Best VPNs with antivirus included

Safeguarding your privacy online and keeping your devices free from malicious software is essential. In the past, antivirus software and VPNs have been viewed as independent tools that focus on completely separate elements of cybersecurity. Sadly, an ever-growing cyber threat environment has made it necessary for web users to look for comprehensive solutions that ensure secure connections and safety against risks such as phishing and malware.

Despite their obvious benefits, VPNs equipped with integrated antivirus software continue to experience low demand – yet such multifaceted solutions are needed now more than ever. In this comprehensive guide, I highlight some VPN providers with the best antivirus features.

Here’s a quick rundown of the top 7 VPNs with antivirus:

1. Surfshark One: The #1 VPN with antivirus. Surfshark allows limitless simultaneous device connections. It also has a feature called CleanWeb that blocks trackers, phishing attempts, and malware for greater online security.
2. CyberGhost VPN + Security Suite: Providing support for several protocols, along with pre-configured safety features, this VPN strikes the perfect balance between security and convenience. It also has a great antivirus add-on.
3. Private Internet Access with Antivirus: Famous for its 10-device connection limit and exceptional privacy features, PIA also comes with an antivirus included in its package.
4. Norton 360: Offers a wide-ranging list of safety features, easily streams Netflix from around the globe, and comes with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.
5. McAfee Essential Protection: Unwavering commitment to privacy, integrated password manager, and routine virus definition updates make this a solid choice.
6. Avast One: Runs servers in 55+ locations, offers round-the-clock customer support, plus real-time virus scanning.
7. Bitdefender Internet Security: Has more than 2,300 VPN servers, and provides microphone and webcam protection with parental control.

At Privacy.net, we adhere to well-defined criteria when evaluating VPNs. To offer maximum value to our readers, we only recommend providers that can effectively and reliably secure your connections while safeguarding devices from harmful software. Some of the key aspects we look for in a VPN include:

• Fast and reliable connection speeds that ensure a seamless online experience
• Rock-solid encryption standards and a genuine zero-log policy
• Access to helpful, round-the-clock customer support via several channels
• Capacity to support different operating systems and multiple devices

Bear in mind that this is a condensed version simply aimed at giving you a glimpse of our thorough, systematic process. To find out more about how we test our VPNs, check out the testing methodology section of this guide.

Best VPNs with antivirus

Here’s my list of the top VPNs with antivirus:

1. Surfshark One

Surfshark is my top choice when it comes to a reputable VPN with antivirus. The provider offers an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections, which allows you to secure all your devices under a single subscription. It also has a feature known as CleanWeb that provides integrated browsing protection by blocking trackers, phishing attempts, and malware attacks.

Surfshark antivirus stands out from the competition by offering a comprehensive solution that includes blocking real-time threats and removing existing threats from your devices. What’s more, the antivirus feature integrates seamlessly with Surfshark’s Cybersecurity Suite. This enables users to run on-demand or scheduled virus scans with hardly any impact on their system resources.

At the moment, Surfshark antivirus is exclusively compatible with macOS and Windows. This extra feature comes as part of Surfshark One and will set you back an extra $1.49 every month on top of the usual Surfshark VPN subscription fee.

Surfshark VPN boasts a massive server network that is spread across 100+ countries, ensuring quick and reliable connection speeds. It can easily stream Disney Plus, Netflix, and Prime Video from anywhere. The key security features it employs include 256-bit encryption, an app kill switch, and split tunneling. Its apps are available for desktop and mobile.

Pros:

• Easily accesses Hulu, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer
• Supports torrenting and P2P
• Robust privacy and safety features
• Offers sufficient speeds for live TV streaming without buffering

Cons:

• Several slow servers
• Smaller server network compared to most of its competition

THE BEST VPN WITH ANTIVIRUS:Surfshark has no limit on simultaneous device connections, has a 30-day money-back guarantee, and operates servers in 100+ countries.

2. CyberGhost VPN + Security Suite

CyberGhost’s VPN service also includes support for various protocols and comes with pre-configured safety features for an improved browsing experience. It has an optional antivirus feature, offered in partnership with Intego, that ensures your Windows device remains protected against malware, spyware, Trojans, and zero-day threats.

Its Security Suite also comes equipped with an update scanner that provides timely alerts in case any of your apps are due for an update. Another feature is Privacy Guard, which scans 76 crucial areas for possible privacy concerns and data collection.

The complete package that includes the CyberGhost VPN and Security Suite will run you roughly $2 to $3 extra each month compared to a standard VPN subscription. The VPN provider boasts more than 11,500 servers across 100+ countries. This ensures lightning-fast connections and enables you to secure up to seven devices at a time. User-friendly apps are available for mobile and desktop, plus servers that specialize in torrenting and streaming.

Pros:

• Easily streams HD content with no issues
• Allows payment using bitcoin
• User-friendly apps, great for beginners
• Allows seven device connections at once

Cons:

• It’s not ideal for power users due to limited advanced configuration options.
• Doesn’t offer router support

USER-FRIENDLY VPN:CyberGhost runs servers in 100+ nations, offers an impressive 45-day money-back guarantee, and supports several protocols.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) with Antivirus

Private Internet Access is a solid VPN that allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections. Aside from having top-notch privacy features, it also has an optional antivirus add-on in its VPN package to safeguard all your devices against malware.

This provider does not have a standalone antivirus offering but instead requires you to add its antivirus software to a pre-existing PIA VPN account. Nevertheless, the antivirus add-on boasts a broad range of security features including cloud-based virus definition updates, on-demand and real-time virus scanning, and protection against spyware, Trojans, rootkits, and worms, among other threats. It also comes with an ad blocker, malicious website blocker, and tracker prevention as part of its browser extension that is supported on various devices.

Similar to CyberGhost, the PIA antivirus does not currently work on any other operating systems apart from Windows. Along with its antivirus add-on, PIA VPN also has WireGuard support, AES encryption, split tunneling, and a stringent no-logs policy. Both desktop and mobile apps are supported.

Pros:

• Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
• Comes with a kill switch
• Strict zero logs policy
• Offers WireGuard support

Cons:

• Accessing capabilities are unreliable
• Has many virtual servers

WIREGUARD SUPPORT:PIA provides advanced privacy features, a limit of 10 device connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. Norton 360

Norton 360 is a robust Security Suite from a well-known antivirus service. To ensure comprehensive security and privacy, the provider offers a VPN feature as well. The service ensures a private browsing experience by operating the Norton 360 VPN under a strict no-logs policy. This safeguards your online activities from being recorded or tracked by bad actors.

The Norton 360 VPN ensures your personal information is kept safe from interception by criminals regardless of whether you’re shopping online, streaming content, or checking your emails. It also adds an extra security layer by implementing top-notch, bank-grade encryption protocols to keep your data safe from online threats.

By masking your IP address, it enables you to access geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world, which is useful for traveling or staying abroad. Because the VPN feature is integrated into the Norton 360 suite, you can easily manage all your Norton services using just one incredibly user-friendly interface. This provider also offers round-the-clock customer support that deals with any issues or inquiries.

Pros:

• Offers multiple package options
• A broad range of security features
• Strong malware blocking
• Reliable identity monitoring suite

Cons:

• Auto-renewal requirement
• Lower-cost packages have limited multi-device coverage

EXCELLENT VIRUS DETECTION:Norton 360 comes with round-the-clock customer support, a generous 60-day money-back guarantee, and servers in numerous countries.

5. McAfee Essential Protection

McAfee is one of the most popular brands in the world when it comes to cybersecurity. Its Essential Protection package is famous for bringing together robust antivirus and VPN functionalities. McAfee Safe Connect, which is a bundled VPN, employs top-tier, military-grade encryption to safeguard user data and online activities from a broad range of potential risks.

McAfee Safe Connect VPN has a very simple, user-friendly interface that is ideal for beginners as well as seasoned VPN users. The VPN has a generous connection limit, allowing you to secure up to five devices at once. This helps to shield your online activities and personal data from your Internet Service Provider and various cyber threats.

Unlike most VPN services, McAfee Safe Connect VPN offers automatic protection. This means it is capable of switching on by itself any time you access the web, thus ensuring consistent online safety and privacy. Other stand-out features include identity monitoring, real-time virus detection, and a password manager.

Pros:

• A broad range of features
• Impressive scores from independent testing labs
• Tailor-made for macOS
• Well-established provider with a solid track record of Windows protection

Cons:

• Doesn’t allow turning off auto-renewal at checkout
• Among the more costly options once the first year discount ends

MULTI-DEVICE SUPPORT:McAfee offers round-the-clock customer support, a decent server network, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. Avast One

Avast is a popular choice for its antivirus software, known as Avast Secure Line VPN. It safeguards your internet connection to ensure that all your comings and goings on the web remain private and secure. In a nutshell, Avast’s antivirus function provides real-time malware protection on demand. It also offers ransomware blocking along with webcam protection.

Avast’s Secure Line VPN secures user data by following a legit zero logs policy which means it neither gathers nor stores any records of your online activities. It employs the AES-256-bit encryption protocol that’s also utilized by governments and banks. The VPN service is included in the Avast One package and offers unlimited bandwidth plus servers in more than 55 nations worldwide.

This vast server network means Avast SecureLine VPN users can easily circumvent geo-restrictions by selecting from a wide variety of server locations. Admittedly, Avast’s VPN service has fewer features compared to specialized VPN services. That said, incorporating the antivirus feature offers a valuable additional security layer that most VPNs lack.

Pros:

• Native apps
• Decent connection speeds
• Easily streams some Netflix libraries
• Features a VPN kill switch

Cons:

• Privacy practices could use some improvements
• Significantly less feature-rich than its competition

UNLIMITED BANDWIDTH:Avast provides real-time virus scans, around-the-clock customer support, and servers across 55+ nations.

7. Bitdefender Internet Security

Bitdefender Premium VPN is an offering by Bitdefender which is a reputable provider of antivirus software. It encrypts all the outgoing and incoming traffic on user devices to ensure total anonymity when browsing the web.

The VPN provides robust encryption to keep all user activities safe from a vast array of security concerns. The service also adheres to a stringent zero-log policy and stores no records of user activities online. Although it’s mostly regarded as an antivirus service, Bitdefender’s VPN is more than capable of rivaling specialized providers.

It runs an impressive network of over 1,300 servers spread across over 45+ locations. It’s, therefore, a well-rounded option for anyone looking for device protection as well as network-level security. Bitdefender Internet Security combines a VPN that comes with a daily limit of 200 MB with antivirus functions such as real-time risk detection, social network security, and WiFi vulnerability scanning, among others. It’s also possible to purchase Bitdefender Premium VPN as a separate service.

Pros:

• Stellar results during lab tests
• Multi-layered ransomware protection among several other standout features
• Users can opt out of auto-renewal at checkout
• User-friendly billing practices

Cons:

• Cancellation via live chat is not available
• Too many add-ons are pushed during checkout

STANDALONE VPN:Features parental controls, a microphone manager, and more than 45 server locations.

Testing methodology: How the best VPNs with antivirus are chosen

When selecting the top VPNs that also come with antivirus features, I adhere to a strict methodology aimed at ensuring optimal performance and security for subscription holders. The approach I follow incorporates the following key criteria.

Antivirus integration

To begin with, I evaluate whether or not the VPN in question also includes antivirus protection as one of its fundamental offerings. This is a crucial factor since it provides users with multiple layers of security against a vast range of online threats such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. This heavy emphasis on solutions that feature antivirus capability is intended to help users enjoy maximum protection when browsing the web.

Speed and performance

Next, I test the overall performance and speed of each VPN provider. The key factors I look for include reliable, super-fast connection speeds that work great for a wide array of online activities. These include simply browsing the internet or heavier tasks such as streaming HD videos and playing online games.

To ensure users don’t have to deal with notable lag or buffering, but instead enjoy smooth online experiences, I perform thorough evaluations to find out how each service holds up under various conditions.

Application availability

Another significant consideration in my assessment of the top VPNs with antivirus is the availability of dedicated apps. For each VPN I test, I check whether it offers user-friendly apps on a broad range of platforms. These include the most popular operating systems such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Where dedicated applications are not provided, I ensure the provider offers clear and systematic installation instructions. The setup instructions should be easy to follow and allow even beginners to configure the VPN with minimal effort or technical expertise.

Security standards

This is a vital factor for any VPN service including those with antivirus functionality. I assess the privacy features and security standards employed by each VPN, which includes evaluating each provider’s encryption protocols, adherence to a genuine zero-logs policy, and the availability of a kill switch. Robust security is a crucial criterion that ensures user data is safeguarded from bad actors when surfing the web.

Global coverage

Another essential aspect of a reliable VPN with antivirus is the scale of its geographical reach. I take into consideration the number of each VPN’s available servers along with their distribution across different regions around the world.

As a general rule, VPN providers with larger server networks that are spread across various locations usually deliver faster speeds. They are also more likely to consistently access geo-restricted content, making it easier for users to view content from anywhere in the world.

Customer support

The quality of customer support is yet another factor that heavily influences users’ experience with a VPN provider. I focus on services that guarantee around-the-clock assistance via several channels, including email and live chat, along with a well-structured, easily accessible knowledge base.

By investing in top-notch customer support, a VPN provider enables subscribers to find quick solutions to any challenges they may encounter when setting up or using the service.

Value for money

Lastly, I analyze what each VPN subscription would cost considering the services that are included in each plan. I evaluate whether each provider’s prices are justified despite offering the additional benefit of integrated antivirus capability. By closely scrutinizing their pricing structures, I ensure that the selected VPNs can cater to users with varying budgets and privacy needs.

It’s important to keep in mind that this is only a summary of what I look for when choosing the best VPNs. If you’d like to learn more about my meticulous selection process, I strongly recommend checking out this in-depth testing methodology guide.

Understanding the difference between a VPN and antivirus

Although both antivirus software and VPNs serve the function of safeguarding user online privacy and safety, they also have significant differences that complement each other to enhance overall security.

What does a VPN do?

The primary role of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is to protect user online privacy and keep your internet connection secure. It encrypts your data and routes it through a secure server, thus effectively masking your IP address. By doing so, a VPN reduces the likelihood of hackers, advertisers, and other third parties tracking your online activities. This is particularly beneficial when connecting to public WiFi networks, as it secures your data from snoops and bad actors.

In addition, connecting to a VPN is useful whenever you’re attempting to access online content with geographic restrictions. A reliable VPN will help you circumvent any geoblocks and access content that may not be available where you are. Notably, it’s important to bear in mind that a VPN isn’t capable of detecting, blocking, or removing any malware that might have already made it onto your device.

What does antivirus software do?

On the other hand, antivirus software is designed to safeguard your devices against a wide range of malware. These include threats such as viruses, spyware, trojans, and ransomware, among others.

Antiviruses can identify malicious code, block possible threats, and even remove them once detected. They actively scan your apps for such risks thereby playing a vital part in defending users against phishing attempts and several other forms of internet fraud.

Unlike VPNs, antivirus software offers reliable security at a device level but is incapable of masking your IP addresses or encrypting your internet connections.

How to use a VPN with antivirus

By leveraging the combined benefits of a VPN with antivirus functionality, you can improve your online safety significantly. To help you get started, here’s a quick breakdown of how to use a VPN with antivirus capability:

1. Choose a reliable VPN provider: The first step involves choosing the right VPN service that aligns with your unique needs. In this case, you can select any of the reputable VPN providers recommended in this guide as they all offer built-in antivirus capabilities. Alternatively, you could also opt for standalone VPN and antivirus software.
2. Download and install the software: Once you identified your preferred VPN service, go ahead and download and install the app on your device. All the steps you’ll need to follow should be provided on the VPN website.
3. Launch and sign in: Open the app and sign in with your account details. Make sure you already own an active subscription.
4. Activate features: If you’ve settled on a VPN with a built-in antivirus solution, confirm that you’ve enabled both features. If you’re using separate VPN and antivirus software, ensure the two programs are running together. By doing so, you’ll be able to effectively enjoy the combined benefits of both solutions.
5. Connect to a VPN server: Pick a suitable server from the VPN app and connect to it. This step is crucial as it ensures your internet connection stays encrypted and acts as an essential security layer.
6. Enjoy comprehensive security: Provided both the antivirus and VPN solutions are active simultaneously, you’ll be able to surf the web freely without worrying about insecure connections or malware attacks.

Pros and cons of using VPNs with antivirus

Just like any other tech solution, using a VPN that comes equipped with built-in antivirus functionality has its benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a quick look at each.

Benefits:

1. Comprehensive protection: A VPN service that includes antivirus protections offers a more versatile security solution. It’s a two-in-one service that covers online privacy as well as device protection against malware.
2. Ease of use: As a combined solution, a VPN with antivirus brings together two typically separate functionalities into one application. It, therefore, becomes much easier for users to manage their security settings which results in a smoother experience.
3. Value for money: Subscribing to just one service that includes a VPN plus an antivirus is often much cheaper than signing up for standalone services. A VPN with built-in antivirus capability is a cost-effective solution for users with tighter budgets.
4. Unified customer support: As with any piece of tech, issues are bound to arise. When they do, it’s significantly easier to deal with a single customer support team as it makes troubleshooting and resolving the problem much simpler.

Drawbacks:

1. Limited provider choices: Compared to the number of VPN services out there, it’s relatively hard to find providers that offer integrated antivirus functionality. Standalone VPNs are much more common which can make it challenging for users to identify reliable VPNs with this additional feature.
2. Possible performance impact: Operating a VPN with the antivirus feature enabled can result in a significant reduction in device performance. Also, if you’re running both services on older hardware, you’re much more likely to experience slower internet speeds.
3. Fewer specialized features: Most providers that specialize in either VPN services or antivirus protection offer more advanced features in their area of focus. By choosing a combined service, you might not get access to specific functionalities that could be beneficial. Additionally, customer support may be unable to assist with the more complex aspects of the combined service, depending on their area of expertise.

Should you consider an Antivirus with a built-in VPN?

Definitely. Selecting an antivirus that also has a built-in VPN can be an excellent option for some users. This is another comprehensive security solution that not only offers protection against security risks like viruses and malware at a device level but also safeguards against network-level threats such as data interception.

Here are three key reasons why an antivirus with a built-in VPN might enhance your online privacy and security:

1. User-friendly experience: Because the VPN functionality comes built into the antivirus, you won’t have to worry about any potential compatibility issues. You’ll also avoid the hassle involved with juggling multiple programs, as you’ll have a single interface that controls the two features.
2. Streamlined support: Should you encounter any challenges, you’ll have a unified customer support team to work with, rather than two. This is much more efficient and could result in considerable time savings.
3. Cost-effectiveness: Simply purchasing a single service that includes an antivirus plus a VPN feature is often cheaper than paying for each service independently.

With all this in mind, it’s essential to note that the VPN functionality offered by an antivirus company may not be as comprehensive or effective as that offered by a provider that specializes in VPNs. Some advanced VPN features will most likely be missing which could have a massive impact on its usability and overall performance. Some key features that might be lacking include a kill switch and a wide selection of servers around the world, among others.

Before settling on which type of service you’d like to move forward with, it’s important to carefully evaluate your particular needs with regard to VPN and antivirus functionality. For instance, say you’re more interested in the antivirus aspect and would have no problem with a limited VPN feature as a bonus, an antivirus with a built-in VPN would be a great choice.

In contrast, should you find you require much more advanced VPN capabilities, then you should consider seeking a specialized VPN service.

Best VPNs with antivirus FAQs