Installing a VPN with built-in antivirus protection on your devices is one of the most comprehensive ways to stay safe online.
However, it’s surprisingly difficult to find a VPN that includes antivirus, so we decided to see how many do. We were surprised to learn only four trustworthy VPNs offer antivirus in their cybersecurity packages as standard.
Here they are:
- Surfshark - The best VPN with antivirus included. Offers multi-device protection, affordable pricing, and unlimited connections.
- NordVPN - An excellent VPN with built-in antivirus, boasting a vast server network, top-tier security, and reliable performance.
- CyberGhost VPN - A reliable VPN with a user-friendly interface, simple setup, and great value.
- Private Internet Access - A powerful VPN. Offers customizable settings, excellent privacy, and security.
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| TEST WINNER Surfshark | NordVPN | CyberGhost VPN | Private Internet Access | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | Surfshark | NordVPN | CyberGhost VPN | Private Internet Access |
| Ranking for antivirus | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Performance | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 |
| Reliability | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Free trial | ||||
| Total servers | 3200 | 6200 | 11625 | 3386 |
| Payment | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency |
| Unblocks: | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu |
| Supported platforms | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android |
We tested every VPN’s entire tech stack – not just the antivirus – to ensure it delivers airtight security, enhanced privacy, and fast connections. Here’s a quick summary of our criteria (keep reading for more in-depth breakdowns):
- Military-grade, 256-bit AES encryption
- Strict "no-logs” policies and RAM-only servers
- Global server networks in at least 50 countries
- Lightweight VPN protocols and code
- Extensive device compatibility (Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and more)
Deep dive: The best VPNs with antivirus included for 2024
Now, let’s do an in-depth analysis of each VPN and its antivirus.
These are just quick reviews to demonstrate their results in our tests. Check out our complete VPN reviews for a deeper analysis of each one.
Surfshark is our #1 VPN with antivirus protection. It outperforms more expensive competitors and allows unlimited device connections. Surfshark goes beyond just a VPN. As part of its Surfshark One plan, you get a built-in antivirus that provides real-time protection against emerging online threats. You can customize scans, exclude files, and schedule them to run at your convenience. The continuously updated database ensures you're always protected against the latest dangers. Surfshark’s core VPN offers extra privacy tools, including a built-in adblocker, IP address rotator, stealth mode (hides your VPN by obfuscating your server), and a real-time spyware and malware shield to safeguard your device from threats and reduce exposure to tracking and online snooping. You’ll enjoy steady, reliable connections from anywhere in the world. Aside from our standard speed tests, our globally distributed team tested streaming on Surfshark from various locations. It worked with streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, and we all enjoyed 4K HD without any buffering or lag. Surfshark is a great deal, with unlimited device connections on one account – perfect for families and friends sharing. NordVPN is an excellent VPN with built-in antivirus that consistently offers speed, privacy, security, and unrestricted internet access. NordVPN delivers robust antivirus protection with its VPN. It integrates threat protection, a comprehensive security suite beyond traditional antivirus features. NordVPN Threat Protection actively blocks malicious websites, shields you from phishing attempts, and scans downloaded files for malware in real-time, offering an extra layer of protection against online threats. Additionally, NordVPN employs military-grade security features, including industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption to ensure your data remains unreadable, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and an automatic kill-switch, which instantly blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops, preventing any accidental data leaks. Despite its extensive security features, NordVPN maintains impressive speeds, ensuring a smooth browsing experience without compromising your online safety. Our tests showcase NordVPN's consistent speed, averaging 55 Mbps globally. This speed is further enhanced by NordLynx, a proprietary protocol for bypassing geo-restrictions, allowing you to seamlessly access streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer within your browser or via their apps. NordVPN comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost is a dependable VPN with antivirus that offers fast connections for streaming, torrenting, and other online activities. CyberGhost delivers comprehensive online security at an affordable price. Its vast network of over 9,500 servers in 90+ countries allows for reliable connections and broad geographic coverage. CyberGhost, in partnership with Intego, offers world-class antivirus in the CyberGhost Security Suite, exclusive to your Windows 10 and 11 devices. This built-in app feature provides additional security by blocking malicious websites, ads, and trackers and monitoring data breaches. Using cutting-edge protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, CyberGhost also delivers fast and secure connections capable of streaming HD content. While its performance might be limited in regions with strict VPN restrictions, it shines elsewhere, averaging speeds of 6 Mbps in our tests. CyberGhost's user-friendly interface makes it ideal for beginners, and you can conveniently install it on up to seven devices with preconfigured settings. Furthermore, a generous 45-day money-back guarantee allows you to try CyberGhost risk-free. Private Internet Access (PIA) is a highly customizable VPN with a massive server network that provides complete anonymity. While PIA boasts a legacy in torrenting and P2P, its features extend beyond file sharing. PIA's integrated 24/7 antivirus protection offers several features, including a DNS-based ad blocker, vulnerability patching, flexible scan settings, and a prevention engine. These combine to protect you from online attacks and suspicious activities. PIA antivirus is exclusively for Windows devices. If you need antivirus for Apple products, we suggest sticking to Surfshark or NordVPN. PIA offers extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor various settings, including encryption levels, to your needs. This might be appealing if you’re experienced with VPNs; however, we recommend beginners stick to the default setting. In addition, with over 20,000 PIA servers globally, you'll have ample options to find a server that works well for your needs, including accessing streaming services. PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try their services risk-free. 1. Surfshark
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Methodology: how we tested the best VPNs with antivirus included
At ProPrivacy, we take pride in our independent and transparent approach to evaluating VPNs.
We rigorously test a multitude of VPNs to help you find the best VPNs with antivirus. We focus on key features vital for accessing content and enhancing your online experience.
- Server network: We recommended VPNs with thousands of servers across the globe that deliver lightning-fast connections anywhere – without compromising encryption or security.
- Access to content: Our chosen VPNs are compatible with popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu so you can access global content with ease.
- Security: The best VPNs shield you behind layers of military-grade encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, automatic kill-switches, and other advanced features.
- Privacy: Our favorite VPNs also offer extra tools like built-in antivirus, ad and tracking blocks, dark web monitoring, stealth modes, and IP address rotators to keep you hidden online.
- Value: We only recommend VPNs with simple, affordable plans and generous money-back guarantees (at least 30 days).
- Easy to use: Using a VPN shouldn't be a chore. We don’t recommend VPNs with overly complex apps.
- Customer support: Look for VPNs that offer 24/7 live chat support with human agents, YouTube support channels, and active user forums if you need help.
Read our complete VPN review process to see the full metrics and methods you can use when choosing any VPN.
How to set up a VPN with antivirus included
Once you've chosen a VPN with built-in antivirus from our recommendations, setting it up is a breeze. While VPNs might seem complex, their user-friendly interfaces make the process straightforward.
Here's how to secure your digital world with just a few steps:
- Download a VPN app; we recommend ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN.
- Launch the app and configure settings.
- Activate antivirus protection.
- Connect to a VPN server.
That's it!
If you still encounter issues, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, as temporary data might sometimes cause glitches. Also, double-check that your VPN app is connected to a server in your desired region. Reconnect if necessary and refresh the webpage.
Can I use a free VPN with a built-in antivirus?
No trustworthy free VPNs offer built-in antivirus protection. But even if they did, we wouldn’t recommend using a free VPN to stay safe from viruses and other threats.
Because free VPNs don’t charge a subscription fee, they can’t invest in providing a premium experience. They also rely on shadier tactics to monetize users. The biggest risks to using a free VPN we’ve seen include:
- Free VPNs limit your server locations. They typically offer only two to three countries that quickly become overcrowded with other free users.
- Free VPNs are frequently too slow for seamless online activities. They may struggle to deliver fast connections or intentionally throttle your speed, nudging you toward upgrading to a paid plan.
- Free VPNs come bundled with intrusive and irritating ads that disrupt your online experience.
- Free VPNs may compromise privacy by selling your information to data brokers and advertisers. Additionally, there's uncertainty about malware and trackers on your device, potentially used to track your online activities.
- Free VPNs have been caught hosting malware and hackers on their networks, posing significant security threats.
Low-cost premium VPNs offer a much better online experience without the limitations and risks associated with free alternatives. Choosing these more reliable options can save you from headaches and frustrations.
VPN with antivirus included FAQs
Conclusion
VPNs with built-in antivirus offer a comprehensive online security and privacy solution.
In a hurry, purchase Surfshark – it earned our best VPN with antivirus title based on our rigorous testing. Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test it risk-free and experience maximum privacy and security.