I’m writing this Avast Secureline VPN Review so that you have a single easy to navigate article that talks you through everything you need to know. I’ll start off by looking at what Avast Secureline is and how it can enhance your browsing experience. Plus, more importantly, improve privacy and security.
With the basics covered, I’ll look at their pricing options so you know what you can expect for your money. Then it’s on to the technical details. Including, device and software compatibility, privacy and security. Plus, all the details you need to know regarding server speeds and locations. Armed with all that information you’ll be in prime position to decide if this service meets your needs.
Table of Contents
Avast Secureline VPN Review – The Company Behind the Service
Avast Secureline is one of the world’s most widely used VPN providers. With years of experience and expertise, they allow users from across the world to use the internet with anonymity and enhanced security. Used by corporations, professionals, and recreational customers, it provides a unique combination of technical excellence and customer service.
However, this company does not just offer VPN services. No, it also offers, antivirus protection in the form of a free application, to premium subscription-based services. Furthermore, its dedication to protecting internet users, see’s it provide browser and computer cleanup options, plus a driver updater.
During testing, I found their VPN service to be adaptable, which was exactly what I wanted. With a range of packages on offer, you should be able to find something that meets your specific needs with no difficulty.
Avast Secureline Pricing Plans
Like the majority of VPN providers, Avast Secureline is an attractive proposition, one that offers different price plans. However, unlike the majority, I have reviewed they are tied to the device you use. By that, I mean, not just a flat package covering multiple devices! On signing up, you can pay with cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Plus, there’s the option to by PayPal too, which was convenient for me.
PC and Mac Option
If you’re a PC or Mac user, you can browse with enhanced security for $59.99 per year. That covers usage on a single device and runs uninterrupted for an entire 12-months.
Mobile Device Option
With browsing increasingly done from the palm of your hand, it good to know that mobile devices are, covered too. However, rather oddly, (as I touched on above,) these can be covered separately. So, that’s Android smartphones, iPhones, and iPads, each for $19.99 per year– with the two iOS devices considered one product.
Now, while this kind of individual device cover is odd, it does over a level of flexibility that I find appealing! Why? Because, it gives you the freedom to browse, download, and share depending on what device you use, with extra privacy and security.
Multiple-Device Option
Now, no, good, VPN worth its salt would be without the following package! So, if you thought secureline VPN did not offer a multi-device option, you’re wrong.
Personally, I use a smartphone, desktop, and a laptop to browse the web. So, this multi-device package enables me to use all of them at the same time, if I wish. Price wise, this option will set you back $79.99 per year, for that you get to connect up to 5-devices at any one time.
Also, each account comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. Which means that if you buy, but, are you’re not completely satisfied, you can get your money back instantly.
Testing Avast Secureline
This is the point of review where I share some of my opinions and experiences with you. I’m sure you want to know the technical side of things before you opt for a particular VPN.
I’ll take a look at device and Software Compatibility so you know whether you’ll be able to use their services. Plus, Privacy and Security, so you know how your data will be safeguarded. And also my experience with Server Speeds and Compatible Services. All of this will allow you to form a picture of how you’ll actually use it. I’ll keep things simple and easy to follow so that you can find your own answer to the question: ‘is Avast VPN good?’
Before you go any further, why not take a quick look at my pros and cons list. Doing so will enable you to grasp the essential details quickly.
Pros
- Easy to sign up and use from day one
- Uncompromising levels of customer service
- Enhanced browsing experience that allows you to go about your business with security and anonymity
- Flexible and competitive pricing
- Connect up to a maximum of 5-devices monthly package
- 30-day money back guarantee included
Cons
- Not as many available servers as its rivals
- Not all packages support multiple devices
- Some logs usage logs are kept
- Does not accept Bitcoin
Device and Software Compatibility: Everything You Need to Know
Next up, let’s have a look at which devices are compatible with the Avast VPN, and which are not. The main thing to be aware of here is that Avast supports the vast majority of PCs and Macs. Plus iOS and Android mobile devices, as I have already mentioned.
While a comprehensive list is what everyone want’s, the evolving nature of compatibility prevents this. However, right now, here’s what I know is compatible: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10, Mac OS X 10.9.x, 10.10.x, and 10.11.x. Plus, iOS and, Android. Unfortunately, after doing some searching, it seems that routers are not supported.
Now, if you have any doubts, please double check with Avast’s technical support team. Also, bear in mind that for optimal performance Avast recommends you run Google Chrome.
Furthermore, if you are new to VPNs, you should now that each device will likely require a different application. By that, I mean a separate piece of downloadable software.
Privacy and Security
If you’re reading this Secureline VPN Review, it’s safe to say; you have an interest in privacy and security. Which is perfectly natural when you consider the continued threat of hacking and the rise of cyber-terrorism. By opting to browse across a VPN, you’re taking a sensible step to ensure the security, and integrity of your data. What Avast does as well as competitors, is, control the way in which your data and identity are safeguarded.
This helps your device with everything from combating hackers and blocking malware, to accessing completely legal content. Plus, that which has been geo-restricted! No matter what your browsing habits are, I think you will find the suite of security features more than powerful enough to take care of everything you need.
The technology behind this is considered to be military-grade, so offers you the best protection. That is AES 256-bit encryption, with two protocols, OpenVPN and IPSec on UDP. Additionally, there is DNS leak protection, which prevents your operating system from giving away your location. It does this by firewalling IPV4 traffic, and disabling IPV6 requests. Combined, these are considered to be the most secure encryption currently available!
However, there is a negative, the Secureline VPN does not use a Killswitch. This handy feature would if your connection to a VPN server should fail, prevent your identity from being compromised. Unfortunately, without it, you would be vulnerable to prying eyes!
Number of Servers and Locations
What Avast does a great job of in my opinion is provide a set of servers with almost 100% uptime. How? Maybe that’s possible because in the world of VPNs it has one of the smallest server counts I’ve ever seen. Which of course, means they are easier to manage?
By a small number, I mean small, currently it has just 52-servers in 33 countries across the world. Countries presently available include: Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Israel, Canada, Finland, Denmark, China, Malaysia, the USA, and many more! In fact, you can find Secureline servers on every continent bar South America.
What’s clear from Avast Secureline VPNs documentation. Is it has a presence in many of the most popular countries in the world. And that means, if you want to unlock geo-blocked content, you can do so if in one of those countries. For example, if you’re a US citizen on holiday abroad, you can connect to a server back home, and watch Netflix.
Server Speed and Compatible Services
The big question for many is download speed. If your VPN keeps you secure but doesn’t allow you to stream fast enough to watch films or play online games, it’s useless!
Before I talk about download speeds, for those not familiar with VPNs, here’s an answer to a question you have. No, Avast does not restrict the amount of data you can download per month.
Why am I saying that? Well recently, I was asked that by a friend so realized, not everyone understands. VPNs are not like ISPs, well that is the paid for variety are not! The only limitations/restrictions you may see will depend on how overloaded a server is and how far away.
What Download Speeds Did I see?
Being based in the UK, I first tested my download speed without a VPN connection. At 2.34 pm, in the afternoon I saw a 36.58-Mbps result, which isn’t far off my maximum. However, when connected to a server in Germany, I saw a drop of just over 3-Mbps to 33.25-Mbps. And that meant I could still surf, play games, and stream with no recognizable speed loss.
However, when I connected to the Japanese server, the losses were quite apparent from a testing point of view. I lost 13-Mbps, down to 20.57-Mbps, and that did pose some problems with multiple devices connected at the same time.
My Final Thoughts – Is Avast VPN Good?
The purpose of this Avast VPN Review isn’t so much to persuade you to pick a particular package. No, the intention is to open your eyes to the wealth of options that are available to you.
As for, is Avast VPN Good? That is the crucial question really isn’t it? I wouldn’t be doing this review justice if I didn’t finish it off with my own opinion, so, here is what I actually thought.
What I really rated was the 30-day money back guarantee; it gave me the peace of mind to give it a try. Of course, there’s no forgetting the promise of enhanced security and its no logs policy. But, just because they offer that peace of mind, the lack of server options had me a little concerned.
It just didn’t feel like I was dealing with an outfit comparable to the likes of NordVPN. Or maybe even PureVPN, both offer substantially more features, and do not cost more for multiple-devices.
However, it’s fair to say, that if you rely on the internet for of your evening-and-weekend entertainment, you won’t be disappointed. In fact, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the server speeds on offer. Especially, if you pick one that is not on the other side of the planet. Doing so will mean, no frustrating buffering while you watch a movie.
However, when it comes down to choosing a VPN, Secureline does not have the fastest servers or the all-important Killswitch. Plus, its pricing, unlike competitors, is more expensive for multiple devices, which makes it worth considering alternatives.