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Antivirus Software review
TotalAV logo

TotalAV review

Easiest to use

Simple, beginner-friendly antivirus with optional VPN and ad blocker. Less technical users who want a simple dashboard and are happy to watch the renewal date. We rank it #5 of 10 in our antivirus software comparison, with an editorial score of 8.3 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
8.3/10
Our editorial score

TotalAV scores well on Performance impact & ease of use thanks to a simple, beginner-friendly dashboard, and covers the basics under Protection features with real-time scanning and web protection. It is held back on Extras & value transparency because the gap between introductory and renewal pricing deserves a careful read, and on Independent testing presence because it appears in fewer of the major lab reports than the leaders.

How we score antivirus software

Visit site (TotalAV, opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#5 of 10
Best forEasiest to use
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Android, iOS
Extras (varies by plan)VPN, ad blocker, password manager on some plans; check plan
Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the TotalAV site. See the TotalAV company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

TotalAV is an antivirus brand that is heavily marketed in the US. It focuses on a clean, simple dashboard: real-time protection, WebShield web protection and data breach monitoring, with apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.

Some plans add the Total VPN, an ad blocker and a password manager. Check AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives for whether TotalAV appears in their current reports.

TotalAV is known for low introductory pricing, and its site says renewals are billed at the regular rate. Read the renewal terms and set a reminder before the first term ends.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very easy to set up and use
  • Apps on all major platforms
  • Useful extras on higher plans

Cons

  • Renewal price can be much higher than the intro price
  • Appears in fewer major lab reports than the leaders
  • Extras are split across separate branded products

Key features

  • Real-time malware protection and WebShield web protection
  • Simple, beginner-friendly dashboard
  • Data breach monitoring for your email
  • VPN, ad blocker and password manager on some plans

Who TotalAV is for

A good fit if

Less technical users who want a simple dashboard and are happy to watch the renewal date.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone who wants the deepest protection features or detailed settings.

How we scored TotalAV

TotalAV scores well on Performance impact & ease of use thanks to a simple, beginner-friendly dashboard, and covers the basics under Protection features with real-time scanning and web protection. It is held back on Extras & value transparency because the gap between introductory and renewal pricing deserves a careful read, and on Independent testing presence because it appears in fewer of the major lab reports than the leaders.

Our antivirus software score weighs protection features (30%), independent testing presence (20%), extras & value transparency (20%), performance impact & ease of use (15%), privacy & trust (15%). See the methodology.

TotalAV alternatives

  1. #1
    Bitdefender logo

    Bitdefender

    Best overall

    Strong, lightweight protection with a regular presence in independent lab tests.

    • Real-time malware, web and ransomware protection
    • Apps for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
    • VPN and password manager on some plans
    • Free antivirus edition for Windows
    9.4/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Bitdefender, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #2
    Norton 360 logo

    Norton 360

    Best for identity protection

    Feature-packed security suite with identity monitoring options for US customers.

    • Real-time malware, web protection and firewall
    • VPN and password manager on most plans
    • Dark web monitoring; LifeLock features on some US plans
    • Parental controls and cloud backup (Windows) on some plans
    9.2/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Norton 360, opens in a new tab) Read review
  3. #3
    Mc

    McAfee

    Best for households

    Long-running consumer suite with identity monitoring and scam-protection tools.

    • Malware and web protection
    • VPN included on many plans
    • Identity monitoring features
    • Scam-detection tools on some plans
    8.8/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (McAfee, opens in a new tab) Read review

Head-to-head

See all 10 antivirus suites compared

TotalAV FAQ

Is TotalAV legit?

TotalAV is a legitimate, widely sold antivirus product. Its marketing focuses on low intro pricing, so check the renewal price and cancellation terms before you buy.

Does TotalAV work on Mac and iPhone?

TotalAV says its apps work on modern versions of Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Features differ by platform, so check what each app includes.

Does TotalAV include a VPN?

Some TotalAV plans include its VPN. Check the current plan comparison to see which.

Sources and fact check

We checked the facts on this page against TotalAV's own website on .