When it comes to comparing Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN, both services fall within a similar price bracket. While NordVPN stands out as one of the most widely-used VPN choices available, Avast is primarily recognized for its antivirus solutions, positioning it as the challenger in this evaluation. In this analysis, we explore how Avast SecureLine VPN measures up against NordVPN in terms of cost, speed & efficiency, security functionalities, confidentiality principles, and client assistance.
- Avast SecureLine VPN: Ideal if you require a top-notch VPN service for less than 60 days without any charges, and if you are not seeking cutting-edge attributes or performance excellence.
- NordVPN: Perfect for those in search of a moderately-priced VPN that offers optimal performance for streaming and torrenting, along with extra security and privacy components like a password manager or Onion over VPN.
Avast SecureLine VPN versus NordVPN: Comprehensive assessment table
| Attributes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Compatible devices | ||
| Server network | ||
| Unlockable streaming platforms | ||
| Velocity and efficiency | ||
| Segmented tunneling | ||
| Supplementary VPN aspects | ||
| Data confidentiality guidelines | ||
| Assistance | ||
| Commencing cost | ||
| For further details |
|
|
Comparing Avast SecureLine VPN with NordVPN pricing
Cost of Avast SecureLine VPN
Avast SecureLine VPN provides an extensive 60-day trial on all platforms, yet they recently initiated the requirement for users to provide credit card information to access the trial. Each paid subscription grants access to all VPN functionalities, although Avast has ceased offering monthly schemes, necessitating a minimum one-year commitment.
| 3 years | |
| 2 years | |
| 1 year |
For more information, check out our complete Avast SecureLine VPN Review.
NordVPN cost structure
If you register for NordVPN from an Android device, you receive a seven-day trial at no charge, however, credit card information is mandatory. NordVPN also features a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are dissatisfied with their service or neglect to cancel within the trial period.
| 2 years | |||
| 1 year | |||
| 1 month | |||
| Main features |
NordVPN also provides price reductions for committing to extended subscription durations. While the Standard plan encompasses all VPN features, the Plus plan introduces extra security features like a secure password manager and a data breach scanning service. The sole addition with the Ultimate plan is 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage.
For more details, view our comprehensive NordVPN Review.
Comparison of Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN: Features
Supported devices
Victor: NordVPN
Both Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN permit 10 simultaneous application installations per account with no bandwidth restrictions. However, Avast exclusively supports Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, whereas NordVPN furnishes applications for a diverse range of platforms, including gaming consoles and Oculus Meta Quest 2.
Server pool
Victor: NordVPN
Avast SecureLine VPN has one of the smallest server pools for VPN services in its price category, containing 700 servers in 58 cities across 34 countries. Although this list encompasses dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting in several crucial locations.
Figure A
NordVPN boasts over 5,800 servers in 140 cities spanning more than 110 countries. This server pool includes dedicated P2P torrenting servers, a few double VPN servers that cloak your IP address twice, and “obfuscated” servers engineered to circumvent network firewalls and filters on restricted content.
SEE: NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Which VPN Is Best? (TechRepublic)
Streamingservices
Champion: NordVPN
Despite Avast SecureLine VPN offering specialized streaming servers, the application falls short in unblocking geo-restricted content on streaming platforms other than Netflix and YouTube.
NordVPN unlocks content on a minimum of nine streaming sites, such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX, facilitating the streaming of British TV series prior to their international release.
Velocity and efficiency
Champion: NordVPN
The connection provided by Avast SecureLine VPN remains solid, even during server switches or while using the Smart VPN mode for split tunneling. However, its speed fails to impress, particularly considering its price point, clocking in at an average of approximately 87% of my original fiber connection speed.
NordVPN delivers some of the most impressive VPN speeds and performance in the field, typically reducing my base Internet speed by only 5%. Furthermore, its application remains highly stable, ensuring continuity of connection while toggling features and changing servers. Overall, NordVPN offers a significantly faster VPN connection, ideal for activities such as streaming, gaming, and P2P torrenting.
VIEW: 6 Best VPNs for Gaming in 2024 (TechRepublic)
Split tunneling
Champion: Draw
Avast SecureLine VPN lacks conventional split tunneling, which permits users to specify individual applications or websites exempt from the VPN connection. Instead, it features the Smart VPN mode that enables users to set rules dictating when the VPN should be active or inactive. However, the rules are restricted to network types, torrent applications, video streaming services, and specific websites, without the ability to establish rules at the application level, for instance, for music streaming software or corporate applications.
Figure B
Conversely, NordVPN integrates a conventional split tunneling feature that automatically deactivates the VPN for trusted individual applications.
Extra VPN attributes
Champion: NordVPN
Avast lacks any supplementary VPN, security, or privacy features beyond those mentioned earlier, which is underwhelming considering its pricing.
VIEW: How to Start a Career in Cybersecurity (TechRepublic Premium)
NordVPN incorporates numerous additional features and functionalities into its VPN packages, offering significantly more value. For instance, Meshnet allows you to link up to 60 devices in a private, encrypted LAN (local area network) for secure collaboration and file sharing.
Figure C
Other features include Onion over VPN, allowing in-browser access to .onion sites, threat protection to block malware and ads, and a VPN kill switch that halts all Internet connectivity if the VPN connection fails.
VIEW: Surfshark vs. NordVPN: Which VPN Is Better in 2024? (TechRepublic)
Confidentiality policies
Champion: NordVPN
Both Avast SecureLine and NordVPN enforce no-log policies, meaning they refrain from collecting or retaining any data related to your online activities while connected to their platforms. Avast operates out of the Czech Republic, a country known for its privacy-centric approach and absence from data sharing or intelligence alliances. However, while Avast claims to have a no-log policy, it has not undergone any third-party verification audits. Additionally, Avast was fined by the FTC for selling the browsing data of users of its free antivirus software, raising doubt about their dedication to user privacy.
In contrast, NordVPN’s no-log policy has been validated by four independent audits. While the company is transparent about its duty to provide logs if legally mandated by a court order, such a requirement has never been necessary in the past.
Figure D
Customer assistance
Champion: NordVPN
Both VPN providers present strong self-help solutions with FAQs and guides to assist users in navigating the setup process for all their functions. They both also feature an email support system for existing clients, although NordVPN additionally offers chatbot assistance.
Avast SecureLine VPN advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of Avast SecureLine VPN
- Presents a 60-day complimentary trial for all supported platforms.
- Delivers a reliable VPN connection.
- Enables users to establish VPN connection rules.
- Features an intuitive app that even novices can quickly grasp.
Disadvantages of Avast SecureLine VPN
- No option for monthly subscription.
- Only compatible with the four most popular operating systems.
- Restricted server pool.
- Only unlocks streaming content on Netflix and YouTube.
- Underwhelming speeds and features given the price.
- Past incidents of selling user data.
NordVPN advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of NordVPN
- Supports a broad array of platforms.
- Impressive quantity and distribution of servers worldwide.
- Unblocks restricted content on more than 9 streaming services.
- Offers some of the finest speeds and performance in the market.
- Comprehensive VPN feature set, including Meshnet and Onion over VPN.
- Privacy practices have undergone four independent verifications.
Disadvantages of NordVPN
- 7-day trial available only for Android users.
- Legally obligated to disclose usage logs under court order.
Is Avast SecureLine VPN or NordVPN suitable for your organization?
NordVPN excels in almost every aspect, offering top-notch performance, features, and privacy measures. Given Avast’s dubious track record of data selling, I would advise against using its SecureLine VPN service unless absolutely necessary, and only surpassing the common seven-day trial period offered by most other VPN providers. The lack of extra features and subpar VPN speeds, despite the slightly higher cost, puts Avast SecureLine VPN at a disadvantage compared to NordVPN.
SEE: Does a VPN Slow Down Your Internet Speed? (TechRepublic)
Meanwhile, NordVPN has consistently demonstrated dedication to user security and privacy. Even its standard package offers some of the most innovative VPN functionalities available, allowing users to establish encrypted LANs and browse .onion websites without installing additional software. I recommend NordVPN for a wide range of applications, with the caveat that, like most VPN services, it may be required by law to disclose your usage logs.
Evaluation approach
I utilized trial versions of both Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN to assess each service across five categories: pricing, core VPN features, usability, customer support, and hands-on testing. Speed and performance validation was done using an independent testing platform, and feedback from public review sites such as Trustpilot was considered to gauge real user experiences with each product.
Gain more insights about TechRepublic’s approach to VPN reviews.
About Author
