TotalAV review: in-house testing of paid and free versions

TotalAV is a legitimate, easy-to-use antivirus service that provides reliable protection against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats. It efficiently scans devices, blocks harmful threats instantly, and offers affordable pricing, making it a trusted choice for cybersecurity.

I tested TotalAV in 2025 by downloading and analyzing TotalAV Free, then upgrading to the best plan available – TotalAV Total Security. I performed in-depth tests, including presenting sample malware files to TotalAV and testing CPU and RAM load while engaged in high-demand activities like streaming and gaming. Finally, I made sure to repeat these tests on multiple devices, including an Alienware PC running Windows 11, a MacBook using macOS Sonoma 14.1, and both an iPhone and an Android smartphone. I also checked how TotalAV performs on tablets. Continue reading and learn more about TotalAV and what it offers in 2025 in this TotalAV review.

TotalAV antivirus pros and cons

The bottom line. While TotalAV might not detect malware instantly, it successfully blocks various threats, ensuring robust protection. Apart from reliable malware blocking, TotalAV offers additional security features and 2GB of cloud storage. Although the free version is rather limited, paid plans offer great value for money, as you can get TotalAV for only $19.00. While macOS users might want to find a better alternative, TotalAV is one of the best choices for Windows and Android users in 2025.

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How much does TotalAV cost a year?

• The price depends on the plan, and you can choose from three TotalAV plans: Antivirus Pro, Internet Security, and Total Security, with prices ranging from $19.00 to $49.00.

TotalAV is a perfect choice for users who want to protect their devices at a reasonable price. It offers budget-friendly pricing, but the final TotalAV price per year depends on your chosen plan. The most basic TotalAV Premium plan costs only $19.00/year, increasing to $99.00/year after the first year. The Internet Security plan costs $39.00/year and $129.00/year after the renewal. Lastly, the advanced Total Security plan costs $49.00/year, increasing to $149.00/year after the first year.

TotalAV also offers a free version, but it lacks many features found in the paid subscriptions. I recommend starting with one of the premium subscriptions and taking advantage of TotalAV’s 30-day money-back policy to try the service out essentially for free.

Total Antivirus Premium is the cheapest TotalAV plan, with a yearly price of only $19.00 or around $2.40/month, though it lacks the password manager and crucially, TotalVPN. Compared to other top antiviruses like Norton or Bitdefender, TotalAV offers way cheaper prices for the first year, especially for more advanced plans with extra features. For this review, I purchased TotalAV Total Security to ensure I could fully test every feature. With the TotalAV discount included, I paid $49.00/year for a 1-year subscription, as monthly billing isn’t available. However, I got the 30-day money-back guarantee that’s included in all plans, letting me test every feature and then get my money back. After finishing this review, I simply claimed my refund and it was returned in 5 business days. Additionally, I was given the option of paying by credit or debit card, PayPal, or direct billing through my TotalAV online account. Ideally, I’d like to have seen the option to pay with cryptocurrency; it’s the most secure payment method you can find.

Note: When you sign up for TotalAV, recurring annual billing is enabled automatically. To cancel auto-renewal: Log into your TotalAV account, open your account settings, then look for "My Services." Tap or click on "Manage" under subscription options, then "Cancel."

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TotalAV free antivirus review

• Although limited, TotalAV’s free version provides a basic yet reliable protection, making it a good choice for users with a built-in antivirus. While it offers an extra layer of protection, it’s not a solution to use on its own.

TotalAV offers a free antivirus, but I do not recommend using it, as it is much more basic than the paid version. TotalAV's free version lacks real-time protection, which means your device is left exposed when you’re not running a scan. Real-time protection is one of the most important and basic features required in a robust antivirus for gamers and security-oriented users in general. It also lacks ransomware protection, ad-blocking tools, TotalVPN, and system-optimization features. Lastly, if you have any issues or questions, you cannot contact live customer support with TotalAV’s free version, which might prolong the process.

Overall, the free version is very basic and disappointed me, so I suggest getting a paid plan. When I upgraded to TotalAV Total Security, the experience was entirely different and far better, leading to TotalAV being crowned as the best antivirus I’ve reviewed overall. If you’re looking for a free solution, I recommend using TotalAV’s 30-day money-back guarantee for a month’s free protection.

Note: If you want to try TotalAV for free, download the software from the official TotalAV website. It works on Windows, Mac, and tablets, and the installation wizard will guide you through the simple setup process. If you decide to upgrade later, you’ll still get a 30-day money-back guarantee and special discount!

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Is TotalAV safe: in-house testing results

• TotalAV is safe and legitimate if you download it from the official provider’s website.
• It scores 100% malware-detection rates in independent lab tests conducted by AV-Test and AV-Comparatives.

Some people consider TotalAV a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP)/rogueware due to its sometimes-aggressive strategies to encourage purchases. Personally, I never experienced such problems, and I’m satisfied that TotalAV is not a scam, nor a PUP, as some users believe. It’s a legitimate antivirus program that offers 100% real-time malware detection and a wide array of other protections against online threats. My research included vetting the company responsible for the software, which is located in the UK, and I found nothing to cause concern.

TotalAV provides five extensive scanning options, real-time protection, phishing and browser safeguards, and system-optimization tools, among other security features. On mobile, this feature set is extended with SMS phishing protection, contacts and photos optimization, and more.

I tested each of these features myself, and the results above are based on my own experience using TotalAV Total Security. In each case, TotalAV displayed 100% malware, ransomware, and phishing protection using industry-standard EICAR malware test files.

TotalAV Total Security offers airtight protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing. Get TotalAV for up to 8 devices and a huge 80% OFF your subscription with Total Security for Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.

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TotalAV virus protection review

• TotalAV is a legitimate antivirus that I personally tested.
• It offers real-time protection that constantly monitors devices for threats.
• TotalAV scans took between 5 seconds and 5 minutes to complete.

TotalAV offers five different kinds of scans, depending on what you need to do. The length of time it’ll take to complete depends on the scan type, number of files on your device, age of your device, and whether any malware is present. In my experience, TotalAV took between 5 seconds and 5 minutes to scan a new MacBook Air that contained no malware. When I downloaded sample malware files from EICAR, the result took no longer detecting, quarantining, and cleaning up those files.

• Quick scan: TotalAV's quick scan reviews 15,000 files and 78+ folders, focusing on critical system processes and locations. When I tested this feature, it took just 5 seconds to complete.
• System scan: Also known as a “full scan,” this checks every file and folder on your device – for my tests, that meant reviewing 350,000+ files and 16,000+ folders. However, despite the size of the scan, it finished in 5 minutes.
• Scheduled scan: TotalAV lets you schedule preferred times to scan your device – daily, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. While you can’t specify exactly what time the scan should occur, you indicate when you’re most active on your device, and it scans outside that window.
• Custom scan: Custom scans let you specify which files and folders TotalAV should check for malware. TotalAV also adds a right-click option on folders that will let you launch an ad-hoc scan in that location.
• Smart scan: Smart scan incorporates malware scanning and performance optimization with other tools. It'll clean up unused browser extensions and tracking cookies. It also reviews and tweaks the programs that have permission to launch on startup.

Aside from scan options, I tested the real-time threat protection feature using official, fake malware files from a European test institution. I then tested Total WebShield and Total Cleaner, with results to follow. I ran these tests on a 2024 MacBook Air using macOS Sonoma 14.1 and an iPhone 14 Pro Max running iOS 18. I also verified the same tests for Windows and Android mobile devices.

I tested how long it would take TotalAV to run a quick and full scan, with both returning excellent results. I started with the quick scan, which completed within 5 seconds – it was so fast that my timer ran slightly over.

Next, I performed a TotalAV system scan. In my tests, this scan reviewed more than 350,000 files and folders. While I didn’t see any malware – this is a brand-new Mac – I was very impressed when the scan completed within 5 minutes. This is an excellent result given the number of files it reviewed.

TotalAV also detected every type of file available from EICAR, including .zip files, .com files, and .text files. In one case, when testing the .zip file, TotalAV prevented me from extracting the contents and quarantined the file. Overall, the results above were excellent indicators of TotalAV’s ability to secure your device.

Testing Real-Time Threat Protection

TotalAV real-time protection protects you “in real time” against malware. In other words, even if you aren’t running a scan, TotalAV will monitor for potential threats. You’ll need to manually enable real-time protection in your TotalAV dashboard – first, click the large “Enable” button. After that, allow the system permissions that it requires.

TotalAV has 100% real-time protection in industry benchmark tests from the AV-Test Institute and AV-Comparatives. However, reviews suggest that it won’t always block the initial download, even if the file is quarantined. So, I tested the real-time protection feature using a test malware file from the European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research (EICAR), which is harmless to my device. My experience was the same – while I could download test EICAR malware files, TotalAV blocked and quarantined them immediately.

This is further evidence that TotalAV, with its 100% real-time detection rate, is powerful enough to protect your computer against various types of malware, ransomware, and spyware. Based on these results, I have no hesitation recommending TotalAV for comprehensive device protection.

TotalAV: Get comprehensive malware protection

Testing Total WebShield

TotalAV's WebShield works in your browser to block malicious websites and extensions. This includes sites designed to install malware, phishing sites, and websites with a generally low trust rating. The tool works actively in the background, analyzing and comparing URLs against known threats to keep you safe. Setup is straightforward and only takes a couple of minutes. Enable WebShield via your TotalAV dashboard, and then make sure you allow the permissions required.

Once I’d allowed TotalAV WebShield to integrate with Safari, I tested it. I loaded up more than 10 websites that are commonly classed as unsafe. When I attempted to visit a free movie streaming site, for example, sites you shouldn’t use without a VPN – TotalAV immediately blocked the site and redirected me to a secure landing page.

TotalAV blocked 100% of the unsafe websites that I attempted to visit during my tests. I was impressed by these results with Safari, too, as Safari is one of the least commonly supported browsers regarding cybersecurity software. I’m confident that TotalAV can keep your device safe from browser-instigated malware threats if you enable WebShield and allow it to integrate with your browser.

Testing Total Cleaner

Total Cleaner is a system-optimization tool that improves your device's performance by eliminating unnecessary files and folders, including junk and duplicate files. It can uninstall unwanted apps or files that escaped detection during a previous installation.

My junk cleaner scan turned up 13,000 junk files. During my tests, TotalAV’s Total Cleaner also removed leftover Wave Browser files – widely considered a PUP – that had remained on my device after I uninstalled the app.

Testing results by independent experts: AV-Test and AV-Comparatives

• TotalAV scored 100% perfect malware-detection rates for both Windows and Mac in 2025.

Independent lab testing for antivirus software takes place every year, and AV-Test and AV-Comparatives are two of the biggest labs running such tests. I regularly compare my antivirus software test results against the reports published by these institutions. Here’s a glance at the outcome of the most up-to-date results from AV-Test:

AV-Comparatives scored TotalAV slightly less favorably, with a detection rate of 99.98% – though AV-Comparatives tends to score more harshly, in my opinion. Other antivirus giants like Norton and Bitdefender missed out on perfect marks, too.

Since the results differ a bit when comparing AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, it is important to perform in-house tests alongside. My own tests mirrored AV-Test’s results, resulting in a 100% detection rate on both Windows and Mac when using official EICAR malware protection test files. As a result, I have no hesitation in recommending TotalAV for strong real-time protection and comprehensive, on-demand virus scanning.

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Additional TotalAV features

Just like other top antivirus like Norton, TotalAV has a number of add-ons that further increase device and overall online security. These include TotalVPN, Total Password, Breach Scan, Total Adblock, Total Drive, and Total Browser.

1. TotalAV VPN – encrypt your data and hide your IP address

TotalVPN is included in the TotalAV Internet Security and Total Security plans, but not in the Free or Antivirus Premium plans. It encrypts your internet connection and cloaks your IP address, preventing you from being tracked online. However, TotalVPN is a cheap, yet basic VPN that lacks advanced security features and an extensive list of servers. It’s suitable as an additional layer of protection for TotalAV users, but there are better standalone VPNs on the market, like NordVPN and Surfshark. Despite this, during my testing, I checked for IP leaks, tested if the kill switch works correctly, and looked at the VPN protocols and type of encryption used by TotalVPN.

I also tested TotalAV VPN speed because it is useless if it slows your internet down to a crawl. My baseline internet speed for these tests was 825.05 Mbps download speed and 94.66 Mbps upload speed. Note that all VPNs have a minor impact on your internet speed, but less-efficient VPNs can have a much larger impact. While connected to TotalVPN, my download speed was 306.68 Mbps and upload speed 96.05 Mbps.

Since I’m in the UK, I chose the closest UK VPN server. I also tested other servers, and speeds dipped slightly more on faraway servers. Overall, my connection remained sufficient for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and anything else. However, if you have a slow connection, you could experience lag. In this case, I’d recommend NordVPN as a powerful alternative.

2. Total Password – securely stores your credentials in the cloud

TotalAV's password manager is called Total Password and is accessed through your online account. I tested this feature to secure my passwords, but Total Password can also suggest secure passwords. Since this feature is accessed through your account, you can use it regardless of device type.

In addition to storing and suggesting passwords, Total Password synchronizes across devices, auto-fills, and allows two-factor authentication setup. Overall, I was quite impressed that this stands up against the best password managers for managing your credentials.

3. TotalAV Breach Scan – checks if your data was involved in a breach

TotalAV’s Data Breach Scan compares your email address against known breaches to see whether you’ve been affected. It’s accessed via the main TotalAV dashboard beneath your real-time protection menu. Simply provide an email address to get near-instant results – my tests revealed results immediately.

Once you’ve received your results, you’ll get a list of breaches and can click into each result to read more about the problem. I would’ve liked to see TotalAV offer some kind of remedial action, even if it’s just an instruction to change your password. If you do see results on this page, make sure you update your passwords with any affected accounts.

4. Total Adblock – block annoying adverts online

Total Adblock is designed to stop annoying ads and third-party trackers, resulting in fewer interruptions when using the internet and various apps. My tests revealed that it can even block YouTube ads, frustrating pop-ups and banners on free movie sites. It also got rid of fake McAfee pop-ups that display misleading virus warnings.

You can access Total Adblock directly from your TotalAV dashboard on Windows and Mac. Once you enable it for your browser, you can also manage it via an extension button in your browser’s toolbar.

5. Total Drive – secure cloud storage for all your data

Total Drive gives you 2 GB of secure cloud storage with the Total Security subscription. You can also securely share files hosted within the drive with other people. Automated backups make sure you won't lose any data, and encryption keeps your data secure. In case you lose any files, you can simply restore them from a previous backup. Overall, this was a useful add-on, though I have seen larger data allowances from other providers offering the best secure storage solutions.

6. Total Browser – combines TotalAV’s features for secure browsing

Total Browser is a dedicated web browser created by TotalAV. It automatically blocks adverts and stops third-party cookies and trackers. There's also a built-in, secure search engine that produces non-biased results. In my experience, it works a lot like Surfshark One's search feature. The best analysis I can offer is that it combines all of the WebShield, Total Adblock, and other browser-focused features into a search engine – and it does it well.

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My insights on using the TotalAV app on different devices

According to TotalAV, their antivirus software device compatibility includes Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. You can connect just one device with the free version, but paid plans allow 3, 6, or 8 devices. TotalAV also often gives extra licenses completely free as a bonus when purchasing a plan. I tested Total Security, so I could connect eight devices, including my Mac, iPhone, and my partner’s devices, too.

I also tested the application’s impact on PC and mobile device performance. Not once did I see the CPU consumption rise above 2.37%, and this was during a full scan. At other times, while running in the background, I routinely saw this number drop below 1%. What’s more, RAM usage was also very low at around 150-300 Mb, even while scanning.

If you need an antivirus that won’t impact your device’s performance while browsing, streaming, gaming, or torrenting, I highly recommend TotalAV. You can get started today with the 30-day free trial to see for yourself without any risk.

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TotalAV installation process

• Step 1: Purchase TotalAV and download the app on your device
• Step 2: Open the installation file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation
• Step 3: Launch the TotalAV app and log in with your credentials.

TotalAV installation is extremely simple, with an install wizard that guides you through the process. From the moment you subscribe, you’re guided through the software dashboard and automatically logged in as required.

Using the app was simple thanks to a user-friendly interface; it took a moment for me to get familiar with where each setting was located. However, the main features like real-time protection, WebShield, and scan options were all clearly marked with big, visible “Enable” buttons. Don’t expect to see an identical design, as features differ across desktop and mobile. However, cross-device consistency was excellent in my opinion, with both apps looking sleek and similarly designed.

TotalAV on Android and iPhone

• TotalAV is available for devices running Android 5.0 or above, as well as iOS 9.0 or above.

You can download TotalAV for your iPhone or Android device from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Installation takes no longer than any other trusted app, and all of the features are organized well and easy to find. Personally, I thought that the app looked even better on mobile than it does on desktop, but the design and consistency across both platforms are excellent. TotalAV also does an excellent job of holding your hand through the setup process for features you’ve not used yet.

Some features are missing on mobile, though bear in mind that some aren't required for a mobile device either. For example, there’s no comprehensive antivirus scanning available. Instead, Smart Scan checks whether Face ID and passcodes are enabled, if your iOS is up to date, and so on. However, the tradeoff is that new features are offered instead. For example, I could automatically delete duplicate photos and contacts. There is also protection against phishing SMS messages. All in all, I was extremely satisfied using the mobile version of TotalAV and didn’t feel shortchanged.

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TotalAV on Windows and Mac computers

• TotalAV is available for Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 or higher, and for Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks and higher.

TotalAV does not slow down your computer while running other tasks. During a full system scan, TotalAV never rose beyond 2.37% CPU usage – this is an incredible result and one that I usually see when an antivirus is simply running in the background. It dropped as low as 0.97% at other times, too.

Similarly, TotalAV had a very small impact on my computer’s memory. If an antivirus consumes too much memory, other apps can slow down. However, TotalAV hung around the 100Mb mark, occasionally spiking to no more than 300Mb. Again, this produced no visible slowing of other apps as I continued to work.

These results were consistent across both Windows and Mac. This resulted in smooth performance that didn’t prevent me from engaging in high-demand activities like streaming and gaming. Overall, I’m confident you can use TotalAV for any task without seeing an impact on your device’s performance.

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How can you contact TotalAV customer support?

TotalAV customer support options include a dedicated phone line and an email address. The TotalAV Help Center also contains technical product support, account support, and billing support topics. There are categories for each individual feature within TotalAV, too. Overall, I was impressed with the amount of literature available.

I reached out to TotalAV customer support to check these response times, and I also asked technical questions to gauge the knowledge of its advisors. Personally, I prefer managing interactions via email, but, I discovered that TotalAV offers a live chat feature after I’d created my ticket. This wasn’t obvious until I was dropped into a live session immediately after I’d submitted my request.

Overall, it took about 15-20 minutes to answer my query. Responses weren’t all that fast – presumably because support agents tend to manage multiple chats at once. A company representative told me he would look at my account, but I waited 12 minutes before prompting him again and resuming the conversation.

However, based on the response I got, I’m satisfied that the customer support agents have a solid knowledge of their product and will help you troubleshoot problems in a short timeframe. Having a live chat support function is a huge bonus, especially when the agent connects in less than 10 seconds, as was my experience.

How to get a refund from TotalAV

• To cancel your TotalAV subscription, go to your TotalAV billing page, cancel your subscription, and contact TotalAV to request a refund if you are eligible.

TotalAV offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of its plans. If you’re not satisfied, you can send a message to customer support or call them to ask for a refund. After writing this TotalAV review, I followed the process to get my money back by asking the customer support agent to process my cancellation while connected to the live chat session.

Getting a refund was quick, but admittedly I had to click “Terminate” around 5 to 6 times at various intervals, though TotalAV offered good discounts for remaining with the service. The agent was cooperative and didn’t attempt to put any obstacles in my way. After a few days, the money was back in my account.

Investigating TotalAV reviews and complaints

Apart from its features or price, it’s beneficial to check what other users say about it from their experience. While TotaAV is generally a reliable antivirus software, it receives various types of feedback online. On Trustpilot and the Apple App Store, TotalAV holds a strong 4.6/5 rating, where many users share that the app is easy to use and offers budget-friendly prices. However, there are some negative comments, and some users, especially Redditors, are unhappy about TotalAV’s upselling techniques.

While these initial impressions are very positive, it’s important to dig further into customer reviews and understand overall sentiment. This is especially true in 2025, as reviews may sometimes be traded for free service usage or entirely fake. I always select a few user reviews and analyze the trust indicators.

In this example, the user was invited to review the service. However, their profile goes back several years, and only one other product was reviewed by the user. Since there are not a lot of reviews left by the user, this makes me believe that it is a genuine and positive customer feedback on TotalAV. However, there are bad reviews too. One customer spoke of feeling “scammed” by TotalAV due to prices that were always increasing.

Customer support reached out to this reviewer to clarify his comments. Since I don’t know the intricacies of their conversation with customer service, I can only speak of my own experience. The price that I saw, $49 for Total Security, was the price that I paid. I was even offered significant further discounts when closing my account, but I never felt scammed. I also had my money back within 5 days under the money-back guarantee.

For the above reasons, I’m satisfied that TotalAV is legitimate, the reviews on TrustPilot are genuine, and that customer sentiment is positive overall for TotalAV.

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Final verdict: is TotalAV a good antivirus in 2025?

TotalAV is a reliable antivirus to protect your device while streaming, gaming, or simply browsing the internet, as it successfully detects and blocks all types of malware. While TotalAV offers budget-friendly prices, it still guarantees robust protection against online threats and even has additional features for extra security. During independent and in-house testing, TotalAV performed excellently in detecting and removing malware, with a 100% protection rate. TotalAV also offers a user-friendly app, which is lightweight, meaning that it should not have a huge impact on your CPU. However, while it is a solid option for Windows and Android users, macOS users might want to look for alternatives, as it performs more poorly.

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You may also like to read:
Norton antivirus review
Avast antivirus review
Bitdefender antivirus review
TotalAV vs Kaspersky
Best antivirus for Windows 11
Best antivirus for gaming PCs
Best antivirus for small business

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FAQ

What company owns TotalAV?

TotalAV’s official company name is Protected.net, which was established in 2016 and is headquartered in the UK. Protected.net is registered with Companies House in the UK, reflecting the legitimacy of its business as a cybersecurity solutions provider.

Is TotalAV a legitimate company?

Yes, TotalAV is a legitimate company, it is not a scam and we have personally tested the antivirus. Some users think that TotalAV is a scam due to price increases after the first year, but it’s a common practice amongst antiviurs services. While the initial price is indeed cheaper, the increased renewal prices are clearly indicated in the official website. Since TotalAV does not try to hide its prices, it is not a scam.

How much does it cost to renew TotalAV?

The price to renew a TotalAV Premium is $99/year, TotalAV Internet security is $129/year, and TotalAV Total Security is $149/year. TotalAV follows the standard industry practice of offering cheaper sign-up prices for new customers – first-year pricing is $19.00, $39.00, and $49.00 for the same packages.

Does TotalAV work on an iPhone?

Yes, TotalAV works on iPhones by blocking malicious websites and notifying users if they've been affected by a data breach. The TotalAV antivirus iOS app provides valuable additional features, enhancing iOS’s built-in security. This guarantees protection against snooping and man-in-the-middle attacks on unsecured Wi-Fi networks, while encrypting all your online activity so that it can’t be intercepted.

How do I activate TotalAV antivirus for free?

To activate TotalAV antivirus for free, simply download and install the app from the official website. Once you’ve installed the app, it will run a required scan, which is necessary as the free version does not offer real-time protection. If you decide to switch to a paid subscription, you can do that in your Dashboard, which will give you the option to upgrade to TotalAV Premium.

What are the disadvantages of TotalAV antivirus?

TotalAV's disadvantages are mostly in the free version, which lacks real-time protection, WebShield browser tools, and protections against ransomware and other complex malware. The premium version of TotalAV is far better, though it lacks a firewall. However, it does offer a 100% malware-detection rate.