Avast vs TotalAV: Which Antivirus Is Better in 2024?

TotalAV consistently impresses me with its robust feature set while Avast has been around in the cyber security game for more than 3 decades. With both contenders offering several overlapping security features, I wanted to determine which option was best.

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.

While Avast showed reasonable performance, it came under scrutiny for selling its users’ browsing data to third parties. This practice, which jeopardizes customer privacy for financial gain, is considered highly unethical. I cannot suggest using Avast.

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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.

Virus Scanner	Offers a 99.8% detection rate and flags legitimate files wrongly.	Has a 100% detection rate, detecting all forms of malware.
Real-Time Malware Protection	Detected 100% of real-time threats but only 86% of phishing attacks.	Detected 99.1% of real-time threats and 100% of phishing links.
System Performance	I experienced a slow down of my PC when launching other programs.	Offers lightweight antivirus software that consumes fewer system resources.
VPN	Can access popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.	Accesses Netflix in HD, but distant servers offer slower speeds.
Firewall	Offers a smart firewall that provides robust protection.	Doesn’t have a firewall.
Password Manager	Doesn’t include a password manager for new subscriptions.	Has an easy-to-use password manager that lets you store unlimited passwords.
Gaming Mode	Has a Game Mode feature that disables unnecessary background processes.	Doesn’t offer a Gamer Mode feature.
Optimization Tools	Offers an excellent cleanup tool that features disk cleaner and bloatware removal.	System Tune-up clears junk files, removes duplicate files, clears browsing data, uninstalls apps, and optimizes system boot time.
Other Features	Has useful extras like webcam protection but may sell your data to third parties.	Offers a fair number of additional features like Web shield, Ad-block, and Dark web check.
Device Compatibility	Works with major OS and covers up to 10 devices on all premium plans.	Works with major operating systems and has the most user-friendly apps.
Customer Service	Offers only FAQs and online forums, requiring a premium subscription for other support options.	Has 24/7 phone support, email, and detailed FAQs at no additional cost.
Price	Offers 2 premium plans with very few features on the basic subscriptions.	Offers 3 premium plans with useful features and good value for money.
Free Version	Has a free version with a malware scanner, ransomware protection, and WiFi Inspector.	Offers a 7-day free trial with basic protection and limited features.
Money-Back Guarantee	Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee but requires filling out a form to process a refund.	Offers a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee.

How I Tested and Compared Avast vs TotalAV

1. Virus Scanner — I checked the number of scanning options available and analyzed the potency of the malware detection engine, focusing on the detection rates.
2. Real-Time Malware Protection — I examined both antiviruses and selected the one with the best real-time protection results against online and offline threats.
3. System Performance — An antivirus can slow down your computer. So, I calculated how much computer resources each antivirus used to see if it impacted my PC’s performance.
4. VPN — I checked to see if each antivirus had a VPN and tested it for speed, streaming abilities, server coverage, and device compatibility.
5. Firewall — I examined both antiviruses to see if it supports a firewall that prevents attackers from gaining access to my PC.
6. Password Manager — I compared both antivirus to find out which one has a password manager that could help me securely manage all my passwords.
7. Gaming Mode — Gaming mode eliminates unnecessary background tasks and stops processes interrupting gameplay. I compared both antiviruses to determine which one had the best gamer mode functionality.
8. Optimization Tools — I conducted decluttering tests to see which antivirus performs better in making my PC faster.
9. Other Features — I looked for antiviruses with useful extra features such as web protection, secure browser, antispam, and webcam protection.
10. Device Compatibility — I prioritized the antivirus software that works with popular devices and operating systems while selecting the one with the best number of device coverage.
11. Customer Service — I tested all available support channels for speed, professionalism, and helpfulness. I chose the antivirus software that offers multiple support options.
12. Price — I examined both antiviruses’ premium plans to determine the one with the best value. I also checked to see if they offer free trials and money-back guarantees.
13. Free Version — I compared the free versions of Avast and TotalAV to determine the one with the best features.
14. Money-Back Guarantee — I tested both antiviruses’ money-back guarantee offers to find the one with the best refund policy.

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 must say, I was genuinely impressed by TotalAV’s Smart Scan. It not only checks vulnerable areas of my system but also does a fantastic job detecting and removing junk and duplicate files. It’s a real game-changer for keeping my system running smoothly.

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.

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.

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 aimed to assess the system resource utilization of each antivirus. To achieve this, I documented the initial metrics for my CPU, Disk, and Memory Usage. These figures were then juxtaposed with the readings obtained while conducting a comprehensive 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Avast offers limited support options, mainly FAQs and online forums. The only way to get 24/7 live chat, email, phone, and remote access support is by subscribing to Avast’s premium support service (Avast Care). After all my tests, I found that TotalAV’s support is way ahead of Avast across all the channels.

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.

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.

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.

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