AVG vs. TotalAV 2025: Why AVG Outperforms the Award-winning TotalAV

Both AVG and TotalAV are two rock-solid antiviruses, but TotalAV wins this matchup. AVG is an excellent option if you prioritize overall performance and security features. It has near-perfect AV-TEST scores and includes enhanced firewall protection (a feature missing from TotalAV) with its premium plans.

But TotalAV is a strong antivirus option if you’re budget-conscious and need a complete security suite. TotalAV comprehensively safeguards your accounts and browsing activities across the web with its ad blocker, virtual private network (VPN), and password manager.

AVG vs. TotalAV overview

• AVG: Best for performance
• TotalAV: Best for a budget suite

		Our Pick
Star rating	4.6 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.7 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Starting price	Free or $31.20/first yr	Free or $19.00/first yr
Max number of protected devices	Up to 10 devices	Up to 8 devices
Malware scans	Manual and scheduled	Manual and scheduled
Real-time protection
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Opera
Learn more	Get AVG Read AVG Review	Get TotalAV Read TotalAV Review

AVG pros and cons

AVG can protect up to 10 devices and even has a free plan. The paid plans offer ransomware and phishing protection. Upgrading to the Ultimate plan allows you to use the virtual private network (VPN) and optimization tools. AVG premium plans cost more than TotalAV, but the overall value is worth it if you prioritize performance and strong security features.  AVG has a 30-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

TotalAV pros and cons

TotalAV also has a free plan and can protect a maximum of eight devices. It's a pretty inexpensive option when compared to most antivirus software, but it still includes a bunch of advanced security features like a VPN, a password manager, a browser cleaner, and a highly-rated ad blocker. TotalAV has two types of manual scans (quick and system), or you can schedule a malware scan for when you're not using your computer. 

Which antivirus is the better value?

TotalAV has the most affordable plans while still offering valuable features.

		Our Pick
Price range	$31.20–$59.99/first yr	$19.00–$49.00/first yr
Best value plan	AVG Ultimate for $55.99/first yr	Total Security for $49.00/first yr
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days	Yes — 14 or 30 days
Learn more	Get AVG Read AVG Review	Get TotalAV Read TotalAV Review

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 $55.99/first yr.

However, you should also consider the number of devices covered. AVG can cover up to 10 devices. Meanwhile, TotalAV will only protect up to 8 devices. If you need to protect more than eight 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. Both also have money-back guarantees.

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.

AVG vs. TotalAV: features

		Our Pick
Manual and scheduled scans
Real-time protection
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
Firewall
Device optimization tools
Parental controls
Password manager
VPN
Ad blocker
Extras	Sensitive Data Shield, webcam protection, AntiTrack, WiFi scanner	WebShield, junk cleaner, browser cleaner, identity protection
Learn more	Get AVG Read AVG Review	Get TotalAV Read TotalAV Review

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. 

It's a big drawback that TotalAV doesn't have a firewall, but AVG does. However, both AVG and TotalAV provide a VPN, which helps secure incoming and outgoing traffic to your network.

The rest of the differences between AVG and TotalAV are fairly superficial, depending on your personal preferences. For example, AVG  doesn't have an actual ad blocker, you'll only have access to ad blocking capabilities if you use its Secure Browser. Meanwhile, TotalAV's ad blocker is compatible with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.

Another non-essential (but still important) feature that's 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.

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, Performance Scan, and more. 

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 during our testing.

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.

Learn more about AVG and TotalAV's advanced security features in our detailed reviews:

• Total Adblock
• Total VPN
• AVG Secure VPN

AVG vs. TotalAV: test results

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 six, so there are 18 total possible points.

AVG vs. TotalAV malware protection scores

		Our Pick
AV-TEST Windows score	17.5/18	17.5/18
AV-TEST macOS score	18/18	18/18
AV-TEST Android score	17/18	18/18
Learn more	Get AVG Read AVG Review	Get TotalAV Read TotalAV Review

During the AV-TEST for Windows, TotalAV was docked half a point for performance. It slowed down when launching websites, more so than the industry average. It also had a slightly slower installation of frequently-used apps.

Similarly, AVG was docked half a point for the Windows test for performance. It also slowed down when launching websites. However, TotalAV outperformed AVG during the Android test. AVG was docked a full point for usability due to a false positive.

AVG vs. TotalAV: compatibility and customer support

Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Live chat, phone, email, online guides	Live chat, phone, email, online guides
Learn more	Get AVG Read AVG Review	Get TotalAV Read TotalAV Review

When it comes to device compatibility, TotalAV and AVG are on the same page. They both offer apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. They both also offer the same browser extensions to protect against phishing scams.

TotalAV offers a user-friendly interface, but we had some hiccups with the password vault and real-time protection setup. Our Quick Scan only took two minutes, while the System Scan took 10 minutes to complete. 

On the other hand, AVG is more complex with more customization and scan options. It likely requires more antivirus knowledge or the desire to do some reading and troubleshooting. 

TotalAV and AVG also offer the same options for customer support, with live chat, phone, and email. They also have a knowledge base with online guides to peruse.

AVG vs. TotalAV alternatives

Both AVG and TotalAV top our list of the best antivirus software available. AVG offers a rock-solid performance, with little to no impact on devices. Meanwhile, we found TotalAV to offer stellar web protection, especially with the inclusion of advanced security features like Total Adblock, Total VPN, and Total Pass. But if you need unlimited device coverage or a more comprehensive security suite, we recommend checking out other antivirus software we've tested. Here's how TotalAV compares:

FAQs

AVG vs. TotalAV: Which is better?

Based on our experience, we think TotalAV is better. Although TotalAV lacks a dedicated firewall, it offers a more comprehensive security suite at a better price than AVG. We recommend TotalAV if you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option with an ad blocker, VPN, and password manager.

AVG is still a strong contender, especially if you prioritize low-impact performance.