Security

Avast SecureLine VPN Review 2024

By TechNadu Staff / February 20, 2024

Avast VPN assures you that hopping on its services means you get to enjoy “truly private browsing.” If something about the VPN’s name rings a bell, then this doesn’t sound like an empty boast. After all, Avast is one of the most popular names in the Internet security industry.

This VPN service remains based in the privacy-friendly Czech Republic, outside the 14 Eyes Alliance. However, its 2022 merger with NortonLifeLock placed it under Gen Digital, a US-based company within the Five Eyes intelligence network.

But is it enough? Avast SecureLine VPN offers a suite of basic security and privacy features that include industry-standard encryption for protecting your data. It also has a no-logs policy. Well, not quite. We found that the provider collects more information than we’re comfortable with. 

Avast VPN has remained secure without any history of hacking or data breaches. That said, its parent company has disclosed user information to government authorities in the past. More on that later.

As for performance, expect fast speeds and stable connections strong enough for smooth, buffer-free streaming and downloading. It’s not the best option for gaming, though.

All said and done, Avast SecureLine VPN doesn’t do enough to make it onto our list of the best VPN services. Before we dive deeper into what it offers, here’s a table with its most prominent characteristics.

Jurisdiction Czech Republic.
Logs No logging - not independently audited.
Servers 700+ in 36 countries.
Simultaneous Connections 10.
Supported Devices Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, browsers, Android TV, and NVIDIA Shield TV.
Features Kill switch, AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, split tunneling, and more.
Protocols OpenVPN, WireGuard, Mimic, IPSec.
Supports US Netflix, Disney+, Max, and torrenting.
Customer Support Live chat, email, FAQ, and phone.
Price From $4.39/month.
Live Deal 46% OFF (3-year plan)
Our Score 7.3 out of 10.

As part of our in-depth Avast SecureLine VPN review, we’ll run through different aspects of this service. This includes its jurisdiction, supported platforms, infrastructure, design, features, pricing, and more. To learn about our hands-on testing approach, check out how we review VPNs

Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation

Avast VPN operates from a friendly jurisdiction and has never leaked user data. However, it has handed over information to authorities and hasn’t undergone independent audits. Our Score: 8/10

It’s easy to get caught up in the features and performance of a VPN. While they’re certainly essential points to consider, here’s another — the provider’s background and history. 

Where Is Avast SecureLine VPN Based? 

Avast SecureLine VPN is based in the Czech Republic, a decent location due to the absence of strict data retention laws and its non-membership in the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. However, Avast merged with NortonLifeLock (now Gen Digital) in 2022. This means it now operates under the umbrella of Gen Digital, a US-based company headquartered within the Five Eyes alliance.

This change in ownership structure raises potential privacy concerns, as Gen Digital falls under US jurisdiction, and its data handling practices could be subject to government requests. On the other hand, the Czech Republic is part of the European Union and operates under its privacy laws. Still, it’s a better jurisdiction than the United States, for instance. In addition, the EU has made steady progress in that area in recent years.

Gen Digital also owns Norton, LifeLock, Avast, AVG, Avira, and CCleaner. Several brands under Gen Digital also have their own VPNs. Aside from HMA and Avast Secureline, they also have Norton Secure VPN and Avira Phantom VPN. While these VPNs remain separate entities, Avast SecureLine VPN and AVG Secure VPN share the same infrastructure.

Overall, while the Czech Republic location offers some advantages, the recent merger with Gen Digital adds a layer of complexity to the privacy picture.

Did Avast VPN Leak Personal Data in the Past? 

No, Avast SecureLine VPN has never leaked personal data in the past. They also publish a warrant canary quarterly, indicating they haven't received secret subpoenas. However, that’s not enough to put the VPN in the clear.

Avast VPN admits to disclosing user information to government authorities. They report the number of government requests they receive and the number of disclosures. From 2017 to 2023, they received 941 government requests and disclosed 61, with the disclosure rate steadily declining to around 10% in 2023. This transparency is commendable, but it also highlights their cooperation with authorities and potential data retention.

Additionally, in 2019, Mozilla removed Avast’s antivirus Web browser extension for flouting its privacy rules. Early next year, an investigation sensationally revealed that the head company, Avast, had harvested user data through its antivirus plugins. 

To be clear, this doesn’t have any clear connections to Avast SecureLine VPN itself. Plus, Avast has since shut down Jumpshot and discontinued this practice. That said, there are valid concerns over an Internet privacy and security company carrying out those actions in the first place.

Is Avast VPN Safe?

We can’t say for certain that Avast SecureLine VPN is safe enough to protect your online privacy. Here’s why.

This VPN offers AES 256-bit encryption to scramble your data and keep it undecipherable to snoops. It also has a kill switch to prevent leaks, along with WireGuard, Mimic, and OpenVPN protocols. 

That said, we’re not entirely convinced because it maintains a policy of providing user information to government authorities. As far as we’re concerned, that’s not something a privacy provider should be doing. There’s also the shady business its parent company conducts with third-party corporations involving private data. 

While it touts a zero-logs policy, the VPN collects and stores more logs than we see any legit justification for. It hasn’t undergone an independent audit of that policy so far.

Supported Platforms & Devices

There are Avast VPN apps for both desktop and mobile devices. The VPN also offers two browser extensions and supports a few streaming devices. Our Score: 7/10

The top VPN services offer apps and support for a wide range of devices. That includes computers, smartphones, routers, streaming devices, and more. It’s important, as it means you’re not leaving some of your gadgets unprotected when you pay for a subscription. 

Here’s an overview of how Avast SecureLine VPN fares in this area.

Desktop Platforms Windows, macOS.
Mobile Platforms Android, iOS.
Web Browsers Chrome, Mozilla.
Routers N/A.
Other Devices Android TV, NVIDIA Shield TV, Mi Box.

Avast VPN offers native apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, simultaneously supporting up to 10 devices. This is ideal for families or individuals with multiple connected devices.

Plus, if you want to connect your Web browser to a VPN server, its Chrome and Mozilla extensions have that covered. They’re basically remote controllers for the main VPN app, allowing you to change your IP address without leaving the browser.

Linux desktop systems are becoming increasingly popular. However, Avast VPN hasn't taken that into consideration so far. Moreover, it has no support for routers, which is a shame. Many VPNs allow you to set up a router, which extends protection to devices on your network that may be incompatible with a VPN.

In addition, Avast VPN doesn’t support set-top boxes like Amazon’s Fire TV Stick or game consoles.

Installation & Initial Configuration

It only takes a few minutes to install Avast VPN’s native apps on your device. While it will encourage you to download sister products, it doesn’t bundle them. Our Score: 10/10

In this section of our Avast VPN review, we’ll guide you on how to get the VPN up and running on your device.

How to Setup and Use Avast SecureLine VPN?

How to download Avast SecureLine VPN on your device

Installing and getting Avast VPN ready for use is a pretty straightforward process. Here are the instructions for desktop devices (they work the same on Windows and Mac computers).

  1. Subscribe to Avast SecureLine VPN using a Web browser.
  2. Return to the VPN product page and click “Account” near the top-right corner.
  3. Type in your credentials to sign in to your account.
  4. Click “Download & activate subscription” on the right side.
  5. Click the download button and select your device.
  6. Download the installation file and install the app.
  7. Launch Avast SecureLine VPN and enter your credentials to activate the product.
  8. To choose a server, click the “Change button.
  9. Click on any server to connect. That’s it! 

Avast SecureLine VPN works without any additional configuration. It’s an even simpler process for smartphones. Visit the Play Store or Apple App Store and search for Avast SecureLine VPN. Click the download button to install it on your mobile phone.

Prominent Features

Avast VPN covers the basics, but there’s not much else. Even the advanced/extra features aren’t present across the board. Our Score: 7.5/10

It wouldn’t be accurate to say that Avast SecureLine VPN is bursting at the seams with features. It comes with functionality that's now considered standard in the industry, but there’s little in terms of advanced or extra features. For instance, there’s no dedicated IP or ad blocker.

Activating Avast VPN Kill Switch on Windows

Avast SecureLine VPN Smart VPN Mode

Avast SecureLine VPN app on Android showing the Split Tunneling feature

Server Count & Infrastructure

While Avast SecureLine VPN’s server network has grown massively over the years, it’s not there yet in terms of size and spread. Our Score: 5/10

A good rule of thumb for VPNs is to have more servers, as it reduces the chances of congestion and resulting latency. Here’s what Avast SecureLine VPN offers in this area.

Number of Servers 700+
Number of Locations 58
Number of Countries 36
Specific Cities Selection YES (limited)
Unlimited Switching YES

Avast SecureLine VPN manages 700+ servers in 36 countries. It’s not the worst we’ve seen, but the VPN is nowhere near making our list of VPNs with the most servers. In stark contrast, NordVPN has a network comprising 6,000+ servers, and CyberGhost VPN has more than 11,000+ in its collection.

To be fair, Avast VPN’s current network size is a massive upgrade from only a few years ago when it only had about 55 options. Sheer size isn’t the only thing that matters — the number of countries also does. Avast SecureLine VPN’s presence in only 36 countries is disappointing. Depending on where you are, you may be forced to connect to servers that are too far away, potentially resulting in slower speeds.

As for the spread, the VPN strives to cover every continent. Still, the result is all too common. The United States and Europe snag the larger share of the pie, with most of the servers located there. In fact, there are more locations in the US (16) than in Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific combined (12).

Also, the VPN doesn’t impose any restrictions on server switching. While there’s a city-specific selection, it’s limited. You can select the city in countries with multiple servers, including the US, UK, Spain, Germany, Canada, and Australia.

UI/UX Design & Ease of Use

Avast SecureLine VPN home screen on Windows

Avast VPN’s desktop and mobile clients sport clean, modern designs. They’re also easy to use and suitable for beginners. Our Score: 9/10

In this Avast VPN review segment, we’ll closely examine its desktop and mobile apps. Since it also has browser extensions, we’ll explore what’s on offer there as well.

On desktop, Avast VPN ignores the current trend of a portrait-sized window in favor of a landscape. The result is ample real estate with a minimalist feel. It follows a purple theme that looks simple yet modern and sleek. What’s more, the Windows and macOS apps practically mirror each other.

Avast SecureLine VPN Windows UI

The home screen features a subtle backdrop with a pixelated representation of a world map. A toggle button takes center stage and makes it clear when the VPN protects your device and when it’s deactivated. Under the connect button, a banner shows the current server and a button to switch servers.

Let’s move on to the VPN’s settings.

How to select Avast VPN protocols

Like the desktop versions, Avast’s mobile apps are pretty similar-looking. They take the minimalist design a step further, with a connect button dominating most of the screen. 

Avast SecureLine VPN's interface on Android
Avast SecureLine VPN's Android interface.

Near the bottom, you can tap to select a server location. The only other element on the home screen is a settings cog icon at the top-right corner, which opens up the configuration options when you tap it.

The browser extensions are easy to set up and use. You can add them to your Chrome or Firefox browsers directly from the desktop app. It doesn’t work like the common VPN extension, restricting a server connection to your browser. Instead, any actions you take here get implemented system-wide.

Avast SecureLine VPN Chrome browser extension

Here’s what you can find on Avast VPN’s Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox Web browsers: 

Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support

Avast SecureLine VPN isn’t a top choice for gaming and streaming, as it fails to unblock many services. However, it handles torrenting well, especially on dedicated servers. Our Score: 6/10

Many people use VPNs to access online content, from streaming libraries to torrent downloads and gaming. If you’re wondering how well Avast SecureLine VPN holds up here, you’re about to find out. 

Is Avast VPN Good for Streaming? 

No, Avast VPN isn’t a great choice for streaming online content. The provider claims it can help you bypass geo-restrictions. However, it doesn’t excel in this area and certainly isn't the best VPN service for streaming.

During our tests, we evaluated its ability to unlock geo-blocks on a number of streaming platforms. Here’s a table showing how it performed.

Netflix US YES
Hulu NO
Disney+ YES
BBC iPlayer NO
Amazon Prime Video NO
Max YES
Paramount+ NO

Avast SecureLine VPN offers 6 servers optimized for streaming, with four in the United States and one each in Germany and the UK. We received mixed results when we tested them. For instance, the American server unblocked Netflix US, but the UK server didn’t work with BBC iPlayer.

Is Avast VPN Good for Torrenting?

Yes, Avast SecureLine VPN is good, but not the best torrent VPN. The provider supports peer-to-peer sharing across various platforms, including BitTorrent and uTorrent. It even offers 8 dedicated servers for this online activity. The servers are located in:

Avast VPN’s P2P-optimized servers will grant you faster speeds for downloads, prevent throttling, and reduce risks. However, the VPN doesn’t support port forwarding, which is a great feature for torrenting.

Is Avast VPN Good for Gaming?

No, Avast SecureLine VPN isn’t a good gaming VPN. The provider doesn’t offer specialized servers for this activity. However, on its website, Avast VPN suggests that its dedicated P2P servers work for massively multiplayer online games (MMOs).

When it comes to using a VPN for gaming, it’s ideal that the provider has a wide network of servers, specialized servers, and fast speeds. Avast VPN doesn’t tick all these boxes with its average network size and lack of specific gaming optimization. 

That said, Avast SecureLine VPN’s fast connection speeds bail it out here. You’ll not experience significant lag while gaming, especially on nearby servers.

Security & Privacy

Avast VPN comes with a wide range of tunneling protocols and is leak-proof. However, we’re uneasy about the extent of its data logging. Our Score: 6/10

Above everything else, a good VPN must be trusted to protect your sensitive data from snoopers and interception. In this section, we'll examine three key elements: the encryption protocols used, their data logging policy (or lack thereof), and any potential vulnerabilities through IP/DNS leaks. This assessment will help determine if the VPN truly safeguards your privacy.

Avast SecureLine VPN Protocols

Avast VPN has a range of VPN protocols to choose from. However, they’re not all available on each supported platform. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect for your device when you install Avast VPN.

OpenVPN WireGuard Avast Mimic IPSec
Windows YES YES YES NO
macOS NO NO YES YES
Linux NO NO NO NO
Android YES YES YES NO
iOS NO NO YES YES

Does Avast SecureLine VPN Keep Logs?

No, Avast SecureLine VPN doesn’t store usage or activity logs. That means the provider doesn’t retain user-identifiable information on its servers.

In its Privacy Policy, Avast SecureLine VPN states that it doesn’t keep your originating IP address, DNS requests, browsing history, or transferred files. These are all data directly linked to a user, which could lead to identifying them. However, we’re worried the VPN stores more data than is necessary. 

Avast SecureLine VPN collects connection timestamps and the amount of data transmitted. It says the data is necessary to plan concurrent active connections and network capacity. On top of that, it stores this data on its servers for 35 days before deleting it. That’s besides the account data it collects at registration, including email addresses.

We’re not fans of this. Our best no-logs VPNs manage to provide exceptional service without requiring this level of detail. And so far, Avast SecureLine VPN hasn’t undergone an independent audit of its logging policy.

Does Avast SecureLine VPN Leak/Expose Your Private Data?

No, Avast VPN doesn’t expose your private data. We ran a leak test on the VPN using an online tool. As you can see from the results below, the tool could only detect the VPN’s virtual IP address. That’s what websites and other online services will see.

Testing Avast SecureLine VPN for DNS leaks

Based on the results, our original identity remained hidden, even after we ran the provider through multiple IP and DNS leak tests. Clearly, Avast VPN is airtight and won’t expose your data to prying eyes.

Speed & Performance

Avast SecureLine VPN showing baseline speed and server performance in the US, UK, Canada, Taiwan, Australia, and Italy

Avast VPN is a fast VPN. It comes with connection speeds that are fast enough to stream high-quality video and large files. Our Score: 8/10

An Avast SecureLine VPN review is incomplete without evaluating its speed, so let’s see how the VPN will affect your performance. To begin with, we checked how fast our Internet traffic was without an active VPN connection in the background. 

Our baseline speed result returned 65.41 Mbps for downloads and 3.77 Mbps for uploads. Because of the extra step a VPN adds to your Internet traffic’s journey to its destination, it’s normal to experience slower speeds. Let’s see how Avast SecureLine VPN holds up when connected to various servers.

Download Speed Upload Speed Speed Reduction
Baseline Data 65.41 Mbps 3.77 Mbps 0%
USA (Miami) 48.73 Mbps 3.46 Mbps 26%
UK (London) 58.58 Mbps 2.71 Mbps 10%
Canada (Toronto) 41.07 Mbps 1.76 Mbps 37%
Taiwan 46.33 Mbps 3.91 Mbps 29%
Australia (Melbourne) 25.35 Mbps 2.15 Mbps 61%
Italy (Milan) 43.77 Mbps 3.11 Mbps 33%

Overall, Avast VPN’s speeds dropped by 33% on average. This result confirms that the VPN is a pretty fast one. It doesn’t beat the fastest VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN in this area, but it’s way faster than many other providers we’ve tested.

Customer Support

Avast SecureLine VPN offers multiple channels for reaching customer support and getting answers. However, there’s some room for improvement in its efficiency. Our Score: 8.5/10

With Avast’s comprehensive line of products, we’re not surprised at its array of customer support options, which include:  

Pricing

You can certainly get better bang for your buck elsewhere for what it takes to subscribe to an Avast VPN plan. Our Score: 5/10

Previously, Avast SecureLine VPN operated a complicated pricing scheme with licenses for individual devices. We’re glad to see it has now scraped that. These are your current subscription options.

How Much Does Avast VPN Cost?

Avast SecureLine VPN starts at $4.39/month, with three tiers of subscription packages available. The pricing depends on the duration of the plan you decide on. All three subscription plans work on up to 10 devices simultaneously on one account. 

Let's check out each plan:

Per Month Total Price Savings
1 Year $4.59 $55.08 0%
2 Years $4.39 $105.36 4%
3 Years $4.39 $158.04 4%

Opting for the two- and three-year plans will save up to 4% on the monthly cost of the annual plan. It’s clear that Avast SecureLine VPN has set its plans to lock in users for the long term. There are no monthly, quarterly, or half-year subscriptions — all common options for VPN services. 

Payment channels include credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and American Express) and PayPal. We would’ve liked to see more privacy-conscious options, like cryptocurrency.

Is Avast VPN Free?

No, Avast SecureLine VPN isn’t a free provider. However, it lets you enjoy the service for limited periods with 7- and 60-day trials. This offering has earned it a spot on our list of the best VPN free trials.

The week-long trial doesn’t require any payment information. Simply install the VPN on your device and get started. It’s limitless, with no data caps or restrictions on server use. On the other hand, you’ll need to submit payment information to get the longer 60-day trial.

Also, keep in mind that Avast can't process refunds for subscriptions purchased through the App Store. The 30-day money-back guarantee only works if you buy it on their website via desktop or through Google Play. Even then, they still require an explanation for the refund request. This contrasts with some other VPNs that offer simpler "no questions asked" policies.

Final Thoughts - Is Avast VPN Good? 

Yes, Avast SecureLine VPN is a good VPN service, but not the best on the market. Sure, there are things to like about this VPN. For instance, it has excellent speeds, so you can be sure of stable and reliable connections. Plus, it offers an array of protocols, has a generous trial period, and is easy to use.

That said, there are several areas we’re not fans of. The VPN has handed over user information to government authorities since 2017. Publicly documenting this doesn’t make us feel better about it, especially as it collects more logs than is necessary. What’s more, Avast VPN’s toolkit covers the basics and a few extras but is missing many advanced features. 

If you want a speedy VPN without all the bells and whistles, you could check out Avast SecureLine VPN. But if you're seeking a feature-rich VPN with a broader server network in the same price range as Avast VPN, we highly recommend NordVPN.

PROS

  • Offers fast connection speeds.
  • Several protocols to choose from.
  • Bank-level encryption.
  • Supports torrenting with optimized servers.
  • Comes with browser extensions.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Polished user interface.

CONS

  • Not a true zero-logs VPN.
  • Supplies user information to authorities.
  • Small server network.
  • Few advanced VPN features.
  • No OpenVPN on Apple devices.
  • Not great at bypassing geo-blocks.
  • Refund policy is conditional.

FAQ

What Is Avast SecureLine?

Avast SecureLine VPN is a virtual private network provider that routes your Internet traffic through an encrypted, secure tunnel to a remote server, granting you online privacy and security.

Is Avast SafeZone a VPN?

No. Avast SafeZone, now Avast Secure Browser, is a Web browser designed for online privacy and security. It comes as an optional package in the antivirus suite but is also available for download on the company’s website.

How Fast Is Avast VPN?

Avast SecureLine VPN is a speedy service. The VPN dropped our connection speeds by 33% on average, which places it under only a few rivals.

Is Avast SecureLine VPN Worth It?

No, Avast VPN isn’t worth the subscription fee. While the VPN offers standard security features, it doesn’t justify its price. For a similar price with excellent VPN features, we strongly recommend NordVPN. You can also get Surfshark or subscribe to ExpressVPN instead.

Is Avast VPN Legit?

Yes, Avast VPN is a legit VPN provider for basic privacy needs. However, it lacks advanced features and a wide server network compared to competitors.

What Does SecureLine VPN Do?

Avast SecureLine VPN encrypts your Internet traffic and masks your IP address, securing your data on public Wi-Fi and potentially accessing geo-restricted content.

Avast VPN vs. NordVPN: Which Is Better?

NordVPN is a better choice over Avast VPN due to its extensive server network, robust security features, and reliable performance. For a more comprehensive and secure VPN experience, get NordVPN.

How Secure Is Avast VPN?

Avast VPN uses encryption like AES 256-bit to shield your data from snoops. Its kill switch and secure protocols (WireGuard, Mimic, OpenVPN) also offer additional security layers.

However, its data sharing with authorities and unclear logging practices make it a bit tricky to say for sure that it's totally secure.

Does Avast VPN Work in China?

No, Avast VPN doesn't work in China. Since Avast VPN isn't currently recommended for use in China, this means it may not work reliably in this country.

Does Avast VPN Work with Netflix?

Yes, Avast VPN does work with Netflix. It lets you access content libraries from different countries.

How Does SecureLine VPN Work?

Avast SecureLine VPN acts like a secret tunnel for your Internet data. It wraps it in encryption, hides your location by sending it through a remote server, and unblocks geo-restricted content.

Is Avast VPN a Virus?

No, Avast SecureLine VPN isn't a virus. It's a legitimate cybersecurity software designed to enhance online privacy and security by encrypting Internet connections.

Review Summary

Avast SecureLine VPN offers excellent speeds and standard security and privacy features. However, it needs to level up its network size, geo-unblocking abilities, and advanced offerings.

7.2
Overall Score
Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation
8
Supported Platforms & Devices
7
Installation & Initial Configuration
10
Prominent Features
7.5
Server Count & Infrastructure
5
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use
9
Media Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Support
6
Security & Privacy
6
Speed & Performance
8
Customer Support
8.5
Pricing
5


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