All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
- All About Cookies makes money when you click the links on our site to some of the products and offers that we mention. These partnerships do not influence our opinions or recommendations. Read more about how we make money.
- Partners are not able to review or request changes to our content except for compliance reasons.
- We aim to make sure everything on our site is up-to-date and accurate as of the publishing date, but we cannot guarantee we haven't missed something. It's your responsibility to double-check all information before making any decision. If you spot something that looks wrong, please let us know.
Best for Device Optimization
-
Real-time protection from viruses, malware, and online threats
-
Blocks tracking cookies and ads, proactively monitors for data breaches, and option to schedule smart scans
-
100% compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS operating systems on up to 3 devices
- Lacks firewall protection
Best for Increased Privacy & Security
-
4 plans available, all including antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection, Cloud backup, and a secure password manager
-
Option to add VPN connection, dark web monitoring, privacy monitoring, and more
-
Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS on up to 10 devices depending on plan
Based solely on test scores, functionality, features, and customer service, Norton is a step ahead of TotalAV. However, TotalAV takes a different approach than Norton does and pairs its antivirus with device optimization tools, so it may be more worth it for you.
Picking an antivirus software is personal. Whether you’re looking strictly for highly rated antivirus software that guarantees malware protection or you need a complete package with lots of extras, TotalAV and Norton both have offerings to meet your needs. Let’s take a deeper look at these two antivirus choices to see what additional features they offer.
TotalAV vs. Norton: prices
TotalAV vs. Norton: features
TotalAV vs. Norton: test results
TotalAV vs. Norton 360 Antivirus: compatibility and customer support
FAQs
Bottom line: Is TotalAV antivirus better than Norton?
TotalAV vs. Norton antivirus review at a glance
Norton and TotalAV are both highly-rated antivirus programs with a variety of features. TotalAV’s additional features focus more on device optimization and system tune-ups. Norton, on the other hand, offers a broader range of security features for complete privacy across the web, including a virtual private network (VPN), dark web monitoring, and parental controls.
TotalAV vs. Norton compared
![]() |
![]() |
|
Star rating | ||
Starting price | Free or $29.00/yr (first year only) | Starts at $29.99/yr (first year only) |
Max number of protected devices | Up to 8 | Up to 10 |
Malware scans | Manual and scheduled | Manual and scheduled |
Real-time protection | ||
Phishing protection | ||
Ransomware protection | ||
24/7 customer support | ||
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Mehr erfahren | Get TotalAV
Read TotalAV Review |
Get Norton
Read Norton Antivirus Review |
How we test and rate antivirus software
We use our proprietary grading rubric in all of our testing, which considers ease-of-use, third-party testing scores, internal testing scores, price, compatibility, and features offered, among other metrics.
This means that our testing process is designed to ensure that the product isn't too confusing, protects as it claims, and offers you a lot for a reasonable price. We download and run each program on our own computers on home networks, just like you would. Our ratings reflect the real-world performance of the antivirus product. This ensures that we can recreate a similar experience for you and give our best advice on whether or not it's worthwhile.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full testing methodology here.
TotalAV focuses more on offering diagnostic as well as web protection tools with its antivirus product while Norton is focused more on broad cybersecurity with identity protection.
Pricing is close, but Norton does offer a less expensive starting price for the Norton AntiVirus Plus plan at $29.99/yr (first year only) as opposed to TotalAV’s $29.00/yr (first year only) price for the Antivirus Pro plan. On the other hand, TotalAV offers a free plan, while Norton doesn't.
While Norton tops out at $99.99/yr (first year only) for the Select + LifeLock plan, Norton 360 Premium is comparable to TotalAV Total Security— both are about $50.00/yr. Each of these includes a ton of extra features. Be mindful of your renewal date, however, because renewal pricing is much higher than the first-year costs listed here.
TotalAV vs. Norton: prices
![]() |
![]() Our Pick
|
|
Price range | $29.00–$49.00/yr (first year only) | $29.99–$99.99/first yr |
Best value plan | TotalAV Internet Security for $39.00/yr (first year only) | Norton 360 Deluxe for $49.99/yr (first year only) |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days for annual plans, 14 days for monthly plans | Yes — 60 days for annual plans, 14 days for monthly plans |
Mehr erfahren | Get TotalAV
Read TotalAV Review |
Get Norton
Read Norton Antivirus Review |
TotalAV prices range from $29.00–$49.00/yr (first year only). We chose the middle plan, Internet Security, as the best value because it includes a VPN. While the Total Security plan, TotalAV’s top tier, was only $10 more per year (for the first year), we felt the device security portion wasn’t great since TotalAV isn’t as strong on Apple products.
Norton told us the Norton 360 Deluxe plan was the “Best Value,” but if you’re looking for identity theft protection on top of an antivirus, you might disagree. It doesn’t include LifeLock like the next choice up, but it does have parental controls and a privacy monitor to help keep you and your family safer online.
Norton’s renewal rate isn’t such a leap from the starting cost either. Norton 360 Deluxe begins at $49.99/yr (first year only) and jumps to $119.99/yr for the renewal, whereas Total Security starts at $49.00/yr (first year only) and then leaps all the way to $179.00/yr.
TotalAV vs. Norton: features
Feature | ![]() |
![]() Our Pick
|
Manual and scheduled scans | ||
Real-time protection | ||
Phishing protection | ||
Ransomware protection | ||
Firewall | ||
Parental controls | ||
Cloud storage | ||
Password manager | ||
VPN | ||
Ad blocker | ||
Device optimization tools | ||
Mehr erfahren | Get TotalAV
Read TotalAV Review |
Get Norton
Read Norton Antivirus Review |
What features do TotalAV and Norton have in common?
Malware and antivirus scan
Both TotalAV and Norton offer a quick scan and a full system scan. TotalAV's quick scan took a couple of minutes and its full system scan took over 10 minutes. During the full scan, TotalAV also seemed to slow down significantly when it encountered threats.
When testing Norton, its quick scan took under one minute and its full scan analyzed over 600,000 files in less than 10 minutes. While both products' scanning tools were easy to use, we thought Norton was better due to speed and performance.
Real-time protection
TotalAV offers real-time protection with a feature called WebShield. It's a phishing protection browser extension that can verify if the websites you're browsing are safe and protect against misleading activity, like scams or spoofed sites.
With Norton, you can turn on the Intrusion Prevention System and Proactive Exploit Protection. The Intrusion Prevention System detects and scans all network traffic for security vulnerabilities and works with your firewall to detect and block malicious attacks. Proactive Exploit Protection works by recognizing malicious behaviors and then blocking any software that mimics those behaviors. Ultimately, Norton's real-time protection is more comprehensive.
Phishing protection
TotalAV's phishing protection is the WebShield extension, which will deem websites safe for browsing and flag any suspicious websites it might encounter so you can browse securely.
![The TotalAV Adblocker comes with several features including a Web Shield, Ad Block Pro, Clear Cookies, and Clear History.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/22/totalav_adblocker.png)
Norton's phishing protection is the Norton Safe Web extension, which also analyzes sites you browse to help detect malware and other online threats. Similar to WebShield, it'll give you site ratings depending on whether a site is safe, potentially unsafe, or unsafe. TotalAV and Norton are evenly matched on phishing protection.
How are TotalAV and Norton different?
Features unique to TotalAV
One way TotalAV stands out from Norton is by including an ad blocker. Total Adblock not only blocks ads, but it can also help speed up your browsing since ads are known to slow down webpage load times. It also promises to block third-party trackers, which can help give you more anonymity online. Total Adblock and many other ad blockers have free versions, so we don't feel like this is a make-or-break feature, just something that's nice to have.
TotalAV also comes with device optimization tools like a duplicate file finder, large and old files locator, and disk usage analytics. Norton sells these tools separately, so TotalAV may be a better choice for you if you're looking to optimize your device.
Features unique to Norton
TotalAV and Norton share various features, such as ransomware protection, a password manager, anti-phishing, and malware detection, including spyware and adware. Norton, however, has a few additional features that helped it take the lead. Parental controls, cloud backup, and dark web monitoring are all useful features that will increase your security.
Diagnostic tools are available for free across the web, so that’s why we felt Norton’s additional features added more value to its antivirus product than TotalAV’s features. Products like Fortect help with PC health and tune-up, while CCleaner speeds up your device and deletes your history. IObit Advanced SystemCare Pro uses AI to clean and speed up your computer.
![Norton offers dark web monitoring, which checks the dark web for info like your email, address, credit card numbers, and more.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/01/27/norton-antivirus_reviews4.png)
TotalAV vs. Norton: test results
If you’ve ever received a product that didn’t work the way it was advertised, you can appreciate the need for third-party testing. It’s an important part of the cybersecurity landscape because it tests products to make sure they use the most recent technologies and block the newest threats.
While you may not be as concerned about a product’s performance in slowing down your machine, you should always strive for products that excel in protecting against cyber threats.
TotalAV vs. Norton malware protection scores
![]() |
![]() Our Pick
|
|
AV-TEST Windows score | 17/18 | 16.5/18 |
AV-TEST Android score | 18/18 | 18/18 |
AV-TEST macOS score | K.A. | 18/18 |
Mehr erfahren | Get TotalAV
Read TotalAV Review |
Get Norton
Read Norton Antivirus Review |
AV-TEST Android scores are from Mar 2024.
AV-TEST macOS scores are from Dec 2023.
For Windows, TotalAV had some issues with both protection and performance. In the protection arena, TotalAV was tested against 316 real-world malware examples from webpages and email.
The industry standard in these protection tests is to pass with 99.9%. In March 2024, TotalAV passed with 99.1%. We were impressed to see that TotalAV jumped up to 98.2% malware protection in April, but it looks like its initial score resulted in TotalAV being docked a half point in this category.
In terms of performance, TotalAV met or exceeded downloads of frequently used applications, launches of standard software applications, and copying of files locally and in a network. However, TotalAV slowed the loading of webpages and the installation of familiar applications in Windows machines more often than was considered acceptable by industry standards. While some slowdown is expected, this was significant enough to dock TotalAV a half point.
Norton had perfect malware protection testing scores for Android and macOS. Unfortunately, TotalAV didn’t recently submit itself for testing for macOS. The last macOS test was in March 2022. In the world of cybersecurity, it’s important to keep up with independent testing as new threats are constantly being released.
But similar to TotalAV, Norton's scores also dropped during the most recent Windows testing. In the past, AV-TEST conducted system tests for Windows 10 but now checks antivirus software against Windows 11. Norton dropped a whopping 1.5 points, chiefly due to two false positives (which isn't really a big deal) as well as a noticeably slower performance during the installation of frequently-used applications (which isn't great but still not a dealbreaker).
TotalAV vs. Norton 360 Antivirus: compatibility and customer support
![]() |
![]() Our Pick
|
|
Windows | ||
macOS | ||
Android | ||
iOS | ||
Browser extensions | Yes — Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Opera | Yes — Firefox, Chrome, Edge |
24/7 customer support | ||
Customer support options | Live chat, online guides, email | Live chat, online guides, email, support forums, phone |
Mehr erfahren | Get TotalAV
Read TotalAV Review |
Get Norton
Read Norton Antivirus Review |
There isn’t much difference in compatibility between TotalAV and Norton. We found that both products delivered on promises for not just Windows but also their limited Mac functionality. Our product testers found each antivirus offered many helpful features. Each one also works with Apple and Android mobile devices.
Originally we found both TotalAV and Norton had browser extensions for Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge. TotalAV also added the Opera browser to its compatibility list. Because both products are so similar in functionality and compatibility, the addition of the Opera browser gives TotalAV a slight advantage.
![TotalAV notifies you when it detects malware during its system scan. Our TotalAV flagged this FlashPlayer.dmg file as malicious.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/22/totalav_malwaredetected.png)
TotalAV scans and flags potential malware.
![We used Norton 360 to scan our MacBook for viruses and security risks.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/01/27/norton-antivirus_reviews1.png)
Norton scanning a clean Macbook.
As far as customer support goes, TotalAV seems to have a different feel than Norton. Norton seems much more accommodating with a variety of options for customers. When we tested TotalAV, we found more options in the product portal than on the website. If you’re looking for more than online guides with TotalAV, you won’t necessarily find them on the site.
FAQs
Can I trust TotalAV antivirus?
Yes, you can trust TotalAV as much as any other tested and verified antivirus program. TotalAV has strong third-party testing scores and many useful features, including device optimization. While less frequent testing is done on macOS and Android, the Windows version is tested regularly.
What’s the strongest antivirus app?
The strength of your antivirus may not be in a single tool but rather in the ability to layer or stack your security products together. Using a highly rated and well-tested antivirus like Norton or TotalAV in conjunction with a firewall and VPN gives you a significant advantage over someone who is using just the antivirus. This is why it’s important to find a security tool that offers many of these additional features that add layers of protection.
What company owns TotalAV?
TotalAV is owned by Protected.net Group Ltd., a software company located in Fareham, UK. Protected.net’s website redirects to Total Security’s website, which is part of the company's security offerings.
Should I keep Norton Antivirus?
Norton is one of the highest-rated antivirus software on the market. If you’re unhappy with your Norton product, we recommend contacting support to help with the problem. If you’re still unhappy, many other antivirus products are on the market. We’ve compiled a list of what we find to be the best antivirus software to help you decide. Whatever you choose, make sure you have some sort of protection on your computer — especially if you use public Wi-Fi.
Does Norton get rid of existing viruses?
Yes, as long as you have an active Norton subscription, the 100% virus protection promise covers you and any infection you may receive. This includes new and existing viruses. If you’re looking for a virus removal tool only, Norton offers a free tool called Norton Power Eraser that you can download.
Bottom line: Is TotalAV better than Norton?
Unfortunately, we would have to say “no” to this question. While TotalAV is a completely valid and safe choice for an antivirus program, Norton does edge it out in almost every category.
Norton has better customer service, stronger testing and test scores, and a wider variety of extra features like dark web monitoring and cloud storage. We also were impressed with the fact that Norton’s renewal pricing wasn’t as severe a difference from year one to year two as TotalAV’s pricing structure.
If you decide to go with TotalAV, you’ll still get a good product that’s done well in third-party testing. You may not have as many features, but you will have solid protection. Our only strong suggestion would be to keep an eye on your renewal date. That price jump is significant!
Whichever you choose, just make sure you use an antivirus on your computer. Viruses and ransomware are no joke, and a good piece of security software can ensure you’re safe.
TotalAV vs. Norton alternatives
Still not sold on TotalAV or Norton? That’s ok, we have other antivirus software options for you. We’ve tested all these products and can recommend them with confidence.
- McAfee: McAfee is only free for iOS and Android, but you can test it out with a 30-day free trial for Windows. Since it’s one of the oldest names in the industry, McAfee knows what it’s doing when it comes to cybersecurity.
Get McAfee | Read Our McAfee Review - Avast: Avast offers a free product that tests very well and provides you with protection where you need it most. If you feel you need more protection than what’s in the free product, you have the option to upgrade to a premium Avast service. You’ll even be able to access the free Avast service on your Android with its mobile app.
Get Avast | Read Our Avast Review - Bitdefender: Loving the idea of free? Bitdefender provides you with diagnostic tools as well as protection for free. Your free subscription is available on up to three devices, so search away.
Get Bitdefender | Read Our Bitdefender Review
![A blue background with images of locks and shields and the text "AVG vs. TotalAV"](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/02/21/avg_vs._totalav_antivirus_featured_image.jpg)
![A blue background with images of locks and shields with the text "TotalAV vs. Norton" and the All About Cookies logo.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/08/04/total-av-vs-norton.png)
![A mom and daughter sit together using a laptop.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/08/06/is_roblox_safe_featured_image.png)
![Person using a laptop computer with cybersecurity.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/06/26/is_kaspersky_safe.jpg)
![A blue background with images of locks and shields and the text "Norton Alternatives"](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/06/19/norton_alternatives.jpg)
![A blue background with images of locks and shields with the text “Best Antivirus Free Trial Downloads” and the All About Cookies logo.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/06/05/best_antivirus_free_trial_downloads_featured_image.png)
![Woman holds phone while scrolling on her laptop.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/05/31/norton-deals-discounts-promotions.png)
![A man in an office stares down at his laptop.](https://cdn.allaboutcookies.org/315x315/filters:quality(75)/images/2024/05/16/norton-360-prices.png)