VPN vs. antivirus: What’s the difference?

What is an antivirus?

The main purpose of modern antivirus tools is device security. This software is designed to spot and block malware and viruses from infecting not only your phone or laptop but also other devices like desktops, tablets, and even some smart home gadgets.

A good antivirus software should be able to detect all kinds of malware, including trojans, keyloggers, cryptohackers, and adware. It does so by collecting information about threats globally and then updating a virus database on your device. Needless to say, keeping your antivirus up-to-date is essential for this process to work.

What are the benefits of an antivirus?

It’s very hard to be sure about the safety of a file or an online link. In a way, antivirus tools allow you to make mistakes. If you click on a malicious link by accident, your antivirus program will often be able to recognize and remove it. Below, find some other benefits of an antivirus:

• Antivirus programs work in the background. They don’t disturb the user because they operate silently in the background. Plus, they are extremely low-maintenance because virtually everything they do happens automatically.

• Many antivirus programs are free or offer a free version. In fact, if you’re using a Windows machine, you already have antivirus protection built in. However, this particular benefit also comes with a potential drawback, which we’ll explore in the next section.

• Many antivirus programs include a sandbox mode. This feature provides a secure virtual space where you can safely open and examine suspicious files without jeopardizing the safety of your device.

What are the drawbacks of antivirus?

A good antivirus program has very few drawbacks. It works in the background, and present-day antivirus programs will have little to no negative effect on your computer’s performance. However, free antivirus software can be risky because some companies monetize their users by collecting and selling data.

For example, Avast’s free antivirus was found to collect users’ browsing history and sell it to advertisers. When selecting an online security solution, opting for a premium option is a safer and more reliable choice.

What is a VPN?

Like an antivirus, a VPN (virtual private network) protects the user from cyber threats. But it does so by encrypting the user’s internet traffic and rerouting it through a remote, secure server.

In this way, the user’s IP address, location, and private data are all hidden. This encryption and rerouting process will keep a user’s private information shielded from hackers, criminals, and even their internet service provider (ISP).

VPNs also work in the background but are usually easier to configure, suspend, or turn off than traditional antivirus solutions, which tend to be more persistent and may sometimes even be difficult to uninstall.

What are the benefits of a VPN?

Antivirus programs are often considered passive protection methods, but VPNs are the opposite. As soon as you turn one on, you can experience the benefits of VPN security features.

• A VPN encrypts your traffic. It protects your data with top-grade AES-256 encryption on every VPN server. Secure VPNs, like NordVPN, even include DNS leak protection to keep your private data safe at all times.

• A VPN allows you to change your virtual location. It lets you access websites that are not available in your country.

• A VPN improves your online privacy. It allows you to mask your browsing history from your ISP and keep your data private from advertisers.

• A VPN offers extra features. A good VPN usually comes with a variety of extra helpful security features, beyond just basic encryption.

• A VPN protects multiple devices. Premium VPN providers will secure your connection on several devices. For example, a single NordVPN account can cover up to 10 devices.

What are the drawbacks of a VPN?

If you use a free VPN, you may encounter a number of risks and problems. Free VPN services are often less stable and secure than premium options like NordVPN. They may fail to fully protect your data and are likely to slow down your internet speeds.

To avoid these drawbacks, make sure to use a high-quality VPN that you can trust. While free VPN services claim to offer all the same benefits as their paid counterparts, that’s really not true. One of the most common VPN myths is that free VPNs are just as good as paid ones — but they are not.

Choosing between a VPN and an antivirus

A VPN and antivirus software both serve important roles, but they focus on different aspects of online safety. To make the right choice, it’s important to understand what each one does and how it complements the other.

Cost analysis: VPN vs. antivirus software vs. all-in-one suite

Choosing the right cybersecurity solution depends not just on your needs but also on your budget. VPNs, antivirus software, and all-in-one security suites offer varying levels of protection, but they also differ in price, features, and added benefits. Below is a table to help you compare these different solutions and pick the one you need.

*Prices may vary depending on the provider, subscription duration, promotions, and the specific features included in the package.

**The number of supported devices may vary based on the pricing tier or subscription plan chosen.

***Extras vary widely by provider. Some features, like ad blocking or encrypted storage, may only be available in higher-tier plans.

NordVPN bundles vs. all-in-one suites

If you're looking for both improved privacy and security, NordVPN's premium bundles are an excellent option. All premium bundles (plans beyond basic) include advanced VPN features and Threat Protection Pro™ to enhance your online safety. Higher-tier bundles come with additional tools like password management and/or secure cloud storage, providing even more comprehensive protection.

In some regions, specific bundles include specialized features, such as Incogni (a personal data removal tool) or identity theft protection services through NordProtect (available exclusively in the US). These bundles take a more thorough and integrated approach to cybersecurity — all in one convenient package.

When evaluating NordVPN alongside all-in-one suites, it’s essential to identify which aspects of cybersecurity are most important to you. NordVPN strongly emphasizes advanced encryption, privacy protection, and unrestricted internet access, which makes it a good option for users who prioritize maintaining their privacy and securing their online activity.

In contrast, all-in-one suites such as Norton are designed for traditional security needs, emphasizing device protection, antivirus coverage, and tools like parental controls. While these solutions may appeal to families or users looking for comprehensive coverage of devices, they don’t place as much emphasis on privacy and internet freedom as NordVPN.

Ultimately, the choice between NordVPN and Norton revolves around your priorities. NordVPN excels in delivering advanced privacy and internet security features, while Norton offers a broader security package for users seeking an all-inclusive approach to device and antivirus protection.

Disclaimer: NordVPN is unaffiliated with the goods or services to which it is being compared.

Antivirus vs. VPN: Can you use them simultaneously?

VPNs and antiviruses both protect your digital security, but they do it in different ways. Can you use an antivirus with a VPN simultaneously? Absolutely. In fact, using an antivirus with a VPN may be the best option because you can protect your device and your internet connection at the same time.

Sometimes features offered by your VPN service and your antivirus will overlap. For example, NordVPN has a feature called Threat Protection Pro™, which blocks ads and malware-hosting websites and protects your device from botnet control. Threat Protection Pro™ can also block trackers and help you identify malicious files.

But you don’t need to worry about these features overlapping because, when it comes to cybersecurity, more is often better.

What risks can’t a VPN or antivirus software protect you from?

While VPNs and antivirus software are powerful tools to improve your online security and privacy, they can’t protect you from every cyber threat. Many online threats stem from human mistakes, where even the best technology can’t save the day. Below are a few common scenarios where VPNs and antivirus software fall short:

• They won’t protect you if you willingly share personal information with scammers. For instance, sharing sensitive passwords can still lead to data breaches or account compromises, even with these tools in place.
• Clicking on suspicious links or downloading files without double-checking their origin can still put your data and device at risk.
• Reusing weak or easy-to-guess passwords across accounts leaves you exposed, even if you’re using other security tools.
• Falling for phishing emails, fake websites, or fraudulent calls can still compromise your personal and financial information.
• Accepting unnecessary or excessive permissions from applications or websites can allow malicious actors to access your data directly.
• Posting too much personal information on social media can make you an easy target, no matter how secure your connection or device is.

Different problems, different solutions

So in the debate of VPN vs. antivirus, which one is better? The question doesn’t have a clear answer. Antiviruses and VPNs protect you from different threats, so both are useful. When you’re browsing the web, a secure VPN can shield you from a variety of dangers, including tracking, man-in-the-middle attacks, and Wi-Fi spying. And if you happen to click on a malicious link, your antivirus can jump in and limit the damage caused to your device.

Pro tip: If you want a high level of online security, we recommend that you use both an antivirus and a VPN. Antivirus software on its own might not be enough, but when paired with a premium VPN, it can offer outstanding protection.