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Best for affordability
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Real-time protection from viruses, malware, and malicious websites
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Includes the #1 ad blocker and also monitors for data breaches
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Comes with a full suite of performance optimization tools to keep your device fast
Best for premium features
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Consistently perfect third-party test results, verifying comprehensive antivirus, ransomware, and malware protection
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Includes advanced security features like a VPN, firewall, data breach alerts, privacy tools, device optimization, and more
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Maintains a full suite of features for Mac users, unlike many other antivirus options
TotalAV and Avast are both highly respected antivirus packages, but Avast stands out a little bit more thanks to its flawless testing scores for Windows and macOS. That said, TotalAV remains a highly effective option, albeit slightly cheaper than Avast.
In this article, we’ll compare both software in terms of value, features, test results, compatibility, and customer service. Read on to find out which is the best antivirus choice for your needs.
Prices
Features
Test results
Compatibility and customer support
Top alternatives
FAQs
Which is better?
TotalAV vs. Avast review at a glance
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![]() Our Pick | |
Star rating | ||
Starting price | Free or $19.00/first yr | Starts at $35.88/first yr |
Max number of protected devices | Up to 8 devices | Up to 30 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, Chrome, Edge, Opera, Amazon Fire | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Learn more | Get TotalAV | Get Avast |
How we test and rate antivirus software
We use our proprietary grading rubric in all of our testing, which considers ease-of-use, third-party testing scores, internal testing scores, price, compatibility, and features offered, among other metrics.
This means that our testing process is designed to ensure that the product isn't too confusing, protects as it claims, and offers you a lot for a reasonable price. We download and run each program on our own computers on home networks, just like you would. Our ratings reflect the real-world performance of the antivirus product. This ensures that we can recreate a similar experience for you and give our best advice on whether or not it's worthwhile.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full antivirus testing methodology here.
TotalAV pros and cons
TotalAV has broad compatibility and features extras like a virtual private network (VPN) and a password manager. While it doesn't cover as many devices as Avast does, TotalAV is an excellent antivirus program that does the job of protecting your devices from malicious threats — all at a reasonable price.
- Highly-rated protection from multiple threats
- User-friendly interface and overall app
- Real-time protection to ensure your activity and devices are always safe
- Only protects a maximum of 8 devices, which may not be enough for some households
- Doesn't include advanced firewall protection
Avast pros and cons
Avast stands out due to the numerous additional security and privacy features it provides. Depending on the plan you choose, you could have webcam protection and identity theft insurance on top of all the standard features you’ve come to expect. It's a good choice if multiple layers of security and privacy are important to you. Avast has impeccable third-party test results, offering top-notch protection. It protects up to 30 devices and has optimization tools for select plans. Avast also has a pretty good free plan.
- Consistently high antivirus test scores
- Website scanning for online protection
- Ransomware protection
- No parental controls
- Lackluster customer support
Which antivirus is the better value?
While both offer great value, Avast has better plans and even offers a free antivirus download for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
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![]() Our Pick | |
Price range | $19.00–$49.00/first yr | $35.88-$119.88/yr (first year only) |
Best value plan | Total Security plan for $49.00/first yr | Avast Ultimate plan for $69.99/first yr |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
Learn more | Get TotalAV | Get Avast |
TotalAV and Avast's basic plans are pretty comparable in terms of pricing. However, they offer different features:
- Avast One Silver offers a firewall and webcam protection
- TotalAV offers an ad blocker and device optimization
When it comes to the premium plans, Avast offers several different security features like:
- Data breach monitoring
- Device optimization
- Identity theft alerts
- Credit report monitoring
- Identity theft insurance
Meanwhile, premium TotalAV plans offer only a VPN and password manager as additional features.
It's also worth noting that both TotalAV and Avast offer free antivirus programs. Yet each has different capabilities:
- Avast’s free antivirus program protects you against malicious threats, monitors for suspicious activity, and includes a firewall
- Meanwhile, TotalAV seems to only provide manual antivirus scans.
TotalAV vs. Avast: Features
TotalAV is our pick for the best features because it includes more advanced security software, including a VPN, a password manager, and an ad blocker.
![]() 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 | WebShield, junk cleaner, browser cleaner, identity protection | Webcam protection, breach monitoring |
Learn more | Get TotalAV | Get Avast |
The most notable difference between TotalAV and Avast comes down to what extra bells and whistles you get with the plan.
Avast lacks a password manager and ad blocker, whereas TotalAV offers these features. These aren't dealbreakers, but it does mean you'll need to find another provider if you want these tools.
Neither TotalAV nor Avast has any parental control options. If you’re looking for protection for your family, then these might not be the best choices for you.
Learn more about Avast and TotalAV's advanced security features in our detailed reviews:
TotalAV vs. Avast: Test results
Sometimes companies aren't always honest about their products and their functionality. That's why it's important to take a look at third-party testing. The test results can help reveal if a program actually works to block computer viruses.
We reviewed AV-TEST's testing results, a third-party auditing service that companies pay to verify their products. The service tested antivirus software against real-world threats with realistic scenarios, evaluating protection, performance, and usability.
Here are the results across multiple operating systems:
TotalAV vs. Avast malware protection scores
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![]() Our Pick | |
AV-TEST Windows score | 17.5/18 | 18/18 |
AV-TEST macOS score | 18/18 | 18/18 |
AV-TEST Android score | 18/18 | 17/18 |
SE Labs malware protection score | 97% | 100% |
Learn more | Get TotalAV | Get Avast |
Although TotalAV's third-party test scores have improved this quarter, Avast consistently achieves perfect protection for Windows and macOS. 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.
TotalAV vs. Avast: Compatibility and customer support
![]() |
![]() Our Pick | |
Windows | ||
macOS | ||
Android | ||
iOS | ||
Browser extensions | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera |
24/7 customer support | ||
Customer support options | Live chat, phone, email, online guides | Live chat, phone, email, forums, online guides |
Learn more | Get TotalAV | Get Avast |
When it comes to compatibility, TotalAV and Avast are pretty much tied. They both have apps that work on popular operating systems, plus a good number of browser extensions. The only downside is that Avast doesn’t have a Safari extension at the moment.
The biggest difference comes down to customer support. If you’re a free user, Avast offers 24/7 customer support only as an add-on. You have to pay extra if you want to talk to a real person at any time. If you have a paid plan, you’ll get access to 24/7 live chat, phone, and email options.
Overall, we had a much better experience with Avast's live support than with TotalAV. In fact, the TotalAV support agent couldn't confirm whether the suite includes a firewall (it doesn't).
TotalAV vs. Avast alternatives
TotalAV and Avast are two of the best antivirus programs we've tested. We recommend TotalAV for individuals seeking advanced web protection within a budget-friendly suite that includes a VPN, password manager, and highly-rated ad blocker.
Even still, Avast is more than just a free antivirus solution. The premium packages offer excellent performance and protection. Plus, Avast is a user-friendly antivirus for all skill levels. But if you want unlimited device protection or a complete, best-in-class security suite, we recommend McAfee or Norton 360. Here's how they compare:
Antivirus | ![]() TotalAV |
![]() McAfee |
![]() Norton 360 |
Star rating | |||
Price | $19.00–$49.00/first yr | $29.99–$249.99/yr | $29.99–$299.99/first yr |
# of devices protected | 4 - 8 | Unlimited | 1 - 10 |
Real-time protection | |||
Malware scans | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled |
Firewall | |||
EICAR test results | 2/3 | 3/3 | 3/3 |
Phishing protection | |||
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Opera | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Extras | Password manager, ad blocker, VPN | Parental controls, performance optimization tools, VPN | Password manager, VPN, dark web monitoring, parental controls, privacy monitor, identity theft protection, cloud backup |
Learn more | Get TotalAV | Get McAfee | Get Norton 360 |
TotalAV vs. Avast FAQs
Is TotalAV better than Avast?
No. TotalAV is a reputable antivirus protection program, but Avast performs better in independent testing. Avast also includes enhanced firewall protection and can cover more devices.
Is TotalAV a trusted antivirus program?
Yes, TotalAV is a trusted antivirus program. It had near-perfect test results in independent testing for protection against malware.
Is Avast as good as TotalAV?
Yes. Avast consistently performs better than TotalAV in independent testing. We recommend Avast for beginners who want an easy-to-use antivirus without a lot of extra features. We recommend TotalAV for individuals who want a complete security suite and advanced web protection at a budget price. Learn more in our breakdown of the best antivirus software.
TotalAV vs. Avast: Which is better?
Our pick is Avast because it has a flawless testing record, several security features, and different plans to fit your needs.
Although TotalAV tested reasonably well and has most of the essential features you need to protect your device against malware, Avast is a better choice because of its test results. It also provides several options to upgrade your security and privacy protection.
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