Webroot Total Protection presents a multifaceted approach to digital security, encompassing a variety of features designed to safeguard users’ online experiences. This suite includes antivirus capabilities, identity theft protection, file backup, parental controls, and a VPN application, among other offerings. While the breadth of features is commendable, the quality of some may not meet the standards set by competitors such as Norton 360 With LifeLock and Bitdefender Ultimate Security, both of which provide a more comprehensive suite of services at a higher price point.
How Much Do You Pay for Webroot Total Protection?
The pricing structure for Webroot Total Protection starts at 9.99 annually, allowing coverage for five devices and one identity. For families, the 9.99 tier extends protection to ten devices and ten identities, although it’s important to note that the million identity protection guarantee applies collectively to all ten identities rather than individually. Comparatively, Webroot Premium offers a lower base price of 9.99, but the Total Protection package, while slightly more expensive, aligns more closely with top-tier competitors in terms of features.
Norton offers three tiers—Select, Advantage, and Ultimate Plus—each providing increasing levels of identity protection and device coverage, priced at 9.99, 9.99, and 9.99 per year, respectively. While the Select tier is comparable to Webroot Total Protection, the cost of upgrading Norton for family protection escalates significantly, making Webroot’s family plan a more economical choice.
Bitdefender Ultimate Security’s Plus tier, priced at 9.99, includes similar features for five devices and one identity, with options to expand coverage at a higher cost. Overall, Webroot Total Protection remains competitively priced, though its identity protection features may not be as robust as those offered by its rivals.
Getting Started With Webroot Total Protection
To activate Webroot Total Protection, users must first visit the member site to create or log into their account, activate their purchase, and download the software. Notably, the backup system can only be installed on one PC or Mac, making it essential to choose the right device for protection. The installation process includes a quick scan, although initial scans may exhibit some quirks, such as reporting zero files scanned or stalling during initialization. However, subsequent scans tend to run smoothly.
The user interface has undergone a significant redesign, featuring a dark gray background and larger text for improved readability. A prominent status panel indicates whether the user is protected, turning red if critical features are disabled. The layout includes eight icons representing key security areas, replacing the older, more cramped interface.
Webroot Total Protection Drops Some Features
While Webroot Total Protection retains many essential features, it has removed some components that may have appealed to more technically savvy users. The Utilities page, which previously allowed for manual fixes post-malware cleanup, is no longer available, nor is the live list of active processes that provided insights into trusted applications. Additionally, the firewall functionality has been simplified, relying on Windows for external threat defense.
Other features, such as Secure Erase, which permanently deleted sensitive files, have also been eliminated, reflecting a shift toward a more streamlined user experience that may not cater to all user needs.
Device Protection Features Shared With Webroot Premium
Despite the changes, Webroot Total Protection shares much of its underlying technology with Webroot Premium. The suite employs a unique journal-and-rollback system for malware detection, achieving commendable results in independent testing. In hands-on malware blocking tests, both Webroot Premium and Total Protection scored highly, demonstrating effective real-time protection and rapid cleanup capabilities.
Webroot’s approach to scanning differs from traditional methods, focusing on efficiency rather than exhaustive scans. Quick scans are notably swift, while full scans may take longer, reflecting the suite’s emphasis on real-time protection over comprehensive file examination.
Optimizing Performance, Scanning for Vulnerabilities
Webroot Total Protection offers a simplified tune-up scan to optimize system performance, contrasting with the more detailed options available in Webroot Premium. Users can manually initiate this scan, which reports on optimization efforts and system health. A vulnerability scan is also included, notifying users of any missing security patches, although it may not always detect outdated applications.
Protection Features for Other Platforms
The new design of Webroot Total Protection extends to its Mac version, which mirrors the Windows interface with some feature variations. While the Mac edition lacks parental controls and vulnerability scanning, it maintains a focus on real-time protection. Mobile security is also available, albeit with limited features compared to desktop versions.
Identity Protection Features Shared With Webroot Premium
Webroot’s identity protection service, provided in partnership with Allstate, aims to monitor for breaches and assist in remediation if identity theft occurs. However, it lacks the comprehensive features found in competing services, and accessing the service can be cumbersome, requiring repeated logins.
Webroot Backs Up Your Important Files
Webroot Total Protection offers a backup solution that, while marketed as “unlimited,” is limited to one device. The backup process is straightforward, automatically archiving essential files without requiring user input. Users can easily monitor backup status through color-coded indicators, ensuring peace of mind regarding file safety.
Webroot’s VPN Service Ensures Secure Connections
The integrated VPN service provides an additional layer of security by encrypting data during online activities. Although it operates as a separate application, it offers a range of server locations and advanced features like a kill switch and split tunneling, catering to users seeking enhanced online privacy.
Parental Control Is New, But Not Good
Despite the introduction of parental controls in Webroot Total Protection, the feature falls short of expectations. The local-only system lacks the flexibility and effectiveness of modern parental control solutions, allowing savvy children to bypass restrictions easily. This addition may ultimately detract from the overall value of the suite.
In summary, Webroot Total Protection encompasses a wide array of security features, though the quality of some may not meet the standards set by leading competitors. For those prioritizing identity protection alongside a comprehensive security suite, investing in alternatives like Bitdefender Ultimate Security or Norton 360 With LifeLock may prove more beneficial.
