The VIPRE Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about VIPRE in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
VIPRE
The Insider’s Guide
Home antivirus in three tiers, from basic scanning to a VPN bundle
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among antivirus apps, read from VIPRE’s own pages.
Made by VIPRE Security Group · checked Nov 12, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from VIPRE’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on VIPRE’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 12, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.4
GPA, above 7 of the 25 other antivirus apps we grade
VIPRE sells home security as Antivirus Plus, Advanced Security and an Ultimate Security Bundle that adds a VPN and privacy tools. Each tier includes the one below it. The company also sells email security, endpoint protection and training for businesses, and an Android Security app for phones.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about VIPRE, taken from its own pages and our grades.
It is installed software that starts working after install.
- 1
Best for a basic Windows antivirus
VIPRE sells home antivirus in three tiers on Windows, from $14.99 a year.
- 2
Paid plans start at $1.25 a month when paid by the year
As its pricing page puts it: $14.99 per year (Antivirus Plus; page does not say whether this renews).
- 3
You can try it first
30-day free trial for new users
- 4
It runs on Windows
Windows.
- 5
Real-time and cloud protection
Uses machine learning and cloud-enabled scanning to detect malware, spyware and ransomware.
- 6
Firewall and email protection
Advanced Security adds a firewall plus protection against phishing and spam. These features are listed as Windows only.
- 7
Third-party patching
Advanced Security keeps other installed apps up to date; listed as Windows only.
- 8
A 2.4 GPA, above 7 of 25
That is against the other antivirus apps we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Keep it
To replace VIPRE you would be making an engine that recognises new malware as it appears. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
VIPRE at a glance
- Pricing
- Free trial, from $14.99 per year (Antivirus Plus; page does not say whether this renews)
- Free plan
- No
- Free trial
- 30-day free trial for new users
- Runs on
- Windows
- Made by
- VIPRE Security Group
- Category
- Antivirus & Malware Protection
- Our grade
- 2.4 GPA, fair
The report card
Best for a basic Windows antivirus
VIPRE sells home antivirus in three tiers on Windows, from $14.99 a year. The shown prices are discounts of 61% to 74% off much higher figures, and the page does not say how many devices a plan covers or what it costs at renewal.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | B | Antivirus Plus is $14.99 a year, but that is shown as 61% off $38.49. At the full $38.49 it is about $3.20 a month, still near the cheaper quarter of antivirus. Renewal and device count are not stated. |
| Free plan and trial | C | 30-day free trial for new users, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. The page does not mention a card. |
| Features | B | Real-time and cloud protection, firewall, email protection, patching and a VPN on the top tier. Nothing in the listing is missing from the job. |
| Ease of use | B | No store rating on record. It is installed software that starts working after install. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | The firewall, phishing protection and patching are listed as Windows only. Android Security is a separate product that was not priced. No integrations. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who VIPRE is for
- Fits if you run one Windows PC and want a basic antivirus
- Works for Windows users who may later want a VPN in the same bundle
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you use a Mac or iPhone, as the listing shows Windows only
- Watch out: the page does not say how many devices a plan covers
- Pricey if you renew: the yearly prices shown are heavy discounts off $38.49, $60.49 and $153.99
- Tight if you want the firewall, patching or privacy tools, which are on the dearer tiers and Windows only
Good to know
Good for
- Windows users who want a low-priced antivirus with an upgrade path
- People who want a VPN and privacy tools bundled with antivirus
Worth knowing
- The pricing page does not say how many devices a plan covers or whether the shown yearly price is a first-term price.
- The firewall, phishing protection, patching and privacy features are listed as Windows-compatible only.
- Android Security and Privacy Shield are separate products listed in the home menu; they were not priced here.
- Sold with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$1.25
A month to start, paid by the year
VIPRE is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $14.99 per year (Antivirus Plus; page does not say whether this renews).
Renewal and device count are not stated.
Antivirus Plus
$14.99
per year; renewal price and device count not shown
Malware, spyware and ransomware detection, real-time scans and cloud-enabled protection. Shown as 61% off a crossed-out $38.49 a year.
Advanced Security
$19.99
per year; renewal price and device count not shown
Adds third-party patching, phishing and spam protection, a firewall and behavioral analysis, all Windows only. Shown as 66% off a crossed-out $60.49 a year.
Ultimate Security Bundle
$39.99
per year; renewal price and device count not shown
Adds a browsing track cleaner, webcam and microphone blocker, dark web scanner, document auditing and an unlimited VPN. Shown as 74% off a crossed-out $153.99 a year.
Trying it first
30-day free trial for new users
Read from vipre.com on Nov 12, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: Windows
Home antivirus in three tiers, from basic scanning to a VPN bundle. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: vPN, malware protection.
Real-time and cloud protection, firewall, email protection, patching and a VPN on the top tier.
- Real-time and cloud protection
- Uses machine learning and cloud-enabled scanning to detect malware, spyware and ransomware.
- Firewall and email protection
- Advanced Security adds a firewall plus protection against phishing and spam. These features are listed as Windows only.
- Third-party patching
- Advanced Security keeps other installed apps up to date; listed as Windows only.
- Privacy tools
- The Ultimate bundle adds a webcam and microphone blocker, browsing track cleaner and dark web scanner.
- VPN
- The Ultimate bundle includes an unlimited VPN described as covering all devices.
Where it runs
- Windows
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
VIPRE is made by VIPRE Security Group.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
7/25
Other antivirus apps it is graded above
VIPRE's GPA of 2.4 is higher than 7 of the 25 other antivirus apps we grade, and level with 5.
It stands best on value for money (B, above 21 of 25) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
Its paid plans start at $1.25 a month when paid by the year, against a middle price of $4.50 for the category: 2 of the 20 others that charge start lower.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.3 out of 4. 2 tools score higher and cost less.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 26 antivirus apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. VIPRE’s own letter is outlined.
- BValue for moneyAbove 21 of 25
- CFree plan and trialAbove 5 of 25
- BFeaturesAbove 9 of 25
- BEase of useAbove 4 of 25
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 25
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 22 antivirus apps. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. VIPRE is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
To replace VIPRE you would be making an engine that recognises new malware as it appears. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
That makes this kind of software worth paying for, not this one in particular: 13 of the 25 other antivirus apps grade higher. It costs $14.99 a year.
What you could not
- An engine that recognises new malware as it appears.
- Servers in dozens of countries, kept fast and private.
- A real app for Windows. Something home-made would be a web page.
- The depth: we grade its features B, which means it covers the whole job.
What this rests on. VIPRE’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
ESET, Avira, Bitdefender, Webroot and F-Secure
The 5 tools VIPRE is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.6GPA
ESET
Free trial · from $12.99/yr
Antivirus and home security plans priced by device count.
- Only ESET lists macOS and Android apps.
- 2.4GPA
Avira
Free plan
Free antivirus suite with a VPN, PC cleaner and password manager.
- Avira has a free plan. VIPRE does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Avira lists Android and iOS apps.
- Avira also covers password manager and ad and tracker blocking.
- 2.8GPA
Bitdefender
Free plan · from $49.99/yr
Antivirus suites for computers and phones, with a free Windows tier.
- Bitdefender has a free plan. VIPRE does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Bitdefender lists macOS, Android and iOS apps.
- Bitdefender also covers password manager.
- 2.6GPA
Webroot
Free trial · from $34.99/yr
Lightweight cloud antivirus, with identity and VPN bundles.
- Only Webroot lists macOS, Android and iOS apps.
- Webroot also covers password manager.
- 2.4GPA
F-Secure
Free plan · from $49.99/yr
Finnish antivirus and VPN suite that renews at the new-customer price.
- F-Secure has a free plan. VIPRE does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only F-Secure lists macOS, Android and iOS apps.
- F-Secure also covers password manager.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
11
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is VIPRE free?
No, VIPRE is a paid product, but you can try it first. 30-day free trial for new users.
How much does VIPRE cost?
VIPRE lists 3 plans. Antivirus Plus: $14.99 per year; renewal price and device count not shown.
What platforms does VIPRE work on?
VIPRE is available on Windows.
Does VIPRE have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. VIPRE is listed for Windows.
Does VIPRE have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. VIPRE is listed for Windows.
Is VIPRE open source?
VIPRE is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Nov 12, 2026.
Who makes VIPRE?
VIPRE is made by VIPRE Security Group.
What are the alternatives to VIPRE?
The closest alternatives to VIPRE in our directory are ESET, Avira, Bitdefender, Webroot and F-Secure.
How does VIPRE compare with other antivirus apps?
VIPRE's GPA of 2.4 is higher than 7 of the 25 other antivirus apps we grade, and level with 5.
Is VIPRE good value for money?
ToolGPA grades VIPRE B for value for money. Its paid plans start at $1.25 a month when paid by the year, against a middle price of $4.50 for the category: 2 of the 20 others that charge start lower.
Could I make my own version of VIPRE?
To replace VIPRE you would be making an engine that recognises new malware as it appears.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from VIPRE’s own pages on Nov 12, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 12, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from VIPRE's own pages on 12 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by VIPRE Security Group. Prices change, so check vipre.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
5,038
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
5,038
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- VIPRE, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/vipre
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "VIPRE: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 12, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/vipre
Know someone choosing between antivirus apps?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/vipre/guide
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See our other guides
The best-graded antivirus apps after VIPRE, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Antivirus & Malware Protection Insider's GuideEvery one of the 26 antivirus apps we grade, compared
- Avast Insider's GuideFree antivirus for PC, Mac and phones, with paid Premium and Ultimate3.0 GPA
- AVG Insider's GuideFree antivirus for Windows, with paid Internet Security and Ultimate2.8 GPA
- Bitdefender Insider's GuideAntivirus suites for computers and phones, with a free Windows tier2.8 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what VIPRE’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. VIPRE is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by VIPRE Security Group. Prices and plans change: check vipre.com before you buy.