Comparing Total AV and Avast Antivirus Systems

Featured photo for article Comparing Total AV and Avast Antivirus Systems

Welcome to our comprehensive exploration of two titans in the antivirus world: Total AV and Avast Antivirus. In this article, we'll dive deep into the history, features, and performance of these two powerhouses, providing you with a clear, unbiased comparison. We'll dissect their virus scanning capabilities, internet security measures, and additional features like firewalls and VPNs. We'll also evaluate their effectiveness against malware, impact on PC performance, and user interface. Moreover, we'll scrutinize their pricing models, compatibility, and customer support. We'll even delve into user reviews and feedback to give you a well-rounded view. Finally, we'll discuss their commitment to security and privacy before wrapping up with a final verdict. So, sit back, relax, and let's embark on this enlightening journey together.

Background and History

Let's take a step back in time and explore the roots of these two antivirus giants.

History of Total AV

Total AV, though a newcomer in the antivirus industry, has made quite a splash since its inception in 2016. The company, with its headquarters in the UK and offices spread across Germany, Canada, and Ukraine, offers a wide array of cybersecurity products. These range from antivirus software to VPNs and ad blockers.

The company's antivirus software stands out for its use of artificial intelligence to detect malware and other threats. This innovative approach has helped Total AV amass a user base of over 10 million worldwide.

However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing for Total AV. The company has received mixed reviews from users and experts. While some praise its ease of use, others criticize its lack of features. In 2020, Total AV hit a bump in the road when it was sued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for allegedly using deceptive marketing practices to trick consumers into buying its products.

History of Avast Antivirus

Avast Antivirus has a longer history, tracing its roots back to 1988. It was founded by Eduard Kučera and Pavel Baudiš, two math and computer science enthusiasts who met at the Research Institute for Mathematical Machines in Czechoslovakia.

The story goes that Pavel Baudiš discovered the Vienna virus on a floppy disk and developed the first program to remove it. Seeing the potential, he invited Eduard Kucera to join him, and together they co-founded Avast as a cooperative, originally named Alwil.

Over the years, Avast has grown into a formidable player in the antivirus market. A significant milestone in its journey was the acquisition of AVG Technologies, its third-ranked competitor, for $1.3 billion in July 2016.

Despite its age, Avast continues to innovate and remain relevant in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.

Features Comparison

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what Total AV and Avast Antivirus Systems have to offer.

Virus Scanning

Both Total AV and Avast are pretty good at their main job - virus scanning. They offer real-time scanning to catch and kick out any nasty malware that tries to sneak into your device.

Internet Security

When it comes to internet security, both Total AV and Avast have got you covered. They offer features like anti-phishing, anti-spam, and anti-spyware protection. So, whether it's dodgy websites, annoying spam emails, or sneaky spyware, these antivirus systems are ready to tackle them all.

Performance Optimization

Both Total AV and Avast understand that a slow device can be a real pain. That's why they offer performance optimization features. Total AV has a system tune-up feature that cleans up your device by removing junk files and managing startup programs. Avast offers a similar feature called Cleanup Premium.

Additional Features

Now, let's talk about the extra goodies. Both Total AV and Avast offer a range of additional features. These include a firewall to keep out unwanted visitors, a VPN for secure browsing, and a password manager to keep track of all your passwords.

And for the gamers out there, both Total AV and Avast offer a gaming mode. This feature optimizes your system resources for gaming by disabling any unnecessary background processes.

But that's not all. Both antivirus systems also offer anti-phishing protection, anti-spam protection, and anti-spyware protection. They even provide ransomware protection to keep your files safe from ransomware attacks.

For parents, there are parental controls to restrict access to inappropriate content. And for those concerned about identity theft, both Total AV and Avast offer identity protection services.

Last but not least, both antivirus systems offer mobile security apps for Android and iOS devices. So, whether you're on your computer or your smartphone, Total AV and Avast have got you covered.

Effectiveness Against Malware

Let's talk about how Total AV and Avast stack up when it comes to malware protection.

TotalAV's Malware Protection

TotalAV is pretty impressive when it comes to fighting off malware. It scored a whopping 98.5% in a test by AV-Comparatives in March 2020. That's not all, it also has a perfect score according to the Virus Bulletin.

TotalAV uses a powerful anti-malware engine that checks files on your computer against a huge malware database. It's like having a bouncer at the door of your device, refusing entry to any dodgy files.

And the best part? TotalAV is a whitelisted version of Avira’s cloud-based scanner, which is one of the best on the market. So, you're getting top-notch protection.

Avast's Malware Protection

Avast is no slouch either when it comes to malware protection. It scored an almost perfect 99.7% in the same test by AV-Comparatives.

Avast's anti-malware protection is not only good, it's also beginner-friendly. So, even if you're not a tech whiz, you can still keep your device safe.

And just like TotalAV, Avast offers real-time protection. It detected 100% of real-time threats, compared to TotalAV's 99% detection rate.

Both TotalAV and Avast are effective at detecting and blocking malicious emails, files, websites, and phishing attacks. So, whether it's a dodgy email or a suspicious website, these antivirus systems are ready to step in and protect your device.

In conclusion, both TotalAV and Avast offer strong malware protection. But TotalAV has a slight edge with its perfect score from the Virus Bulletin and its powerful anti-malware engine.

Impact on PC Performance

Now, let's talk about how Total AV and Avast impact your PC's performance.

TotalAV is pretty light on your system. During tests, it increased CPU utilization from 10% to 32%. That's not a huge jump, and most users won't even notice it.

TotalAV also shines when it comes to disk usage. Whether it's a quick scan or a full scan, TotalAV uses less disk space than Avast. So, if you're running low on storage, TotalAV might be a better choice.

In short, TotalAV doesn't significantly affect the performance of your PC. You can run scans and go about your business without worrying about your computer slowing down.

Avast, on the other hand, is a bit heavier on your system. During tests, it increased CPU utilization from 12% to 62%. That's a pretty big jump, and you might notice your computer slowing down a bit.

However, Avast uses fewer system resources than TotalAV in all areas except disk usage. So, if you have a powerful PC and storage isn't an issue, Avast might be a good choice.

But keep in mind, Avast's full-scan slowdown was the heaviest at 53%. That means your computer might slow down quite a bit during a full scan.

In conclusion, both TotalAV and Avast have an impact on your PC's performance. But TotalAV is lighter on your system and doesn't slow down your computer as much as Avast.

User Interface and Ease of Use

Let's now dive into the user interface and ease of use of both Total AV and Avast Antivirus.

User Interface of Total AV

Total AV sports a modern and sleek interface that's super easy to navigate. The dashboard displays your system's status, including the current protection level and scan status. It's all there at a glance, making it simple to understand what's going on.

Total AV also offers a quick scan option that wraps up in just a few minutes. If you want a more thorough check, there's a full system scan option that checks every file and folder on your computer.

But Total AV isn't just about virus protection. It also offers a VPN service to protect your online privacy. Plus, it provides an ad-blocker to block unwanted ads while you're browsing the web. And let's not forget the password manager, which securely stores your passwords and login credentials. All these features are easy to access and use, making Total AV a user-friendly option.

User Interface of Avast Antivirus

Avast Antivirus, like Total AV, has a simple and intuitive interface. The dashboard provides an overview of your system’s security status, including the current protection level and scan status. It's all laid out clearly, so you can quickly see what's happening.

Avast offers a smart scan option that checks for malware, outdated software, network threats, and more. If you want to dig deeper, there's a full system scan option that checks every file and folder on your computer.

Avast also offers a VPN service to protect your online privacy. Plus, it provides an ad-blocker to block unwanted ads while browsing the web. And just like Total AV, Avast has a password manager to securely store your passwords and login credentials.

In conclusion, both Total AV and Avast Antivirus offer user-friendly interfaces that are easy to navigate. They provide quick and full system scans, along with additional features like VPN services, ad-blockers, and password managers.

Pricing and Value for Money

Let's talk about the pricing and value for money of both Total AV and Avast Antivirus.

Pricing of Total AV

Total AV offers a free version of its antivirus software, which is a great way to test the waters before you dive in. If you decide to upgrade, the basic plan costs just $19 for the first year. That's a pretty sweet deal, especially considering it can protect up to 6 devices at the same time.

If you want more features, Total AV's premium plan is $39 for the first year, and the ultimate plan is $59 for the first year. These plans offer additional features like a system tune-up to improve your device’s performance and cloud scanning for real-time malware detection.

And here's the cherry on top: Total AV offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you're not happy with the service, you can get your money back.

Pricing of Avast Antivirus

Avast Antivirus offers a free trial, so you can give it a whirl before you commit. If you like what you see, the basic plan costs $49.99 per year.

Avast's premium plan is $99.99 per year, and the ultimate plan is $119.99 per year. These plans come with extra features like a sandbox tool for running suspicious files safely and webcam protection to block unauthorized access.

Avast offers a discount of up to 66% off on its ultimate plan, which includes Avast SecureLine VPN and other features. Plus, Avast offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, which is double the time offered by Total AV.

Free Versions and Money-Back Guarantee

Both Total AV and Avast Antivirus offer free versions or trials of their software, so you can try before you buy. They also both offer money-back guarantees, so you can get a refund if you're not satisfied.

In conclusion, both Total AV and Avast Antivirus offer good value for money, with a range of plans to suit different budgets and needs. They also both offer a variety of features to protect your devices and enhance their performance.

Compatibility

Let's talk about the compatibility of Total AV and Avast Antivirus with different devices.

Device Compatibility of Total AV

Total AV is a pretty flexible guy. It's compatible with Windows 11 and Windows 10, which are the latest versions of Microsoft's operating system. So, if you're a Windows user, you're in luck.

But Total AV doesn't stop there. It's also compatible with macOS, which is great news for Apple users. And if you're an Android user, you're covered too. Total AV can protect your Android devices from malware and other threats.

Device Compatibility of Avast Antivirus

Avast Antivirus is also a pretty versatile player. It's compatible with Windows 11 and Windows 10, just like Total AV. So, you're good to go if you're a Windows user.

Avast Antivirus is also compatible with macOS, so Apple users are covered. But Avast goes a step further than Total AV by also being compatible with iOS and iPadOS. So, if you've got an iPhone or an iPad, Avast has got your back.

And that's not all. Avast Antivirus is also compatible with Linux systems and routers. So, it's a great choice if you've got a mixed bag of devices.

In conclusion, both Total AV and Avast Antivirus offer great compatibility with a variety of devices. But Avast Antivirus takes the cake with its compatibility with iOS, iPadOS, Linux systems, and routers.

Customer Support

Now, let's dive into the customer support offered by Total AV and Avast Antivirus.

Customer Support in Total AV

Total AV is always ready to lend a helping hand. They offer 24/7 customer support, so no matter when you need help, they're there for you. You can reach them via phone, email, or chat. And if you're in the US, you can call their toll-free number (833-201-8681) to speak directly to a representative.

Total AV also offers a live chat support service on their website, which is super handy if you need a quick answer. And if you prefer to solve problems on your own, they've got a knowledge base on their website packed with articles and tutorials.

But the cherry on top is their remote access service, TotalAV Assist. This service allows technicians to remotely access your device and fix issues. It's available 24/7 and can be reached at +1 833-201-8681.

Customer Support in Avast Antivirus

Avast Antivirus also offers top-notch customer support. They're available 24/7 via phone, email, and chat. And they've got a toll-free number (1-844-340-9251) for direct contact with a representative.

Avast also offers a free consultation to answer questions about its products and services. And if you need technical support, they've got you covered with their free technical support for all their products.

But the real standout is their Avast Premium Tech Support. This service provides assistance with installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. It's available 24/7 and can be reached at +1 844 973 3072.

Both Total AV and Avast Antivirus offer a variety of resources on their websites, including FAQs, user guides, and forums, to help you troubleshoot issues on your own. However, customer reviews about the quality of their customer support services have been mixed.

In conclusion, both Total AV and Avast Antivirus offer robust customer support. But Avast's free consultation and technical support give it a slight edge.

User Reviews and Feedback

Let's now take a look at what users have to say about Total AV and Avast Antivirus.

User Reviews of Total AV

Total AV has received mixed reviews from users. On Sitejabber, it has a rating of 3.43 stars from 125 reviews. On TrustPilot, it's rated as "Average" with a score of 6.1 out of 10.

Despite the mixed reviews, Total AV has some notable achievements. It attained a perfect score according to the Virus Bulletin and is an award-winning product. It's also worth noting that Total AV is trusted by more than 25 million users around the world.

Steve Adams, in his article on Comparitech, recommended Total AV due to its great malware protection and substantial first-year discounts on the subscription fee. In a side-by-side antivirus review by Comparitech, Total AV performed well in terms of features, pricing, and performance.

User Reviews of Avast Antivirus

Avast Antivirus has an overall rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars on ConsumerAffairs. The antivirus software was developed in Prague and now has over 435 million users worldwide.

Avast is dedicated to creating a safe and private world through the products it offers. It receives a constant stream of data from its users through a cloud-based machine-learning engine, helping the software stay up to date.

In late 2020, Avast was acquired by NortonLifeLock (formerly Symantec), the makers of Norton Antivirus. This acquisition allowed Avast and AVG’s products to share the best features they each had to offer.

In a comparison by WizCase, Avast detected 100% of real-time threats while Total AV scored 99% detection rates. Both of these scores are above the industry average of 97%.

In conclusion, both Total AV and Avast Antivirus have their strengths and weaknesses. User reviews and feedback are mixed for both, but they have proven their effectiveness in protecting against malware threats. It's always best to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing an antivirus software.

Security and Privacy

Let's dive into the security and privacy features of Total AV and Avast Antivirus.

Security and Privacy in Total AV

Total AV is committed to providing a secure and private environment for its users. It offers real-time protection against malware and viruses, keeping your device safe from online threats.

One of its standout features is the WebShield, an anti-phishing tool that blocks websites known for malware and phishing attacks. It also offers a VPN service, which encrypts your internet connection, providing an extra layer of privacy protection.

Total AV also has a feature called Safe Browsing. This tool blocks malicious websites and phishing attacks in real-time, ensuring your online safety. The Safe Site feature warns you if you're about to visit a potentially harmful website.

Moreover, Total AV offers an ad-blocker, which helps you enjoy a smoother browsing experience by blocking annoying ads and pop-ups.

Security and Privacy in Avast Antivirus

Avast Antivirus also offers a suite of security and privacy features. Like Total AV, it provides real-time protection against malware and viruses.

Avast's privacy settings are designed to give you control over how your data is collected and shared. It also offers a Wi-Fi network security feature, which protects your device from potential hackers and intruders when you're using public Wi-Fi networks.

Avast's password manager securely stores your passwords and login credentials, adding an extra layer of security. The CyberCapture feature analyzes suspicious files in the cloud, helping to detect new threats.

One of Avast's unique features is the Ransomware Shield, which protects your files from ransomware attacks. The Webcam Shield is another great feature that prevents unauthorized access to your webcam.

Like Total AV, Avast also offers a browser extension that protects you from malicious websites and phishing attacks, and an ad-blocker for a more enjoyable browsing experience.

In conclusion, both Total AV and Avast Antivirus offer robust security and privacy features. They provide real-time protection against online threats and tools that enhance your online privacy.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

After comparing Total AV and Avast Antivirus, it's clear that both are strong contenders in the world of antivirus software. They both offer robust protection against malware threats and have unique features that set them apart.

Final Comparison

Total AV, though a newer player in the antivirus market, has already made a name for itself, earning a perfect score from the Virus Bulletin. It offers a range of features, including system tune-up and cloud scanning, which are not found in Avast.

On the other hand, Avast, with its 435 million users worldwide, is known for its ease of use, making it a great choice for antivirus newbies. It also boasts exceptional performance, using fewer system resources than Total AV in all areas except disk usage, even when scanning more files.

Both Total AV and Avast are committed to staying ahead of the curve. Total AV regularly conducts tests alongside other leading products to ensure top-notch protection, while Avast leverages data from its vast user base to keep its software up-to-date.

Personal Recommendation

If I were to recommend one, I'd lean towards Total AV. Its excellent malware protection, combined with substantial first-year discounts on the subscription fee, make it a compelling choice. Plus, it offers more features than Avast.

However, if you're new to antivirus software and want something that's easy to use, Avast is a solid choice. It offers good protection against malware and has an intuitive interface that's beginner-friendly.

In conclusion, both Total AV and Avast Antivirus are excellent choices. Your final decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences.

Photo of Liam Thompson
Written by

Liam Thompson

Liam Thompson is a cybersecurity expert at BrightSystems who loves solving tech mysteries and enjoys escape rooms and detective fiction.

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