In today’s digital age, ensuring online security and privacy is a top priority due to cyber threats and malicious attacks. Integrating a VPN with antivirus software is an effective way to maintain your online protection. VPNs are excellent for protecting privacy, and when paired with antivirus programs, they create a robust security package.
Online activities are vulnerable to monitoring and data theft. Making a VPN an ideal choice for private and secure web browsing is important. Additionally, there’s the risk of dangerous files harming your devices, making antivirus protection necessary. However, subscribing to both a VPN and an antivirus can be costly.
Many leading VPN services now offer an integrated solution by including antivirus software in their packages. This integration allows users to enjoy the benefits of both services with a single subscription.
What is the VPN
A VPN is known as a Virtual Private Network. Its functions are as a secure tunnel for your internet connection. It protects your online privacy by encrypting data and masking your IP address, making it more challenging for others to monitor your online activities.
Furthermore, it allows you to access websites and services that may be limited in your zone. Imagine it as having your exclusive pathway on the internet. A route that ensures safety for your information while enabling unrestricted browsing.
What is Antivirus Software?
Antivirus software functions as a digital security guard for your computer. It also effectively protects from various possible threats. It performs as a program designed to defend your device against harmful software and online dangers such as viruses, spyware, malware, and phishing attacks.
This software actively recognizes and destroys any malicious programs or codes that may pose a risk to your computer or steal personal information.
Certainly, antivirus software is essential to maintaining the safety of your computer and its valuable data. Some examples are as follows:
- Browser hijackers
- Phishing attempts
- Adware
- Keyloggers
- Kaspersky
- Ransomware attacks
- Trend Micro
- Intego
- Norton
- Bitdefender
- Rootkits
Remember that because cybercrimes are always on the rise, and new versions of viruses keep coming, no antivirus can protect you against malware.
Why Do I Need a VPN with An Antivirus?
A VPN and an antivirus offer variable degrees of protection to ensure your online security and privacy. Experts advise having both for complete protection.
Antivirus software performs as a protective shield for your device, defending it against various types of malware, including viruses, Trojan horses, worms, and ransomware. It diligently scans your files and websites to detect any known threats and eliminates them if identified.
A VPN improves your online security by encrypting your internet traffic and rerouting it through a server in another location. This strategic strategy makes it difficult for unauthorized parties to observe your online activities or steal any personal information you share. Moreover, using a VPN enables you to overcome geographic restrictions, giving access to content that may be otherwise unavailable in your current region.
Here are some other important reasons why we need to get a VPN and antivirus for a device.
- Double Protection: It’s like having two superheroes protecting your device, one for privacy (VPN) and one for security (antivirus).
- Privacy Shield: The VPN keeps your online activities private, obscuring them from snoopers and trackers.
- Security Guard: Antivirus software fights off malware and viruses that could spoil your device.
- Public Wi-Fi Safety: When you use public Wi-Fi, the pair ensures your data is secure from hackers.
- Peace of Mind: Together, they provide peace of mind, knowing you’re well-protected online.
Best VPNs with Antivirus Software
- ExtremeVPN is your reliable digital bodyguard. It ensures that all your online adventures remain shielded and protected, ensuring privacy and security.
- ExpressVPN worked like a superhero’s cape, protecting your internet activities and providing privacy and security.
- NordVPN acts as a protective shield for your internet. It also protects your online activities from prying eyes and guaranteeing their privacy and security.
We carefully examine each VPN on our list, and you can choose to get the best VPN antivirus for your computer from their websites. You can also learn more about extra features and information if you want.
1. ExtremeVPN
ExtremeVPN, a recently established VPN, offers all the functionalities of more senior VPNs and more. Despite being new, it boasts features that users love in other VPNs. These include a vast server network, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, state-of-the-art encryptionas, well as a strict no-logs policy.
It also provides a wide collection of advanced security features. Utilizing masked servers and obfuscation techniques, it effectively hides VPN usage from ISPs and anti-VPN applications. Moreover offers multi-port and domain-fronting abilities to ensure an enhanced VPN experience with uninterrupted access.
This VPN offers impressive features while maintaining an exceptionally affordable price. For just $3.29 per month, users can take advantage of all that ExtremeVPN.
Pros
- It has very fast servers for speedy browsing
- There are lots of features for a good price
- Stable VPN with advanced features
- Always available customer support on various devices
Cons
- Deficiency of dedicated IP address
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN stands out as our top recommendation due to its seamless performance. It easily fulfills all the conditions. It offers users military-grade encryption and lightning-fast servers that are secure and extend across major cities worldwide.
It presents a useful feature, i.e., “Threat Manager,” that defends users against malware and malicious websites. By maximizing ExpressVPN’s regularly updated database or “blocklist,” its feature scans and identifies potential risks. It also provides a secure online experience devoid of any encounter with such threats.
Moreover, this service is equipped with various exceptional features that set it apart. It includes a kill switch, a zero log policy, over 3000 servers, and split tunneling capabilities. All these outstanding attributes are available in the best VPN service in the market.
Pros
- Outstanding privacy and security attributes
- A user-friendly and straightforward interface
- Offers robust privacy and security elements
Cons
- More costly than opponents
3. NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular choice among users. It stands out with its recently introduced feature, which provides malware protection at no additional cost. Its added benefit ensures that NordVPN continues to appeal to its users. The newly integrated “Threat Protection” feature defends your device against malicious links, effectively preventing unauthorized access and potential malware threats. Similarly, it also places web trackers on a break, ensuring an uninterrupted browsing experience for users.
However, it’s worth mentioning that “Threat Protection” operates similarly to antivirus software but doesn’t entirely replace it.
However, these security protocols have been improved, making them even more impressive. This feature guarantees broader protection against various threats compared to a standard VPN, which might not even be aware of these dangers.
Pros
- Includes a built-in blocker for complete protection against malware
- Always utilizes unparalleled security protocols
- Offers customer support that responds quickly
Cons
- Additional features require manual installation
Features to Consider in a VPN Service with Antivirus
Integrating an antivirus with a VPN may seem divine. It’s important to understand that this combination involves several aspects. Before utilizing this type of protection, one must carefully consider various factors.
The developers tasked with creating the pair face a challenging responsibility. They are resulting in variable levels of quality across different brands.
Here are the particular characteristics to consider before getting a VPN with antivirus.
- Security Features: Sufficient security is crucial. Carefully check VPN options for server availability, WireGuard support, AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch for a smart choice.
- VPN data caps: Watch out for VPN data caps, which can be problematic. Choose a VPN without this limitation, especially if you also want antivirus protection, as some VPNs may have data caps.
- Subscription Cost: Costs matter when selecting a VPN with antivirus. The purpose is to save by avoiding two subscriptions. So be careful of more expensive choices and look for affordable options that suit your budget.
- Malware protection: Malware protection is important when selecting a VPN with antivirus. Ensure it contains anti-phishing, real-time scanning, and updated malware detection. Otherwise, consider alternatives.
- Extra perks: Check for bonuses in your VPN and antivirus combo. Unblocking foreign content and a password manager for extra security are key features to look for.
Top-Notch Antivirus Software with VPN Services in 2024
1. Norton 360
Norton 360 provides high-quality antivirus protection. Combined with Norton Secure VPN, it offers a powerful defense against malware and guarantees privacy while browsing online.
2. Avast Antivirus
Avast is renowned for its excellent antivirus software. It offers an extra layer of protection with Avast SecureLine VPN. This dynamic pair protects your online activities and ensures a strong defense against viruses.
3. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Bitdefender’s highly-rated antivirus software seamlessly integrates with Bitdefender Premium VPN. This combination provides trustworthy virus protection while ensuring anonymous browsing.
How We Tested and Selected These Antiviruses
We carefully chose the finest antivirus and VPN packages, leaving nothing to chance. Our selection process follows strict criteria, ensuring only the best options make it to your consideration. Allow us to provide you with the necessary knowledge and confidence as you delve into this information, allowing you to choose from our recommended choices.
As we produced our list of antivirus software, we carefully evaluated various factors. These considerations played an important role in choosing the best antivirus.
- Threat detection range: It was an essential element in our selection process. We meticulously ensured that our antivirus programs could detect any potentially dangerous file. To validate their capabilities, we conducted thorough checks using independent labs like AV-Comparatives and AV-Test.
- VPN Features: The features of the VPN were meticulously set to ensure that the antivirus bundle included premium options, not bad imitations. Our evaluation contained user-friendliness, security protocols, and reliable privacy features.
- Security: The antivirus bundled with a VPN should have a robust security framework. It must contain features that shield malware, ransomware, and other known or unknown hazards.
- Overall package quality: The overall quality of the package is necessary. It should virtually combine a VPN and an antivirus, evaluating cost. It is important to maintain high-quality standards without incurring excessive expenses.
Is there a Free VPN With Included Antivirus?
The added-on antivirus/VPN is only available to premium package subscribers. Nevertheless, a few lucky people enjoy this inclusion in their free packages. However, it’s important to approach this perk in free packages with caution since they often come with significant limitations. Examples include a deficiency of server options, bothersome data caps, and inadequate security features.
A highly recommended solution exists, the free-trial plan. Many VPN services provide an opportunity to analyze their entire package without any payment required. It allows you to understand what you’ll be getting before deciding fully.
Antivirus and VPN Packages: Which Should I Select?
In the market, this combination of chief cybersecurity tools primarily benefits companies rather than individual users. However, big companies are familiar that users will be attracted by the opportunity to obtain both software at a reduced cost. The question remains: is it truly worth it?
Frequently, the truth is that antivirus packages bundled with a VPN tend to have average VPN capabilities. On the other hand, when it comes to VPNs included in antivirus software, there is often room for advancement as the antivirus functionality may lack its full capabilities.
Should one acquire it or abstain? And which option holds greater merit? Is it a robust combination of VPN with weak antivirus or a potent antivirus partnered with a weaker VPN?
If your needs change, the choice depends on whether you require an extra layer of security. The former caters to those seeking improved security measures, while the latter is ideal for users aiming to utilize it for torrenting or streaming purposes.
Conclusion
If you are looking for antivirus software with VPN capabilities or additional antivirus features, it is strongly advisable to support your decision with thorough research. This article suggests a compelling range of software options that converge to various needs, ensuring suitability for every user.
Antivirus software plays an important role in cybersecurity, ensuring protection against various online threats. Similarly, VPNs serve different purposes but are equally essential. Combining these two tools becomes unavoidable to defend your online activities completely and maintain maximum privacy.
FAQs
What is the best antivirus VPN package?
ExtremeVPN offers a high-quality antivirus-VPN package with unique detection rates, unlimited data usage, strong security features, and impressive connection speeds, per our comprehensive tests.
Can I protect multiple devices with an antivirus/VPN package?
Multiple antivirus-VPN packages allow multi-device connections, often in higher-priced plans, so verifying before committing is suggested.
What antivirus is best in combination with NordVPN?
Antivirus software combines smoothly with NordVPN, with Bitdefender as our top pick for compatibility and ExtremeVPN as our top recommended VPN choice.
Does using a VPN keep me safe from viruses?
A VPN cannot detect or remove viruses or malware. Its primary function is to encrypt your traffic, hide your IP address, and protect your private data. Using an antivirus solution alongside a VPN is advisable to fight malware effectively.
Is a VPN better than an antivirus?
A VPN and an antivirus perform different functions. So, one isn’t definitively better than the other. But when used together, they can strongly reduce security risks. A VPN protects privacy, while an antivirus defends against malware, enhancing security and privacy through integration.