Surfshark Antivirus Review 2026: Your Cybersecurity Lifeguard

Surfshark Antivirus is an intuitive security tool with proven malware protection. Despite being a newer player in the antivirus market, Surfshark has already earned near-perfect scores from independent testing labs, signaling strong reliability right out of the gate.

We'd still like to see a built-in firewall and a lighter impact on system performance. But Surfshark Antivirus delivers strong real-time security, now blocks phishing sites, and comes with valuable extras through the Surfshark One bundle.

In our Surfshark Antivirus review, we break down everything from features and test results to pricing and alternatives.

Overview

PROMOTION: 85% Off + Up to 3 Months EXTRA

4.5

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best Antivirus With Data Removal

Antivirus Software

Surfshark Antivirus

• Powerful antivirus software that bundles a top-rated VPN and CleanWeb ad blocker in every plan
• Earned a perfect 6/6 protection score from AV-TEST in June 2025, with malware blocked in every test round
• Webcam protection and a quick scan that finishes in under 20 seconds round out the feature set

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Our experience

We weren't expecting much from an antivirus that's included with another product, but our experience with Surfshark Antivirus was largely positive. The app was easy to use, and the scans were quick and effective. The trade-off was performance.

First, we ran a quick scan, which took just over a minute and scanned over 14,000 files. Although it finished quickly, our CPU usage ranged from 15% to 45%, and we felt our browsing slow down. 

Surfshark Antivirus also automatically enabled web protection to block malicious and phishing websites. After several rounds of testing, Surfshark Antivirus finally blocked the dummy phishing site we use in our tests.

Plus, Surfshark Antivirus is part of the Surfshark One bundle, which includes Surfshark's virtual private network (VPN), a private search engine, and data breach alerts.

Overall, we were impressed with Surfshark Antivirus and its effectiveness and reliability. The performance hit and missing firewall hold it back, but we believe it can stand well on its own.

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Surfshark Antivirus prices and plans

Surfshark plans that include Surfshark Antivirus range from $2.79–$22.85/mo. It comes with Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ plans.

While the lack of a standalone app might be limiting, the value provided by the Surfshark One bundle is substantial, given the comprehensive security and privacy features included.

You can purchase Surfshark Antivirus for a monthly, annual, or two-year subscription. See how these plan prices compare in the table below.

Plan comparison

Surfshark Antivirus is available only if you subscribe to the Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ packages. These plans include Surfshark VPN, Surfshark Search, and a data breach detector called Surfshark Alert, with additional data removal technology if you opt for One+.

When compared to other antivirus software, the Surfshark One bundle may appear to be more expensive. But Surfshark comes with additional benefits and features that make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for an all-in-one cybersecurity solution.

Here's what you get with the Surfshark One and One+ bundles.

Surfshark Antivirus features

Surfshark Antivirus includes several features that provide comprehensive security and privacy protection for your devices, thanks to being part of the Surfshark One and One+ bundles. These packages offer a range of additional features like:

• Surfshark VPN
• Surfshark Search
• Surfshark Alert
• Data removal (One+ only)

While Surfshark One provides a well-rounded security solution, some might find the lack of a standalone antivirus plan limiting. Let's take a closer look at the features offered by Surfshark One.

Malware and antivirus scan

Surfshark Antivirus offers both automatic and manual scans, providing you with flexibility and control over your device's security.

You can run a quick scan, which covers the most vulnerable areas of the device, or a full scan, which provides a thorough inspection of the entire system. You can also scan specific files, folders, USB drives, and external hard drives.

During our testing, scans finished quickly, though our browsing slowed while the scans ran.

Phishing protection

Surfshark Antivirus protects you from phishing with two tools: web protection and CleanWeb.

Web protection is built into the Surfshark Antivirus desktop app, and it was on by default during our testing. Surfshark says it checks websites and blocks malicious pages, phishing sites, and harmful downloads before they reach your device. In our latest test, it blocked our dummy phishing page and flagged it with a pop-up from the desktop app.

CleanWeb adds another layer by blocking ads, trackers, and malware. However, it only works when the VPN is connected. To turn it on, go to Settings, then select VPN settings.

For more advanced blocking, you can install the Surfshark browser extension, which includes CleanWeb 2.0. It turns on by default once you install the extension.

Real-time protection

Surfshark Antivirus provides real-time protection to keep devices safe as they browse the web, access emails, or use apps. During our testing, we discovered that Surfshark's real-time protection worked without issues during our testing.

The antivirus program recognized and destroyed threats in real time, sending quick warnings about suspicious activity.

Surfshark One and One+ bundle features

Surfshark Antivirus is part of Surfshark One and One+, complete security packages that contain various tools designed to safeguard your privacy and online activity.

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN allows you to hide your IP address and encrypt your internet connection, providing online browsing that is private and more secure. The VPN also shields data and personal information from hackers, internet service providers (ISPs), and trackers.

Surfshark VPN offers 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, which can help you access geo-restricted material and streaming services.

Surfshark Search

Surfshark Search is a private search engine focused on providing security as you search the internet. Unlike most search engines, this tool doesn’t monitor your search history, keep any personal data, or display any ads tailored to your history.

Surfshark Alert

The Surfshark Alert tool checks for data breaches involving your email addresses, passwords, or credit card information. If your data is taken, Surfshark Alert notifies you immediately, allowing you to take action to safeguard your accounts and avoid identity theft or fraud.

Surfshark Antivirus test results

To make sure an antivirus product is performing as it should, we put it through a series of rigorous tests and track down trusted third-party results. Surfshark passed every EICAR test and earned perfect malware protection marks from AV-TEST, but it had a heavier impact on system performance than we'd like.

Read on for more details on Surfshark Antivirus's performance.

EICAR test results

• Result: 3/3

The European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research (EICAR) put together a series of tools that help consumers determine whether their antivirus software is performing as it should. These consist of files that are made to act like viruses without actually being malicious, as well as pages meant to trigger phishing detection.

After clicking on the download button, Surfshark Antivirus detected and blocked the EICAR malware detection and drive-by malware download. This brings us great confidence in its real-time protection capabilities.

In the past, Surfshark Antivirus has failed to detect EICAR's phishing test page. This time, it flagged the phishing page with a pop-up from the desktop app, and it blocked us from accessing the page. 

AV-TEST results

• Result: Surfshark Antivirus earned perfect marks in the protection and usability categories for Windows, but struggled in the performance category.

AV-TEST is a respected independent testing organization that evaluates antivirus software based on various criteria, including protection, performance, and usability.

AV-TEST only tested Surfshark on Windows. This is not unusual since antivirus companies have to pay for third-party tests, and Windows is the most widely used platform. We hope to see further investment in third-party testing from Surfshark.

On Windows, Surfshark Antivirus received a perfect protection score, receiving a 99.8% protection rate against zero-day malware attacks and a 100% detection rate of widespread and prevalent malware. 

Surfshark Antivirus also detected zero false positives, earning a perfect usability score. 

However, AV-TEST docked Surfshark Antivirus 1.5 points in the performance category. It had significantly more impact on computer speeds while installing frequently used applications. The industry average was only 30% on a standard PC, while Surfshark's impact was 137%.

Surfshark Antivirus compatibility

Surfshark Antivirus is limited to the following operating systems:

• Windows 10+
• macOS Big Sur 11+
• Android 10+

It's currently not compatible with iOS or Linux.

Surfshark Antivirus customer support

Surfshark’s customer support provides several options so consumers can get help when they need it. Surfshark's help center has many articles covering numerous issues relating to Surfshark products, installation, and troubleshooting. The online instructions are well-organized and straightforward, allowing users to quickly discover solutions to their queries.

Surfshark also offers live chat, which allows customers to communicate with customer care experts in real time. Live chat support was helpful and quick to respond to our questions.

Surfshark also provides email assistance for those who prefer a more conventional mode of contact. There's no phone line at the time of writing.

Top alternatives

We love that Surfshark Antivirus is part of a comprehensive security suite. However, you might be in the market for just an antivirus or you might not be convinced by its features. Here are some other antivirus programs to consider:

Antivirus	TotalAV	Bitdefender	Norton 360
Star rating	4.7 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	5.0 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Price	$19.00–$49.00/first yr	$34.99–$64.99/first yr	$29.99–$59.99/first yr
# of devices protected	4-8	Up to 5 or 25 on Bitdefender Family plans	Up to 10 or Unlimited on Norton 360 with LifeLock plans
Real-time protection
Malware scans	Manual and scheduled	Manual and scheduled	Manual and scheduled
Firewall
EICAR test results	3/3	3/3	3/3
Phishing protection
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Opera	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Extras	Password manager, ad blocker, VPN	VPN, cryptomining protection, parental controls, webcam protection, scam protection, password manager	Password manager, VPN, dark web monitoring, parental controls, privacy monitor, identity theft protection, cloud backup
Learn more	Get TotalAV	Get Bitdefender	Get Norton 360

Bottom line: Is Surfshark Antivirus good?

Surfshark Antivirus is an effective security solution that protects your device from malware and phishing, but it can slow down your computer during scans. You can only get it with the Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ bundles, which could be a drawback if you're looking for a standalone antivirus program.

We recommend Surfshark Antivirus for consumers who want a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that includes a VPN, private search, and data breach scanner. The Surfshark One and One+ packages offer strong value and broad digital protection.

If you're still looking for a cheaper solution, check out our full list of the best antivirus software.

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4.5

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

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On Surfshark Antivirus's website

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best Antivirus With Data Removal

Antivirus Software

Surfshark Antivirus

PROMOTION: 85% Off + Up to 3 Months EXTRA

• Powerful antivirus software that bundles a top-rated VPN and CleanWeb ad blocker in every plan
• Earned a perfect 6/6 protection score from AV-TEST in June 2025, with malware blocked in every test round
• Webcam protection and a quick scan that finishes in under 20 seconds round out the feature set

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan L. Clancy brings a working engineer's perspective to digital security writing. He holds a Master of Engineering from the University of Limerick and spent five years as a mechanical engineer and engineering manager in New York City — experience that shapes how he analyzes VPN encryption protocols and parental monitoring apps beyond what vendor specs say. He has authored more than 220 articles for All About Cookies and has been published in Forbes and MakeUseOf.

Kalleigh Lane