IPVanish Antivirus DEALS
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IPVanish
IPVanish Antivirus turns a fast, unlimited-device VPN into a real desktop security suite, powered by the VIPRE engine that earned an Advanced+ award from AV-Comparatives. It comes with the Complete plan from $2.79/mo, but it is Windows and macOS only.
- 93% speed retention
- Unlimited devices
- 3400+ servers in 150 locations
- VIPRE-powered Antivirus
- Free 3 GB eSIM data
- VIPRE-powered real-time malware and ransomware protection
- Works even when the VPN is off
- VPN and antivirus in one app
- Only $14.40 more than Essential over 2 years on Complete
- Unlimited VPN connections on 3400+ servers
- Windows and macOS only
- Not included on the Essential plan
- Lab scores were earned by VIPRE and not by the IPVanish app itself
IPVanish just made its biggest move beyond being “only a VPN.” On October 7, 2026, it launched IPVanish Antivirus, a full malware protection layer built into its Windows and macOS apps and powered by VIPRE, the security brand under the same parent company as IPVanish (Ziff Davis).
I’ve been testing IPVanish for years on my YouTube channels, and it holds the number two spot in my rankings thanks to unlimited devices, fast speeds (around 93% speed retention in my tests) and aggressive pricing. Antivirus was the piece it was missing compared with bundles like Surfshark One.
In this update I cover what IPVanish Antivirus does, what the lab results really tell you, which plan you need now that pricing is confirmed, and whether it’s worth paying for.
Deal verified October 16, 2026: Antivirus comes with the Complete plan at $2.79/mo ($66.96 for the first 2 years) and the Advanced plan at $3.29/mo ($78.96). The VPN-only Essential plan is $2.19/mo ($52.56), 85% OFF + free 3 GB eSIM data, in IPVanish’s early Black Friday sale.
Quick facts: IPVanish Antivirus launched on October 7, 2026. It runs inside the IPVanish app on Windows and macOS, uses the VIPRE engine, keeps protecting you when the VPN is disconnected, and is delivered automatically to existing Threat Protection Pro users.
What is IPVanish Antivirus?
IPVanish Antivirus is a malware protection engine integrated into the IPVanish desktop app. Instead of installing a separate antivirus with its own dashboard, you manage scans, real-time protection and web filtering from the same place where you pick a VPN server.
It builds on Threat Protection Pro, which IPVanish launched on March 30, 2026 for Advanced users, after a beta in February. Threat Protection Pro blocked malicious websites, harmful downloads, ads and trackers. The new Antivirus adds device scanning, quarantine, behavioral monitoring, ransomware defenses and exploit prevention.
The key detail for me is that protection stays active when the VPN is off. Plenty of people disconnect their VPN for banking apps, work tools or certain streaming services, and a security layer that switched off with the tunnel would leave a gap.
Part of a bigger 2026 relaunch
Antivirus arrived alongside a rebrand under the tagline “Control your digital world” and a new three-tier lineup. It also lands on a network IPVanish finished rebuilding in September 2026:
- 3,400+ servers in 150 locations, all self-owned
- 50Gbps ports on every server, five times the old 10Gbps
- Direct peering at 40+ internet exchanges and two data centers in every major city
- OpenVPN Data Channel Offload on Windows, which IPVanish says makes OpenVPN almost 3x faster
VPN vs antivirus: why you actually need both
This is the question I get most in my YouTube comments. A VPN and an antivirus solve two completely different problems.
A VPN encrypts the traffic between your device and the VPN server and swaps your public IP address. It protects your connection. An antivirus inspects the files and processes on your computer for malicious behavior. It protects your device.
Here’s a simple example. If you download an infected file through a VPN tunnel, it arrives encrypted in transit and fully infected on your disk. The VPN did its job perfectly, and you’re still in trouble.
| Threat or task | VPN | Antivirus |
|---|---|---|
| Hiding your IP address | Yes | No |
| Encrypting traffic on public Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Stopping ISP tracking of your browsing | Yes | No |
| Detecting an infected download | No | Yes |
| Blocking ransomware encrypting your files | No | Yes |
| Scanning an infected USB drive | No | Yes |
| Blocking malicious websites and trackers | Partly (Threat Protection) | Yes |
| IPVanish Complete or Advanced | Yes | Yes |
IPVanish Antivirus features
IPVanish built the antivirus around three layers of protection. Here’s what each one covers and why it matters in real life.
1. Device scanning
You can run on-demand scans whenever you want and schedule scans so your system gets checked without you thinking about it. Anything suspicious can be moved to quarantine instead of being deleted straight away.
External drives are included, which I really appreciate. USB sticks and portable SSDs passed between computers are still a classic infection route.
2. Active (real-time) protection
This is the part that separates a real antivirus from a simple scanner. IPVanish’s active protection includes:
- Download monitoring that checks files as they land on your system or get modified
- AI-driven detection to catch new threats that don’t match a known signature yet
- Behavioral monitoring that watches what programs actually do, including hostile background tasks
- Ransomware defenses aimed at stopping mass encryption of your personal files
- Exploit prevention to block attacks that abuse vulnerabilities in legitimate software
A manual scan checks your system when you remember to run it, and a scheduled scan makes that a habit. Real-time monitoring reacts while something dangerous is happening, which is when it matters most.
Behavioral detection is the layer I value most as a cybersecurity professional. Modern malware is often repackaged or brand new, so signature matching alone misses it. Spotting a random process suddenly encrypting hundreds of documents catches threats a signature database can’t.
3. Web protection
Carried over and expanded from Threat Protection Pro, web protection blocks malicious websites, ads and trackers, and keeps working when the VPN is off. This stops a lot of threats before a file ever reaches your disk.
| Protection layer | What it includes | When it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Device scanning | On-demand scans, scheduled scans, external drives, quarantine | Finding threats already on your system |
| Active protection | Download monitoring, AI-driven detection, behavioral analysis, ransomware and exploit defenses | Stopping attacks as they happen |
| Web protection | Malicious site blocking, ad and tracker blocking, works with the VPN off | Stopping threats before they download |
The VIPRE engine and independent lab results
VIPRE isn’t a newcomer. It has more than 25 years of threat intelligence behind it and protects over one million devices worldwide. The same engine already powered IPVanish’s Link Checker and Threat Protection Pro.
The independent testing is solid. In AV-Comparatives’ March 2026 Malware Protection Test, VIPRE scored a 99.91% protection rate against 10,000 recent malware samples, with only four false positives, and earned the lab’s top Advanced+ award.
Read these numbers carefully: the product AV-Comparatives tested was VIPRE’s own Windows product, not IPVanish Antivirus. Sharing an engine is a very good sign, but it doesn’t guarantee identical results in a different app or on macOS. I’ll update this article once labs test the IPVanish version directly.
IPVanish plans and pricing with Antivirus
When Antivirus launched, the exact plan packaging wasn’t fully clear. It is now: IPVanish sells three tiers, and Antivirus is included on Complete and Advanced, not on Essential. Unlimited VPN connections come with every plan.
| Plan | 2-year price | Antivirus | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $2.19/mo ($52.56), 85% OFF | No | VPN, unlimited devices, standard Threat Protection, 24/7 live chat, free 3 GB eSIM data |
| Complete (new) | $2.79/mo ($66.96) | Yes | Everything in Essential plus Antivirus (Windows and macOS) and phone support |
| Advanced | $3.29/mo ($78.96) | Yes | Everything in Complete plus 1TB encrypted cloud storage, Secure Browser and 5 GB eSIM data in total |
Complete is the cheapest way to get Antivirus. It costs just $14.40 more than Essential over 2 years, which is far less than most standalone antivirus subscriptions. Advanced is worth it only if you’ll use the cloud backup and Secure Browser.
These sale prices only apply to 2-year plans. Introductory prices cover the first term, then IPVanish renews yearly at its standard rate, so note your renewal date.
Already a Threat Protection Pro user? You don’t need to do anything. IPVanish says existing Threat Protection Pro customers receive Antivirus automatically. Just update your Windows or Mac app to the latest version.
Before you buy, I recommend checking these on the checkout page:
- The renewal price after your first term, not just the promo price
- Supported Windows and macOS versions
- How many computers the antivirus covers, because unlimited VPN connections don’t automatically mean unlimited antivirus installs
For a full breakdown of the current discount, see my IPVanish coupon page.
Get IPVanish for 85% OFF
Essential at $2.19/mo on the 2-year plan, or add Antivirus with Complete for $2.79/mo. Free 3 GB eSIM data and unlimited devices included.
How to start using IPVanish Antivirus
Pick Complete or Advanced
Complete at $2.79/mo is the cheapest plan with Antivirus. If you already have Threat Protection Pro, you’re covered.
Remove any other real-time antivirus
Running two real-time engines at once can cause conflicts and slowdowns. Decide which one you want to keep before installing.
Install or update the IPVanish app
Download the latest IPVanish app for Windows or macOS and sign in. The antivirus lives inside the same app, with no extra dashboard.
Run a full first scan
Start with a full system scan so you know your machine is clean, and plug in any external drives you use regularly so they get checked too.
Schedule scans and keep real-time protection on
Set a weekly scheduled scan and leave active protection enabled, even when you disconnect the VPN.
Antivirus is not a backup. No security tool is perfect. Keep separate, recoverable backups of your files, keep your system updated and use strong, unique passwords with two-factor authentication. Advanced’s 1TB cloud storage can help with the backup part.
Pros and cons of IPVanish Antivirus
What I liked
- Real antivirus, not just a web filter: scans, quarantine, behavioral and ransomware protection
- Built on VIPRE, an engine with an Advanced+ award from AV-Comparatives
- Keeps protecting you when the VPN is disconnected
- One app for VPN and device security
- Scans external drives
- Low upgrade cost: Complete is only $14.40 more than Essential over 2 years
- Pairs with unlimited VPN connections on 3,400+ servers
What I didn’t like
- Windows and macOS only, no antivirus on Android or iOS
- Not included on the Essential plan
- Lab results belong to VIPRE’s own product, not yet to IPVanish Antivirus
- Antivirus device allowance should be checked separately from VPN connections
- Renewal prices are much higher than the intro deal
Comparing VPNs with antivirus?
See how IPVanish stacks up against Surfshark One, my #1 pick and the fastest VPN in my tests, on my best VPNs page.
See the best VPNs in 2026 →IPVanish Antivirus vs Surfshark One
The obvious comparison is Surfshark One, which has bundled a VPN with an antivirus for a while and is still my number one recommendation overall. Interestingly, IPVanish Complete and Surfshark One now cost the same $2.79/mo.
| Feature | Surfshark One | IPVanish Complete |
|---|---|---|
| My ranking | #1 Best overall VPN | #2 Unlimited devices |
| Speed retention in my tests | ~96% (fastest I’ve tested) | ~93% |
| Servers | 4,500+ in 100+ countries | 3,400+ in 150 locations |
| Simultaneous VPN connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Antivirus platforms | Windows, macOS and Android | Windows and macOS |
| Extra security tools | Antivirus, Alert, Search, CleanWeb | Antivirus, Threat Protection, Link Checker, phone support |
| Current deal | $2.79/mo, 85% OFF + 3 months free | $2.79/mo on the 2-year plan + free 3 GB eSIM data |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
My take: IPVanish has closed a big gap, and VIPRE’s lab pedigree is genuinely impressive. But at the same price, Surfshark One still wins for most people: it was faster in my testing, its antivirus also covers Android, and you get 3 extra months free.
IPVanish Antivirus makes the most sense if you already love IPVanish, live mostly on Windows or Mac, or want Advanced’s 1TB cloud storage and Secure Browser. For the full head-to-head, read my Surfshark vs IPVanish comparison and my Surfshark Antivirus review.
Surfshark One: VPN + Antivirus for $2.79/mo
85% OFF + 3 extra months free. The fastest VPN in my tests, with antivirus on Windows, Mac and Android.
Who should get IPVanish Antivirus?
- Existing IPVanish users on Windows or Mac: an easy yes, especially if you already had Threat Protection Pro, since the upgrade is automatic.
- People who want fewer apps: having VPN, antivirus and ad blocking in one app is a real quality of life upgrade.
- Families with lots of devices: unlimited VPN connections are still one of IPVanish’s biggest strengths, just confirm the antivirus allowance.
- People already paying for antivirus: compare features and renewal prices first. Two real-time engines on one PC is not a good idea.
- Mobile-first users: look elsewhere for now, since the antivirus is desktop only.
FAQ
When did IPVanish Antivirus launch?
IPVanish launched its antivirus on October 7, 2026, for its Windows and macOS apps.
Which IPVanish plans include Antivirus?
Complete ($2.79/mo on the 2-year plan) and Advanced ($3.29/mo). The Essential plan ($2.19/mo) includes the VPN and standard Threat Protection but not Antivirus.
Does IPVanish Antivirus work when the VPN is off?
Yes. The antivirus and web protection stay active even when you’re not connected to a VPN server, so you aren’t left unprotected when you disconnect.
What antivirus engine does IPVanish use?
IPVanish Antivirus is powered by VIPRE, a security brand with more than 25 years of threat intelligence. The VIPRE engine scored a 99.91% protection rate and an Advanced+ award in AV-Comparatives’ March 2026 Malware Protection Test.
Is IPVanish Antivirus available on Android or iPhone?
No, it’s available on Windows and macOS only. Mobile and TV apps continue to offer the standard Threat Protection feature.
I have Threat Protection Pro. Do I need to pay extra?
No. IPVanish says existing Threat Protection Pro users receive Antivirus automatically. Update your desktop app to get it.
Can a VPN protect me from malware on its own?
No. A VPN encrypts your connection and hides your IP address, but it doesn’t inspect files on your device. An infected download is still infected after passing through a VPN tunnel.
Is IPVanish Antivirus better than Surfshark One?
It’s a strong new option, but Surfshark One remains my top recommendation. At the same $2.79/mo as IPVanish Complete, Surfshark was faster in my testing, its antivirus also covers Android, and you get 3 extra months free.
Final verdict
IPVanish Antivirus is the most meaningful upgrade IPVanish has shipped in years. It’s a real antivirus with scanning, quarantine, behavioral analysis, ransomware and exploit protection, it runs whether or not the VPN is connected, and it rests on an engine with excellent lab results.
The pricing is now clear and fair: Complete adds it for just $14.40 more than Essential over 2 years. The limits are desktop-only coverage and lab scores that belong to VIPRE’s own product rather than the IPVanish app.
If you’re already in the IPVanish ecosystem on Windows or Mac, this is a big win. If you’re choosing a VPN and security bundle from scratch, I still recommend Surfshark One as the best overall value, with IPVanish as a very strong runner up.
I’m putting IPVanish Antivirus through my own testing on my channels and will update this article with the results.
IPVanish
My pick for unlimited devices and fast everyday performance: 3400+ servers on a rebuilt 50Gbps network, plus VIPRE-powered Antivirus on the Complete and Advanced plans. Essential is $2.19/mo for the first 2 years.
- 93% speed retention
- Unlimited devices
- 3400+ servers in 150 locations
- VIPRE-powered Antivirus
- Free 3 GB eSIM data
Read next
- IPVanish Review
- IPVanish Coupon
- Surfshark Antivirus Review
- Surfshark One Review
- Best VPNs in 2026
- Best VPN Deals and Coupons
The Review
IPVanish Antivirus
IPVanish Antivirus is the biggest upgrade IPVanish has shipped in years. It turns a fast, unlimited-device VPN into a real desktop security suite, with on-demand and scheduled scans, quarantine, behavioral monitoring, ransomware defenses and web protection, all inside the same app. I like that it keeps working when the VPN is off and that it runs on the VIPRE engine, which earned an Advanced+ award from AV-Comparatives. The downsides are that it is Windows and macOS only, it is not included on every plan, and those lab scores belong to VIPRE's own product rather than the IPVanish app. If you already use IPVanish on desktop, it is a big win. If you are starting from scratch, Surfshark One is still my top pick, with IPVanish as a strong runner up.
PROS
- Real antivirus, not just a web filter
- Powered by the award-winning VIPRE engine
- Keeps protecting you when the VPN is off
- VPN and antivirus in one app
- Scans external drives
- Ransomware and exploit protection included
- Free upgrade for Threat Protection Pro users
- Unlimited VPN connections
CONS
- Windows and macOS only
- Not included in the cheapest plan
Review Breakdown
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Malware protection
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Features
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Ease of use
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Platform coverage
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Value for money
IPVanish Antivirus DEALS
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