Are you worried about your online privacy and being exposed to harmful malware?
Antivirus programs protect your device from malicious software like adware, browser hijackers, ransomware, and others.
But the best way to be secure on the online platform is by using a combination of antivirus and VPN software. It could be challenging to choose which is the best antivirus with a VPN included.
Don’t worry though, we already did all the heavy lifting for you.
Here we provide you with a list of antivirus programs that stays true to their promise.
Why Do We Need Antivirus with VPN
An antivirus program protects you from any malware that is trying to access your system. When you are browsing online, a high risk of data theft exists if the network is not encrypted. To eliminate such a risk, we recommend using a VPN.
Are you familiar with the lock icon that you see in the URL bar? The lock icon indicates that your system and the particular site have an encrypted connection. For other sites that do not have a secure connection, you must take measures.
When using a VPN, your search query reaches the host from a different location. That means it erases your IP address, geolocation, and other system information, and a new identity is provided for the query. By doing so, you can disrupt the trail leading to your system. Therefore if you click on a malicious link, it can not trace your system.
If you use a combination of VPN and antivirus, it eliminates the slight risk of getting an infection on your system from the internet. A good antivirus detects and removes all viruses in realtime.
What to Look for in an Antivirus with a VPN
Trusted antivirus provider: Always buy the antivirus program from a reputed and trusted cybersecurity company. It ensures you get protection from all common malware.
High-end VPN security: Make sure the VPN protects your data using 256-bit encryption and have a no-log policy. It should also offer a kill switch that restricts unprotected data leaving the system in case the VPN fails.
VPN Speed: Make sure the VPN provides unlimited bandwidth on high-speed servers. If The VPN server provides limited bandwidth, then you might encounter a slow connection.
Global network: No matter from which country you are accessing the VPN, it can provide you geotags for another country. It is necessary if you want to avoid location-specific blocks and censorship.
The Best Antivirus with VPN
1. Bitdefender Total Security 2020– Best Premium
Bitdefender is the most renowned cybersecurity provider in the market. It also comes with an inbuilt VPN application. Having 27 different server locations globally, Bitdefender provides flawless browsing when you connect to the internet.
Due to its vast server network, you can unblock geo-restricted streaming services like Netflix and HBO.
It also includes a no-logs policy, kill-switch, and DNS leak protection. Bitdefender is a Romanian company. Romania has a strict law for data privacy. Therefore your data can not be compromised even in a government investigation.
Bitdefender has won many AV tests throughout previous years. The antivirus program runs in the background, and it does not show distracting intrusive alerts. Also, your CPU is not slowed down by scanning.
It provides 24×7 customer support. Some of the features are not available in the system dashboard, and you have to access them through an online portal. If you find it difficult to update the settings, a simple call can solve all of your queries.
For the downside, The inbuilt VPN comes with a limit of 200 Mb per day. But you can easily upgrade to have unlimited access by buying the premium subscription.
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2. Norton 360 Standard– Best Budget
Norton 360 Standard is one of the best antivirus programs out there. It comes with an inbuilt unlimited VPN access. You can select from a global network of 73 servers from 29 countries.
It also provides a no-log guarantee. That means Norton does not record or save your browsing data. It also provides a kill switch and DNS leak protection, including some essential tools for protection like a password manager and parental control.
Norton consistently updates its features to work in line with the current world. Some well-defended websites try to block VPN users, but Norton 360 Standard VPN easily bypasses their protocols.
Unlike other antivirus programs, Norton provides unlimited VPN access, even in its lowest tier products. But it comes at the cost of unreliable browsing speed. We have noticed a significant drop in the network speed with and without the VPN.
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3. Avira Prime
The Avira Prime packages include every safety feature necessary for online protection.
It includes a high performing antivirus program and Phantom VPN Pro. Some additional features include Password Manager Pro and Speedup Pro.
Password Manager Pro allows you to save and use your passwords across various devices. It requires a master password to unlock all other passwords.
Speedup Pro cleans up junk from your computer system and mobile devices.
The Phantom VPN Pro provides you with 256-bit protection. It allows you to choose from a global network of 50 servers across 38 countries. It also provides DNS leak protection and comes with a kill switch.
The VPN automatically connects whenever you go online. Therefore you don’t have to worry about being unprotected if you forget to start the VPN. It provides 500 Mb daily data usage. You can upgrade it by paying additional money if you want to.
The antivirus program runs in the background and does not show any annoying alerts. The realtime virus detection is up to mark with the AV standards.
Avira provides an easy to understand UI. It also includes a 30 days moneyback guarantee with all its products.
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4. Panda Dome Complete
If you are looking for antivirus with the best parental controls, you should buy Panda antivirus software.
Panda Dome Complete comes with some great parental control features. It uses the same VPN protocol as Hotspot Shield. Therefore, it is reliable to use the VPN without worrying much. It provides a fast VPN connection, and internet speed is affected mildly.
If you have kids at home and your concern about their online privacy, then the Panda antivirus program is all you need. You can monitor browsing history, data usage, limit certain apps, and get notifications about any dangerous internet activity.
In addition to that, it also has a location tracker. You can track any device that uses your antivirus package. It has an option to create different profiles so that you can customize the limits as per your requirements.
Talking about the VPN, it sure does a pretty good job at securing your connection but comes only with a 150 Mb daily limit. Another downside about this VPN is it does not allow you to choose the server. Therefore, accessing blocked sites in your region can be tricky.
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5. Avast Ultimate
Avast recently merged four of its popular internet security programs in one. You get access to its antivirus software and SecureLine VPN. You also get its Cleanup Premium and Passwords Premium software when you buy the Ultimate package.
Avast is one of the most popular antivirus programs. It is reliable and provides realtime and accurate malware protection. We encounter no issue with the program, although some users suggested slower processing speed when scanning is in progress.
The SecureLine VPN provides high-grade protection with 256-bit encryption. It ensures a no-log promise and DNS leak protection so that you can freely browse any site you want. It operates through 55 locations over 34 countries.
Apart from that, you get Passwords Premium software that allows you to save and use your passwords across various devices. You can access any of your passwords using a master password.
Cleanup Premium helps you keep your computer system fast. It deletes any junk file and unwanted cache to reduce the load on the processor.
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Overview
It is necessary to understand that online privacy is the right of every human being. Technology is developing day-by-day, and so are the cybercriminals. Therefore it is of utmost importance that you should have the best online security in your hands. To be on the safer side, we recommend using antivirus software and VPN in collaboration to save yourself from online threats.
So far Bitdefender is the best antivirus package for general use.
