Best Antivirus with VPN Included for 2026 - Cybernews

As online threats become more advanced and difficult to spot, protecting your digital life is essential. For this, two tools are widely recommended – an antivirus and a VPN. While buying and managing them separately can be costly and inconvenient, many providers now offer bundles that cover both. Together, they help protect your devices from malware and keep your internet activity private and secure. To find the best options, I teamed up with our security experts to test the leading antivirus and VPN bundles. We focused on identifying solutions that offer real-time and ransomware protection, AES-256 encryption, and no-logs policies. Also, we picked solutions with AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives validation. As of March 2026, the best antivirus with a VPN is the Surfshark One bundle. It’s an affordable option that starts at $2.29/month. However, I still recommend you check my complete list of antivirus with VPN solutions to find and explore all the alternatives available. Best antivirus with a VPN included The Surfshark One bundle is one of the cheapest antivirus and VPN combos on the market, with prices starting at $2.29/month. It offers excellent malware detection rates, powerful desktop and mobile apps, and a market-leading VPN for affordable pricing. cybernews® score 4.4 /5 Great malware detection rates Top VPN with advanced security Best price-to-value ratio Visit Surfshark Antivirus Best antivirus with VPN combos for 2026 Surfshark One – best antivirus and VPN bundle for 2026 Norton Antivirus – all-in-one security bundle for multiple devices Bitdefender – premium antivirus with a VPN included TotalAV Antivirus – antivirus and VPN package with advanced security features NordVPN Threat Protection – comprehensive VPN and antivirus security suite Why You Can Trust Cybernews Our team of researchers thoroughly tests antivirus software following a well-established testing process. In unison, our experts combine in-house and independent testing lab findings with first-hand experience to help you make informed decisions about each product. Learn how we test antivirus software. 35+ Antivirus Software Tested 1,300+ Malware Samples Tested 4,050+ Hours of Extensive Testing How I selected these antivirus and VPN bundles In order to pick the best bundles, I followed our VPN testing and antivirus testing methodologies. I installed the software and enabled all protections, including real-time, ransomware, firewall, and webcam security. I then ran malware scans and monitored alerts. For the VPN side, I tested server connections, leak protection, kill switch functionality, speeds, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions, ensuring all features worked smoothly. Here are the main criteria I used to choose the top providers: VPN and antivirus bundles (20%). I identified providers that offer both VPN and antivirus software, subscribed to their plans, and downloaded their apps. Range of features (25%). I evaluated the range of features on offer. For the antivirus, I looked for essential features like real-time protection, firewalls, and anti-phishing tools. For the VPN, I looked at the number of servers available, tunnelling protocols, and kill switches, and I checked for any data caps. Independent tests (25%). To test each antivirus’ ability to detect malware, I checked the latest independent testing results, such as those from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives. I then conducted in-house tests by planting malware samples and seeing how many of them would be detected by scans and real-time protection. VPN’s leak protection (20%). To test each VPN’s leak protection abilities, I conducted IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests using the IPLeak website. The efficiency of the kill switch was tested by manually terminating the VPN connection. I also evaluated the VPNs’ speed and ability to bypass geo-restrictions. Price (10%). Based on the results of my analysis, I compared all bundles side by side. I looked at the essential and additional features they offer, their antivirus and VPN performance in independent and in-house tests, pricing, and ease of use to find bundles with the best value for money. Note that at Cybernews, we regularly review products to ensure that this information is up to date, relevant, and helpful to users. Why choose an antivirus and VPN combo? According to AV-TEST Institute’s Malware Statistics, over 70% of modern attacks originate from malicious or compromised websites, not just file-based malware. This means that relying solely on antivirus software won’t protect you from all threats. Surfshark One on macOS and Android While antivirus is crucial for detecting known malware, it can’t safeguard your real-time connections from interception or spying. A VPN, on the other hand, encrypts your connection and protects you while browsing online. So, using an antivirus and VPN combination offers more than just convenience – it provides cohesive protection and reduces system strain. Best antivirus software with VPN bundles in 2026 To help you choose the best antivirus and VPN bundle, I evaluated more than 10 packages and picked only 5 that offer the best features, pricing, and overall performance. In our in-house tests, I focused on providers that deliver high-quality protection, as well as maintain performance and reliability in both antivirus and VPN services. 1. Surfshark One – overall best antivirus with VPN solution in 2026 VPN data cap: Unlimited Max devices: Unlimited for VPN, 5 for antivirus Apps: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux Current deal: Get Surfshark Antivirus - 86% OFF + 3 months FREE Visit Surfshark Antivirus Surfshark One is not only the most powerful but also the most affordable antivirus and VPN bundle I’ve tried. Unlike many other VPNs, Surfshark offers more than basic malware protection. Its comprehensive security package conveniently includes a VPN and antivirus in a single app. Yet what really impressed me was how well it performed in practice: both its real-time protection and malware-detection rates were outstanding. Surfshark Antivirus and Surfshark VPN In our tests, Surfshark One offered the best value for money at $2.29/month, especially considering how much it packs in. The antivirus handled both full and quick scans smoothly, and I liked that I could schedule them and forget about it. Beyond the basics, Alternative ID helps protect your personal details, while Surfshark Search delivers clean, tracker-free results that can make everyday browsing feel less intrusive. What you will get with Surfshark One Surfshark One Surfshark One+ Device count Up to 5 (antivirus), unlimited (VPN only) Up to 5 (antivirus), unlimited (VPN only) Real-time scanning ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Webcam protection ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Fully customizable security ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Block ads and trackers ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Data breach alerts ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Data removal ❌ No ✅ Yes Spyware and malware protection ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Email and ID masking ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Renewal price $119.00/year $149.00/year My tests of Surfshark Antivirus When testing antivirus software, we pay close attention to malware detection, which we assess through real-time protection, scanning, and other tests. To do this, we use various popular malware samples that we find in the wild and prepare ourselves. I started by pulling fresh malware samples from bazaar.abuse.ch and placing them on a test machine to see how Surfshark would react. Its real-time protection kicked in almost instantly – files were blocked, and a warning window popped up before I could even open them. The scans weren’t the fastest I’ve seen, but Surfshark ended up scanning a huge number of files and caught around 90% of the malicious samples. What surprised me most was how well it handled stealthier malware. It detected more hidden threats than some big-name competitors I tested alongside it, including Norton 360 and TotalAV. These strong detection results explain why Surfshark has also earned an AV-TEST certification. That said, my experience wasn’t perfect. One thing I missed was a built-in firewall. Providers like Bitdefender and Norton 360 include one, and I see it as an important layer of protection against network-based attacks. Still, Surfshark partially makes up for it with its VPN and web protection. During testing, the web protection reliably blocked access to known malicious websites, adding another barrier between my device and potential threats. It’s not a full replacement for a firewall, but in everyday use, it does help close some of that security gap. Surfshark Antivirus interface on macOS When I tested Surfshark on mobile, I used it the way I normally would – by connecting to different networks, browsing casually, and running scans as needed. The app made it easy to start scans without digging through settings, which helped it blend naturally into everyday use. I also tried a few suspicious links, and Surfshark’s web protection stepped in before anything could go wrong. Its database is updated every three hours, which means that even newer threats are caught quickly, making the mobile app feel like a reliable extension of its desktop version. Surfshark VPN tests Surfshark VPN does a great job. It’s one of the best VPNs on the market and consistently performs well. Whether you need protection on public Wi-Fi, want streaming access such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer, or are looking to enhance your safety while torrenting, Surfshark does it all and does it well. It uses strong encryption, RAM-only servers, and features like a kill switch, MultiHop, and Camouflage mode to boost your privacy. I ran DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak tests across multiple servers and didn’t see any leaks, even when I intentionally disrupted the connection. The only potential concern is jurisdiction, as Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a member of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. Still, its strict no-logs policy, RAM-only infrastructure, and excellent test results helped balance that out, and nothing during testing suggested my data was being exposed. Surfshark VPN interface on macOS Surfshark offers 4,500+ servers in 100 countries and delivers fast speeds. To test the speed, I used Surfshark daily, connecting to different servers, switching protocols, streaming content, and running speed tests. With WireGuard enabled, speeds stayed fast and stable, retaining 81% of the original speed, and I didn’t notice any slowdowns while streaming or browsing. There are no data caps, so I could leave it on all the time without worrying about limits. You can find out more about its features in our Surfshark VPN review. Pros Excellent malware detection rates with minimal impact on system resources Unlimited simultaneous VPN connections Strong security features, like different types of scans, real-time protection, and webcam protection Unblocks geo-restricted content from popular streaming platforms 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service Cons Doesn’t include a firewall 2. Norton 360 – reliable combination of antivirus and VPN VPN data cap: Unlimited Max devices: 10 for VPN and antivirus Apps: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS Current deal: Get up to 60% OFF Norton Antivirus Visit Norton Norton 360 is a strong antivirus with a built-in VPN. During my tests, it surprised me with its abundance of features; in addition to antivirus and VPN, it also offers extra security features. The options might feel overwhelming at first, as navigating all the scan options and settings takes time, but they can be useful once you figure it out. Norton Antivirus and VPN on macOS Once I got comfortable with it, though, the experience improved a lot. Antivirus protection felt solid, the VPN worked reliably in the background, and features like system optimization tools and the Safe Web browser extension came in handy when I visited less trustworthy sites. It’s not the simplest setup out there, but if you’re willing to spend a little time learning it, Norton 360 delivers well-rounded antivirus and VPN protection, starting at $39.99/year for 3 devices. What you will get with Norton 360 Norton 360 Standard Norton 360 Deluxe Device count Up to 3 Up to 5 Antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection ✅ Yes ✅ Yes AI Scam Protection ✅ Yes ✅ Yes 100% Virus Protection Promise ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Password manager ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Deepfake protection ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Dark web monitoring ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Renewal price $94.99/year $119.99/year My tests of Norton 360 I tested Norton 360 using the same in-house methodology we use for every antivirus. I started with real-world malware samples and tested how Norton handled them in both real-time protection and full system scans. During the full scan, I planted 150 malicious files across the system and watched how Norton worked through them. It wasn’t subtle about it: the scan dug deep into the system, which explains why there was a heavier impact on performance compared to some lighter antivirus tools. However, it caught 102 malware samples, noticeably outperforming tools like TotalAV in the same setup. Norton Antivirus interface on macOS What I liked while reviewing Norton was how consistent Norton felt during testing. When I tried opening or interacting with malicious files, Norton showed warning pop-ups and blocked access before anything could run. While the performance impact was higher than average, Norton was very thorough. This is likely why it scored well in independent lab tests too, earning top ratings from AV-TEST and an Advanced Plus award from AV-Comparatives. According to these testing results, Norton caught 100% of zero-day malware with 10 false positives. Norton VPN tests Norton VPN is based in the United States, which falls under the Five Eyes surveillance alliance, so that was something I kept in the back of my mind while testing it. To see how it performed in practice, I ran our standard suite of tests – multiple DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak checks – while connected to different servers. I didn’t see any DNS or IP leaks at all, and the VPN reliably kept my traffic encrypted and hidden. Norton VPN has a strong no-logs policy, encryption, and a kill switch that are enough to protect your data even though the US jurisdiction isn’t ideal. I also tested Norton VPN’s streaming and speed capabilities. I switched between protocols (including WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPSec/IKEv2, and Mimic) and connected to servers in different countries. The network, spanning 75 countries, was enough to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube TV, though it didn’t feel as seamless or flexible as other top-tier VPNs I’ve tested, like NordVPN or Surfshark. Speeds varied but generally remained around 79% of the original speed. Overall, Norton VPN kept my connection secure and private, without any leaks, even if it didn’t blow me away with features or geo-unblocking capabilities. Pros Excellent malware detection scores in both in-house and independent tests Built-in and unlimited VPN Extra security features, like web threat protection, a password manager, and cloud backup Unblocks major streaming sites Free 7-day trial to test the service Cons Not suitable for torrenting 3. Bitdefender – premium antivirus with an integrated VPN VPN data cap: 200MB daily, unlimited on premium plans Max devices: 10 for VPN and 5 for antivirus Apps: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS Current deal: Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF Visit Bitdefender Bitdefender is a globally recognized antivirus solution that also includes a VPN. The antivirus is easily one of the strongest I’ve used. Also, it has standout features, like webcam and microphone protection, which are really useful if you worry about apps or malware spying on you. I also liked Bitdefender’s web protection, which proved effective at blocking shady websites and scams before I could even interact with them. Bitdefender antivirus and VPN on macOS The VPN is reliable and secure, but it doesn’t offer quite as many features as something like Norton’s VPN. There are plenty of servers to choose from, and it works fine for basic privacy needs, but if you want unlimited data, you’ll need to pay extra. The VPN add-on costs $34.99/year – and that’s for just one device. What you will get with Bitdefender Antivirus Plus Total Security Device count 1 device Up to 3 Protection against malware, spyware, and adware ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Multi-layer ransomware protection ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Privacy firewall ❌ No ✅ Yes Parental controls ❌ No ✅ Yes Protection for multiple operating systems ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Renewal price $49.99/year $89.99/year My tests of Bitdefender In my Bitdefender review, I found that navigating Bitdefender's app was easy from the start. Everything I needed – Full, Quick, Vulnerability, and Custom scans – was right where I expected it to be, so I could jump straight into testing without digging through menus. Bitdefender’s dashboard on macOS I started the malware protection test by loading a test machine with real malware samples we collected ourselves, including new threats sourced from bazaar.abuse.ch. I planted 150 malicious files across the system and ran a full scan. The scan ran for over 2 hours, which is lengthy. But the payoff was obvious by the end: Bitdefender caught 132 samples, an 88% success rate. Bitdefender also consistently scores well in independent lab tests, earning AV-Comparatives’ Advanced+ award and perfect protection scores from AV-TEST. Bitdefender VPN tests Bitdefender is headquartered in Romania, which is outside the Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, so that was already a good sign. To see how it holds up in practice, I connected to multiple servers and ran DNS, IP, and WebRTC leak tests. The results were clean – no DNS leaks, no IP exposure – and my traffic stayed encrypted the whole time. From a pure privacy standpoint, Bitdefender VPN behaved exactly how you’d want it to. Bitdefender VPN connected to the US After that, I tried the VPN for streaming and ran speed tests. Speeds were very average – I was getting about 55% of my original download speed, which felt fine for browsing but a bit limiting for heavier use. Streaming was hit or miss too. Even with access to 3,000 servers across 100 countries, Bitdefender VPN only reliably worked with BBC iPlayer in my tests, so it’s not the best pick if streaming is your priority. I also ran into the plan limitations pretty quickly: there’s a cap of 200MB per day, which is barely enough for basic protection, while unlimited data is locked behind a premium price. The VPN itself is stable and includes useful extras like split tunneling, auto-connect, ad blocking, and the App Traffic Optimizer, which allows you to prioritize traffic for specific apps. For more on this feature, you can refer to our Bitdefender VPN review. Pros Robust malware protection, including multiple scanning options, real-time protection, advanced threat defense, and web attack prevention Built-in VPN with over 3,000 servers in 100 countries Excellent additional security features, like web filtering protection, file shredder, password manager, and the SafePay browser Affordable price, starting at just $12.99/year 30-day money-back guarantee to fully test the service before committing Cons Unlimited VPN isn’t included in all plans Not suitable for unblocking streaming platforms 4. TotalAV Internet Security – robust protection with unlimited VPN traffic VPN data cap: Unlimited Max devices: 5 for VPN, 8 for antivirus Apps: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS Current deal: Get TotalAV, now 80% OFF Visit TotalAV TotalAV is a solid antivirus and VPN bundle that is easy to use and covers basic security needs well. This provider doesn’t have flashy, advanced features, but it’s dependable and consistently delivers strong malware protection results good enough for basic privacy needs. VPN integrated in the TotalAV app The VPN is integrated directly into the TotalAV app, so switching it on was easy, and it worked smoothly across different platforms. I also appreciated features like Total WebShield, which quietly blocked access to suspicious websites while I was browsing. When you factor in the price, starting at $39.00/year, the antivirus and VPN bundle offers good value, especially if you want solid protection without paying premium prices. What you will get with TotalAV Internet Security TotalAV Premium TotalAV Total Security Device count Up to 3 (antivirus only) Up to 8 Real-time antivirus protection ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Eliminates viruses, trojans, and malware ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Zero-day cloud scanning ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Phishing scam and ransomware protection ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Web shield extension ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Disk cleaner ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Password manager ❌ No ✅ Yes Renewal price $99.00/year $149.00/year My tests of TotalAV antivirus To test TotalAV’s malware protection capabilities, I loaded a test machine with real malware samples and then checked how well the software handled them. As we’ve already seen in our TotalAV review, setting up the antivirus was straightforward, and the dashboard immediately showed me what was going on. I also appreciated the variety of scan options it offers, including Smart, Quick, Custom, and Full scans. TotalAV interface on macOS After setting up the software, I planted 150 malicious files across different folders and then ran a full scan. TotalAV detected 100 of the malware samples, which is a good result. Knowing that much of its detection engine is powered by Avira’s technology helped explain the good result I found, especially with phishing protection and general malware detection. As for independent lab tests, TotalAV received an average rating (Tested) from AV-Comparatives and a high rating in the AV-TEST examination. TotalVPN tests As with the other VPNs on this list, I first evaluated TotalVPN’s privacy and security. The VPN is based in the UK, a Five Eyes member state, and its no-logs policy has never been audited, which raises some concerns. However, my DNS and IP leak tests were successful – I didn’t spot any DNS leaks, and my real IP stayed hidden throughout testing. The kill switch was effective too, dropping my internet connection when the VPN disconnected. VPN feature in the TotalAV app To test TotalVPN’s speed, I used Speedtest and switched between the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. I repeated the test at different times of day and kept the VPN on while browsing normally. Speeds were a bit hit or miss, but on average, TotalVPN retained about 67% of my original connection speed, which is fine for casual browsing and simple online tasks. It does offer unlimited data, which I appreciate, but the somewhat smaller network of servers in 90 countries compared to competitors makes things less predictable for streaming and torrenting. I believe this VPN is more suitable for those looking for basic features. We covered its offerings in more detail in our TotalVPN review. Pros Excellent malware removal capabilities in both independent and in-house tests Unlimited VPN data with no data cap Unblocks popular streaming platforms Affordable price, starting at $39.00/year Cons No VPN with the free version Protection for up to 8 devices only 5. NordVPN Threat Protection – unified VPN and threat-protection suite VPN data cap: Unlimited Max devices: 10 for VPN and for antivirus Apps: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Current deal: Get 76% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free Visit NordVPN Threat Protection NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market, which also includes comprehensive security features. However, it’s not a true antivirus and VPN bundle, so I couldn’t rate it higher. Yet, from my experience using NordVPN, its Threat Protection Pro adds a strong security layer on top of the VPN. It blocks malware, scans for data breaches, and keeps your browsing safe. That’s why I think it’s still worth consideration. NordVPN Threat Protection Pro on macOS Threat Protection Pro isn't a traditional antivirus. It doesn't scan your whole device for existing malware, lacks full real-time system monitoring, and doesn’t provide deep system repair tools. Instead, it focuses on blocking malicious downloads, checking apps for vulnerabilities, and protecting you online, mainly acting as a web protection layer rather than full endpoint security. NordVPN Threat Protection consistently performs well in our in-house tests and independent evaluations. You also get useful extras like a dedicated IP and more advanced browsing protection, all starting at $3.59/month. And if you opt for the Prime plan, there’s cyber extortion insurance that can cover up to $100,000 in damages – not something I expected from a VPN, but definitely a nice safety net to have. What you will get with NordVPN Threat Protection Basic Plus Device count Up to 10 Up to 10 Blocks malicious domains ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Anti-malware protection ❌ No ✅ Yes Advanced browsing protection ❌ No ✅ Yes Ad and tracker blocker ❌ No ✅ Yes Data breach scanner ❌ No ✅ Yes Renewal price $278.16/year $359.76/year My tests of NordVPN Threat Protection When I sat down to review NordVPN Threat Protection, I started by feeding it a batch of fresh malware samples. As I downloaded and interacted with them, Threat Protection stepped in and blocked 92% of the malware samples. Next, I opened known phishing links, clicking through them the same way an unsuspecting user might. Threat Protection blocked 85% of them outright. I also appreciated that it quietly blocked a lot of malicious and spammy ads while I browsed. That said, unlike a full antivirus suite, NordVPN Threat Protection doesn’t scan files or documents after they’ve been downloaded, so you won’t get that extra layer of file-by-file inspection. It’s clearly built to protect you while you’re online, not replace a traditional antivirus. Finally, I looked at how NordVPN Threat Protection performed outside our own testing. So far, AV-Comparatives has only evaluated NordVPN Threat Protection’s anti-phishing capabilities. The minimum passing score was 85%, and Threat Protection cleared it with a 90% detection rate, which lined up closely with what I saw during my testing. NordVPN tests NordVPN is based in Panama, which was immediately a big plus for me since it’s outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance. That matters if you’re concerned about your data being shared between governments. To see whether this privacy promise actually held up, I ran NordVPN through the same leak tests we use for every VPN review. I connected to different servers and checked for exposure using tools like DNSLeakTest and IPLeak, watching closely to see if my real IP or DNS requests ever slipped through. They didn’t – my IP address stayed hidden the entire time. Once I felt confident about the privacy side, I moved on to performance. I tested NordVPN across multiple locations using Speedtest, switching between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and NordVPN’s own NordLynx protocol. NordLynx quickly became my go-to – it consistently delivered the best balance of speed and stability, retaining 80% of my original speed. Browsing felt instant, and downloads weren’t slow the way they often are with slower VPNs. NordVPN connected to a US server Streaming was the final test. I logged into Netflix and BBC iPlayer while connected to different servers, half-expecting to run into regional errors or buffering. Instead, streams loaded smoothly and played without interruptions, even during longer sessions. Having access to such a large server network – over 9,200 servers across 135 countries – made it easy to switch locations when needed, and I never felt boxed into a single option. For a deeper dive on this provider, check out our full NordVPN review. Pros Comprehensive security against most common cyberthreats Easy to use across various devices Excellent ad-blocker performance 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service Cons Threat Protection Pro is available on Windows and macOS only The service uses more system resources compared to other providers Antivirus and VPN – what’s the difference? Antivirus and VPN services both safeguard your device from online threats, but they concentrate on distinct areas of protection. Here are the main differences between a VPN and antivirus software: Antivirus software secures your device from malware and malicious code through real-time protection and by scanning your device for suspicious activity. Many robust antivirus suites also include performance optimization features, which help your device run smoothly. However, while antivirus programs are excellent at detecting and neutralizing malicious code, they do little to protect your anonymity or prevent online tracking of your personal data or browsing habits. A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address, keeping your information safe and private. It ensures that your ISP (internet service provider) and the government don’t know what you're doing online – something an antivirus can't do. A VPN also secures your connection to public Wi-Fi. By hiding your IP address, a VPN helps you bypass network restrictions set up by your school or workplace and even access geo-restricted streaming platforms. Both antivirus software and VPNs are essential cybersecurity tools designed to protect your device and privacy. Because they serve different functions, having antivirus software with a VPN is the best way to ensure complete security and protection of your devices and information. With the Surfshark Antivirus bundle, you’ll get a convenient all-in-one cybersecurity package consisting of a VPN, antivirus, and extra privacy tools. Expert comment Nijolė Simaitienė Tech copywriter and security expert To fully protect your devices and personal data from cybercriminals, a VPN and antivirus combo is a must. VPNs keep your identity safe by hiding your location, while antivirus programs protect your devices from cyberattacks by blocking suspicious links and downloads. Getting an antivirus and VPN separately can be costly, which is why many top-rated providers offer them bundled together. However, you have to be careful which one you choose, as not all providers offer equally good VPNs and antivirus software. Surfshark One is my top choice for a VPN and antivirus bundle: the antivirus shows excellent malware detection rates, while the VPN offers a large network of servers and fast speeds. Do you need antivirus with a VPN in 2026? Whether you need both an antivirus and a VPN depends on what you use your devices for. Since an antivirus protects your devices by blocking and removing malware, it’s essential for those who regularly download files online or deal with sensitive data and are vulnerable to phishing attacks. Additionally, gamers who often download updates and mods for games would also benefit from increased security and performance. On the other hand, a VPN hides your location and identity, which is why it’s important for users who need online privacy and secure connections. These include remote workers and travelers who use public Wi-Fi in cafes and airports or need to access geo-restricted websites. A VPN can also help you access new game releases early and streaming libraries that aren’t available in your area. It can even help you save money. However, whatever your daily activities are, I recommend using both a VPN and an antivirus to ensure well-rounded protection of your devices, identity, and personal data. How to set up an antivirus with a VPN The steps for setting up antivirus are similar across all providers. However, to make things clearer, I’ll use Surfshark as an example. To use an antivirus with a VPN, all you need to do is: Install an antivirus that has a VPN included within its plan. I recommend Surfshark One, now 86% OFF Open the app and sign in or register for an account Enable the VPN feature and connect to a chosen server Now, you have both an antivirus and a VPN enabled To make sure the VPN is working, look up your IP address online before connecting to the VPN – a simple Google search of "what is my IP" will do the trick. Then, connect to the VPN and check again. You should now see a different IP address than before. If the IP address is the same as before, that means the VPN isn’t connected or there is some other malfunction. In this case, check out our guide on how to change your location with a VPN. Is there a free antivirus with included VPN? Although most antivirus providers that offer a VPN include it in their more expensive packages, some programs come with a free VPN. However, VPNs included in free antivirus plans tend to be very limited. They usually have fewer servers, data caps that allow for limited usage, and fewer security features. While the free-plan VPNs might do a good job of protecting your online presence and providing the necessary security, paid plans usually mean more freedom. Luckily, some antivirus providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees. This gives you the opportunity to try out the service before purchasing it and decide if the additional benefits are worth the money. Risk-free month with Surfshark Antivirus Surfshark Antivirus offers one of the most comprehensive security suites, including anti-malware protection, an ad blocker, a next-gen VPN, and more, which you can test for a month risk-free. cybernews® score 4.4 /5 30-day money-back guarantee Excellent malware detection Lightning-fast VPN speeds Try Surfshark Antivirus Video review: best antivirus with VPN No time to read the whole article? Watch our video review of the best antivirus with a VPN. Get the essential info in just under 10 minutes. Final verdict on the best antivirus and VPN bundles If you’re looking for all-around protection in a single package, a VPN and antivirus bundle is definitely worth considering. The antivirus shields you from malware, ransomware, and other digital threats, while the VPN keeps your browsing private and secure. That said, not every provider delivers the same level of quality. That’s why I tested multiple bundles to find the ones that stand out. Based on my testing, the Surfshark One bundle of antivirus and VPN is the best option, combining reliable malware protection with a powerful, feature-rich VPN. FAQ Can I use an antivirus and VPN package on multiple devices? Yes, some antivirus providers that come with a VPN let you use the service on multiple devices. However, this tends to be the case with more expensive subscription plans, so you need to check whether it’s included in your plan before you sign up. What antivirus works best with NordVPN? All antivirus tools work well with NordVPN or any other reputable VPN. However, my favorite antivirus program is Surfshark Antivirus, which already includes a VPN. That said, I don’t recommend using NordVPN alongside the VPN included with your antivirus program, as it can cause errors. Does a VPN protect against viruses? No, a VPN can’t effectively protect you from viruses. It works by encrypting your data and masking your IP address so your data and identity remain safe from online hackers, ISPs, and other third parties. But this won't keep your device safe from malware most of the time, so you will still need to use an antivirus program. Is a VPN better than an antivirus? No, a VPN alone is not better than an antivirus. While they serve different purposes, both tools work together to maximize your security and enhance your privacy settings. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, safeguarding your private data and improving your online privacy settings, while an antivirus protects your device by preventing malware infections. Do all antivirus come with VPN? No, not all VPNs include antivirus. While some VPN providers bundle antivirus or malware protection features as part of their premium plans, the majority of VPNs are solely focused on securing your online privacy and bypassing geo-restrictions.