Best VPN with Antivirus Bundles in 2026

For stronger all-round protection, you need both a rock-solid VPN for privacy and a reliable antivirus for real-time malware defense. The good news is that several providers now bundle both into one package. The tricky part is finding the ones that actually deliver, rather than just talking a good game.

Our 2026 hands-on tests found that many VPN-antivirus bundles either fell short on malware detection or slowed things down. A few, however, delivered strong protection with leak-free encryption and speeds reaching 903 Mbps on gigabit connections.

Want the full lowdown? Keep reading. Just here for the best VPN and antivirus combo? No problem. Jump to our top picks and get straight to the good stuff.

Why bundle a VPN and antivirus?

While both are essential security tools, they do different jobs. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, while antivirus software scans your device for malware. Using both gives you broader protection across three key areas:

1. Stopping antivirus data tracking

Some antivirus providers have faced criticism over how they collect and share users’ browsing data. Using a VPN alongside your antivirus adds an extra privacy layer, encrypting your traffic and keeping your browsing activity hidden from your ISP and other prying eyes.

2. Real-time threat blocking

An all-in-one suite gives you two layers of protection. If you click a suspicious link, the VPN encrypts your connection and helps limit tracking, while the antivirus scans downloads and blocks malware before it can run on your device.

3. Streamlined system performance

Running separate security apps can mean more background processes, higher CPU use, and extra battery drain. A well-designed security bundle combines its tools into one streamlined package, giving you broader protection without unnecessarily slowing down your device.

How we rank VPN and antivirus bundles

Here’s what we tested to separate the truly useful bundles from the ones that just talk a good game:

• Malware detection: Testing how well the antivirus catches known threats and newer malware.
• VPN leak protection: Checking for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks that could expose your data.
• System impact: Monitoring CPU and RAM use to see whether the software slows your device or drains the battery.
• Real-world speeds: Testing VPN connections on a 1 Gbps line to measure download performance and streaming capability.
• Cross-platform support: Testing the apps on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS for ease of use and consistency.

Top VPNs with antivirus

We tested the top VPN and antivirus bundles for speed, security, and value. Here are the ones worth your attention.

1. Surfshark One

Surfshark One combines strong online security with a VPN that’s built for more than privacy. It’s also one of the best VPNs for streaming, making it a solid choice for accessing content from around the world.

Below is the Surfshark One app for Windows:

But it’s not just about fun and games. This versatile security suite is also your digital shield, guarding your computer from harmful viruses. The antivirus program takes just moments to install and then you are done, protected both on the device and against anyone who tries to spy on your online activities.

Surfshark One’s antivirus component boasts powerful features that include various scanning options, such as scheduled scans, automatic updates, real-time protection, and alerts for potentially harmful files.

More Surfshark One features

Surfshark One has only been around for a few years, but it has more and better features than services much older than itself. For example, they have a great lineup of VPN apps. This lineup covers all the major devices and operating systems (including a GUI VPN for Linux, rather than the CLI that most VPN services provide). Surfshark also has apps for Chrome and Firefox browsers, Smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

Next, let’s talk about the major new feature that appeared in version 5.1.1 of Surfshark and Surfshark One. It is called Alternative ID and it could be a major boost for your online privacy.

Ever wish you could keep your real details out of the hands of every website asking for them? Surfshark One’s Alternative ID lets you create a separate identity with different details, so you can share less of your personal information online. It’s a simple extra layer of privacy when you don’t want to use your real ID.

Coming back around to classic VPN features, Surfshark is an audited no-log VPN with a built-in kill switch for your protection. It passed all of our leak tests with no problems and is a very speedy service indeed.

Not long ago, Surfshark added support for the WireGuard VPN protocol to its existing list of VPN protocols. The result was a massive boost in speed. During testing on our lab’s new 1 Gbps internet connection, Surfshark One turned in speeds of up to 752 Mbps, a truly impressive result.

Surfshark One is not only fast, but it is versatile too, with advanced features like:

• Bypasser — Surfshark’s version of VPN split tunneling.
• CleanWeb — A built-in VPN ad blocker that also blocks trackers and malware domains.
• Camouflage mode — Surfshark’s implementation of obfuscated servers, which are useful if you need a VPN for China or other restricted networks.
• NoBorders mode — When you run into internet censorship, NoBorders mode automatically moves you to a new server that should be able to deal with the problem.
• Private DNS — By passing all your DNS queries through the VPN to the Private DNS, Surfshark One ensures that not even your ISP can see which sites you visit.
• Search — A private search engine that makes no records of your activities.
• Alert — A service that notifies you if your personal data appears online.

See all Surfshark One features here >

And that’s not all. Surfshark One has over 4,500 fast VPN servers spread across 100 countries, giving you access to a vast amount of the world’s online resources. These servers all run in RAM-only mode, meaning that they contain no hard drives where user data might be found. Additionally, Surfshark is an audited no-logs VPN service.

Surfshark One is also an excellent VPN for torrenting and other P2P file transfers. It is extremely fast, and super secure so your identity is never exposed.

Another big plus with Surfshark One is its value for multi-device households. You can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, making it easy to protect everything under one subscription.

In a nutshell, Surfshark One packs a lot of protection into one affordable package. With 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it out without a long-term commitment.

Surfshark pros and cons

Curious to dig deeper? Check out our complete Surfshark VPN review.

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2. Aura Antivirus with VPN

Aura Antivirus combines malware protection with identity theft safeguards, making it a strong option for US users focused on security and privacy.

The malware scanner is impressive, doing a great job of stopping spyware, trojans, viruses, and ransomware. The scanner gives you real-time protection and multiple scan options, but not the ability to schedule the scan.

The identity theft protection is another strength. It provides comprehensive monitoring of credit, bank accounts, and Social Security data, plus up to $1 million in identity theft insurance for US users of the Ultimate plan. There is also a basic password manager.

The suite’s VPN has a strict no-logs policy and offers strong encryption. It can handle major streaming services, like Netflix and Amazon Prime, although we have seen reports of problems with Hulu and Disney+. The downside is that only the Premium VPN in the Ultimate plan offers a broad range of server locations, while all Aura VPN plans lack some of the advanced features found in Surfshark and NordVPN.

You can choose from three Aura plans: Antivirus, Antivirus Plus, and Ultimate. All work on Windows, macOS, and Android:

• Antivirus plan: Antivirus and VPN support for three devices. You get the full set of antivirus features, including malware protection and quarantine, plus the basic VPN and the Safe Browsing browser extension, and 24/7 US based customer support.
• Antivirus Plus plan: Support for five devices and all the features of the Antivirus plan, plus basic identity protection (online account, SSN, and personal information monitoring), the password manager, an ad and tracker blocker, and a sensitive files vault with 1GB of storage.
• Ultimate plan: Support for ten devices and all the features of the Antivirus Plus plan, as well as: Financial fraud protection and Premium identity protection. The table below summarizes:

Feature	Antivirus	Antivirus Plus	Ultimate
Price	$3/month	$4/month	$5/month
Devices	3	5	10
Antivirus scanner	✅ Full OS protection	✅ Full OS protection	✅ Full OS protection
VPN and security	Safe browsing & VPN	Added password manager & ad blocker	Added vault & tracker blocker
Identity shield	❌	Basic SSN & account alerts	Premium logs, $1M insurance, fraud support
Financial alerts	❌	❌	3-bureau credit lock & bank monitor

See the latest deals on Aura antivirus here >

Aura pros and cons

Each Aura Antivirus plan packs in a strong set of features at a reasonable price, as you can see here:

Get Aura Antivirus here >

Get more information in our complete Aura review.

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3. NordVPN Threat Protection Pro

NordVPN has long been one of the best VPN services available. With the addition of Threat Protection, it has become a combined VPN and antivirus/anti-malware monster, full of defenses to ensure that you stay safe and private on the web.

What makes NordVPN stand out? Privacy is a big part of it. The VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your connection, making it much harder for others to see what you’re doing online or pinpoint your location. That’s especially useful on public Wi-Fi in places like cafés and airports, where your connection may be more exposed.

A second standout feature is NordVPN’s super-fast and stable connections. Whether you’re streaming your favorite TV show or playing an online game, NordVPN ensures a smooth and uninterrupted experience.

Part of the reason for this impressive performance is the raw speed of NordVPN. The service uses the WireGuard protocol (integrated into their own custom NordLynx protocol) to deliver incredible speed. In our most recent speed tests using our new 1 Gbps test facility, NordVPN turned in an incredible speed of 903 Mbps, blowing past even Surfshark for the crown of the fastest VPN service in our latest speed tests.

The other reason for NordVPN’s impressive performance is its vast network of 9,500+ VPN servers in 149 countries around the world. All of these servers run in RAM-only mode for additional speed and security. The company constantly upgrades this network, adding higher-speed interconnections and faster servers wherever necessary to keep the traffic flowing smoothly and rapidly.

Now, let’s talk about the NordVPN Threat Protection Pro feature. It’s integrated directly into the NordVPN desktop app (available on Windows and macOS) as a lightweight, all-in-one cybersecurity tool that handles ad and tracker blocking, while also dealing with more advanced tasks like include real-time malware scanning and removal.

It works independently of your VPN connection, scanning downloaded files for viruses and malware, while also blocking access to malicious websites. Independent testing from organizations like AV-Test and West Coast Labs has rated it highly for anti-malware performance, confirming it meets standard antivirus benchmarks for detection and remediation.

Threat Protection Pro is included in NordVPN’s Plus, Complete, and Prime plans (not the Basic plan), and does its job without significantly reducing performance. If you have one of those plans.

Threat Protection Pro also includes a cloud-based sandbox where suspicious files can be scanned for threats. This means it doesn’t need to install a full standalone antivirus suite on your device.

Threat Protection has one advantage over traditional antivirus software: some of its work happens on the VPN server rather than your device. By blocking ads, trackers, and malware before they reach your device, it can reduce the amount of data your connection has to handle and improve browsing performance.

Here’s another benefit of using NordVPN Threat Protection to protect your devices. Unlike the ad and malware blockers included with other VPNs, Threat Protection protects your whole device, even guarding traffic that does not pass through the NordVPN servers.

NordVPN with Threat Protection is a strong all-round combination, covering both online privacy and everyday security threats. It’s also easy to use, making it a good fit even if you’re new to VPNs.

NordVPN also includes these additional features:

• Kill switch — Cuts the internet connection if the connection to the VPN server is lost.

• Split tunneling — Control which traffic goes through the VPN tunnel and which goes direct to the internet. Learn more in our guide to the best VPNs with split tunneling.

• Double VPN servers — Encrypt VPN traffic over two hops.
• Obfuscated servers — Disguise your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS encryption to beat restricted/censored networks, making this a great VPN for China.
• Tor-over-VPN servers — Pass traffic through the Tor network in addition to the VPN server for extra anonymity.
• P2P servers — Optimized for fast, secure torrenting and other P2P activities.
• Dedicated IP servers — For situations where you need a VPN with a dedicated IP address.

• Smart DNS — To connect to geo-blocked content.

See all NordVPN features here >

In short, NordVPN with Threat Protection bundles VPN privacy with everyday security in one easy-to-use package, supporting up to 10 devices at once. You also get 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without a long-term commitment. Use our discount below to get the best available price.

NordVPN pros and cons

Want to dig deeper? Get the full breakdown of NordVPN and Threat Protection in our NordVPN review.

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4. Norton 360 Antivirus + VPN combo

Norton 360 pairs well-known antivirus protection with an optional VPN for an extra layer of online privacy. It’s powered by SONAR (Symantec Online Network for Advanced Response) technology, a heuristic approach to malware detection. This feature is adept at detecting and neutralizing both known threats and zero-day exploits using a large, constantly-updated malware signature database.

Additionally, the antivirus component includes a full suite of tools such as a firewall, spam filter, password manager, and more, providing a comprehensive solution for all your cybersecurity needs.

The VPN component of Norton 360 is good, but not as capable as either the NordVPN or Surfshark VPNs. It provides secure, encrypted connections without leaks, and includes a kill switch and split tunneling. Norton VPN passed our leak tests with no problems. It now supports the WireGuard VPN protocol and should be faster than before, although we have not done speed testing on the latest version. .

Following a major network expansion, Norton VPN now covers 140+ server locations across 103 countries, which a significant step up from its previous network. However, it still falls short of NordVPN’s massive footprint of over 9,500 servers.

One of Norton 360’s better features is its seamless integration of the antivirus and the VPN. Users can operate under the protection of the antivirus feature while also browsing the web safely through the VPN, all within the same user-friendly interface. Here’s the Android app (all versions of Norton 360 have a similar interface).

Norton 360 adds plenty of useful security tools to the package:

• Smart firewall: Monitors incoming and outgoing network communication to block unauthorized traffic and hackers trying to access your device.
• Secure cloud backup: Allocates up to 100GB of encrypted remote storage space to isolate and safeguard your most critical document files from ransomware attacks.
• SafeCam alert: Instantly blocks untrusted desktop software from attempting to access or hijack your computer’s webcam feed.
• Integrated password manager: Creates, stores, and encrypts your private login credentials and credit card profiles inside a secure digital vault.
• Parental control system: Filters out dangerous web domains and tracks video viewing habits to keep your kids safe online.

In short, Norton 360 is a strong choice if antivirus protection is your priority and VPN features are secondary. Depending on the plan, you can protect 5 or 10 devices across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Plans include a 60-day money-back guarantee and start at $39.99 per year.

Norton 360

Check out Norton 360 here >

Want the full breakdown? Check out our Norton Secure VPN review.

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Choosing VPN and antivirus

Choosing the right bundle comes down to two things: strong malware protection and secure, private internet connections.

These are the key things to check:

Advanced security features

Look for a bundle that covers both your device and online activity:

• Strong encryption: AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption helps keep your internet traffic private.
• Automatic kill switch: Cuts your connection if the VPN drops, preventing accidental data exposure.
• DNS leak protection: Stops DNS requests from bypassing the VPN tunnel and revealing your browsing activity.
• Malware detection: Checks files and activity for malicious software and emerging threats.

Speed and performance

Good security shouldn’t bring your device to a crawl. Check for:

• Low system impact: Uses CPU and RAM efficiently to minimise slowdowns and battery drain.
• Fast servers: A well-maintained network should provide enough speed for streaming, downloads, and everyday browsing.
• Modern VPN protocols: WireGuard and Lightway are designed to deliver fast, efficient connections with low overhead.

Device performance and battery life

Security software runs in the background, so its impact on CPU, RAM, and battery matters. Here’s how our picks compare:

• Server-side protection: NordVPN Threat Protection Pro handles much of its ad, tracker, and malware blocking on the VPN server, keeping the impact on your device low.
• Lightweight scanning: Surfshark One and Aura use local scanning without putting heavy demands on modern hardware.
• Higher system impact: Norton 360 runs more features locally, which can mean greater resource use on older or lower-spec devices.
• Best for smooth performance: NordVPN and Surfshark One are strong choices for streaming, gaming, and everyday use without unnecessary background load.

UI and OS compatibility

A solid security bundle should be easy to install, use, and manage across your devices. Look for:

• Cross-platform support: Native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS make it easier to protect multiple devices.
• Simple controls: A clean dashboard should make it easy to connect to the VPN or start a malware scan.
• Automatic updates: Security updates and virus definitions should install in the background with minimal disruption.
• Clear alerts: Good threat notifications tell you what’s happening without filling your screen with unnecessary pop-ups.

Free vs paid cybersecurity bundles

	Free software	Premium cybersecurity suites
Data and bandwidth	❌ Restrictive monthly data allowances	✅ Unlimited bandwidth and data streams
Connection speeds	❌ Throttled to cause video buffering	✅ Ultra-fast 10Gbps server nodes
Privacy protections	❌ Frequently log and monetize web history	✅ Independently audited zero-logs policies
Malware defense	❌ Outdated virus definition tables	✅ Real-time heuristic file scanning
Customer assistance	❌ Generic email ticket queues	✅ 24/7 direct live chat support channels

Free security apps can save money, but they often come with trade-offs such as ads, data limits, weaker features, or questionable privacy practices. Running VPN servers and maintaining up-to-date malware protection costs money, so it’s worth checking how a free service makes money.

Paid bundles typically offer stronger features, better performance, and clearer privacy policies. If cost is a concern, look for discounts or seasonal deals to get comprehensive VPN and antivirus protection for less.

VPN with antivirus setup guide

Setting up an all-in-one security suite takes just a few steps. Follow this checklist to get the most from your protection:

Installation process

To install your chosen VPN and antivirus software, simply follow these steps:

1. Download official software: Navigate directly to your provider’s verified website and download the application installer tailored for your specific operating system.

2. Execute the installer: Run the downloaded setup binary file and follow the clean, on-screen desktop prompts to extract the software core.

3. Activate your account: Input your premium account credentials or alphanumeric license key sent in your checkout confirmation email.

4. Authorize system permissions: Grant the application administrative configuration privileges so the firewall and local virus scanner can protect system directories.
   

Configuration

Once your security bundle is installed, take a few minutes to check these key settings:

• Turn on the kill switch: Prevents your internet traffic from being exposed if the VPN disconnects.
• Choose a modern protocol: Use WireGuard or NordLynx for a fast, efficient connection.
• Connect to a server: Choose a server to encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address.
• Update virus definitions: Make sure your antivirus has the latest threat information.
• Enable real-time scanning: Let the antivirus check files and downloads for threats as they arrive.

Security and privacy tips

While deploying an all-in-one cybersecurity bundle blocks major network and hardware threats, maintaining absolute privacy requires a multi-layered security approach. Implement these vital digital practices to completely safeguard your hardware and data:

Keep apps updated

Keeping your VPN and antivirus software up-to-date is essential for ensuring maximum protection against new threats and vulnerabilities. Software updates often include security patches, bug fixes, and new features that can enhance the performance and stability of these powerful tools.

To keep your software up-to-date, be sure to enable automatic updates, if available, and regularly check for new updates and install them as needed. By staying current with the latest software updates, you can protect your devices and data from potential threats and maintain your online security and privacy.

Use strong passwords

Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts to boost security and privacy. A password manager can help. Tips for strong passwords:

• At least 8 characters
• Mix of upper/lowercase letters, numbers, symbols
• Avoid reusing passwords

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security, requiring a password and a second verification, like a code sent to your phone or email. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and protects your personal information.

Secure public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks can be convenient, but they also pose potential security risks, such as data interception by malicious actors, man-in-the-middle attacks, and malware distribution. To minimize these risks, it’s essential to exercise caution when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.

When using public Wi-Fi, always connect to a VPN to encrypt your data and hide your IP address. Additionally, avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or personal email accounts, while connected to public Wi-Fi. By taking these precautions, you can protect your online activities and personal information from potential threats, even when using public Wi-Fi networks.

The bottom line

Online threats don’t take days off, so your security shouldn’t either. A VPN and antivirus cover different weak spots, giving you stronger protection than either tool alone. We’ve looked at the best bundles, what they offer, and how to get the most from them.

Choose the VPN and antivirus setup that works best for you. Surfshark One stands out with its excellent VPN, solid antivirus, unlimited device support, and great value. For the best deal, visit the Surfshark One page with our exclusive discount coupon. Stay secure and enjoy peace of mind with advanced protection.

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