Best antivirus and VPN bundles for 2026

As cybercriminals think of new ways to target users, you need more than just one tool to provide you with complete protection. For example, an antivirus can stop malware from infecting your device, but it won’t protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi or prevent websites from tracking your activity. A VPN secures your internet connection and hides your online activity, but it can’t detect or remove malware.

That’s why antivirus and VPN bundles are a smart choice – they combine device security and online privacy. It also often costs less than buying both services separately.

Together with the Cybernews research team, I tested the most popular antivirus and VPN bundles in-house and evaluated their security, features, privacy protection, performance, and value. I found Surfshark One is the best and most affordable Antivirus and VPN bundle, with plans starting at $37.66/month.

Best antivirus with VPN combos for 2026

1. Surfshark One – best antivirus and VPN bundle for 2026
2. Norton Antivirus – all-in-one security bundle for multiple devices
3. Bitdefender – premium antivirus with a VPN included
4. NordVPN Threat Protection – comprehensive VPN and antivirus security suite
5. McAfee Total Protection – all-in-one antivirus with identity protection tools

How I selected these antivirus and VPN bundles

In order to pick the best bundles, I followed our VPN testing and antivirus testing methodologies. I installed all products in the same test environment, enabled all available protections, and evaluated how effectively each bundle balanced security, privacy, performance, and overall value. The most important criterion was each product’s effectiveness, which you can see in the spreadsheet below or at the link here.

The most important factor was protection effectiveness. Bitdefender delivered the strongest antivirus results, achieving an 80% real-time detection rate and an 89.33% full-scan detection rate. McAfee recorded the highest full-scan detection rate at 92.67%, while Norton offered a more balanced mix of malware protection, web threat blocking, and VPN performance. Surfshark paired solid antivirus results with the strongest VPN performance in the lineup, while NordVPN took a different approach by focusing on blocking malicious websites and downloads rather than traditional antivirus scanning.

However, protection rates alone don't determine the final ranking. I also evaluated how much each product affected system performance, the quality of its included features, and its overall approach to privacy and data handling. Here are the criteria I used:

1. Antivirus and VPN effectiveness (40%). For antivirus testing, I measured real-time malware detection, full and quick scan results, ransomware protection, and the ability to block phishing and malicious URLs. For VPNs, I assessed leak protection, encryption reliability, and overall security performance.
2. Performance impact (25%). I monitored CPU and RAM usage during idle operation, active scans, and real-time protection to measure how much each antivirus affected system performance. For VPNs, I evaluated speed retention across downloads and uploads to determine their impact on everyday browsing, streaming, and downloads.
3. Feature quality and integration (20%). I assessed how well the antivirus and VPN components worked together and reviewed the overall quality of the included features. This included tools such as firewalls, password managers, ad blockers, identity protection features, system cleanup utilities, and additional privacy or security tools that added practical value.
4. Privacy and data handling (15%). I examined each provider’s privacy practices, including no-logs policies, company reputation, and data handling transparency. VPNs were also tested for DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks, while I reviewed whether any provider's jurisdiction or data collection practices raised privacy concerns.

Note that at Cybernews, we regularly review products to ensure that this information is up to date, relevant, and helpful to users.

Why choose an antivirus and VPN combo?

According to AV-TEST Institute’s Malware Statistics, over 70% of modern attacks originate from malicious or compromised websites, not just file-based malware. This means that relying solely on antivirus software won’t protect you from all threats.

While antivirus is crucial for detecting known malware, it can’t safeguard your real-time connections from interception or spying. A VPN, on the other hand, encrypts your connection and protects you while browsing online. So, using an antivirus and VPN combination offers more than just convenience – it provides cohesive protection and reduces system strain.

Best antivirus software with VPN bundles in 2026

To help you choose the best antivirus and VPN bundle, I evaluated 10 packages and picked only 5 that offer the best features, pricing, and overall performance. In our in-house tests, I focused on providers that deliver high-quality protection, as well as maintain performance and reliability in both antivirus and VPN services.

1. Surfshark One – overall best antivirus with VPN solution in 2026

VPN data cap:	Unlimited
Max devices:	Unlimited for VPN, 5 for antivirus
Apps:	Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux
Current deal:	Get Surfshark Antivirus - 85% OFF + 3 months FREE

Visit Surfshark Antivirus

Surfshark One is the best antivirus and VPN bundle I’ve tried, as it demonstrated strong malware detection and held up well against dedicated antivirus solutions like Norton and Bitdefender, even though its core product is a VPN.

In our tests, Surfshark One stood out for its excellent VPN performance, delivering fast connection speeds, strong privacy protections, and leak-free browsing. Its antivirus component also performed well, providing reliable malware detection during full-system scans and effective ransomware protection. It also makes it easy to manage both tools from one app without sacrificing core security features. On top of that, useful extras like Alternative ID, data breach monitoring, and Surfshark Search add an extra layer of privacy.

What you will get with Surfshark One

	Surfshark One	Surfshark One+
Device count	Up to 5 (antivirus), unlimited (VPN only)	Up to 5 (antivirus), unlimited (VPN only)
Real-time scanning	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Block ads and trackers	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Data breach alerts	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Data removal	❌ No	✅ Yes
Spyware and malware protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Renewal price	$269.25/year	$312.75/year

My tests of Surfshark Antivirus

To test malware protection, we exposed Surfshark Antivirus to real-world malware samples and monitored its response. Surfshark achieved a 41% real-time malware detection rate across 150 samples, with 0% detection in quick scans and 84.67% in full scans. Ransomware protection reached 80%, making full scans the strongest part of its malware defense. Surfshark has also earned an AV-TEST certification, which proves its effectiveness.

However, web protection was inconsistent, blocking only 30% of phishing URLs and 20% of malware URLs, compared to Bitdefender (80% phishing, 100% malware URLs) and Norton (60% phishing, 100% malware URLs). This means Surfshark sometimes allowed malicious links through while still blocking others from the same sample set.

Its main weakness remains quick-scan reliability with a 0% detection rate, whereas Norton and McAfee both found over 50% of vulnerabilities. It also has weaker network-level protection overall because it lacks a firewall, which competitors like Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Total Security include.

Surfshark VPN tests

Surfshark VPN showed strong privacy protection, which is why it’s one of the best VPNs on the market. No DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks were detected across multiple servers. The kill switch worked well and immediately stopped traffic when the connection dropped.

The VPN's speed performance proved to be reliable, as it retained 93.32% download speed and 64.16% upload speed. This placed it ahead of providers like McAfee and Malwarebytes, but behind NordVPN and Avira Prime. In streaming tests, Surfshark successfully unblocked major platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube TV, making it one of the strongest options in this lineup for bypassing geo-restrictions.

Surfshark offers 4,500+ servers in 100 countries and delivers fast speeds. There are no data caps, so I could leave it on all the time without worrying about limits. Surfshark One prices start at $67.23 for 27 months, which is $37.66/month, and the plan provides all necessary features for full protection. You can find out more about the provider in our Surfshark VPN review.

2. Norton 360 – reliable combination of antivirus and VPN

VPN data cap:	Unlimited
Max devices:	10 for VPN and antivirus
Apps:	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Current deal:	Get up to 60% OFF Norton Antivirus

Visit Norton

Norton 360 is a strong antivirus with a built-in VPN. During testing, it showed strong malware detection, reliable web protection, and a wide range of features

However, the interface and feature set can take time to get used to, since tools like scans, VPN, and privacy features are spread across multiple menus and windows. Once set up, it provides solid protection with extras like Safe Web phishing protection and system optimization tools that help reduce exposure to risky sites and background issues.

What you will get with Norton 360

	Norton 360 Standard	Norton 360 Deluxe
Device count	Up to 3	Up to 5
Antivirus, malware, ransomware, and hacking protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
AI Scam Protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Password manager	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Deepfake protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Dark web monitoring	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Renewal price	$94.99/year	$119.99/year

My tests of Norton 360

In my testing, Norton 360 detected 84.67% of malware samples in full system scanning, while real-time protection consistently blocked 60.67% of active threats before execution. Compared with Surfshark and TotalAV, it delivered more reliable real-time protection but still fell behind Bitdefender in overall detection consistency across test runs.

Quick scans detected 59.33% of ransomware or hidden malware, while full scans successfully removed over 70% of the ransomware samples tested. This shows a clear reliance on deeper system scanning, which also resulted in higher CPU usage during full scans compared to lighter antivirus tools.

What I liked while reviewing Norton was its strong phishing and malware protection, blocking 6 out of 10 phishing URLs and 10/10 malware URLs. It scored well in independent lab tests too, earning top ratings from AV-TEST and an Advanced Plus award from AV-Comparatives. According to these testing results, Norton caught 100% of zero-day malware with 9 false positives.

Norton VPN tests

Norton VPN is based in the United States, which falls under the Five Eyes surveillance alliance, so that was something I kept in the back of my mind while testing it. It showed stable privacy protection, with no DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks, even when switching servers and interrupting connections. The kill switch worked reliably too, ensuring traffic was fully blocked when the connection got interrupted.I also tested Norton VPN’s streaming and speed capabilities; its download speed retention was 79.78%, and its upload speed retention was 78%. This is a stable result for daily use, but it was slower than providers like Surfshark and NordVPN.

When trying to access streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube TV in multiple regions like the UK, US, and Europe, I was able to do so seamlessly due to its servers in 130 locations. Overall it provides solid privacy and streaming access, starting at $39.99 for the first year for its Standard plan.

3. Bitdefender – premium antivirus with an integrated VPN

VPN data cap:	200MB daily, unlimited on premium plans
Max devices:	10 for VPN and 5 for antivirus
Apps:	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Current deal:	Get Bitdefender for up to 78% OFF

Visit Bitdefender

Bitdefender is a globally recognized antivirus solution that also includes a VPN. The antivirus is easily one of the strongest I’ve used. In my testing, it stood out for its consistently reliable malware protection and web security, while the VPN provided dependable privacy and streaming performance.

Together, these tools offer solid everyday protection without requiring multiple subscriptions. Extras like a firewall, webcam, and microphone protection add more value for users who want additional privacy controls and features.

What you will get with Bitdefender

	Antivirus Plus	Total Security
Device count	1 device	Up to 3
Protection against malware, spyware, and adware	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Multi-layer ransomware protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Privacy firewall	❌ No	✅ Yes
Parental controls	❌ No	✅ Yes
Protection for multiple operating systems	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Renewal price	$49.99/year	$89.99/year

My tests of Bitdefender

In my Bitdefender review, I found that navigating Bitdefender's app was easy from the start. I first tested its malware protection, and it achieved an 89.33% full scan detection rate, 80% real-time protection, and 90% ransomware detection. It also blocked all tested malware URLs and 80% of phishing links, outperforming most competitors in web protection.

The biggest downside was that its full scans took noticeably longer than Norton’s and Surfshark’s. On the other hand, the results were consistently strong. Bitdefender also consistently scores well in independent lab tests, earning AV-Comparatives’ Advanced+ award and perfect protection scores from AV-TEST.

Bitdefender VPN tests

Bitdefender is headquartered in Romania, which is outside the Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, so that was already a good sign. Once again, this provider had no DNS or IP leaks detected across multiple servers.

After that, I tried the VPN for streaming and ran speed tests. Speeds were very average – I was getting 79.44% of my original download speed and 30.53% upload retention, making it slower than competitors like Surfshark. The speed felt fine for browsing but a bit limiting for heavier use.

Streaming was consistent, and with access to 3,000 servers across 100 countries, Bitdefender VPN worked reliably with 3/3 services successfully accessed, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer during testing. However, NordVPN and Surfshark offered more stable overall performance when switching regions and maintaining long sessions.

I also ran into the plan limitations pretty quickly: there’s a cap of 200MB per day if you choose the cheapest plan at $12.99/year. If you choose the most expensive plan, which costs $64.99/year, you can get unlimited VPN traffic. For more on this feature, you can refer to our Bitdefender VPN review.

4. NordVPN Threat Protection – unified VPN and threat-protection suite

VPN data cap:	Unlimited
Max devices:	10 for VPN and for antivirus
Apps:	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal:	Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free

Visit Nord Threat Protection

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market, which also includes comprehensive security features. Instead of combining a VPN with a traditional antivirus, NordVPN pairs its VPN with Threat Protection Pro, a next-gen antivirus focused on blocking malicious websites, downloads, and online threats.

In my testing, the VPN delivered reliable privacy and streaming performance, while Threat Protection Pro added an extra layer of protection against web-based threats. However, it functions more like a web filter than a full antivirus, so it doesn't include features such as quick scans, full system scans, or comprehensive malware remediation. You also get useful security extras, such as a password manager and data breach monitoring.

What you will get with NordVPN Threat Protection

	Basic	Complete
Device count	Up to 10	Up to 10
Blocks malicious domains	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Anti-malware protection	❌ No	✅ Yes
Advanced browsing protection	❌ No	✅ Yes
Ad and tracker blocker	❌ No	✅ Yes
Data breach scanner	❌ No	✅ Yes
Renewal price	$139.08/year	$219.48/year

My tests of NordVPN Threat Protection

When I sat down to review NordVPN Threat Protection, I noticed it performs differently from traditional antivirus products as it focuses on blocking threats at the network and DNS level, rather than scanning devices. As a result, it detected 0% of the 150 malware samples in our real-time protection test, but it blocked 90% of malicious URLs before they could be accessed.

This was a stronger result than Surfshark's 20% malware URL blocking rate, but slightly behind Bitdefender's 100%. That said, unlike a full antivirus suite, NordVPN Threat Protection doesn’t scan files or documents after they’ve been downloaded, so you won’t get that extra layer of file-by-file inspection. It’s clearly built to protect you while you’re online, not replace a traditional antivirus.

Finally, I looked at how NordVPN Threat Protection performed outside our own testing. So far, AV-Comparatives has only evaluated NordVPN Threat Protection’s anti-phishing capabilities. The minimum passing score was 85%, and Threat Protection cleared it with a 90% detection rate, which lined up closely with what I saw during my testing.

NordVPN tests

NordVPN is based in Panama, which was immediately a big plus for me since it’s outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance. It also delivered some of the strongest VPN results in this lineup, with no leaks detected during testing.In speed tests, NordVPN retained 86.14% of baseline download speed, outperforming Norton and Bitdefender, while remaining behind Surfshark’s 93.32%.

It also accessed all streaming services I tested, which is no surprise as it has a larger server network than most competitors, with thousands of servers across 224 locations. NordVPN plans that include Threat Protection Pro start from around $3.49/month. For a deeper dive on this provider, check out our full NordVPN review.

5. McAfee Total Protection – all-in-one security suite with built-in identity protection tools

VPN data cap:	Unlimited
Max devices:	Max devices:6 for VPN and unlimited for antivirus
Apps:	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Current deal:	Get McAfee, save up to 67%

Visit McAfee Antivirus

McAfee Total Protection is a security suite that combines antivirus protection, a VPN, and identity protection tools in a single app. These include features like identity monitoring and dark web tracking, which alert you if your personal details appear in data breaches. In our tests, McAfee delivered strong full-scan malware detection and achieved perfect ransomware protection, while real-time protection failed to block active samples during execution.

The VPN provided secure, leak-free connections across all tested servers and kept IP and DNS data fully hidden, but speed consistency dropped more noticeably under load, and streaming access was limited compared to top VPNs in this lineup, making it less reliable for heavy or frequent location switching.

What you will get with McAfee Total Protection

	Basic	Essential
Device count	1 device for antivirus and VPN	Up to 5 devices for antivirus and VPN
Real-time scanning	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Scam detector	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Web protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Parental controls	❌ No	❌ No
Identity monitoring and alerts	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Renewal price	$89.99/year	$119.99/year

My tests of McAfee Total Protection

McAfee delivered generally strong antivirus performance in my tests. During a full scan, it achieved a 90.67% malware detection rate, with strong ransomware protection at 100%, but real-time protection failed to block active malware samples during execution, significantly weakening its live defense compared to top performers in this lineup. Independent lab results by AV-TEST gave it the highest 6/6 rating. AV-Comparatives also confirmed its strong overall protection scores, giving it an Advanced+ award.

McAfee’s main limitation is inconsistency in real-time protection, where detection dropped to 0% in our active execution tests, meaning protection relies more on scans than on stopping threats as they appear.

McAfee VPN tests

McAfee VPN performed reliably in terms of privacy protection, with no DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks detected across all tested servers, keeping traffic fully encrypted during use. Speed retention was 39.75%, which made everyday browsing stable but noticeably slower for heavier tasks. However, streaming access wasn’t as seamless, and I wasn’t able to access Netflix Japan, BBC iPlayer UK, or Amazon Prime in the US.

Due to unstable streaming access, slower speed, and only 2,000+ server locations, McAfee isn’t a strong choice if you mainly need a VPN. However, for all-around security, with a starting price of $29.99/year, it’s a solid choice.

Antivirus and VPN – what’s the difference?

Antivirus and VPN services both safeguard your device from online threats, but they concentrate on distinct areas of protection. Here are the main differences between a VPN and antivirus software:

• Antivirus software secures your device from malware and malicious code through real-time protection and by scanning your device for suspicious activity. Many robust antivirus suites also include performance optimization features, which help your device run smoothly. However, while antivirus programs are excellent at detecting and neutralizing malicious code, they do little to protect your anonymity or prevent online tracking of your personal data or browsing habits.
• A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address, keeping your information safe and private. It ensures that your ISP (internet service provider) and the government don’t know what you're doing online – something an antivirus can't do. A VPN also secures your connection to public Wi-Fi. By hiding your IP address, a VPN helps you bypass network restrictions set up by your school or workplace and even access geo-restricted streaming platforms.

Both antivirus software and VPNs are essential cybersecurity tools designed to protect your device and privacy. Because they serve different functions, having antivirus software with a VPN is the best way to ensure complete security and protection of your devices and information. With the Surfshark Antivirus bundle, you’ll get a convenient all-in-one cybersecurity package consisting of a VPN, antivirus, and extra privacy tools.

Why do you need an antivirus with a VPN in 2026??

An antivirus protects your devices by blocking and removing malware, so it’s essential if you regularly download files online,deal with sensitive data, or want protection against phishing attacks. An antivirus is also useful for gamers when downloading game updates, mods, and other third-party content.

Meanwhile, a VPN protects your privacy by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address. This is useful for remote employees, travelers, and anyone who uses public Wi-Fi networks. It can also help access different streaming libraries online services, and even find better prices.

Together, an antivirus and a VPN provide more protection than either tool alone, which helps keep your devices, online activity, and personal data safe.

Is there a free antivirus with an included VPN?

Although most antivirus providers that offer a VPN include it in their more expensive packages, some programs come with a free VPN. However, VPNs included in free antivirus plans tend to be very limited. They usually have fewer servers, data caps that allow for limited usage, and fewer security features. While the free-plan VPNs might do a good job of protecting your online presence and providing the necessary security, paid plans usually mean more freedom.

Luckily, some antivirus providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees. This gives you the opportunity to try out the service before purchasing it and decide if the additional benefits are worth the money.

Video review: best antivirus with VPN

No time to read the whole article? Watch our video review of the best antivirus with a VPN. Get the essential info in just under 10 minutes.

Final verdict on the best antivirus and VPN bundles

If you want all-in-one online protection, a VPN and antivirus bundle is the strongest choice. An antivirus can handle threats like malware and ransomware, while the VPN will keep your browsing private and secure.

However, the quality varies quite a bit between providers, so I thoroughly tested several options. Based on its features and results, Surfshark One bundle of antivirus and VPN is the best option, as it provides reliable full-scan malware protection with a VPN that delivers strong privacy and leak-free connections. Bitdefender and Norton both also offer stronger overall malware detection and more advanced antivirus capabilities.

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