G DATA Total Security: Clubic’s Review
Less well-known than players like Norton, Bitdefender, or McAfee, the German antivirus publisher G DATA can nonetheless rely on a loyal base of experienced Windows users. Unchanged for many years, the interface allows protection to be configured down to the finest detail thanks to an abundance of tuning options. The G DATA Total Security security suite also has the peculiarity of integrating not one, but two antivirus engines, which can run independently or in concert. It also includes solid additional tools such as an advanced firewall, parental controls, and a newer cloud backup system. But can G DATA still keep up with the market’s best antivirus software?
G DATA’s effectiveness is evident, but the security suite suffers from a dated interface and the absence of many tools that are sometimes found even in free antivirus solutions. The premium G DATA Total Security is primarily aimed at advanced users who want to configure protection in minute detail. Among its novelties, it does include a cloud storage space to safeguard the most sensitive data (photos, videos, documents, etc.). It is cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS), and the solution still includes a password manager, a banking protection module, and a system optimization tool. An antivirus that is not like the others…
The German publisher does not mince words as it presents itself as the best antivirus of all time on its website. With 38 years of experience under its belt, it certainly has a solid reputation, but its software tends to stall compared with market leaders who continuously evolve. G DATA adopts a different strategy, focusing primarily on protection. Its antivirus stands out thanks to a dual-engine approach, including the Bitdefender engine (considered the market’s best for more than a decade) and a second engine that leverages behavioral analysis and artificial intelligence to detect the most sophisticated unknown malware.
G DATA’s effectiveness lives up to expectations, but the security suite is hampered by an aging interface and the absence of several tools that are sometimes found in free antivirus solutions. The premium Total Security suite is aimed at power users who wish to fine-tune protection. As for innovations, it still adds cloud storage to protect the most sensitive data (photos, videos, documents…). Multiplatform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) remains, and the package includes a password manager, a banking protection module, and a system optimization tool. An antivirus that is not quite like the others…
The German developer does not beat around the bush: it markets its product as the best antivirus ever. With decades of experience, it commands a solid reputation, though its software has tended to stagnate relative to competitors that continually refresh their features. G DATA’s strategy prioritizes protection: its antivirus uses two engines, one of which is Bitdefender’s, and a second that relies on behavioral analysis and artificial intelligence to detect unknown threats. This is a notable approach, especially given AV Comparatives’ confirmation that Avast is among the best engines for detection.
Among the features, you’ll find a home “classeur” (launcher) that shows a dashboard akin to a browser with too many opened tabs in Total Security. The core remains a broad suite of protections: antivirus, firewall, online backup, password manager, system optimization, parental controls, data encryption, Windows startup management, and USB drive analysis. Some sections have their own sub-tabs; while the primary ones are clear, the secondary ones can be hard to read. This is clearly a dated approach, and one would wish for a refreshed organization of features—there are successful reorganization examples from Bitdefender, Avast, or Kaspersky.
Beyond the initial disappointment, though, what works remains effective: the home dashboard displays a sensible layout, property-rich settings, and explanations that are clear enough for non-technical users to understand what happens when they toggle certain options. The suite’s onboarding remains straightforward, and the settings are sufficiently exhaustive for enthusiasts who enjoy customizing the behavior of the software.
Web console and mobile apps
The web console My G Data hints at modernization, presenting a look reminiscent of Avira or Avast. Visually, navigation is fairly successful, but the features available in the console remain rather minimalist, focused mainly on account management. McAfee, Norton, or F-Secure have demonstrated how to position a web interface as a portal for data breach assistance on the Dark Web, while Bitdefender or Kaspersky remain models of remote administration. G DATA does not take either path.
The mobile apps have also not moved much and are distinctly different between Android and iOS. This makes sense: iOS does not currently allow security-suite-type apps within the App Store’s constraints. However, while most editors strive for interface consistency across platforms, G DATA offers two apps that share little in common.
On Android, G DATA is a mobile security suite in line with its rivals, with features including on-device app and content analysis, safe web browsing against malicious sites (compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera), app protection via password or biometric, and remote locate/lock anti-theft functionality. On iOS, the interface resembles the web console more closely and focuses on the anti-theft module, secure in-app browsing, and a QR code scanner. A VPN or content-filtering tool would be welcome here, but they are not offered.
On iOS, the security features concentrate on anti-theft, with a secure browser, and a few protective tools; there’s no VPN or content filtering built into the iPhone app.
Defensive modules
G DATA has built its reputation especially on its dual-engine approach, which remains present in the latest version of the product. It has evolved since G DATA developed CloseGap, its own analysis engine. What you get is a home, in-house primary engine, plus a white-labeled Avast engine to complement detection. This remains a good choice if you judge by AV Comparatives, which places Avast among the best for this particular function.
To complement this protection, G DATA uses additional behavioral analysis modules, including BEAST, and DeepRay, which rely on machine learning to identify suspicious behaviors and unknown threats. A ransomware shield is included, as well as protections against exploits and keyloggers. It’s worth noting that even connecting a TypeCover keyboard to a Surface Pro can trigger an alert. The rest of the modules remain relatively unchanged and continue to be of high quality, notably the firewall, whose robustness and configurability remain a long-standing strength.
The principal protection modules are:
– Double-engine antivirus
– Behavior-based detection (BEAST)
– Machine-learning-based detection (DeepRay)
– Anti-phishing
– Mail shield
– Anti-spam
– Exploit protection
– Bankguard: protection for banking operations
– Firewall
Additional features
Peripheral features show where G DATA changes the least compared with its rivals. Almost all other vendors now offer a VPN—either free or with limited data—in their premium plans. G DATA takes a pass on this point. It does not provide a VPN to mask your IP address. Experts who rely on VPNs such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN will continue to use them, but for casual users, having a VPN integrated into the suite would be a welcome addition.
Total Protection remains a robust offering in terms of performance optimization and utilities: online backup, data encryption, password manager, parental controls, and Windows-start management are all included. The execution may lag a little behind some competitors that have refined these modules more over time.
Additional features include:
– Password manager
– Parental controls
– System optimization
– Windows startup optimization
– Data encryption
– Online backup via third-party providers and local backups
Support
G DATA’s technical support is available by phone (800 940 989) from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The editor also offers a contact form accessible via My G DATA. The response time isn’t listed, and in practice it can be quite long: expect two to three business days for a reply.
Pricing
The premium Total Security suite starts at €49.95 per year for a single device. Other versions—Antivirus and Internet Security—are sold at €29.95/year and €39.95/year, respectively, for one device.
– G DATA Antivirus: €29.95/year (1 PC/Mac/Android/iOS)
– G DATA Internet Security: €39.95/year (1 PC/Mac/Android/iOS)
– G DATA Total Security: €49.95/year (1 PC/Mac/Android/iOS)
Note: 30-day trial versions are available.
Clubic’s verdict on G DATA Total Security
G Data sticks to its core. For regulars of the suite, the essential is that the publisher does the job: robust, reactive protection; even if neither the features nor the interface has moved a pixel, there is little doubt that detection and threat blocking are nearly flawless, and Windows performance impact remains modest. If you’re seeking a security suite with VPN or dark web monitoring tools, this isn’t the suite for you. If, however, you value effective detection above all else, even with a rather unremarkable UI, this is a solid option.
If you’re looking for more features, check out Avast One for a user-friendly all-in-one solution with a VPN, or Bitdefender Total Security for its balance of value, efficiency, and light system impact. If you want something even more minimalist that focuses solely on malware analysis, Malwarebytes Premium is another good option to consider.
Pros
– Still as effective as ever
– Highly customizable for experts
– Performance optimization features
Cons
– Dated interface
– No VPN
Overall, G DATA presents a solid security suite. The concept of giving users control over the number of protected devices is well-thought-out and the pricing reflects that flexibility. Yet the interface feels outdated, and the product lacks some conveniences found in rivals. Still, if you prioritize reliable malware detection and a modular approach over flashy UI or VPN additions, G DATA Total Security remains a strong choice.
Related antivirus reviews:
– Bitdefender
– Norton 360
– Avast One
– Intego Mac
– McAfee Total Protection
– Kaspersky Premium
– Trend Micro Maximum Security
– AVG Antivirus
– F-Secure TOTAL
Note: The above links lead to other Clubic evaluations of antivirus software.
