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Sophos Home vs Total Defense

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Pros
  • Full access to all features with any plan length
  • Generous 10-device coverage
  • Strong phishing and identity protection
  • Ransomware rollback to restore encrypted files
  • Behavior-based protection
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  • Automatic updates of outdated software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
  • No built-in firewall
  • Limited independent testing
  • Fewer features available on macOS
  • Lacks features like VPN or password manager
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

Sophos is a well-established name in enterprise cybersecurity, founded in 1985 and headquartered in Abingdon, England. Their expertise in large-scale threat prevention extends to individual users through Sophos Home—a consumer antivirus solution built on the same core technologies used in their business products. Sophos Home offers real-time malware protection, AI-driven threat detection, ransomware rollback, phishing prevention, and basic parental web filtering. A key feature is their cloud-based dashboard, which allows users to manage up to ten devices remotely, making them ideal for households or individuals overseeing multiple systems.
Sophos Home focuses on streamlined, security-first functionality rooted in behavior-based threat prevention and enterprise-grade threat intelligence. User feedback is generally positive, especially for the clean interface, low system impact, and remote management capabilities. However, some users have noted that features can vary between platforms, with macOS lacking several tools available on Windows. Sophos Home is a simplified, no-nonsense security option for users who want powerful core protection without feature bloat. Keep reading for a deeper look into how it performs in real-world use.

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 : Fair
  • VPN : Unavailable
  • Price : Starts at $44.99 for one year
  • Customer Experience : Good
  • Firewall : As a standalone
  • Free Trial : 30 days
  • Trustpilot Score : 4.4 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
  • AI-based malware detection
  • 30-day free trial and money-back guarantee
  • Remote management
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
  • Undisclosed
    Cloud Storage Backup
  • Undisclosed
    Live Updates
  • Parental Control
  • Password Manager
  • Rescue Mode
  • Undisclosed
    USB Rescue Toolkit
  • Undisclosed
    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