TotalAV Antivirus Pro is a well-known antivirus software that aims to provide robust protection against malware and other cyber threats. This review delves into its features, performance, pricing, installation process, user interface, and additional tools, comparing it with other top-rated antivirus programs to determine its standing in the competitive landscape. Not only does the software scan for and eliminate existing malware, but it also offers real-time protection against future threats. TotalAV Antivirus Pro includes various additional features that extend beyond basic security, such as backup solutions, system optimization tools, ad blocking, and more. Despite significant improvements over time, TotalAV Antivirus Pro still trails behind some top contenders in a few key areas.
Key Features and Pricing
One of the most notable features of TotalAV Antivirus Pro is its real-time protection, something absent in its free version. Priced at $99 per year for protecting five PCs, the latest pricing marks an improvement over the former plan, which covered only three licenses. However, when compared to other antivirus solutions in the market, TotalAV’s pricing remains on the higher side. For example, Norton charges $84.99 annually, Malwarebytes Premium Security costs $79.99, ESET is priced at $59.99, and G Data offers a five-license subscription for $49.95 per year. This comparison indicates that while TotalAV has enhanced its offerings, it still stands out as a pricier option.
TotalAV does not employ a tiered pricing structure based on features. Instead, users who need more licenses or advanced features must upgrade to more comprehensive TotalAV packages. The TotalAV Internet Security package, priced at $129 per year, includes VPN protection and extends the number of licenses to six. For $149 per year, the TotalAV Total Security package increases the license count to eight and incorporates a password manager. These are list prices, and actual costs may be lower due to ongoing discounts and promotions. Importantly, TotalAV maintains a policy of offering discounts even on renewals, which could be advantageous for long-term users.
For those needing more than the standard offering, TotalAV provides options for additional licenses at extra costs. Users can also opt for unlimited licenses at $198 per year. This level of flexibility is comparable to offerings from other major antivirus brands like McAfee, Norton, and Panda, each of which offers their own unlimited license plans for comprehensive security suites. With such an adaptable pricing model, TotalAV seeks to cater to varying user needs and budgets.
Installation and User Interface
The installation process for TotalAV can start with a free trial that allows users to upgrade later or by directly registering and downloading the Pro edition. It has been observed that the installation process tends to take longer than usual, especially during the initial setup phase. This phase in the free version automatically initiates a combined malware and performance scan, an essential feature given the lack of real-time protection. However, paying customers have the option to skip this initial scan, saving time and getting right into using the software.
User-friendliness is a key design choice in TotalAV’s interface, featuring a default dark mode with the option to switch to a light mode or follow the system’s color settings. Navigation is facilitated through a straightforward three-icon menu: Home, Total Security, and Settings. The Home page, the central hub of interaction, presents an extensive left-side menu divided into sections labeled Protection, Privacy, and Optimization. In the top right corner, a large, pulsing icon accompanied by a text statement indicates the security status. If the icon is not green, it signals a security issue that necessitates the user’s attention.
The overall user experience is designed to be intuitively easy, ensuring that even those with minimal technical skills can effectively navigate the software. This consideration makes TotalAV accessible to a broad audience, enhancing the software’s appeal. With a logical layout and clear visual cues, users can quickly access key functionalities and monitor their system’s health.
Independent Lab and Hands-On Testing
TotalAV Antivirus Pro has been evaluated by several independent testing labs, garnering mixed but generally positive results. Two notable laboratories, the AV-Test Institute and AV-Comparatives, have included TotalAV in their assessments, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of its performance.
At the AV-Test Institute, an antivirus app is rated based on protection against malware, impact on system performance, and the rate of false positives. TotalAV scored 17.5 out of 18 points, achieving perfect scores for protection and false positives but slightly lower for performance. This impressive rating earned TotalAV the title of Top Product. For comparison, several other products, including Avira Free Security, ESET, and G Data, attained perfect 18-point scores, indicating stiff competition in the antivirus market.
AV-Comparatives also tested TotalAV across multiple criteria: malware protection, real-world protection, and performance. TotalAV earned Advanced ratings in all three categories. In contrast, some products such as Avast One Basic, AVG, and ESET NOD32 Antivirus achieved Advanced+ ratings in all tests. These differences underscore the strong performance but pinpoint areas where TotalAV could further improve.
The results from these various labs are aggregated using a custom algorithm that translates different scoring systems into a unified 10-point scale. TotalAV’s aggregate score of 9.1 is respectable, ranking above many lesser-known antiviruses but trailing behind the highest scorers like Avast Free Antivirus and ESET, both of which scored near-perfect 9.9 points. These scores reflect TotalAV’s solid performance but highlight the competitive nature of antivirus software assessments.
Hands-On Testing
In hands-on testing, TotalAV demonstrated commendable performance, albeit not exceptional. During a malware protection test that involved opening a folder containing pre-analyzed malware samples, TotalAV immediately began eliminating threats. It removed 72% of the samples on sight and eventually detected and neutralized 97% of the samples, scoring an overall 9.7 points. While this is a respectable score, it falls short of leading competitors like UltraAV (96% clearance on sight), Malwarebytes (97%), and ZoneAlarm PRO Antivirus + Firewall (100%).
TotalAV’s phishing protection capability also showed improvement in recent tests compared to previous ones. It detected 96% of phishing attempts, significantly outperforming the built-in protections of major browsers by an average of 24 percentage points. However, this performance still leaves room for enhancement, as some top products achieve near-perfect scores in phishing protection, emphasizing the need for ongoing development.
Overall, while TotalAV’s hands-on performance is solid, it underscores the competitive nature of antivirus software, where even minor differences in detection and response rates can significantly influence user decisions. The hands-on tests affirm TotalAV’s reliability in threat detection but also highlight areas for continued improvement to match or surpass top-tier competitors in comprehensive protection.
Additional Features
TotalAV Antivirus Pro extends beyond basic protection by incorporating various additional tools and features that add significant value to the software. One of the primary added values over the free version is real-time protection, providing continuous safeguarding against threats as they emerge. WebShield, another critical feature, blocks access to malicious websites, contributing substantially to phishing protection by preventing harmful sites from loading.
The integration of Threat Intelligence keeps the antivirus updated with the latest threat information, ensuring that it can respond to new and emerging cyber threats effectively. System Optimization tools, including Clean-Up Scan and Uninstaller, remove junk files, tracking cookies, and unwanted startup programs, thereby enhancing system performance and cleanup efficiency. Moreover, the Adblock Extension blocks ads, trackers, and other web annoyances in browsers like Chrome and Edge, improving the browsing experience.
Online Backup and Sync offer 2GB of storage for online backup and file synchronization, with options to increase storage capacity through upgrades. The inclusion of a Password Manager in the Total Security package aids users in managing and securing their passwords efficiently. Another valuable feature is the VPN, included in the Internet Security and Total Security packages, providing safer internet browsing by ensuring privacy and security online.
Identity Protection is another feature that offers breach scanning and alerts using data from sources like HaveIBeenPwned.com. However, detailed protection may require an additional purchase. By integrating these features, TotalAV aims to provide a comprehensive security solution that addresses various aspects of digital safety and device performance.
Verdict and Comparison
TotalAV Antivirus Pro is a well-regarded antivirus software designed to offer comprehensive protection against malware and other cyber threats. This review explores its features, performance, pricing, installation process, user interface, and additional tools while comparing it to other leading antivirus programs to assess its position in the competitive market. The software not only detects and eliminates existing malware but also provides real-time protection to guard against future threats.
TotalAV Antivirus Pro goes beyond basic security with a variety of extra features. These include backup solutions to protect your data, system optimization tools to keep your computer running smoothly, ad blocking to enhance your browsing experience, and more. The inclusion of these tools makes it a versatile option for users seeking more than just an antivirus solution.
Despite numerous enhancements over time, TotalAV Antivirus Pro still falls short compared to some top-tier competitors in a few critical areas. While it offers robust protection and useful additional features, there are still aspects where it could improve to match the best in the industry.
In terms of user experience, TotalAV Antivirus Pro is straightforward to install and boasts a user-friendly interface. Its pricing is competitive, making it an attractive option for those who need solid antivirus protection without breaking the bank. Overall, while it may not lead the pack, it remains a strong contender in the realm of antivirus software.
