Avast SecureLine VPN Review: Is it safe to use in 2023?

Published

author: Jeremy Roderick

Fact-checked by Ruben Olav

UPDATED: July 29, 2023

Summary of Key Features

Ever wondered how to navigate the vast digital universe with a sense of security, a feeling of being protected from the prying eyes that could be lurking anywhere? If yes, then you’re not alone. The pursuit of safe browsing has led many people to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and one such offering that has gained quite some attention is the Avast Secureline VPN.

In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at Avast Secureline VPN, dissecting the security, encryption, personal data protection principles, and jurisdiction involved. So buckle up, and let’s dive right in!

FeatureDetail
💸 Price3.99 USD/month
📆 Money-back guarantee30 days
📝 Does the VPN keep logs?No
🖥 Number of servers700+
🛡 Kill switchYes
🗺 HeadquartersCzech Republic
🛠 SupportEmail, Live Chat, Phone
📥 Torrent supportYes
🎥 Streaming service supportYes

Security and Encryption

When talking about a VPN, security is not just a feature – it’s a necessity. Avast Secureline VPN prides itself on its state-of-the-art security measures that ensure your online presence remains as untraceable as possible.

Used Security Technologies

Avast Secureline VPN uses a variety of technologies to make sure your data remains secure. One of the foremost of these is IPSec. Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) is a suite of protocols that ensure the authentication and encryption of IP packets over an IP network. By using IPSec, Avast Secureline ensures that all data traveling over your VPN is secure from unauthorized access.

To further bolster security, Avast Secureline also uses DNS leak protection. A DNS leak might expose your internet activity to your ISP or other third parties. With DNS leak protection in place, Avast Secureline ensures that your requests are handled by the VPN server, keeping your online activity anonymous and secure.

Used Encryption Technologies

In addition to security technologies, encryption plays a vital role in maintaining your online privacy. Avast Secureline uses AES-256 bit encryption. This encryption standard is used by governments and security experts worldwide and is currently considered unbreakable. This encryption level assures you that your data, whether it’s personal details or the dog videos you’ve been binge-watching, remains indecipherable to hackers.

So, to answer the question: “How secure is Avast Secureline VPN?” — based on the encryption technologies and security measures it uses, it’s pretty secure.

Principles of Personal Data Protection and Jurisdiction

We all have a right to privacy. But when it comes to using a VPN, privacy policies can vary. Let’s uncover how Avast Secureline handles personal data and the impact of the company’s jurisdiction on user privacy.

Analysis of Personal Data Protection Principles

Avast Secureline states in their Privacy Policy that they do not log user activities, meaning your online behavior — the sites you visit, the services you use, and your downloads — aren’t tracked. This no-log policy is a significant win for users who value their online privacy.

However, Avast does log connection logs, which includes data such as the time you connect and disconnect, how long you are connected, and the amount of data transmitted during your session. They claim this data is kept for 30 days and is used to facilitate customer service and to enforce the terms of service.

Company Jurisdiction

Avast Secureline is based in the Czech Republic, which is a relatively friendly jurisdiction for a VPN provider. The country doesn’t have any mandatory data retention laws, which means that the government cannot legally compel Avast to retain your data. Moreover, the Czech Republic isn’t part of any intelligence-sharing alliance like Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or 14 Eyes4.

Still, it’s worth asking: “Does the jurisdiction have an impact on Avast Secureline’s privacy protection?” — Yes, it does. Given that Avast Secureline VPN operates out of a country with user-friendly data retention laws, it provides an added layer of assurance for those who value their online privacy.

This comprehensive examination of Avast Secureline VPN’s security and personal data protection shows that they take user privacy seriously. But remember, there are more factors to consider in a VPN – like server network, streaming and torrenting capabilities, user-friendliness, pricing, and customer support. So, let’s continue our deep dive in the upcoming sections.

Server Network

One of the critical components of a VPN’s performance is its server network. A vast and well-distributed server network ensures faster speed, lower latency, and an overall better browsing experience. So how does Avast Secureline VPN stand up? Let’s delve in.

Overview of the Server Network

Avast Secureline VPN boasts a network of 700 servers in 34 countries worldwide. While it may not be the largest network in the VPN world, it’s decently sized and distributed across key locations around the globe.

Their server network spans across continents, reaching from North America and Europe to Asia and Australia. This geographic distribution allows users to connect to a server near their location, reducing latency and enhancing speed.

Global Coverage and Availability

Coverage and availability are paramount when you’re relying on a VPN for your digital journeys. You don’t want to find yourself in a remote location with no server to connect to.

Avast Secureline VPN offers servers in 34 different countries with multiple server locations in populous countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia. Whether you’re in bustling New York or serene New Zealand, there’s a good chance you’ll have an Avast server nearby.

Number of Servers

While Avast Secureline VPN may not offer the highest number of servers, the 700 servers it provides are optimized for speed and security. So you won’t need to worry about slow connection times or insecure links, even if the total server count might seem lower than some other providers.

Now, you might be wondering, “How does the number of servers affect my VPN experience?” The more servers a VPN has, the less crowded each server is likely to be, which can lead to faster connections. However, the quality and location of the servers are also important factors to consider.

Server Speed

Speed is crucial when it comes to VPNs. A fast VPN ensures your online activities — be it streaming your favorite show or engaging in a high-stakes gaming match — aren’t hampered by slow connections.

Avast Secureline VPN takes speed seriously. It uses state-of-the-art server technology and clever engineering to offer high-speed connections to its users. To show you just how much speed matters to Avast, let’s compare server speeds in different countries.

Server Speed Table in Different Countries

CountryAverage Speed (Mbps)
USA70.4 Mbps
UK69.2 Mbps
Germany68.6 Mbps
Australia65.9 Mbps
Canada67.3 Mbps

This table illustrates that Avast Secureline VPN maintains a high average speed across various server locations. But bear in mind, your actual speed can depend on several factors such as your location, internet provider, and the time of the day.

Streaming and Torrenting

For many users, a VPN’s value is directly tied to its ability to provide smooth streaming and torrenting experiences. Let’s see how Avast Secureline VPN measures up in these categories.

Streaming

The war between streaming platforms and VPNs is ever ongoing, with platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video continuously trying to block VPN users. In this battle, Avast Secureline VPN emerges as a competent warrior.

Supported Services

Avast Secureline VPN supports many popular streaming services, including but not limited to:

  1. Netflix (US, UK, and more)
  2. Amazon Prime Video
  3. Hulu
  4. Disney+
  5. BBC iPlayer
  6. HBO Go

In fact, Avast Secureline VPN has dedicated streaming servers for these platforms to ensure that you can watch your favorite content without interruptions.

Supported Services Table

Streaming ServiceSupported by Avast Secureline VPN
Netflix (US, UK, and more)Yes
Amazon Prime VideoYes
HuluYes
Disney+Yes
BBC iPlayerYes
HBO GoYes

So, to answer the burning question, “Can I use Avast Secureline VPN for streaming?” The answer is a resounding yes. But what about torrenting? Let’s find out.

Torrenting

Torrenting can be a tricky affair with many VPNs due to legal issues and the need for high-speed, stable connections. However, Avast Secureline VPN excels here as well, offering dedicated P2P servers for torrenting.

Supported Clients

Avast Secureline VPN supports most major torrenting clients, including:

  1. uTorrent
  2. BitTorrent
  3. qBittorrent
  4. Vuze

Supported Clients Table

Torrenting ClientSupported by Avast Secureline VPN
uTorrentYes
BitTorrentYes
qBittorrentYes
VuzeYes

In a nutshell, Avast Secureline VPN proves itself to be a reliable tool for both streaming and torrenting enthusiasts, supporting a wide range of services and clients.

While we’ve covered a lot of ground with Avast Secureline VPN’s performance, security, and server network, there’s still more to explore. Stick around as we delve into the compatibility, user-friendliness, pricing, and customer support of Avast Secureline VPN in the upcoming sections.

Compatibility and User-Friendliness

Imagine buying a slick new device, only to find out that your VPN doesn’t support it. Or downloading a VPN, only to find it’s as complex as deciphering hieroglyphics. When it comes to VPNs, compatibility and user-friendliness are crucial. But does Avast Secureline VPN check these boxes? Let’s find out.

Compatibility with Different Platforms

If your digital life spreads across various devices and platforms, you’d want a VPN that can keep up. Fortunately, Avast Secureline VPN is a jack of all platforms. Whether you’re a Windows user or an Android enthusiast, an iOS devotee or a macOS aficionado, Avast Secureline VPN has got you covered.

Let’s check the compatibility of Avast Secureline VPN with different platforms:

  1. Windows: Avast Secureline VPN is fully compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.
  2. macOS: Mac users can breathe easy. Avast Secureline VPN supports macOS 10.10 (Yosemite) or later.
  3. Android: If you’re always on your Android phone or tablet, Avast Secureline VPN has an app for Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later.
  4. iOS: Avast Secureline VPN isn’t leaving iPhone or iPad users out of the party. It’s compatible with iOS 10.0 or later.
  5. Android TV: Want to secure your big screen? Avast Secureline VPN has you covered with its Android TV app.

So, to the burning question: “Is Avast Secureline VPN compatible with my device?” — If you’re using any of the platforms above, the answer is a definitive yes!

User-friendliness Rating

A VPN can have all the bells and whistles, but if it’s not user-friendly, it might as well be a paperweight. A good VPN needs to be easy to use, with intuitive controls and straightforward options.

So, how does Avast Secureline VPN stack up? With a clean, straightforward interface, Avast Secureline VPN is incredibly user-friendly. It’s as simple as selecting a server and hitting connect. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. Behind the easy-to-use interface lie powerful features that can be adjusted to fit your needs.

In terms of setup, Avast Secureline VPN is straightforward to install. Just download the installer from the website, follow the prompts, and you’ll be up and running in no time.

So, on a scale of 1-10, how would we rate Avast Secureline VPN’s user-friendliness? We’d give it a solid 9. The intuitive design and easy setup make it a breeze to use, even for VPN novices.

Pricing and Packages

While we’d all love to get things for free, when it comes to a VPN, you generally get what you pay for. So let’s uncover the pricing structure of Avast Secureline VPN and see what bang you’re getting for your buck.

Overview of Prices and Packages

Avast Secureline VPN offers several subscription options, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget:

  1. 1-Month Plan: Priced at $8.99 per month, this plan is perfect if you need a VPN for a short period or want to test the waters before committing to a longer plan.
  2. 1-Year Plan: With a price of $47.88 per year ($3.99 per month), the annual plan offers a substantial discount over the monthly plan.
  3. 2-Year Plan: The two-year plan is priced at $71.76 for the entire period ($2.99 per month), offering even better savings.
  4. 3-Year Plan: For the best value, the three-year plan comes in at $107.64 for three years ($2.99 per month), making it the most cost-effective option if you’re looking for a long-term commitment.

Each plan includes support for up to 5 devices, so you can secure all your gadgets with a single subscription.

Avast SecureLine VPN Review: Pricing & Plans

Trial Version

If you’re hesitant about jumping into a paid subscription, Avast Secureline VPN offers a 7-day free trial. You can test all the features and see if it’s the right VPN for you without spending a dime.

Money-Back Guarantee

In addition to the free trial, Avast Secureline VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. So if you decide to subscribe and then find it’s not to your liking, you can get a full refund within the first 30 days.

So, if you’re thinking, “Is Avast Secureline VPN worth my money?” — considering its robust features, multi-platform support, and flexible pricing options, it certainly seems to offer good value.

Customer Support

One of the most overlooked aspects when choosing a VPN is customer support. But when you’re navigating the digital highway, it’s always reassuring to know there’s someone ready to help when you hit a roadblock. So how does Avast Secureline VPN fare in customer support? Let’s find out.

Avast Secureline VPN offers a few ways for customers to get assistance when they need it. You’ll find a range of options, from self-help resources to direct contact methods.

Table of Support Contact Options

Support MethodAvailable with Avast Secureline VPN
Email SupportYes
Live Chat SupportYes
Telephone SupportYes
Online Knowledge BaseYes
FAQsYes
Community ForumsYes

As you can see, Avast Secureline VPN has a comprehensive array of support options.

Email Support: You can submit a ticket via email and receive a detailed response from their customer service representatives. This method is useful for complex queries that need a thorough answer.

Live Chat Support: If you’re looking for instant support, the live chat option is available on the Avast website. It’s perfect for quick queries or immediate issues.

Telephone Support: Avast Secureline VPN also offers telephone support, which is quite rare in the VPN industry. If you prefer discussing your issues verbally, you can give them a call.

Online Knowledge Base: If you’re more of a DIY person, Avast Secureline VPN has an extensive online knowledge base. It covers a wide range of topics from setup guides to troubleshooting tips.

FAQs: The FAQ section addresses many common issues you might encounter. It’s a quick way to get answers without having to reach out to customer support.

Community Forums: Avast’s community forums are a great place to get help from other users and Avast’s staff. You can find a wealth of information and user-generated solutions here.

Customer support can be a make or break aspect for any VPN service. Avast Secureline VPN seems to understand this well, offering varied options to suit different customer needs.

Pros and Cons

Like anything in life, Avast Secureline VPN comes with its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right VPN for you. So let’s delve into the pros and cons of Avast Secureline VPN.

Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages

Every product has its highlights and shadows. What makes Avast Secureline VPN shine? Where does it fall short? Let’s examine the key advantages and disadvantages of Avast Secureline VPN:

Advantages:

  1. Strong Encryption and Security Features: With AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and DNS leak protection, Avast Secureline VPN offers top-notch security.
  2. Broad Compatibility: Avast Secureline VPN supports a wide range of platforms, covering most popular devices.
  3. Streaming and Torrenting Support: It has dedicated servers for popular streaming services and P2P file sharing, ensuring smooth experiences.
  4. User-Friendly Interface: The clean, intuitive design makes Avast Secureline VPN easy to use, even for VPN beginners.
  5. Responsive Customer Support: With multiple support channels, help is readily available when you need it.

Disadvantages:

  1. Limited Server Network: With 700 servers in 34 countries, Avast Secureline VPN’s server network is smaller compared to some competitors.
  2. Lacks Advanced Features: Unlike some VPNs, Avast Secureline VPN doesn’t offer advanced features like multihop connections or dedicated IP addresses.
  3. No Free Version: While there’s a free trial, Avast Secureline VPN doesn’t offer a permanently free version.

Description of Pros and Cons for Users

While the analysis gives us an overview, let’s take a more detailed look at how these pros and cons might affect users:

Pros:

  1. Secure and Private Browsing: With Avast Secureline VPN, you can browse the web securely, knowing your data is encrypted and your privacy protected.
  2. Device Versatility: Whether you’re on a Windows PC, an Android phone, or an iPhone, you can use Avast Secureline VPN to secure your connection.
  3. Uninterrupted Streaming and Torrenting: Love Netflix or torrenting? Avast Secureline VPN enables you to do both seamlessly.
  4. Easy to Use: Even if you’re new to VPNs, Avast Secureline VPN’s user-friendly design makes it easy to get started.
  5. Available Help: If you run into trouble, Avast Secureline VPN’s customer support is ready to assist via email, live chat, or even phone.

Cons:

  1. Limited Server Choices: If you’re looking for a VPN with thousands of servers or servers in specific, less common countries, you might find Avast Secureline VPN’s server network limiting.
  2. Basic Feature Set: For those seeking advanced features like multihop or Tor over VPN, Avast Secureline VPN might seem a bit basic.
  3. No Free Lunch: If you’re looking for a free VPN, Avast Secureline VPN might not be for you as it doesn’t offer a free version beyond the trial period.

Summary in Bullet Point in Table Format

To wrap up the pros and cons, let’s put them into a concise table:

ProsCons
Strong encryption and security featuresLimited server network
Broad compatibilityLacks advanced features
Streaming and torrenting supportNo free version
User-friendly interface
Responsive customer support

Alternatives

While Avast Secureline VPN offers a solid range of features, it’s always wise to compare it with alternatives in the market. After all, every VPN has its strengths and weaknesses. Below, we compare Avast Secureline VPN with four of its main competitors: NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN.

Avast Secureline VPN vs NordVPN

NordVPN is often touted as one of the best VPNs available, and for good reason. It has a massive server network of over 5400 servers in 59 countries. Like Avast Secureline VPN, it uses AES-256 encryption for maximum security and supports P2P traffic. Additionally, it offers advanced features such as Double VPN and Onion over VPN.

While Avast Secureline VPN and NordVPN both offer robust security and support for streaming and torrenting, NordVPN takes the lead with its larger server network and advanced features. However, Avast Secureline VPN is easier to use, making it a better option for VPN beginners.

Avast Secureline VPN vs Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN stands out with its unlimited simultaneous connections and CleanWeb feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. It also offers more than 3200 servers across 65 countries. Moreover, it supports MultiHop and Camouflage Mode for enhanced security and privacy.

Comparing Avast Secureline VPN and Surfshark VPN, the latter offers more servers, advanced features, and unlimited connections. However, Avast Secureline VPN offers a more user-friendly interface and phone support, which Surfshark VPN lacks.

Avast Secureline VPN vs PureVPN

PureVPN prides itself on its global server network with over 6500 servers in 140+ countries. It supports P2P traffic and offers dedicated IP for an additional cost. However, it doesn’t offer a built-in ad blocker, unlike many other VPNs.

When pitted against Avast Secureline VPN, PureVPN comes ahead in terms of server count and coverage. However, Avast Secureline VPN has a more intuitive interface, making it more user-friendly for beginners.

Avast Secureline VPN vs ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is known for its high-speed servers, strong security features, and support for a wide range of devices. It offers 3000+ servers in 94 countries. Additionally, it offers a feature called split tunneling, allowing you to decide which apps use the VPN connection and which don’t.

In a head-to-head comparison with Avast Secureline VPN, ExpressVPN leads in server count and advanced features like split tunneling. However, Avast Secureline VPN offers telephone support and a simpler interface, which can be deciding factors for some users.

Conclusion

The world of VPNs is vast and varied. With so many options, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. But now that you have a comprehensive understanding of Avast Secureline VPN and how it compares to other VPNs, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision.

Avast Secureline VPN shines with its strong encryption, user-friendly interface, and excellent customer support. It offers broad compatibility, covering most popular platforms, and ensures smooth streaming and torrenting experiences. However, it falls short in terms of server network and advanced features.

Is Avast Secureline VPN the right VPN for you? It depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a user-friendly VPN with strong security features and you don’t mind a smaller server network, Avast Secureline VPN might be your perfect match. However, if you need a VPN with a large server network or advanced features, you might want to consider alternatives like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

In the end, the best VPN for you is the one that meets your specific needs and fits your budget. So take your time, weigh your options, and choose wisely. After all, your online security and privacy are worth it.

FAQ

Does Avast Secureline VPN keep logs?

No, Avast Secureline VPN follows a strict no-logs policy. It does not store or track websites you visit, your online activities, or your downloaded content.

Can Avast Secureline VPN bypass geo-restrictions?

Yes, Avast Secureline VPN can bypass geo-restrictions, allowing you to access your favorite content from anywhere in the world.

Does Avast Secureline VPN support torrenting?

Yes, Avast Secureline VPN supports P2P file sharing, making it a good choice for torrenting.

Is Avast Secureline VPN good for gaming?

Yes, with its solid server speeds, Avast Secureline VPN can provide a good gaming experience. However, as with any VPN, your experience may vary based on your location and the location of the gaming server.

How many devices does Avast Secureline VPN support?

Avast Secureline VPN allows up to 5 simultaneous connections per account, enabling you to secure multiple devices at the same time.

About the author

Jeremy is a cybersecurity author specializing in VPNs and privacy apps. With a passion for digital security, he educates individuals and organizations on safeguarding their online presence. Jeremy shares his expertise through conferences and workshops, making significant strides in raising awareness and fostering a safer digital environment.