There are a lot of VPNs on the market today, meaning you have plenty of great options to choose from! However, this can make it difficult for you to narrow down your search. Two VPNs that have proven to be very popular are NordVPN and Avast VPN. Considering that, I have put together this comparison so that you can get a better understanding of the difference between both VPNs, enabling you to make your own decision on which one is the right VPN for you.
Before I continue, I should point out that I have reviewed both services extensively. You can check out my NordVPN review and Avast SecureLine VPN review to find out more.
Avast VPN VS NordVPN
A basic overview of NordVPN and Avast VPN
Before I delve into more specific areas, such as security, I will start off by giving you a basic understanding of the two services.
In terms of jurisdiction, NordVPN is based in Panama and Avast VPN is based in the Czech Republic. NordVPN’s jurisdiction is considered the safer of the two. While Czech Republic is not the worst place in the world for a VPN, it is believed to be a cooperative member of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance, despite not having any mandatory data retention laws. Because of this, Panama is considered a better location, as the country has no affiliation with any surveillance agencies and there are not any data retention requirements on VPN providers and ISPs based in the country.
One of the big differences between the two VPNs is their server network. Avast VPN has more than 100 servers across 34 countries. However, NordVPN far surpasses this, offering more than 5,000 servers across 59 countries. Clearly, you have a much bigger server selection to choose from when using NordVPN. I think this is incredibly important because you should have no problem doing any sort of task online.
NordVPN vs Avast VPN: Which has solid Security?
The first area that I am going to assess when it comes to these VPNs is security. After all, security is one of the most critical factors you need to consider when choosing a VPN. You really cannot afford to cut corners in this department.
One thing that I do prefer about NordVPN is that it is a strictly no-logs VPN. However, Avast Secureline VPN does keep some information; it will keep your IP and timestamp logs. I prefer a VPN that is not going to hold onto any data at all. Aren’t we using a VPN so that we can be private?
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the different features that are shared between NordVPN and Avast VPN. Both providers provide benchmark protocols, leak protection, AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch. The latter is incredibly important, as it means that you are going to be protected even if your Internet connection drops out. In terms of simultaneous connections, you’re permitted 5 with Avast, which is the industry standard, and NordVPN offers 6.
There are a few security features that you are going to get with NordVPN that you won’t experience with Avast. This includes split tunnelling, an ad blocker, malware blocker, obfuscation, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN. Therefore, NordVPN offers a more comprehensive set of security features.
WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN vs Avast VPN: Which is best for Torrenting?
Next, we’re going to take a look at which VPN is better for torrenting. Because of the obfuscation technology that is in place, NordVPN is a lot safer for torrenting. Also, NordVPN does not keep any logs, as mentioned above.
Both of the VPNs are leakproof and they provide unlimited bandwidth. In terms of speed, I would say that NordVPN is pretty fast, whereas the speeds at Avast are more average.
However, it is certainly good to see that both VPNs support torrenting, as this is not always the case with all of the VPNs that are on the market today. Avast SecureLine has dedicated several servers to torrenting, so you’re not going to have the full server range to choose from. NordVPN, on the other hand, has a huge server network, and all of them offer P2P support.
The real difference between the two when it comes to torrenting in my opinion is obfuscation. This technology is critical in terms of protecting your security while torrenting, and that’s why NordVPN has a clear advantage.
WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN vs Avast VPN: Which Is best for Streaming?
Netflix has put a ban on VPNs. Basically, this means that the company has put some pretty strong security measures in place to prevent people from using VPNs. Currently, Avast VPN is not able to get past these blocks, and so you will not be able to unblock Netflix using Avast Secureline. However, NordVPN is able to unblock Netflix. So, if you are looking for a VPN for the purpose of accessing different Netflix libraries, NordVPN has to be the choice for you.
In fact, from the extensive testing that I have done, it seems that there is no VPN that Avast cannot unblock. It is effective at unblocking BBC iPlayer, Fubo TV, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus, and HBO GO. With Avast VPN, I have been unable to unblock Fubo TV and Hulu, yet the other streaming services you can access with this VPN, so it is still a pretty decent choice when it comes to streaming. However, it is unfortunate that you cannot use Netflix on Avast.
WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN vs Avast VPN: Who has the best Customer Support?
Both NordVPN and Avast VPN offer excellent support options. One of the things that I really like about Avast is that it provides 24/7 customer support over the telephone. This is something that you’re not going to get with NordVPN. In fact, there are very few VPN providers that offer phone support, let alone offering it on a 24/7 basis.
Avast also has a knowledge base and forum that contains a lot of helpful articles should you have any questions. You also get a similar offering at the NordVPN support hub, which has FAQs, setup guides, and detailed instructions.
However, one thing that Avast does not provide is live support, which is something that you do get at NordVPN. This is why NordVPN just edges it in the customer support department for me. After all, when you’re struggling with something, live chat offers the most convenient solution. You can get a quick response, and that is what we are all looking for online, isn’t it?
WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN vs Avast VPN: Compatibility
Another area that you will want to consider when choosing between the two VPNs is compatibility. Again, this is somewhere where NordVPN just edges it. Avast Secureline is clearly a very capable VPN, but NordVPN seems to always go that one step better, and this is something you can clearly see when it comes to the subject of compatibility.
Avast VPN is compatible with macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. However, it is not compatible with Firefox, Chrome, and Linux.
NordVPN, on the other hand, is compatible with all of the devices that we have mentioned.
WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN vs Avast VPN: Logging Policy
Earlier, I mentioned that NordVPN does not keep any logs whereas Avast does. This is something that is worth further elaboration, as the logging policy a VPN implements are of huge importance, as it dictates the level of privacy the VPN in question can guarantee.
Both NordVPN and Avast VPN do not keep any activity logs, yet Avast does keep connection logs. NordVPN actually has one of the greatest logging policies in the industry today. It will not maintain any logs of any nature, meaning no traffic, timestamp, bandwidth, or user IP logs. This is one of the reasons why NordVPN is considered one of the world’s best logging policies.
WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN vs Avast VPN: Which one has ultra Speed?
One thing that I have not mentioned yet is the speed or the performance of these two powerhouse VPNs, and this is, of course, a critical factor. Of course, we all expect a bit of a speed drop when using a VPN. However, the last thing you want is for your Internet to start running at a snail’s pace.
Speed impacts the functionality and overall performance of your VPN. you are not going to be able to torrent or stream effectively if you do not have good speed. When comparing the two VPNs against one and another, using different server locations, I concluded that NordVPN was around 15/16 Mbps than Avast Secureline.
It’s not that Avast Secureline VPN is slow; the speeds are actually pretty standard for most VPNs today. However, NordVPN is just super fast!
WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN vs Avast VPN: Which one is best for money?
There are a number of different plans that are available on NordVPN. You have the option of a one-month plan, a one-year plan, and a two-year plan. The latter is the cheapest of the three, working out at $3.70 per month.
On the other hand, with Avast Secureline VPN, there is no option to sign-up on a monthly basis. You can go for a one-year, two-year, or three-year plan, with the latter costing $3.99 per month.
Both VPNs give you the chance to try before you buy, however, they have a different approach to this. With Avast Secureline VPN, you can try it free for seven days, and you won’t have to give over any of your credit card information to do so. However, with NordVPN, you have a 30-day moneyback guarantee. This means that, if you are not happy with NordVPN, you can get a full refund within the first 30 days. One thing I do advise with this is that you still go for the two-year plan, even if you are trying before committing. After all, if you do decide that NordVPN is right for you, you want to be locked into the cheaper plan, right?
WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN vs Avast VPN: Payment Methods
Last but not least, the final factor that I am going to look at are the payment methods that are available. It was hard to split the two in this area. Both platforms offer credit and debit card payments. PayPal is available for certain regions at NordVPN, and you can also use PayPal at Avast Secureline VPN. However, one thing that does set the two VPNs apart is the acceptance of cryptocurrency, which is something you do not get at Avast but NordVPN does offer.
WINNER: NordVPN
Final words
So there you have it: everything that you need to know about NordVPN and Avast VPN. I hope that this has helped you to get a good understanding of the main differences between both of these VPN providers. While there are a lot of good things about Avast VPN and NordVPN, NordVPN has to be my winner. This is my favourite VPN on the market today, as it ticks all of the boxes. It has a massive server selection, it is secure, and you can watch all of your favourite streaming services. However, if you do think Avast Secureline VPN is the right option for you, I’d also say that it is a pretty solid choice and there are clearly a lot of good elements associated with this VPN too.