TotalAV and Surfshark both offer budget-friendly plans that combine VPN features with antivirus protection. If you’re trying to decide between TotalAV VPN and Surfshark, I’ve put together a comparison to help you out.
TotalAV VPN: This option works best if you prefer a straightforward VPN with antivirus and a password manager included.
Surfshark: Known for its speed and strong privacy policies, Surfshark offers a top-tier VPN service with a clear no-logs policy.
Comparison Overview
TotalAV VPN vs. Surfshark: At a Glance
| Feature | TotalAV VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Servers | 50 | 3200+ |
| Number of Countries | 36 | 100+ |
| Devices Supported | 6-8 (varies by plan) | Unlimited |
| VPN on All Plans | No | Yes |
| Antivirus on All Plans | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | No | Yes |
| Dedicated IP | No | Yes |
| Starting Price | $3.25/month (annually) | $2.99/month (annually) |
Pricing Breakdown
TotalAV Pricing:
TotalAV has three annual plans. The basic plan only includes antivirus protection without a VPN, making it a poor comparison to Surfshark. The pricier options include both VPN and antivirus features. Here are the annual rates:
- TotalAV Antivirus Pro: $29, up to 4 devices
- TotalAV Internet Security: $39, up to 6 devices
- TotalAV Total Security: $49, up to 8 devices
TotalAV offers a trial only for Android users, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee for annual plans and a 14-day guarantee for shorter subscriptions. Some users have reported difficulties getting refunds.
Surfshark Pricing:
Surfshark offers three levels of individual plans:
-
24 months:
- Starter: $1.99/month for 4 extra months
- One: $2.49/month for 4 extra months
- One+: $3.99/month for 4 extra months
-
12 months:
- Starter: $2.99/month for 4 extra months
- One: $3.39/month for 4 extra months
- One+: $5.99/month for 4 extra months
- Month-to-month:
- Starter: $15.45/month
- One: $17.95/month
- One+: $20.65/month
Surfshark provides a seven-day free trial through both Google Play and the App Store, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee, though conditions apply.
Key Features
VPN Performance:
Surfshark stands out here, supporting unlimited devices and offering 3,200 servers in over 100 countries. It features a strict no-logs policy and various security protocols. During testing, Surfshark was fast and user-friendly.
TotalAV’s VPN falls short, with only 50 servers in 36 countries. It lacks a no-logs policy, split tunneling, or dedicated IP, making it less competitive in this category.
Antivirus Protection:
TotalAV excels with strong antivirus features, having started as an antivirus provider before introducing its VPN. It offers comprehensive protection, including phishing and ransomware defense, along with decent ratings from testing organizations.
Surfshark has enhanced its antivirus features recently, but they’re only available in higher-tier plans. It lacks some conveniences TotalAV offers, such as iOS compatibility and device cleaning tools.
User Experiences on Reddit
User feedback on Reddit shows mixed reviews about TotalAV, particularly regarding refunds and customer service. Many suggest sticking to built-in options like Microsoft Defender for basic protection. On the other hand, Surfshark receives praise for its speed, device policy, and overall value.
Usage Recommendations:
-
Choose TotalAV VPN if:
- You require antivirus for iOS devices.
- You want a simple VPN solution bundled with antivirus tools.
- You prefer additional features like disk cleaning and password management.
- Opt for Surfshark if:
- You’re looking for a top-performing VPN with fast connections.
- You need features like split tunneling and unlimited devices.
- You prefer a service with a transparent no-logs policy.
Methodology
In doing this comparison, I explored free trials, consulted product documentation, and looked at independent testing results and user feedback. I evaluated server counts, supported features, and pricing to provide a clear picture of both services.
