Avast, a prominent name in the cybersecurity realm, has made strides beyond its antivirus roots since venturing into the VPN market with Avast Secureline VPN in 2017. The Czech Republic-based company markets its VPN service with a focus on robust encryption, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. A notable advantage is its location; being outside the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances, Avast operates in a jurisdiction that does not engage in extensive data-sharing agreements among major intelligence agencies.
However, the company faced scrutiny in January 2020 when it was revealed that user data was being collected for its subsidiary, Jumpshot, which repackaged and sold this information. Although Avast ceased this practice shortly after, the incident raised concerns about privacy, a critical aspect for any VPN service. Despite these past issues, a thorough evaluation of Avast’s VPN offering is warranted.
Key Features & Technology
While Avast Secureline VPN covers the essentials, it lacks the comprehensive features offered by many competitors. The service includes dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, basic split tunneling (with limitations on iOS), and a kill switch that can be activated within the app settings. However, the overall functionality remains relatively basic.
Avast claims to protect against DNS leaks and adheres to a no-logging policy, yet the simplicity of its offerings may leave some users wanting more. The supported VPN and encryption protocols vary by platform:
- Windows: WireGuard, OpenVPN, Mimic
- Android: WireGuard, OpenVPN, Mimic
- macOS: IPsec, Mimic
- iOS: IPsec, Mimic
Encryption standards are generally secure, with OpenVPN, IPsec, and Mimic utilizing AES-256, while WireGuard employs ChaCha20-Poly1305. However, Mimic, being a proprietary protocol, lacks the transparency of open-source alternatives, raising questions about its security.
For optimal security, it is advisable to stick with established protocols such as:
- IPsec
- OpenVPN
- WireGuard
Avast’s app allows users to customize VPN settings, including automatic connection preferences based on network type and a kill switch feature for enhanced privacy. Users can also manage trusted networks to prevent the VPN from activating on familiar connections.
Infrastructure & Server Network
Avast claims to operate 700 servers across 27 countries, providing users with a selection of 58 locations. While this may seem limited compared to competitors, it suffices for most users. However, the lack of clarity regarding whether these servers are physical or virtual raises some concerns. The service includes a few streaming-optimized servers, primarily located in:
- Frankfurt, Germany
- “Wonderland,” UK
- “Gotham,” U.S.
- Miami, U.S.
- New York, U.S.
- Seattle, U.S.
Accessing geo-restricted content is limited to these locations, which may not suffice for users seeking broader streaming options.
Apps & Usability
Avast SecureLine VPN supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Android TV, but notably lacks support for Linux or routers. The app’s user interface is straightforward, though it requires an activation code for setup, which may feel cumbersome to some users.
Upon launching the app, users can easily connect to their chosen location. The settings menu offers limited customization options, focusing on VPN modes, general preferences, and protocol selection. The process for pairing devices is somewhat convoluted compared to other VPN providers, which typically allow straightforward logins across devices.
Performance & Speed
Speed is a crucial factor in VPN performance, and Avast delivers decent results. Testing across various regions yielded a global average download speed of 275.69 Mbps, with local servers performing better. However, speed can fluctuate based on server load and other factors.
Streaming & Unblocking
Despite Avast’s dedicated streaming servers, performance in unblocking content was disappointing. Users reported success only with Netflix Germany, while other popular services like HBO Max and Disney+ remained inaccessible. This limitation may deter users seeking reliable streaming capabilities.
Privacy & Security
Avast’s privacy policy is transparent yet concerning, as it outlines extensive data collection practices. Although the company claims to have addressed past issues, the presence of third-party trackers within the VPN app contradicts its privacy-focused messaging. Testing revealed no DNS or IP leaks, indicating that the VPN does effectively mask user information when connected.
Customer Support
Avast offers an online knowledge base for general inquiries, but paying customers gain access to 24/7 support via chat or phone. Interactions with support agents have been reported as thorough and helpful, particularly regarding technical queries.
Pricing & Plans
Avast presents three pricing tiers, all of which include a 60-day free trial. The plans are as follows:
- 1 year: .99/month — .88 for the first year, renewing at .99/year.
- 2 years: .99/month — .76 for the first two years, renewing at .99/year.
- 3 years: .99/month — 3.64 for the first three years, renewing at .99/year.
While the pricing is competitive, the limited feature set may not justify the cost when compared to other providers offering more comprehensive services.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Decent speeds
- Reasonable pricing
- Native applications for all supported platforms
- Includes a VPN kill switch
- Basic split tunneling support
Cons:
- Controversial data practices from 2020
- Limited information on the website
- No support for routers or Linux
- Poor streaming performance
- Questionable privacy practices
- Fewer features compared to competitors
