5 Best Antivirus With VPN Included in 2024

Osama Zahid
Last Updated by Osama Zahid on February 27, 2024 Fact-checked by Justyn Newman Fact-checked by Justyn Newman

Many modern antiviruses offer built-in VPNs with their other security features. However, most of these included VPNs are low-quality with slow speeds and small server networks. So, I tested 30+ antiviruses with a VPN to learn which ones have VPNs worth using.

After a comprehensive assessment, I have pinpointed antivirus solutions that offer strong defense against malicious software while also featuring efficient VPNs. These bundled VPN services provide a diverse range of servers for you to choose from, ensuring rapid connection speeds and implementing widely recognized encryption methods to bolster your online security.

Of all the choices, Norton stands out as the best antivirus with a VPN. It offers industry-leading 100% malware detection and an unlimited VPN with AES 256-bit encryption for impenetrable security. Best of all, the 60-day money-back guarantee lets you try Norton completely risk-free.

Try Norton risk-free for 60 days

Quick Guide: Best Antiviruses with VPNs Included in 2024

  1. Norton#1 antivirus with a VPN thanks to its excellent security, well-rounded features, and unlimited data.
  2. TotalAV — Reliably unblocks many popular streaming services, but its customer support is unresponsive.
  3. McAfee — Offers fast speeds for UHD streaming and downloads, but its privacy policy is concerning.
  4. Bitdefender — Provides good security with its firewall and feature variety, but its VPN is data-capped on most plans.
  5. Malwarebytes — Offers multiple security features, including an automatic kill switch, but the VPN is only available on the most expensive plan.

The Best Antiviruses With VPNs Included — Full Test Results in 2024

1. Norton — Secure VPN Provides Airtight Protection and Unlimited Data

Key Features:

  • 25+ server locations.
  • Lets you secure up to 10 devices simultaneously.
  • Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
  • 24/7 live chat, phone support, and a detailed online knowledge base.
  • 60-day money-back guarantee.

Norton is the best antivirus with a VPN. Its Secure VPN is available on all but 1 subscription plan and it offers unlimited data. So, I used Norton to enjoy Netflix marathons, download various large files, and safely surf the web without worrying about losing my protection.

Secure VPN also provides airtight security and privacy thanks to the following features:

  • Industry-standard encryption — protects your connection with unbreakable AES 256-bit encryption.
  • Built-in kill switch — disconnects the internet if the VPN connection drops to keep you anonymous.
  • Split tunneling — lets you choose exactly which apps’ traffic goes through the secure VPN tunnel.
  • Ad tracker blocking — blocks advertisers from monitoring your online activity.

During tests, Norton’s Secure VPN provided consistently fast speeds, with only a 15% drop when connected to nearby servers. However, my speeds dropped over 50% on long-distance servers in the US and Australia. Nonetheless, the connection remained fast enough for lag-free browsing and UHD streaming.

Norton’s Secure VPN successfully unblocked many streaming services during tests, including the following services:

Netflix HBO Max Disney+ Amazon Prime Video

This antivirus also provides excellent malware scans and real-time security. Norton’s scans and real-time protection detect 100% of malware, and it offers other features like a customizable firewall, webcam protection, and more for added protection.

Unfortunately, Norton’s VPN has a few downsides, like being headquartered within the 5/9/14 Eyes’ jurisdiction in the US. Thankfully, there’s a strict no-logs policy, meaning Norton wouldn’t have any data to share if anyone requested it.

Norton offers multiple plans starting at $29.99/year, including the following:

  • Antivirus Plus — includes Norton’s antivirus features, password manager, and 2GB of cloud backup for 1 device, but doesn’t offer its VPN.
  • 360 Standard — has Norton’s VPN, all the features in Antivirus Plus, protection for 3 devices, and Dark Web Monitoring.
  • 360 Deluxe — offers everything in 360 Standard but protects up to 5 devices and includes parental controls, 50GB of cloud storage, and Norton’s Privacy Firewall.
  • 360 Select — provides Norton’s ID theft protection, 250GB of cloud storage, protection for 10 devices, and the above features.

The VPN is available in almost all of Norton’s plans. However, I suggest you get Norton’s Deluxe plan. For $49.99/year, it offers protection for up to 5 devices, 50GB of cloud storage, and the VPN. Of course, you can try Norton risk-free regardless of your plan, thanks to its 60-day money-back guarantee. When I tested its refund policy, I had my money back in just 5 days.

2. TotalAV — Reliably Unblocks Popular Streaming Platforms

Key Features:

  • 35+ server locations.
  • Lets you protect up to 6 devices simultaneously.
  • Supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
  • Unblocks many popular streaming platforms.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.

TotalAV’s Safe Browsing VPN is excellent if you like to stream often. It successfully unblocked Netflix US for me, and it can also access Netflix catalogs in the UK, Canada, and Germany. You can access the following streaming platforms with it:

Netflix Disney+ HBO Max Amazon Prime Video Hulu

TotalAV’s VPN is the only one on this list to work with so many platforms. Plus, the streams buffered for less than 5 seconds and immediately played in UHD for a great overall experience.

TotalAV’s VPN enables lag-free UHD streaming

TotalAV’s VPN enables lag-free UHD streaming

During speed tests, my connection speeds only dropped an average of 11% when connected to TotalAV’s VPN. The only outlier was the 70% speed drop on the long-distance Australian server. Nonetheless, connection speeds on TotalAV’s VPN remained fast enough for lag-free browsing and UHD streaming.

You’ll also get security features with TotalAV’s VPN, which include:

  • Unbreakable encryption — uses industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard your online activity.
  • Leak prevention — prevents your IP and other identifying information from leaking while online.
  • Built-in kill switch — kills your internet connection if the VPN disconnects to ensure you stay anonymous (Windows only).

I was also pleased with TotalAV’s performance against malware. Its scans find 100% of malware, while its real-time security successfully blocks 99% of cyber threats. However, its security isn’t flawless like Norton’s, which blocks 100% of real-time threats.

TotalAV’s price plans start as low as $19.00/year and include the following options:

  • Antivirus Pro — includes TotalAV’s antivirus for 3 devices but doesn’t have its VPN.
  • Internet Security — offers TotalAV’s built-in VPN, antivirus features, and protection for up to 5 devices.
  • Total Security — provides a password manager, ad blocker, all the features in Internet Security, and protection for up to 6 devices.

I advise getting TotalAV’s Internet Security plan for $39.00/year. It includes the VPN and all the app’s key security features. Also, you can try TotalAV risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Claiming a refund is easy — when I tested it out, I had my money back 2 days after my refund was confirmed.

3. McAfee — Provides Super-Fast VPN Connection Speeds for Lag-Free Browsing

Key Features:

  • 40+ server locations.
  • Unlimited bandwidth on all plans with its VPN.
  • Protects Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
  • 24/7 live chat, phone support, and community forums.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.

McAfee is another top antivirus with a reliable built-in VPN. Its VPN provides fast speeds on nearby servers, making it perfect for lag-free browsing and UHD streaming on the various platforms it unblocks.

While McAfee successfully unblocks Netflix and HBO Max it does fail to unblock other platforms like BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.

During tests, McAfee’s connection speeds never dropped more than 20% when connected to nearby servers (like Germany and UK). The connection speeds were slower on its long-distance server in Australia, but still enough for lag-free browsing and UHD streaming. Also, I downloaded a 34GB copyright-free file at an average rate of 115Mbps in under 43 minutes, which is almost on par with my speeds without a VPN.

[Image] Connection speeds remain consistently fast when connected to McAfee VPN’s servers

Connection speeds remain consistently fast when connected to McAfee VPN’s servers

Besides its fast connection speeds, McAfee’s VPN has the following to keep you safe and anonymous:

  • Top-grade encryption — uses unbreakable AES 256-bit encryption to secure your traffic.
  • No-logs policy — doesn’t keep logs of your online activity.
  • IP address obfuscation — masks your actual location to maintain privacy.

McAfee’s antivirus scans and real-time security detect 100% of malware. However, McAfee flags a few false positives, meaning its results aren’t as flawless as Norton’s.

Unfortunately, McAfee is based in the US (within 5 Eyes’ jurisdiction). Also, its privacy policy mentions that it logs the pages you visit, your IP, geo-location info, and other details.

McAfee’s pricing starts at $39.99/year. Its plans include:

  • Total Protection Plus — has McAfee’s core antivirus, firewall, VPN, password manager, web protection, ID monitoring, and file shredder.
  • McAfee+ Premium — offers everything in Total Protection Plus and has McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup scans.
  • McAfee+ Advanced — provides McAfee’s full-service Personal Data Cleanup, lost wallet protection, monthly credit reports, $1M ID theft coverage, and everything in McAfee+ Premium.
  • McAfee+ Ultimate — includes all the features in McAfee+ Advanced and provides McAfee’s credit lock and $25K ransomware coverage.

I suggest you start by getting McAfee’s Total Protection Plus plan for $39.99/year. Also, you can try McAfee risk-free regardless of your plan thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. I had my money back in 7 days when I requested a refund via phone support after my tests.

4. Bitdefender — Uses Catapult Hydra Protocol to Provide Fast Speeds Without Compromising Security

Key Features:

  • 45+ server locations.
  • Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections on its VPN.
  • Works on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
  • Uses Hotspot Shield’s fast and secure Catapult Hydra protocol.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.

Bitdefender has collaborated with the well-known Hotspot Shield to develop its VPN service, conveniently accessible through Bitdefender’s application. Moreover, its automatic connection feature swiftly identifies the best server and establishes a connection within seconds. Furthermore, it encompasses the following essential security functionalities.:

  • Impenetrable encryption — protects your online activity with industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption.
  • Strict no-logs policy — ensures your browsing activity is never tracked or stored.
  • Catapult Hydra protocol — uses Hotspot Shield’s proprietary protocol to deliver airtight security while maintaining speeds.
  • Built-in kill switch — secures your anonymity if the VPN unexpectedly disconnects.

Bitdefender’s download speeds are consistent but underwhelming. Bitdefender provided an average of 51Mbps during tests (a 57% drop from my baseline speed). This included a high of 58Mbps from a UK server and a low of 42Mbps — significantly slower than McAfee’s VPN. However, it was still fast enough to stream shows on Netflix in UHD. However, it doesn’t work with Disney+, HBO Max, or Hulu.

Unfortunately, Bitdefender’s VPN is data-capped. So, unless you get its most premium plans, your VPN bandwidth will be limited to 200MB/day.

Bitdefender’s antivirus delivers airtight security thanks to its 100% malware detection via scans. Also, its real-time security successfully blocked 99.7% of threats during my tests.

You can get Bitdefender for as low as $29.99/year, and it offers the following plans:

  • Antivirus Plus — provides Bitdefender’s core antivirus features, VPN (200MB/day), and protects 1 device (Windows only).
  • Internet Security — includes Bitdefender’s parental controls, Privacy Firewall, the features in Antivirus Plus, and protection for 3 devices (Windows only).
  • Total Security — offers all the above features, Bitdefender’s optimization tools, and protects up to 5 devices (all platforms).
  • Premium Security — includes Bitdefender’s unlimited VPN, password manager, protection for 10 devices, and everything in Total Security.
  • Ultimate Security — provides Bitdefender’s ID monitoring and all of Premium Security’s features.

You will need to sign up for the Premium Security plan if you want an unlimited VPN. Luckily, you can try any of Bitdefender’s plans risk-free with its  30-day money-back guarantee. I had my money back in just 5 days when I tested its refund policy.

5. Malwarebytes — Powerful Encryption Technology for Secure Browsing

Key Features:

  • 500+ servers in 30+ countries to access a vast range of content.
  • Provides protection for up to 5 different devices.
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
  • Detects 99.9% of prevalent malware threats.
  • Backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Malwarebytes provides a fast and secure VPN for browsing the web. Utilizing the highly secure WireGuard protocol and employing military-grade AES-256-bit encryption, the VPN effectively blocks potential hackers.

To test its efficacy, I conducted a series of IP and DNS leak tests to identify any potential data “leakage” from the encrypted VPN connection. Remarkably, Malwarebytes successfully passed each leak test, ensuring the steadfast security of my data.

Test of malwarebytes DNS leak test, not showing leaks

Malwarebytes’ VPN protected my data with its encrypted connection

Malwarebytes’ VPN offers the following features:

  • AES-256-bit encryption — Ensures the utmost safety during all your browsing sessions.
  • 500+ servers in 30+ countries — Connects various locations so you can browse and enjoy the content you’re fond of.
  • Automatic kill switch — Prevents your actual IP address from being exposed if your connection is unsteady.
  • Split tunneling — Lets you pick which internet traffic uses the VPN and which uses the regular connection.

I was also impressed by Malwarebytes’ prowess in combating malware. Its scans effectively identify 99.9% of malware, while its real-time protection blocks 98.6% of cyber threats. However, it falls just short of Norton’s flawless record, which blocks 100% of real-time threats.

You can get Malwarebytes antivirus protection + VPN only on the most expensive offering, which is the Premium + Privacy Plan. On top of an unlimited and robust VPN, it also offers a robust malware scanner, as well as real-time protection to keep you safe from all kinds of cyber threats.

The Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy plan is backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the security suite risk-free. It protects 5 devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Quick Comparison Table: 2024’s Best Antivirus Software With VPN Included

Device Licenses (Max) Works with Netflix Allows Torrenting Server Countries Lowest Price Money-back Guarantee
Norton 10 25+ $29.99 60 days
TotalAV 6 35+ $19.00 30 days
McAfee 5 40+ $39.99 30 days
Bitdefender 10 45+ $29.99 30 days
Malwarebytes 5 30+ $44.99 60 days

How I Tested and Ranked the Best Antiviruses with VPNs Included in 2024

I used the following criteria to determine the best antiviruses bundled with VPNs:

  • Reliable security — I picked antiviruses with excellent malware detection scores and other reliable security features.
  • Unlimited VPN data — I chose antiviruses with unlimited VPN data plans for unrestricted browsing and streaming.
  • Fast VPN speeds — I chose antiviruses with VPNs that deliver fast connection speeds.
  • Unbreakable VPN security — I picked VPNs with industry-standard encryption to keep you safe online.
  • Large server network — I picked VPNs with large server networks to ensure you can maintain reliable connections and avoid crowded servers.
  • Streaming support — I prioritized antiviruses with VPNs that can unblock popular streaming services.
  • Device compatibility — I chose antiviruses compatible with various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
  • Reliable customer service — I prioritized antiviruses with good customer support so you can get help whenever needed.
  • Value for money — I picked antiviruses that offer multiple well-priced plans.
  • Money-back guarantee — I chose antiviruses with money-back guarantees so you can test them risk-free.

How to Use an Antivirus With a VPN

  1. Subscribe to an antivirus with a VPN. Norton is the #1 choice because of its flawless malware detection and fast, secure, and unlimited VPN. Simply navigate to its website and subscribe to any of its plans.
    Screenshot showing how to choose one of Norton's plans
  2. Download and install the antivirus. Download Norton’s setup from the web portal and install it on your system
    Screenshot showing how to download Norton's setup
  3. Access the server list. Click the drop-down button next to Norton’s Secure VPN option and click on VPN Region to browse the server list.
    Screenshot showing how to access Norton's VPN server list
  4. Click on your preferred server. Navigate the server list and click on the server you want to connect to, and Norton will establish a secure connection.
    Screenshot showing how to connect to one of Norton's VPN servers
  5. Safely browse the web. That’s it! The VPN is now connected, and you can safely and anonymously surf the web.
    Screenshot showing Norton's VPN successfully connected

Why You Need Both an Antivirus and a VPN

Both antiviruses and VPNs provide security, but VPNs protect you by encrypting your traffic and online activity, while antiviruses block and remove malware.

Using a VPN ensures that no one can eavesdrop on your connection. Plus, VPNs provide a new IP address to mask your identity and ensure that your actual IP address never leaks on the internet.

Antiviruses provide virus scanners to remove malware and include real-time security to prevent reinfection. Plus, the best antiviruses have features like customizable firewalls and password managers for added security.

Since VPNs and antiviruses don’t have overlapping functions, the best way to secure yourself is by using both simultaneously or getting an antivirus with a built-in VPN.

FAQ: Best Antivirus Software with VPN Included in 2024

Can you use an antivirus and a VPN together?

Yes, VPNs and antiviruses can work simultaneously, and the best antiviruses offer built-in VPNs for added security. Antiviruses protect your system against malware, while VPNs encrypt your traffic and keep you anonymous, meaning it’s best to use them together.

Are VPNs legal?

Yes, in most countries. Some countries like North Korea, China, and others restrict VPNs, but you can use the best antiviruses with VPNs in other countries.

Of course, while VPN usage is legal, I don’t condone any illegal activities while connected to them. It’s always best to check your local laws around things like torrenting before using VPNs for this.

Is it better to use a standalone VPN?

Generally, yes. While the best antiviruses have reliable built-in VPNs, standalone VPNs usually offer faster connection speeds, more servers, and better overall performance.

The best standalone VPNs also let you switch between multiple VPN protocols and have features like multihop for added security.

Can VPNs replace an antivirus?

No, you need a top antivirus to compensate for the security gaps VPNs don’t cover. Antiviruses are designed to detect and remove malware and secure your system from further infections, while VPNs provide safety and anonymity online. So, using both tools simultaneously or getting an antivirus with a reliable built-in VPN is best for comprehensive security.

Use a Top Antivirus With a Reliable VPN for Unbreakable Security

Using a VPN with your antivirus ensures unbreakable protection, which is why antiviruses with built-in VPNs are a great security solution. Unfortunately, many antiviruses have poorly performing VPNs with unreliable security, slow connection speeds, and small server networks.

After testing every antivirus with a VPN, I’ve listed the top antiviruses that provide excellent VPNs with their other security features. Every app on this list safeguards your system against malware and other cyber threats while encrypting your connection and keeping you anonymous online.

My top antivirus with a built-in VPN is Norton. Its VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption and has a strict no-logs policy, and its malware scanners detect 100% of cyber threats without highlighting false positives. Also, you can try Norton completely risk-free because it’s backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee.


Summary — Best Antiviruses with VPNs Included in 2024

Top Ranked Top Choice
Norton
$29.99 / year Save 58%
TotalAV
$19.00 / year Save 84%
McAfee
$39.99 / year Save 69%
Bitdefender
$29.99 / year Save 50%
Malwarebytes
$44.99 / year Save 50%

We rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links.

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