TotalAV vs Adaware: Which One is Better? [2023 Top Picks]

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TotalAV vs. Adaware: Which Is Right for You?

Kate Davidson
Kate Davidson
Chief Editor

TotalAV vs. Adaware: Which Is Right for You?

Strong antivirus software needs to protect from a wide variety of threats. Both Total AV and Adaware use the latest in malware-detection, which is over 90% accurate and protects from both known and unknown threats. The main differences between the two software suites are the price and their additional features.

Total AV comes with anti-phishing protocols, a VPN, an adblocker, and an encrypted password manager. It also comes with a firewall which you can edit remotely and a PC optimization tool which removes any unnecessary files. It will also optimize your device settings for speed and security. Although Total AV doesn’t offer a free version of its software, it’s a fairly inexpensive option.

Adaware may be a lesser-known company but it provides a strong, budget-friendly antivirus solution. If offers strong malware protection with default port scanning, email protection to keep your safe from phishing attempts, and a Safe Sender list so security notices don’t interrupt your regular communications. Adaware also offers extensive parental controls to create age-based templates that restrict which sites and programs users can access. The software is cheaper than Total AV, with plans ranging from free to $45. The price is reflected in some elements of the software, though; it takes two reboots to install and there’s no phone or live chat helpline.

Starting Price
Money Back Guarantee
Free Trial
$19.00
30 Days
$36.00
Anytime
Security
Features
Ease of Use
Support
Pricing
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Latest Positive Review*User reviews are not verified
Ben
Mar. 8, 2023
review totalAV
Great Product only they charge for all add ons.
Mar. 8, 2023
Rigoros Treatment
Top Product and Professionally-updated Services
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No reviews yet
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No reviews yet
Latest Negative Review*User reviews are not verified
Feb. 5, 2023
TotalAV
I CANNOT GET TO SPEAK TO ANYONE PERSONALLY. I DON'T KNOW WHY I HAVE PAID...
phyllis
Oct. 10, 2022
not good
won't let me use computer while running. runs too many times. can't get...
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
No reviews yet
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No reviews yet
Our Verdict
Kate Davidson
Kate Davidson
Chief Editor
Determining the best depends on the features. Total AV’s internet protection protocols are great if you’ve got the budget for it. Otherwise, Adaware is a good option that provides solid basic security and a few extra features.
Time To Decide Which One Is Best For You

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the best antivirus for me?

The first thing to do is to understand what you need — all antiviruses come with different internet security tools to help you stay protected, so identifying what level of protection you want will help you figure out which product is right for you.

Some antiviruses have a virtual private network (VPN), some have safe browsing extensions, and some have a password manager. Some only work on certain operating systems, while others cover all operating systems across multiple devices.

It’s important to compare the best antiviruses on the market to find the perfect one with the functionality you need.

What makes an antivirus secure?

A high-quality antivirus suite will detect, flag, and remove viruses and various types of malware. It will also offer real-time protection against all threats, regardless of whether you are browsing the internet, downloading software, shopping online, or opening email. For additional security, many antivirus suites offer a VPN, secure storage, and a password manager — these things all add several layers of protection against various cyber threats.

For more information on how antiviruses work, read this.

What do I need to look for when searching for an antivirus?

An antivirus needs to protect against all types of malware — trojans, rootkits, worms, spyware, viruses, ransomware, and anything else that might cause damage to your devices. This is done in a variety of ways, but the most essential feature of an antivirus is real-time protection — this makes sure that an active threat is effectively stopped before anything serious can happen.

Other things to look for include — excellent detection rates, fast system performance, included extra features (like a VPN, password manager, etc.), easy-to-use interface, good customer support, and overall value.

Go here for a list of the best antivirus software of 2023.

How do I know if one antivirus is better than another?

When researching antiviruses, it’s a good idea to visit a few well-known antivirus software websites such as Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender to directly compare each antivirus’s features.

You can also look at the expert opinions of our reviewers at SafetyDetectives.com to find the most up-to-date and unbiased information about the best cybersecurity products on the market today.