TotalAV vs. Bitdefender 2024

Understanding antivirus protection and internet security can be tricky. Deciding between one antivirus software brand and another is daunting and time-consuming. There are many factors to consider, so we tried TotalAV and Bitdefender on our devices to help you decide.

We tested and reviewed both software across security protocols, features, cost, customer service, data collection, and efficiency. Based on our experience and thorough research, you’ll be ready to decide which one is best for you.

TotalAV vs. Bitdefender: Company Overviews

First up, let’s go over Bitdefender a bit. This brand stood out to us because of its ability to detect malware. It does everything you’d expect from antivirus software and more. A few security features we particularly liked included ransomware defense, scans for missing security patches, a hardened browser for banking online, and an excellent ad-tracking blocker.

As for TotalAV, it has an impressive reputation. This UK-based antivirus provider has remarkable malware detection rates, an easy-to-use interface for beginners and advanced users, and coverage for multiple devices. It offered us ransomware detection, cloud scanning, anti-phishing protection, a VPN, and real-time protection.

TotalAV vs. Bitdefender: Detailed Comparison

Now that we’ve covered our overviews, let’s dig into what distinguishes TotalAV and Bitdefender.

Plans and Pricing

Finally, what you’ve been waiting for — pricing. We’ll cut to the chase. Here’s a comparative overview of TotalAV and Bitdefender:

Right off the bat, we noticed that Bitdefender’s most affordable plan only covers Windows devices. That means an entry-level plan for Mac users starts off at $59.99 for the first year only.

We liked how straightforward Bitdefender’s cost and pricing plans were and that it had a free version. Good news: The free version is compatible with Mac and Windows users, you just have to find the right download. A simple Google search will do the trick.

Bitdefender’s free plan comes loaded with useful features, almost comparable to an entry-level plan, which we appreciated. It comes with real-time protection, web protection, fraud detection, anti-phishing protection, and antivirus scanning. The free version is a great place to start as it gives you the same quality of malware detection as its paid plans.

As for TotalAV, it also has an excellent free version. This free plan is simpler in comparison to Bitdefender’s. It still promises to remove malware, adware, spyware, and viruses and comes with a Mac cleaner, optimization tools, and protection against online threats.

We also liked that TotalAV’s cheapest plan was compatible with our Mac. Regardless of which plan you choose, each one comes with anti-phishing protection, mobile apps, anti-malware scanners, and top-tier customer service. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.

Features Comparison

As we mentioned earlier, TotalAV offers a lot of features to enhance your security. Something we noticed was how similar each of their plans is in features. From its most basic to its mid-tier all that changes is a VPN. Don’t get us wrong, VPNs on their own can be pricey, so we think it’s worth it. Then, from its mid-tier to its premium offering, all that you get is a password manager. Oh, and of course each one offers coverage for two extra devices.

Here are some of the more notable features TotalAV provides with every plan:

• Real-time protection: This gives you continuous scanning for your devices
• Ransomware protection: Enhanced security against ransomware
• WebShield extension: Blocks malicious or suspicious websites
• Safe browsing: Keeps your identity secure online
• System tune-up: Removes junk and duplicate files on your devices

Bitdefender is a mighty opponent. Our only hang-up is you have to pay more for its entry-level plan if you’re a Mac user. Other than that, its features are simple, yet powerful. With Bitdefender you get security across multiple devices, real-time protection, scam prevention, a powerful VPN, and more. If you’re a Mac user — or any device, really — we suggest trying Bitdefender’s free version first.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can get for free:

• Behavior monitor: This program keeps ransomware from encrypting any files on your devices. It’s easy to use and can run at the same time as other features.
• Behavior-based detection: This isn’t a way to train your pet but instead a way to evaluate suspicious activities. Pretty cool if you ask us.
• Phishing protection: Bitdefender’s Web Shield feature guards you against phishing attacks, malware, and suspicious sites. It keeps your network activities safe, too!
• Firewall: This is a newer feature that Bitdefender recently introduced and we are here for it. Firewalls keep your devices safe from cyberattacks by acting as a shield or wall. It basically stops malicious network traffic.
• Bitdefender autopilot: Bitdefender offers this personalized service to optimize your security needs. Autopilot was made to act as your “Security Advisor” and provide insights into what’s going on with your devices.

If that was too many details for you, here’s a quick summary comparing Bitdefender and TotalAV’s features:

Since VPNs are a major selling point, we put both of them to the test. While testing Bitdefender VPN, we got access to more than 4,000 servers in over 50 countries. During our time testing TotalAV’s VPN, we could only access over 100 servers across 35 countries. Based on that, most would assume Bitdefender to be the better option. Although, that wasn’t the case for us.

TotalAV allowed us to access a couple more streaming platforms, like Netflix, while Bitdefender had more trouble. We also read several reviews online where many had the same issues. Of course, VPNs are great for more than just streaming, but it’s still worth a mention.

Security and Protection

As cybersecurity experts, we are huge advocates for antivirus software. Why? To put it simply, protecting our devices is a top priority. Because security and protection are incredibly important, let’s take a look at what Bitdefender and TotalAV have to offer.

User Experience

Scan speed and malware detection are just a piece of the pie when it comes to selecting antivirus software. We like to go beyond pricing and features by tuning into how users might feel when using a product. Is the software easy or challenging to use? Are there customer support options? Does this company sell my data? These are all equally important questions. So, here’s what we experienced while testing TotalAV and Bitdefender.

Starting off on each homepage, Bitdefender and TotalAV rank similarly. The layout of each page is strikingly similar, with just a few branding elements and colors separating the two. Still, both were easy to navigate letting us find out more about plans or pricing.

The transparency and straightforwardness of each site were green flags and told us we could expect the same from each app. Of course, we were right. For starters, Bitdefender was easy to install and set up. While the app itself felt a bit outdated, it had everything we needed.

When it came to installing and setting up TotalAV, it was also quick and easy. The entire process only took us a few minutes. For the free version, we had the option to enter contact information or skip through and begin using it.

When we upgraded to a paid plan, we entered our information, along with our billing details, upon purchase. From the installation to running our first scan, we liked how intuitive everything was. It felt like TotalAV was holding our hands the entire time.

Privacy Policies

We won’t lie to you and say privacy policies are fun to read. We’ll help make it easier though, and direct you to our privacy policy analyzer. It takes software policies and condenses them into digestible key points. You can also keep reading and let us guide you because we went through both policies before we handed over our information. It’s crucial you muster up the courage to get through privacy policies, one way or another. Here’s what we found for Bitdefender and TotalAV:

Bitdefender

Bitdefender’s policy states that it never sells user data. They claim to only share details with contracted partners, who also agree not to share your data. Though, you should know that back in 2015 Bitdefender was at fault for exposing several usernames and passwords. While it only impacted 250 users, it makes us weary. Bitdefender resolved the issue and was transparent about the data breach so we still gave them our information when signing up.

In 2019 a security flaw in their free Windows version made it possible for cybercriminals to take over Windows devices. Both of these incidents were quickly handled, but we wouldn’t be doing our due diligence without disclosing these details.

TotalAV

TotalAV has a dedicated Data Respect Statement section in its privacy policy. Under it, they claim to “use your personal data when the law allows” them to do so. They also promise to never sell your data for marketing purposes. Here are a few reasons why they may share your data:

• Technical support: TotalAV may share your data with its technical support and customer service operators.
• Legal reasons: If a legal authority or organization requires your data under the law, they are obligated to disclose any personal information.
• Selling the company: If TotalAV decides to sell or merge its business, it may share your data with the new owners.

Customer Support

You can reach TotalAV’s customer service by phone or email 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When we emailed them, we were told we’d get a response in 48 to 72 hours, but they got back to us the next day. Essentially, less than 24 hours. The agent helping us was informative, detailed, and friendly.

Even with such a positive experience, Bitdefender outshined TotalAV with its customer support. We were pleased to see all the ways we could get in touch with their support team. You can get in touch with them via email, phone, live chat, online help center, and through their expert community (think Reddit). We decided to give them a call and were able to talk to a human in minutes.

Recap: TotalAV vs. Bitdefender

TotalAV and Bitdefender are both great antivirus software choices. Your money goes a long way no matter which one you choose. Not only do they have free plans, but they also have money-back guarantees. So, why not give each one a shot? If you want to make a choice and settle on one, then this might help.

Pick TotalAV if you’d like…

a solid antivirus software choice. It delivers on its promises and provides adequate security with a user-friendly interface, affordable plans, and essential security features. It’s a straightforward antivirus brand that won’t disappoint.

Pick Bitdefender if you’d like…

a strong ability to detect malware. It offers robust firewall protection and a comprehensive panel of features. If you’re looking for software that’s been continuously backed and highly reviewed, Bitdefender gives you that peace of mind.