Total VPN Review: Reliable Streaming, Small Server Network
Total VPN (the Safe Browsing VPN bundled with Total‑AV) is a consumer VPN option offered as part of an antivirus suite. It uses AES‑256 encryption, supports OpenVPN and IKEv2, provides a Windows kill switch, and states a no‑logs policy; documentation and testing indicate it can access multiple streaming libraries.
This service may suit users who want a simple, bundled VPN for streaming and occasional P2P on desktop and mobile devices. Performance and unblocking success depend on server choice, region, and device, and the provider’s limited server footprint and variable long‑distance speeds are relevant considerations.
At a Glance
Total VPN (Total — AV’s Safe Browsing) offers basic privacy and security features with strong streaming support but a relatively small server network and variable long-distance speeds. It states a strict no-logs policy for session activity while retaining account and device information, and it has not undergone independent audits.
| Logging | No logs of user activity; retains account details, device identifiers, payment information, and cookies |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | United Kingdom |
| Audits | No independent audit |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit |
| Kill switch | Yes (available on Windows only) |
| Leak protection | Passed 10+ leak tests; no IP leaks detected in tests |
| Server network | 1,800 servers in 80 countries |
| Connections | 6 devices |
| Refund policy | 30-day money-back guarantee (prorated refunds within first year) |
Our Ratings
The ratings for Total VPN are derived from a structured review approach that evaluates publicly available privacy disclosures, documented technical features, and overall usability across supported platforms. This method focuses on evidence found in provider materials, measurable test results, and observable behavior rather than promotional claims.
Category ratings are presented in the table below. Extended reviews of each category appear later in the post and provide more detailed findings and test notes.
Security & Privacy
Total VPN positions itself as a privacy-focused add-on within Total — AV’s security suite and states a strict no-logs approach for session activity while retaining account and device information needed for account management and support. It states a strict no-logs policy for user activity, while keeping account details, device identifiers, payment information, and cookies.
Jurisdiction and trust factors are relevant: the service is based in the United Kingdom, a member of the 5‑Eyes intelligence alliance, which may affect legal data requests. The provider’s UK location means it operates under a jurisdiction that can compel disclosure, though the company states it does not retain session logs.
Independent verification is not reported: according to available materials, the apps and privacy policy have not undergone third‑party audits or published external assessments. No independent audits or third‑party verifications are documented.
| Logging policy | States no logging of session activity; retains account details, device identifiers, payment information, and cookies |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | United Kingdom (member of the 5‑Eyes alliance) |
| Independent audits | No independent audit reported |
| Protocols and encryption | OpenVPN and IKEv2; AES 256-bit encryption |
| Kill switch | Available on Windows only (not specified for other platforms) |
| Leak protection | Passed 10+ leak tests with no IP leaks detected; provider does not clearly specify granular DNS/IPv6/WebRTC settings |
💡 Security tip
Enable the kill switch on supported apps, keep the software updated, and download the app before traveling to restrictive jurisdictions.
Transparency & Ownership
Total VPN is offered as the Safe Browsing VPN within the Total — AV product suite and is legally based in the United Kingdom. Parent company / ownership information is not available in the provided materials.
According to provider materials, the apps and privacy policy have not undergone independent third‑party audits. User reports and complaints about functionality and alleged logging have been noted in public discussions; the provider states it follows a strict no‑logs policy for session activity while retaining account and device information for account management.
| Jurisdiction | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Parent company / ownership | Not available |
| Public audits or reports | No independent audit |
| Open-source apps | Not available |
| Notable disclosures or limitations | Based in a 5‑Eyes jurisdiction; no independent audits; limited server network and device/router support; kill switch available only on Windows |
Server Network & Infrastructure
Total VPN’s network is reported to include 1,800+ servers across 80 countries, and connections were observed to be reliable with servers connecting in under five seconds during tests.
The provider does not clearly specify whether servers are physical or virtual, and there is no public confirmation that servers are RAM-only. The service lacks dedicated/static IPs and provides limited city-level server detail outside the US and UK.
- Number of servers: 1,800+ servers
- Countries/regions covered: 80 countries
- Virtual locations: Not specified
- RAM-only servers: Not specified
- Dedicated/static IP availability: No dedicated/static IPs reported
- Notable server specializations: Streaming-capable servers; P2P allowed on non-US servers
Speed & Performance
VPN speed depends on factors such as distance to the server, server load, and the protocol in use; these factors tend to produce variable results across locations and use cases.
| Nearby servers | During our testing, nearby servers produced moderate slowdowns, with observed reductions typically in the mid‑teens to mid‑twenties percent range |
|---|---|
| Distant servers | During our testing, distant servers caused larger losses; average reductions were around 45% with isolated drops up to ~74% on some long‑distance servers (example: Miami) |
| Connection stability | Our testing revealed generally reliable connections and stable streaming on many servers, though long‑distance connections showed greater variability and occasional buffering during initial playback |
| Gaming and latency | During our testing, latency was acceptable on nearby servers (example measured ~177 ms) but high on distant servers (example measured ~250 ms); overall speed drops averaged roughly 15–45% depending on distance, with outliers up to ~74% |
Gaming performance was tested with a multiplayer sandbox‑style game on PC during review. Measured ping/latency numbers showed reasonable responsiveness on nearby servers but noticeable delay on distant servers; console support is limited because the app does not offer easy router or console installation options. Suitable for casual or mobile/PC gaming when connected to nearby servers. High latency on distant servers limits competitive or console play over far‑away connections.
Streaming & Unblocking
Total VPN can access many major streaming platforms according to review testing, though some services show inconsistent results depending on server choice and region. Documented tests confirmed success with several libraries but also noted a clear incompatibility with one major service.
Supported Streaming Services
❗ Regional variations
Unblocking success varied by server and region: review testing accessed Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Italy, and Norway and streamed Disney+ Canada successfully; Amazon Prime Video was reported as inaccessible in tests. Results may vary by server, region, and device.
Torrenting & P2P Use
Total VPN permits peer-to-peer traffic on non‑US servers; review testing connected to servers in Manchester, Canada, and Brazil and reported consistent download performance (a 1.14 GB file finished in about 20 minutes in the test environment).
Port forwarding and proxy/tunneling options are not documented in the provided materials. The VPN includes a kill switch on Windows that blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops, which helps protect P2P sessions on that platform.
| P2P Support | Limited |
|---|---|
| Port forwarding | Not specified |
| SOCKS5/Proxy support | Not specified |
| Kill Switch | Yes, prevents IP leak if connection drops on supported apps (Windows only) |
App compatibility
Total VPN provides native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android while Linux and browser extensions are not offered. Router, streaming device, and smart TV support are not available, and the subscription allows 6 simultaneous connections.
Customer Support
The provider offers 24/7 live chat according to its documentation and product information. Documentation states live chat is the primary support channel while other channels are available but appear inconsistent.
Feedback indicates email enquiries often received no reply and phone support is claimed for several countries; documentation includes an FAQ but the knowledge base is described as limited.
- Live chat availability: 24/7 live chat
- Email/ticket support: Email available; feedback indicates responses were not received
- Knowledge base/guides: FAQ section present; knowledge base limited
- Other: Phone support claimed for Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, United States
- Languages: Not specified
Pricing & Plans
Total VPN is provided as an add-on within the Total — AV security suite and is presented alongside features such as streaming access, AES‑256 encryption, and 24/7 live chat support according to provider materials. This positions the VPN as part of a bundled security offering rather than a standalone product.
Available plans include Antivirus Pro, Internet Security, and Total Security; Antivirus Pro is the least expensive plan but does not include the VPN. Cheapest plan (with VPN): VPN + Internet Security — $1.59/month Free trial/free plan: Not available; Money-back guarantee: 30 Days.
❗ Pricing considerations
Pricing and promotions may vary over time. This website is updated regularly, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Users should verify current plans directly on the provider’s website before purchasing.
|
VPN + Internet Security
|
|
|---|---|
| Price |
$1.59/month
|
| Details | VPN included as part of the Internet Security bundle; includes streaming-capable VPN access, AES‑256 encryption, OpenVPN/IKEv2 support, and six device connections. |
| Get started |
Final Verdict
Total VPN is best suited for users who want a simple VPN bundled with the Total‑AV security suite and who prioritize reliable streaming and straightforward P2P use. It provides bundled VPN access with AES‑256 encryption, a Windows kill switch, and documented streaming access, making it a practical option for those needs. The service offers native apps for major desktop and mobile platforms and allows up to six simultaneous connections, which supports typical multi‑device households.
Users who need extensive global coverage, consistently fast long‑distance performance, native router or smart‑TV support, or independently audited privacy claims should consider alternatives. The provider’s network size and device compatibility are limited compared with larger VPN vendors, and independent third‑party audits are not documented; the service is also based in the United Kingdom, which may be relevant for some threat models. These constraints can affect competitive gaming, heavy international streaming, and deployments that require router‑level protection.
Assess priorities such as device compatibility, audited privacy claims, and long‑distance performance to determine if this provider aligns with specific needs.
FAQ about Total VPN
Does Total VPN keep activity logs and personal data?
Total VPN states a strict no‑logs policy for session activity while retaining account details, device identifiers, payment information, and cookies for account management. Independent third‑party audits are not documented in provider materials.
Can Total VPN unblock Amazon Prime Video in all regions?
The review explicitly found Total VPN could not access Amazon Prime Video from any tested server. Other streaming platforms were accessible in testing, but Prime Video was reported as blocked.
Does Total VPN work in China for travelers?
The provider’s support channel confirmed Total VPN can be used in China and other heavily censored countries, with the recommendation to install the app before travel. Documentation advises users to check local laws and download the app prior to entering restrictive jurisdictions.
Will Total VPN slow my internet connection significantly?
During testing, nearby servers typically reduced speeds in the mid‑teens to mid‑twenties percent range, while long‑distance servers averaged around a 45% reduction with isolated drops up to ~74% on some routes. Actual impact depends on base connection speed and chosen server.
Is Total VPN suitable for gaming on consoles?
The review found acceptable latency only on nearby servers but high ping on distant servers, which can impair real‑time gameplay. The provider does not offer easy router or console installation, so console gaming support is limited.
Does Total VPN allow torrenting on its servers?
Total VPN permits P2P traffic on non‑US servers and performed well in tests with consistent download speeds for large files. The service supports common torrent clients according to documentation, and users are advised to respect copyright laws.
What is the refund policy for Total VPN purchases?
Documentation states a 30‑day money‑back guarantee and prorated refunds if canceled within the first year. The review reported that the refund process worked during testing, and users should verify current terms before purchasing.
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