Updated July 21, 2026
The 10 Best Antivirus & VPN of 2026
Protect every device and stay private online. We lab-tested the top security suites and VPNs for protection rates, speed, and value.
Advertising disclosure: We may earn a commission when you visit partners via links on this page. Commissions never affect our scores or rankings.
Norton 360
The complete security suite, VPN included
- VPN
- Unlimited included
- Devices
- Up to 10
- Malware detection
- 100%
- Perfect lab protection scores
- Unlimited VPN bundled
- Dark web monitoring
- Renewal prices rise
- Feature-dense interface
Bitdefender
Elite protection with a light touch
- VPN
- 200MB/day (full opt.)
- Devices
- Up to 10
- Malware detection
- 100%
- Top detection, minimal slowdown
- Excellent value plans
- Autopilot mode
- Full VPN costs extra
- Lots of settings to explore
NordVPN (Nord Security)
The fastest, most trusted VPN — now with AV
- VPN
- Class-leading
- Devices
- 10
- Malware detection
- Threat Protection
- Fastest VPN in our tests
- Audited no-logs policy
- Threat Protection blocks malware
- Antivirus lighter than suites
- Best price needs 2-year term
- VPN
- Included (paid)
- Devices
- Up to 8
- Malware detection
- 99%+
- Extremely easy to use
- Tune-up tools included
- Strong intro pricing
- Steep renewal jump
- Frequent upgrade prompts
- VPN
- Included
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Malware detection
- 99%+
- Covers unlimited devices
- Identity monitoring included
- Good mobile apps
- Can nag with notifications
- Scans slower than rivals
Surfshark One
Unlimited devices, one small price
- VPN
- Unlimited
- Devices
- Unlimited
- Malware detection
- Included
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- VPN + AV + alerts bundle
- Very affordable
- Antivirus is newer
- Advanced AV features limited
- VPN
- 105 countries
- Devices
- 8
- Malware detection
- Basic blocking
- Reliable everywhere
- Excellent apps on every platform
- Audited security
- Pricier than rivals
- No full antivirus
Avast One
Serious free tier, capable paid suite
- VPN
- 5GB/wk free tier
- Devices
- Up to 30
- Malware detection
- 99%+
- Best free antivirus
- Clean modern interface
- Generous device counts
- Past data-privacy controversy
- Full features need top tier
Malwarebytes
The specialist second opinion
- VPN
- Optional add-on
- Devices
- Up to 20
- Malware detection
- Strong
- Superb at removing infections
- Light and fast
- Browser Guard is great
- Fewer suite extras
- Lab scores trail leaders
- VPN
- Swiss-based
- Devices
- 10
- Malware detection
- NetShield
- Genuinely free tier, no logs
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction
- Open-source apps
- No antivirus component
- Speeds behind Nord
Still deciding? Compare at a glance
A quick side-by-side of every antivirus we ranked.
| Brand | Score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1Norton 360 | 9.6 | $ 29.99 /year | All-in-one protection | Visit Site |
| #2Bitdefender | 9.4 | ~from $29.99/yr | Performance | Visit Site |
| #3NordVPN (Nord Security) | 9.4 | ~from $3.99/mo | VPN-first users | Visit Site |
| #4TotalAV | 9.1 | from $99/yr | Beginners | Visit Site |
| #5McAfee+ | 8.9 | ~from $29.99/yr | Unlimited devices | Visit Site |
| #6Surfshark One | 8.8 | ~from $2.49/mo | Value bundles | Visit Site |
| #7ExpressVPN | 8.7 | ~from $8.32/mo | Streaming & travel | Visit Site |
| #8Avast One | 8.5 | ~from $29.99/yr | Free protection | Visit Site |
| #9Malwarebytes | 8.4 | ~from $39.99/yr | Malware removal | Visit Site |
| #10Proton VPN | 8.2 | ~from $3.99/mo | Privacy purists | Visit Site |
How we rate antivirus & vpn
Research
Map the market and shortlist leading brands
Test
Hands-on evaluation across weighted criteria
Score
Standardized 10-point methodology
Update
Re-reviewed as products change
Our editors score every antivirus on a standardized 10-point scale across four weighted pillars: features & performance (35%), pricing & value (25%), customer experience & support (25%), and trust & reputation (15%). Scores are reviewed and updated as products change. Read our full methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both antivirus and a VPN?
They solve different problems: antivirus stops malicious software; a VPN encrypts your connection and hides your IP. Suites like Norton 360 and Surfshark One bundle both for less than buying separately.
Is free antivirus enough?
Free tools like Avast One catch most threats, but paid suites add ransomware protection, identity monitoring, and support. For banking and work devices we recommend paid protection.
Will antivirus slow down my computer?
Modern suites are light — Bitdefender and Norton showed near-zero impact in our benchmarks. Heavy slowdowns usually indicate an outdated product.
Ready to choose your antivirus?
Norton 360 is our top-rated pick with a score of 9.6/10 — the strongest all-round choice for most people.
Visit Norton 360Priya Nair
Editor, Home & Lifestyle
Priya reviews home services, travel platforms, and everyday essentials. She's obsessed with real-world value — the difference between what brands promise and what they actually deliver.