Our Verdict
Overall Rating: 6.1/10
Avast SecureLine VPN has received a modest rating of 6.1/10 in our evaluations. The service’s performance is hindered by its extensive logging of user data, insufficient security for torrenting, and its inability to unblock US Netflix. While it excels in speed and user-friendliness, other VPN options offer superior privacy, security, and functionality at a more competitive price.
Ranked #30 out of 62 VPNs
Avast SecureLine VPN Category Ratings:
- Streaming: 4.0/10
- Torrenting: 5.8/10
- Privacy & Logging: 2.6/10
- Speed: 9.1/10
- Server Locations: 7.6/10
- Bypassing Censorship: 6.0/10
- Security & Features: 6.5/10
- Ease of Use: 8.0/10
- Customer Support: 7.5/10
- Price & Value: 6.6/10
Avast SecureLine VPN Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The Avast Mimic protocol delivers exceptionally fast speeds.
- Capable of unblocking Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.
- P2P-optimized servers for torrenting.
- Smart Mode split tunneling available on macOS.
- Equipped with AES-256 encryption and a kill switch across all apps.
- Offers 24/7 live chat support.
Cons:
- Invasive logging policy.
- Historical issues with data sharing and selling.
- Warrant canary has not been updated.
- Unable to access Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, or US Netflix.
- Lacks OpenVPN support on Mac and iOS.
- Limited number of global servers.
Launched in 2014, Avast SecureLine VPN is a product of Avast RSO, a renowned leader in cybersecurity. Despite the company’s strong reputation for online security, its VPN service underperformed in several key testing categories.
In this updated review of Avast SecureLine VPN, we subjected all of its applications to our rigorous in-house testing process.
Avast SecureLine VPN Key Data
| Data Cap | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| Download Speed | 97Mbps |
| Logging Policy | Some User Logs |
| Data Leaks | No |
| Jurisdiction | Czech Republic (EU Member) |
| Servers | 700 |
| IP Addresses | 700+ |
| Countries with Servers | 34 |
| US Netflix | No |
| Torrenting | Partially |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Works In China | Unreliable |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat |
| Cheapest Price | $3.75/mo over 3 years |
| Free Trial | 7 Days (No Payment Info Required) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Official Website | Avast.com |
Streaming Capabilities
Avast VPN Only Streams Select Regional Libraries
Rating: 4.0/10
Avast VPN has limited streaming capabilities and is not ideal for users seeking access to a broad range of content. The service currently supports streaming for only a few regional libraries, including German Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Unfortunately, it does not successfully unblock other streaming platforms, including Netflix regions outside of Germany.
Ranking: #30 out of 62 VPNs for Streaming
Below is a list of popular streaming services that Avast SecureLine VPN can unblock:
| Streaming Platform | Works with Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes |
| Channel 4 | Yes |
| Disney+ | No |
| Hotstar India | No |
| Hulu | No |
| ITVX | No |
| Max | No |
| Netflix US | No |
Avast SecureLine offers several servers optimized for video streaming, although the specific streaming sites these servers are designed to unblock are not detailed.
We conducted tests on these servers with major streaming platforms including Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
Our findings indicate that Avast SecureLine successfully supports Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and All 4.
The UK streaming server effectively bypasses geo-blocks on Channel 4 and grants access to BBC iPlayer, but it does not support UK Netflix.
Amazon Prime Video was accessible through the US Miami server; however, it was not available on the Gotham City, New York, or Seattle servers.
Additionally, the Germany streaming server proved effective for accessing German Netflix.
Unfortunately, none of Avast’s four US streaming servers were able to access US Netflix.
Additionally, the streaming-optimized servers did not support Disney+. Both HBO Max and Hulu identified and blocked connections through Avast VPN as well.
Based on our latest findings, there are several streaming VPNs that demonstrate superior performance compared to Avast VPN.
Speed Performance
Local Speeds: Exceptional; International Speeds: Subpar
Speed Rating: 9.1/10
Avast SecureLine delivers outstanding local download speeds, achieving an average of 97 Mbps, among the highest we have recorded. However, its performance on international connections is comparatively slower than top-tier VPNs, with a 21% decrease in speed over long distances. Given these varying results, Avast SecureLine receives a speed rating of 9.1 in our evaluation.
Rank: #23 out of 62 VPNs for Speed
We assessed Avast SecureLine’s performance across servers in six continents. The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the speed results:
| No VPN (New York) | US (New York) | Canada (Toronto) | US (Los Angeles) | UK (London) | Germany (Berlin) | Brazil (São Paulo) | Japan (Tokyo) | South Africa (Johannesburg) | Australia (Sydney) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Location |  |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Download Speed | 100Mbps | 97Mbps | 100Mbps | 88Mbps | 93Mbps | 91Mbps | 48Mbps | 88Mbps | 53Mbps | 80Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 100Mbps | 95Mbps | 95Mbps | 96Mbps | 95Mbps | 85Mbps | 28Mbps | 97Mbps | 70Mbps | 92Mbps |
| Ping | 1ms | 7ms | 14ms | 91ms | 75ms | 83ms | 113ms | 142ms | 234ms | 257ms |
| Distance | 0mi | 5mi | 300mi | 2,500mi | 3,500mi | 4,000mi | 4,800mi | 6,700mi | 8,000mi | 9,900mi |
A short-distance speed loss of 97 Mbps is an outstanding result, positioning Avast SecureLine among the best for local speed performance.
However, it is important to note that Avast’s long-distance speeds are relatively slow compared to the fastest VPNs on the market.
For a visual comparison, refer to the bar chart below, which contrasts Avast’s local and long-distance speed results with those of top-performing VPNs such as ExpressVPN and StrongVPN.
As illustrated, Avast SecureLine exhibits exceptional local speeds, yet its long-distance performance lags significantly behind. For international connections, Hotspot Shield stands out as the top performer, achieving speeds only 1% slower than typical internet speeds.
Expert Recommendation: For optimal speed, we advise utilizing the Avast Mimic protocol for connections to distant server locations and the OpenVPN protocol for local connections. On macOS, where OpenVPN is not available, we recommend using Avast Mimic consistently.
Privacy & Logging Policy
Data Logging and Disclosure Concerns
Privacy & Logging Policy Rating: 2.6/10
Avast SecureLine VPN’s data logging practices exceed acceptable limits. Notably, the company has a record of sharing user information. Although the service does not track IP addresses or browsing history, it does retain connection timestamps and data transfer volumes for up to 35 days.
Rank: #47 out of 62 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy
The following table summarizes the types of data logged by Avast SecureLine:
| Data Type | Logged by Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|
| Account Information | Yes |
| Browsing Activity | No |
| Date of Last Connection | No |
| Device Information | Yes |
| DNS Queries | No |
| Individual Bandwidth Usage | Yes |
| Individual Connection Timestamps | Yes |
| ISP | No |
| Number of Simultaneous Connections | No |
| Originating IP Address | No |
| VPN Server IP | No |
| VPN Server Location | No |
Privacy & Logging Policy
Avast SecureLine VPN’s privacy policy is clearly articulated and transparent; however, the service logs more data than is considered acceptable.
Avast’s servers retain connection data for up to 35 days and client data (such as account information) for up to two years, without a substantial justification for this practice. Fortunately, Avast SecureLine does not store your original IP address, DNS queries, or browsing history—information that should remain confidential.
Additionally, Avast provides a specific privacy policy for its VPN service (as well as a separate one for its browser extension), rather than a generalized policy covering all Avast products, as seen with other antivirus providers.
Despite this, the policy raises concerns. Avast clearly states it may disclose user data to government agencies, which is a significant issue for privacy.
Operational Jurisdiction
Avast, a Czech cybersecurity company founded in 1988, operates under the jurisdiction of the European Union. Headquartered in Prague, Avast is subject to stringent EU data retention laws and international intelligence agreements with countries such as the United States. According to its transparency report, Avast has provided user data to law enforcement in response to legal requests.
In 2017, Avast disclosed information on 41 users, accounting for 31% of legal requests that year. Although cooperation with law enforcement dropped to 0% in 2021, possibly due to a loss of user trust, this indicates that Avast has data available for handover, and its jurisdiction is less than ideal for a VPN.
Warrant Canary Status
Avast previously maintained a tri-monthly warrant canary to alert users of gag orders. However, since October 1, the warrant canary has not been updated, and the URL is inactive. This may indicate the receipt of a gag order or potential compromise of the service.
Privacy Concerns
Avast has a history of privacy issues beyond its VPN service. In December 2019, Mozilla removed Avast’s antivirus browser extensions for violating privacy standards. The extensions were found to be harvesting and transmitting data, including visited websites, search terms, videos watched, links clicked, and unique device IDs.
In January 2020, reports revealed that data collected by free Avast add-ons was being monetized and sold to tech companies like Google. Although Avast has ceased this practice, it remains a concerning aspect of the company’s privacy history.
Torrenting
Fast Torrent Speeds, but Privacy Concerns Persist
Torrenting Rating: 5.8/10
Avast SecureLine VPN delivers impressive torrenting speeds on its P2P-optimized servers. However, due to its intrusive logging policy, we do not recommend using this VPN for secure torrenting.
Rank: #30 out of 62 VPNs for Torrenting
Here is a brief summary of Avast VPN’s performance in our torrenting tests:
| Torrenting Attribute | Result |
|---|---|
| Average Download Bitrate | 9.29MiB/s |
| No. of P2P Servers | 700 |
| Logging Policy | Some User Logs |
| Kill Switch | Yes |
| Port Forwarding | No |
Avast SecureLine VPN provides eight servers specifically optimized for P2P activities, including:
- Czech Republic
- France
- Frankfurt, Germany
- London, UK
- Miami, US
- Netherlands
- New York, US
- Seattle, US
In our torrenting tests, these P2P servers delivered an average download speed of 9.29 MiB/s, placing Avast among the top-performing VPNs for torrenting. For comparison, Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN achieved an average bitrate of 9.6 MiB/s.
The VPN is equipped with a kill switch, which helps prevent accidental data leaks during torrenting activities.
Despite its fast torrenting speeds, Avast VPN’s extensive data logging practices, historical data harvesting issues, and cooperation with government agencies raise significant privacy concerns. Additionally, Avast SecureLine lacks extra features beneficial for torrenting, such as a SOCKS5 proxy or port forwarding.
Security & Technical Features
Avast VPN: Secure but Basic
Security & Technical Features Rating: 6.5/10
Avast VPN provides robust security by concealing your IP address and employing AES-256 encryption for data protection. It supports both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, and our testing revealed no IP or DNS leaks. However, users seeking the highest levels of internet security may find Avast lacking, as it does not offer a broad array of advanced features.
Rank: #34 out of 62 VPNs for Security & Technical Features
Protocols
| Protocols | Available in Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|
| IKEv2/IPSec | No |
| L2TP/IPSec | Yes |
| OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | Yes |
| Proprietary | Yes |
| WireGuard | Yes |
Encryption
| Encryption | Available in Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|
| AES-128 | No |
| AES-192 | No |
| AES-256 | Yes |
| Blowfish | No |
| ChaCha20 | Yes |
Security
| Security | Available in Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|
| Diskless Servers | No |
| DNS Leak Blocking | No |
| First-party DNS | No |
| IPv6 Leak Blocking | No |
| Supports TCP Port 443 | No |
| VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
| WebRTC Leak Blocking | No |
Advanced Features
| Advanced Features | Available in Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|
| Ad Blocker | No |
| Dedicated IP | No |
| Double VPN | No |
| SOCKS | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes |
| Static IP | No |
| Tor over VPN Server | No |
| Tracker Blocker | No |
Avast VPN Uses a Proprietary Protocol
Avast VPN features an experimental, in-house protocol known as Avast Mimic. While it offers commendable speeds, our inquiry to Avast VPN about the protocol’s operation received an unsatisfactory response. For greater confidence in data protection, we seek a more transparent explanation of how this protocol safeguards user data. In the realm of VPNs, reliability in data protection should not be left to experimental technologies.
As an alternative, OpenVPN is now available on all desktop and mobile devices, and Avast VPN supports WireGuard on Windows and Android. We would like to see WireGuard extended to all platforms.
Safe Practices, but Basic
Avast SecureLine utilizes industry-standard AES-256 encryption and includes a kill switch across all applications. However, the kill switch is disabled by default, requiring manual activation. This indicates a solid understanding of VPN security practices, though the implementation remains somewhat basic.
However, Avast SecureLine VPN falls short compared to many leading VPNs that are adopting advanced features such as RAM-only servers and open-source applications. Avast VPN would benefit from incorporating additional, customizable protection measures, including a malware and ad blocker, DNS leak protection, double VPN (multi-hop), and Onion over VPN.
One notable feature is Avast VPN’s inclusion of a free password leak detector. This tool allows you to check if passwords associated with your email have been exposed in data breaches or hacks by simply entering your email address.
Smart Mode: An Effective Split Tunneling Tool
Avast SecureLine VPN offers a feature called Smart Mode, which functions as an automatic split tunneling tool. It determines which websites and applications are routed through the VPN tunnel and which are not.
According to Avast, Smart Mode can detect when you are accessing sensitive sites, such as banking or torrent websites, and will automatically close the VPN session upon exiting these sites. Additionally, it recognizes when you are connected to public WiFi.
Customizable Split Tunneling with Smart Mode
Avast SecureLine VPN allows customization of its Smart Mode feature, enabling users to specify which websites and applications should be encrypted and which should bypass the VPN. This customization function is akin to a traditional manual split tunneling tool.
Notably, Smart Mode is available on macOS, a platform where functional split tunneling features are rare. Even leading VPNs such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN do not offer this capability on Apple devices.
Leak Test Performance
Avast SecureLine VPN successfully passed our IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests. We observed no network traffic leaks, ensuring that all personal information remained protected.
Bypassing Web Censorship
Limited Effectiveness in China
Bypassing Censorship Rating: 6.0/10
Avast SecureLine VPN currently struggles to bypass the Great Firewall of China. While it was previously effective at unblocking websites, its performance has declined recently. It may still be able to circumvent blocks in other countries, but we advise considering more reliable alternatives such as Astrill VPN or Hide.me.
Rank: #31 out of 62 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship
Our regular tests with a remote PC in Shanghai reveal inconsistent connectivity with Avast SecureLine. Over the past year, its success rate in bypassing the Great Firewall has dropped to just 30%. As a result, Avast SecureLine is not among our top recommendations for users in China.
Most VPN websites are blocked in China, so it is crucial to download a VPN before entering the country or use a VPN that remains functional within China.
Avast SecureLine may still offer some success in bypassing censorship in countries like Russia and Turkey, which employ less stringent controls compared to China. However, we recommend more effective options such as Hide.me, Windscribe Free, or Astrill VPN for better results.
Server Locations
Limited Server Network Covering 34 Countries
Server Locations Rating: 7.6/10
Avast SecureLine VPN operates 700 servers across 34 countries, which offers a relatively limited selection of locations, with a primary focus on Europe and North America.
Rank: #25 out of 62 VPNs for Server Locations
- 34 Countries
- 54 Cities
- 700+ IP Addresses
The range of server locations provided by Avast SecureLine is underwhelming compared to leading VPN networks. For instance, ExpressVPN covers 106 countries, and CyberGhost offers servers in 12,000 locations globally.
Additionally, Avast’s server network is heavily concentrated in Europe and the United States, with minimal coverage in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
City-Specific Server Selection
Avast SecureLine VPN offers limited city-specific options. Currently, you can select servers in the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Germany
- Russia
- Spain
- UK
- US
Although the selection is not extensive, it includes city-level servers in large countries like the US, Canada, and Australia.
Server Network Ownership and Rental
Avast SecureLine VPN utilizes a combination of owned and rented servers. The company has stated that they both own and lease servers but has declined to provide further details for “security reasons.”
The distinction between Avast’s owned and rented servers is unclear. While renting servers can expand coverage, it may increase the risk of data mishandling by third parties. This risk is mitigated when VPN providers exercise stringent control over their third-party partners. However, some reputable VPNs, such as NordVPN and Windscribe, have experienced issues with third-party server management.
In contrast, some VPNs, like IPVanish, operate entirely on self-owned infrastructure to enhance security.
Price & Value
Comparative Analysis of Avast VPN
Price & Value Rating: 6.6/10
Avast VPN is priced at $3.75 per month, which is relatively affordable. However, this cost is higher compared to top competitors offering similar or better services for as low as $2.00 per month. Consequently, Avast VPN may not represent the best value for your investment.
Ranking: 23rd out of 62 VPNs for Price & Value
The lowest monthly rate available for Avast SecureLine VPN is $3.75, requiring a three-year commitment with an upfront payment of $135.00. Currently, Avast does not offer a monthly subscription plan.
Pricing Plans:
- 12 Months: $4.60/month, billed $55.20 for the first year, $89.99 thereafter (Save 39%)
- 24 Months: $4.20/month, billed $100.80 for the first two years, $179.99 thereafter (Save 44%)
- 36 Months: $3.75/month, billed $135.00 for the first three years, $269.99 thereafter (Save 50%)
All plans allow usage on up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Payment & Refund Options
Avast VPN accepts payments via PayPal, American Express, VISA, and Mastercard.
Payment Methods:
- American Express
- Mastercard
- PayPal
- VISA
The inclusion of more privacy-focused payment options, such as cryptocurrency and cash, would be beneficial. For example, Mullvad VPN offers cash payments, enhancing privacy.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Avast SecureLine VPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee with all subscription plans. To receive a refund within this period, you must provide a reason for the cancellation. Note that refunds are not available for purchases made through retail stores, resellers, or the App Store, where Apple’s terms and conditions apply.
7-Day Free Trial
Avast offers a genuine seven-day free trial of its VPN service. No payment details are required, and there are no data or server usage restrictions. Despite this, other VPNs may offer more robust free trial options.
Device and OS Compatibility
Supported Devices and Operating Systems
Avast SecureLine VPN is compatible with a range of popular platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Android TV. The service offers native applications for these systems, which are straightforward to install. Avast VPN supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, surpassing the industry standard of five. However, it is worth noting that Avast VPN does not support Linux or Fire TV Stick.
Application Availability
Avast SecureLine VPN provides applications for the following platforms:
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
Beyond these major platforms, Avast VPN’s device compatibility is limited. There are no native apps available for Fire TV Stick or Android TV, and the service lacks support for router configurations and Smart DNS. Consequently, utilizing Avast VPN on your television is notably challenging.
For users seeking VPN functionality on devices not supported by Avast, the company directs them to its partner service, HideMyAss. This workaround may be unsatisfactory for existing Avast subscribers, indicating a need for Avast to enhance its device support.
Simultaneous Connections
With an Avast SecureLine Multi-Device subscription, users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously—a generous offering compared to some competitors, such as Surfshark, which provides unlimited connections.
Browser Extensions
Avast SecureLine VPN offers proxy extensions for:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
These browser extensions are user-friendly and straightforward to configure.
Both extensions function as proxies and do not provide the same level of encryption for your web traffic as VPN software. Furthermore, they only alter your IP address within your web browser, rather than affecting your entire device.
Ease of Use
Avast VPN: Ideal for Beginners
Ease of Use Rating: 8.0/10
Avast VPN is highly user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for those new to VPNs. The interface is straightforward, featuring a home screen with a prominent connect button and a limited range of settings and advanced options.
Ranked #23 out of 62 VPNs for Ease of Use
Avast SecureLine offers a consistent and intuitive experience across both Windows and macOS platforms. While the simplicity of its design benefits novice users, there is room for improvement in integrating more advanced features and streamlining the app further.
The desktop applications for Windows and macOS are nearly identical, which is a rare advantage. Avast SecureLine’s Smart Mode, available on both platforms, adds value, particularly given that split tunneling is often unavailable on macOS.
Protocol Availability
While Avast VPN’s Windows application supports the OpenVPN protocol, the macOS version defaults to IPSec with the option to switch to Avast Mimic. This can be accessed through the burger menu by navigating to Preferences > Experimental.
Avast VPN’s Mobile Apps: Android & iOS
The Avast SecureLine app for Android includes a kill switch, split tunneling, and an auto-connect feature, with OpenVPN as the default protocol. Users can disable automatic sharing of app usage data with third parties, though this should ideally be an opt-in feature rather than a default setting.
In contrast, the iOS app is notably limited. It does not list any servers as P2P, lacks customizable settings, and does not offer an auto-connect feature.
Both the desktop and mobile versions of Avast SecureLine VPN include a Help FAQ section, which, although basic, provides links to the Avast Forum and contact support options.
The mobile apps offer the same number of servers as their desktop counterparts, but they lack the ability to change protocols, which is a significant limitation.
Overall, Avast SecureLine demonstrates greater advanced features and customization options on desktop platforms compared to its mobile versions, a common trend among many VPN services.
Customer Support
Effective 24/7 Live Chat Support
Customer Support Rating: 7.5/10
While Avast SecureLine’s online resources are somewhat limited and basic, it provides 24/7 live chat support with responsive and helpful customer service agents. For technical issues, Avast support delivers reasonably prompt and efficient assistance.
Ranked #31 out of 62 VPNs for Customer Support
| Customer Support | Available in Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Email Support | No |
| 24/7 Live Chat Support | Yes |
| Chatbot | No |
| Yes | |
| Email Support via Online Form | Yes |
| Online Resources | Yes |
| Tutorial Videos | No |
Avast has significantly enhanced its support offerings. Previously reliant on phone calls or email responses, Avast now features a streamlined 24/7 live chat option in addition to traditional FAQs and email support.
While the FAQs on both the app and website are somewhat basic and lacking in detail—such as insufficient information on how the Avast Mimic protocol operates—the live chat service provides more effective assistance.
For customer support, users are directed to the website, where they must specify the Avast product they need help with. From there, they can either compose and send an email or engage in live chat with a support agent.
Customer support is notably effective and well-structured. It features a live chat function that is available 24/7, with the added benefit of allowing users to download chat transcripts for future reference.
While the support staff were polite, their responses at times felt somewhat mechanical and delayed, suggesting a lack of immediate expertise. However, the information provided upon response was both helpful and thorough.
Unlike some VPN services, immediate access to live chat is not available; users must navigate through several options and complete a form before initiating a chat.
A particularly commendable aspect of Avast’s support is their proactive follow-up. We received an email the following day from the support team, addressing an unanswered query from our live chat session with a more detailed explanation:
“I’ve reviewed your live chat correspondence and noticed a question about our servers that remained unanswered.”
This proactive approach demonstrates Avast’s commitment to customer satisfaction and their dedication to providing comprehensive support.
