Total VPN Review: Top Features
Based on research and review, our team agrees that the top features are:
- 1,800+ servers in over 80 countries
- Integrates with TotalAV antivirus
- OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec tunneling
- Fast WireGuard and Hydra options
- Strong AES-256 encryption
- Kill switch
- User-friendly design
Total VPN from Total Security is bundled with TotalAV antivirus and an ad blocker (Total Adblock). That conveniently gives you comprehensive security and protection against malware, phishing, and other web threats, as well as removing distracting adverts. It is part of different TotalAV plans and comes with multi-factor authentication as an extra security measure when logging in. The company is based in the UK.
Total VPN Security Features
If security for your device is what you’re looking for, it’s important to know how Total VPN might provide it. In the following sections, let’s look at that aspect of this popular virtual private network.
Comprehensive Internet Security
Total VPN comes as part of a TotalAV package, offering a range of protective services from malware, viruses, and online threats. That differs from a standalone service that has VPN-specific features. Thus, depending on the chosen package, you can get their award-winning antivirus and ad blocker, and features for internet security and VPN privacy. Having the built-in antivirus called TotalAV conveniently available from the same dashboard as the top VPN can streamline how you manage security.
The included TotalAV offers real-time protection. For example, the software checks your computer with each download or install of a program, music, etc. It also blocks ads, tracking cookies, monitors for data breaches, and more.
Having it all in a handy package appeals to those with many needs, from needing an antivirus to being able to browse anonymously, no matter where you connect to Total VPN on a tablet, smartphone, desktop PC, or laptop. Of course, if you only need one of these things, it may not be right for you. There are three packages to choose what best meets your needs.
Two Encrypted Tunneling Options
Choose from OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard, or Hydra for tunneling. For those new to VPNs, tunneling may provide a safer passageway for data to travel between the VPN server and a device by hiding the user’s IP address and encrypting their data.
Having different tunneling protocols available means you can choose the one that best meets your needs. While IKEv2 is known for being strong and stable for mobile users and general browsing, OpenVPN is popular for its stable connection. Being able to choose what you prefer helps make Total VPN the best VPN for certain people.
Does the Total VPN sound like a good fit for you? See what else buyers have to say.
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Robust VPN Protocols
Total VPN uses many of the most common protocols for privacy and speed:
- OpenVPN
- IKEv2/IPSec
- WireGuard
- Hydra
OpenVPN uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption protocol to keep info shared by internet private with its AES-256 encryption. Meanwhile, IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2), based on IPSec, helps secure network traffic at the IP layer. To help prevent vulnerabilities for better security, both OpenVPN and IKEv2 are consistently updated.
Having the option is handy. Some people prefer SSL VPNs as the simpler of the two to set up, while others appreciate IPSec’s complex authentication requirements so only authorized devices can connect. OpenVPN can also help you avoid firewalls that might otherwise conflict with VPN network access.
Plus, IKEv2 is known for speed and reliability, so even if the internet cuts out briefly, you’re unlikely to lose connection. Some people prefer it on smartphones when going between different networks. For many people, the best fast VPN includes IKEv2 because this protocol establishes VPN connections quickly, is generally stable on mobile networks, and is compatible with several platforms, making it easy to use across multiple devices.
Total VPN has recently added WireGuard and Hydra as protocols, indicating recognition for the popularity of these options among those who prioritize speed. WireGuard is known for being lightweight and optimized for speed, as well as its strong encryption. Hydra is commonly considered fast and reliable.
AES-256 encryption
Total VPN uses OpenVPN with 256-bit AES-256 encryption to help data stay safer and more secure. The 256-bit version can increase peace of mind about anonymity. It may offer both the speed and privacy you’re looking for.
No-Logs Policy and Smart DNS
Total VPN has a no-logs policy; it does not track, log, or store your browsing history, as explicitly stated on its website. Also, there is Smart DNS functionality to help protect against DNS leaks when using the VPN. For many people, a no-logs policy is essential in the best VPN as it improves privacy and makes public Wi-Fi use safer. There is also more overall anonymity without the tracking of browsing habits, downloads, or app use.
Extra Security of IPSec
IKEv2 connects you to the VPN server while IPSec encrypts and authenticates. IPSec’s extra security options, such as ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload), are attractive. If protecting your data is high on your list, this feature is likely one you’re looking for.
Total VPN Review: Speed and Additional Features
Many users online speak highly of Total VPN for upload and download speeds. That’s great when you want to access shows on steaming platforms in less time. OpenVPN and IKEv2 are generally well-known and respected for speed in the VPN industry among the tunneling protocols available.
Plus, having OpenVPN and IKEv2 options if you’re not getting the speeds you want is a benefit of choosing Total VPN. WireGuard and Hydra are also available as tunneling protocols for those seeking fast connection speeds. We are glad to see that these widely used and respected choices for streaming, browsing, and general use are available.
Pricing and Plans
Regular discounts on the initial subscription period offer users a way to save money. The first-year pricing on the packages is competitive in the industry. After promotions end, some buyers online explain the pricing increase was more than expected. With that said, you get more features than a standalone VPN subscription; there is a lot of value in having antivirus and VPN services. Total VPN is one of the best VPN options for value, in our opinion, offering speed and reliability in different budget-friendly plans.
We like that there are several subscription plan options so you can pick what’s right for you. Choose from monthly, quarterly, biannual, and annual subscriptions. Upon starting a plan, you can upgrade in different ways, making it personalizable. We appreciate the range of plans and several payment methods available.
Server Selection
Choose from over 1,800 virtual and physical VPN servers across various locations, from Australia to Spain, Canada, the US, and Iceland. There are more than 80 countries across six continents.
While not the highest number of servers in the industry, the top VPN has a global reach, enabling users to access many places in the world. Plus, there is a unique feature that’s handy to have. Total VPN categorizes some servers by city, such as “US – Los Angeles” and “US – Seattle,” which is useful if you want to connect to certain regions.
No Multi-Hop
While there is no multi-hop, and this feature can be nice to have, it is arguably the least important of the VPN services on the market. Multi-hop refers to connecting to two VPN servers at a time for extra encryption.
If routing to multiple locations is not your priority, this is a minor limitation. Some people prefer a VPN that is not multi-hop as it may slow down the internet connection.
Total VPN Review of Comparability and Choices
Get plenty of choice with three TotalAV plans. They all share real-time antivirus protection, encrypted internet browsing and more security on public Wi-Fi. Plus, OpenVPN is customizable to fine-tune to what you require.
You can also use the services on mobile devices, tablets, or desktop. Connect up to five devices at a time, which is convenient. You can protect more with a higher-level plan. Compatible with PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android, it appeals to many.
Kill Switch
The kill switch, which you can toggle to stop connecting online when the VPN tunnel is disabled, is available. A kill switch prevents your IP address and location being unveiled if the VPN stops for an unforeseen reason. This feature helps prevent data leaks.
Ease of Use & Customer Support
Total VPN has an intuitive design on both website and app. For example, you only have to click once to encrypt your web usage. That’s an easy way to protect browsing history and personal details. Plus, this VPN makes OpenVPN setup easier than without it.
Especially with their site’s Support Centre and 24/7 customer support by email. The support gets mixed reviews from users. While there is no live chat feature unless you sign into an account, the VPN is usable on desktop and mobile via:
Included Guarantee
After signing up for a 12-month TotalAV plan, a 30-day money-back guarantee offers you time to test it. The money-back guarantee is 14 days for monthly subscriptions. Reading the company’s Refund and Cancellation Policy before purchase is important to understand both guarantees better, including their eligibility requirements.
An included guarantee like this shows brand confidence and indicates reliability. A guarantee also helps you feel more secure in trying Total VPN, knowing this guarantee is in place. That gives you time to check speed, server availability, and more, as part of deciding if it is the best fast VPN for you.
Why Total VPN is the Best VPN
Among the strengths of Total VPN are its integrated security suite and range of budget-friendly plans. It is bundled with an award-winning antivirus and a respected ad blocker in a cost-effective way, making it a terrific option for many who want to improve security online without a significant financial commitment.
It is the best fast VPN with its reliable streaming capabilities to be able to access a variety of content in different geographic regions. Plus, having access to antivirus protection and ad-blocking, in addition to the best VPN, all in one dashboard, is convenient.
Concluding Thoughts after Reviewing Total VPN
With Total VPN, you can connect to over 1,800 fast servers in more than 80 countries spanning several continents. You’ll also gain extra security features with the TotalAV package that you would not usually get with a standalone VPN service, making for a comprehensive security bundle.
That offers protective capabilities against spyware, viruses, malware, and hackers. An award-winning antivirus is of big value, as is the included guarantee. Total VPN has the security features many people want from a top VPN, including OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec, a kill switch, and compatibility with PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android.
