Detecting deceptive websites before users submit sensitive credentials remains a major hurdle for modern web security tools. In recent independent evaluations, traditional boundaries between private network tools and antivirus utilities continue to blur as integrated security suites step in to catch web-borne threats.
This report covers AV-Comparatives’ August 2026 anti-phishing evaluation, where NordVPN’s Next-Gen Antivirus achieved a 94% detection rate across 250 live phishing links with zero false alarms. The guide provides key benchmarks for online security subscribers evaluating integrated privacy software against dedicated antivirus applications.
Key Findings from the AV-Comparatives Benchmark
During the testing window from August 12–22, 2026, AV-Comparatives evaluated leading security products against 250 live phishing URLs and 250 safe sites to check for false alerts. NordVPN achieved third place overall, recording a 94% success rate and triggering zero false alarms during the testing cycle.
Eliminating false alerts proved to be a key differentiator in this round of testing. NordVPN outperformed standalone security suites like Malwarebytes Premium and Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus, both of which misidentified safe web pages as threats.
The result aligns with NordVPN’s effort to expand its platform into an all-in-one cyber protection suite. Following a product rebrand, the company renamed its Threat Protection Pro utility to Next-Generation Antivirus, designating it as a core pillar alongside its virtual private network and dark web monitoring services.
How NordVPN Compares to Dedicated Antivirus Tools
Finished just behind market leaders Avast One Free Antivirus and Norton Antivirus Plus—which both recorded 96% detection scores—NordVPN missed only five more malicious URLs than the top performers. Across a sample of 250 links, that represents a narrow two-percentage-point margin.
In contrast, lower-tier security utilities lagged significantly behind. Software such as Dr. Web Security Space registered a 57% detection rate, while K7 Total Security reached 70%, underscoring a wide disparity in web threat detection capabilities across commercial products.
| Security Product | Product Category | Phishing Detection Rate | False Positives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avast One Free Antivirus | Standalone Antivirus | 96% | 0 |
| Norton Antivirus Plus | Standalone Antivirus | 96% | 0 |
| NordVPN Next-Gen Antivirus | Integrated Security Suite | 94% | 0 |
| K7 Total Security | Standalone Antivirus | 70% | Unspecified |
| Dr. Web Security Space | Standalone Antivirus | 57% | Unspecified |
According to Domininkas Virbickas, product director at NordVPN, phishing attack frequency demands automated safeguards. “Phishing is a numbers game for attackers, and they’re very good at it,” Virbickas noted, emphasizing that background security tools act as an essential backstop when users accidentally click hazardous links.
Track Record in Third-Party Security Testing
NordVPN has built a consistent record in independent lab assessments over recent years. In November 2024, German research institute AV-TEST rated NordVPN’s protection module highest among tested network providers for malware mitigation, netting an 83.42% score across 3,209 tested links compared to competitor IPVanish’s 46.96% score.
Additionally, in June 2024, NordVPN became the initial network provider to earn AV-Comparatives’ official anti-phishing badge. That certification requires a minimum 85% detection score alongside zero false positives on legitimate sites, a benchmark that NordVPN comfortably exceeded in the 2026 tests.
The updated Next-Gen Antivirus feature comes integrated into NordVPN’s Plus, Complete, and Prime subscription tiers, replacing the legacy Threat Protection Pro branding without requiring separate desktop installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NordVPN’s Next-Gen Antivirus?
NordVPN’s Next-Gen Antivirus is the updated name for Threat Protection Pro. It is an integrated security feature that scans downloads for malware, blocks phishing links, and neutralizes web trackers alongside standard VPN encryption.
How did NordVPN score in the AV-Comparatives phishing test?
NordVPN scored a 94% detection rate against 250 active phishing URLs in AV-Comparatives’ August 2026 test. It finished third overall among nine security products while recording zero false alarms on legitimate sites.
Which subscription plans include NordVPN’s antivirus protection?
The Next-Gen Antivirus features are available to users subscribed to NordVPN’s Plus, Complete, or Prime subscription tiers, providing full security capabilities without extra software add-ons.