Surfshark Antivirus Review 2026: Your Cybersecurity Lifeguard - All About Cookies

Surfshark Antivirus Review 2026: Your Cybersecurity Lifeguard Discover Surfshark Antivirus’ comprehensive protection and features and find out if it's the right cybersecurity solution for you. Ryan L. Clancy, Author Kalleigh Lane, Author Catherine McNally, Editor Last updated Mar 6, 2026 Antivirus Protection  /  Antivirus Software 4.7 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products. Editorial Rating Get Deal On Surfshark Antivirus's website 2026 Editors’ Choice Best Value Antivirus Antivirus Software Surfshark Antivirus PROMOTION: 86% OFF + up to 3 mo. EXTRA Powerful app that offers 24/7 virus and malware protection without hogging your CPU or RAM Full security suite including one of the best VPNs, a top ad blocker, Incogni data removal, and more Includes webcam protection, fully customizable security, full or quick scans, and more Overview Surfshark Antivirus protects users against malware, phishing attempts, and ransomware, making it an efficient security solution. However, it is available only as part of the Surfshark One bundle, which may be a detriment to those looking for a standalone antivirus program. Surfshark Antivirus is a lightweight security tool with proven malware protection. Despite being a newer player in the antivirus market, Surfshark has already earned near-perfect scores from independent testing labs, signaling strong reliability right out of the gate. While we’d still like to see features such as a built-in firewall and stronger phishing protection, Surfshark Antivirus delivers impressive real-time security, smooth performance, and valuable extras through the Surfshark One bundle.  In our Surfshark Antivirus review, we break down everything from features and test results to pricing and alternatives. Pros Offers real-time malware protection without hogging CPU or RAM Provides a user-friendly interface Includes Surfshark VPN, Surfshark Search, and Surfshark Alert Cons Lacks a dedicated firewall Fails EICAR phishing test In this article Overview Our experience Who is it best for? Cost Features Surfshark One bundle features Test results Compatibility Customer support Alternatives FAQs Bottom line + In this article OverviewOur experienceWho is it best for?CostFeaturesSurfshark One bundle featuresTest resultsCompatibilityCustomer supportAlternativesFAQsBottom line Thanks for subscribing! Please check your email for your first message. 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Overview Price Starts at $2.49/mo Free plan No # of devices protected 1 - 5 Malware scans Manual and scheduled Real-time protection Yes EICAR test results 2/3 Firewall No Phishing protection Yes Compatibility Windows, macOS, Android Extras VPN, ad blocker, identity theft protection, data removal 24/7 customer support Yes Details Get Surfshark Antivirus How we test and rate antivirus software We use our proprietary grading rubric in all of our testing, which considers ease of use, third-party testing scores, internal testing scores, price, compatibility, and features offered, among other metrics.  This means that our testing process is designed to ensure that the product isn't too confusing, protects as it claims, and offers you a lot for a reasonable price. We download and run each program on our own computers on home networks, just like you would. Our ratings reflect the real-world performance of the antivirus product. This ensures that we can recreate a similar experience for you and give our best advice on whether or not it's worthwhile. To learn more about how we test, check out our full antivirus testing methodology here. We last tested Surfshark Antivirus on March 6, 2026. Stay on Top of New Threats With 8x Daily Database Updates 4.7 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products. Editorial Rating Get Deal On Surfshark Antivirus's website 2026 Editors’ Choice Best Value Antivirus Antivirus Software Surfshark Antivirus PROMOTION: 86% OFF + up to 3 mo. EXTRA Powerful app that offers 24/7 virus and malware protection without hogging your CPU or RAM Full security suite including one of the best VPNs, a top ad blocker, Incogni data removal, and more Includes webcam protection, fully customizable security, full or quick scans, and more Our experience We weren't expecting much from an antivirus that's included with another product, but our experience with Surfshark Antivirus was largely positive. The app was easy to use and the scans themselves were quick, effective, and gave us confidence.  First, we ran a quick scan, which took just over a minute and scanned 18,000 files. It was efficient right off the bat and didn't hog our computer's resources.  We were only disappointed that Surfshark Antivirus missed the malware test files we downloaded onto our computer before installing the antivirus. This was especially surprising because Surfshark Antivirus has found these files in past quick scans. Plus, Surfshark Antivirus is part of the Surfshark One bundle, which includes Surfshark's virtual private network (VPN), a private search engine, and data breach alerts.  One gripe we have with Surfshark is its phishing protection. This is currently supported by Surfshark CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. However, it doesn't yet block the dummy phishing site we use in our tests, so it may not be as robust as other antivirus extensions.  Overall, we were impressed with Surfshark Antivirus and its effectiveness, ease of use, and reliability. Although it doesn't yet include a firewall, we believe it can stand well on its own. Who is Surfshark Antivirus best for? Recommended for individuals and families seeking comprehensive security across multiple devices without breaking the bank. Surfshark Antivirus is an excellent choice for those who want to safeguard their digital lives without compromising on quality or affordability. Its key features, such as malware and phishing protection, are designed to provide robust security for a wide range of users.  The inclusion of Surfshark VPN and tools like CleanWeb and Surfshark Search further enhance privacy and security by protecting your device from hackers, malware, trackers, and more. With its competitive pricing, Surfshark Antivirus is particularly attractive for families on a budget. Its user-friendly interface and compatibility with Windows, Mac, and mobile platforms also make it easy for users of varying technical skill levels to navigate and manage their cybersecurity needs.  Additionally, the Surfshark money-back guarantee provides users with the confidence to try out the service risk-free, ensuring they get the best value for their money. Surfshark Antivirus cost Surfshark plans that include Surfshark Antivirus range from $2.49–$20.85/mo. It comes with Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ plans. While the lack of a standalone app might be limiting, the value provided by the Surfshark One bundle is substantial, given the comprehensive security and privacy features included. You can purchase Surfshark Antivirus for a monthly, annual, or two-year subscription. See how these plan prices compare in the table below.  Plan 1-month cost 1-year cost 2-year cost Surfshark One $17.95/mo $3.49/mo $2.49/mo Surfshark One+ $21.45/mo $7.49/mo $4.99/mo Plan comparison Surfshark Antivirus is available only if you subscribe to the Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ packages. These plans include Surfshark VPN, Surfshark Search, and a data breach detector called Surfshark Alert, with additional data removal technology if you opt for One+.  When compared to other antivirus software, the Surfshark One bundle may appear to be more expensive. But Surfshark comes with additional benefits and features that make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for an all-in-one cybersecurity solution.  Here's what you get with the Surfshark One and One+ bundles. Features Surfshark One Surfshark One+ # devices supported 5 5 VPN Ad blocker Identity protection Private search Antivirus Data removal Details View plan View plan Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans, so you can try the Surfshark One bundle risk-free. If you're not satisfied with the service, you can request a full refund within 30 days. Surfshark Antivirus features Surfshark Antivirus boasts a suite of standout features that provide comprehensive security and privacy protection for your devices, thanks to being part of the Surfshark One and One+ bundles. These packages offer a range of additional features like: Surfshark VPN Surfshark Search Surfshark Alert Data removal (One+ only) While Surfshark One provides a well-rounded security solution, some might find the lack of a standalone antivirus plan limiting. Let's take a closer look at the features offered by Surfshark One. Malware and antivirus scan Surfshark Antivirus offers both automatic and manual scans, providing you with flexibility and control over your device's security.  You can run a quick scan, which covers the most vulnerable areas of the device, or a full scan, which provides a thorough inspection of the entire system. You can also scan specific files, folders, USB drives, and external hard drives. During our testing, the scanning process was fast, efficient, and unobtrusive. We received prompt notifications when computer virus threats were detected and moved into quarantine. Phishing protection Surfshark Antivirus protects you from phishing with Surfshark CleanWeb. This feature can block ads, trackers, and malware, but it only works when the VPN is connected. CleanWeb 2.0 is exclusive to the Surfshark browser extension. It provides advanced ad, tracker, and malware blocking.  You can toggle on CleanWeb by going to Settings, then selecting VPN settings. To set up CleanWeb 2.0, download the Surfshark extension, and CleanWeb will be enabled by default. Real-time protection Surfshark Antivirus provides real-time protection to keep devices safe as they browse the web, access emails, or use apps. During our testing, we discovered that Surfshark's real-time protection functioned flawlessly, with no noticeable slowdowns or interruptions. The antivirus program recognized and destroyed threats in real time, sending quick warnings about suspicious activity. Surfshark One and One+ bundle features Surfshark Antivirus is part of Surfshark One and One+, complete security packages that contain various tools designed to safeguard your privacy and online activity. Surfshark VPN Surfshark VPN allows you to hide your IP address and encrypt your internet connection, providing online browsing that is private and more secure. The VPN also shields data and personal information from hackers, internet service providers (ISPs), and trackers.  Surfshark VPN offers 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, which can help you access geo-restricted material and streaming services. Surfshark Search Surfshark Search is a private search engine focused on providing security as you search the internet. Unlike most search engines, this tool doesn’t monitor your search history, keep any personal data, or display any ads tailored to your history. Surfshark Alert The Surfshark Alert tool checks for data breaches involving your email addresses, passwords, or credit card information. If your data is taken, Surfshark Alert will notify you immediately, allowing you to take action to safeguard your accounts and avoid identity theft or fraud. Surfshark Antivirus test results In order to make sure an antivirus product is performing as it should, we put it through a series of rigorous tests and track down trusted third-party results. Surfshark performed fairly well, providing efficient scans and earning perfect malware protection scores.  Read on for more details on Surfshark Antivirus's performance.  Scan effectiveness Result: Only found preexisting malware files after full scan, not quick scan We believe quick scans should take no longer than five minutes. Since this scan took only one minute, Surfshark Antivirus was well within our expectations. However, we were disappointed that it didn't detect any of the test files we planted on our desktop, in our downloads folder, and in our documents folder before installing the software.  The full scan with Surfshark Antivirus took less than 10 minutes, which is also a speedy result. We did feel better knowing that the files were detected with this scan.  Scan type Quick scan Full scan Time spent 1 minute, 6 seconds 9 minutes, 21 seconds # of files scanned 18,220 files 557,698 files Did it find preexisting malware files? EICAR test results Result: 2/3 The European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research (EICAR) put together a series of tools that help consumers determine whether their antivirus software is performing as it should. These consist of files that are made to act like viruses without actually being malicious, as well as pages meant to trigger phishing detection. Test Surfshark Antivirus score Malware detection Pass Drive-by malware downloads Pass Phishing pages detection Fail Test results as of 03/06/2026. Surfshark was able to detect and quarantine both types of malware files flawlessly while performing a full scan. This brings us great confidence in its real-time protection capabilities. But the antivirus didn't detect the fake phishing page, even with the Surfshark browser extension installed. We hope Surfshark implements more comprehensive phishing protection in the future.  AV-TEST results Result: Surfshark Antivirus had near-perfect marks on its Windows program.  AV-TEST is a respected independent testing organization that evaluates antivirus software based on various criteria, including protection, performance, and usability. It's important to note that Surfshark was tested only on Windows. This is not unusual since antivirus companies have to pay for third-party tests, and Windows is the most widely used platform. We hope to see further investment in third-party testing from Surfshark. Test type Windows score macOS score Android score Protection 6/6 N/A N/A Performance 5.5/6 N/A N/A Usability 5.5/6 N/A N/A Total 17/18 N/A N/A Date June 2025 N/A N/A Link to test Link N/A N/A When tested on Windows, Surfshark received a perfect score for protection, receiving 100% for protection against zero-day malware attacks and detection of widespread and prevalent malware. However, Surfshark was docked 0.5 points for performance and usability. In the performance category, Surfshark had significantly more impact when launching popular websites and when installing frequently used applications.  The industry average for slowing down when launching popular websites was 22% while Surfshark's impact was 34%. Additionally, the industry average for slowing down when installing frequently used applications was 19% while Surfshark's impact was 28%.  In the usability category, Surfshark detected two false positives in two separate tests. One was a false blockage of certain actions while installing and using legitimate software. The other was a false warning concerning certain actions while installing and using legitimate software. Surfshark Antivirus compatibility Surfshark Antivirus is limited to the following operating systems: Windows 10+ macOS Big Sur 11+ Android 10+ It's currently not compatible with iOS or Linux.  Surfshark Antivirus customer support Surfshark’s customer supportprovides several options so consumers can get help when they need it. A comprehensive help center is available with a multitude of articles and instructions covering numerous issues relating to Surfshark products, installation, and troubleshooting. The online instructions are well-organized and straightforward, allowing users to quickly discover solutions to their queries. Surfshark, in addition to the help center, offers a live chat feature, which allows customers to communicate with customer care experts in real time. Our experience with live chat support was great: the staff was knowledgeable, polite, and quick to respond to our questions. Surfshark also provides email assistance for those who prefer a more conventional mode of contact. There's no phone line at the time of writing. Top alternatives We love that Surfshark Antivirus is part of a comprehensive security suite. However, you might be in the market for just an antivirus or you might not be convinced by its features. Here are some other antivirus programs to consider: Antivirus TotalAV McAfee Norton 360 Star rating 4.7 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products. 4.9 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products. 5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products. Price $19.00–$49.00/first yr $39.99–$199.99/yr $29.99–$299.99/first yr # of devices protected 4 - 8 Unlimited 1 - 10 Real-time protection Malware scans Manual and scheduled Manual and scheduled Manual and scheduled Firewall EICAR test results 3/3 3/3 3/3 Phishing protection Compatibility Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Opera Windows, macOS, Android, iOS Windows, macOS, Android, iOS Extras Password manager, ad blocker, VPN Parental controls, performance optimization tools, VPN Password manager, VPN, dark web monitoring, parental controls, privacy monitor, identity theft protection, cloud backup Learn more Get TotalAV Get McAfee Get Norton 360 Surfshark Antivirus FAQs Is Surfshark safe? Surfshark provides robust protection against malware, phishing attacks, and other online threats, making it a reliable choice. Does Surfshark Antivirus work on Mac? Surfshark Antivirus is compatible with Mac computers. It's backward compatible with macOS Big Sur and later. Can I get Surfshark Antivirus without Surfshark VPN? Surfshark Antivirus isn't available as a standalone solution. Surfshark Antivirus is available only if you subscribe to the Surfshark One bundle, including Surfshark VPN, Surfshark Search, and Surfshark Alert (data breach scanner). Bottom line: Is Surfshark Antivirus good? Surfshark Antivirus is an efficient security solution that can protect your device against malware. However, it can only be purchased with the Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ bundles, which could be a drawback if you're looking for a standalone antivirus program. We recommend Surfshark Antivirus for consumers who want a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that includes a VPN, private search, and data breach scanner. The Surfshark One and One+ packages give outstanding value and all-around digital safety.  If you're still looking for a cheaper solution, check out our full list of the best antivirus software. Stay on Top of New Threats With 8x Daily Database Updates 4.7 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products. Editorial Rating Get Deal On Surfshark Antivirus's website 2026 Editors’ Choice Best Value Antivirus Antivirus Software Surfshark Antivirus PROMOTION: 86% OFF + up to 3 mo. EXTRA Powerful app that offers 24/7 virus and malware protection without hogging your CPU or RAM Full security suite including one of the best VPNs, a top ad blocker, Incogni data removal, and more Includes webcam protection, fully customizable security, full or quick scans, and more Author Details Ryan L. Clancy About the Author Ryan Clancy is a writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing tech down to a level that everyone can understand. Kalleigh Lane Kalleigh Lane is a passionate digital security advocate and the Managing Editor at All About Cookies. After completing her Master of Arts in English Literature, Kalleigh has gained over 5 years of editing and writing experience in the fields of cybersecurity, tech, and finance. She has been featured in major media outlets such as The Globe and Mail and CTV News, emerging as an advocate for digital security. + In this article OverviewOur experienceWho is it best for?CostFeaturesSurfshark One bundle featuresTest resultsCompatibilityCustomer supportAlternativesFAQsBottom line Related Articles Bitdefender Review 2026: Brilliant Device Protection Although Bitdefender offers reliable and competitive security solutions across multiple platforms, many of its flagship features are left out for Apple users. AVG Antivirus Review 2026: Is It Worth the Upgrade? AVG Technologies has been available in the U.S. since 1991, and its flagship antivirus has evolved with the times. 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