Avast SecureLine VPN

Avast VPN has not-so-advanced privacy features and protocols. It uses OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec protocol for the safe browsing of the customers. It also provides Mimic security protocol which is Avast’s exclusive and is considered an experimental feature. Well, that doesn’t stimulate much confidence. When you purchase a VPN, you want it to be reliable, not experimental. Although, Mimic delivers fast speeds but requires more transparency about its security.

OpenVPN is used as a default protocol across all devices and platforms except macOS and IOS. Apple platforms use the IPSec protocol as an alternative, Although, IPSec is not an unsafe protocol but isn’t as powerful as OpenVPN. Avast uses the best encryption cipher, AES-256, and has a kill switch for safe and secure practices even if the connection drops.

Also, the VPN doesn’t leak any DNS, IP, or WebRTC information. Let’s not forget the fact, that the VPN operates in the Czech Republic (Bad Jurisdiction), which means you won’t be comforted by using Avast SecureLine VPN.

Though there is one thing that signifies the reliability of using Avast VPN and that is its speed. Fortunately, the VPN provides fast and consistent speeds whether you are using nearby servers or distant servers. The VPN is comparable with other industry giants for fast and stable speeds.

On average, the VPN drops only 2% to 3% download speed which is an extremely fast connection. However, there isn’t much optimism for upload speeds. The ping times are usually high when connected to the Mimic protocol at around 90ms to 95ms. That much frequency would result in lags in gaming while the OpenVPN protocol provides high speeds as it generates 14ms to 20ms ping times. International servers also provide stable speeds whether it is the US or Australia, you might expect a 15% to 20% speed loss on average.

Considerably, the Avast Mimic protocol is faster when connected to long-distance servers whereas OpenVPN is ideal for nearby servers.

Avast SecureLine VPN runs 700+ servers across 34 countries and 54 cities. Well, it is a disappointing number of server locations, Cheerily, the VPN works in most locations of Europe and North America. There aren’t many servers covering Asia, Middle-east and Africa.

The VPN has an underwhelming performance for unblocking streaming content. Despite having optimized servers for streaming, it can access Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, All 4, and Germany Netflix. The VPN works well with UK servers for streaming content. However, US Netflix, Hulu, DAZN, Disney+, and more are inaccessible to stream.

Avast VPN records fast P2P activities. However, its intrusive logging policy and absence of advanced security features are red flags for the users for unsafe torrenting. 

Avast VPN ticks all the boxes when it comes to customer support. The VPN has recently launched 24/7 live chat support with knowledgeable technical staff. The traditional FAQs option and extensive knowledge base are also available to address users’ problems thoroughly. Avast offers many products like VPN, antivirus, cleaning & optimization tools. So, you have to specify the product you need help with and reach out accordingly. Overall, the VPN’s customer support is efficient and informative.

Avast VPN offers a 7-day free trial and three pricing plans: monthly, yearly, and biannually. The monthly plan is quite expensive; however, the other two plans catch the attention of the customers with their cheap and long-term offers. Avast SecureLine VPN provides the following subscription plans:

• 1-Month plan costs $10.99/per month; billed monthly
• 2-Years plan costs $4.39/per month; billed $105.36 at once
• 1-Year plan costs $4.59/per month; billed $55.08 at once

Refund Policy 

The VPN provides a standard 30-day money-back guarantee without any questions asked.

Payment Methods

The VPN offers disappointing payment options to its customers. There is no method to pay through crypto or other international e-payments options. It only accepts the following payment methods:

• Credit Cards (Visa, Master Card, and American Express)
• PayPal