Internet threats and privacy concerns have become more sophisticated—and more connected. Malware, ransomware, phishing and drive-by downloads exploit weak endpoints while ISPs, trackers and rogue Wi-Fi networks threaten privacy. That’s why many users now prefer “two-in-one” security suites that combine robust antivirus with a built-in VPN. In 2025 the market has matured: some vendors offer genuinely competitive VPNs included in antivirus packages, while others bundle thin or limited “VPN add-ons.”
This long, practical guide explains what to expect from antivirus+VPN bundles in 2025, evaluates the leading options, details feature tradeoffs, gives purchase recommendations by use case, and answers common questions so you can choose the right two-in-one protection for your needs.
Quick overview — top picks (TL;DR)
- Best overall two-in-one: Surfshark One — polished antivirus plus a full VPN, aggressively priced and feature rich; recently revamped with better UI and expanded platform support.
- Best antivirus-first bundle with strong VPN: Bitdefender Premium Security / Bitdefender Premium VPN — market-leading antivirus engine combined with an increasingly capable VPN. Good speeds for streaming.
- Best for family/devices + unlimited VPN data: Norton 360 (Secure VPN included) — consistent antivirus protection and unlimited VPN access on many plans.
- Lightweight & cloud-fast option: Webroot — fast, cloud-based antivirus; often sold with VPNs or as part of bundles and attractive pricing/promotions in 2025.
- Good budget choices: TotalAV, McAfee+ — provide usable VPNs bundled with antivirus features; check limits and logging policies.
(Throughout the article I’ll dig into why these are recommended and what to watch out for.)
Why combine antivirus + VPN?
At first glance antivirus and VPN address different problems:
- Antivirus / endpoint protection defends the device against malware, ransomware, trojans, malicious macros, fileless attacks and phishing pages. Modern suites add web-protection, exploit mitigation, behavior analysis, sandboxing and EDR-like telemetry.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects network traffic—encrypting your connection, hiding your IP address, preventing ISP tracking and making it safer to use public Wi-Fi. Some VPNs also include DNS filtering or tracking protection.
Combining both in one subscription is attractive because:
- Convenience: One installer, single billing and a unified interface. For non-technical users this greatly lowers friction.
- Cross-layer protection: Antivirus prevents malware that might abuse your network; VPN protects your data in transit and can prevent some drive-by tracking or geo-based attacks.
- Cost: Bundles can be cheaper than buying best-in-class antivirus and a top-tier VPN separately—especially for casual users.
- Unified UX & telemetry: Vendors can correlate device threat + network anomalies to detect sophisticated attacks. (This is good for detection, but increases centralization of user data—see privacy caveats below.)
However, there are tradeoffs: many “bundled VPNs” are intentionally limited (speed, servers, logging). If privacy and performance are top priorities, a standalone privacy-focused VPN is often better.
What changed in 2025? (short snapshot)
- Vendors like Surfshark are pushing integrated suites (antivirus + VPN + identity tools) with improved UIs and native ARM support on Windows devices—closing gaps for modern hardware. Integrated suites are increasingly competitive.
- Antivirus engines continue to deliver very high detection rates; some cloud-based engines (e.g., Webroot) emphasize speed and low footprint. Recent independent testing and vendor claims show strong performance improvements.
- Antivirus-bundled VPNs (Bitdefender, Norton, Surfshark) have improved throughput and expanded server networks—enough for everyday streaming and gaming in many locations. But the highest-tier standalone VPNs still often beat bundled VPNs in privacy features, jurisdiction and advanced protocols.
How to read antivirus+VPN feature lists (what actually matters)
When comparing bundles, ignore marketing blurbs and focus on measurable/usable features:
- Antivirus quality & test results
- Detection rates from independent labs (AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs) matter. Consistently high detection and low false positives are critical.
- Behavioral protection (ransomware rollbacks, exploit shields) is increasingly important.
- VPN fundamentals
- No-logs policy: read privacy policy carefully (claim vs. audited proof).
- Protocol support: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2. WireGuard gives best mix of speed and battery life on mobile.
- Server network & jurisdiction: More countries = better geounblocking. Jurisdiction (where the company is based) affects legal privacy guarantees.
- Speed & streaming: If you’ll stream Netflix/Prime/Disney, test streaming regions (some vendors explicitly optimize for streaming).
- Limits
- Check device limits and data caps. Some antivirus VPNs restrict data on cheaper tiers. Norton distinguishes itself by offering unlimited browsing data on many plans.
- Privacy & telemetry
- Combined suites collect more telemetry by design. If you want device telemetry centrally processed, that’s a tradeoff—use products with audited privacy statements.
- Usability
- Automatic protection (real-time), scheduled scans, easy on/off for VPN, split tunneling, per-app VPN, kill switch—these affect daily experience.
- Support & value
- 24/7 live chat, money-back guarantees, multi-device discounts and family plans matter for many buyers.
Deep dives: Top contenders in 2025
Below I examine the major players, their strengths, weaknesses and the ideal user for each.
1) Surfshark One — the polished “everything” bundle (recommended for value-minded privacy users)
Why it stands out (2025 updates): Surfshark One now combines Surfshark VPN with antivirus, private search, and data breach monitoring into a consolidated product. In 2025 Surfshark revamped the antivirus interface and added native ARM support for Windows, improving performance on Snapdragon laptops and other ARM devices. That makes it attractive for users on modern hardware who want a single subscription for multiple privacy/security features.
Antivirus: Improved UI, cloud-backed detection (uses an Avira SDK across some surfaces), real-time scanning, and quarantine/repair tools.
VPN: Full Surfshark VPN—large server network, modern protocols and competitive speeds for streaming and browsing. Surfshark’s VPN is regularly ranked among top value VPNs.
Pros
- Very competitive pricing for a suite covering VPN + AV + identity tools.
- Unified management and cross-platform apps.
- Native ARM support improves performance on new Windows laptops.
Cons
- For users who want the absolute best privacy or fully independent VPN audits, Surfshark (while strong) may still trail top specialist VPN providers.
- Some features may vary by OS (e.g., antivirus historically more Windows-centric).
Best for: Consumers who want a single subscription for privacy + malware protection at a good price and who value modern device support.
2) Bitdefender Premium Security + Premium VPN — antivirus excellence with an honest VPN
Why choose it: Bitdefender remains one of the top antivirus engines in independent lab tests. In recent reviews Bitdefender’s bundled VPN has become far more capable—with decent speeds, more server locations and streaming support—making the suite a compelling one-stop option.
Antivirus: Near-top lab scores, minimal performance impact, advanced features (behavioral detection, anti-ransomware, web protection, multi-layered threat defense).
VPN: Bitdefender Premium VPN now supports an expanded server list and shows strong speeds in multiple tests (good for streaming and gaming). It includes a limited free tier (small daily data cap) and a full Premium option.
Pros
- Industry-leading antivirus protection.
- VPN performance has improved significantly—real-world throughput and streaming compatibility.
- Clean UI and good family/device plans.
Cons
- VPN still not as advanced as top standalone VPNs regarding independent audits or advanced privacy features (obfuscation, multi-hop as standard).
- Where privacy is the absolute priority, consider pairing Bitdefender antivirus with a standalone audited VPN instead.
Best for: Users who prioritize top antivirus protection and want a capable VPN for streaming and everyday privacy.
3) Norton 360 (with Secure VPN) — dependable all-rounder with unlimited VPN on many plans
Why choose it: Norton remains an industry stalwart for malware protection. Norton’s Secure VPN is integrated in many Norton 360 plans and is attractive because it often offers unlimited VPN data even on lower-tier plans—something some bundled VPNs restrict. That makes Norton a strong family plan option.
Antivirus: Consistent high detection rates, identity theft protection add-ons in some markets, and a robust feature set (backup, parental control, firewall).
VPN: Reliable for privacy and streaming. Mixed user reports exist around advanced features (split tunneling, WireGuard availability) and occasional kill-switch reliability on some platforms—so test before relying on it for critical privacy tasks.
Pros
- Strong antivirus pedigree and family plans.
- Often unlimited VPN data included.
- Broad device support and additional features (backup, password manager).
Cons
- VPN lacks some advanced features and may not be as privacy-first as standalone VPN firms.
- Some platform inconsistencies reported (kill-switch behavior).
Best for: Families and users who want ample device coverage and an included unlimited VPN for casual privacy and streaming.
4) Webroot — the lightweight, cloud-centric AV with attractive pricing
Why choose it: Webroot focuses on a cloud-based engine: very fast scans, minimal footprint, and fast remediation. In 2025 Webroot has received favorable rankings in speed and lightweight performance and often shows compelling pricing and promotions. While Webroot’s own VPN offerings vary by bundling partners, the company’s low system impact makes it a great fit for older or lower-spec hardware.
Antivirus: Cloud-centric detection with lightning-fast scanning and low CPU/disk impact.
VPN: Webroot itself is often bundled with VPNs in consumer bundles; verify the VPN provider and privacy policy if buying a bundle.
Pros
- Extremely fast and unobtrusive scans—minimal impact on user experience.
- Good for multi-device low-resource scenarios.
Cons
- If you need the most advanced ransomware defense or integrated EDR features, Webroot’s approach differs from heavy-weight suites.
- VPNs bundled with Webroot may be third-party; check policies and limits.
Best for: Users with older PCs or who want very fast, low-impact antivirus. Pair with a standalone VPN for better privacy if needed.
5) TotalAV, McAfee+ and other budget bundles
Why consider them: TotalAV and McAfee+ deliver usable antivirus engines plus VPNs aimed at casual users. They’re frequently competitively priced and simpler to use. However, the VPNs can be more limited in features compared to Surfshark, Bitdefender or top standalone VPN providers. Always confirm data caps, device limits and privacy policies.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want basic protection without a steep price tag and who won’t demand advanced VPN privacy features.
Privacy, logging & centralized telemetry — what to watch out for
A central concern with integrated suites: data centralization. When the same vendor handles endpoint telemetry and network telemetry, they have more context to detect threats—but this raises privacy questions.
- Read the privacy policy: Does the vendor collect connection logs or metadata? Do they keep IPs, timestamps or session durations? Is there an explicit no-logs audit?
- Jurisdiction matters: Companies based in countries with mandatory data retention or surveillance obligations could be compelled to hand over user data. Some vendors publish transparency reports or undergo independent audits—these are good signals.
- Shared telemetry for security: Many vendors explicitly state they use anonymized telemetry to improve detection. If you’re privacy-paranoid, prefer VPNs with independent audits and antiviruses with transparent data practices.
If your priority is absolute privacy (e.g., activism, whistleblowing), the best approach is to combine a best-in-class audited standalone VPN (with a strict no-logs policy) and a high-quality antivirus—possibly from different vendors.
Performance & resource use: modern realities
- CPU and scan impact: Cloud-based engines (Webroot, some Bitdefender cloud components) are lighter on system resources; historically heavy suites have optimized and are less intrusive than years ago.
- VPN speed: Bundled VPNs have improved massively; Bitdefender and Surfshark’s offerings are capable for streaming with modest speed loss in many regions. However, standalone top-tier VPNs still often beat bundles on raw speed and advanced routing.
How to choose: decision flow (practical)
- Are you a privacy maximalist?
- Use a top standalone VPN (audited no-logs) + best antivirus engine (Bitdefender, Norton). Don’t rely on a single vendor for both.
- Do you want single-click convenience and a family plan?
- Surfshark One or Norton 360 are great choices—Surfshark for value/features, Norton for unlimited VPN data on many tiers.
- Low-resource or older machines?
- Webroot for lightweight antivirus; pair with a standalone VPN for stronger privacy.
- Budget buyer who wants “good enough” protection:
- TotalAV, McAfee+ or bundled Surfshark/Bitdefender plans often represent the best value.
- Streaming and gaming priority:
- Look for vendors advertising streaming support and test them with your target services. Bitdefender’s VPN now tests well for streaming; Surfshark and Norton also work reliably for mainstream services.
Real-world scenarios & recommendations
A. Single user on a laptop (privacy + streaming):
- Recommend: Bitdefender Premium Security (antivirus) + Bitdefender Premium VPN if you want simplicity. If privacy is top priority, pair Bitdefender antivirus with a standalone audited VPN (e.g., top-tier WireGuard providers).
B. Family with many devices (kids, parents):
- Recommend: Norton 360 Deluxe (or higher). Strong parental controls, backup and unlimited VPN on many plans.
C. Modern ARM Windows laptop user (performance conscious):
- Recommend: Surfshark One (ARM native support, lightweight antivirus UI improvements).
D. Older PC, limited storage/CPU:
- Recommend: Webroot (cloud-based scans, low footprint) + an independent VPN.
E. Power user who values privacy above convenience:
- Recommend: Best antivirus engine (Bitdefender or Norton) + separate audited standalone VPN. Use split vendors to avoid full centralization.
Feature checklist: what to confirm before buying
- Number of devices covered (per seat or family).
- VPN data limits (some tiers cap data).
- VPN server count & locations, protocol support (WireGuard recommended).
- Kill switch and split tunneling availability.
- Independent audits or transparency reports (VPN especially).
- Ransomware remediation and rollback features (for AV).
- Customer support and refund policy (30-day money back is common).
- Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, ChromeOS).
- Subscription pricing and renewal rates (watch first-year discounts vs renewal prices).
Setup & best practices (how to configure a two-in-one securely)
- Install the AV suite, run a full scan, quarantine any threats.
- Enable VPN auto-connect on untrusted networks (public Wi-Fi).
- Enable the antivirus web protection and email/phishing filters.
- Activate kill switch & split tunneling if you need app-specific routing.
- Turn on anti-ransomware and behavior-based protections (rollback if available).
- Enable automatic updates for both AV signatures and the VPN client.
- Use the suite’s password manager or a separate reputable manager for unique passwords.
- Make regular backups (offsite/cloud) and test restore—antivirus can’t recover lost encrypted files without backups.
Common myths & facts
- Myth: “If I use a VPN, I don’t need antivirus.”
Fact: VPN protects network traffic and privacy; it does not stop malware, drive-by downloads or infected files. You still need endpoint protection. - Myth: “Bundled VPNs are always inferior.”
Fact: Many bundled VPNs are now highly competitive for general use (Surfshark, Bitdefender, Norton). However, for specialized privacy or advanced VPN features, standalone audited providers can be superior. - Myth: “Antivirus slows my PC dramatically.”
Fact: Modern antivirus engines are optimized; cloud-backed scanners (Webroot) can be nearly invisible performance-wise. Always test with trials.
Pricing & value (practical notes for 2025)
- Bundles are heavily discounted for first-year subscriptions—always check renewal pricing.
- Look for multi-year plans or family plans for the best per-device cost.
- Consider the value of included extras (backup, password managers, parental controls, identity monitoring) relative to the price difference for standalone alternatives.
- Promotions (seasonal) are common—Webroot and others often run aggressive discounts.
Safety & compliance notes
- For enterprise or regulated environments, consumer antivirus+VPN bundles may not meet compliance needs—use enterprise-grade endpoint protection and corporate VPN solutions with centralized policy controls.
- For business use, check licensing terms—consumer licenses often forbid commercial usage.
FAQ
Q: Are antivirus-bundled VPNs safe to use for banking?
A: Yes — for most users they provide strong encryption and protection on public Wi-Fi. But ensure the VPN has a reliable kill switch and no obvious logging. For high-risk banking use, prefer an audited VPN.
Q: Will a two-in-one suite protect me from ransomware?
A: It can significantly reduce risk (real-time protection, anti-ransomware modules, behavior monitoring). But backups, patching, and safe user behavior are still essential.
Q: Do bundled VPNs unblock streaming sites?
A: Many bundled VPNs (Bitdefender, Surfshark, Norton) now work with mainstream streaming services, but success varies by region and service. Test during money-back windows.
Q: How are antivirus+VPN bundles audited for privacy?
A: Some vendors publish third-party audits or transparency reports, but not all. Look for explicit audits and no-logs attestations before trusting a vendor with high-sensitivity activity.
Final recommendation — pick based on priority
- Best single-subscription value and modern device support: Surfshark One. Good for users who want one vendor to handle privacy + device protection and value a slick, modern interface and ARM support.
- Best antivirus plus a genuinely usable VPN: Bitdefender Premium Security (antivirus quality) + its Premium VPN for simplicity—pair with an audited standalone VPN if ultimate privacy is needed.
- Best family/unlimited VPN inclusion: Norton 360—solid antivirus with commonly included unlimited VPN on many plans.
- Best low-impact antivirus (pair with VPN): Webroot (lightweight, fast scans) — pair with a strong standalone VPN if privacy matters.
Closing thoughts
In 2025 the lines between privacy tools and endpoint security have blurred—antivirus vendors increasingly bundle VPNs, and some VPN companies are adding antivirus modules. The result is convenience and often very good protection for the majority of users. For maximum privacy, choose a standalone audited VPN combined with a leading antivirus engine. For most households and single users who want straightforward protection and simplified billing, an integrated suite like Surfshark One, Bitdefender Premium Security or Norton 360 will be both powerful and convenient.
If you want, I can now:
- produce a one-page comparison table that lists features, device limits, VPN data caps and typical pricing for Surfshark One, Bitdefender Premium, Norton 360, Webroot and TotalAV based on the latest offers; or
- help pick the best option for your exact setup (number of devices, OS mix, streaming needs, privacy priority) and give step-by-step installation and configuration advice.
Sources & further reading (selected)
- Surfshark One antivirus revamp and ARM support (news).
- Bitdefender Premium Security and VPN reviews and performance testing.
- Norton Secure VPN and Norton 360 coverage and analysis.
- Webroot promotions and cloud-based antivirus strengths.
