TotalVPN (also marketed as Total VPN) is a no-frills, budget-conscious VPN bundled with the TotalAV antivirus suite. It aims to provide essential protection without breaking the bank, ideal for straightforward browsing, streaming, and casual security. But when tested against privacy, performance, and advanced features, how does it measure up? We dove deep into expert reviews and user reports to bring you the latest.
Pros
- Budget users already using TotalAV and seeking a simple VPN layer.
- Casual browsing and streaming (especially US/UK libraries)
- First-time VPN users who value an integrated antivirus bundle
Cons
- Privacy purists seeking audited, no-logs assurance or RAM-only servers.
- Heavy streamers, gamers, or P2P users needing consistent performance
- Multi-device households wanting router support or browser extensions
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Security & Privacy
TotalVPN uses AES‑256 encryption and supports several standard protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2 in the antivirus bundle, and WireGuard and Hydra in the standalone app.
There’s a kill switch, but it’s limited, fully functional only on Windows; macOS uses a system-level variant, Android relies on “Always-On VPN,” and iOS lacks kill-switch protection altogether. It also includes DNS/IP leak protection when configured correctly.
However, TotalVPN’s no-logs policy is unclear. The provider collects connection data, device info, IP addresses, and usage patterns. It hasn’t undergone independent audits, and being UK-based exposes it to Five Eyes jurisdiction, raising concerns for privacy-minded users.
Performance Metrics
TotalVPN delivers decent speeds, typically retaining 70–80% of your baseline connection, though speeds fall to 50–60% internationally.
Its server network is modest, ranging from 50+ servers in 30+ countries to 1,800+ servers in 90 countries, depending on the review. This makes it less extensive than the top competitors, but it remains workable for casual use.
Streaming performance is mixed. TotalVPN generally works with major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more. However, some users and reviews note that during peak times or with specific regional libraries, streaming may stutter or fail.
Torrenting and P2P are allowed on shared servers and can deliver acceptable speeds, but there are no dedicated P2P servers, so performance is variable. For casual torrenting, it’s fine; for heavy or privacy-sensitive use, it’s less ideal.
Usability & Features
TotalVPN emphasizes simplicity and is available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS with clean, beginner-friendly apps. It includes basic features like app selection for protocols (in standalone), a kill switch (Windows), and built-in ad/Malware protections (via TotalAV).
Simultaneous connections are limited to 5 devices.
What’s missing: There’s no split tunneling, multi-hop, Onion over VPN, DNS stealth features, or advanced privacy tools. The platform support is limited to no Linux, no routers, and no browser extensions.
Customer support appears strong, with 24/7 live chat, email, and phone lines, along with regular product guidance, a rare plus in this tier.
Pricing & Value
Introductory pricing is a significant draw: plans start at $1.59/month for the first year. Renewals often jump to around $8.25/month or ~$99/year.
Bundled offers include TotalAV antivirus and Total Adblock, boosting the value proposition if you need those extras anyway.
Final Verdict
TotalVPN’s strengths include its super affordable pricing, especially when bundled with antivirus and AdBlock, along with clean and intuitive apps that are great for newcomers. It offers solid basic protection (AES-256, standard protocols), good customer support coverage, and is effective at streaming popular platforms in many cases. However, its weaknesses include a modest server count with limited location options, inconsistent streaming and torrenting performance, unclear privacy policies, a lack of independent audits, and the absence of advanced features such as split tunneling or Meshnet. Additionally, the kill switch is not robust across all platforms, and renewal rates are significantly higher than introductory pricing.
Our Overall TotalVPN Rating: 7.0/10
Category | Score |
Security & Privacy | 6.5/10 |
Performance | 7/10 |
Usability & Features | 7/10 |
Pricing & Value | 8.5/10 |
StageSeat's Top 5 VPNs of 2025
| Best For | VPN | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Proton VPN | 9/10 |
| Best for Unlimited Devices | Surfshark | 8.7/10 |
| Best for Reliability | ExpressVPN | 9/10 |
| Best for Advanced Security | NordVPN | 8.5/10 |
| Best for Value | CyberGhost | 8.3/10 |
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about TotalVPN.
For basic protection, yes, TotalVPN is secure with AES-256 encryption, and standard VPN protocols are in place. But privacy is limited by unclear logging policies and the UK jurisdiction.
Yes, in US and UK libraries, with generally smooth streaming. Other regions may be hit or miss.
Typically, I have five devices.
Yes, but on regular servers and without dedicated P2P support. Speeds and privacy may vary.
If you want an affordable VPN packaged with antivirus and ad-block, it’s a solid value.
