Compared to a few years ago, the antivirus proposals on the market have significantly increased. One of the most interesting software currently on the market is the TotalAV antivirus: it is an excellent product, certainly among the best that can be found.
In this in-depth study we will find out in detail what TotalAV is and how it works: in this way you will know if it is actually suitable for your needs or not. But no more delay, let's go!
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What is TotalAV
Although less known than other antivirus on the market for years, TotalAV is a software that immediately stands out for two reasons: the efficiency declared by the company and the price at which it is sold, lower than other competitors. The question therefore arises: is this antivirus really that reliable? Is it worth the purchase price?
Before going into the details of the services offered, it is necessary to frame TotalAV. We are talking about an antivirus proposed in both free and premium versions, available on all major operating systems (Windows, Mac, Android and iOS).
Its main strengths - which are the reasons why an antivirus should be purchased in the first place - are the high level of malware detection capability and the excellent protection provided in real time.
Both the free and paid versions provide a very interesting number of features, which we will see in more detail in the following paragraphs.
Features of TotalAV
Let's start analyzing the features and specifications of TotalAV, starting from the security issue and then delving into its performance, the compatibility it offers, the guaranteed assistance and all the other services offered.
Safety and functions
Let's start with the analysis of the TotalAV security sector, which is what is most relevant when we talk about antivirus (even if it is not the only aspect to take into consideration). The software in question does not have much to envy of its competitors when it comes to real-time protection, malware scanning and safe browsing tools.
The free and premium versions of TotalAV offer three types of virus scans: Full, Smart Scan, and Custom Scan. By performing a full scan, the antivirus detected 100% of viruses, spyware, ransomware etc.
Through the Smart Scan option, it is possible to perform a first check of desktops, programs at startup, browser, folders, cookies and cache. In particular, junk and duplicate files are identified that unnecessarily occupy space in the hard disk all those programs with automatic start that slow down the performance of the system.
Also worth mentioning is TotalAV's Safe Site extension, which includes several features for safe, private and ad-free / notification-free browsing. The extension integrates a feature called Webshield, which protects your PC from ransomware attacks and pishing sites. For this to work, Webshield must be configured via desktop and smartphone apps.
System performance and impact
Antiviruses can have an impact when they run in the background, meaning they can slow down the device they are installed on. Using TotalAV, we must note that there is no slowdown in any way, neither in terms of system operation nor with reference to navigation.
The only thing to keep in mind is that there are some minor delays during program downloads. But they are still inferior to other antiviruses. The overall speeds remain constant across all devices, and are similar to those obtained from Norton for example.
Compatibility
TotalAV works with all major operating systems, namely Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS. Both from desktop and mobile, the operation is simple, both with reference to installation and everyday use. And, by no means insignificant, the Italian language also offers in its applications.
From Mac to Windows PC there are some differences in terms of graphics, but as far as functionality is concerned, there is no change: what you can do with one, you can also do it with the other, without necessarily having great skills. computer science.
Taking a Windows system as a reference, once you open the program, you will immediately notice your protection status in real time, and a suggestion for performing your first Smart Scan. After the initial scan, TotalAV will show you the Smart Scan results. By moving the cursor to the left sidebar menu instead, you will quickly access the main features, namely virus scan, VPN, Webshield etc.
Mobile apps are very convenient, and have an interface very similar to the Windows application. However, there is a very important aspect to underline: the iOS app does not offer virus scanning, real-time protection and the App Lock function, which are exclusive to Android.
TotalAV's choice is geared towards blindly trusting the virus protection already offered by Apple. Therefore, with reference to iPhones, TotalAV simply shows if the security system integrated in the iPhone is active and if the software is up to date or not.
Additional services
If the protection offered by the free TotalAV antivirus is not enough for your computer or mobile device, you can opt for the cheaper or more expensive paid version. Depending on your choice, you will have a whole host of additional services, including:
The protection packages made available by TotalAV are three: by choosing the first you can protect up to 3 devices, the second gives the possibility to extend the protection to 5 devices and finally with the third you will have 6 covered devices.
Customer service
Perhaps the aspect on which TotalAV should work more, but let's go in order: the technical assistance provided by the company provides a chat in real time, an email box and even a telephone. The requests are satisfied, but the procedure for solving any problems or doubts is quite long and complex.
In the case of the chat, it is simply a bit "hidden" within the TotalAV site, but anyway our requests were answered after five minutes. Instead, the email service was rejected: no response was received. It is therefore better to opt for the chat or to call directly.
In particular, the telephone assistance has proved to be reliable: the operators are polite and quick. And they speak in Italian. To speak to an operator, select "3 - billing support" from the telephone menu, even if your problem is of a technical nature.
By pressing the "4 - technical support" button instead, an interactive electronic voice will reply and advise you to send your request via email.
Thumbs up convinced by in-depth assistance and direct support for all users who have installed TotalAV on Windows and Mac. This is a private consultation, which can be requested by telephone.
The presence of guides, video tutorials and articles on the antivirus site is also excellent: they are perfect content for those with non-urgent questions. If you have installation problems or need to know some more details about some features, in this section you should find everything you need.
TotalAV pricing and subscription plans
As we said at the beginning of this article, one of the features that immediately catch the eye of TotalAV are its prices, certainly lower than those of other antivirus on the market. In particular, the company offers three types of subscriptions:
As with every antivirus that we have reviewed on Punto Informatico, we can also read our FAQ, where you can find the answers to the most common questions asked by users, who are often doubting to try antiviral solutions to other more famous TotalAV antiviruses.
Summary and conclusions
An antivirus that is practical to use, reliable and cheap (at least for the first year, then the prices settle down compared to competitors): TotalAV is a software to be taken into consideration.
It is an antivirus that can be used both in business and at home, and offers a fast and responsive scanning system, a real-time protection module, an advanced one against ransomware and a system for analyzing suspicious files via the cloud.
The macOS operating system enhancement system and the security module for web pages are also excellent. It also integrates a VPN and can be used up to 6 devices at the same time. Customer service needs to be improved with reference to email support, which is practically non-existent.
As with every antivirus that we have reviewed on Punto Informatico, we can also read our FAQ, where you can find the answers to the most common questions asked by users, who are often doubting to try antiviral solutions to other more famous TotalAV antiviruses.
TotalAV Antivirus FAQ
Is there a free version of TotalAV?
Yes, there is a free version lasting 7 days, in which you can experience the services offered by the premium packages offered by TotalAV.
Can TotalAV be used on Mac?
Also in this case the answer is affirmative, as we have already seen in the previous lines. However, the Mac OS app is different at the interface level than the one dedicated to Windows. That said, the operation is the same.
Can it be used on smartphones (Android and iOS)?
Absolutely yes: TotalAV provides practical apps for Android and iOS, even if the latter certainly has some heavy limitations.
The App Lock application is also integrated on the Android app, which is very useful for locking certain apps on the smartphone. A combination is enough.
Does it burden the system a lot (good for older hardware)?
TotalAV is not a very impactful antivirus on the operating system. Anyway, TotalAV works on Windows XP, 7, 8 and 10, Mac OS X 10.9 and above, Android Oreo 8.1 and iOS 11.3.