January 4, 2022
5 Cybersecurity Myths Debunked in 2024
When you think about it, myths are just a real-life version of the telephone game… A person hears [...]
WHAT’S IN THIS REVIEW?
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Both VPNs and antivirus software are a great way to improve online privacy and security, and are increasingly being packaged together in an effort to provide additional protection.
A VPN will encrypt browsing data, making it difficult for anyone from your ISP to alphabet agencies to keep tabs on your online activities. It also assigns the user a new IP address while connected, so you won’t be easily identified.
On the other hand, antivirus software is more concerned with protecting users by detecting and removing malware and viruses on their respective devices.
We’ll take you through the best antivirus options with VPN for 2024, along with looking at which features to look for from package deals.
How to Choose a Good VPN + Antivirus Package
There are a number of factors to consider when picking out a VPN and antivirus package.
First and foremost, does the VPN work as intended, and do they offer any additional features? Anything like Double encryption, split tunneling, or Onion-over-VPN can greatly enhance overall online security.
The same goes for the quality of the antivirus software. Are their virus definitions up-to-date, and will they be able to identify and quarantine any suspicious files without having an impact on performance? Does the antivirus offer any extra perks, such as an ad or malicious website blocking?
A number of larger online cybersecurity companies have noted the rise of virtual private networks in recent years, going on to release their own inferior VPN solutions as a consequence
An example would be the distinctly average VPN Proxy One Pro, which is a relatively new product that is bundled as part of Trend Micro’s online security packages, which include a password manager and antivirus software. (In some countries, the VPN is called Trend Micro WiFi Protection).
Instead, we’d recommend looking at an audited service like NordVPN, as VPNs and antivirus software heavily rely on user trust. Some VPN companies adopt a “No logs” policy, where they claim to keep no information about the user’s online activity. Premium VPN providers tend to have proof to back their statements by being audited by third-party companies, such as PricewaterhouseCoopers or Cure53.
Consider whether the package offers good value for money, and are their plans flexible? Do they have a guarantee, and will you have access to live chat support just in case?
Finally, do they offer any additional privacy and security tools, such as password managers or file encryption?
VPNs & Antivirus: What’s the Difference?
What’s the difference between a VPN and antivirus software? Maybe it’s better to start off with the similarities.
Both VPNs and antivirus software are meant to protect users from threats that can be encountered while online. There are both free and paid versions of VPN and antivirus software, and they’re sometimes packaged together.
A simple way of understanding the main differences is:
VPNs
- A VPN is focused on ensuring privacy and anonymity by encrypting traffic and hiding your identity
- Works to improve anonymity & privacy
- Can often be used to access blocked sites
- Encrypts traffic
Antivirus
- An antivirus will protect users from most of the online threats that can infect their device: malware, trojans and similar risks
- Works to detect and terminate any malware, trojan, or similar threat
- Can be used to remove existing malware
- Often packaged with additional privacy tools
The Best VPN + Antivirus Packages
We’ve listed some of the best VPN & antivirus packages you’ll find on the market today below.
1. NordVPN (Nord Security)
Owned by Nord Security, NordVPN is one of the best VPN providers on the market, with a range of additional services on offer.
Nord Security’s other products include NordPass (password manager), NordLocker (file encryption and storing tool), NordLayer (business VPN), and NordWL (toolkit for building VPN products).
They’ve recently released “Threat Protection” for NordVPN, which is designed to provide safer browsing by blocking malicious websites, ads, and trackers, as well as identifying files infected with malware. This is currently available for Windows and Mac users.
NordVPN also offers Specialty Servers that further increase the user’s security:
- Onion over VPN
- Double VPN
- Obfuscated servers
- P2P
Overall, it’s a well-rounded combo that is sure to keep you safe.
2. Norton Secure VPN (Norton)
Norton is another big name in the online security sector for a range of products such as their industry-leading antivirus and security software.
Their Norton Secure VPN is a mid-tier option, which is somewhat understandable as it can be purchased as a standalone service but is often bundled with other Norton products for a discounted fee.
If you’re more interested in antivirus with a VPN attached, Norton offers flexible pricing and standard VPN features that promise basic security and identity protection.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark One is another provider that has recently added antivirus software to their VPN packages. It offers “a single account to protect yourself from viruses, malware, data leaks, and privacy threats.”
Their antivirus is currently available on Windows, Mac, and Android, while the VPN regularly tops lists as a well-rounded provider that doesn’t skip out on security despite its affordable price tag.
It’s also popular among streamers and gamers looking for fast speeds and a large network to choose from. Surfshark One will check for data breaches with real-time alerts, as well as help to get organic search results from the likes of Google.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is another VPN that has recently pivoted to provide antivirus software. PIA’s antivirus software uses “a massive database of known viruses and malware to provide robust protection against all kinds of viruses, spyware, rootkits, worms, trojans, and ransomware.”
Antivirus by PIA is currently only available on Windows devices and is priced below $1.50 per month. You’ll also be able to get a dedicated IP address with your VPN. Of course, the antivirus is limited to Windows devices.
However, PIA is one of the better VPN providers on the market, making it helpful if you’re looking for an antivirus for Windows.
4. Avast SecureLine VPN (Avast)
Avast is another company known for online security solutions such as their award-winning antivirus software. The Avast Secureline VPN comes with a seven-day free trial and is bundled as part of their security solutions.
They’ve recently released Avast One, which is an “all-in-one service that delivers comprehensive protection with an award-winning antivirus, VPN, data breach monitoring, and device cleanup tools”. That’s a comprehensive selection and one of the cheaper deals overall.
VPN + Antivirus Packages: FAQs
Here are some of the more commonly asked questions associated with using VPNs and antivirus software in tandem.
1. Do VPNs work with antivirus software?
Yes. To the point where we’d actively encourage you to do so if you’re aiming to have the most robust level of protection from multiple threats. VPNs focus on your network and the data contained within, while antivirus software helps to protect against malware and viruses.
2. Do I need antivirus if I already have a VPN?
As we’ve discussed above, antivirus software and VPNs have different purposes, so it depends on whether you download files regularly, or would like additional protection against malware and viruses. In any case, having the two bundled together will only increase your overall online security.
3. What about using free antivirus/VPN software?
We’d avoid using free apps, whether you’re looking for a VPN, antivirus, or a package deal with a combination of the two. Free VPN apps and services can’t be trusted when it comes to looking after your personal data, and they often lack the ability to encrypt your information properly in the first place.
A number of free antiviruses actually contain viruses, where they attempt to get you to sign up for a service you don’t actually need.
4. Is it better to buy a VPN and an antivirus separately rather than as a package?
It depends on what you’re looking for in terms of additional features, as well as a number of external factors. For example, is there a VPN that you’d prefer to use that doesn’t offer antivirus too? It’s easier to get antivirus with a VPN as a package, but there’s nothing stopping you from using two separate services.
5. Is a VPN or antivirus more important?
If we could only pick one of the two, we’d prefer the anonymity provided by a VPN. However, that doesn’t mean that antivirus software isn’t important in its own right.
6. What about antivirus for iOS devices?
Using antivirus with VPNs is often pointless on iOS devices. The nature of the ‘walled garden’ makes it difficult to download malware and viruses to an iPhone, while most apps won’t have the ability to change much within your settings. Instead, we’d advise you to keep your operating system updated to the latest version.
Get the Complete Package
Antivirus with VPN packages are a smart way to provide multiple layers of privacy and security. All without having to worry about different accounts or the trustworthiness of unaudited services.
They’re certainly beginning to increase in popularity. Established VPNs like NordVPN and Private Internet Access have recently entered the fray with their own solutions, along with the likes of Avast and Norton, who traditionally focused on the AV side of things.
It means that the user is spoiled for choice, which packages and bundles to suit almost every situation.
