360 Total Security Antivirus Expert Review

360 Total Security has been around since 2014 and includes a variety of antivirus, anti-malware, and anti-ransomware protection solutions.

Smartphone compatibility Best for
5 /5
Rating
$ 14.99 /mo
Starting Price
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Table of Contents

    Our Verdict

    360 Total Security has been around since 2014 and includes a variety of antivirus, anti-malware, and anti-ransomware protection solutions.

    The additional features like webcam protection, sandbox, keylogger blocking, and more make it a truly comprehensive package.

    Moreover, tools like Data Shredder, Privacy Cleaner, and the Driver Updater help keep your device in perfect shape.

    Although the company uses a mix of antivirus engines of Avira and Bitdefender, it isn’t necessarily as good as the standalone engines.

    However, on the bright side, it offers a lot of advanced features designed to protect your internet-connected devices.

    Check out latest promotional offers for 360 Total Security products.

    Pros

    • Minimal system requirements
    • Advanced PC maintenance suite
    • Custom firewall
    • Multi-layer security
    • Multi-layer security
    • Low impact on device
    • Real-time protection
    • Effective system scans
    • Runs on multiple antivirus engines

    Cons

    • Unclear lab test results
    • The free version is full of ads
    • Deep scans have an above-average system impact
    • Supports only 3 Windows Devices
    • Most add-ons are underpowered
    • Doesn’t have much documentation online

    360 Total Security Antivirus Overview

    360 Total Security has been developed by Qihoo 360 Technology - a Chinese internet security giant. This antivirus is used by over 500 million people worldwide, while almost 600 million use their mobile antivirus solution. 

    Total Security is a freemium antivirus tool with the option to upgrade to the paid version. The annual cost of $14.99 gives users access to add-on features like a firewall, file shredder, driver updater, disk analyzer, and more.

    Though the company offers a lot of features, our research indicated that they’re not able to match the superior anti-malware protection available with brands like Norton or Kaspersky ($59.95 at Kaspersky). 

    The brand hasn’t been part of any recent independent lab tests. However, the cloud-based engines monitor your system around the clock to deliver real-time threat detection.

    How to Set It Up and Uninstall

    Installing this antivirus is straightforward. However, it does include additional software during the installation process, hence, we recommend that you keep an eye out.

    1) Download the installation file from the official website.

    2) Double click the file and select the checkboxes as needed.

    3) The installation is quick compared to all other antiviruses that we’ve tested. Just follow the steps on your screen. Once the installation is completed, you’ll see a welcome screen.

    4) Click on Start, and you’ll be taken to a screen where the antivirus recommends you to download and install recommended apps. Click on Select None and close the window to be redirected to the dashboard.

    If you wish to uninstall the software, open the Apps and Programs feature on your Windows device.

    1. Select the program 360 Total Security and click Uninstall.
    2. You might receive a pop-up asking if you wish to remove the antivirus permanently. Click Yes and it should be uninstalled from your device.
    3. Restart the device and check if the program has left behind redundant files. If yes, delete the folder to completely get rid of it.

    Features

    This antivirus platform boasts some hardcore features as well as a mixture of top-level core antivirus engines. If you’re looking for an extensive suite of features for easy maintenance of your device and its security, Total Security is the perfect fit.

    The outstanding attributes of 360 Total Security Premium include multi-layered ransomware protection, real-time malware protection, anti-phishing, Sandbox, document guard, firewall, browser protection, and a lot more.

    General

    Money-back GuaranteeYes, up to 30 days from the date of purchase
    Free VersionYes
    PlatformWindows, macOS, Android
    Parental ControlsNo
    Email ProtectionNo
    ChatNo
    VPN ServicesNo
    Smartphone OptimizerYes
    USD Virus ScansYes
    Automated Virus ScansYes
    Game ModeYes
    Safe BrowserNo
    Passive ModeYes

    Threat Protection

    Anti-SpywareYes
    Anti-WormYes
    Anti-TrojanYes
    Anti-RootkitYes
    Anti-PhishingYes
    Anti-SpamYes
    Adware PreventionNo

    Scanning

    360 Total Security is more than a virus scanner. Through removing unnecessary startup programs and directories, the robust speedup and cleaning engine boosts the performance of your device.

    There’s also a helpful visual chart of the average boot time of your device, making it easier to track progress when you switch off redundant startup programs which significantly slow down the boot time of your device.

    We liked the Quick Scan, Full Scan, and Custom Scan options, especially given the ability to hand-pick files and folders that we want to be a part of the scan.

    Moreover, the product allows you to choose from different scan engines, which helps set them apart from a highly competitive field of peers.

    Pricing

    PlanPriceNumber of Devices
    Top Features

    360 Total Security Premium$14.993First-Priority Support, Firewall, Ad Blocker, Sandbox.
    360 Total SecurityFree1Wi-Fi Security Checkup, Device Cleanup, Device Speed Up.
    360 Total Security EssentialFree1System Protection, Privacy Protection, Internet Protection.
    Discounts

    Discount

    The company has maintained cost-effective pricing. The free versions come with most of the relevant capabilities but are limited to an extent. The only premium plan costs around $14.99 per year to cover 3 devices.

    360 Total Security hasn’t offered any lucrative discounts or promotions, primarily because the free versions are equally good from our testing experience.

    Customers receive a 30-day money-back guarantee when they upgrade to the premium version. Additionally, the pricing tier is favorable when you subscribe for a longer duration.

    For instance, a 3-year plan will cost you approximately $35 instead of $55 and a 2-year plan will be $16 instead of $32.

    See It at 360 Total Security

    The pricing is competitive however, so we recommend that you weigh the capabilities of the core antivirus engine rather than the add-ons before deciding.

    Privacy and Security

    Privacy

    360 Total Security Antivirus offers some great add-ons to keep your privacy protected. We appreciated the customizable options that allowed us to choose from ransomware and keylogger blocking.

    Internet protection offers real-time scanning for downloaded files, blocking malicious websites and safeguarding online shopping.

    The company offers 4 core protection modes, which is one of the distinguishing factors but misses out on advanced privacy features like a personal firewall, VPN, and parental controls that are available with brands like Bullguard ($23.99 at BullGuard) and ESET ($39.99 at ESET).

    We did think the additional features like Privacy Cleaner and Data Shredder to be a good touch for enhanced privacy protections though.

    Security

    The company claims to use multiple core antivirus engines for advanced security.

    Other than Avira and Bitdefender engines, they use a proprietary Cloud Scan engine, a System Repair engine, and a QVMII AI Engine to provide complete protection from ransomware and malware.

    The sandbox is a function that can only be seen in a few antivirus software options and is extremely powerful.

    Although standalone sandbox utilities are available, we believe it’s easier for the average user to employ 360 Total Security given it includes Sandbox as part of its toolset.

    The company hasn’t been part of any tests since 2017, hence we are quite unsure of the claims they make about protection from malware and other threats.

    Performance and Protection

    360 Total Security hasn’t been included in any of the recent tests organized by 3rd party testing labs.

    Based on their last performance in the September/October 2017 AV-Test Product Review and Certification Report, the antivirus (Avira + Bitdefender engine) was only able to detect 91.7% of 202 samples (real-world testing and 0-day malware attacks), while the industry average was 99.0%.

    It received a final score of 4/6, putting it well beneath the competition.

    Malware Protection

    The best thing about the cloud-based system is that it tracks threats in real-time and constantly upgrades the database.

    TThis built-in cloud engine (360 Cloud Scanner) relies on checksum technology and works in sync with the QVM AI preventative protection system for enhanced security. The engine monitors the system continuously and looks for any suspicious activity.

    Although the company claims to be using industry-leading engines, it’s recorded a comparatively low test score.

    We think the software does a fair job of protecting your system from malware but nonetheless has immense scope for improvement.

    Ransomware Detection

    Total Security is exceptional against phishing websites, which are becoming a bigger threat to users with each passing day.

    It showed similar findings to Webroot and Bitdefender ($24.99 at Bitdefender) and blocked all suspicious URLs. Online shopping security kicks in automatically if you access an eCommerce website.

    Protecting against hijacking and keylogging is fairly good. Overall, we were satisfied with its performance against external threats and ransomware.

    The registry cleaner and Sandbox are also much-needed features that you will appreciate with this antivirus.

    Phishing Detection

    We’re extremely pleased with Total Security’s phishing detection. 360 identifies fraudulent emails and insecure pages easily. The browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Yandex, and Opera offer comprehensive protection from malicious websites.

    Additional features include scanning of downloaded files and online shopping protection. A VPN service is also available at an added cost.

    Based on the tests, we can say that the software matches the quality of industry leaders like Norton ($59.99 at Norton) and Bitdefender when it comes to detecting and blocking phishing sites.

    Spyware Detection

    Spyware collects data from your computer without consent. Luckily, 360’s multi-layered security makes sure to keep your device protected from all forms of spyware. It has an active keylogger blocking feature as well as an anti-crypto miner extension, all for no additional cost.

    The blend of 5-advanced security engines and cloud-based technology keeps your device and data protected in real-time. However, the antivirus misses out on much-needed features like a virtual keyword and a dedicated safe pay feature.

    Based on the tests we performed, this antivirus has huge potential for improvement and doesn’t match up to well-reputed brands like F-Secure or Avast ($79.99 at Avast) in these areas.

    Firewall Protection

    Unlike many brands including TotalAV, Total Security doesn’t have extensive firewall protection. Think of it as an add-on to supercharge the device’s default firewall feature.

    The firewall is designed to monitor application bandwidth use, throttle total traffic, and block suspicious Internet access applications, making your network communications more secure and faster. We liked the built-in virus scan feature which allows users to identify unsafe Internet connections.

    It also blocks suspicious access in the background to prevent malware from stealing your personal data or network bandwidth.

    Lab Test Results

    360 Total Security Antivirus hasn’t been part of many tests in the last couple of years. Accordingly, this poses a grave question about the claims the company makes about detecting malware and other threats. It appeared last in September and October 2017 AV-Test against 20 other security products.

    Unfortunately, the test results weren’t in favor of the company as it was only able to detect 91.7% of 202 samples (0-day malware attacks).

    The industry average was 99.0%, and the software trailed behind with a cumulative score of 13/18 based on three factors – Protection, Performance, and Usability. 

    The company was also part of the July to September 2017 SE Labs Home Anti-Malware Protection Tests against 10 other antivirus solutions and ended up at the bottom of the list. It had a 31% protection accuracy, a 95% legitimate accuracy, and 74% total accuracy.

    In the same test, Kaspersky and ESET topped the charts with 100% total accuracy. It was only able to detect 90 threats, block 47, and neutralize 23, thus making it the lowest performer out of the lot.

    We suspect these tests were based solely on the 360 Total Security native engines, without any assistance from Bitdefender or Avira.

    The initial deep scans are time-consuming and can take up to an hour while consuming a lot of the device’s resources.

    Based on the test scores, 360 Total Security may not deliver the degree of accuracy you need to fully protect your devices from intrusions.

    Ease of Use and Interface

    Setting up the antivirus is easy. A quick installation file downloads the key system data and unpacks them as needed. We liked the UI given it’s clean and neatly laid out.

    Like most antivirus tools, the options are beautifully organized and have visual icons. We found that the software provides themes for the user to change as well.

    You can find this option on the software's main menu bar in the' Theme' icon.

    You can see all of the categories and features on the left-hand side of the screen. Most of the important functions are just one click away, giving access to scans, Speedup, Cleanup, and the Tool Box.

    The company has made all icons as self-explanatory as possible so you know what to expect from Virus Scan, Speedup, Cleanup, and Full Check beforehand. The Tool Box includes all the additional functions such as the Firewall.

    We noticed a couple of minor complications – (a) it uses browser extensions to try and keep you safe online, for example, but that's not made clear and aren’t automatically installed, and (b), it takes a lot of steps to reach the recommended downloads screen if you skip it during installation.

    Customer Support

    The official website has a good collection of help guides and tutorials. In addition to the help section, the website also features a blog and dedicated' How to' sections. The latter is rich in detailed FAQs which will solve the most common queries that you may encounter.

    Customers have a lot of contact options to choose from, including email, live chat, and phone support.

    We checked the support team, and we were pleasantly surprised to see that they could resolve our problems and address queries.

    Still, not all consultants are experts in security, and we found that some responses are not very elaborate and leave room for misinterpretation.

    Overall, the service is swift and you’ll eventually find a solution to your problems.

    The company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, nor does it have a claimed profile on Trustpilot. Nevertheless, we checked the customer reviews and the company appears to have an average to good customer satisfaction score.