A VPN and antivirus software serve two different but complementary purposes for your online safety. A VPN protects your data in transit by creating an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic. Its main job is to ensure your online activity is private and your IP address is hidden from outsiders. Antivirus software, on the other hand, protects your device itself. It scans, detects, and removes malicious software like viruses, Trojans, and spyware that could damage your system or steal your files. Think of a VPN as a secure armored truck for your data, while antivirus is the security system for your house.