benefit of not having to load ads from less reputable sources.

Identity Theft Protection (US Only) — Monitors Your Info and Helps You Recover Fast

If you’re in the US, TotalAV offers identity theft protection as a separate add-on powered by Aura. This feature monitors all your sensitive information, like SSN (Social Security Number), credit cards, bank account numbers, and more, to defend against identity fraud. Some of its key features include the following:

Instant alerts when any of your information gets compromised. $1,000,000 ID theft insurance for any losses incurred. Live agent assistance to help recover any compromised information.

Proactive monitoring is a significant strength of TotalAV’s ID protection. It informs you as soon as any of your information is used to make a purchase or create an account. Also, if your information is ever breached, TotalAV’s staff will walk you through all the necessary steps to recover your data. Something I don’t like is that TotalAV’s ID theft protection isn’t bundled with any of its plans. So, you must purchase it separately if you want to use this feature. Also, it’s available in the US only.

TotalAV is easy to install and use on desktops and mobile devices. Its desktop setup is only a few steps, and you can easily get the mobile app from your device’s app store in a minute. After installation, you can easily use TotalAV’s features thanks to its beginner-friendly design.

Desktop App — Clean Layout With Easy Access to Every Feature

The desktop apps are available for Windows (7 SP1 and higher) and macOS (10.9 or higher). You can easily use TotalAV’s desktop apps because they’re straightforward and highly intuitive. Everything sits in a vertical menu on the left — scans, real-time protection, WebShield, VPN, and system tune-up tools are all just a click away.

Settings aren’t buried under confusing layers either. You can schedule scans, manage quarantined files, and tweak real-time protection right from the main dashboard. I liked how clearly labeled everything was. Even if you’re a first-time user, you won’t get lost.

Mobile App — Simple, Secure, and Packed With Useful Features

TotalAV’s iOS (12.0 and up) and Android (5.0 and up) mobile apps are just as beginner-friendly as the desktop app. The interface is easy to navigate, and most features are accessible from the app’s front page. You can also open a menu containing all the remaining features by tapping the three horizontal lines at the top left.

Both the iOS and Android apps include web protection, WiFi scanning, and the Data Breach Check. However, TotalAV’s iOS app doesn’t have the Security Scan available in the Android app. Instead, there’s a Smart Scan to find vulnerabilities in your iOS device, like outdated software.

How to Download and Install TotalAV on Windows

TotalAV gives you a few ways to get help, but not all of them are equally useful. Phone support is quick and reliable, while email and chat can be frustratingly slow. The Help Center is packed with useful guides, though it could really use a search bar to speed things up.

Live Chat — 24/7 Support With Slower Responses Than Expected

I tried TotalAV’s live chat a few times while troubleshooting billing and feature questions. You first get a chatbot that tries to answer your question. If it can’t help, you’re passed to a human, but I usually had to wait 3 to 5 minutes before anyone replied. When the agent joined, responses felt scripted and slow. In one case, I had to rephrase my question twice before getting a relevant answer. The help wasn’t useless, but it took effort to get clear information, especially compared to faster, more responsive chats from antivirus brands like Norton.

Finding the chat button isn’t intuitive either. You have to open a help article in the knowledge base and scroll to the bottom to find the option. It’s there and it’s available 24/7, but it takes a few extra clicks to get started.

Email Support — Generic Replies and Long Wait Times

I tested TotalAV’s email support by asking about VPN protocols and billing questions. Replies came within a day or two, but none of them answered my questions. Each response linked to a help center article, even when I’d already read it and asked something more specific.

In one case, I asked whether TotalAV’s VPN supports WireGuard on mobile. The reply just listed basic VPN features and linked to the homepage. I followed up to clarify, but never got a second response. That happened more than once. If you need detailed answers or anything urgent, email isn’t the way to go. It’s too slow and too vague. You’re better off using live chat or calling support directly if you want real help.

Phone Support — Fastest Way to Get Help

TotalAV’s 24/7 phone support is the fastest and most reliable way to get help. I contacted support via their given international number and connected to an agent within 2 minutes. There are also various country-specific phone numbers for Australia, Canada, the United States, and a few other countries. During my call, I asked various questions about the TotalAV app and how to use its features, and TotalAV’s phone support provided helpful answers. Sometimes, it took a while for the agent to look up the issue and provide guidance, but I always got the help I needed. TotalAV’s Help Center is better than most. I found guides on setup, billing, troubleshooting, and even canceling auto-renewal — all sorted into clear sections like Account, Antivirus, and VPN. Everything is just a couple clicks deep, so you won’t get lost hunting for answers. That said, there’s no search bar, which feels like a big miss. If you’re looking for something specific, you have to manually click through categories. It’s manageable, but not ideal when you’re in a hurry. Still, the articles themselves are well-written with step-by-step instructions and screenshots. For quick fixes and setup help, this is where you’ll find the fastest answers — especially if you don’t want to deal with live chat or email support.

TotalAV’s pricing looks cheap at first, but costs climb fast after the first year. You get a free plan, three paid tiers, a 7-day mobile trial, and a refund policy with caveats. The best value sits in the middle, but only if you watch out for auto-renewals and hidden upsells.

Free Plan — Basic On-Demand Scanning Without Real-Time Protection

TotalAV’s free plan gives you the bare minimum — a malware scanner and WebShield. You can run a Smart Scan to check for viruses, junk files, tracking cookies, and startup issues, but there’s no real-time protection, so threats aren’t caught unless you scan manually. WebShield is useful as it blocks harmful URLs while browsing, but that’s about it. You don’t get the VPN, password manager, performance tools, or any system tune-up features. The scanner also flags issues you can’t fix unless you upgrade, so the free plan feels more like a demo than a standalone product. If you just want to scan your system once or twice and don’t need constant protection, it’s usable. But if you want your device actively defended in the background, you’ll need to switch to a paid plan. Alternatively, you can also check out some of these free Windows antiviruses.

TotalAV offers 3 paid tiers — Premium, Internet Security, and Total Security. Each plan builds upon the previous, adding more features and increasing the number of devices covered. Here’s a breakdown of what each plan includes: The Premium plan includes real-time malware protection, ransomware defense, system tune-up tools, and browser cleanup for up to 3 devices. It covers the essentials well, but lacks the VPN, which is a big gap if you care about online privacy. Internet Security is the best value. It adds the Safe Browsing VPN plus support for 6 devices. For me, this plan hit the sweet spot between affordability and protection. Unless you need extras like an ad blocker or password manager, this plan is enough. Total Security unlocks everything — VPN, ad blocker, password manager, and 8-device coverage. But you’re paying a lot more just to get features you can often find free elsewhere. Unless you really want an all-in-one bundle, this plan feels overpriced long term. One more thing, auto-renew is turned on by default. If you don’t manually cancel it, you’ll get charged the full renewal fee when your plan ends. You can toggle it off from your online dashboard, but the option isn’t super visible.

Free Trial — 7-Day Mobile-Only Free Trial

While there’s no trial for the desktop apps, you can get a 7-day free trial for TotalAV’s iOS and Android apps. You’ll get an option to subscribe to this trial as soon as you start using the mobile apps. Note that you must enter your credit card details before using the trial option.

Money-Back Guarantee — 30 Days for Annual, 14 for Short-Term Plans

TotalAV gives you plenty of room to test it risk-free but the refund window depends on your plan. Annual subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. For monthly or 6-month plans, you only have 14 days to request a refund. I tested this by canceling my plan through the online dashboard, then messaging billing support to confirm the refund. It took less than 10 minutes to get approval. The money landed in my bank account 5 days later, with no back-and-forth. Keep in mind, each add-on (like the VPN, AdBlock, or Password Vault) has its own 14-day refund window. And canceling a single feature won’t cancel the rest — you’ll need to request refunds separately for each one. TotalAV does the basics really well. Its malware scanner caught every threat in my tests, and the real-time protection kicked in the moment I opened a suspicious file. The cleanup tools freed up space without deleting anything important, and the mobile apps felt fast, lightweight, and easy to use. Even the built-in VPN held up for casual browsing, especially on nearby servers. But it’s not without issues. You don’t get a firewall, there’s no VPN kill switch on macOS, and support can be hit or miss unless you call. The ad blocker only works in a browser extension, and password sharing is missing from the password manager. You also lose access to the VPN and other tools if you go with the cheapest plan. If you want strong antivirus protection that’s easy and doesn’t bog down your system, TotalAV is a solid choice. Just be ready for higher renewal prices and keep your expectations realistic about bonus features like support and privacy tools.

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.