Best antivirus with VPN in 2025

Antivirus and VPN software are both essential for complete security — antivirus software protects you against viruses, ransomware, and spyware, while a VPN encrypts your data and your internet traffic. Together, they safeguard your system from cyber threats and ensure secure online activities, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. However, choosing the best antivirus with a VPN is crucial and many leading services now offer a combined package that includes both tools.

After testing 15 VPN and antivirus combinations, Surfshark One Antivirus stood out for its powerful malware detection and leading VPN features. Its exceptional anti-malware protection, encryption tools, and additional features, such as a user-friendly design and wide device compatibility, make it an outstanding choice.

Best antivirus with a VPN included: shortlist

1. Surfshark Antivirus

   Best antivirus with VPN in 2025
   8.8
2. TotalAV

   Feature-rich antivirus and VPN software bundle
   9.7
3. Nordantivirus

   Reliable threat protection built into a leading VPN
   9.7

What is the difference between a VPN and antivirus?

Antivirus software defends against device malware threats, while a VPN protects your online privacy and stops you from being tracked. Together, they provide comprehensive digital security. Pairing a trusted antivirus with a high-quality VPN ensures strong protection against a wide range of cyber threats, giving you a safer and more secure online experience.

A reliable VPN fills the gaps antivirus software cannot cover. When combined, they provide complete cybersecurity. Here are some benefits of a quality VPN:

• Private online activities. Web traffic encryption ensures complete confidentiality. Not even your ISP (Internet Service Provider) can see what you’re up to online.
• Geo-blocking circumvention. With a VPN, you can change your Netflix region or get cheaper flight tickets. This tool changes your IP address, allowing you to access whatever content you want and bypass geo-restrictions, regardless of where you are.
• Data protection. Online anonymity is only part of the equation; data encryption adds a layer of protection, making it harder for cybercriminals to access your personal information — as long as your VPN is active.

Best antivirus with VPN in 2025: a detailed overview

1. Surfshark Antivirus – well-rounded antivirus with VPN and hefty perks
2. TotalAV – lightweight and reliable antivirus software with VPN bundle
3. NordVPN Threat Protection Pro – high-quality anti-malware tool with strong VPN and virus protection

Not all antivirus and VPN bundles are trustworthy. If you're unfamiliar with cybersecurity tools, choosing one can feel like a gamble. In my analysis, I evaluated 15 company’s antivirus and VPN products separately. I examined how the antivirus handled zero-day and 4-week malware downloads, as well as real-time threats. My tests used official sample malware files from EICAR (European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research). I also reviewed each product’s feature set and how it contributes to overall protection. Factors like system impact, ease of use, and pricing were important in my analysis, though I also tested the VPN's performance, security, and server network.

1. Surfshark Antivirus – a high-quality antivirus and VPN combo

The Surfshark AV package, part of Surfshark One, gives you a VPN and antivirus at the same time. This bundle simplifies your online security with its polished interface and a wide array of protective elements. With an impressive malware detection rate of 100% in the most recent independent lab tests from AV-Test, the antivirus provides strong real-time protection. Meanwhile, Surfshark VPN delivers outstanding speeds with 94% speed retention in my tests.

Virus protection: Real-time protection protects your device from malware. Surfshark’s independent test scores were flawless, and I had the same result when I tested 10 EICAR malware files – the antivirus detected and quarantined them all. The intuitive desktop apps allow you to schedule both short and full scans, allowing you to manage your device’s health over time.

VPN software: Surfshark VPN is one of the best providers in the VPN space, handling streaming, privacy bolstering, gaming, and torrenting with ease. The network features 3200 RAM-only servers in 100 countries, all equipped with the powerful WireGuard protocol, which results in high speeds that are enough to stream in 4K and HD or download large files.all equipped with WireGuard, enabling lightning-fast performance.

Tools like MultiHop, Camouflage, NoBorders modes, and data leak alerts further bolster privacy. Finally, with Unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience for users across multiple devices.

Additional features: Surfshark easily sidesteps geo-restrictions, allowing you to unblock and stream on Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and many other platforms in any region. Also, in conjunction with the Bypasser feature, high speeds improve torrenting while keeping your P2P sharing confidential. The Surfshark One package comes at an affordable price of just $50.85/month. You can also explore the service with a 7-day free trial for mobile devices and extend your free-use period with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. TotalAV – advanced antivirus software with VPN for comprehensive protection

TotalAV is one of the best antivirus with VPN packages due to its comprehensive online security approach. Regular updates and improvements will ensure that you will have a streaming service that is both secure and user-friendly. Antivirus software delivers outstanding protection with minimal impact on your device.

Virus protection: TotalAV’s latest lab tests scored 100% for real-time detection, and I saw the same results when loading sample malware files – every file was blocked during my in-house tests when writing our TotalAV review. I was equally pleased with the anti-phishing technology, which successfully blocked over 95% of phishing attempts during testing.

VPN software: A relatively small fleet of 50+ servers in 35 countries doesn’t compare to bigger players like NordVPN, but TotalAV’s VPN makes up for it in security. The OpenVPN protocol ensures fast speeds with robust security. As for online privacy, you can entirely rely on the kill switch and IP and DNS leak protection, both of which I’ve proven through in-house tests.

Additional features: While TotalAV’s VPN lacks some of the advanced features seen in leading VPNs, I still unblocked a variety of streaming platforms, including Max, Disney+, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and others – admittedly I had slight issues with Netflix, partly due to the fact that server choice is more limited with such a modest server fleet.

The starting price for this bundle is $19.00/year, making TotalAV deals one of the cheapest ways to get an antivirus with VPN bundle. Plus, you can test the service during the 7-day free trial and the 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. NordVPN Threat Protection – a reliable threat protection and VPN bundle

• Real-time file download scans

NordVPN Threat Protection delivers comprehensive malware protection alongside top-tier VPN features. Its advanced anti-tracking technology, combined with powerful ad blocking and automated malware scanning, shields you from cyber threats. While not a full antivirus program in itself, Threat Protection Pro is ideal for beginners who want antivirus protections with minimal system impact and who have no interest in managing the software and features independently.

Virus protection: Unlike many antivirus and VPN bundles, NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro keeps things simple. With the VPN active, all your downloads and online activity are continuously scanned, alerting you and quarantining any file that contains malware. You’ll also receive regular reports detailing the threats it’s blocked in the past seven days. In my testing, NordVPN Threat Protection Pro successfully caught and neutralized 9 out of 10 live virus samples and 8 out of 10 pre-prepared malware threats—impressive results that reflect its reliability.

VPN software: NordVPN boasts an impressive fleet of 7100 servers in 118 countries. NordLynx protocol optimizes RAM-only connection speed and stability. In addition to the fastest VPN, you get privacy boons with features like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and obfuscated servers.

Additional features. You can access international content libraries such as Netflix, Max, YouTube TV, Disney+, and more without geo-restriction. In my tests, NordVPN’s IP cloaking performed flawlessly across Windows, macOS, Android, and iPhone. Also, the VPN enhances P2P file-sharing with split tunneling and safeguards your activity from your ISP’s prying eyes, as well as preventing malicious third parties from tracking you.

The entire package is priced at just $3.99/month, and the best part is the 7-day free trial (only for Android users) paired with a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you test the service risk-free.

Best antivirus and VPN bundle compared

If you’d rather not wade through a bunch of text, I put together a useful VPN comparison so that you can see key features at a glance:

Surfshark One Antivirus is my top recommendation, combining reliable antivirus with VPN protection. It combines 100% real-time malware detection with a fast and secure VPN service, making it an excellent choice for both security and privacy. After reviewing all features and other aspects of 15+ antivirus and VPN bundles, Surfshark Antivirus stands out for its comprehensive feature set and overall performance.

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How I selected and tested these VPN and antivirus combos

I tested each antivirus and VPN bundle firsthand, analyzing their performance to ensure unbiased and up-to-date results. After meticulously checking out the providers, I selected only the top performers based on their performance against the following criteria:

• Robust virus protection. Security should be your top priority when choosing the best antivirus and VPN combo. I intentionally loaded ten infected files from trusted source EICAR onto various devices, then I ran antivirus scans with each provider to assess how the service handled them. I also visited known malicious websites, intentionally clicked on test phishing links, and generally assessed how well my data was protected in each area.
• VPN capabilities. Security and entertainment are equally important when choosing a VPN. I tested how each bundled VPN performs in torrenting, streaming, and gaming. My tests included unblocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, specifically checking for buffering or lag issues.
• Data privacy features. While an antivirus protects you from malware, identity theft, and similar threats, a VPN protects your online privacy and erases your footprints. I tested each VPN’s ability to encrypt your web traffic and hide your IP, and the extras, like server obfuscation, a functional kill switch, and leak protection.
• Extra benefits. To stand out, modern antivirus and VPN bundles need unique strengths. My research included added extras like ad blockers, parental controls, and dark web monitoring to see which services went beyond the basics.
• Affordable antivirus subscription. Price is often the deciding factor. I made sure my top picks provided great value without breaking the bank.

After completing my testing, I chose Surfshark One Antivirus as the best antivirus with VPN due to its robust online protection and advanced malware detection. It successfully caught and neutralized all malware during my tests and independent lab tests, providing high-quality digital security. Also, Surfshark’s built-in VPN offers reliable speeds, making it an ideal streaming option. With its comprehensive protection and performance, Norton stands out as my top choice for a complete security package.

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Do I need an antivirus if I use a VPN?

Yes, you need both an antivirus and VPN independently because they offer different kinds of protection. A VPN offers location obfuscation for your IP address and encrypts your internet history, but it does not protect against malicious software or remove it. You’ll also need an antivirus program to quarantine and cleanse any viruses on your device and to ensure optimal security. This is why many companies now offer VPN services as part of their packages.

Top-tier antivirus software goes beyond just malware protection. A first-class service also offers additional benefits to enhance your online security, including:

• Protection from phishing and other scams. Online scams like phishing, ransomware, and trojans are growing fast. Simultaneously, hackers are becoming clever and difficult to detect. But you don’t need to detect them if you have an antivirus with a VPN, which vigilantly scans your device for viruses and your emails and text messages for phishing scam attempts.
• Safe downloads. The best antivirus software actively scans each file downloaded to identify malware right away. It helps catch browser hijackers and other viruses, and prevents malicious ads and other suspicious code from infiltrating your device.
• Device optimization. Most reliable antivirus packages include device-boosting tools. These tools handle old or copied files, fragmentation, and other nuances that slow down your gadget.
• Secure online browsing. You won’t accidentally land on a malicious website with an antivirus VPN. The software filters search results and shows them to you before clicking on the links, warning you about the potential risks of visiting the site.
• Parental controls. This feature allows parents to set up a safe online environment for their children. It's particularly useful if your kids use the devices without your permission.

Best antivirus with VPN in India

In India, where mass surveillance is a growing concern, India VPNs bundled with antivirus protection are crucial. You can protect your device from malware with antivirus software, but you can ensure your online activity stays private using a VPN. Together, they provide comprehensive protection.

Here are the best tried-and-tested options:

1. Surfshark Antivirus. It provides versatile real-time protection, along with malware scans and additional features like dark web monitoring. It also includes an ad blocker, webcam protection, and other perks. As for a VPN, you get a streaming-friendly mid-range solution with 50 virtual India servers to boost confidentiality tenfold. A great perk of a VPN for India is that it’ll unblock social media and games blocked in the country (e.g., X, Reddit, Mafia City, or Rules of Survival, which may otherwise be unavailable). However, if you’re traveling and want to access your favorite Indian shows abroad, a reliable VPN will help you do exactly that.
2. TotalAV Antivirus. TotalAV scored 100% in real-time detection during the most recent independent lab tests from AV-Test, besides being extremely beginner-friendly to use. While its server fleet is relatively modest, this is a very inexpensive antivirus with VPN bundle, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and protect your online privacy while keeping your device guarded against malware threats. Security-wise, it includes a strong degree of protection through ad-hoc virus scans, data encryption, and a kill switch.

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My VPN with antivirus is not working: solutions

From time to time, some users encounter issues where their VPN with antivirus isn’t working as they’d expect. The most common causes are typically easily fixed without any need for specialist support.. So, here’s the lowdown on what to do if the software doesn’t appear to be working:

• Try different servers. Some servers are already blacklisted or hacked. Switch to different connection points (changing the initial location may help, too) before it’s clear the issue may lie elsewhere.
• Clear browser cookies. Browser cookies collect user data, which websites and platforms can intercept. It includes your actual location, causing friction between VPN attempts to conceal it and its open display in browser cookies. Clear the cache before connecting to a server.
• Check for IP or DNS leaks. Run tests on websites like ipleak.net and dnsleaktest.com to see if the VPN isn’t leaking data. If it does, restart your internet connection or perform a DNS flush for a fresh start.
• Check for blocking software. Your device may run software that clashes with the VPN, ruining its hard work. Identify the culprit by disabling the apps or extensions.

If all else fails, contact provider customer support. Nothing beats professional help through direct communication, after all. However, throughout my tests, Surfshark One encountered no problems nor bugs.

Is there a free antivirus with a VPN?

Yes, Avast provides a free antivirus and VPN, but our Avast Review scored the software poorly in several areas. Free antivirus versions typically only provide baseline security with minimal functionality that may lack the latest virus definitions. Ultimately, their primary interest is to convince you to choose their premium version.

Similarly, free VPNs are not worth using for most activities. They can’t keep up with more demanding tasks like streaming and torrenting, and especially gaming due to poor speeds and data limits. Even casual browsing is so-so. Some providers have been known to harvest and sell user data through free software, so they’re not just sub-par but potentially dangerous too. Of course, there are several reliable free VPNs such as Proton VPN, but they still have too small server fleets, data caps, or throttle your speeds. Instead, I recommend Surfshark One Antivirus or another reputable provider that I’ve recommended, as they offer free trials and money-back guarantees. These allow you to get hands-on experience entirely risk-free.

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Conclusion

Choosing the best antivirus with a VPN can feel daunting, even for experienced tech-savvy users, due to the overwhelming number of options and features to consider. A reliable VPN that safeguards privacy, bypasses geo-blocks, and offers strong encryption is essential to ensuring robust malware protection, real-time threat detection, and seamless integration. Other important features include minimal system impact, ad blocking, and ease of use.

With so many choices, it's easy to feel uncertain. However, selecting a service that tackles these key areas can greatly enhance your online security and experience. If you're looking for a balanced, feature-rich option that delivers on both security and privacy, Surfshark One Antivirus is an excellent choice. It offers a comprehensive solution that can be used on an unlimited number of devices, protecting you from malware while keeping your online activity private through its VPN.

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FAQ

Which antivirus has a built-in VPN?

Surfshark Antivirus is a top choice for antivirus software with a built-in VPN. It combines robust malware protection with a reliable VPN, ensuring your online activity remains private and secure. Its seamless integration and strong encryption make it a comprehensive solution for device safety and online privacy. Other antivirus programs offer VPN functionality, too, including TotalAV and NordVPN Threat Protection.

What is the best antivirus with VPN for Android?

Surfshark antivirus is the best antivirus with a built-in VPN. It combines powerful antivirus protection with an integrated VPN, ensuring your device stays safe from malware while keeping your online activity private. It offers real-time protection against viruses, phishing attacks, and other threats, along with an automatic kill switch on its VPN to secure your data if the connection drops. It also boasts unlimited bandwidth and device connections, meaning you can browse or stream on any device without hitting data caps.

Is it possible to use VPN and antivirus at the same time?

Yes, it's possible to use a VPN and an antivirus simultaneously, and I recommend doing so for full online protection. Using both in combination enhances your online security by providing strong anonymity and antivirus features. I recommend Surfshark One Antivirus, as it seamlessly integrates both antivirus and VPN capabilities. This allows you to protect your device from malware while keeping your online activities private.

Can I use a different VPN and antivirus?

Yes, you can use different VPN and antivirus software, even from competing brands. They operate independently – a VPN secures your internet connection and masks your IP address, while antivirus software protects your device from malware and viruses. To avoid performance issues, ensure both are compatible. Alternatively, choose a solid VPN and antivirus combination package.

Does a VPN protect you from viruses?

No, a VPN alone doesn’t protect you from viruses. Although it can hide your true IP and encrypt your internet history, that's the extent of its capabilities—except for premium VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark One. Norton’s tool shields against malware, disabling potentially risky websites, scanning files for viruses, and identifying other vulnerabilities. And don’t forget ad blocking.

Do I need an antivirus if I have a VPN?

Yes, you still need an antivirus even if you have a VPN because both software types have different ways of protecting you against cyber threats. While a VPN enhances privacy and can have light antivirus features, it cannot offer the same degree of protection against malware threats as a dedicated antivirus. An antivirus actively scans for threats and prevents your device from becoming compromised. Hence, I recommend the best antivirus with a VPN combo that ensures a robust defense against cyber threats.