A virtual private network (VPN) paired with an antivirus bundle offers a comprehensive solution for safeguarding your online and offline activities. By creating encrypted tunnels, a VPN not only preserves your privacy but also masks your online behavior. In the UK, a growing number of users are turning to VPNs to navigate around stringent age verification checks. However, the benefits extend far beyond that, including IP address disguise, data encryption, and access to geo-restricted content. When combined with antivirus software, a VPN significantly enhances your security posture, although it’s important to note that neither can fully replace the other. Understanding your primary protection needs is essential when deciding whether to opt for a VPN with antivirus or vice versa.
What’s the best VPN with antivirus right now?
Our top recommendation for the best VPN with antivirus is the Surfshark One security suite. This service not only excels in delivering a robust VPN experience, as highlighted in our Surfshark review, but its antivirus capabilities effectively neutralize a wide range of threats, akin to traditional antivirus programs. With impressive cross-platform compatibility, it integrates seamlessly with your preferred devices.
After evaluating various VPN services that include antivirus protection, we have identified several noteworthy contenders. Below are our top selections:
The best VPNs with antivirus in 2025
Surfshark stands out as one of the most cost-effective VPN options available. By incorporating a strong antivirus for Windows and MacOS, it becomes an attractive choice for users with heightened security requirements. Why we like it: It remains one of the most affordable long-term VPN solutions. Currently, the Surfshark One bundle, which includes antivirus, is priced at just .23 for 27 months, translating to a mere .49 per month. This package allows for unlimited device connections under a single account (note that the antivirus is limited to five devices). A seven-day free trial is available through the App Store or Google Play Store, and all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Review: Surfshark VPN
As a VPN service, Surfshark’s performance is competitive with leading names like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. It boasts unique features for IP masking and online anonymity. For instance, the Alternative ID feature allows users to create a fictitious digital persona, complete with a fake email and phone number, to protect their real information. Furthermore, Android users can alter not just their IP address but also their GPS location, complicating tracking efforts by apps.
Who it’s for: Surfshark is particularly suited for travelers, budget-conscious users, and those seeking automated antivirus and web protection. Users can schedule security scans and benefit from built-in features like Alert, which notifies you if your email appears in compromised databases. Its extensive server network across 100 countries enhances its utility for bypassing geo-restrictions.
Who should look elsewhere: Some users have reported fluctuating server speeds, with significant drops in certain locations. While changing protocols or servers may not resolve these issues, Surfshark’s support team is readily available to assist with any connectivity challenges.
Surfshark VPN with antivirus features:
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Ad blocker: Yes
- Two-factor authentication: Yes
- Kill switch: Yes
- Countries: 100
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS
- Trustpilot rating: 4.5
- Google Play rating: 4.7
- App Store rating: 4.7
NordVPN is another strong contender, optimized for high-end protection and seamless speeds on both PC and mobile platforms. Why we like it: The Threat Protection Pro feature, designed for Windows and Mac, shields your browsing from lurking threats. It can identify and block hidden trackers, phishing links, and malicious advertisements, while also scanning downloaded files for malware without requiring an internet connection. However, it may occasionally misidentify legitimate applications and websites as threats.
Review: NordVPN
NordVPN is recognized for its impressive speed, making it the fastest VPN we’ve tested, ideal for activities like 4K streaming without compromising security. With over 7,600 servers in 126 countries, it offers specialty servers such as Double VPN and obfuscated servers.
Who it’s for: If you seek a VPN with robust antimalware features and a password manager, NordVPN is an excellent choice. It simplifies real-time inspection of downloads and provides secure storage for sensitive information through NordPass Vault. Users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Who should look elsewhere: While the introductory rates appear standard, renewal prices can be steep, starting at 0 annually.
NordVPN with antivirus features:
- Simultaneous connections: 10
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers
- Countries: 111
- Kill switch: Yes
- Logging: Email address and billing information only
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Trial: Seven days on Android
- Trustpilot rating: 4.2
- Google Play rating: 4.6
- App Store rating: 4.7
Private Internet Access (PIA) shares similarities with Surfshark, such as unlimited simultaneous connections and affordability, but offers more customizable settings for VPN protection. Why we like it: Users can select from two encryption levels, 128-bit and 256-bit, and utilize features like port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy for enhanced efficiency.
Review: Private Internet Access (PIA)
The antivirus component is an optional add-on for Windows, capable of performing full system scans and isolating suspicious files. Users can access reports of past or scheduled scans directly from the dashboard.
Who it’s for: PIA caters to users seeking advanced settings at a competitive price. The three-year-plus-three-month VPN plan is priced at (.03 per month), with an additional cost of around for antivirus protection.
Who should look elsewhere: Some users express concerns about the VPN’s US-based operations, as this jurisdiction is known for monitoring VPN users. Although PIA maintains a no-logs policy, this may not suffice for those prioritizing privacy.
Private Internet Access with antivirus features:
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Kill switch: Yes
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS
- Countries: 91
- Logging: No-logs policy
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS
- Trustpilot rating: 4.3
- Google Play rating: 4.5
- App Store rating: 4.7
CyberGhost often garners attention for its optimized servers tailored for streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, but it also provides antivirus for Windows 10 and 11. Why we like it: The Security Suite protects against various malware types, including trojans and ransomware, and features a Security Updater that routinely checks for outdated applications that may pose risks.
Review: CyberGhost
This service is particularly appealing to first-time VPN users interested in international streaming, thanks to its presence in around 100 countries. The user-friendly app is convenient for both PC and mobile devices, and its auto-protection feature secures connections on potentially unsafe public Wi-Fi networks.
Who it’s for: CyberGhost is ideal for users with a moderate number of devices, as it allows connections on up to seven devices simultaneously.
Who should look elsewhere: Users with numerous devices may find this limitation restrictive.
CyberGhost VPN with antivirus features:
- Simultaneous connections: 7
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, NAS routers
- Countries: 100+
- Kill switch: Yes
- Logging: Payment information only
- Money-back guarantee: 45 days
- Trial: 24 hours on macOS and Windows; three days on Android, seven days on iOS
- Trustpilot rating: 4.0
- Google Play rating: 4.2
- App Store rating: 4.2
To assist in your decision-making process, the following chart outlines the features, processes, and server locations of the top VPNs with antivirus:
| Best VPN | VPN features | Virus protection features | Server locations | Maximum devices | Lowest starting price (USD/month) |
| Surfshark | AES encryption, Multihop servers, kill switch, split tunneling, Camouflage Mode, etc. | Anti-malware, real-time protection, webcam protection, data breach alerts | 3,200+ in 100 countries | Unlimited | .63 for 27 months (.49/month) |
| NordVPN | AES encryption, NordLynx protocol, RAM-only servers, Dedicated and Static IPs, leak protection, etc. | Anti-malware, malicious sites/tracker blocker, anti-phishing, scam & fraud alert | 7,600+ in 126 countries | 10 | 5.36 for 24 months (.39/month) |
| Private Internet Access | AES 128/256-bit encryption, unlimited connections, port forwarding, Shadowsocks/SOCKS 5, etc. | Anti-malware, ad and tracker block, real-time protection, quick and custom scans, security reports | 30,000+ in 91 countries | Unlimited | for 39 months (.03/month), plus (/month) for antivirus |
| CyberGhost | AES encryption, optimized servers, Wi-Fi auto-protection, content blocker, smart DNS, etc. | Anti-malware, 24/7 protection, security updater | 9,000+ in 100 countries | 7 | .94 for 24 months (.19/month), plus (/month) for antivirus |
In our evaluation, we applied ZDNet’s rigorous VPN testing criteria, which included assessing security and privacy measures, encryption standards, and performing leak tests on individual applications. We ensured that the selected software not only provides real-time protection but also maintains user anonymity by preventing leaks of critical information such as IP addresses and DNS requests. Our focus extended to performance monitoring, ensuring that the software does not significantly hinder connectivity or drain system resources, thereby supporting activities like streaming and gaming effectively.
With the increasing demand for VPN services, particularly in light of new regulations like the UK online age verification law, users are actively seeking solutions to navigate these challenges. As the landscape of cybersecurity continues to evolve, staying informed about the best options available is crucial for maintaining both privacy and security.
