TotalAV emerges as the premier antivirus software in 2024, delivering a feature-rich package with an intuitive interface. It's an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable and efficient cybersecurity tool that is easy to manage.
Testing Results: Our evaluation of TotalAV commenced with real-time protection tests, showcasing favorable results. Specifically, TotalAV successfully blocked 90% of prevalent malware samples we subjected it to. However, the full scan exhibited a 60% effectiveness against concealed malware samples in the main drive. Conversely, a quick scan, lasting around 2 minutes, failed to detect malicious files hidden in obscure locations.
The AV-TEST summary for September-October 2023 presented a generally favorable outlook for TotalAV, though not without some drawbacks. The provider lost a point in the protection category due to substandard September results. Additionally, it incurred a half-point loss in performance for causing slowdowns in popular applications.
Features: TotalAV distinguishes itself from most antivirus services with its robust free plan, offering a malware scanner and anti-phishing protection at no cost. Opting for a paid subscription significantly expands security coverage with real-time protection, ransomware shields, a Cloud Scanner, a Disk Cleaner, and other optimization tools. These features help optimize your hard drive space and enhance startup efficiency. TotalAV also includes a VPN with unlimited data, a password manager, and an ad blocker for secure online browsing.
Pricing: In addition to the free plan, TotalAV offers three other plans with prices starting from $19.00/year. Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring a full refund if unsatisfied with the service.
Pros | Cons |
| · Only covers six devices · The browser extension isn’t particularly user-friendly · Safe Search doesn’t always work |
Antivirus software protects against various security threats, including:
- Malware (Various Forms): Ransomware, spyware, rootkits, adware, cryptojackers, viruses, etc.
- Protection Across Devices: Computers, smartphones, routers, and IoT home appliances.
In addition to malware protection, top antivirus services can block malicious online ads, enhance device performance, and monitor the dark web for data leaks. Some providers also offer VPNs and password managers.
Not all antivirus services are equally effective, as the threat landscape changes constantly. Choosing trustworthy providers that frequently update their tools is crucial. Independent antivirus labs like AV-TEST and third-party reviews can help identify the best options.
Regarding free vs. paid antivirus:
- Free Antivirus: Offers basic protection but may have limitations and potential downsides, such as pop-up ads or even malicious programs. Choose free services from reputable companies for better security.
- Paid Antivirus: Provides reliable and comprehensive security, often with advanced features like custom scanning, ransomware protection, and firewalls. It ensures that antivirus companies are funded either through premium plans or personal data, minimizing the risk of selling information to third parties.
In conclusion, while free antivirus options exist, paying for a premium plan ensures more reliable and robust protection against cybersecurity threats.
