The Best VPNs With Antivirus 2024

Having a virtual private network (VPN) plus antivirus ensures your data is encrypted without worrying about malware. Luckily many of the best VPN services offer antivirus as well, including Surfshark One, NordVPN with Threat Protection, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost Security Suite. 

Surfshark One comes with the VPN, antivirus, ad blocker, and more, making it the most comprehensive bundle on our list. NordVPN is one of the best VPNs available and it includes Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware for a better browsing experience. 

We'll go over the differences between our top four and so you can see which suits your lifestyle.

The best VPN providers with antivirus software

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are now part of a rugged landscape of cybersecurity solutions. But a VPN by itself doesn’t detect malware threats or scan for malicious activity on a website or DNS server. That’s where a total security package comes in. 

Here are the best VPN services that include antivirus protection:

• Surfshark One: Best VPN and antivirus bundle
• NordVPN With Threat Protection: Best for browsing and streaming
• Private Internet Access + Antivirus: Best low-cost VPN and antivirus
• CyberGhost Security Suite: Best for Windows-only streamers and gamers

Top 4 VPNs with malware protection compared

	Surfshark One	NordVPN With  Threat Protection	PIA + Antivirus	CyberGhost Security Suite
Starting price	Starts at $2.49/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years)	Starts at $2.75/mo + cost of VPN	Starts at $1.00/mo + cost of VPN
Simultaneous connections	Unlimited	10	Unlimited	7
VPN no-logs policy	No logs	No logs	No logs	No logs
VPN server count	3,200+ servers in 100 countries	6,800+ servers in 111 countries	Unlisted in 91 countries	Unlisted in 100 countries
Antivirus real-time protection
Antivirus scans
Learn more	Get Surfshark One Read Surfshark One Review	Get NordVPN With Threat Protection Read NordVPN Review	Get CyberGhost Security Suite Read CyberGhost Security Suite Review	Get PIA + Antivirus Read Private Internet Access Review

How we tested the best VPNs with antivirus

To select the best VPNs with antivirus, we started with a list of providers that offer higher tier plans with antivirus included or an antivirus as an add-on purchase. From there, we evaluted each antivirus's features to determine if it was well-rounded enough to be an effective antivirus. 

We considered the following while reviewing VPNs with antivirus:

• Real-time protection: We made sure every bundle provides 24/7 antivirus protection to keep your device protected around the clock.
• Scanning capabilities: We checked every bundle to see if they allow you to scan your files for malware. Bonus points if the product includes customizable options like quick scans and full scans. 
• Anti-phishing features: While reviewing features, we check features that can detect and block malicious website links. 
• Compatibility: Finally, we go through the antivirus's compatible operating systems to ensure our picks cover most devices that would need antivirus protection. 

Surfshark One: Best VPN and antivirus bundle

Who it's best for

Surfshark is one service with security features that keeps you safe at home and on vacation.

Cybercrime and tracking can be found everywhere, especially during international travel. Connecting to a VPN with antivirus helps slow any personal threat to you. Surfshark bundled these elements into Surfshark One, which includes Surfshark Antivirus, CleanWeb, and its AES-256-GCM encrypted VPN.  

What we liked

With 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, Surfshark provides plenty of options to access to all of your favorite Netflix libraries or other streaming platforms. If you’re abroad, you can still log in to your local accounts with a U.S. server. Plus, with Surfshark’s no-logs policy, you can feel safe that your information is not logged or saved anywhere.

Surfshark VPN also comes with CleanWeb, which can block ads, trackers, and malware. We've even found that it can successfully block ads on YouTube and on streaming services, so you can watch your favorite content uninterrupted. 

We also like that Surfshark Antivirus works with Windows, macOS, and Android. The antivirus software provides your device with 24/7 virus, malware, and webcam protection, which is great for thwarting threats and keeping your devices clean when traveling and connecting to public Wi-Fi, like at a hotel or cafe.

And while traveling, having a watchful eye on your personal and financial information is essential. Surfshark One’s Alert feature can be that watchful eye by sending you real-time alerts if your email, credit card, or ID has been breached by a hacker. These features are worth the price, as they allow you to enjoy any activity without much worry of being a victim in another state or country.

What we didn’t like

Honestly, it’s hard to find something not to like about Surfshark One. With its proprietary antivirus protection, no-logs policy, breach alerts, and protection for unlimited devices on one account, it’s difficult to find a fault.

One thing that does stand out is that even though antivirus comes with the Surfshark One bundle, the higher price might be a deterrent for anyone looking for a cost-effective solution. Surfshark One+ is even more expensive if you're looking for a data removal service in your bundle. 

With that in mind, to get the most value out of Surfshark One, go for the two-year plan for $3.99/mo (billed every two years). It just may end up saving you money in the long run.

Surfshark One pros and cons

Get Surfshark One | Read Surfshark VPN Review

NordVPN + Threat Protection: Best for lightweight browsing and streaming

Who it's best for

NordVPN's Threat Protection feature doesn’t focus on the threats on your device; rather, it focuses on malware coming in from online activity. That said, the fact that NordVPN is aware of lurking threats and offers a tool giving you more peace of mind is much appreciated.

NordVPN’s Threat Protection, built-in anti-malware previously named CyberSec, comes built into the NordVPN desktop interface. If you already have a NordVPN subscription, all you would need to do is update to the latest version to get Threat Protection.

What we liked

When you turn on Threat Protection, it starts scanning for malware and trackers and even blocks ads. It also detects and deletes any malware that you’ve downloaded. Again, while not technically antivirus, it still protects against online threats.

Threat Protection Pro is available on Windows and macOS. With Threat Protection, you're not required to connect to a VPN for it to continuously protect against malware, phishing, and trackers. 

If you need anti-malware security for more than your MacBook or Windows PC, NordVPN also offers basic Threat Protection, which works with iPhone, Android, Linux, and web browser extensions. Threat Protection’s security features are more limited, as it blocks websites and malicious websites but doesn't block trackers or scan files for malware. The biggest difference is that the basic Threat Protection only works when you connect to a VPN.

What we didn’t like

It’s a start to antivirus, but it’s not antivirus. Threat Protection is a great way to achieve antivirus-like protection added to your VPN service, and we like that Nord doesn't charge extra for this bonus feature. 

But because of its limitations, Threat Protection doesn’t provide strong protection against ransomware, phishing, and other malicious threats. It also doesn't include a firewall.

NordVPN Threat Protection pros and cons

Get NordVPN With Threat Protection | Read NordVPN Threat Protection Review

PIA + Antivirus: Best low-cost VPN and antivirus

Who it's best for

The most comparable VPN in price to CyberGhost is Private Internet Access, or PIA. PIA sports AES-256 encryption protocol and has servers in 91 countries. 

While the other VPN services might offer a two-year plan, PIA throws in extra months for free for the most bang for your buck. It also allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, so you protect all the devices in your household.

What we liked

PIA positions itself as being a low-cost VPN service, and so far it’s the lowest-priced offering we’ve covered here. But in order to keep costs affordable, antivirus is a premium add-on instead of part of a bundle. And just like CyberGhost, PIA’s antivirus is only compatible with Windows systems.

Those factors shouldn’t take away from how good the antivirus program is, which it is. PIA’s antivirus protects against all threats, like Trojans, spyware, rootkits, and ransomware. Antivirus by PIA offers up-to-date security; the list of known viruses is continuously updated for accuracy. 

Other advanced features from PIA include Identity Guard, an email breach monitor, and Web Shield, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites.

What we didn’t like

You get a lot with PIA, but the antivirus’ limited compatibility plus the fact that it has to be added on to your VPN plan are downsides. 

That being said, when you pay for a PIA plan, not only do you get an email monitor but you also get discounts on premium add-ons like antivirus. This makes up for having to pay extra for the antivirus.

PIA + Antivirus pros and cons

Get PIA + Antivirus | Read PIA VPN Review

CyberGhost Security Suite: Best for Windows-only streamers and gamers

Who it's best for

CyberGhost VPN service caters to people who love entertainment. If you love movies, sports, gaming, and a world’s worth of TV shows, then CyberGhost might be the VPN for you. One account on the VPN service connects to up to seven devices over multiple operating systems, routers, streaming devices, and game consoles.

Based out of Romania, CyberGhost operates outside of the Five, Nine, or 14 Eyes countries that monitor internet activity for any threats or espionage. This means CyberGhost cares about your internet security and privacy and holds true to its no-logs policy.

What we liked

CyberGhost’s Security Suite is a marriage between the VPN service and Intego Antivirus, a premium third-party antivirus software. Security Suite includes Intego’s antivirus program, and is currently only available for Windows 32-bit and 64-bit systems. The antivirus offers 24/7 protection against malware, phishing, ransomware, and adware.

One thing to note is that the real-time protection doesn’t cover files that lay dormant on your computer, only files that have been created, copied, modified, or saved. CyberGhost customer support tells people to run the “Complete Virus Scan” as soon as they open the antivirus for the first time to ensure those “other files” get a thorough scan.

CyberGhost VPN is a great way to access overseas content from, say, a U.K. server to stream a Premier League match, especially when you add on Intego antivirus to keep you protected. And even though Mac is not supported by CyberGhost’s Security Suite, Intego has a free Mac-compatible antivirus for download.

What we didn’t like

CyberGhost’s use of a third-party antivirus package is fine, but we’d find it amazing if it was offered on more systems than Windows. Intego does make an antivirus for Mac, so it’s interesting that CyberGhost does not offer antivirus for Mac as well. That’s one of our main gripes about this antivirus.

Comparatively speaking, Security Suite is a lightweight antivirus when placed side by side with Surfshark One. Even if you’re getting a better price with CyberGhost, the features, and compatibility cause it to fall short of a full-fledged antivirus solution.

CyberGhost Security Suite pros and cons

Get CyberGhost Security Suite | Read CyberGhost Review

Honorable mentions: antivirus with VPNs

Antivirus is a powerful tool for fighting against fraudsters and scammers. In the case of staying protected and using a VPN, some of the best antivirus software also comes with a VPN. Let’s take a look at some of them and see which one might be a better alternative for you.

• McAfee: A powerful antivirus with identity theft prevention and optimization tools for your devices, every plan comes with a VPN. McAfee is Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Chrome.
  
  Get McAfee | Read Our McAfee Review
• Avast: An ultimate shield against hackers and phishing attempts. Avast includes 24/7 protection of your devices, email accounts, and passwords, and you can add VPN service to your plan.
  
  Get Avast | Read Our Avast Review
• Norton 360: While scanning your devices, Norton monitors your information on the dark web. Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, Norton antivirus comes with a VPN if you get a premium plan.
  
  Get Norton | Read Our Norton Review

Speed tests

Although VPNs should be able to keep your online activities secure, they shouldn't tank your internet speeds while doing it. This is especially important if you're seeking a VPN with antivirus protection, as it will be doing additional work to keep your device and data safe. 

We test all the VPNs we review for speed. We start by recording our normal speed without a VPN connection. Then, we connect the VPN to servers around the world to calculate how much of a hit our speed takes. 

	VPN speed to US server	Normal speed	Speed loss
Surfshark	177.30 Mbps	171.08 Mbps	4% decrease
NordVPN	430.75 Mbps	297.64 Mbps	45% increase
CyberGhost	97.36 Mbps	186.21 Mbps	48% decrease
Private Internet Access	88.86 Mbps	94.38 Mbps	6% increase

NordVPN was by far the fastest provider from our list, nearly doubling our internet speeds. Surfshark and Private Internet Access similarly increased our speeds by a few percentage points.

CyberGhost dropped our internet speed significantly more than the other providers on the list. However, the effects were unnoticable as there was no buffering or lag. 

Are antivirus and VPN the same thing?

This is a common question, as both VPNs and antivirus protect you from hackers and viruses but in different ways.

A VPN acts as your own private, secluded tunnel for your IP address to travel on the internet and not be seen. It encrypts your internet connection to prevent hackers and other bad actors from intercepting your data or compromising your device. 

Most good VPNs come with additional security features like a kill switch, which drops your internet connection if your VPN disconnects, and split tunneling, which allows you to choose which programs get routed through the VPN's connection.

Antivirus acts as both a shield and a sword to the files on your computer. It detects incoming threats such as malware, adware, ransomware, and phishing attempts, and after threats have been detected, they're dealt with so they no longer threaten your device. An added feature of antivirus is its ability to scan files that are on your device and check if any of them have been corrupted by viruses.

To put it in a real-world context, imagine you want to stream a movie that only exists on an international streaming service like BBC iPlayer or as a torrent file. A VPN masks your IP address so region-locked content is accessible to you. Now you can stream the movie.

If you’re trying to access your show by torrenting a file, you may be concerned the torrent file is loaded with malware. A VPN can only protect you so far until it needs reinforcements like antivirus. Using an antivirus in this instance is important for making sure no threats have a chance to infect your device through the torrent file.

Do you need an antivirus with a VPN?

If a VPN is like wearing pants, then antivirus is the belt — it’s better to have antivirus with a VPN than not. Browsing, streaming, or gaming with a VPN already makes it easier to be hidden from lurkers on the internet. But with antivirus, websites with malware and viruses don’t have a chance of infecting your device and compromising your files.

VPN with antivirus pros and cons

FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs with antivirus software

In the fight for the best VPN plus antivirus partnership, the four contenders have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Surfshark One bundles everything we need in a VPN and antivirus combo. The value of having unlimited devices connected to a VPN and routine antivirus scans regardless of operating system makes it an excellent choice, and the bundle comes with extras like data breach monitoring and data removal services.

NordVPN doesn’t have a full antivirus program, but its Threat Protection feature provides excellent protection while you browse the web. NordVPN has the most servers, works on every operating system, and Threat Protection successfully blocks ads and malware. Plus, it continuously monitors for malware threats even when not connected to a VPN.

PIA's VPN and antivirus combo offers a low cost paired with great performance. Yes, its compatibility is limited to Windows but the VPN allows for unlimited connected devices, while the antivirus optimization tools put it a grade above NordVPN.

CyberGhost Security Suite pairs the VPN’s excellent streaming support with PC protection. But we found it lacking in terms of compatibility with operating systems other than Windows. There are workarounds such as using CyberGhost’s antivirus host, Intego, and its free Mac antivirus. But that’s something we wouldn’t have figured out if we didn’t research it for ourselves.

4 best VPNs with antivirus 2024

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
Surfshark One	Starts at $2.49/mo (billed every two years)	Best VPN and antivirus bundle	Get Surfshark One Read Surfshark One Review
NordVPN Threat Protection	Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years)	Best for lightweight browsing and streaming	Get NordVPN With Threat Protection Read NordVPN Review
PIA + Antivirus	Starts at $2.75/mo + cost of VPN	Best low-cost VPN and antivirus	Get PIA + Antivirus Read PIA VPN Review
CyberGhost Security Suite	Starts at $1.00/mo + cost of VPN	Best for Windows-only streaming and gaming	Get CyberGhost Security Suite Read CyberGhost VPN Review