VPN for Malware Protection in 2025
Clarifies where VPN "threat protection" features help, and why endpoint security is still essential.
Jump to VPN picksSome VPNs now bundle ad- and malware-blocking features and market them as full security. In reality, those features complement — but never replace — a good endpoint security stack. This guide draws a clear boundary between what VPN-based filtering can and cannot do.
Security and VPN provider details change over time
VPN performance, pricing and security features evolve. Re-test your provider during the money-back period and review updated recommendations at least once a year.
Quick answer: best VPNs for Malware protection
Short answer: VPN malware protection features (like NordVPN's Threat Protection, Surfshark's CleanWeb or PIA's MACE) are useful as an extra DNS- or URL-filtering layer. They can block many known malicious domains and scripts, but you still need endpoint antivirus, patched software and sane behaviour to stay safe.
Why you need a VPN for Malware protection
VPN-based threat protection usually works by:
- Blocking DNS lookups to domains known to host malware, phishing kits or trackers.
- Optionally scanning HTTP downloads in the cloud before passing them on.
- Stripping ads and known malicious script sources from pages.
This reduces your exposure to commodity drive-by attacks and obnoxious tracking, but it does not detect targeted malware, malicious USB devices or exploits against unpatched software on your machine.
How to use VPN threat protection sensibly
- Enable your VPN's threat protection or ad/malware filter on all devices you browse from.
- Keep a modern endpoint security suite (or at minimum, the built-in OS protections) active alongside the VPN; do not uninstall AV because you "have a VPN now".
- Patch browsers, plugins and OS updates promptly; most serious infections today exploit unpatched software, not just malicious domains.
- Treat alerts from the VPN's filter as a sign to review your browsing habits, not as a guarantee that all bad content has been blocked.
- Combine VPN filtering with a security-conscious browser setup (script blocking where appropriate, avoiding risky extensions).
Limitations and false positives
Legitimate sites stop working with threat protection on
Some content delivery domains are shared between benign and malicious content. If a site breaks, temporarily disable threat protection or whitelist that site in the VPN client, but keep the feature on globally.
Best VPNs for Malware protection
NordVPN
Top speeds • Massive server network • Works with all streaming services
- 8,400+ servers in 126 countries
- NordLynx (WireGuard) protocol
- No-logs policy (audited)
- 24/7 customer support
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Surfshark
Unlimited devices • Best value • Perfect for families
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- CleanWeb (ad & malware blocker)
- MultiHop (double VPN)
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Private Internet Access
Unlimited devices • 35,000+ servers • Highly customizable
- 35,000+ servers worldwide
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Open-source apps
- MACE ad/tracker/malware blocker
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
ProtonVPN
Swiss privacy • Open-source • Secure Core protection
- 4,900+ servers in 91 countries
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Secure Core (multi-hop)
- No-logs policy (Swiss privacy)
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare prices, speeds, security features and logging policies.
| VPN Provider | Regular Price | Black Friday Price | Discount | Bonus | Rating | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | $11.99/mo | $2.99/mo | 72% OFF | +3 Months | ★ 4.7 | Get Deal → |
| | $15.45/mo | $1.99/mo | 87% OFF | +3 Months | ★ 4.6 | Get Deal → |
| | $11.95/mo | $1.98/mo | 83% OFF | +3 Months | ★ 4 | Get Deal → |
| | $9.99/mo | $2.49/mo | 75% OFF | - | ★ 4.6 | Get Deal → |
NordVPN
Regular Price
$11.99/mo
Black Friday
$2.99/mo
Discount
72% OFF
Rating
★ 4.7
+3 Bonus Months
Get NordVPN Deal → Surfshark
Regular Price
$15.45/mo
Black Friday
$1.99/mo
Discount
87% OFF
Rating
★ 4.6
+3 Bonus Months
Get Surfshark Deal → Private Internet Access
Regular Price
$11.95/mo
Black Friday
$1.98/mo
Discount
83% OFF
Rating
★ 4
+3 Bonus Months
Get Private Internet Access Deal → ProtonVPN
Regular Price
$9.99/mo
Black Friday
$2.49/mo
Discount
75% OFF
Rating
★ 4.6
Detailed Provider Reviews
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services with top-tier security, blazing-fast speeds, and excellent streaming capabilities. Perfect for users who want reliable performance and robust privacy protection.
Pros
- Excellent speeds with NordLynx
- Massive server network
- Strong security features
- Works with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer
Cons
- Desktop app can be slow to connect
- Limited to 10 devices
2. Surfshark
Surfshark offers incredible value with unlimited device connections and robust security features. Ideal for families or users with multiple devices who want premium VPN protection at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Best value - unlimited devices
- Strong security and privacy
- Works with major streaming platforms
- Very affordable pricing
Cons
- Smaller server network than competitors
- Speeds can vary on distant servers
3. Private Internet Access
PIA offers unlimited connections and the largest server network. Great for power users who want extensive customization options and don't mind the US jurisdiction.
Pros
- Unlimited device connections
- Massive server count
- Highly customizable settings
- Recurring affiliate commission
Cons
- Based in US (Five Eyes country)
- UI can be overwhelming for beginners
4. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is built by the creators of ProtonMail with a strong focus on privacy and transparency. Perfect for privacy-conscious users who value open-source software and Swiss data protection laws.
Pros
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Fully open-source and audited
- Secure Core architecture
- Strong commitment to privacy
Cons
- Smaller server network than top competitors
- Can be pricier without deals
Related VPN Guides
Explore more streaming and deal guides that help you choose the right VPN.
VPN for Phishing Protection in 2025
2025 phishing security guide. Learn how VPNs, DNS filters and browser hygiene reduce phishing risk, and their hard limits.
Use a VPN to Reduce Ad Tracking and Profiling (2025)
2025 guide to using VPNs with built-in blockers to reduce ad tracking, fingerprinting and cross-site profiling.
Public Wi-Fi Risks and How a VPN Protects You (2025)
Threat-focused breakdown of public Wi-Fi risks in 2025 and how VPN encryption, DNS protection and kill switches reduce your attack surface.
Choose the Best VPN for Malware protection
Pick a VPN that balances security, speed and long-term privacy. All providers here include at least a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test them from your own network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. VPN filtering mainly blocks known-bad domains and some obvious payloads. Antivirus and OS protections monitor behaviour on the endpoint itself and can catch local threats a VPN cannot see.