VPN vs. Antivirus: What Are The Differences?

When comparing VPN vs. antivirus, it’s important to understand the key differences in what these two security tools offer. Even though both aim to protect your online experience, they both are different. A VPN is a tool that hides your IP address and protects your Internet connection.

However, what antivirus software does is search your computer for such files, then it can tell what a virus, malware, or any other dangerous program is and delete them. Identifying between “VPN and Antivirus” can assist you in determining which method is more effective for you –or can you need both of them? Also, let’s learn which is the best, is VPN better than Antivirus or vice versa.

Key Points:

• Antivirus software mainly targets rejecting the effects of virus attacks on your computer.
• The main function of VPNs is to protect your anonymity and information by using a secure connection to the internet.
• Both tools are useful and useless depending on the situation where they are being used, look at the Antivirus vs. VPN comparison for that.
• The kind of security each provides is determined by the type of operation you are undertaking online.

VPN vs. Antivirus: Comparison

See the comparison of VPN vs. Antivirus software programs:

	Antivirus	VPN
Detects and removes malware	✅	❌
Blocks network-based cyber attacks	✅	❌
Provides access to geo-restricted sites	✅	❌
Encrypts your online data	❌	✅
Masks your IP address to safeguard your privacy	❌	✅
It prevents you from downloading malicious files	❌	✅
It prevents you from visiting suspicious websites	✅	❌
Prevents you from visiting suspicious websites	✅	✅
Secures P2P traffic	❌	✅
Blocks ads	✅	✅

You can also watch the difference video here:

What is an Antivirus?

An antivirus is a software/ program that detects any malicious software and prevents it from installing while eliminating the risky junk already in your computers, laptops, tablets, and even smartphones.

This program searches for any threats in your system, including viruses, worms, and other malware that threaten your data and system.

How Does an Antivirus Work?

Antivirus software functions on the basis that the software checks files, programs, and emails, among others, on your computer against a database of infected files and programs. Every time you download /run a file, the antivirus scans the file in the database and makes sure that the file is safe.

If the file is in the list of threats, the antivirus prevents the file from being executed or deletes the file. Some of the most recent antivirus programs also use behavior analysis models to detect file activity if not in the program’s database.

What Does an Antivirus NOT Do?

Even though an antivirus is a great tool if you get a virus on your computer, it does not protect your privacy while browsing or hide data transmitted on the internet. It does not prevent your ISP, government, or hackers from monitoring your activities on the internet.

Besides, many anti-virus programs do not prevent zero-day threats or simply new brands of viruses, which the world has still not heard of.

What are the Advantages of Antivirus?

• Protection against known threats: Scans and cleans out virus, worm, and Trojan threats.
• Real-time scanning: Scans files when the file is opened, downloaded, or executed.
• System performance optimization: Most antivirus clear your computer for better performance.
• Automatic updates: It also regularly updates to cater to new threats.

What are the Drawbacks of Antivirus?

• No online privacy protection: It does not proxy your web connection or hide your IP address location.
• Possible system slowdown: Antivirus programs demand a lot of resources from the systems on which they are installed.
• Inability to protect against phishing: It can not prevent phishing or internet fraud.
• False positives: At times, it is possible to receive a clean bill for files that are harmless and hence create unnecessary alarms.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a software that enables users to create a secured connection with another network over the internet. It conceals your IP address, so your online activities are as good as anonymous.

Therefore, using a VPN is most appropriate, especially in a public place with and using a new connection, when in a region where the content is restricted, or simply to avoid your ISP tracking your activities online.

With a VPN, you can unblock various streaming platforms like Peacock TV, Lifetime, Crackle, Hulu, and more.

What are the Benefits of a VPN?

• Enhanced privacy: Hides your IP address so nobody can identify you while using the digital platform to perform your activities.
• Security on public Wi-Fi: Provides security to your data even when accessing networks open to different users.
• Bypass geo-restrictions: Unlock geolocated content and sites available in other geographical areas but not in your location. So, you can watch content like Solar Opposites- Season 5 to watch how the aliens are trying to live a normal life.
• Avoid bandwidth throttling: Shields you from ISPs throttling your connection based on the traffic.

What are the Drawbacks of a VPN?

• No protection against malware: VPNs neither scan for viruses nor delete viruses or other malware.
• Potentially slower speeds: When concerned with data security, you can lose some of your internet speed.
• Costs: Generally, good VPN services require the user to pay.
• Not foolproof: Sites or service providers can sometimes recognize and filter VPNs.

What Does a VPN NOT Do?

A VPN does not offer protection in cases of malware or viruses such as trojans. It cannot scan your downloads for malicious activities or stop files from getting to your system. But make no mistake, a VPN is designed to secure your connection and shield your identity. It is not a substitute for an antivirus.

Do You Need an Antivirus if You Have a VPN?

We must say it depends on you. Rather, an Antivirus is the other way around, with this coming first and a VPN as the second thing for defense. Though a VPN shields you and your data from prying eyes, it does not shield you from contracts such as viruses and malware. Each has its intended use and can be used to provide overall security.

VPN vs. Antivirus: Can They Be Used Simultaneously?

Absolutely. But, as you know, having an antivirus and a VPN can offer enhanced protection. One will protect the device from malicious programs, while the other will safeguard your anonymity and protect you. Using both makes it possible to provide multiple layers of protection against various cyber threats.

So, if you’re interested in getting a VPN in the USA, then without any doubt, choose ExpressVPN. Read this ExpressVPN review, and you will know why we recommend it.

How to Choose a VPN and an Antivirus

After reading the guide on VPN vs. Antivirus, you must know how to select between them. However, if still not clear, then see below:

• Security features: Look for an antivirus that offers real-time scanning and a VPN specifically designed with quality encryption facilities.
• Ease of use: It should be easy to configure both tools so the end users can easily work with them.
• Compatibility: Ensure that the VPN and antivirus you pick work well with all your devices and operating systems.
• Performance impact: Select those with a high degree of protection that they can provide but with minimal impact on your computer’s speed.
• Reputation and reviews: Choose those with many positive comments, are reputable, and are associated with reliable performance and good customer service.

FAQs

Conclusion

The VPN vs antivirus has one question that needs to be answered: for what exact purpose are you going to use it? While a VPN protects your identity and security while using the internet, the Antivirus helps protect the user’s device from malicious items like viruses. However, for overall protection, it is advisable to use both tools simultaneously to cover all the protection features for online activities and devices.

Additionally, you can watch Monty Don’s Adriatic Garden premiere, and can follow gardener Monty Don on a trip through the Adriatic region with a VPN. Further, it allows you to watch The Big Cigar and explore the story of Huey P. Newton.