I stacked Avast against TotalAV and compared their performance across 14 vital areas. While both AVs provided excellent protection for all my devices, TotalAV provided a more robust detection capability and additional security features. Although its performance was decent, Avast has been caught selling its users’ browsing data to third parties. Putting customers’ privacy at risk for profit is highly unethical so I can’t recommend using Avast. Try TotalAV risk-free for 30 days
No Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary of Category Winners
Avast and TotalAV are already well-known brands. While TotalAV has proven to be a trustworthy antivirus solution, I can’t say that much for Avast. It has been reported that Avast had been selling its users’ data, making it difficult to recommend. Even so, I wanted to look past that for my testing to see if its current feature set could still contend with top options like TotalAV. Try TotalAV risk-free
How I Tested and Compared Avast vs TotalAV
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1. Virus Scanner — TotalAV Has the Most Effective Malware Scanner
Both Avast and TotalAV offer reliable virus scanners. However, TotalAV has better malware detection rates, scoring perfectly. In contrast, Avast provides near-perfect detection scores. I tested both antiviruses using hundreds of malware samples and found them effective at detecting and blocking malware. TotalAV detected 100% of the malware samples (and had no false positives), whereas Avast had a 99.8% malware detection rate but flagged 15 safe files wrongly. Both contenders offer multiple scanning options. Avast offers the following 6 types of virus scanners:
Full Scan: Checks your whole system Targeted Scan: Scans only files or folders specifically selected by you Boot-Time Scan: Scans your computer before the operating systems loads Quick Scan: Scans the most at-risk sections of your device Smart Scan: Runs a quick virus scan and checks for outdated programs, dangerous browser extensions, and performance issues Custom Scan: You choose which type of scan to run when to run it, and what to search
TotalAV supports the following 4 types of scans:
Quick Scan — Scans temporary files where malware is often located Smart Scan — Checks for malware, tracking cookies, junk files, and more in the most commonly used files and folders and looks for ways to improve device performance Custom Scan — Specify which items you want to be scanned and which you want TotalAV to ignore System scan — Checks every file and folder for malware.
I found TotalAV’s Smart Scan very impressive as it checks vulnerable areas of my system while detecting junk and duplicate files.
I tested the quick and full disk scanners of both AVs to see which one was faster. TotalAV took just 4 minutes to check 11,232 files, while the full scan (system scan) took 22 minutes to check 954,000 files. In comparison, Avast’s full scan took only 23 minutes to scan 980,000 files, while the Quick Scan took just 2 Minutes to scan 81,000 files. TotalAV has a faster full disk scanner and a more thorough malware scanner than Avast. Although Avast’s quick scanner appears to be as fast as a top contender like Norton’s antivirus, Norton’s full scan takes just 12 minutes making it the fastest antivirus virus scanner on the market. Try TotalAV’s virus scanners
2. Real-Time Malware Protection — TotalAV Offers Better Phishing Protection
Avast and TotalAV offer real-time protection against different threats. Real-time protection blocks threats in real-time so they don’t infect your system in the first place. Avast and TotalAV scored above the industry average of 97%, with Avast detecting 100% of real-time threats while TotalAV scored 99% detection rates. Both antiviruses effectively detect and block malicious emails, files, websites, and phishing attacks. Avast uses AI to scan every webpage you visit, assessing data including domain popularity and age, web certificates, and suspicious URLs. Similarly, TotalAV uses an AI-based detection system with an extensive database of malicious websites, and it even gives you the option to submit a malicious website to the database.
Avast detected 86% of phishing domains, which isn’t great. In contrast, TotalAV achieved 100% detection of phishing attacks. Its WebShield feature, part of the TotalAV Safe Site browser extension, was very effective at detecting and blocking phishing sites and ransomware links. While the TotalAV Safe Site browser extension works with popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera, I was disappointed that it wasn’t available for the Safari browser. If you’re a Mac fan like myself, you would want to look at some of the best Mac antiviruses that work with Safari. Try TotalAV risk-free
3. System Performance — TotalAV Has Minimal Impact on PC Performance
After testing both antiviruses thoroughly, I found TotalAV to be a lightweight software. It is a less resource-intensive option. I didn’t experience significant slowdowns while browsing the web, downloading, and copying files. I wanted to see how much of my system resources each antivirus consumes. So, I recorded the baseline values of my CPU, Disk, and Memory Utilization and compared them with the values I got during a full scan test. During my tests, I found that TotalAV increased my CPU utilization from 10% to 32%, which was negligible. However, Avast increased my CPU utilization from 12% to 62%, which slowed down my PC. Overall, you’ll notice that TotalAV doesn’t significantly affect the performance of your PC, whereas Avast isn’t the best choice for peak system performance. Try TotalAV risk-free
4. VPN — Avast’s VPN Can Access More Streaming Platforms
After rigorously testing the VPN service of both contenders, I concluded that Avast has the better VPN. The Avast SecureLine VPN features a decent server network of 700 servers in 30+ countries. It uses industry-standard encryption to secure your traffic, allowing you to browse the web safely. I like how Avast’s VPN made it easy to access popular streaming platforms. It worked for the following streaming accounts: Using Avast, I was able to stream in full HD on 10 different devices. I was impressed to see that Avast SecureLine VPN provides fast speeds across different servers. During my tests, Avast’s VPN offered average speeds of 100Mbps between 4 global locations.
To get Avast VPN, you must subscribe to the top-tier Avast plan or purchase the standalone VPN product. If you’re on a budget, that might not work for you. I also can’t really recommend using Avast’s VPN because it has been caught in the unethical practice of selling customers browsing data to third parties. Instead, I would consider one of these antiviurses that come with a built-in VPN. TotalAV Safe Browsing VPN employs a strict no-logs policy, military-grade security protocols, and Windscribe’s VPN infrastructure. It works on 6 devices per subscription and features a small server network of 70+ servers in 30+ countries. TotalAV’s VPN only worked on my Netflix US account, though. The TotalAV Safe Browsing VPN offers decent speeds, with only a 13% drop in speeds for local servers and 35% for distant servers. In summary, I recommend using TotalAV’s VPN due to its more privacy-friendly features instead of the Avast VPN, which has been reported to be engaging in unethical practices. But, from a feature standpoint, Avast comes out on top as having the better VPN package.
5. Firewall — Only Avast Offers a Firewall
After examining both AVs, I discovered that only Avast had a firewall. A firewall is a crucial security feature that prevents network intrusion. Even antiviruses like F-Secure that don’t have an in-built firewall integrate the Windows Defender Firewall into their system, showing how vital a firewall is. Avast offers a pretty impressive firewall feature that’s very easy to set up. It auto-configures itself, requiring no complex settings to get it up and running. What I like about Avast’s firewall is that it is smart and secure. If you’re on a public network, it carefully monitors every program connecting to the network. However, Avast trusts programs on private networks better. You can customize network rules and grant access to specific apps, restrict access to programs, block remote connections, and even set rules for ports and protocols. This is particularly useful if you prefer to control how each program connects to a network.
My favorite Avast firewall feature is the “stealth mode” function that allows you to hide your device information when connecting to a public network, which keeps you safe from prying eyes. Despite its decent features, Avast’s firewall isn’t the most powerful out there. Norton provides a more robust firewall, great for beginners and advanced users. It protects against man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS spoofing attacks, content tampering attacks, and much more.
6. Password Manager — TotalAV Offers a Simple Password Manager
I checked both antiviruses and found that TotalAV offers a worthwhile password manager. Avast has discontinued the sales of new Avast Passwords subscriptions. So, you can’t use it as a new subscriber anymore. TotalAV offers basic password management features like password generators, encrypted vaults, and password auditing. However, it stands out because it offers unlimited passwords in its vault. To use TotalAV’s Password Vault, you need to include it in your subscription (it is an add-on feature) and then set it up in the antivirus app. After that, you’ll have to download and install the “TotalAV Password Vault Assistance” browser extension.
The browser extension works with popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, which are widely used. However, if you prefer using other popular browsers like Safari and Opera, you’ll be out of luck. Another downside of the TotalAV password manager is that it’s unavailable for mobile devices like Android and iOS. If you’re always on the go and use your iPhone more often, you may want to look at the best iOS antiviruses that offer many features, including built-in password managers. Try TotalAV’s password manager risk-free
7. Gaming Mode — Avast Offers a Decent Gamer Mode Feature
I found that only Avast offers a Game Mode feature. Gaming Mode helps you to conserve system resources during a gaming session by eliminating unnecessary background processes like scans and updates. Avast’s “Game Mode” adjusts your system settings, disabling any unnecessary background running processes. It minimizes CPU usage and modifies protection settings, assigning more system resources to the gameplay. I like that Avast’s Gamer Mode is activated by default and suspends background processes whenever you launch a game, adding to its list of auto-detected games. You can also manually add other games that aren’t detected. This option is helpful for other full-screen apps that aren’t classified as games. You can do this by:
Navigating to Performance > Gamer Mode Adding the program you want After you’ve added the game, you have to click on “activate game mode on launch” These settings will now apply whenever you launch that program
Although Avast’s game mode works well, I prefer a more intelligent Gamer Mode feature. For instance, Bitdefender’s “Gaming Profile” suspends all background processes during a fullscreen activity without having to do any manual configurations.
8. Optimization Tools — TotalAV offers a Wide-Range of Optimization Tools
After comparing the optimization tools of both contenders, TotalAV is the clear winner. TotalAV offers in-depth optimization tools via its “System Tune-Up” features. This includes features like Junk Cleaner, Duplicate File Cleaner, App Uninstaller, Startup Manager, and Browser Cleanup that improve your PC’s performance. Avast’s Cleanup Premium also offers a similar range of features like the Registry Cleaner, Shortcut Cleaner, Disk Cleaner, Browser Cleaner, Bloatware Remover, and Disk Doctor. Unlike TotalAV’s System Tune-Up features available on all plans, you can only get Avast Cleanup Premium on the Premium and Ultimate plans or as a standalone subscription.
One thing that makes TotalAV stand out is that its optimization tools are integrated into its Smart Scanner. When I ran a Smart Scan, TotalAV checked for junk files, browser cookies, duplicate files, and autorun programs that slowed down my system. I also like how the Startup Manager helped me discover several programs that autorun during boot-up, affecting my laptop’s speed. This feature allows me to suspend those apps from launching whenever I start my PC. TotalAV’s browser cleanup was also helpful. I found and removed tons of cookies and browser history data on my Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge browsers.
Overall, Avast and TotalAV’s cleanup tools were helpful in getting rid of junk files and browser cookies as well as disabling auto-running programs. However, I noticed that TotalAV was much more effective at improving the performance of my system. Try TotalAV risk-free
9. Other Features — Both Antiviruses Offer Useful Extra Features
Avast and TotalAV offer a few additional handy tools. TotalAV has valuable features on its mobile apps like a WiFi checker and Device Locator, as well as other valuable features like Data Breach Check and Web Shield across the other operating systems. Here are some other extra features that TotalAV offers: n
Web Shield: Blocks malicious websites, phishing, and ransomware links protecting your personal information. WiFi Checker: TotalAV’s Android app scans the WiFi networks you want to connect with and blocks the connection if it’s unsafe to protect your data from being stolen. Device Locator: This iOS feature helps you track your iPhone if it gets lost or stolen. You can track your phone from any device you’re signed in to. Ad-block and Anti tracker: These features prevent trackers from collecting data that could serve you intrusive ads. Dark Web Check: Allows you to scan the dark web to see if any of your information has been compromised in a data breach.
Avast offers compelling extra features such as its secure browser, webcam protection, sandbox, and ransomware protection. I also like that Avast provides a “Real Site” feature that protects me from DNS hijacking. Some of its other features:
Ransomware protection: Avast offers tools that protect your device and files from ransomware attacks. Webcam Protection: Blocks unauthorized access to your webcam. Sandbox: If you don’t trust an application, you can still test it in a virtual “container” that Avast offers. It allows you to run an app without the risk of it infecting your system. While I wouldn’t recommend installing an unsafe application in the first place, I find this feature particularly interesting. Real Site: Cybercriminals can steal your data by hijacking your DNS connection. They redirect you from a legitimate site to a cloned website by subverting the DNS resolution. Avast’s “Real Site” feature provides you with an encrypted connection using its DNS servers. Secure browser: Secure Browser allows you to surf the web safely. It features an anti-tracker, ad-blocker, anti-phishing, banking mode protection, and an integrated video downloader for sites like YouTube. My only displeasure with this feature is that it’s too intrusive. It automatically set itself as my default browser and even imported all my Chrome bookmarks without my consent.
While both AVs offer valuable additional features, I preferred the overall performance of TotalAV’s extra tools. For this reason, TotalAV wins this round. Try all of TotalAV’s features risk-free
10. Device Compatibility — TotalAV Features a More Intuitive Design
Avast and TotalAV are compatible with most operating systems, but I found TotalAV to be more intuitive. You can use both TotalAV and Avast on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. However, while Avast works on up to 10 devices, TotalAV only works on a maximum of 6 devices. I found TotalAV very easy to use across my devices. The interface is neat and user-friendly, allowing me to locate different features quickly.
I like how the TotalAV Android and iOS feature similar designs with little to no difference in the feature offerings. However, while intuitive, the Mac and Windows apps offer very different interfaces. Avast was also easy to set up, taking only about 5 minutes to get everything running. The desktop apps feature a pleasant interface and fluid design, which makes navigation easy. I like how Avast’s Android and iOS apps are very similar to the desktop app, displaying essential features on the home pages. I found that Avast and TotalAV both have intuitive apps for mobile and desktop. I like how easy it was to navigate through TotalAV’s apps, though. The neat design across the apps made it more aesthetically pleasing to use. Download and try TotalAV risk-free
11. Customer Service — TotalAV Offers Better Support Options
I tested the customer support of both AVs and found that TotalAV offers better support than Avast. TotalAV has more support options, and the representatives were much more helpful than Avast’s. TotalAV offers 3 support options — a 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support. I tested the live chat support first and was impressed. I wanted assistance with an issue I was facing with the TotalAV VPN on my iPhone. I connected with an agent, who helped me sort out the problem in under 5 minutes. The only issue I faced was the difficulty locating the live chat button on the TotalAV website.
Next, I tried TotalAV’s email support. I sent an email asking if TotalAV has a firewall. I got a response 4 hours later. This isn’t impressive, considering competitors like Norton and Bitdefender respond to queries in under 1 hour. TotalAV’s phone support was very helpful. You can get 1-on-1 technical assistance over the phone for Windows and Mac-related issues. I also found phone support helpful when I wanted to solve a billing-related problem while trying the money-back guarantee. Try TotalAV risk-free
12. Price — TotalAV Offers Much Better Value for Money
After comparing the pricing plans of Avast and TotalAV, I noticed that TotalAV offers a much better value for money. I contrasted the features, free trial offers, and money-back guarantees of both contenders, and I found TotalAV was miles ahead of Avast in value across every plan. Avast offers 2 plans — Premium Security and Avast Ultimate. Premium security is the best value, even though it costs much more than TotalAV’s basic subscription plan. Avast Ultimate includes all the features of Premium, plus phishing protection, SecureLine VPN, Cleanup Premium, and coverage for 10 devices. TotalAV’s plans are far less expensive than those of Avast and other popular brands on the market but only cover a maximum of 6 devices on the top-tier plan. TotalAV offers 3 plans:
AntiVirus Pro — The cheapest plan with a comprehensive suite of security tools and coverage for 3 devices, but it lacks a VPN, ad blocker, and Password Vault. Internet Security — A mid-tier plan that supports up to 5 devices and includes all the Antivirus Pro features and VPN but lacks an ad blocker and Password Vault. Total Security — Includes all the TotalAV security features, including an ad blocker and password vault with up to 6 licenses.
In conclusion, TotalAV offers the best value for money across all tiers. You get a good deal for the first year if you sign up for the TotalAV Total Security plan. Test TotalAV risk-free
13. Free Version — Avast Provides a Free Version With Decent Performance
Avast has a free version, but TotalAV doesn’t. Avast’s free version offers decent performance with features such as a malware scanner, ransomware protection, and a WiFi Inspector. Avast offers a free trial, but it’s only supported on the Premium Security plan. On the other hand, TotalAV offers a 7-day free trial to test its product. Unfortunately, you only get limited features with the free trial. It offers a basic virus scanner and a few system tune-up tools, with real-time protection unavailable.
14. Money-Back Guarantee — Both AVs Offer an Unconditional Refund Policy
Avast and TotalAV offer unconditional 30-day money-back guarantees, but I found that TotalAV offered provided an easier refund process. To get a refund from TotalAV, you can call its US, UK, Australia, Canada, or international phone number. I called its US number and followed the voice prompt by choosing “Billing Support.” My refund was processed immediately, and I got my money back in 7 days. Avast also makes it easy to get a refund. You simply fill in a form with your name, order ID, address, and reason for the refund from a predetermined list. After submitting the form, I got my money back in about 7 days. Overall, I prefer how straightforward TotalAV’s refund process was although both were pretty easy. Try TotalAV risk-free for 30 days
And the Winner Is… TotalAV
After testing Avast and TotalAV extensively across over a dozen different areas, I believe that TotalAV is the undisputed winner of the day. While both antiviruses offered excellent malware detection and additional security features, TotalAV was my choice simply because it offers the best overall performance compared to Avast.
Virus Scanner — TotalAV Real-Time Malware Protection — TotalAV System Performance — TotalAV VPN — Avast Firewall — Avast Password Manager — TotalAV Gaming Mode — Avast Optimization Tools — TotalAV Other Features — TotalAV Device Compatibility — TotalAV Customer Service — TotalAV Price — TotalAV Free Version — Avast Money-Back Guarantee — TotalAV
Avast only won 4 areas — having some features that TotalAV lacked. One great area for Avast was its VPN, which could access more streaming platforms. However, when the performance of every other feature was carefully pitted against each other, TotalAV showed its superiority across the board. I wouldn’t recommend using Avast because it has been caught selling its customer browsing data. TotalAV, however, is more privacy-friendly, offering many security features that keep me safe offline and online. Luckily, TotalAV offers an unconditional 30-day money-back guarantee that gives you more than enough time to try all the antivirus features. Try TotalAV risk-free for 30 days
How To Download TotalAV on Your Device
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Is TotalAV better than Avast?
Yes. After rigorously testing Avast and TotalAV across 15 different areas, I found that TotalAV had better features and performed better than Avast. TotalAV provided a more robust malware scatter, better detection rates, and more compelling additional security features. Avast only shined with its VPN, offering better streaming abilities and firewall features. Across every other area like virus scanner, real-time protection, device compatibility, customer support, and value for money, TotalAV was miles ahead. You can try TotalAV for yourself risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Are Avast and TotalAV the same company?
No. Avast and TotalAV are 2 different companies that provide numerous cybersecurity features. TotalAV is a British company that provides a complete antivirus security package that helps you to protect all your devices. While TotalAV is trusted by millions worldwide to secure their devices, Avast has been caught selling its customer’s data to third parties. Avast has long been in the game of cybersecurity, but the unethical practice of selling its user’s data put it in a bad light.
