An antivirus solution shouldn’t constantly interrupt your work, flag safe files as dangerous, or bombard you with unnecessary warnings. The best security software protects you without getting in your way.
That’s exactly why TotalAV was recognised by the independent testing organisation AV-TEST, receiving the Best Usability Award 2025 for Consumer Users. This prestigious award highlights security products that provide excellent protection while producing virtually no false alarms, creating a smoother and more reliable user experience.
What Is AV-TEST?
AV-TEST is one of the world’s most respected independent cybersecurity testing laboratories. For more than 20 years, it has evaluated antivirus software across Windows, macOS, and Android using rigorous, repeatable testing methodologies.
Throughout each year, security products are assessed across three core areas:
- Protection
- Performance
- Usability
Products that consistently achieve outstanding results can earn AV-TEST certification, while only the very best performers receive an annual AV-TEST Award. These awards are based on performance across an entire year of testing – not a single test result – making them one of the industry’s most respected recognitions.
Why Usability Matters
Many people assume that if antivirus software blocks threats, it’s doing its job. But usability is equally important.
Poor usability can lead to:
- False warnings about safe files
- Legitimate apps being blocked
- Interrupted downloads
- Unnecessary security alerts
- Frustrated users who begin ignoring warnings altogether
Over time, frequent false positives can actually reduce security because users stop trusting alerts when genuine threats appear.
The best antivirus software accurately distinguishes between malicious and harmless files, protecting your computer without interrupting everyday tasks.
Why TotalAV Won
According to AV-TEST, TotalAV demonstrated exceptional performance throughout every Windows usability test conducted during the 2025 testing year.
Most importantly, it successfully distinguished between safe and malicious files without triggering false alarms.
AV-TEST stated that TotalAV:
- Correctly identified malicious software
- Recognised legitimate files and applications as safe
- Produced zero false positives during its usability testing
- Delivered a smooth user experience without unnecessary interruptions
As Erik Heyland, Head of Testing Labs at AV-TEST, explained:
TotalAV knows this as well, always proceeding very professionally when distinguishing between dangerous and harmless files and applications.
That consistent performance earned TotalAV the Best Usability Award 2025 for Consumer Users.
What Does “Zero False Positives” Mean?
A false positive occurs when antivirus software incorrectly identifies a safe file or application as malware.
This can result in:
- Deleted documents
- Blocked software installations
- Interrupted work
- Unnecessary concern
- Time spent restoring files
False positives may sound like a minor inconvenience, but they can become frustrating if they happen regularly.
TotalAV’s award demonstrates that its detection technology accurately identifies genuine threats while allowing legitimate software to run uninterrupted.
A Better Everyday Security Experience
For most people, antivirus software should be something they barely notice.
You should be able to:
- Browse safely
- Download files confidently
- Install trusted software
- Work, study and game without interruptions
Rather than displaying unnecessary warnings, TotalAV works quietly in the background, helping keep your devices protected while maintaining a smooth user experience.
Recognition Built on Consistency
Unlike one-off product reviews, AV-TEST Awards are based on consistent performance throughout an entire testing year.
During 2025, AV-TEST evaluated numerous consumer security products before selecting award winners across several categories, including Protection, Performance and Usability.
TotalAV Premium earned its place among the year’s top-performing security solutions by maintaining consistently excellent usability results across all Windows tests.
More Than Just Malware Protection
While the award specifically recognises usability, TotalAV also combines multiple security features designed to help protect users from modern online threats, including:
- Real-time malware protection
- Ransomware defence
- Phishing protection
- Secure browsing with Total WebShield
- Scheduled system scans
- Performance optimisation tools
- Protection for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS
Together, these features provide comprehensive protection while maintaining the user-friendly experience recognised by AV-TEST.
Why Independent Awards Matter
Anyone can claim their software is fast, accurate or easy to use.
Independent testing organisations like AV-TEST provide an objective assessment based on transparent methodologies and repeatable testing.
Awards such as Best Usability offer consumers confidence that a product has demonstrated consistent, measurable performance rather than relying solely on marketing claims.
Try TotalAV
Receiving the AV-TEST Best Usability Award 2025 demonstrates that TotalAV Premium not only provides strong protection but also delivers an experience that users can trust every day. By accurately identifying genuine threats while avoiding false alarms, TotalAV helps users stay secure without unnecessary interruptions.
TotalAV can be purchased her.
