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Best for Performance and Security
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Award-winning antivirus, malware, and ransomware protection for up to 10 devices
Includes webcam protection, safe browsing and email, automatic updates, and 24/7 protection
Suite of protection benefits including a secure VPN, anti-tracking capabilities, safeguards against phishing sites, and more
Best for Budget
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Real-time protection from viruses, malware, and online threats
Blocks tracking cookies and ads, proactively monitors for data breaches, and option to schedule smart scans
100% compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS operating systems on up to 3 devices
Both AVG and TotalAV are rock-solid antivirus software options. When comparing the two, AVG is an excellent option if you prioritize overall performance and security features. It has a perfect AV-TEST score and includes enhanced firewall protection (a feature missing from TotalAV) with its premium plans.
TotalAV is still a strong antivirus option if you’re budget-conscious and don't need to cover more than six devices. Plus, TotalAV comprehensively safeguards your accounts and browsing activities across the web with its ad blocker, VPN, and password manager.
AVG premium plans cost more than TotalAV, but the overall value is worth it if you prioritize performance and strong security features. It's also worth noting that while AVG covers up to 10 devices, TotalAV only offers protection for up to 6 devices.
Even still, TotalAV is a strong contender with affordable plans, user-friendly ad blockers, and essential antivirus protection. It may be best for smaller households.
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| Starting price | $46.68/first yr for 1 device | $29.00/first yr |
| Free version | ||
| Max number of protected devices | 10 devices | 6 devices |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS | Android, iOS, Windows, macOS |
| Real-time protection | ||
| Phishing protection | ||
| Ransomware protection | ||
| Learn more | Get AVG | Get TotalAV |
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Our Pick | |
| Price range | $24.99–$59.88/first yr | $12.00–$49.00/first yr |
| Best value plan | AVG Ultimate plan for $59.88/first yr for 10 devices | Total Security plan for $49.00/first yr |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 14 or 30 days |
| Learn more | Get AVG | Get TotalAV |
Overall, TotalAV has more affordable plans available. Premium plans for both software companies provide essential features to protect your devices, yet TotalAV's Total Security plan starts at $49.00/first yr, and the AVG Ultimate plan starts at $59.88/first yr for 10 devices.
However, you should also consider the number of devices covered. AVG can cover up to 10 devices. Meanwhile, TotalAV will only protect up to six. If you need to protect more than six devices, then AVG may provide you with better value.
Both antivirus programs have free versions, so you can get an idea of their features before purchasing a subscription. AVG has a 30-day money-back guarantee. TotalAV has a 14-day money-back guarantee for monthly subscriptions and 30 days for annual subscriptions. Either way, you have adequate time to verify that the antivirus software meets your needs.
Our Pick |
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| Manual and scheduled scans | ||
| Real-time protection | ||
| Phishing protection | ||
| Ransomware protection | ||
| Firewall | ||
| Parental controls | ||
| Password manager | ||
| VPN | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Device optimization tools | ||
| Learn more | Get AVG | Get TotalAV |
Antivirus software protects your devices from malicious online threats. In tandem, a firewall provides an additional layer of security to your network. It acts as a barrier between your network and external threats like hackers. So it's a big drawback that TotalAV doesn't have a firewall. However, both AVG and TotalAV provide a virtual private network (VPN), which helps secure incoming and outgoing traffic to your network.
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The rest of the differences between AVG and TotalAV are fairly superficial, depending on your personal preferences. For example, AVG technically has an ad blocker, but you'll need to use its Secure Browser to access it. Meanwhile, TotalAV's ad blocker is compatible with Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
Another non-essential (but still important) feature missing from AVG is a password manager, which helps to create, manage, and store your passwords across devices. If you prefer to have a password manager included in your antivirus program, then consider TotalAV.
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Let’s look at core antivirus protection features. Both AVG and TotalAV offer reliable, comprehensive protection. AVG boasts many scan options, including Smart Scan, Deep Scan, File or Folder Scan, Boot-time Scan, USB/DVD Scan, and Performance Scan. On the other hand, TotalAV is a straight shooter with only two types of manual malware scans: a Quick Scan and a System Scan. The full System Scan takes significantly longer than a Quick Scan, but the total time was only about 10 minutes.
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TotalAV offers real-time protection in the form of WebShield, which is a service under the “Internet Security” section. Comparatively, AVG’s phishing and email protection checks for deceptive attachments that could be dangerous.
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You need antivirus protection that can accurately detect malware and other threats to stay safe online. AV-TEST is a well-known third-party testing site that evaluates the most current antivirus version for its effectiveness. It tests for three categories: protection, performance, and usability. Each category gets a score out of 6, so there are 18 total possible points.
Our Pick |
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| AV-Test Windows score | 18/18 | 17.5/18 |
| AV-Test macOS score | 18/18 | N/A |
| AV-Test Android score | 18/18 | 17/18 |
| Learn more | Get AVG | Get TotalAV |
Malware protection is one of the cornerstones of trusted antivirus software. Notably, AVG received a perfect score for all three operating systems. Meanwhile, TotalAV isn't even tested on macOS. It also didn't receive perfect scores for Windows or Android.
For the Windows test, TotalAV scored a little lower in performance. It was a bit lower than the industry average for slower installations of frequently used programs. When it came to Android testing, TotalAV produced one false warning of a legitimate app.
Overall, TotalAV is a totally functional antivirus program, but it's just not as strong as AVG.
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Our Pick | |
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Browser extensions | Yes — Chrome | Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Phone, email, online guides | Phone, email, online guides, live chat |
| Learn more | Get AVG | Get TotalAV |
When it comes to device compatibility, TotalAV has a slight edge. TotalAV offers browser extensions on Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. AVG only offers a Chrome extension.
But the biggest difference between TotalAV and AVG comes down to its customer support. Both are available 24/7, but only TotalAV has a live chat feature. If you want live interactions with AVG, you’re going to have to call.
TotalAV is not owned by AVG. It's owned by a United Kingdom-based company, Protected.net Group Limited. Meanwhile, AVG was acquired by Avast in 2016.
AVG is not a Russian company. It was acquired by Avast in 2016. Avast subsequently merged with Norton, a U.S.-based company, in 2022.
AVG has perfect scores on the AV-TEST site. It also has many of the core features you expect from an antivirus software program, including a firewall. AVG offers a rock-solid free version in addition to premium plans.
TotalAV may be better than AVG Antivirus if you’re looking for an affordable antivirus program. But if you need to protect more than six devices, then AVG Antivirus offers the better value because it can cover up to 10 devices. AVG may also be a better choice if you want additional layers of security with an enhanced firewall enabled.
AVG is a better choice if you want strong security features, high performance, and coverage for more than six devices. TotalAV lacks a firewall and didn't score as well as AVG on the AV-TEST.
However, you might prefer TotalAV if you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option with an ad blocker, VPN, and password manager.
Overall, AVG provides better value and is worth the higher costs. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have plenty of time to evaluate if AVG meets your needs.
Award-winning antivirus, malware, and ransomware protection for up to 10 devices
Includes webcam protection, safe browsing and email, automatic updates, and 24/7 protection
Suite of protection benefits including a secure VPN, anti-tracking capabilities, safeguards against phishing sites, and more
While AVG and TotalAV have appealing qualities, they may not be the right fit for you. There are other excellent options if you’re searching for the best antivirus programs. Here are a few of our top alternatives and their highlights.
Inclusive antivirus, scam, and web protection with the added privacy of a VPN, identity monitoring, and secure password manager
Get a real-time Protection Score that measures your online safety and offers guidance to improve security
Added peace of mind with 24/7 expert online support and McAfee’s Virus Protection Pledge
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