Avast VPN vs NordVPN: Deciding which VPN is right for you can be tricky. Different VPNs meet different needs, and many dangerous VPN providers are out there. Making the wrong decision is surprisingly easy.
To narrow the playing field, we will compare Avast VPN with NordVPN and determine your best option.
In short, we recommend NordVPN over Avast SecureLine VPN. It comes with more features and is much faster, eg. However, the biggest problem with Avast as a company is the looming shadow of the Jumpshot scandal, in which Avast used a subsidiary called Jumpshot to sell customer data.
Although Jumpshot has since been shut down, and Avast has pledged not to be so careless with customer data, it’s too dark a mark to ignore.
What are the main differences between NordVPN and Avast SecureLine?
Overall, NordVPN offers a much richer feature set than Avast SecureLine VPN. While both offer a kill switch, which shuts down your internet if the VPN fails for some reason, NordVPN works much better because you can configure it for general use and specific apps. It’s a small detail but essential.
NordVPN also offers many more servers than Avast and better servers that can handle more capacity. It’s also better for torrenting; while Avast gives them some features, NordVPN’s suite is more reliable. NordVPN is also better at unblocking Netflix and other streaming services.
Not to mention the additional features offered by NordVPN, such as dark web monitoring, which alerts you if your data appears on the dark web, or CyberSec, a malware blocker. Avast has one too, but it’s a different product you pay for separately.
Main features of Avast SecureLine:
- death switch
- moderate speeds
- Mixed results for unblocking streaming services
- About 700 servers in 30 countries
- P2P / torrent servers
NordVPN Key Features:
- Power off switch (general and per application)
- fast speeds
- Voucher for unblocking streaming services
- Over 5000 servers in over 60 countries
- P2P / torrent servers
- Dark web monitoring
- CyberSec
How much do Avast VPN and NordVPN cost?
Regarding pricing, NordVPN is a much better deal than Avast VPN, especially on longer-term plans. For example, for two years, NordVPN only charges $89, and at the end of that period, the company offers about the same rate of return.
On the other hand, Avast charges $95.76 for two years of service, which is just six bucks, and the switch is more expensive than NordVPN, but that’s quite steep considering all the extra features NordVPN offers.
From year to year, the figures are a little closer. But Avast is still more expensive at $59.88 compared to NordVPN’s $59. Sure, it costs less than a dollar, but it’s a bad deal for such an essential service as Avast SecureLine.
Avast is only cheaper if you pay monthly, but that’s not usually the way to go with VPNs, as you’ll be bitten whichever provider you go with (Mullvad is a rare exception, charging £5 per month regardless of the plan).
Whichever provider you end up with, NordVPN and Avast offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. So if you are unhappy with the service at any time during this period, you can cancel your subscription and get a refund.
Unfortunately, none offer a free plan, so check out our selection of free VPNs if you need a VPN but don’t have the money.
Are NordVPN and Avast VPN easy to use?
Regarding ease of use, Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN are good. Avast is more minimalist, putting a big button in the middle that turns the VPN on and off. There’s a selection below for the server you want and your options in a bar to the left.
We like this interface style because it leaves little to the imagination and is virtually foolproof.
NordVPN is a little more elegant but follows the same basic philosophy. The large button at the top of the screen activates and deactivates your connection.
Select servers or access client settings via the menu at the top. There is very little difference in how these two programs work. It’s more a matter of location.
However, NordVPN’s interface is a little prettier as it has a world map that shows you where you’re connected. The map is almost entirely cosmetic, but it’s a useful tool for orientation. Overall, though, this is a minor point, so we’re not going to state a strict preference for Avast VPN or NordVPN here.
Are NordVPN and Avast SecureLine private?
Regarding privacy, NordVPN and Avast’s privacy policy promises the same: no logging, no data collection, and everything most VPN services promise. It is almost impossible to verify whether these claims are valid or not.
However, NordVPN undergoes security audits every year, unlike Avast. So in Avast’s case, you’re following a service’s word on privacy.
So far, NordVPN’s reputation is pretty good. There were Tips in 2019 for some minor systems, but NordVPN quickly responded and ensured it didn’t happen again. Other than that, there’s not much to mention against NordVPN other than unsubstantiated rumors.
Avast and Jumpshot
Avast, however, is another story. As we mentioned, the company’s hand got stuck in the cookie jar of customer information. Technically, it only sold Avast Antivirus customer data; that’s still terrible for a security company, no matter how you look at it.
Although Avast apologized and promised not to do it again, we know which one to recommend if we have to balance a company with an almost spotless record and one with a blemished record. NordVPN has our vote here.
Avast VPN vs NordVPN: Which is Better?
Even privacy concerns aside, NordVPN is our favorite VPN. Although Avast is not a lousy VPN, NordVPN is cheaper and has more features.
We only see why you would choose Avast SecureLine VPN if you hate the NordVPN interface or got an excellent deal by signing up for Avast Antivirus. Even then, we’d still be a bit leery of Avast.
