The Best Antivirus Software With VPNs 2025

Based on our rigorous testing, we think the best real-time antivirus protection with a VPN are Surfshark Antivirus, Bitdefender, and Norton 360. Here's why.
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Best VPN Bundle

4.7
Editorial Rating
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On Surfshark Antivirus's website

Surfshark Antivirus
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Best Antivirus with VPN

5.0
Editorial Rating
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On Bitdefender's website

Bitdefender
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Best for Families

5.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Norton 360 Antivirus's website

Norton 360 Antivirus
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These days, having real-time antivirus protection that stops malware, viruses, and phishing attempts is a clutch. But even more so, bundling a secure virtual private network with your antivirus software adds a crucial layer of protection. VPNs mask your IP address, encrypt your internet activities, and help protect your network from hackers. 

We've tested over 50 VPNs and narrowed down Surfshark, Bitdefender, and Norton as the top antivirus providers with a fast, reliable VPN service. We think Surfshark is the best overall because it offers comprehensive malware and antivirus protection at a budget-friendly price. Plus, Surfshark Antivirus is automatically bundled with Surfshark VPN, which is one of the best we've tested, as well as other top Surfshark features like a legit ad blocker, identity theft protection, a secure browser, and more. 

We also think Bitdefender and Norton are excellent picks, but these other antivirus solutions offer a VPN that is limited by data caps or requires paying extra for the service. Read on to learn more about what we liked and didn't like for each provider. 

In this article
The best antivirus software with a VPN 2025
Surfshark Antivirus: Best VPN Bundle
Bitdefender: Best antivirus with VPN
Norton 360: Best for families
Honorable mentions
FAQs
Bottom line

The best antivirus software with VPNs 2025

Top 3 antivirus products with VPNs compared

Antivirus


Star rating
4.7
5.0
5.0
Starting price Starts at $4.29/mo (billed every two years) Free or $29.99/first yr Starts at $29.99/first yr
VPN Surfshark VPN Bitdefender VPN Norton Secure VPN
Max number of protected devices 5 10 Unlimited
EICAR test results 2/3 3/3 3/3
Malware scans Manual and scheduled Manual and scheduled Manual and scheduled
Real-time protection
Phishing protection
Ransomware protection
24/7 customer support
Extras Email masking, safe search, data breach alerts, data removal, ad blocker, identity theft protection Vulnerability scan, cryptomining protection, parental controls, webcam protection Parental controls, dark web monitoring, cloud backup, software updater
Compatibility Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, AppleTV, FireTV Windows, macOS, Android, iOS Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, iOS
Learn more Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Antivirus Review

Get Bitdefender

Read Bitdefender Review

Get Norton 360

Read Norton 360 Review

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.

Surfshark: Best VPN bundle

Comprehensive Protection With Database Updates Every 3 Hours
4.7
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark Antivirus's website
Antivirus Software
Surfshark Antivirus
Up to 86% Off + 3 Months Extra
  • Powerful app that offers 24/7 virus and malware protection that won’t hog your CPU or RAM
  • Includes webcam protection, fully customizable security, full or quick scans, and more
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android on unlimited devices

Who it’s best for

Surfshark Antivirus is perfect for anyone who wants a robust cybersecurity suite that includes a highly-rated VPN at an affordable price. The suite is sleek, user-friendly, and cost-effective. You don't have to be tech-savvy to use Surfshark VPN or Surfshark CleanWeb, the integrated ad and tracker blocker. As a bonus, you don't have to worry about annual price hikes like you'd typically see with traditional antivirus providers.

Surfshark Antivirus in the process of a full scan

What we liked

Automatically includes VPN: Surfshark Antivirus isn't offered as à la carte software. It automatically comes bundled with Surfshark VPN and several other cybersecurity features under the Surfshark One plan. Most antivirus suites will make you pay extra for a VPN add-on or only offer a basic VPN with data cap restrictions. 

With Surfshark, you get one of the best VPNs available. Surfshark VPN easily passed our speed, streaming, and leak tests. Plus, it frequently tops our "best-of" lists due to its versatility, price, and unlimited simultaneous connections (which is a rare VPN feature).

User view of Surfshark
Surfshark user dashboard

Budget-friendly: Surfshark is known for offering top-notch cybersecurity software at a good price point. You can get a complete security stack for as low as $2.69/mo (billed every two years).

What we didn’t like

Limited third-party testing: We've tested Surfshark Antivirus and know it offers excellent real-time antivirus protection. The software even includes Virus Database and Cloud Protect, which updates every 3 hours to stop emerging malware threats as they evolve. Even still, Surfshark hasn't undergone comprehensive independent testing through security institutes like AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, or SE Labs. Surfshark Antivirus has only been tested on Windows 10 by AV-TEST, but it received almost perfect scores for protection, performance, and usability. 

Surfshark specs

Starting price $4.29/mo (billed every two years)
Free version No
VPN Yes
Firewall No
Phishing protection Yes
Ransomware protection Yes
Webcam protection Yes
Parental controls No
Extras Email masking, safe search, data breach alerts, data removal, ad blocker, identity theft protection
Learn more View Surfshark Antivirus Plans

Read Our Surfshark Antivirus Review

Bitdefender: Best antivirus with VPN

5.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Bitdefender's website
Antivirus Software
Bitdefender
Save 50% off
  • Super reliable antivirus software with a non-intrusive free version
  • Simple yet powerful interface tools
  • Perfect protection score in third-party tests

Who it’s best for

Bitdefender is one of the best antivirus programs available, and it boasts excellent real-time protection against malware, hackers, and computer viruses. Bitdefender also offers a free version of its antivirus protection for Windows, macOS, and Android devices with daily virus scans and threat alerts. But unlike Bitdefender Free, paid plans include a VPN with a 200 MB/day data cap. So if you want a high-end antivirus with a VPN, Bitdefender is the best option. 

Bitdefender's dashboard
Bitdefender's user-friendly dashboard

What we liked

Awesome antivirus protection: On its most recent round of testing, Bitdefender had perfect AV-TEST scores on Windows, macOS, and Android. Third-party testing from institutes like AV-TEST is important so you know you’re getting proven antivirus protection that performs in real-world environments. Bitdefender’s proven ability to swiftly detect and neutralize threats with a boatload of features makes it one of the best antivirus programs.

Solid VPN: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, Total Security, and Premium Security all come with Bitdefender VPN. We've tested Bitdefender VPN and think it's the best service offered by a traditional antivirus company. The free plan allows for 200 MB of bandwidth per device daily. The premium service offers 4,000+ servers in 110 countries. We found the VPN user-friendly and reliable, though Surfshark VPN outperformed Bitdefender in our comparison review.

A Netflix stream of The Vampire Diaries with Bitdefender VPN in the foreground

Security suite: Additional security features included with Bitdefender’s premium paid include:

  • Advanced phishing protection: Keeps your online activities safe from deceptive sites
  • Anti-fraud protection: Provides an advanced filtering system that warns you when you visit websites that may try to scam you
  • Parental controls: Allows you to restrict minors from accessing specific content on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices
  • Dark web monitoring: Scans the hidden corners of the internet for any compromised data
  • Webcam protection: Continuously monitors apps that attempt to access your camera and automatically blocks them
  • Multi-layer ransomware protection: Safeguards your files and documents, as well as pictures, videos, and more, from ransomware attacks

What we didn’t like

Limited free VPN: While we appreciated that Bitdefender offers a free antivirus app, it only includes a virus scanner. As far as the VPN, its 200 MB of bandwidth per day is limited, especially if you’re looking to use your VPN for heavy-bandwidth activities like streaming Netflix and torrenting. Bitdefender does offer a Premium VPN with unlimited data, but upgrading can cost you at least an additional $2.92/mo (billed annually).

Bitdefender specs

Starting price $29.99/first yr
Free version Yes
VPN Yes
Firewall Yes
Phishing protection Yes
Ransomware protection Yes
Webcam protection Yes
Parental controls Yes
Extras Vulnerability scan, cryptomining protection, parental controls, webcam protection
Learn more View Bitdefender Plans

Read Our Bitdefender Review

Norton 360: Best for families

Top-Notch Security From an Award-Winning Brand
5.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Norton 360 Antivirus's website
Antivirus Software
Norton 360 Antivirus
Save up to 58% your first year
  • Tested protection against hackers, viruses, malware, and ransomware
  • Includes VPN, parental controls, and more
  • Backed by a 100% Virus Removal Guarantee

Who it’s best for

Norton is ideal for the digitally savvy seeking a well-rounded antivirus suite for an entire family. Norton 360’s extensive features include a VPN to protect your online transactions and web browsing, a password manager to safely store your credentials, and even parental controls for those who care about their child's online safety.

Full suite of Norton security tools

What we liked

Trusted security suite: Norton 360 offers an exhaustive set of features designed to safeguard against various cyberthreats. It also has a variety of pricing plans to choose from, such as the Plus, Standard, Deluxe, and Premium plans. While the price point isn’t the cheapest, Norton balances features and value.

  • Smart Firewall: Monitors incoming and outgoing internet traffic and defends against cyber threats
  • Safe Web: A browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge that analyzes websites for threats
  • Dark web monitoring: Monitors your personal information and notifies you when it has been leaked on the dark web and private forums
  • Parental controls: An added layer of safety for young internet users

Reliable VPN service: Norton’s Secure VPN is included with all Norton 360 plans. Having a VPN service included ensures that you can maintain privacy when connected to potentially insecure Wi-Fi networks. Depending on your Norton 360 plan, you can connect the VPN to anywhere from three to unlimited devices.

Norton Secure VPN open on VPN preferences tab

Norton Family: Norton Deluxe includes Norton Family, a lightweight yet effective parental control software that we've extensively tested. The parental control app blocks a whopping 47 content categories, making it a good solution for parents who want to monitor their children's online activities. 

What we didn’t like

Antivirus plan excludes VPN: If you want to get the most affordable antivirus protection from Norton, you should opt for the standalone antivirus coverage. However, Norton AntiVirus Plus doesn't include Norton Secure VPN. Unlike Surfshark or Bitdefender, the only way to get the VPN bundle is to pay for the most premium plans. 

Norton Secure VPN performance: Based on our in-house testing, we found Norton's VPN to be just okay. In our head-to-head testing, we found that Surfshark VPN easily outperformed Norton. Plus, Norton Secure VPN lacks the advanced security features of premium VPN services and struggled to unblock streaming platforms during our testing. 

Limited Mac features: While Norton 360 is undoubtedly packed with features, the lack of a free version can be off-putting for some users. In addition, Mac users might feel left out as some of the features available for Windows, such as Power Eraser, aren't available on macOS.

Norton 360 specs

Starting price $29.99/first yr
Free version No
VPN Yes
Firewall Yes
Phishing protection Yes
Ransomware protection Yes
Webcam protection Yes
Parental controls Yes
Extras Parental controls, dark web monitoring, cloud backup, software updater
Learn more View Norton 360 Plans

Read Our Norton 360 Review

Honorable mentions

Surfshark Antivirus, Bitdefender, and Norton offer the best virtual private network services among antivirus providers. However, other top-notch antivirus solutions include a VPN with their security stack or offer one as an add-on. We'd also recommend checking out TotalVPN, AVG Secure VPN, or Avast SecureLine VPN with their respective antivirus packages. 

4.7
Antivirus Software
TotalAV
  • Real-time protection from viruses, malware, and online threats
  • Blocks tracking cookies and ads, proactively monitors for data breaches, and option to schedule smart scans
  • 100% compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS operating systems on up to 3 devices
Learn More

4.8
Antivirus Software
AVG
  • Award-winning antivirus, malware, and ransomware protection for up to 10 devices
  • Includes webcam protection, safe browsing and email, automatic updates, and 24/7 protection
  • Suite of protection benefits including a secure VPN, anti-tracking capabilities, safeguards against phishing sites, and more
Learn More

5.0
Antivirus Software
Avast
  • Perfect third-party test results, verifying comprehensive antivirus, ransomware, and malware protection
  • Includes advanced security features like a VPN, firewall, data breach alerts, privacy tools, device optimization, and more
Learn More

FAQs

Do I need an antivirus with a VPN?

It depends on the level of protection you seek. VPNs protect your personal data while you browse online, and antivirus software defends against malware and other online threats. For comprehensive protection, it's best to use both. For top-rated VPNs that include antivirus protection, we'd recommend Surfshark One.

Which antivirus covers multiple devices with a VPN?

Typically, most antivirus plans will cover at least a few devices with the lower-tier plans and up to unlimited devices with top-tier plans. Surfshark VPN, for example, covers unlimited simultaneous devices, including smart TVs and gaming consoles, so you can get robust coverage for your household. 

Do antiviruses block VPNs?

Antiviruses shouldn't block VPNs, but conflicts can arise, mainly if the antivirus software includes a firewall. However, whitelisting the VPN or updating both can help. 

Bottom line: The best antivirus programs with VPNs

In an age where digital threats are pervasive, security tools like Surfshark, Bitdefender, and Norton offer more than just antivirus protection — they offer robust cybersecurity software and the kind of peace of mind you can only get with a VPN. 

We think Surfshark is the best overall because its VPN is one of the best we've tested, the security suite is extremely affordable, and the base plan includes Surfshark CleanWeb ad and tracker blocker. 

3 best antivirus products with VPN 2025

Starting price Best for Learn more

$4.29/mo (billed every two years) Best VPN Bundle Get Surfshark Antivirus

Read Surfshark Antivirus Review


$29.99/first yr Best antivirus with VPN Get Bitdefender
Read Bitdefender Review

$29.99/first yr Best for families Get Norton 360

Read Norton 360 Review


Comprehensive Protection With Database Updates Every 3 Hours
4.7
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark Antivirus's website
Antivirus Software
Surfshark Antivirus
Up to 86% Off + 3 Months Extra
  • Powerful app that offers 24/7 virus and malware protection that won’t hog your CPU or RAM
  • Includes webcam protection, fully customizable security, full or quick scans, and more
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android on unlimited devices
Author Details
Mars is a California-based cybersecurity professional and writer currently pursuing a B.S. in Cybersecurity. With interests ranging from OSINT to ethical hacking and threat intelligence, Mars leverages his two years of writing experience to produce informative content on topics such as Internet guides and VPNs.
Kate is an Editor at All About Cookies. She has 8+ years of digital publishing experience as a content manager, developmental editor, and curriculum writer. She leverages specializations in EdTech and educational publishing to create impactful, well-researched content that aids learners of all ages.