Total VPN Review: A Comprehensive Look at Its Strengths and Weaknesses

This Total VPN review details whether you should stick with this service or pick a different VPN for your needs. VPNs are a smart way to use the internet privately, but they’re not all created equal. Maybe you want to stay secure when you use public Wi-Fi networks or bypass restrictions that exist only because of your IP address location.

VPNs can help with those things and much more. But with so many providers available, each often with very similar features, finding the right one can feel incredibly challenging. Total VPN is one option that integrates with the TotalAV cybersecurity suite, so it offers a mix of security tools alongside its VPN. But is it the best choice for your needs?

While Total VPN provides essential security features, its server network is on the smaller side compared to industry giants. Also concerning is its unclear privacy policy and mismatch of facts across its website. In this Total VPN review, we’ll take a closer look at its features, security options, and overall performance to help you decide if it’s the right VPN for you.

Total VPN Overview

Total VPN provides strong encryption and supports protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 to ensure secure browsing. However, its relatively small server network—consisting of around 50 servers in over just 35 countries—means it may not offer the same level of speed and reliability as larger VPN providers.

Installing Total VPN: It Works Like Any Other App

Installation is straightforward. On Windows, for example, you’ll download the Total VPN setup file and then double-click it to launch the installer. Just a few setup screens are provided before the VPN app is installed, after which you’ll log in to your account to get full access to all the app’s features.

These platforms are supported by Total VPN:

• Windows 7 and higher
• MacOS 10.9 and higher
• iOS 9.0 and higher
• Android 6.0 and higher

Know, however, that only the desktop app includes malware protection. The mobile app is just a VPN. Installing the Total VPN mobile app works much like any other app; it’s available from your device’s app store. 

Using Total VPN

After installation, you can navigate to the VPN section within TotalAV and connect to one of the available server locations. The interface is simple and user-friendly, so it’s accessible even if you’re new to using a VPN.

When you first open the desktop app, click Connect to immediately establish a connection with the fastest server available to you. This is different depending on where you are, so it’s smart that Total VPN can do the analysis for you to provide the fastest server within your reach.

You can also search for a specific location using the search bar in the corner of the app. Total VPN also lists all the available servers on the left of the program, letting you select any of them to connect to get an IP address from that area of the world.

Total VPN: Software Settings

Total VPN’s settings are relatively basic. But this isn’t necessarily bad. If you’re new to using a VPN, the last thing you want is to complicate things further by having to pick from dozens of options. While I personally like to have lots of options, Total VPN still manages to include the more important ones. All these options are available through the settings gear on the left (desktop) or bottom (mobile) of the app.

Security Options

In the desktop app, you can pick a protocol (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, or HYDRA), change the program language, and enable features like the kill switch for added security. 

If you’re looking for more advanced options, you’ll be pleased to use the mobile app. In it, you can not only select a protocol and change the language, but also toggle on a few other features. Split tunneling and Always-On VPN are important features you don’t want to do without if you’re serious about online privacy.

With these options, you get to pick and choose which apps should use the VPN and which ones shouldn’t—some apps struggle to work correctly when a VPN is being used, so this is smart. The Always-On option forces Total VPN to stay on all the time for the greatest level of protection; it will even turn itself back on automatically if you lose connection to the VPN, ensuring that you’re always routing all your traffic through their secure servers. The theme is also editable in the mobile app, letting you choose a light or dark theme.

Mobile VPN Apps

Total VPN has mobile apps for both Android and iOS, so you can stay protected while you’re out and about. Whether you’re browsing on your phone or using public Wi-Fi, the mobile app works just like the desktop version.

Getting started is easy. After signing into your account and going through a few quick setup steps—like allowing notifications—you’ll see a simple, easy-to-use screen. Right in the middle is a big on/off switch, which you use to turn the VPN on or off.

Next to this switch, you’ll find your server options. By default, the app connects you to the fastest server available, which is what most people will want to use. But if you need to switch servers—for example, to change your IP address or access geo-restricted content—you can tap Select a Location and pick from the full list of servers in the Total VPN network.

The app is so simple with easy-to-use controls, making it a breeze to stay private and secure wherever you are.

Total VPN’s Server Network

When you use Total VPN, you can choose from different servers around the world. A server is just a computer that connects you to the internet, and switching servers can change how your connection works. Some servers are faster than others, like if they’re physically closer to you, and some let you access websites that might be blocked in your country. By picking the right server, you can improve your internet speed, protect your privacy, or reach content that isn’t available in your area.

Switching servers in Total VPN is easy. If a server is slow or crowded, you can switch to another one for a better connection. If you’re traveling and want to use websites from your home country, changing to a server in that country can help. Some people also switch servers to stay more private online to make it harder for websites to track them. No matter the reason, having different server options gives you more control over how you browse the internet.

Total VPN operates a relatively small network, with their website claiming that there are around 50 servers in 35 countries. This limited selection may impact speed and reliability compared to larger VPN providers. Oddly, however, the app store listing for the mobile app says that there are “thousands of servers in over 90 countries.” Regardless of the specific number, you do have options if and when you need them.

Are There Special Servers?

Total VPN doesn’t offer specialized servers for activities like streaming or torrenting. This means that all servers function the same way, without dedicated optimizations for specific tasks. Conversely, some VPNs have servers designed to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms or to handle high-bandwidth activities like file sharing, but Total VPN takes a more general approach. While you can still use the service for these activities, performance may vary depending on the server you choose.

Without specialized servers, you might need to manually test different locations to find one that works best for whatever it is you want to do on the VPN. If a server is slow or doesn’t work with a particular website, switching to another one might help. The lack of dedicated servers also means that speeds and reliability can fluctuate, especially during peak times.

However, if you just want a simple way to browse securely and access basic websites, Total VPN’s standard servers should be enough.

Total VPN Security

Security and privacy are the main reasons people sign up for a VPN like Total VPN, but not all VPNs handle user data the same way. While the better ones hide your activity from prying eyes, some providers still collect certain information, which can impact how private your connection really is.

This includes details like connection timestamps, bandwidth usage, or even your original IP address. Understanding a VPN’s logging policy is crucial because it determines whether your data could be accessed by third parties, including advertisers or government agencies. Beyond logging, security features like encryption protocols and DNS leak protection also play a role in keeping your data safe.

If a VPN has weak encryption or leaks DNS requests, your internet provider—or even malicious actors—might still be able to see what you’re doing. A truly secure VPN should not only have a strong no-logs policy but also use modern security protocols to prevent leaks and keep your browsing activity hidden.

Logging Policy

The company has stated that “Total VPN respects your online privacy and is dedicated to safeguarding your personal data.” But, that’s not really clear. What do they do with your information? Total VPN’s privacy policy lacks transparency about their logging practices. Most VPN companies include a whole section in their policy about what they do with user data, whether they record your real IP address and know what you’re doing on the VPN, etc.

But don’t fret! If you look closely when you connect to a server, you’ll agree to a “Processing of Your Data’ prompt. This prompt details their logging policy: “We don’t keep logs of your online activities or associate them with your identity, device, IP address, or email.”

The message goes on to say that the company does collect “minimal data” to help run things smoothly. They all collect anonymous website activity for analytical purposes. 

Something to note is that Total VPN does store some personal information if you pay for the VPN. This includes your payment information, name, and likely your physical address, too.

Total VPN’s Jurisdiction

Since it’s based in the UK, Total VPN falls under the Five Eyes alliance, which could have implications for data privacy. The Five Eyes is an intelligence-sharing agreement between the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It means that governments in these countries can request user data from companies operating within their borders, and that data could potentially be shared among the member nations.

As a user, this should raise some red flags regarding how private and anonymous Total VPN really is. While a VPN can help mask your online activity, a company based in a Five Eyes country may be legally required to provide your information if requested by authorities.

Fortunately, as you just learned, Total VPN claims to not keep logs of your activity. A strict no-logs policy is extremely important in this case.

Encryption and Security Protocols

A VPN’s security largely depends on the encryption methods and protocols it uses to protect your data. Encryption ensures that your online activity is unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it (it’s literally too complicated for any person to understand), while security protocols determine how your device connects to the VPN server. Different protocols offer different levels of speed, security, and compatibility, so having multiple options gives you more control over how the VPN operates.

Total VPN supports several security protocols, each with its own strengths:

• OpenVPN is a widely trusted protocol known for its strong security and balance of speed and reliability. It’s a popular choice for VPN users and is found in nearly all VPN apps.
• IKEv2 is a fast and stable protocol that’s especially useful for mobile devices since it can quickly reconnect if your connection drops.
• WireGuard is a newer VPN protocol designed for high-speed performance and modern encryption. It offers a good mix of security and efficiency.
• HYDRA is a proprietary protocol from AnchorFree that prioritizes speed while maintaining strong encryption, though details about its inner workings are less transparent.

Customer Support

A good VPN should offer reliable customer support in case you run into issues, but Total VPN falls short in this area. The only available help comes in the form of self-help guides, which cover basic topics like installing/uninstalling the app, adjusting settings, and troubleshooting connection problems. While these guides may be useful for common issues, they don’t replace direct customer support for when you need personalized help.

Unlike many other VPN providers, Total VPN does not offer a clear way to contact their support team. There’s no email address, live chat, or ticketing system listed on their website, which makes it difficult to reach out for assistance. If having access to responsive customer service is important to you, this is something to keep in mind.

Pricing and Plans

Total VPN offers a straightforward pricing model with a significant first-year discount. A subscription costs $29 for the first year, thanks to an automatically applied discount. After the first year, the regular renewal price jumps to $99 per year, so it’s important to keep that in mind when signing up. The service also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try it basically for free. There is not a trial available unless you purchase through the mobile app store.

In addition to VPN protection, a Total VPN subscription includes Total Adblock (which removes ads while you browse) and TotalAV (an antivirus tool for protecting against malware and viruses). Desktop payments can be made using PayPal, credit or debit card, or Google Pay. Mobile payments work through your phone’s app store.

What We Liked, What We Didn’t Like 

We spent ample time exploring this VPN to give you an honest view of what stands out and what falls short. By diving into its features and functionality, we were able to identify the things we liked and the areas where the app could use some improvement. Here’s a breakdown of what worked well and what didn’t:

We liked…

• Simple and easy-to-use interface, ideal for beginners
• Supports multiple VPN protocols
• Quick setup process
• Additional security tools like antivirus and ad-blocking
• Supports all the popular platforms

We didn’t like…

• Small server network
• No specialized servers
• Privacy policy lacks full transparency about data collection practices
• No live customer support options

Is Total VPN Right for You?

Total VPN could be a good choice if you’re looking for a basic, easy-to-use VPN with strong encryption and additional security tools like antivirus and ad-blocking. It’s suitable for people who want a simple solution without a lot of advanced customization.

However, if you need a larger server network, dedicated streaming servers, or more accessible customer support, Total VPN might not be the best fit. It’s also worth considering the jurisdictional concerns around its UK base, which could affect your privacy depending on your location. This VPN might also just be too much for you—maybe you already use an antimalware or ad blocking utility, in which case Total VPN’s extras might not be worth the price.

If you’re still not sure whether you should get Total VPN, explore other options. In addition to this Total VPN review, we’ve taken deep dives into popular providers like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Check out our reviews of the following to see how they compare to Total VPN: Private Internet Access, Surfshark, CyberGhost VPN, IPVanish, and Avast SecureLine VPN.