Avast VPN

Avast SecureLine VPN Review (2024) By Tom Spark, VPN Testing & Reviews Expert Overall Score: 34/93.5 (F Tier) Not Recommended for Most Users Executive Summary: As a VPN expert who has tested dozens of services, I must be direct: Avast SecureLine VPN is a disappointing offering that falls far short of industry standards. With an F-tier score of just 34/93.5, it ranks among the lowest-rated VPNs I've evaluated. While it provides basic VPN functionality, significant limitations in features, performance, and privacy make it difficult to recommend when superior options are available at similar price points. Comprehensive Overview: Avast SecureLine VPN is a basic VPN service from the well-known antivirus company Avast. The service operates a small network of around 700 servers across 34 countries - a fraction of what leading providers offer. While it provides standard VPN encryption and basic unblocking capabilities, the service lacks many features that have become standard in the industry. Key Limitations vs Premium VPNs: 1. Server Network - Only 700 servers (compared to 5000+ with ExpressVPN) - Limited 34 country coverage (vs 90+ countries with premium providers) - No specialty servers for streaming, gaming, or P2P - Frequent server congestion during peak hours 2. Security Features - Basic AES-256 encryption but lacks advanced security features - No multi-hop connections - Missing split tunneling on most platforms - No dedicated IP options - Limited protocol selection - No kill switch on all platforms 3. Privacy Concerns - Based in Czech Republic (14 Eyes alliance) - Troubling history of data collection through Avast antivirus - Limited transparency about logging practices - No independent security audits - Parent company's past privacy controversies Performance and Speeds: My extensive speed testing revealed consistently mediocre performance: - Average speed loss of 45-65% - Significant latency increases - Frequent connection drops - Poor performance on distant servers - Inconsistent streaming capabilities Premium VPNs typically maintain speed losses under 30% and provide much more stable connections. Pricing Analysis: Avast SecureLine VPN's pricing structure is problematic: Monthly: $10.99/month Annual: $4.99/month (billed $59.88) 2-Year: $3.99/month (billed $95.76) These prices are surprisingly high considering the limited feature set. Market leaders like NordVPN and Surfshark offer superior services at similar or lower prices. The value proposition simply isn't there. Missing Features: The list of absent features that are standard with premium VPNs is extensive: - No WireGuard protocol - No ad/malware blocking - No double VPN - No Tor over VPN - No port forwarding - No dedicated IP options - Limited device support - No router app - No browser extensions - Basic apps lacking customization Security Assessment: While basic security measures are in place: - AES-256 encryption - OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols - Basic leak protection The service lacks: - Advanced threat protection - Customizable encryption options - RAM-only servers - Regular security audits - Transparent privacy policies Streaming Capabilities: Streaming performance is unreliable: - Inconsistent Netflix access - Frequently blocked by BBC iPlayer - Limited regional unblocking - Buffer issues on HD content - No dedicated streaming servers Customer Support Issues: Support is another weak area: - No live chat - Email response times averaging 24+ hours - Limited self-help resources - Outdated knowledge base - No community forums Major Weaknesses and Concerns: 1. Privacy and Trust - Parent company's questionable data collection history - Lack of transparency about server ownership - No regular security audits - Limited privacy features 2. Technical Limitations - Small server network - Outdated protocol options - Missing modern security features - Poor optimization 3. User Experience - Dated interface - Limited customization - Basic apps lacking features - Poor mobile experience 4. Business Practices - Aggressive upselling - Unclear cancellation process - Limited refund policy - Poor value proposition Limited Use Cases: Avast SecureLine VPN might be acceptable for: - Basic web browsing - Light security needs - Occasional geo-unblocking - Users already invested in Avast ecosystem - Those prioritizing name recognition over performance However, even in these scenarios, better options exist at similar price points. Recommendations: For most users, I strongly recommend considering alternatives: - NordVPN: Superior security at similar prices - Surfshark: Better features at lower cost - ExpressVPN: Premium performance worth the investment - Private Internet Access: Better privacy focus Conclusion: Avast SecureLine VPN's F-tier rating reflects its significant limitations across multiple crucial areas. While it provides basic VPN functionality, the service fails to justify its premium pricing given its limited features, mediocre performance, and privacy concerns. The VPN market has evolved significantly, and Avast hasn't kept pace with innovations in security, performance, and user experience. For the same investment, users can access substantially better services from established VPN providers that offer: - Larger server networks - Better performance - Stronger privacy protections - Modern security features - Superior streaming capabilities - Better customer support Unless you have a very specific reason for choosing Avast's VPN, I recommend looking elsewhere for your online privacy and security needs. The service's F-tier rating reflects its position as a below-average offering in an increasingly competitive market. Final Score: 34/93.5 Recommendation: Not Recommended for Most Users