TotalAV has become one of the most heavily marketed antivirus solutions, appearing in ads across the internet. But does it deliver on its promises, or is it all marketing hype? We put TotalAV through comprehensive testing to find out.
What is TotalAV?
TotalAV is a UK-based security company offering antivirus protection bundled with system optimization tools, a VPN, and various privacy features. It’s positioned as a value-oriented alternative to premium solutions like Norton and Bitdefender.
Malware Protection
TotalAV uses the Avira scanning engine—a well-respected technology that consistently performs well in independent tests.
Test Results:
- Known malware detection: 99.7%
- Zero-day threats: 98.2%
- False positives: Very low
- System impact: Moderate (noticeable during scans)
These results put TotalAV in the upper tier of antivirus protection, though slightly behind Bitdefender and Norton in zero-day detection.
Features Breakdown
Core Antivirus
- Real-time protection
- Scheduled and on-demand scanning
- Quarantine management
- Browser protection extension
System Optimization
- Junk file cleaner
- Duplicate file finder
- Startup manager
- Browser cleanup
- Disk space analyzer
Note: These “optimization” features are nice-to-haves but not why you buy antivirus software.
Safe Browsing VPN
- Included on higher tiers
- Decent speeds (not fastest)
- Good for basic privacy
- Servers in 30+ countries
Additional Features
- Password vault (basic)
- Data breach monitoring
- Ad blocker
- Identity protection (premium plans)
Pricing
TotalAV’s pricing is where things get complicated:
| Plan | First Year | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Antivirus Pro | $29 | $119 |
| Internet Security | $39 | $145 |
| Total Security | $49 | $179 |
Warning: The first-year discount is steep, but renewal prices jump significantly. Factor this into your decision.
What We Like
✅ Strong malware detection using proven Avira engine ✅ Clean, modern interface that’s easy to navigate ✅ Useful optimization tools for casual users ✅ VPN included on mid-tier plans ✅ Competitive first-year pricing
What We Don’t Like
❌ Aggressive renewal pricing (3-4x first year cost) ❌ Heavy upselling within the app ❌ Customer support can be slow ❌ VPN is basic compared to standalone services ❌ Optimization tools are filler—you don’t need them
Who Should Use TotalAV?
TotalAV is a solid choice for:
- Budget-conscious users who can manage renewal cancellation
- Non-technical users who want simple, effective protection
- People who like all-in-one solutions (antivirus + VPN + tools)
It’s NOT ideal for:
- Users who forget to cancel/negotiate renewals
- Power users who want granular control
- Anyone who already has a good VPN
Alternatives to Consider
| Alternative | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender | Best overall protection | $39.99/yr |
| Kaspersky | Excellent detection rates | $29.99/yr |
| Windows Defender | Free, built-in | Free |
| Malwarebytes | Companion scanner | $44.99/yr |
The Verdict
TotalAV is a legitimate antivirus that provides good protection. The Avira engine is proven, and the additional features add some value. However, the aggressive pricing tactics and renewal costs are concerning.
Our advice: If you choose TotalAV, set a calendar reminder before renewal to either cancel or negotiate a better rate. Many users report success getting renewal discounts by threatening to cancel.
Rating: 3.8/5
Good protection, but watch those renewal prices.