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Avast vs Total Defense

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Pros
  • Free version with essential features
  • Easy-to-use interface with clear navigation
  • Built-in firewall for network protection
  • Regular updates to virus definitions
  • Multi-device compatibility
Pros
  • Parental control features
  • PC performance optimization
  • Automatic updates of outdated software
  • App locking and remote anti-theft tools for Android
  • Multi-device protection with a single subscription
Cons
  • Frequent upgrade prompts in free version
  • Some key features sold separately
  • May slow down older systems
  • Past data privacy concerns
Cons
  • No VPN or configurable firewall included
  • No mobile security support for iOS
  • Key features locked behind higher-tier plans
  • Minimal third-party lab testing presence
Summary

Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, Avast has grown into one of the most recognized names in cybersecurity. Known for offering a free antivirus product alongside robust premium plans, Avast provides multi-layered protection through features like Smart Scan, real-time malware detection, phishing protection, and a Secure Browser designed to safeguard sensitive activity online. More advanced services include Avast One Gold, which adds VPN access, identity protection, and ransomware defense. Their tools are compatible across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, offering flexible security for individual users and families alike. Avast’s services have earned high marks in independent malware tests, including results from SE Labs and AV-Comparatives, helping establish their credibility within the industry. Customer feedback is largely positive, with users praising Avast’s ease of use, effective free service, and performance-boosting utilities. However, concerns have been raised about frequent upselling and pop-up notifications, especially within the paid tiers. Despite this, Avast remains a popular option for users seeking both basic and enhanced digital protection.

Summary

Founded in 1992 and now part of OpenText, Total Defense is a U.S.-based cybersecurity company offering antivirus and internet security products. Their services span from basic protection for Windows and macOS to comprehensive suites that cover up to ten devices, complete with ransomware monitoring, phishing filters, cloud backups (10GB–25GB), and parental controls for safe browsing across the household. They offer an Android mobile app that adds real-time scanning, app lock, anti-theft tools, and privacy alerts without draining your phone’s performance. Each plan includes a 30-day free trial, U.S.-based support, and a 60-day money-back guarantee, giving new users room to explore. While they aren’t as prominent in third-party antivirus testing labs, Total Defense maintains high ratings across user review sites and holds an A+ from the BBB. With a clean interface, quiet performance, and reliable protection, they’re a worthy contender for anyone looking to secure their devices without diving into complex configurations or bloated extras.

Quick Stats
  • Security Rating : Excellent
  • VPN : Included
  • Price : Starts at $44.28 per year
  • Customer Experience : Good
  • Firewall : Included
  • Free Trial : 30 days
  • Trustpilot Score : 4.2 out of 5
Quick Stats
  • Security Rating : Fair
  • VPN : Unavailable
  • Price : Starts at $39.99 for one year
  • Customer Experience : Fair
  • Firewall : Unavailable
  • Free Trial : 30 days
  • Trustpilot Score : N/R
Selling Points
  • Smart Scan combines security and cleanup
  • Behavioral Shield detects zero-day attacks
  • Sandbox lets you run suspicious files safely
  • Plans scale easily across multiple devices
Selling Points
  • 60-day virus-free guarantee
  • USB device scanning
  • Generous cloud storage
General Features & Perks
  • Adware Removal
  • Anti-Phishing
  • Anti-Spam
  • Anti-Theft
  • Anti-Tracking
  • Behavior Analysis
  • Cloud Scanning
  • Dark Web Scanning
  • Dedicated Ransomware Protection
  • E-mail Scan
  • File Encryption
  • Free Version
  • ID Protection
  • Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
  • Malware Removal
  • Mobile App
  • On Demand Scan
  • Real-Time Protection
  • Spyware Removal
  • Vulnerability Scanner
  • Webcam Protection
General Features & Perks
  • Adware Removal
  • Anti-Phishing
  • Anti-Spam
  • Anti-Theft
  • Undisclosed
    Anti-Tracking
  • Behavior Analysis
  • Undisclosed
    Cloud Scanning
  • Undisclosed
    Dark Web Scanning
  • Dedicated Ransomware Protection
  • E-mail Scan
  • File Encryption
  • Free Version
  • ID Protection
  • Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
  • Malware Removal
  • Mobile App
  • On Demand Scan
  • Real-Time Protection
  • Spyware Removal
  • Vulnerability Scanner
  • Webcam Protection
System Optimization & Performance
  • Boot Time Scans
  • Browser Cleaner
  • Disk Cleaner
  • Junk Files Removal
  • Software/Driver Updater
System Optimization & Performance
  • Boot Time Scans
  • Browser Cleaner
  • Disk Cleaner
  • Junk Files Removal
  • Software/Driver Updater
Additional Perks
  • Cloud Storage Backup
  • Live Updates
  • Parental Control
  • Password Manager
  • Rescue Mode
  • USB Rescue Toolkit
  • USB Vaccination
Additional Perks
  • Cloud Storage Backup
  • Live Updates
  • Parental Control
  • Password Manager
  • Undisclosed
    Rescue Mode
  • USB Rescue Toolkit
  • USB Vaccination
Device Compatibility
  • Android
  • Browser Plugins
  • ChromeOS
  • Fire OS
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Windows
Device Compatibility
  • Android
  • Browser Plugins
  • ChromeOS
  • Fire OS
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Windows
Customer Support
  • Community Forum
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone
  • Social Media
  • Ticket
Customer Support
  • Community Forum
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone
  • Social Media
  • Ticket