Both NordVPN and Avast Secureline are well-known VPN providers. The former is recognized as the largest network in the industry while the latter is famous for its background in online security. Which provider is better? To answer this question, it is necessary to understand what you need a VPN for: to stream videos, ensure your protection on the web, access to streaming platforms, torrenting, etc. In this NordVPN vs Avast Secureline VPN faceoff, we compare the key features of both providers to find out which one is the best.
Table of Contents
Comparison Criteria
VPNs are versatile services that can be used for a variety of purposes. The most important functions of VPNs are user security, ability to bypass geo-blocking, secure and anonymous access to torrent websites, and access to streaming websites. It goes without saying that every user wants to get a fast, convenient, and user-friendly service at an affordable price. Those are the most important criteria we are going to use in our NordVPN vs Avast Secureline VPN comparison.
Main Features
Both providers have a number of handy features. No matter which service you choose, you’ll benefit from military-grade encryption and unbreakable connection protocols. NordVPN and Avast Secureline alike allow changing your IP address and replacing it with one of the anonymous IP addresses from their rosters. The services are suitable for a multitude of purposes whether it is gaming, torrenting, streaming, or anonymous browsing.
Despite many similarities, the providers are quite different. While Avast Secureline’s subscribers benefit from convenient apps that are easy to use even for beginners, NordVPN packs much more features, which make it a favorable choice for advanced users.
Below we highlighted the most important features of both providers:
NordVPN:
- 5,400+ servers in 60 countries;
- AES 256-bit encryption;
- No-logging policy;
- 6 Simultaneous connections;
- Kill switch;
- DNS leak protection;
- CyberSec feature – block ads & malware;
- Specialized servers (DoubleVPN, Tor over VPN, etc.);
- 24/7 live-chat support.
Avast Secureline VPN:
- 55 servers in 34 countries;
- AES 256-bit encryption;
- No traffic logs collected;
- No DNS / IP leak;
- 5 Simultaneous connections;
- 24/7 support.
Winner: NordVPN
Connection Speed
When connecting to a local server, both providers show good performance and fast speeds, with NordVPN being a notch faster. However, if you reach an overseas location, the speed drops more noticeably. Avast Secureline’s speed is slightly better than that of NordVPN when establishing a long-distance connection.
Winner: Draw
Security and Encryption
Both VPNs make use of the industry standard AES-256 bit encryption combined with the OpenVPN protocol. If you wish to change a connection protocol, Avast Secureline offers IPSec while NordVPN provides access to a wider array of options: IPSec, PPTP, and L2TP. On top of that, with NordVPN, you can take advantage of extra security features such as Double VPN and Onion over VPN.
Users of both VPNs can benefit from the leak-less connection. If you experience interruptions while using NordVPN, your traffic will be protected from exposure thanks to Kill Switch. Unfortunately, Avast Secureline doesn’t include this emergency disconnection tool into its packages.
Due to foolproof zero-logging policy, NordVPN hides users’ footprints on the net. Combine it with favorable jurisdiction in Panama (doesn’t have mandatory data retention laws) and you will see why NordVPN is a much-loved provider among security-paranoid users.
Avast VPN collects some connection logs including time of connection, its duration, and bandwidth used. The service stores them within 30 days. This logging may seem minor but it is still a threat to your security if a government demands Avast to handle user information. Being register in the Czech Republic where data retention is compulsory is not great for user anonymity either.
Winner: NordVPN.
Software
NordVPN has dedicated apps for a variety of devices including desktop computers (running Windows, Linux, OS X), mobile devices powered by Android and iOS, and you can also install it on TV boxes, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and even routers. Totally, you can establish 6 simultaneous connections.
Avast Secureline allows 5 simultaneous connections but its range of supported devices is limited by Windows and Mac computers, Android devices, iPads, and iPhones.
No matter what provider you choose, both have intuitive clients that are a breeze to set up and configure. Automated and manual connections are supported.
Winner: NordVPN.
Servers and Locations
When it comes to a server network, NordVPN stands head and shoulders above the competition. It has more than 5,500 servers stationed in 60 countries. Avast Secureline can’t beat such a strong rival having only 55 servers in 34 countries.
Another benefit of NordVPN is purpose-designed servers. Along with regular servers, it offers Double VPN, Tor over VPN, and obfuscated servers. You can also purchase a dedicated IP address from one of 56 servers located in the US, UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. Avast Secureline, unfortunately, has no specialized servers.
Winner: NordVPN.
Customer Support
Both VPNs made sure to provide consistent and flawless services so that you don’t have to ask for help. Nevertheless, if you come across some issues, they have 24/7 online assistance to resolve them as soon as possible. NordVPN offers online chat, email support, and tickets. Additionally, you can make use of their extensive FAQ and support library.
Avast Secureline has a vast knowledge base and user forum if you want to figure everything on your own as well as trouble tickets and phone support. The latter is not common in the VPN industry but it is a great option if you need to solve your problems immediately.
Winner: Draw.
Torrenting Support
NordVPN has no restrictions regarding torrenting: you can use any server in any country for P2P file exchange. Avast Secureline is also good for torrent aficionados. However, it supports torrenting only through its data center locations (8 servers in 6 countries).
Winner: NordVPN.
Access to Streaming Services
Thanks to the large server network that is constantly expanding, NordVPN works with all major streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc. It is able to unblock them with certain shared servers (the list is constantly updated so you need to inquire about this information from the support) as well as via dedicated IP addresses.
Avast Secureline can unblock some geo-restricted content but when it comes to access to large video on demand services, it waves the white flag. Netflix and similar platforms blacklisted all its servers.
Winner: NordVPN.
Prices and Plans
NordVPN ranges its subscription plans based on duration. Totally, it has four options:
- One month – $11.99 per month;
- 1 year – $4.99 per month ($59.48 per year).
- 2 years – $3.29 per month ($78.96 per 2 years).
Each plan comes with a 30-day money back guarantee if for any reason you want to stop your membership. The service has plenty of payment options including anonymous ones (cryptocurrency and gift cards).
Avast Secureline has a somewhat tricky subscription based on the type of devices you are going to use. For instance, if you wish to connect all supported devices, a 1-year service will cost $79.99. If you want to secure your phone only, the subscription is priced at $19.99. All available plans are as follows:
- All devices – $79.99 / per year.
- Computers (Windows and Mac) – $59.99 / per year.
- Mobile devices (Android and iOS) – $19.99 / per year.
The service features a 30-day refund policy but you can claim your money back only if you consumed under 10GB of data or connected less than 100 times over the refund period. Luckily, you can test the service out within a 7-day trial period to see if it is really a fit for your needs.
Winner: NordVPN.
Winner: NordVPN
Both NordVPN and Avast Secureline has its pros. We like Avast VPN for a user-friendly interface, fast international connection, user-friendly service, and handy tech support over the phone. Unfortunately, the service will suit only beginners who don’t require many features. In terms of server availability, access to torrents, unblocking capabilities, multi-device support, and security, NordVPN is doing way better than its competitor. Therefore, with the score of 8:2, the victor of Avast VPN vs NordVPN faceoff is NordVPN.