Our Verdict
Overall Rating: 5.8/10
We do not recommend AVG Secure VPN, with an overall rating of 5.8/10. Despite its relatively fast speeds, it falls short in several critical areas. AVG Secure VPN logs and shares connection data, has a limited server network, and struggles to unblock most streaming platforms. Furthermore, it lacks advanced features such as split tunneling and is priced higher than many competitors. Unless you are already invested in AVG’s antivirus software, AVG Secure VPN offers little to justify its use.
AVG Secure VPN Category Ratings
- Streaming: 5.0/10
- Torrenting: 5.7/10
- Privacy & Logging: 3.0/10
- Speed: 9.3/10
- Server Locations: 7.2/10
- Bypassing Censorship: 2.5/10
- Security & Features: 6.5/10
- Ease of Use: 6.8/10
- Customer Support: 8.6/10
- Price & Value: 5.3/10
Ranked #32 out of 62 VPNs
Pros & Cons of AVG Secure VPN
Pros
- Fast VPN connection speeds
- Unblocks US Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Effectively encrypts connections
- User-friendly apps
- 16 server locations in the US
Cons
- Logs and shares sensitive data
- Small server network
- Lacks independent security audits
- No anti-censorship capabilities
- No short-term subscription options
- Poor customer support
AVG Technologies, a well-established player in online security since the 1990s, launched its VPN service, AVG Secure VPN, in 2019. Since its release, we have conducted regular testing, and despite some strengths, the service has consistently underperformed.
As highlighted in this review, AVG Secure VPN has a significant drawback with its invasive logging policy, offering minimal privacy protection. While it boasts reasonable connection speeds and a generous limit on simultaneous connections, it fails to meet expectations in several key areas, including streaming capabilities and advanced features, particularly on macOS and iOS platforms.
Ultimately, unless you are already an AVG antivirus customer, we cannot recommend AVG Secure VPN. There are superior alternatives available that offer more robust streaming support, stricter privacy protections, more responsive customer service, and expansive server networks.
Key Data for AVG Secure VPN
| Data Cap | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| Download Speed | 93Mbps |
| Logging Policy | Some User Logs |
| Data Leaks | No |
| Jurisdiction | Czech Republic (EU Member) |
| Servers | Not disclosed |
| IP Addresses | -1 |
| Countries with Servers | 36 |
| US Netflix | Yes |
| Torrenting | Partially |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Works In China | No |
| Support | Email & Online Resources Only |
| Cheapest Price | $4.39/mo over 36 Months |
| Free Trial | 60 Days (No Payment Info Required) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Official Website | Avg.com |
Privacy & Logging Policy
AVG Secure VPN Logs and Shares Connection Data
Privacy & Logging Policy Rating: 3.0/10
While AVG Secure VPN’s logging policy has seen some improvements in recent years, it still falls short of offering strong privacy protection. In our tests, it earned a privacy rating of 3.0/10. Although the service no longer tracks your IP address, it continues to log data about your connection times and the amount of data you use. Moreover, AVG Secure VPN has not undergone an independent security audit, and its transparency reports indicate frequent sharing of user data.
Ranked #42 out of 62 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy
AVG Secure VPN continues to log sensitive user data. Below is a detailed breakdown of what is and isn’t logged:
| Data Type | Logged by AVG Secure VPN |
|---|---|
| Account Information | Yes |
| Browsing Activity | No |
| Date of Last Connection | No |
| Device Information | No |
| 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 |
Although this data is stored for only 35 days, we cannot endorse a VPN service that logs individual bandwidth usage or connection timestamps, regardless of the retention period.
To improve its privacy rating, AVG Secure VPN would need to cease storing this data entirely and consider transitioning to a diskless server infrastructure. Additionally, commissioning an independent audit to verify its privacy protection claims would be a crucial step toward greater transparency.
Subject to EU Data Retention Laws
AVG is headquartered in Czechia, a country governed by EU data retention laws and part of intelligence-sharing agreements. This means that Czech authorities can request user data, and AVG would be legally required to comply. Since AVG logs identifiable user information, this presents a significant privacy concern.
AVG’s transparency reports, published by its parent company Avast, openly acknowledge that user data is shared with authorities. In 2023, Avast received 51 government requests for information and provided data for five users. In 2017, it shared data in over 30% of such requests.
Can AVG VPN Be Trusted?
To assess the trustworthiness of AVG Secure VPN, we examined its corporate history and structure. Based on our findings, we advise users to proceed with caution when considering AVG Secure VPN.
In July 2016, Avast, a larger cybersecurity company, acquired AVG. Our review of Avast’s VPN service, Avast SecureLine, resulted in a modest rating of 6.1/10, largely due to its invasive logging practices.
In December 2020, NortonLifeLock Inc. acquired Avast, thereby taking control of AVG. Our assessment of Norton Secure VPN was even more critical, with a rating of 5.0/10, in part because it logs users’ IP addresses.
NortonLifeLock, and by extension Avast and AVG, are now part of Gen Digital, a US-based multinational conglomerate. Gen Digital also owns HMA (HideMyAss), another VPN service known for logging user data.
Given the historical pattern of data logging across Gen Digital’s VPN products, including AVG Secure VPN, we have serious concerns about the privacy protections these services offer.
Streaming
Unblocks US Netflix & BBC iPlayer
Streaming Rating: 5.0/10
AVG Secure VPN is able to unblock US Netflix and BBC iPlayer using its designated streaming servers, but it falls short in accessing other popular streaming platforms. While this allows you to watch some international content, top-tier VPNs offer far broader access, including services such as Hulu, Max, Prime Video, and additional international streaming sites.
Ranked #28 out of 62 VPNs for Streaming
Below is a list of popular streaming platforms that AVG Secure VPN successfully unblocks:
| Streaming Platform | Works with AVG Secure VPN |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | No |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes |
| Channel 4 | No |
| Disney+ | No |
| Hotstar India | No |
| Hulu | No |
| ITVX | No |
| Max | No |
| Netflix US | Yes |
We found that the US server ‘Gotham City’ unblocks US Netflix and the UK server ‘Wonderland’ unblocks BBC iPlayer.
However, AVG Secure VPN fails to unblock other major US streaming services such as Hulu, Max, and US Prime Video. Additionally, it is not a reliable option for accessing local streaming platforms in the following countries:
- Australia (SBS On Demand)
- Canada (CBC Gem)
- France (France.tv)
- Italy (RaiPlay)
- Korea (Kakao TV)
- Singapore (MeWatch)
Our conclusion is based on comprehensive tests of 62 VPNs across 120 international streaming services, where AVG Secure VPN performed below average compared to its competitors.
Below is a preview of the streaming performance data we track:
Speed
Fast Speeds on Every Server
Speed Rating: 9.3/10
The standout feature of AVG Secure VPN is its impressive connection speeds. Using its default ‘Mimic’ protocol, our local download speeds averaged 93Mbps, representing only a 7% reduction compared to our base internet speed without the VPN. This consistency earned AVG Secure VPN a high speed rating of 9.3/10.
Ranked #16 out of 62 VPNs for Speed
Below are the detailed results from our AVG Secure VPN speed tests:
| 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 | 93Mbps | 100Mbps | 90Mbps | 92Mbps | 94Mbps | 89Mbps | 86Mbps | 95Mbps | 80Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 100Mbps | 96Mbps | 96Mbps | 96Mbps | 96Mbps | 93Mbps | 82Mbps | 96Mbps | 92Mbps | 33Mbps |
| Ping | 1ms | 7ms | 15ms | 86ms | 75ms | 83ms | 114ms | 144ms | 232ms | 258ms |
| Distance | 0mi | 5mi | 300mi | 2,500mi | 3,500mi | 4,000mi | 4,800mi | 6,700mi | 8,000mi | 9,900mi |
AVG Secure VPN consistently delivers fast speeds, no matter where you connect. Our tests revealed a global average speed of 91Mbps, which is more than sufficient for virtually any online activity, including streaming, gaming, and browsing.
Additionally, ping times remain low across various regions. For instance, when connecting from the East Coast to Los Angeles, we recorded a latency of just 86ms.
However, despite its solid speed performance, AVG Secure VPN falls short of competing with the fastest VPNs. Hotspot Shield, the top performer, achieved speeds of 98Mbps on local connections, setting a higher benchmark.
Server Locations
Limited Server Network Across 36 Countries
Server Locations Rating: 7.2/10
AVG Secure VPN offers a relatively small and limited server network, with servers available in only 36 countries. Its coverage is less diverse compared to leading VPN services. City-level server options are primarily concentrated in Europe and North America, with minimal representation in other regions, leaving continents like Asia, Africa, and South America underserved.
Ranked #31 out of 62 VPNs for Server Locations
- Countries: 36
- Cities: 59
- IP Addresses: Not disclosed
With AVG Secure VPN, you can connect to servers in the following regions:
| Continent | Countries with Servers |
|---|---|
| Europe | 23 |
| Asia | 7 |
| North America | 3 |
| South America | 1 |
| Africa | 1 |
| Oceania | 2 |
As demonstrated, AVG Secure VPN’s server network is predominantly focused on Europe, with 23 countries on the continent, representing 62% of its total server locations.
While Asia is moderately covered with seven server locations, AVG Secure VPN’s overall network remains limited compared to leading providers like Surfshark and Private Internet Access, which offer servers in up to 100 countries.
This smaller network restricts access and versatility for users seeking broader global coverage.
Less-developed regions, including South America and Africa, are inadequately served by AVG Secure VPN, each having only a single server location per continent.
City-level server options are available in Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, the UK, and the US. Among these, the US offers the most extensive coverage, with servers in 16 cities, making it particularly advantageous for users based in the US.
Unfortunately, AVG Secure VPN does not disclose the precise number of individual servers it operates or whether these servers are owned directly or rented from third-party providers.
Security & Technical Features
Secure, but Lacks Advanced Features
Security & Technical Features Rating: 6.5/10
AVG Secure VPN provides essential security measures expected from a contemporary VPN. It employs AES-256 encryption and effectively prevents data leaks. However, the service falls short in several areas: its protocols vary across different applications, the kill switch is not available on macOS or iOS, and WireGuard is only supported on Windows and Android. Additionally, there are no advanced features, such as double VPN.
Ranked #34 out of 62 VPNs for Security & Technical Features
Below is an overview of the connection protocols, encryption strength, and security features available in AVG Secure VPN’s applications:
Protocols
| Protocols | Available in AVG Secure VPN |
|---|---|
| IKEv2/IPSec | Yes |
| L2TP/IPSec | Yes |
| OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | Yes |
| Proprietary | Yes |
| WireGuard | Yes |
Encryption
| Encryption | Available in AVG Secure VPN |
|---|---|
| AES-128 | No |
| AES-192 | No |
| AES-256 | Yes |
| Blowfish | No |
| ChaCha20 | No |
Security
| Security | Available in AVG Secure 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 AVG Secure VPN |
|---|---|
| Ad Blocker | No |
| Dedicated IP | No |
| Double VPN | No |
| SOCKS | No |
| Split Tunneling | No |
| Static IP | No |
| Tor over VPN Server | No |
| Tracker Blocker | No |
Does AVG’s Mimic Protocol Encrypt Your Data?
AVG Secure VPN utilizes a proprietary encryption protocol called Mimic, developed by AVG’s parent company, Avast.
While Mimic has demonstrated impressive speed performance, its security features remain unclear. Avast has not disclosed detailed information about how Mimic operates, and there has been no independent audit of the protocol. In comparison, ExpressVPN also employs a proprietary protocol, but it is open-source, allowing for public scrutiny.
We conducted a packet-inspection test on AVG Secure VPN to verify its encryption capabilities. We are pleased to confirm that Mimic successfully concealed our internet activity.
Mimic is available across all AVG Secure VPN applications, but the protocol options may vary depending on the device and operating system. These include:
We recommend using WireGuard or OpenVPN for optimal security and advise against using L2TP, which is an older and less secure protocol.
Unfortunately, WireGuard is only available on Windows and Android, leaving the AVG apps for macOS and iOS with significantly reduced security. As a result, we recommend avoiding these apps on those platforms.
We would like to see AVG align with industry standards by implementing WireGuard across all platforms and ensuring consistent protocol options throughout its applications.
No Advanced Technical Features
While AVG Secure VPN covers basic VPN security needs, it falls short compared to leading VPN providers and lacks advanced customization options.
Top VPNs such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark offer advanced features including effective VPN ad blockers, multi-hop servers, open-source applications, and GPS spoofing. In contrast, AVG Secure VPN does not support split tunneling and provides limited options for manual configuration of the VPN experience.
Torrenting Review
Torrenting Performance: Fast Bitrate, But Privacy Concerns
Torrenting Rating: 5.7/10
AVG Secure VPN supports torrenting through its P2P-optimized servers, offering a respectable average bitrate for fast downloads. However, it scores only 5.7 in our torrenting evaluation due to significant privacy concerns. AVG Secure VPN’s logging policy compromises anonymity, and the service has a history of sharing user information with authorities. Additionally, it lacks a port forwarding feature.
Rank: #31 out of 62 VPNs for Torrenting
AVG Secure VPN is not recommended for torrenting because its privacy policy does not ensure full anonymity and has previously involved user data disclosure in response to legal requests.
Despite its decent average bitrate of 8.8 MiB/s and P2P-optimized servers available in France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US, the privacy issues overshadow its performance benefits. The VPN does include a kill switch to prevent accidental IP address exposure, but other identifying data remains logged.
Device & OS Compatibility
Device Compatibility
AVG Secure VPN is compatible with the most commonly used devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Unfortunately, it does not offer manual installation options, so it cannot be used on devices such as Fire TV, Android TV, game consoles, or routers. However, it does provide a generous allowance of up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Available Apps
AVG Secure VPN is supported on the following platforms:
- Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
Due to the lack of manual installation options, AVG Secure VPN’s compatibility is limited to the devices listed above. This restriction is more pronounced compared to many leading VPN services.
We recommend that AVG consider expanding its application range to include support for devices such as Fire TV Stick, Android TV, and Apple TV. Additionally, developing a VPN app for routers would enhance usability for gamers using Xbox and PlayStation.
While AVG VPN maintains a consistent experience across its available apps, there are notable differences in features among them. The following table provides a comparative overview of these features across different platforms.
Absence of Browser Extensions
Adding to its limited compatibility, AVG Secure VPN does not provide browser extensions.
This lack of browser extensions is a notable drawback, as it prevents users from swiftly changing VPN locations directly within their browsers. Instead, users must switch between windows to make adjustments, which can be less convenient.
Ease of Use
Simple Apps, With Few Additional Features
Ease of Use Rating: 6.8/10
AVG Secure VPN offers user-friendly applications that are straightforward and easy to navigate. While the simplicity of the apps is advantageous for quick use, it is accompanied by limited features and customization options. The settings menu is basic, which may not meet the needs of advanced users. Additionally, the website is challenging to navigate, and users have reported technical issues and bugs during installation and usage.
Ranked #39 out of 62 VPNs for Ease of Use
AVG Secure VPN’s applications are easy to download and install, featuring a colorful and intuitive design. However, they lack sufficient customization options. The Windows and Android versions are notably more advanced compared to the macOS and iOS versions, which offer fewer features. Users have also encountered bugs during installation and operation.
Detailed Analysis of AVG’s Applications:
Desktop & Laptop (macOS & Windows):
The AVG VPN app for Windows is significantly more advanced and customizable than its macOS counterpart. It includes the WireGuard protocol, which is considered the most efficient protocol available. Additionally, it offers a Startup option to automatically launch the VPN when the computer starts, and it can prompt users to enable the VPN upon internet connection.
Both the macOS and Windows versions of AVG Secure VPN feature servers designated specifically for streaming and torrenting. While it would be ideal if all servers were optimized for these functions, dedicated servers can theoretically streamline the process of finding suitable options.
Nevertheless, our tests indicate that these specialized servers are not effective for most streaming sites, with the notable exceptions of US Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Additionally, our testing revealed intermittent app crashes and bugs. We faced difficulties installing the AVG VPN free trial on macOS, and experienced various issues with the app over time, as illustrated in the image below:
On the positive side, AVG has incorporated 20 language options in its Windows app, providing instant translation and enhancing accessibility.
Mobile (iOS & Android)
While AVG’s iOS and Android apps have a similar appearance, there are notable differences between them.
The Android app is structured with three main screens: a home screen featuring the primary connect button, a server list, and a settings menu. Each setting is accompanied by an explanatory description of its function, which enhances user understanding.
The Android app is the most customizable version of AVG VPN. It uniquely offers split tunneling, supports the WireGuard protocol, and includes a manual kill switch. Additionally, it features Wi-Fi Threat Shield, which activates the VPN when connecting to potentially insecure public Wi-Fi networks.
In contrast, the iOS app offers limited customization, allowing only the selection of a security protocol and an Auto Connect toggle. It does not support the WireGuard protocol, and the torrenting servers available on other platforms are not listed on iOS. Overall, the iOS app is more streamlined and offers fewer features.
Bypassing Web Censorship
AVG Secure VPN Review
Effectiveness in Bypassing Web Censorship: 2.5/10
AVG Secure VPN is not effective for bypassing web censorship in countries such as China and Russia. The VPN lacks the advanced obfuscation tools required to circumvent stringent censorship measures, making it easily identifiable and blockable by authorities.
Ranking: 46th Out of 62 VPNs
For users residing in countries with restrictive internet policies, AVG Secure VPN is not a suitable choice for overcoming web blocks. Our tests conducted on servers in Shanghai revealed that AVG Secure VPN was consistently detected and blocked by China’s internet restrictions.
AVG acknowledges this limitation in its service. We recommend considering alternatives like Astrill VPN, which has demonstrated a 100% success rate in circumventing the Great Firewall of China based on our testing.
Customer Support
Poor Live Chat and Slow Email Responses
Customer Support Rating: 8.6/10
AVG provides several support options, including an FAQ page, an online form for technical inquiries, and a support community. Additionally, there is a live chat feature available, although it is not prominently visible. The response time from live chat agents is often slow, and their expertise may fall short of expectations. Given AVG’s extensive resources, a higher standard of support would be anticipated.
Ranking: 10th Out of 62 VPNs
While AVG’s support infrastructure offers multiple channels for assistance, the quality of service, particularly in live chat, leaves room for improvement.
| Customer Support | Available in AVG Secure VPN |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Email Support | No |
| 24/7 Live Chat Support | Yes |
| Chatbot | No |
| No | |
| Email Support via Online Form | Yes |
| Online Resources | Yes |
| Tutorial Videos | No |
AVG Secure VPN provides fundamental customer support options, including an FAQ page and an online form for submitting technical support requests.
When utilizing the online form, we encountered a series of pages that did not address our specific inquiry. We were then directed to the AVG Support Community as an alternative. Although responses to user questions are typically provided within the same day, they often lack depth and personalization.
The integration of AVG into a larger corporate structure appears to have impacted the quality of customer support. The process of reaching a support representative can be cumbersome, and finding dedicated VPN support amid AVG’s broader product offerings is challenging.
Moreover, AVG Secure VPN’s live chat option is not readily accessible, and responses from agents can be delayed. During our interaction, when inquiring about the flagship Mimic protocol, the response from support was, “What do you mean by Mimic?” This indicated a lack of familiarity with their own products, and support was primarily available to active subscribers only.
Price & Value
One-Year Minimum Commitment & No Long-Term Savings
Price & Value Rating: 5.3/10
AVG Secure VPN is notably overpriced for the services it provides, with costs increasing since the start of our evaluation. The absence of a monthly plan forces users into a minimum one-year commitment, and there are no savings for longer-term subscriptions. Given the service’s mediocre performance, AVG VPN represents poor value for money.
Ranked #30 out of 62 VPNs for Price & Value
Subscription Plans:
- 12 Months: $4.49/month, billed $59.88 annually
- 2 Years: $4.39/month, billed $105.36 every two years (2% savings)
- 3 Years: $4.39/month, billed $158.04 every three years (2% savings)
AVG Secure VPN does not offer a monthly plan, which limits options for those seeking short-term use. The minimum commitment is a one-year plan at $59.88 upfront. Two-year and three-year plans are available at $4.39 per month, providing only a marginal discount of $0.10 per month (just over 2%) compared to the annual plan, making multi-year subscriptions lack significant appeal.
In comparison, high-quality VPNs such as Private Internet Access offer a three-year plan at $2.03 per month—substantially lower and more cost-effective. For those needing a short-term VPN, Mullvad provides a base rate of $5.50 per month.
Payment & Refund Options
AVG VPN subscriptions can only be purchased through the following payment methods:
- American Express
- Mastercard
- PayPal
- Visa
The restriction to credit card and PayPal payments is a drawback, given the limited privacy these methods offer. Providing additional payment options, such as cryptocurrency or cash, would enhance privacy and customer choice.
Conditional One-Month Refund
AVG offers a one-month refund policy, which allows you to trial the VPN without restrictions. However, this is consistent with the industry standard. Some VPNs, like CyberGhost, offer more generous refund policies, such as a 45-day guarantee, and Surfshark allows for two refunds, equating to two months of free use.
AVG’s refund policy is less accommodating, requiring users to have used fewer than 10GB of data and connected fewer than 100 times within the 30-day period. These conditions are not standard and may be perceived as an attempt to complicate the refund process.
Impressive 60-Day Free Trial, Except on macOS
AVG Secure VPN offers a 60-day free trial, which is accessible without requiring payment details or creating an AVG account. This is one of the more generous free trials available. However, installation issues were encountered on macOS devices, where attempts to install the trial resulted in error notifications.
We can only conclude that the 60-day free trial is not legitimately available on macOS, which is unfortunate.
