Total VPN Review

Total VPN is a fast and capable VPN bundled with TotalAV antivirus. While many antivirus VPNs fall short, this VPN has everything home users need from a VPN. We’ll explain why in this comprehensive Total VPN review.

With WireGuard support, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy, this VPN can compete with big players like NordVPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access. Because it lacks some advanced VPN features (that many people don’t even need), it’s one of the easiest VPNs for beginners to get online privacy, fast speeds, and IP address spoofing.

In this Total VPN review, I examined its security features, privacy policy, server network, streaming performance, and the amazing value behind its pricing. Keep reading to see how Total VPN’s price compares to other providers and to learn about its refund policy.

Total VPN review key data

* Average speed over multiple global locations based across multiple speed tests per day.

Total VPN review pros and cons

Total VPN is extremely hard to beat if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly VPN that delivers optimal speed, security, and streaming at a low price. Below, I’ve summarized the pros and cons based on my hands-on testing. I will provide additional insights about each feature throughout this VPN review.

What I liked about Total VPN:

• User-friendly apps: Both the standalone Total VPN app and the TotalAV-integrated version are clean, fast, and intuitive.
• Great value for money: Starts at just $1.58/month when you use our special discount to get the VPN bundled with TotalAV and Total Adblock, making it incredibly good value.
• Strong encryption and VPN protocols: Supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec, and the Hydra protocol. WireGuard is also available on Android.
• Hydra protocol speed performance: Hydra is fast, obfuscates VPN traffic, and works well on restricted networks.
• Excellent for streaming: Unblocked Netflix US, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer in our tests.
• Kill switch (Windows only): Protects your IP if the VPN drops unexpectedly.
• No-logs policy: Claims not to log usage data, though clarity around IP logs could be improved.
• Leak protection: Passed DNS and WebRTC leak tests without issue.
• Includes extra features: Bundled with Total Adblock and antivirus tools like malware scanning and real-time protection.
• “Staying Safe Online” eBook: A nice bonus that shows dedication to user education and privacy.
• Responsive support: Live chat, email, and a knowledge base are available 24/7.
• 30-day money-back guarantee: Lets you test the service risk-free.

What I disliked about Total VPN:

• Simultaneous connections limit: Only supports up to 5 devices at once.
• Kill switch missing on macOS and mobile: Only available on Windows.
• Based in the UK: A Five Eyes country, which may concern strict privacy advocates.
• No split tunneling: Can’t route apps selectively outside the VPN.
• Lack of anonymous payment options: No Bitcoin or crypto support.
• Support accessibility: Live chat can be hard to find at first.

Do I recommend Total VPN?

Yes. Total VPN is a no-fuss Virtual Private Network (VPN) ideal for beginners and home users who want a VPN that just works. Total VPN includes all the key VPN features most people need: strong encryption, fast speeds, a kill switch (on Windows), and a strict no-logs policy. It’s bundled with TotalAV antivirus and starts at just $1.58 per month, which is exceptional value for money.

Although there is a price hike after the first year, TotalAV emails you 30 days before renewal. It clearly explains the first-year VPN discount from the beginning. This gives you plenty of time to cancel. All leading VPNs, including NordVPN and ExpressVPN, use the same billing model.

Total VPN doesn’t overwhelm users with features they’ll never use. Instead, it sticks to fast VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and the highly versatile Hydra protocol) and a server network spanning 30+ countries. Hydra is designed to hide VPN traffic by making it look like regular HTTPS. This makes it ideal for bypassing streaming blocks and VPN firewalls.

Total VPN is an excellent streaming VPN. It works flawlessly with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and other popular services. And the Hydra protocol gives you the fast VPN speeds needed for smooth HD playback.

Total VPN no longer defaults to PPTP. Instead, it uses OpenVPN by default—a much better choice for VPN security. The kill switch is available on Windows only, so macOS and mobile users should take note.

I was also impressed by Total VPN’s “Staying Safe Online” eBook, which demonstrates this service provider’s dedication to consumer digital protection. Plus, the VPN/antivirus bundle includes Total Adblock for extra protection.

If you want fast VPN speed, Netflix access, simple setup, and low cost, Total VPN is a smart pick.

Total VPN features

Total VPN doesn’t try to do everything, and that’s good. It sticks to the essentials and delivers a streamlined VPN experience with fast speeds, reliable encryption, and easy usability. If you want core VPN features without constant upsells or clutter, Total VPN is a great pick, especially considering it comes bundled with TotalAV and Total Adblock for added value.

Below, I’ve outlined the essential features included with your Total VPN subscription.

Core VPN features

Total VPN stacks a decent number of core VPN features. These are the central VPN features needed to:

• Stop local networks from monitoring your activities
• Prevent ISPs from tracking your website visits and storing mandatory data retention logs (including activity and communications metadata)
• Protect yourself against tracking and hackers on public wifi
• Bypass geo restrictions
• Circumvent website blocks at work
• Bypass censorship in countries that enforce blocks

Total VPN supports an outstanding mix of VPN protocols. Protocol availability depends on your app (the standalone app or the version built into TotalAV). Across both versions (you get both with your subscription), you can pick between WireGuard, Hydra, IPSec, and OpenVPN.

Total VPN uses AES-256 encryption across the board. This is the same encryption standard banks and governments use and is considered uncrackable. This ensures that all your online traffic remains private at home, at work, or on public wifi.

The server network spans 50 servers in 35 countries, with city-level locations available in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. The network is smaller than dedicated VPN providers like NordVPN, but it is more than enough for an average user’s needs.

Each subscription supports up to five simultaneous connections, making it a good option for techy users with many devices or families. Torrenting is allowed, and gaming performance is solid, especially when using the Hydra or WireGuard protocols.

Finally, the apps are simple to navigate, setup is quick, and switching servers is intuitive. Overall, very impressive for the price point and the extras you get.

Advanced security & privacy features

Here are some of the most advanced security and privacy features included with TotalVPN as standard:

• AES-256 encryption
• A choice of protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec, WireGuard, Catapult Hydra
• Perfect Forward Secrecy
• Kill switch (Windows only)
• DNS leak protection
• IP leak protection
• WebRTC leak protection
• Hydra protocol with native obfuscation (disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS)
• No-logs policy

Additional Features

Total VPN comes bundled with TotalAV antivirus and Total Adblock, giving you a full digital protection suite under one subscription—including real-time malware protection, phishing detection, and ad/tracker blocking. You can find out more about those extras in our in-depth TotalAV review.

For now, here is a full list of the features you get when you subscribe to Total VPN:

• Real-time antivirus protection
• Eliminate viruses, trojans, and malware
• Zero day cloud scanning
• PUA protection
• Phishing scam protection
• Ransomware protection
• System tune-up tools
• Disk cleaner
• Browser manager & cleaner
• iOS & Android virus protection
• Total Adblock

TotalVPN pricing and plans

Total VPN keeps things simple with a single annual plan that bundles the VPN with TotalAV antivirus and Total Adblock. This straightforward pricing model is perfect for users who want a no-fuss, all-in-one solution.

Price breakdown

A subscription to Total VPN starts at $29.00 per year for the first year, which works out to just $2.41 per month. This is an incredibly affordable VPN subscription, considering that you also get TotalAV and Total Adblock bundled with it.

Best of all, you can get the VPN even cheaper by following our link. Check the discounts section below to learn more about our exclusive offer!

It is important to remember that once the first year is over, the price of Total VPN will revert to the standard, non-discounted rate, which is US$99.00 per year. To avoid paying this much, you must cancel your account before the auto-renewal occurs. The refund guarantee is only valid for new users, so if you forget to cancel and are charged, you cannot invoke the money-back guarantee.

Some users have previously complained online about TotalAV’s renewal charges. This complaint seems unjustifiable because the auto-renewal info is clearly stated on its website, and cancellation is made very easy. Ultimately, Total VPN’s auto-renewal system is no different from any other VPN I have ever reviewed.

Subscription add-ons

Total VPN doesn’t offer some add-ons you find with competing VPN providers. It focuses on giving you a full-featured VPN without the fluff and confusion.

This simplicity is a plus for users who don’t need extra features like dedicated IPs, port forwarding, residential IPs, or even extras such as password managers, cloud storage, or data removal services (which are available with some VPNs and make choosing a subscription plan even more confusing).

Discounts

We have what you need if you want the best Total VPN deal!

At Comparitech, we have agreed on an exclusive deal for our readers. Our exclusive discount reduces the price to just $19.00 per year, including TotalAV and Total Adblock.

It’s one of the best VPN deals I’ve seen, especially considering the extras included. For just $1.58 per month, you can have unlimited VPN use, an ad blocker, and an antivirus.

Payment methods & refunds

Total VPN accepts a variety of payment methods, including major credit cards, PayPal, and Google Pay/Apple Pay. Unfortunately, there are no anonymous payment options like cryptocurrencies.

For the annual plan, Total VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied within the first 30 days, you can get a full refund. For monthly plans, the refund period is limited to just 14 days, which is still a reasonable amount of time to test the VPN on your devices.

The company states that refunds will be processed within 7 business days after the request.

Testing the money-back guarantee

I tested the refund process to ensure it works smoothly. I started by logging into the TotalAV website and canceling my account via: Dashboard > My Services > Manage. Now click Cancel. With that done, you will receive an email with a code. Enter it to confirm that you want to cancel.

Next, I launched the live chat support on its website and asked the agent for a refund. The agent asked me why I wanted to cancel, and I told them that I had simply decided I couldn’t afford it. The agent asked to confirm my payment details and then initiated my refund request. The process was pretty seamless, and the money was returned to my account within 5 business days.

The refund policy gives new users plenty of time to test the VPN. However, please note that the refund is only available for new users. If you forget to cancel your account and it auto-renews for another subscription, you will not be eligible for a refund. So, cancel your account using the steps above before your account renewal date.

Does Total VPN offer value for money?

Yes. With a $19.00 annual price for the first year, including TotalAV antivirus and Total Adblock, Total VPN offers incredible value. While it doesn’t come with many advanced features or extras, the bundle provides solid privacy, security, and streaming capabilities at an affordable price.

It’s perfect for users who want a simple, effective VPN that doesn’t try to upsell additional features or services. The bundle makes it an excellent choice for users seeking both a VPN and an antivirus at a cost that won’t break the bank.

Speed – Is Total VPN fast?

Most people want a fast VPN for streaming, playing games, and surfing the web while connected. During my testing, I am always looking for exceptional VPNs that offer robust privacy, access to global streaming platforms, and the ability to maintain my internet baseline speed without any noticeable slowdowns.

The good news? Total VPN performs well above its pay grade in terms of speed. It maintained fantastic speeds across all three regions I tested. Whether watching Netflix in HD or downloading files, I was impressed by Total VPN’s performance, especially when using the WireGuard protocol.

You can learn more about our speed test methodology here. However, to give you a quick overview: I tested Total VPN’s servers in the USA (New York), UK (London), and Hong Kong at AM, Noon, and PM. I used these results to arrive at localized averages and a global average.

I ran the tests on a dedicated UK-based Windows machine that uses the latest standalone version of Total VPN. I set the VPN to the WireGuard protocol and used the app version of Speed Test by Ookla to measure speed.

The baseline speed on the server without a VPN is capped at 250 Mbps. This ensures consistent testing conditions for all VPNs. Below, you can see the results of my comprehensive speed tests on Total VPN:

Speed test results

As you can see, Total VPN performed incredibly well for a VPN that costs just $1.58 per month for Comparitech readers. A global average of 177.60 puts it in range with some of the world’s fastest VPNs.

The Hong Kong server was a touch slower than the others I tested, which is understandable given the distance involved. Still, an average speed of 137.69 means plenty of headroom for data-intensive tasks like streaming, gaming, or torrenting on its Asian servers.

Both the London and New York servers delivered excellent results. While speeds fluctuated slightly throughout the day, they consistently stayed high, making Total VPN a top choice for 4K streaming, fast torrent downloads, and online gaming.

Overall, Total VPN is a fast, reliable option. Its speed-to-cost performance is hard to beat.

Device compatibility (VPN Apps)

Total VPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It allows you to connect up to five devices simultaneously. This is usually enough for most power users and families, but it’s lower than much of the competition.

In addition to having desktop and mobile VPN apps, Total VPN is integrated within the TotalAV antivirus program, which comes bundled with the VPN as standard. This allows you to control the VPN using the antivirus, and it is worth noting that during the latest round of testing, TotalAV was one of the most reliable antivirus programs on the market, receiving a full score for performance and protection in independent lab tests.

If you are particularly fond of another antivirus, you could install Total VPN as a standalone. This will let you use Total VPN for online privacy or to access regional streaming platforms without installing the antivirus. Thus, Total VPN leaves this choice completely up to you.

That said, some of the features in the standalone app are different from those in the version built into the antivirus. This is my main complaint about this service, and I hope they decide to update their standalone VPN app soon to include the kill switch and auto-connect features across all operating systems.

Total VPN does not offer router compatibility, so you won’t be able to install it on a router using OpenVPN or WireGuard config files. If you specifically want a router-compatible VPN, you will need to shop elsewhere.

Platform-specific details

Want to know which features you get in each of the Total VPN apps? We have listed all available features for each operating system below. Note that I have included all features available using both the standalone version and the Antivirus-hosted VPN clients (because, as a subscriber, you get access to both).

As you can see, Total VPN is a straightforward VPN that offers all the critical core VPN features needed to gain privacy and freedom of access.

Windows

macOS

Android

iOS

Linux

Unfortunately, Total VPN does not offer an app for Linux. Users will not find a GUI or the ability to install Total VPN using the command line interface. There is currently no support for Linux users. If you want a Linux VPN, you will need to shop elsewhere. Hopefully, Total VPN for Linux is something the company will decide to introduce later.

Browser extensions

Total VPN does not make Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browser extensions. You will need to control the VPN using the primary, standalone VPN clients.

Browser-based VPN proxies are not full VPNs. They do not offer the same level of encryption and protection as the main VPN client. This is why using standalone VPN apps, like the ones provided by Total VPN, is much more secure.

Ease of use

Total VPN offers a simple, user-friendly experience that’s especially well-suited to Windows users. I tested the VPN across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS to see how it performs in real-world conditions.

Admittedly, the Windows version has the most features. However, I also found it a great option for Mac, Android, and iOS users who want to encrypt their internet connection for privacy or bypass region locks to access streaming services on vacation.

What’s more, this VPN is refreshingly easy to use, without the overwhelming list of features found in many modern VPNs. It’s a clean, clutter-free VPN for anyone wanting to get online, stay private, and avoid confusing menus.

Using Total VPN for Windows

Total VPN is a sleek-looking VPN with a dark theme that’s easy on the eyes at any time of day. Subscribing is simple via the website, and you can download either the standalone VPN app or the antivirus app from the members’ area.

The apps only take a minute or two to download and install; after that, you’re ready to start. The antivirus app takes a bit longer to install because it has to install the malware definitions library.

Using the standalone app is extremely easy. It’s one of the cleanest and simplest VPN interfaces I’ve ever seen, which makes it one of the best VPNs for beginners.

On the left-hand side, you can see the server options. The search bar at the top lets you find a server in a specific country or city. This makes it fast to navigate to the IP address you require. You also get a quick connect button to connect to the best server for your country.

Clicking the Cog symbol on the left-hand menu opens the settings. Here, you can switch between the protocols. You can select WireGuard for most activities because it provides faster speeds. The other options are helpful when trying to bypass VPN blocks on some networks or using OpenVPN for added security or Hydra for obfuscation.

Using the VPN in the antivirus app

Using the VPN in the antivirus program is also straightforward. However, the menu has options for the antivirus, disk cleaning utility, and other features. This makes it a bit more cluttered.

That said, the app is still extremely well-designed. And it does not confuse you by upselling additional features. To use the VPN, simply click the VPN icon in the left-hand menu:

If you want to connect to the fastest server available, just click the Fastest Connection button. To select a specific server location, click Select a Location. You can click the star next to a server to bring it to the top of the server list, making it easier to connect to your favorite locations the next time.

If you want to activate the kill switch or auto-connect features, navigate to Settings >VPN. Here, you can toggle the features on:

Once the kill switch has been enabled, you will see a warning each time you disconnect. It lets you know you will not have internet access until you reconnect the VPN.

Testing the kill switch

I was interested to see whether the kill switch works to protect you even when connecting using the standalone app. To test it, I turned on the kill switch in the antivirus app. Next, I launched the standalone VPN app and tried to connect.

Unfortunately, the VPN would not connect. This is because the VPN kill switch in TotalAV successfully blocked my internet. As a result, the standalone VPN app could not establish a connection to the VPN server. I had to disable the kill switch to use the standalone VPN app.

Next, I tested the kill switch by purposefully crashing the antivirus app using Windows Task Manager. I used this method to check whether the kill switch functions even after the app crashes.

I can confirm that despite crashing the app, the VPN connection persisted. My real IP did not leak at any point, and when I re-launched the antivirus app, the VPN was already connected. This reveals that the VPN leverages system-level background processes to keep the VPN connected and block your internet if the connection is lost.

This is the most reliable and secure type of VPN kill switch, which is great news for users who torrent or engage in other sensitive activities.

Protocol selection

You can switch between protocols, but the antivirus-app version of the VPN only supports IKEv2 and OpenVPN.

The app recommends IKEv2 for better speeds, and I can confirm that between OpenVPN and IKEv2, the latter is indeed faster in my tests. That said, if you want the fastest possible performance, you’ll want to use WireGuard in the standalone VPN app.

Below, I have included a table that shows which protocols are available in each app:

The Windows app is also the only one that offers an auto-connect feature for public wifi networks. This makes it a solid option for Windows laptop users who work remotely and want protection against tracking or hackers.

Overall, I found Total VPN extremely easy to use on Windows. My only real complaint is the need to switch between the TotalAV-hosted VPN and the standalone VPN app. This setup makes accessing all features slightly more cumbersome than it needs to be. Ideally, the standalone app will eventually incorporate all the features. For now, this is just a minor annoyance.

Did Total VPN for Windows work as advertised?

Yes, Total VPN worked as expected, providing me with a robust connection and fast speeds, whether at home or on the go. In my tests, I encountered no major bugs or crashes. The VPN maintained a stable connection when I purposely crashed the app, making it a highly reliable Windows VPN.

That said, the VPN is quite light on features. Users looking for real-time ping metrics or server load data may prefer a VPN displaying this information. Likewise, those needing advanced features like split tunneling, port forwarding, or dedicated IPs will need to shop elsewhere.

However, for regular home users, Total VPN is a workhorse. It delivers consistent speeds, polished apps, and stable connections that are ideal for gaining privacy in various settings.

Using Total VPN on Android and iOS

Total VPN for Android and iOS are simple apps with all the basic features required to stay private online. The mobile VPN apps have a similar interface to the Windows version, with fewer features, making them exceptionally easy to use. Total VPN is probably the most beginner-friendly mobile VPN I’ve ever encountered.

The server list is easy to navigate on both platforms, and connecting is as simple as tapping a button. Total VPN’s added ease of use has a caveat: you don’t get a kill switch or auto-connect on these platforms. Those features are Windows-only.

This might be a deal-breaker for more advanced users who want these protections across all their devices. However, for VPN beginners or anyone primarily interested in fast speeds for streaming, Total VPN is worth testing using the money-back guarantee.

Server network

Total VPN’s server network is hugely impressive for a VPN that costs just $1.58 per month. Users get access to a pool of IP addresses in 100 locations across 86+ different countries. This includes servers in 24 US cities, which makes it an excellent VPN for bypassing blackout games or watching US streaming platforms on vacation.

The number of servers available differs between the antivirus app and the standalone VPN app. The antivirus version of the app only provides access to 50 locations in 35 countries.

You will need to stick to the standalone Total VPN app to get additional location options. For example, the antivirus version of the VPN only has servers in 12 US cities vs 24 in the standalone app. In Australia, the antivirus app has servers in 2 cities, while the standalone VPN has servers in 5 Australian cities.

Those wondering how many servers the VPN has are out of luck. TotalAV does not publish a total server number count. In addition, the VPN does not specify whether its servers are physical servers or virtual locations provided using DNS routing from physical servers elsewhere.

This may be a turn-off for users who demand transparency in server location and jurisdiction. However, these concerns only really apply to users with an elevated threat model rather than average home users who want to stop local networks and ISPs from tracking their activities.

That said, I hope that Total VPN will decide to offer additional transparency regarding its network. Knowing whether the servers are self-hosted or rented, physical or virtual, and other implementation details, such as diskless servers that run in RAM, would help make the VPN more attractive to techy users with greater privacy needs.

Server metrics

Server Count: Total VPN currently operates 100+ servers in over 86 countries. These include servers in all regions globally, including North America, Europe, Latin America, MENA, and Asia.

Finally, Total VPN does not offer servers labeled by use case or platform. Some VPNs offer streaming servers optimized for specific platforms like Netflix. With Total VPN, all servers are compatible with torrenting and streaming, so you only need to pick the country.

Server comparison with competitors

Below, I have included a direct comparison between Total VPN’s network and those of leading competitors.

As you can see, the VPN competes exceptionally well with some of the world’s leading VPN brands. Total VPN’s network is sufficient for most people’s accessibility requirements.

The servers do not suffer from congestion, and they are Tier 1 servers capable of outstanding speeds. They offer excellent consistency for bypassing region locks and censorship. Total VPN can hold its own despite its smaller network.

Unique or rare server locations

Total VPN has servers across major regions, such as Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. These include servers in under-represented countries like Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bhutan, Brunei, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Montenegro, and Nepal.

Total’s exceptional network provides users with IP addresses in most places around the world.

Does Total VPN Work in China?

Total VPN offers a server in China, which means you can use it to get a Chinese IP address from anywhere in the world. However, the VPN does not mention whether it officially supports users in China.

Despite offering an obfuscation protocol (Hydra), TotalVPN is not known for bypassing the Chinese government blocks. If you want a VPN to access Western services like Google or Facebook while in China, I advise opting for something else.

However, although Total VPN doesn’t officially bypass China’s Great Firewall, the Hydra protocol works in many other regions with strict internet censorship, such as Egypt, Turkey, the UAE, and Pakistan.

Streaming and unblocking

Total VPN has significantly upgraded its server network to provide better streaming access to its users. Those upgrades helped to take the VPN from decent to outstanding. The VPN is now extremely solid for home users wanting to access their streaming accounts while traveling or at work. I’ve covered why in more detail below.

Streaming overview

Total VPN works reliably with major streaming platforms. It offers fast speeds, which ensure excellent performance and uninterrupted viewing, even in HD and 4K.

The standalone app, in particular, could unblock foreign content, making it a solid choice for vacations or broadening your streaming horizons.

The WireGuard integration also makes this an incredibly versatile streaming VPN, allowing me to watch all the services I tested without buffering.

Streaming service compatibility

Total VPN is extremely handy for unblocking streaming platforms on vacation.

During my tests, the VPN successfully unblocked major streaming platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video (USA and UK), YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, and ITVX. It also worked with Disney+ and Apple TV (USA and UK).

I only encountered errors when I tried to stream Disney+ Australia and Prime Video Australia. So, if you want to access Australian streams, you may want to test it with your accounts using the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Total VPN has a wide choice of servers across the US. This makes it a fantastic option for bypassing blackout games on services like ESPN, FOX Sports, Sling TV, NHL.TV, NFL+, NBA League Pass, F1 TV, and other sports streaming platforms.

For the cost of this VPN, it is hard to find another service that offers access to so many streaming services worldwide.

Netflix

Total VPN successfully unblocked all the Netflix regions that I tested. It worked seamlessly with Netflix in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Germany. This makes it a fantastic option for accessing regional TV shows or region-exclusive movies.

The standalone app performed excellently, especially when using the WireGuard protocol, which provided faster speeds. I always got the best performance when watching in HD without any buffering.

Does Total VPN work with international streaming platforms?

Yes. I tested Total VPN across various international streaming platforms. I used the standalone VPN app using the WireGuard protocol. These tests are designed to give you a clear picture of how Total VPN works to access a variety of free-to-view TV platforms from around the globe.

• Germany: I watched ARD Midday Magazine on ARD1 using the free-to-view service ARD Mediathek. This channel is usually inaccessible outside of Germany, but Total VPN successfully bypassed the geo-restriction when connected to the Frankfurt am Main server.
• France: I tested Total VPN to access France.tv logged in with a free account. I could stream French TV while connected to the Paris server. The quality was flawless, and I suffered no buffering.
• Canada: Using the Toronto server, I could stream on-demand videos for free on CBC Gem. I experienced no buffering or interruptions while streaming Canadian TV.
• Australia: I accessed 7Plus to see if I could watch Aussie TV. The good news is that I could watch Australia’s Got Talent on 7Now while connected to the Melbourne server. Unfortunately, however, TenPlay did not work.

Does Total VPN allow torrenting?

Yes. Total VPN does not discriminate against Peer-to-Peer (P2P) connections on any of its servers. You can use its entire network for torrenting. Total gives you excellent speeds so you can download files faster than with most other VPNs.

The only drawback is that you don’t get split tunneling or port forwarding. These are specialized VPN features that some users enjoy using with their torrent client.

Most users probably won’t miss these features. However, if you are a serious torrenting enthusiast and want these features specifically, you will need to opt for an alternative torrenting-friendly VPN provider.

Is Total VPN safe?

Total VPN is ideal for home users who want to block ISP tracking, stay private on public Wi-Fi, and bypass website restrictions—whether at work or on vacation—with complete privacy.

Total VPN includes all the essential security features, including strong encryption, modern tunneling protocols, and leak protection. However, it lacks some of the advanced features offered by the best VPNs.

I checked the VPN for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to ensure that the VPN works as expected to provide a watertight VPN tunnel. As you can see below, the VPN was completely leak-free:

Logging policy

I thoroughly analyzed Total VPN’s privacy policy to identify any grey areas. Unfortunately, the policy states that the VPN collects activity records, connection logs, and IP addresses. For many users (especially those with an elevated threat model), this will be enough to put them off the service.

The policy claims that IP addresses are collected to assist users with products and services and to help improve its services. However, the wording is vague and leaves too much wiggle room. As a result, users cannot feel confident that their data isn’t being repurposed for unwanted purposes.

Unfortunately, this vague language is common in VPNs offered by antivirus companies. These policies do not offer enough transparency to definitively rule out the use of usage data and connection logs for profiling or other unwanted uses.

Vague logging policies also create the threat that government authorities might later request user data with a warrant. That goes against the purpose of a VPN, which is to provide privacy against all forms of tracking, both now and in the future.

In contrast, market-leading standalone VPN services usually go to great lengths to create clear, strict no-logs policies that leave no room for interpretation. This transparency allows them to confidently promote themselves as true no-logs VPNs.

No false claims

To Total VPN’s credit, it does not falsely claim to be a no-logs VPN anywhere on its website. I appreciate this honesty, but users still need to know what they are getting into.

Ideally, the privacy policy would be updated to remove vague statements like:

“your IP address and other unique identifiers” and “where we provide you with VPN services, connect data, usage data, error analysis data, and product data.”

These phrases give the VPN legal leeway to collect, store, and monitor user activity while connected.

Although the policy doesn’t state that this data will be used for marketing, profiling, or other intrusive purposes, it also doesn’t explicitly rule those uses out. This kind of grey area is troubling, especially for a VPN based in the UK.

What do these findings mean?

Most home users looking to bypass blocks and access geo-restricted streams probably won’t find this policy concerning. However, VPN enthusiasts and users with elevated privacy needs (such as journalists, lawyers, political dissidents, and activists) will almost certainly find the policy too weak.

Total VPN has not undergone any public independent audits of its apps, infrastructure, or privacy policy. Independent audits help build trust and transparency. To make the audit worthwhile, Total VPN would first need to rewrite its policy.

Encryption protocols

Total VPN comes with highly reliable encryption options to secure your online activities and data in transit:

• AES-256 encryption for OpenVPN and IPSec protocols.
• ChaCha20 encryption is used with WireGuard. This provides strong security and faster performance.

These encryption standards provide robust protection against hackers, eavesdropping, and surveillance. They also prevent surveillance by government agencies. As a result, Total VPN is secure for personal and professional use, including secure remote work sessions on public Wi-Fi.

Controversies

Total VPN has never been involved in controversies, disclosed security breaches, or suffered scandals associated with its VPN. It has a clean bill of health for providing privacy and data security for its users.

Another plus: The trusted cybersecurity company Point Wild recently acquired the service. This has led to improvements in its VPN and Total AV antivirus, which now scores a maximum for malware protection in independent lab tests.

Before the change in ownership, some users complained about a lack of transparency regarding renewal fees. This previously led to confusion and frustration but should no longer be an issue.

TotalVPN now clearly displays its pricing and renewal terms upfront. It sends a reminder email 30 days before the renewal date to give subscribers ample time to cancel if they want.  As a result, these past concerns are no longer relevant in 2025.

Total VPN safety conclusion

Total VPN is a safe VPN choice for everyday users. It still has everything users need to prevent local networks, ISPs, government agencies, public Wi-Fi hotspots, and workplaces from tracking their online activities. This makes it a reliable VPN for average home users seeking online privacy.

But it’s not perfect. Here are some things it could improve:

• The privacy policy wording
• Additional information about network infrastructure, including the use of virtual servers
• Changing over to diskless servers for added security
• Introduction of additional security features like multi-hop

Customer Support

Total VPN has plenty of support channels where users can get help setting up and using the VPN anytime. Below, you can learn about my experiences mystery shopping the VPN’s support agents.

My experience with customer support

I wanted to see whether TotalAV’s customer support could handle VPN-related questions. TotalAV only has one support system for all of its apps and services, which deals with questions about the antivirus, disk cleanup utility, and VPN.

Does the broad support slow down the agents or make them less capable of answering questions about the VPN? I launched a live chat session and asked three questions to find out. The first response took 4 minutes and 23 seconds, which was not lightning fast, but not bad either.

The agent was polite and immediately answered my first question about Total VPN encryption.

When I asked a more technical question about the kill switch (to see whether it would work with the standalone app by enabling it in the antivirus app), the agent went quiet for a few minutes but returned with the correct answer.

For my third query, I asked which server was best for streaming Netflix USA, and the agent again responded correctly. My interaction with the support was smooth, helpful, and polite.

Which customer support channels does Total VPN have?

TotalVPN (under the TotalAV umbrella) offers a wide range of support options:

• 24/7 live chat: This is the best way to get real-time help. Although some users report having trouble locating the chat via the website, a quick Google search usually surfaces the correct page.
• Phone support: Unlike most VPN providers, TotalVPN offers regional support lines for Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the UK, the US, and others.
• Email support: Sometimes, you may need to wait for support to come by email for more technical questions.
• Knowledge Base and FAQs: The support section includes categorized resources for product setup, troubleshooting, account management, and billing.

Most VPNs don’t offer phone support, so the fact that Total VPN includes this is impressive!

How could Total VPN improve its support?

Here are a few ways that Total VPN support could be improved:

• Improve access to live chat: Finding the chat window on the official site is harder than it should be. And the customer support center makes you jump through hoops (by asking you to provide account info) even when logged in to the member’s area.
• Expand VPN-specific guides: The current FAQs are helpful but a bit sparse. It would be useful to build out the help center with additional resources about the VPN.
• Provide guides explaining the apps: During my tests, I discovered that the antivirus and standalone VPN apps have different VPN features and quirks. Guides that explain these differences would be useful to ensure that customers understand how to get the most out of the service.
• Improved response speed: While the chat response was accurate, it wasn’t particularly fast compared to market-leading VPNs with dedicated support for the VPN only.

Total VPN review conclusion – Should you use it?

Yes. Total VPN is a fast VPN that’s perfect for home users. Total VPN protects against snooping by coffee shops, hotels, and airports. It encrypts your data to prevent it from being intercepted by hackers and to protect you against Evil Twin attacks. It also stops websites from tracking you.

The VPN works to watch Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube TV. So, whether you’re traveling abroad or want to unblock extra content, TotalVPN is perfect. It can get around social media bans, streaming blocks, and gaming restrictions at school or work.

My favorite thing of all? The price. Total VPN is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, especially considering that it comes bundled with a complete antivirus suite (TotalAV) and Total Adblock. For users who need antivirus protection anyway, the cost of the VPN is practically free, which makes it a no-brainer.

My only real complaint is the vague language of the privacy policy, which allows the VPN to store too much data. This makes it unsuitable for users with an elevated threat model.

Total VPN doesn’t have the advanced features you get with competitors like NordVPN or Proton VPN, but it nails everything that most casual users care about. It’s one of the best VPNs for beginners and home users.