Our Verdict
Overall Rating: 4.7/10
Avira Phantom VPN is offered in both free and paid versions, but neither can be recommended as a secure or private VPN due to its logging and storage of users’ IP addresses. Given these privacy concerns, Avira Phantom VPN falls short as a trustworthy option. Additionally, both versions fail to unblock streaming platforms and provide an unsatisfactory user experience. We do not recommend Avira Phantom VPN and assign it a rating of 4.7/10.
Ranked #36 out of 62 VPNs
Avira Phantom VPN Category Ratings:
- Streaming: 1.0/10
- Torrenting: 6.3/10
- Privacy & Logging: 0.1/10
- Speed: 8.9/10
- Server Locations: 7.1/10
- Bypassing Censorship: 2.0/10
- Security & Features: 7.2/10
- Ease of Use: 6.0/10
- Customer Support: 5.1/10
- Price & Value: 3.0/10
Avira Phantom VPN Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Free version doesn’t require payment details
- Unlimited devices on both free and paid plans
- First-party DNS servers with DNS leak protection
- Simple, user-friendly apps and a free browser extension
- Fast speeds on local connections
Cons:
- Logs IP addresses and other personal data
- Inability to access streaming services
- Free version is unreliable and inconsistent
- Only 500MB of free data per month
- Free version limited to a single server on desktop
- Kill switch only available on paid Windows version
Overview
Available since 2016, Avira Phantom VPN is developed by Avira, a well-established name in cybersecurity known for its antivirus software. However, despite the brand’s reputation, Avira Phantom VPN’s privacy shortcomings and limitations in functionality raise significant concerns.
In this review, both the Pro and Free versions were rigorously tested for security, data logging practices, and their ability to unblock platforms like Netflix. Unfortunately, the results indicate that Avira Phantom VPN falls short of expectations, particularly in terms of privacy and streaming performance.
| Paid | Free | |
|---|---|---|
| Data Cap | Unlimited | 500MB / 1GB |
| Download Speed | 93Mbps | 53Mbps |
| Logging Policy | Intrusive Logging | Intrusive Logging |
| Data Leaks | No | No |
| Jurisdiction | Germany (14 Eyes Member) | Germany (14 Eyes Member) |
| Servers | 1,400 | 1,400 |
| IP Addresses | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Countries with Servers | 35 | 35 |
| US Netflix | No | No |
| Torrenting | Permitted | Permitted |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Works In China | No | No |
| Support | Online Resources Only | |
| Cheapest Price | $6.50/mo over 12 Months | Free |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 60-day Money-Back Guarantee | – |
| Official Website | Avira.com | |
Privacy & Logging Policy
Avira Phantom Logs Your IP Address
Privacy & Logging Policy Rating: 0.1/10
Avira Phantom VPN collects and logs your IP address, along with other sensitive information, which raises significant privacy concerns. Based in Germany, a country that does not have strong privacy protections, Avira Phantom VPN operates under a jurisdiction that is part of international surveillance alliances. Additionally, the service is owned by a large corporation with no established reputation for providing high-quality VPN services. For users prioritizing online privacy, Avira Phantom VPN is not a recommended option.
Ranked #52 out of 62 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy
We conducted a thorough review of Avira Phantom VPN’s privacy and logging practices. Below is a breakdown of the data it collects:
| Data Type | Logged by Avira Phantom VPN |
|---|---|
| Account Information | No |
| Browsing Activity | No |
| Date of Last Connection | No |
| Device Information | Yes |
| DNS Queries | No |
| Individual Bandwidth Usage | Yes |
| Individual Connection Timestamps | No |
| ISP | No |
| Number of Simultaneous Connections | No |
| Originating IP Address | Yes |
| VPN Server IP | No |
| VPN Server Location | No |
Despite claims to the contrary, Avira Phantom VPN logs users’ IP addresses, which severely limits its privacy rating, scoring only 0.1/10 in our assessment. In addition to the IP address, Avira also logs device information and individual bandwidth usage.
A VPN should never log a user’s IP address, as it compromises anonymity and defeats the primary purpose of using a VPN. Data collection, as seen in Avira’s practices, is unnecessary for maintaining a VPN service. For example, Private Internet Access achieves a privacy score of 9.7/10 by logging minimal data, a fact proven in court cases.
For those seeking robust privacy protection, we do not recommend using Avira Phantom VPN.
Where is Avira Phantom VPN Based?
Avira, originally founded in 2006, traces its roots back to its predecessor H+BEDV Datentechnik GmbH, established in 1986. While Avira is best known for its antivirus software, its VPN operations are headquartered in Tettnang, Germany, with additional offices in China, the Netherlands, Romania, and the US.
Germany, however, is not an ideal jurisdiction for a VPN service due to its adherence to EU data retention laws and its membership in the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. Avira’s data logging practices, combined with its willingness to comply with government data requests, raise serious concerns about user privacy.
Avira’s Corporate Structure
In December 2020, Avira was acquired by NortonLifeLock Inc., a US-based cybersecurity company. Unfortunately, this acquisition did not lead to a change in Avira’s data logging practices. In fact, NortonLifeLock’s own VPN, Norton Secure VPN, also logs users’ IP addresses.
NortonLifeLock is part of Gen Digital, a Fortune 500 company that also owns AVG, Avast, and Privax Ltd., which run AVG Secure VPN, Avast SecureLine VPN, and HMA (HideMyAss), respectively. These VPN services similarly score poorly in our privacy assessments due to their excessive data logging policies.
Streaming Capabilities of Avira Phantom VPN
Avira Phantom VPN Fails to Unblock Major Streaming Services
Streaming Rating: 1.0/10
Despite positioning itself as a VPN designed for streaming, Avira Phantom VPN falls short in performance. Both the Pro and free versions were unable to unblock any major streaming services, including international Netflix libraries. The only exception we found was limited access to the UK’s Channel 4 on the Pro version.
This underwhelming performance explains the VPN’s low streaming rating of 1.0/10.
Ranked #30 out of 62 VPNs for Streaming
We conducted extensive testing on several popular streaming platforms using both the free and paid versions of Avira Phantom VPN. Unfortunately, the results were disappointing across the board, making this VPN unsuitable for most streaming needs.
| Streaming Platform | Avira Phantom Pro | Avira Phantom Free |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | No | No |
| BBC iPlayer | No | No |
| Channel 4 | Yes | No |
| Disney+ | No | No |
| Hotstar India | No | No |
| Hulu | No | No |
| ITVX | No | No |
| Max | No | No |
| Netflix US | No | No |
As demonstrated, both the free and paid versions of Avira Phantom VPN fail to access any major streaming platforms, with the exception of Channel 4 (on the paid version) and YouTube.
This level of performance is significantly lacking when compared to top-tier streaming VPNs, which reliably unblock a wide range of streaming services.
If streaming access is a priority, Avira Phantom VPN’s limited capabilities make it a poor choice. The best VPNs for streaming can effortlessly bypass restrictions on multiple platforms, ensuring seamless viewing across a variety of services.
Server Locations Overview
Moderate-Sized Server Network Across 35 Countries
Server Locations Rating: 7.1/10
Avira Phantom VPN’s server network is relatively limited, covering only 35 countries. In comparison, leading VPN providers offer server networks that span up to 100 countries. Notably, the free version of Avira Phantom VPN offers the same number of server locations, but only for mobile users. Desktop users on the free plan are restricted to a single server—the one closest to their physical location. This setup can be unnecessarily restrictive and potentially confusing for users.
Ranked #35 out of 62 VPNs for Server Locations
- Countries Covered: 35
- Cities Served: 47
- IP Addresses: Number undisclosed
While Avira Phantom VPN’s server network can be considered mid-tier, it lags behind competitors like Surfshark, which provides servers in 100 countries. Below is a detailed breakdown of Avira Phantom VPN’s global server distribution:
| Continent | ||
|---|---|---|
| Europe | ||
| Asia | ||
| South America | ||
| North America | ||
| Africa | ||
| Oceania | ||
| Antarctica |
Avira Phantom VPN’s server network places significant emphasis on Europe and the US, with over 70% of its servers located in European countries. This creates a noticeable imbalance, and there is room for expansion to improve global coverage. A broader geographic distribution would enhance accessibility for users in underrepresented regions.
Currently, city-level server selection is available only in Australia (Perth and Sydney), the UK (London and Manchester), and the US, where users can choose from 12 cities. Expanding city-level options in other regions would provide users with more precise control over their connection preferences.
Regrettably, Avira Phantom VPN did not disclose the number of individual servers it operates when queried.
Additionally, we recommend that Avira Phantom VPN provide users with the ability to select different types of servers, such as those offering Static IP addresses and residential IP addresses, to enhance user flexibility and functionality.
Free Version Limitations on Desktop
On the desktop version, Avira Phantom Free restricts users to connecting only to the nearest server location. For instance, users in the US can connect solely to US IP addresses.
In contrast, the mobile version of the free plan offers the same range of server locations as the paid version, which is notably extensive compared to many other free VPNs. We encourage Avira to align the desktop and mobile experiences for greater consistency and user convenience.
Speed Performance
Pro Version Exhibits High-Speed Capabilities
Speed Rating: 8.9/10
Avira Phantom VPN Pro delivers impressive performance with an average download speed of 93 Mbps when connected to a nearby server. However, the free version experiences a significant reduction in speed, achieving an average local download speed of 53 Mbps—representing a 47% decrease compared to the baseline internet speed.
Ranked #28 out of 62 VPNs for Speed
We evaluated Avira Phantom VPN’s performance using our 100 Mbps baseline internet connection. The following table details the results for Avira Phantom VPN Pro:
| No VPN (New York) | US (New York) | Canada (Toronto) | US (Los Angeles) | UK (London) | Germany (Berlin) | Brazil (São Paulo) | Japan (Tokyo) | Australia (Sydney) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Server Location |  |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Download Speed | 100Mbps | 93Mbps | 100Mbps | 96Mbps | 96Mbps | 93Mbps | 80Mbps | 75Mbps | 51Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 100Mbps | 96Mbps | 94Mbps | 51Mbps | 58Mbps | 70Mbps | 30Mbps | 29Mbps | 14Mbps |
| Ping | 1ms | 6ms | 23ms | 150ms | 76ms | 101ms | 113ms | 147ms | 224ms |
| Distance | 0mi | 5mi | 300mi | 2,500mi | 3,500mi | 4,000mi | 4,800mi | 6,700mi | 9,900mi |
Using Avira Phantom VPN Pro, we observed only a minimal reduction in download speeds, with a loss of just 7% compared to our baseline internet speeds without a VPN. Latency was notably low, with a ping time of just 6 ms when connected to the VPN’s New York server.
While Avira Phantom VPN’s performance naturally declines with increased distance, its long-distance speeds remain commendably fast. For instance, connecting from the US to London yielded download speeds of 96 Mbps despite the 3,500-mile separation.
However, while Avira Phantom VPN delivers strong international speeds, it does not match the performance of the fastest VPNs. For example, our speed decreased by 49% when connecting to Australia, whereas ExpressVPN showed a 17% reduction over the same distance.
The bar chart below provides a comparative view of Avira Phantom VPN’s average local and international speeds against some of the top-performing VPNs available:
Performance of Avira Phantom VPN Free
The free version of Avira Phantom VPN notably underperforms compared to the paid service. Users can expect a significant speed reduction of 47% on a local New York server, which exceeds the typical performance drop for a quality VPN. Additionally, the free version exhibits higher latency, with a ping time of 19 ms.
Security & Technical Features
Fundamental Security with Room for Enhancement
Security & Technical Features Rating: 7.2/10
Avira Phantom VPN provides solid fundamental security by implementing AES-256 encryption and using OpenVPN as its default protocol. Additionally, WireGuard is available for Android users. The service operates its own DNS servers and includes DNS leak protection, contributing to its security credentials. However, the kill switch is only accessible on Windows, and the applications lack advanced features and customization options. Enhancements such as Double VPN, static IP addresses, and split tunneling would further bolster its offering.
Ranked #29 out of 62 VPNs for Security & Technical Features
Below is a comprehensive overview of Avira Phantom VPN’s security suite, including its protocols, encryption ciphers, and available features:
Protocols
| Protocols | Available in Avira Phantom VPN |
|---|---|
| IKEv2/IPSec | Yes |
| L2TP/IPSec | Yes |
| OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | Yes |
| WireGuard | Yes |
Encryption
| Encryption | Available in Avira Phantom VPN |
|---|---|
| AES-128 | No |
| AES-192 | No |
| AES-256 | Yes |
| Blowfish | No |
| ChaCha20 | Yes |
Security
| Security | Available in Avira Phantom VPN |
|---|---|
| Diskless Servers | No |
| DNS Leak Blocking | Yes |
| First-party DNS | Yes |
| IPv6 Leak Blocking | Yes |
| Supports TCP Port 443 | No |
| VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
| WebRTC Leak Blocking | No |
Advanced Features
| Advanced Features | Available in Avira Phantom 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 |
Robust Encryption with Secure Protocols
Avira Phantom VPN employs secure technology to protect your data, utilizing AES-256 encryption in both its free and Pro versions. This cipher is recognized as the most secure available.
Our tests using a packet-sniffing tool confirmed that Avira Phantom VPN effectively encrypts all incoming and outgoing traffic, rendering it indecipherable. OpenVPN is the default protocol across all apps, providing strong security. Additionally, the Android app offers an option to switch to WireGuard, which is a more advanced protocol compared to OpenVPN.
We recommend adding a kill switch to all Avira Phantom VPN apps, as it is currently only available for paid users on Windows. The absence of a kill switch for Apple and Android users represents a notable security gap.
First-Party DNS Servers & Leak Protection
Avira Phantom VPN operates its own DNS servers, handling all online requests directly without relying on third-party hosts. This approach enhances both privacy and security.
Our in-house leak tests confirmed that Avira Phantom VPN does not exhibit IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks, ensuring that your data remains secure and private.
Limited Features and Customization
Avira Phantom VPN’s absence of advanced features and customization options is a notable drawback. Users lack control over the security suite, including the ability to switch between different protocols.
We recommend enabling manual protocol selection across all of Avira VPN’s applications, as it is currently available only on Android and iOS devices.
In comparison, VPNs such as Hide.me and Astrill VPN receive higher ratings in our security assessments due to their extensive customization options, which cater to advanced users and provide greater control over the VPN experience.
Avira Phantom VPN lacks the extensive technical features found in many advanced VPNs. Currently, its only feature is a toggleable malicious site and content blocker.
In contrast, advanced VPNs offer a range of additional functionalities, such as Double VPN, IP rotation, open-source apps, and GPS spoofing. We would also like to see the inclusion of an effective ad blocker to enhance the overall user experience.
Torrenting Capabilities
Support for Torrenting: Available on Both Pro and Free Servers
Torrenting Rating: 6.3/10
Avira Phantom VPN supports torrenting on all of its servers, whether you are using the free or Pro version. Both versions offer high-speed average download bitrates. Additionally, the Windows version includes a kill switch to prevent accidental IP leaks. However, despite these features, we do not recommend Avira Phantom VPN for torrenting due to its data logging practices and the lack of a universal kill switch across all applications. Furthermore, it does not offer port forwarding.
Ranking: #27 out of 62 VPNs for Torrenting
Here is a summary of Windscribe’s performance in our torrenting tests:
| Torrenting Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Average Download Bitrate | ||
| No. of P2P Servers | ||
| Logging Policy | ||
| Kill Switch | ||
| Port Forwarding |
We tested both the free and Pro versions of Avira Phantom VPN by connecting to a nearby server and downloading a 1GB torrent file using qBittorrent. This test was conducted three times to obtain an average result.
We were impressed with Avira Phantom VPN’s average torrent bitrate speed, which, at 9.8, ranks among the fastest of the 62 VPNs we reviewed.
Despite its impressive speed, we advise against using Avira Phantom VPN for torrenting on iOS, macOS, or Android. The absence of a kill switch on these platforms means there is a risk of accidental IP address exposure during file sharing. A kill switch is crucial for ensuring that your real IP address remains protected.
Additionally, Avira Phantom VPN’s logging policy is notably intrusive and includes data sharing practices, which poses a risk for P2P file sharers who may inadvertently download copyrighted material.
While Avira Phantom Free also boasts a fast bitrate, it suffers from similar anonymity concerns. The free version lacks a kill switch and is limited by a 500MB monthly data cap, which may be insufficient for downloading even a single file, depending on its size.
For a truly secure free VPN option for torrenting, we recommend considering Windscribe Free instead.
Bypassing Web Censorship
Effectiveness in Unblocking Restricted Websites: Ineffective
Bypassing Censorship Rating: 2.0/10
Neither the free nor paid versions of Avira Phantom VPN are effective at circumventing censorship in China. The lack of obfuscation features means that it is easily detected and blocked by advanced censorship systems. While Avira Phantom VPN may function in regions with less stringent censorship, such as Turkey or Russia, it is not reliable for bypassing web blocks compared to other VPNs, like Astrill VPN, which offer higher success rates.
Ranking: #49 out of 62 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship
Our tests conducted on a server in Shanghai, China, revealed that Avira Phantom VPN is unable to unblock restricted websites within the country. The VPN was easily identified by Chinese censors, likely due to its lack of obfuscation technology and the use of the OpenVPN protocol, which is readily detectable by government filters.
While some users report success in countries with less sophisticated censorship, there are numerous more reliable VPNs specifically designed to bypass the Great Firewall of China and operate effectively in restrictive countries like Russia, Iran, and the UAE.
Device and Operating System Compatibility
Supported Devices
Avira Phantom VPN is compatible with several widely-used devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. However, it does not support Firestick or Android TV, which could be a drawback for users seeking compatibility with these platforms. Additionally, Avira Phantom VPN is not compatible with routers and lacks a Smart DNS feature.
On the positive side, Avira Phantom VPN offers no restrictions on the number of devices it can be installed on, allowing unlimited installations of both the Pro and Free versions. Furthermore, there is a free browser extension available.
Supported Platforms
Avira Phantom VPN supports the following platforms:
- Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
This range of device compatibility represents the basic expectations for a premium VPN service. Unfortunately, Avira Phantom VPN does not extend support to other platforms, such as Fire TV Stick, Android TV, or Linux. It cannot be installed on routers, making it unusable for Apple TV or gaming consoles. Additionally, it does not provide a Smart DNS option for region spoofing.
Browser Extensions
Avira Phantom VPN provides a free browser extension for Google Chrome. However, there is currently no add-on available for Mozilla Firefox. The Chrome extension is straightforward to install and allows users to obtain a new IP address quickly. Similar to the free app version, it restricts users to the nearest VPN server only.
The Chrome extension for Avira Phantom VPN is more than just a proxy, unlike many other browser extensions offered by VPN providers. It functions as a full-fledged VPN, providing robust encryption for your data using AES-256.
Ease of Use
Frustrating Apps with Connection Issues
Ease of Use Rating: 6.0/10
Avira Phantom VPN is designed to be user-friendly, featuring visually appealing apps that maintain consistency across devices. However, our experience with the VPN was marred by a poorly designed website and recurring technical issues within the app, including connection failures.
Ranked #45 out of 62 VPNs for Ease of Use
The Avira Phantom VPN interface is streamlined and straightforward, offering minimal customization options. This simplicity extends to both desktop and mobile applications, which feature a home screen with a basic on/off button, a list of VPN server locations, and a limited settings menu.
All apps include a light and dark mode, and the option to launch at system start. However, beyond these features, customization is limited. Accessing support or account details redirects users to Avira’s website, which is cumbersome and not user-friendly.
Navigating the Avira website proved to be frustrating, particularly when attempting to find the monthly subscription options. This often led to the perception of being pushed towards more expensive, long-term contracts.
Summary of Experience on Different Devices
Desktop & Laptop (Windows & macOS)
One of the main issues encountered during testing was the frequent occurrence of bugs, with the VPN occasionally failing to establish a connection. This undermined the overall user experience on desktop platforms.
To exacerbate the situation, even when Avira Phantom VPN successfully established a connection—typically with the Pro version—disconnection often resulted in a complete loss of internet access. Reconnecting to the internet required using an alternative VPN.
Additionally, the app exhibits several non-intuitive features. For instance, entering “United States” into the server search bar yields no results; instead, “US” must be used.
Conversely, searching for “UK” does not produce results for the United Kingdom; the full term “United Kingdom” is required. These inconsistencies highlight a lack of attention to detail in the app’s design.
To exacerbate the situation, even when Avira Phantom VPN successfully established a connection—typically with the Pro version—disconnection often resulted in a complete loss of internet access. Reconnecting to the internet required using an alternative VPN.
Additionally, the app exhibits several non-intuitive features. For instance, entering “United States” into the server search bar yields no results; instead, “US” must be used. Conversely, searching for “UK” does not produce results for the United Kingdom; the full term “United Kingdom” is required. These inconsistencies highlight a lack of attention to detail in the app’s design.
We appreciate that the macOS app allows for undocking and repositioning on the desktop—a useful feature not commonly found in many VPN applications for macOS.
However, there is significant room for improvement in the overall user experience of the desktop applications.
Mobile (Android & iOS)
Avira’s mobile apps mirror their desktop counterparts with three primary screens: the main home screen featuring the connect button, a settings menu, and a list of server locations. While simplicity can be beneficial, the current design may be overly minimalistic.
On Android, Avira Phantom Free offers additional features such as an option to ‘Enable WireGuard,’ a diagnostic data submission feature, and an auto-connect function. These options are not available on iOS.
Fortunately, prompts to upgrade to a Pro account are less intrusive compared to many other free VPN services, resulting in a relatively seamless free VPN experience. Additionally, we encountered fewer connection issues with the mobile version.
Customer Support
Minimal Support & Unhelpful Bots
Customer Support Rating: 5.1/10
For users of the free version of Avira Phantom VPN, customer support options are extremely limited, consisting mainly of inadequate online resources and a chatbot that primarily encourages upgrading to a paid plan. Pro users have access to an email address and telephone support, but response times are sluggish, with a five-day wait for a reply. This level of support falls short compared to the prompt, human-led assistance offered by other premium VPN providers.
Ranked #45 out of 62 VPNs for Customer Support
| Customer Support | Available in Avira Phantom VPN | Available in Avira Phantom Free |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Email Support | No | No |
| 24/7 Live Chat Support | No | No |
| Chatbot | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Email Support via Online Form | No | No |
| Live Chat Support | No | No |
| Online Resources | Yes | Yes |
| Tutorial Videos | No | No |
Avira Phantom VPN’s customer support is notably limited and challenging to navigate. It largely comprises a poorly designed website with minimal and often ineffective FAQs, as well as a largely inactive community section.
The chatbot feature is ineffective, directing users to support articles that frequently do not resolve issues. The chatbot also persistently encourages upgrading to a premium account for enhanced support. Despite purchasing a premium account, the quality of support remained inadequate.
We eventually located an email address in the paid support section, but it took considerable time to receive a response. We initially contacted support on September 28 at 12:35 PM and did not receive a reply until October 5 at 1:05 PM, resulting in a wait time of five business days.
The initial response did not address our questions and indicated that the issue was being handled by “senior technicians.” A more helpful follow-up email arrived on October 13, which was 11 business days after our initial inquiry.
Despite being a paying subscriber, we were disappointed to find that live chat support with a human agent was not available, unlike the support offered by many leading VPN services.
Price and Value
Not Good Value for Money
Price and Value Rating: 3.0/10
Avira Phantom VPN does not offer good value for money. Given its lack of advanced technical features, inadequate customer support, and frequent bugs, the monthly cost of $6.50 is excessive. More affordable VPNs, such as Private Internet Access, provide superior services at half the price. Although Avira Phantom offers a generous 60-day money-back guarantee, its free version is subpar and should be avoided despite having no cost.
Ranked #36 out of 62 VPNs for Price and Value
Pricing
- Monthly Plan: $10.00/month, billed monthly
- 12-Month Plan: $6.50/month, billed $78.00 every 12 months (Save 38%)
While the monthly plan aligns with the average cost of short-term VPN subscriptions, the annual plan’s price of $6.50 per month does not reflect the service quality. For comparison, CyberGhost offers a better VPN at $2.03 per month, and Private Internet Access, ranked #3 out of 62 VPNs, also costs $2.03 per month.
Avira Phantom VPN should lower its price to better align with the quality of service provided.
Payment and Refund Options
Avira Phantom VPN accepts the following payment methods:
- American Express
- Mastercard
- PayPal
- Visa
These options cover most popular payment methods, but the inclusion of privacy-focused cryptocurrencies and additional international payment options would be beneficial.
The service offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on annual subscriptions, the longest refund period available in the market, surpassing CyberGhost’s 45-day guarantee. For monthly subscriptions, the refund period is limited to 30 days.
To request a refund, email Avira, and the billing partner, Cleverbridge, will process it.
Avira Phantom Free
The free version of Avira Phantom VPN is easy to download and does not require personal information or payment details, eliminating the risk of unexpected charges. Although it allows unlimited use, it has a data cap of 500MB per month. Providing an email address increases the monthly data allowance to 1GB.
