5 Best Antivirus With Built-In VPN For Perfect Privacy And Security

Antivirus programs are designed to protect your device from different forms of malware and viruses. However, using an antivirus alone won’t defend you from online threats and surveillance, and hence it is crucial to use a VPN to maintain digital privacy. A VPN increases your online security by hiding your IP address and encrypting your data traffic. Using an Antivirus with a VPN built-in is the perfect combination of privacy and security.

Fortunately, the top antivirus software comes with VPN functionality, but not all of them are worth using. The following table gives you a brief insight into the best antivirus with a VPN so, have a look: 

List of Antivirus Softwares Which Comes With VPN 

The following article sheds light on the best antivirus programs that offer a VPN to increase your online privacy and security.

Best Antivirus With a VPN (Short Overview)

There are quite a few antiviruses that come with a VPN feature, but they’re worth using. Here’s an insight into the five best antiviruses that come with a VPN and is an excellent option to enhance your online security and privacy. Read about them and choose one for yourself.

1. Norton 360

Norton 360 is top-rated security software that protects your computing devices from getting infected with malware and viruses. To provide excellent protection to the users, the company owns a standalone VPN named Norton Secure VPN. 

Norton Secure VPN offers multiple device compatibility features and can work on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows platforms. The VPN uses strong AES-256 bit encryption and OpenVPN tunneling protocol to safeguard the data from all snooping eyes. Because of end-to-end encryption 

It also claims to increase your online security and privacy and live up to its claims; it uses various security and privacy boosting features. Such as, it comes with a kill switch and split tunneling features useful for increasing your security levels. However, till now the VPN is only available for Android and Windows platforms. 

  Other notable features that Norton Secure VPN offers include:

• Password Manager
• Cloud backup
• Network detection 
• Ad tracking technology

Besides this, the VPN hides your IP address and prevents IP and DNS leaks. It consists of servers that are located in Brazil, Singapore, the UK, and the US. You can enjoy above-average speed if you reside in a nearby location but experience lagging if you opt for remote servers. The VPN even allows users to unblock the content from various streaming platforms. But, since the server network is limited, it’s not a great choice for streaming. 

 The VPN doesn’t support torrenting and belongs to the US jurisdiction. The company has clarified that they don’t log data in its privacy policy, but users still suspect it to keep user information. However, there hasn’t been a single incident that shows that Norton VPN breaches users’ security. 

It offers support for up to ten devices. The VPN is relatively cheap and also offers a 60days money-back guarantee. 

2. Bitdefender Premium VPN

Bitdefender VPN is another product of the Bitdefender antivirus that promises to increase users’ online security and protection. It is a fast VPN provider that offers unlimited bandwidth and good browsing speed that helps prevent ISP throttling. It is a safe and reliable VPN provider because it uses state-of-the-art AES-256 bit encryption and the SHA-256 hash function for maintaining data security. 

Moreover, it also uses the fastest VPN protocol, Hydra Catapult, developed using the Hotspot Shield technology. It is much quicker than the OpenVPN protocol ensures that you always enjoy a speedy connection. The VPN also uses impressive advanced security-enhancing features such as:

• Kill switch
• Split tunneling
• Auto-connect 
• VPN leak protection

Bitdefender belongs to the safe jurisdiction of Romania that isn’t a part of the global surveillance alliance. So, don’t worry about your online data and activities being recorded or shared. Moreover, it also abides by a strict no-log policy. The VPN doesn’t log your IP address or any other information that can reveal your online identity. However, it does record your name, email address, and billing information. 

Besides a strict no-log policy, Bitdefender also allows users to download torrents and stream foreign content. The kill switch and split tunneling feature ensure that you download torrents without risking your online security. It enables users to stream the blocked content through more than 1300 servers across the globe. However, since the server network is somewhat minimal, the VPN doesn’t work well with any popular streaming platform like Netflix, apart from Youtube. 

You can download Bitdefender VPN on Android, Windows, and Apple devices and enjoy up to ten simultaneous connections. It also offers a seven-day free trial period and a 30 days refund policy. 

3. McAfee Safe Connect

McAfee Safe Connect is another entry-level VPN provider that offers maximum level protection to users. It uses bank-grade encryption to protect users’ data from all prying eyes. Since it’s the highest encryption level, your data is encrypted at both ends, and no one can view your actual IP address and location. In this way, it protects you against government surveillance agencies, ISP, and other potential hackers, and web trackers. 

The best thing about this antivirus VPN is its server network. It offers servers in 22 countries and unlimited bandwidth to ensure that you enjoy a fast internet connection. When tested for speeds, it provides an ideal speed for streaming, torrenting, and browsing. Hence, you can even use it for streaming blocked content and downloading torrents without any hassle. 

On the downside, McAfee belongs to the US jurisdiction and has a shady logging policy too. But, on the other hand, it does offer amazing security and privacy-focused features like:

• Kill switch (only for Windows platform)
• Split tunneling (Available for Android)
• Dedicated IP address
• VPN leak protection

The VPN is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows platforms, and it also provides up to five simultaneous device connections. You can subscribe for a per month or a yearly plan, and if you think it doesn’t fit your needs, you even demand a refund during the first initial 30-days. 

4. Avast SecureLine VPN

Avast SecureLine VPN is the by-product of Avast that’s a popular name in the cybersecurity industry. It is a reliable VPN provider because of its strong encryption and jurisdiction. The VPN uses secure AES-256 bit encryption and OpenVPN protocol that keeps your data secured from the reach of prying eyes. It also comes with some security boosting features like:

• IP leaks
• DNS leaks
• Kill switch

Though the features are pretty limited, still it provides a top-notch level of online protection to the users. The VPN hides your IP address and prevents DNS leaks and takes your online security to the next level. 

The VPN does offer a decent server network that consists of more than 700 servers in 34 countries. The speeds are also average, and it depends significantly on the server you’re going to choose, but still, it allows users to stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Moreover, the VPN supports torrenting and P2P activities, but the lack of a split tunneling feature and SOCKS5 proxy doesn’t make it a good choice. 

It belongs to the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of the Czech Republic. The country isn’t a member state of the global surveillance group, but it keeps data logs and thus, risks your online security. The privacy policy mentions at this point that the user data is retained, but there hasn’t been any incident reported where the VPN has been accused of revealing users’ data logs, and that’s a good point. 

The VPN offers a seven-day free trial period without asking you to pay any amount. You can buy it on a per-month basis using a three-year plan. Also, the VPN offers compatibility with Android, Apple, and Windows devices and supports up to ten device connections. 

5. Total AV

The Total AV that uses the Avira technology also offers a premium safe browsing feature to provide excellent protection over the web. The VPN offers unlimited bandwidth and allows users to enjoy fast browsing speed. It even allows you to unblock the foreign content, but the issue is with its server network. It consists of more than 70 servers in 30+ countries. With such a limited server network, the speeds can decrease and result in connection lags. 

The VPN uses strong encryption and OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols that guarantee both enhanced security and speeds. Moreover, it also prevents DNS and IP leaks and maintains a greater level of online security. It offers excellent features, including: 

• Web shield extension 
• Ransomware protection 
• AdBlock Pro
• Identity protection
• Password Vault
• Remote firewall
• Public WiFi protection 

Unfortunately, the VPN doesn’t come with advanced features like a kill switch or split tunneling. Also, the company has its headquarter in the UK, which falls under the five eye jurisdiction. The country has been experiencing anti-privacy and data retention laws. This might cause serious security concerns among the users. Still, there hasn’t been any incident reported where the company’s name has come under the light of breaching users’ privacy which is a positive sign.

The VPN works incredibly fast on Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. It has two payment plans allowing six and five simultaneous device connections respectively.  If after subscription you are not satisfied with the service, you can demand a refund during the first 30 days of the purchase. 

Why Do You Need to Use an Antivirus Along With a VPN?

A VPN and antivirus are both security boosting software but they vary in their functions. Antivirus is device securing software that safeguards your device from potential software threats and malware and viruses invasion. At the same time, many people think that using antivirus software is enough for fighting against threats and increasing online security, but this isn’t true. Antivirus won’t guarantee complete online protection to the users as it fails to hide your actual IP address and other online data. Here a VPN is needed.

 A VPN is an excellent anonymity tool that spoofs your IP address and encrypts your data. By doing so, a VPN makes it difficult for any snooping eye to monitor your online activities and thus, makes you private over the web. Moreover, a VPN comes with several advanced features that boost your online security and even allow you to enjoy other benefits like gaming, streaming, and torrenting. 

As a whole, these tools are necessary for maintaining a high level of protection, but since a VPN is crucial for online safety, you should use it along with an antivirus program.

What Should You Do In An Antivirus With a VPN?

The mentioned below are some essential considerations that you shouldn’t ignore in the best antivirus with a VPN:

• The VPN should offer average or above-average speed so your browsing experience won’t get interrupted with frequent connection lags. 
• It should belong to a safe jurisdiction that doesn’t abide by data retention laws or other surveillance laws. 
• The VPN provider should have a clear privacy policy that prevents collecting users’ IP addresses and data logs. 
• It should come with a decent server that results in quicker connection and even helps during streaming and torrenting. 
• Do check the bandwidth. Some antivirus with a VPN comes with limited bandwidth that isn’t enough for smooth browsing. Make sure that you select a VPN that doesn’t impose any data caps.
• One prime reason for using a VPN is to access the blocked streaming content and download torrents, so make sure that the VPN you select is compatible with both. 
• The VPN should offer a top-notch level of online protection to the users. It should use robust encryption and secure tunneling protocols that secure your online data from prying eyes. 
• Ensure that the VPN comes up with essential security-enhancing features like a kill switch, split tunneling, IP leak, and DNS leak feature. 

All these features are vital for a safe and secure browsing experience, so make sure that the VPN you choose has these.

Does a VPN Protect Against Viruses?

A VPN by hiding your IP address and encrypting the data traffic boosts your online security and protects against online threats, hackers, and other snooping eyes. Some reliable VPN providers come with anti-malware protection features and help block out malware from infecting your devices. But, unfortunately, a VPN doesn’t protect against viruses. For this, you need to use antivirus software. 

Can a VPN and Antivirus Work Together?

A VPN and an antivirus are two different security-boosting tools. A VPN is an excellent anonymity tool that offers an end-to-end encryption feature and masks your IP address to ensure that you surf the web anonymously and privately. On the other hand, an antivirus protects from online threats and vulnerabilities, especially viruses and malware. Both are used for boosting your online security and privacy so you can use them together and ensure that by no means your online security is being compromised. 

Are There Any Limitations to Using an Antivirus With a VPN?

When you use a VPN in conjunction with an antivirus, you experience significant restrictions that many premium VPNs won’t come with. Some of the prominent issues are as follows:

• These VPNs offer a limited server network, and the server network isn’t as vast as the premium VPNs; thus, you experience connection lags and slow internet speed.
• The VPN might log and share your data and won’t keep your activities private. 
• They even lack advanced security and privacy-boosting features essential for robust online protection and a hassle-free browsing experience. 
• You won’t be able to download torrent or unblock content from all popular streaming services. 

Such conditions at times ruin your browsing experience, so you should decide which product to use. 

The Bottom Line

Using antivirus software is of great benefit for your device security. With a reliable antivirus program, you can get rid of potential malware and viruses. However, this won’t guarantee complete online protection as your online activities, IP address, and other information would be visible to your ISP and online hackers. Thus, you also need to use a VPN to hide your IP address and encrypt the data traffic. In this way, you can browse anonymously and privately. For both device and online protection, it’s recommended that you use an antivirus that comes with a VPN feature.