F-Secure Total - Complete Online Protection
Overall experience
I started using F-Secure Total mainly for the VPN and antivirus, but it's ended up being more useful than I expected. The setup was easy, and everything is managed from a clean, no-nonsense dashboard. I like how the identity protection alerts me when my emails or personal info show up in breaches—it's something I didn't know I needed until I got a couple of alerts that helped me act quickly. The VPN is decent for everyday use, especially on public Wi-Fi, and the antivirus runs quietly in the background. I haven't had any malware issues since I installed it, which gives me confidence. It's not the flashiest tool out there, but it covers all the bases well.
Reviewed on: Feb 10, 2025
Pros
- Scam Protection
- Award-winning antivirus
- Safe banking, browsing and shopping
- Private browsing with VPN
- Password manager and identity protection
- 24/7 dark web monitoring
Cons
- Limited functionality on the free plan — mostly just a teaser
- VPN isn't great for streaming (e.g., Netflix or BBC iPlayer often blocked)
- Some features (like full ID protection) aren't available on Mac or older devices
- No advanced customization for power users
- VPN server locations are fewer compared to standalone VPN providers
- Password manager is very basic — good for casual use but lacks features like autofill or password health checks
Detailed Review
F-Secure Total is one of those security suites that doesn't try to dazzle you with flashy claims—it just quietly protects your devices and personal data across multiple fronts. I originally signed up for the antivirus, which consistently performs well in independent lab tests, but I quickly started using the full bundle, including the VPN and ID protection.
What stands out is how easy it is to use. Whether I'm on my phone or laptop, the interface is consistent and minimal, which is something I really appreciate in tools I use daily. The VPN connects quickly and is great for securing public Wi-Fi or when I'm traveling. It's not a streaming-focused VPN, but for privacy and general security, it works just fine.
The ID protection is a sleeper hit—it keeps tabs on data leaks and lets me know if any of my personal info (like email or passwords) is floating around the dark web. It even includes a basic but functional password manager, which I've started using to organize my logins.
Performance-wise, the antivirus doesn't bog down my system like some older security software used to. It runs quietly in the background and catches threats effectively, including phishing links I've encountered in suspicious emails.
There are some downsides: the VPN doesn't unblock all streaming sites, and the free version is extremely limited (mostly good for trying out the UI). Also, there's no Mac support for all features yet, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.
That said, for someone like me who wants solid, all-around protection without micromanaging settings every day, F-Secure Total has been reliable and stress-free.
FAQ
- Does F-Secure Total slow down your device?
In my experience, no. The antivirus runs quietly in the background, and I haven't noticed any impact on speed, even during full scans. It's noticeably lighter than some older tools I've used in the past.
- Is the VPN good for watching Netflix or streaming?
Not really. It's fine for basic privacy and security, especially on public Wi-Fi, but it doesn't reliably unblock streaming platforms like Netflix. If that's your priority, you might need a standalone VPN.
- What does the identity protection feature actually do?
It monitors the dark web for your personal data—like emails, usernames, and passwords—and sends alerts if anything is found. I've received a few alerts about my email being in old breaches, which helped me change my passwords before anything happened.
- Is it worth upgrading from the free plan?
Yes, if you want actual protection. The free plan is extremely limited and mostly just lets you explore the interface. The full version includes the antivirus, VPN, ID protection, and password manager—which is where the real value is.
- Can I use F-Secure Total on multiple devices?
Yes, I use it on my phone and laptop. The number of devices depends on your subscription tier, but setup is quick and managing them all from one dashboard is really convenient.
Conclusion
F-Secure Total is a solid choice if you're looking for all-in-one protection that's easy to use and doesn't overwhelm you with tech jargon. It's ideal for everyday users who want antivirus, VPN, and ID protection in a single app that just works. While it's not built for power users or streaming junkies, its core features—especially the identity monitoring and malware protection—are quietly excellent. It won't replace a top-tier standalone VPN or password manager, but as a complete package, it offers reliable peace of mind for a fair price.
Key information about F-Secure
F-Secure Total now also protects you from fake shops, SMS scams, phishing websites and more.
Pricing
F-Secure Internet Security
$49.99
1 year
F-Secure VPN
$49.99
1 year
F-Secure ID Protection
$49.99
1 year
F-Secure Total
$69.99
1 year
Brand: F-Secure
Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee
Rating: 9.1 / 10
*The button will redirect to F-Secure site and automatically apply the discount.
Features
- Scam Protection: Protect your money and personal details against online scams with advanced security.
- Award-winning antivirus: Block viruses and malware.
- Safe banking, browsing and shopping: Download files and apps safely.
- Browse privately anywhere: Avoid online tracking and join any Wi-Fi hotspot safely.
- Password manager and identity protection: Avoid identity theft with alerts and save and access passwords fast.
- 24/7 dark web monitoring: Monitor the dark web for your personal information.
- Complete online protection: Internet security, VPN, and ID Protection for total peace of mind.
Benefits
F-Secure Total offers comprehensive online protection including antivirus, VPN, and ID protection. Ideal for protecting against scams, phishing, and more.
Target Audience
Individuals and businesses looking for comprehensive online protection.
How It Works
F-Secure Total provides advanced security features to protect against online scams, phishing, and other threats. It includes antivirus, VPN, and ID protection for complete online security.