On this page14 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- TotalAV vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- TotalAV legitimacy and licensing
- TotalAV pricing and renewal
- What you get
- TotalAV complaints and how to avoid problems
- How to cancel TotalAV and get a refund
- Watch out for fake TotalAV support numbers
- Who should skip TotalAV
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
TotalAV suits someone who wants a simple app across several devices, with a VPN on the two upper plans. It is legitimate antivirus software: it earned AV-TEST Top Product in every 2026 Windows test through August and an ADVANCED+ award in AV-Comparatives' February to May 2026 real-world test. The tradeoff is billing: renewal prices aren't published, plans auto-renew until you cancel, and auto-renewal practices led to a California class action that was settled. Set a reminder before renewal and cancel in your account if you don't want to keep it.
Your options
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TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves.
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Webroot This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. Alternative People with older or slower PCs who want light, low-maintenance antivirus across a few devices and will manage renewal themselves.
- Plans
- TotalAV Plus $99, Internet Security $129, Total Security $149 a year, as listed October 20261
- Devices
- 4 on Plus, 6 on Internet Security, 8 on Total Security1
- Renewal
- Auto-renews at the regular rate until cancelled; regular rate not published on the pricing page1
- Money-back window
- 30 days on annual and biannual plans; 14 days on monthly, quarterly and add-ons1
- Company
- Total Security Limited (formerly Protected.net Group), UK; US entity Total Security US LLC, Boston2
- Lab results
- AV-TEST Top Product, August 2026 (protection 6, performance 5.5, usability 6)6
- BBB
- A+, accredited since October 30, 2025; 721 complaints in 3 years4
- Phone support
- No phone number listed on the official site; support runs through help.totalav.com2
Pros
- Top lab results in 2026 from both AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android
- VPN included on Internet Security and Total Security
- Covers up to 8 devices on the top plan
- 30-day money-back window on annual plans
Cons
- Renewal price is not published on the pricing page
- No phone support listed on the official site
- Entry plan doesn't include the VPN or password manager
- Auto-renewal practices were the subject of a settled California class action
- Hundreds of BBB complaints, mostly about billing
Best for: People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves.
Skip it if: You want to know exactly what you'll pay in year two, or you only need protection on one Windows PC, where Microsoft Defender is free.
TotalAV vs. competitors
| Company | Listed price | Devices | Money-back | AV-TEST Aug 2026 (protection, performance, usability) | BBB | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TotalAV Internet Security | $129 a year; renewal not published | 6 | 30 days | 6, 5.5, 6 | A+, 721 complaints in 3 years | Visit site |
| Norton 360 Deluxe | $49.99 first year, $124.99 renewal | 5 | 60 days | 6, 6, 6 | Gen Digital: A+, 908 complaints in 3 years | Visit site |
| Bitdefender Total Security | $59.99 first year; renewal not listed | 5 | 30 days | 6, 6, 6 | A+, 77 complaints in 3 years | Read review |
| Microsoft Defender Antivirus | Free, built into Windows | Each Windows PC | Not applicable | 6, 5.5, 6 | Not applicable |
Antivirus software we reviewed
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TotalAV This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. This review BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want an easy antivirus app across several phones and computers and will manage the renewal date themselves. -
AVG BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Windows users who want a free antivirus with strong lab results, or a cheap first year of protection for one PC or a 10-device household. -
Webroot This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People with older or slower PCs who want light, low-maintenance antivirus across a few devices and will manage renewal themselves. -
Malwarebytes This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want light, well-tested antivirus with web scam blocking, or a free second-opinion scanner to clean up an infected PC. -
PC Matic This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who mainly use well-known programs and want inexpensive, low-maintenance protection on several devices. -
ESET This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.4 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want proven antivirus that stays light on older or lower-powered computers, without paying for a large bundle. -
Trend Micro Best for: Families who want scam protection and parental controls across many devices, including Chromebooks. -
Intego This company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints. BestGuide rating: 4.3 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Mac owners who want a native antivirus and firewall in one app, especially families covering several Macs.
TotalAV pricing at a glance
TotalAV annual plans, as listed October 20261
| Plan | Listed price | Devices | VPN | Password manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TotalAV Plus | $99 a year | 4 | Sold separately | Sold separately |
| Internet Security | $129 a year | 6 | Included | Not included |
| Total Security | $149 a year | 8 | Included | Included |
The pricing page says introductory prices may be offered to first-time customers and that plans renew at the regular rate, without listing that rate. A separate sign-up page offered Antivirus Plus at $1.99 for the first month against a regular $11 a month. Monthly, quarterly and biannual billing are also offered.
TotalAV, step by step
Pick a plan and billing period
Choose a plan by device count and whether you want the VPN or password manager. Check whether the price shown is an introductory price.
Install the app
Download the app for each Windows, Mac, iOS or Android device and sign in with your TotalAV account.
Run scans and set up WebShield
The app runs real-time protection and scheduled scans, and WebShield blocks known scam and phishing sites.
Watch for the renewal notice
Annual plans get at least 30 days' notice before renewal. Monthly and other plans renew without that notice.
Cancel in your account
Cancel under My Subscriptions in the online account. For a refund you must fully end the subscription within the money-back window; turning off auto-renewal alone doesn't trigger one.
TotalAV legitimacy and licensing
Yes. TotalAV is real antivirus software made by Total Security Limited, a UK company formerly called Protected.net Group. System1, a US public company, owned it until November 30, 2023, when it sold the business to entities affiliated with Avance Investment Management and Just Develop It for $240 million in cash plus other consideration. The site footer lists Total Security US LLC at 250 Northern Avenue in Boston.
Independent labs rate it well. AV-TEST named TotalAV a Top Product in its February, April, June and August 2026 Windows tests, and AV-Comparatives gave TotalAV Premium its top ADVANCED+ award in the February to May 2026 real-world test. The BBB rates the company A+ and accredited it in October 2025, but it has logged 721 complaints in three years.
TotalAV pricing and renewal
The pricing page lists TotalAV Plus at $99 a year for 4 devices, Internet Security at $129 for 6 devices and Total Security at $149 for 8 devices. Monthly, quarterly and biannual billing are also offered. The page says first-time customers may get an introductory price and that every plan renews at the regular rate until you cancel, but it doesn’t list that regular rate. One sign-up page offered Antivirus Plus at $1.99 for the first month against a regular rate of $11 a month.
Before you pay, note the price you’ll be charged at renewal on the checkout page and save a screenshot. Annual subscribers get at least 30 days’ notice before renewal.
What you get
Every plan includes real-time Malware. Any software designed to harm a device or steal data, including viruses, spyware and Ransomware. Malware that locks or encrypts your files and demands payment to release them. Compare antivirus software. Compare antivirus software protection, scheduled scans, WebShield to block known Phishing. Fake emails, texts or websites that try to trick you into giving up passwords or payment details. Compare antivirus software and scam sites, tracking-cookie blocking and data breach alerts for your email address. TotalAV Plus adds ad blocking. Internet Security adds the Total VPN service, and Total Security adds a password manager. Apps cover Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, though phone apps do less than the desktop versions on any antivirus.
What customers say about TotalAV
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Simple setup and an easy dashboard for non-technical users
- Scans that run quietly in the background
- Junk file cleanup and ad blocking in the same app
- Quick replies to support requests
Common complaints
- Renewal charges much higher than the first-year price
- Trouble cancelling or getting a refund after a renewal
- Upsell prompts for add-ons and several separate subscriptions at checkout
- Trouble removing a saved payment card or activating an account
TotalAV complaints and how to avoid problems
Most complaints on the BBB and Trustpilot are about billing: renewals charged at a much higher price than year one, trouble cancelling, refunds after a renewal, and upsells for add-ons sold as separate subscriptions. Trustpilot’s overall score is high at 4.5 out of 5, and the company invites customers to leave reviews, so the score leans toward new customers.
In Nelson v. System1, filed in San Diego Superior Court in October 2023, California customers alleged that TotalAV, Total Adblock, Total VPN, PC Protect, ScanGuard and related products didn’t clearly disclose automatic renewal. The case settled and received preliminary approval, per the Truth in Advertising case tracker. To avoid surprises, cancel right after purchase if you only want one term, and check your card statement around the renewal date.
How to cancel TotalAV and get a refund
Cancel in your online account under My Subscriptions. Uninstalling the app does not stop billing. If you bought through the Apple App Store or Google Play, cancel in that store’s subscription settings instead.
Annual and biannual plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee; monthly, quarterly and add-on purchases have 14 days. TotalAV says you must fully end the subscription to ask for a refund, turning off auto-renewal alone doesn’t count, and access ends as soon as a refund is approved.
Watch out for fake TotalAV support numbers
TotalAV’s site lists no support phone number; help runs through help.totalav.com. Search results are full of unofficial pages listing “TotalAV support” phone numbers that differ from page to page. Don’t call them. The FTC warns that real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number and that you should contact a software company only through a website or number you know is real. Unexpected pop-ups that push you to buy TotalAV or call someone are also a warning sign.
Who should skip TotalAV
If you have one Windows PC and browse carefully, Microsoft Defender is built in and free and scored 6, 5.5 and 6 in AV-TEST’s August 2026 test. If you want a known year-two price, Norton publishes its renewal rates. TotalAV makes the most sense for a household that wants one simple app across several devices and will cancel or renegotiate before renewal.
Alternatives to TotalAV
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Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Free and built into Windows 10 and 11, with lab scores close to the paid suites; enough for many single-PC households.
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BitdefenderA lower first-year price for 5 devices and strong lab results, if you don't need a full VPN.
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Publishes its renewal price up front and offers a 60-day refund window, including after renewals.
Next steps
TotalAV reviews
Written by readers, read by our moderators, never edited by the company.
No reader reviews yet. If you have used TotalAV, yours will be the first.
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Frequently asked questions
Is TotalAV a scam?
No. It is real antivirus software with top 2026 results from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives and an A+ BBB rating. Most complaints are about auto-renewal billing and upsells, not about the software failing to install or run.
Who owns TotalAV?
TotalAV belongs to Total Security Limited, a UK company that used to be called Protected.net Group. System1 sold it in November 2023 to entities affiliated with Avance Investment Management and Just Develop It; the US arm is Total Security US LLC in Boston.
How much does TotalAV cost?
The pricing page lists $99 a year for TotalAV Plus, $129 for Internet Security and $149 for Total Security as of October 2026. Introductory prices may be lower for new customers, and renewals bill at a regular rate that the page doesn't list.
Is there a free version of TotalAV?
The official site doesn't currently describe a free antivirus tier; its free-antivirus page leads to a paid Antivirus Plus plan at an introductory monthly price. If you want free protection on Windows, Microsoft Defender is built in.
Does TotalAV auto-renew?
Yes. All plans renew automatically at the regular rate until you cancel. Annual plans get at least 30 days' notice before the renewal charge.
How do I cancel TotalAV?
Sign in to your TotalAV account online and cancel under My Subscriptions. Uninstalling the app doesn't cancel, and App Store or Google Play purchases must be cancelled in that store.
Can I get a refund from TotalAV?
Annual and biannual plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee, and monthly, quarterly and add-on purchases have 14 days. You must fully cancel the subscription to request it, and access ends once the refund is approved.
Does TotalAV have a phone number?
No phone number is listed on the official site; support runs through help.totalav.com. Avoid phone numbers posted on unofficial pages, which are a common route for tech support scams.
Is TotalAV better than Windows Defender?
Both earned strong AV-TEST scores in August 2026: 6, 5.5 and 6 for each. TotalAV adds apps for Mac and phones, ad blocking and a VPN on upper plans, while Defender is free on Windows.
Does TotalAV include a VPN?
The Internet Security and Total Security plans include Total VPN. The entry TotalAV Plus plan does not; it's sold separately.
Sources (11)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- TotalAV: Pricing (accessed October 13, 2026)
- TotalAV: Home page (company footer, features) (accessed October 13, 2026)
- TotalAV: Antivirus Plus sign-up page (accessed October 13, 2026)
- BBB: Total AV profile (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Trustpilot: TotalAV reviews (accessed October 13, 2026)
- AV-TEST: Protected.net TotalAV Windows results (accessed October 13, 2026)
- AV-Comparatives: Consumer Real-World Protection Test February to May 2026 (accessed October 13, 2026)
- SEC: System1 Form 8-K on sale of Total Security, December 2023 (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Truth in Advertising: Nelson v. System1 class action (accessed October 13, 2026)
- FTC Consumer Advice: How to spot, avoid and report tech support scams (accessed October 13, 2026)
- TotalAV: Help Centre (accessed October 13, 2026)
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