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Avast VPN vs NordVPN: Which should you choose?
Which VPN works best? Avast VPN vs. NordVPN? We analyse each one and help you choose the best one.
If you’re looking for a VPN to protect your online activity, this Avast VPN vs NordVPN comparison clarifies both brands. NordVPN will give you a clearer overview of what these well-known brands offer and where one outperforms the other. Although the market offers many options, today we focus on these two. We also review features, servers, speed, security, and everything a strong VPN should deliver. We examine each area carefully and then share our winner.
Today, most users pay attention to online safety while browsing the internet. Since we spend much of our day online, you need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that hides your IP and encrypts sent and received data.
So, which VPN works best? What should you consider when choosing a brand? Does NordVPN outperform Avast SecureLine VPN? Today, we’ll help you answer all that and more. Let the round begin!
Comparison table: Avast VPN vs NordVPN
Before we compare Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN, we’ll briefly introduce them. Today’s contenders are well-known brands, although you may know the first for its antivirus.
Avast is a leading cybersecurity company founded in 1988 in the Czech Republic. Initially, it became famous for its antivirus software. However, in 2014 it entered the VPN market and launched its own VPN. While its service doesn’t match Proton VPN or NordVPN, it still suits users who don’t need advanced tools.
Meanwhile, NordVPN ranks among the market’s strongest brands. It offers a huge server network and a dedicated protocol that delivers hard-to-beat speeds. Although prices run higher, users often describe the service as excellent.
Now that you know today’s contenders, we’ll analyse and compare their main strengths in detail.
Here’s a comparison table for Avast VPN vs NordVPN:
| Attribute | NordVPN | Avast VPN |
| Number of servers | Over 7,000 | Over 700 |
| Server countries | 167 | Over 100 |
| Speed | High speeds on nearby and distant servers | Medium, but variable depending on proximity to server |
| Simultaneous connected devices | Up to 10 devices per subscription | Up to 10 devices per subscription |
| Lowest monthly price | €2.55 ($2.99) USD/month (Basic plan, two years) | €2.44 ($4.39/month, two-year plan) It offers a 60-day free trial. |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Payment options | Credit card, PayPal, Sofort, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and cryptocurrencies | Credit and debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover), PayPal |
| Protocols | WireGuard (NordLynx), OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenVPN and OpenSSL |
| Data encryption | AES-256: | AES-256: |
| Operating systems | macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, and tvOS | Windows, MaCos, Android, and iOs |
| No-logs policy | Yes | Yes |
| Independent audits | Yes | No |
| Dedicated IP address | Yes | No |
| 24/7 support | Yes | Yes |
| Malware blocker | Yes | No |
| Data breach alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Ad blocker | Yes | No |
| Cookie pop-up blockers | Yes | No |
| Streaming compatibility | Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer |
Comparison: Avast VPN vs Nord VPN
When we review this table, we reach a few conclusions. First, both VPNs offer the same data encryption level. They also support many devices and operating systems. However, a key difference appears in server counts and countries, where NordVPN clearly beats Avast.
We also notice differences in advanced tools like Dedicated IP and Malware Blocking. Moreover, they use different protocols. Next, let’s explore everything in more detail.
Reputation and reviews: Avast VPN vs NordVPN
In this area, reviewers recognise both Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN for different strengths. With the first, the parent company Avast has won many awards for security solutions, especially its antivirus. However, it earns fewer awards that focus on its VPN service.
In contrast, reviewers often recognise NordVPN for its commitment to privacy and online security. For example, in 2023, Independent Advisor named it Best VPN. Moreover, PwC Switzerland carried out independent audits and confirmed its no-logs policy. Therefore, users trust it more.
Now, what do users say? With Avast VPN, they praise its ease of use and its integration with other Avast products. As a result, you can build full protection with an extra fee. However, some reviews highlight fewer advanced features and a smaller server network than NordVPN.
With the latter users praise its large server network, fast speeds, and strong ability to unblock geo-restricted content. They also like its advanced security features and strict no-logs policy.
Devices and user experience: AvastVPN vs. NordVPN
Now we’ll compare key differences point by point. Let’s start with something crucial: User experience. Both Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN feel intuitive and easy to use, on mobiles and desktops. Even beginners will feel comfortable from the first moment.
In both cases, installation runs fast and setup stays simple. Therefore, we don’t see major differences here. However, device support gives NordVPN an edge over Avast VPN.
Avast SecureLine VPN supports only Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. While that suits most people, Linux users can’t use this VPN. NordVPN, however, supports Linux too.
Streaming and gaming
A strong VPN should also unblock streaming platforms. In fact, many users choose a VPN to watch films, shows, and sports events with geo-blocks.
With Avast SecureLine VPN, you can stream privately on Android Smart TV, NVIDIA Shield TV, or Mi Box. However, the brand disappoints for streaming overall. Unlike NordVPN, it doesn’t reliably access the platforms most users choose. Many users report failed attempts to unblock libraries in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Japan.
With NordVPN, you can unblock Netflix libraries in the US, the UK, and Canada, plus access BBC iPlayer and Hulu. You also get YouTube, of course. Moreover, NordVPN includes SmartDNS (SmartPlay), which helps on devices that don’t support VPN apps.
When we talk about gaming, NordVPN wins again against Avast VPN. Avast doesn’t support any games consoles (including XboxPS5, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch). Also, it doesn’t support routers, so you can’t protect every device on your network. You can still game on Android and iOS, yet this VPN won’t satisfy multi-platform gamers.
In contrast, NordVPN supports many devices and platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Smart TVs, and games consoles. Therefore, it clearly wins this battle.
Servers and locations
One of the aspects that differentiates Avast VPN from NordVPN is the number of servers and their locations. With Avast, the fleet includes around 700 servers across about 60 countries. That’s decent, yet other brands offer far more servers, including NordVPN. Therefore, Avast can feel limited.
Most Avast servers sit in Europe and the United States. However, it also covers countries like Turkey, Israel, and South Africa, plus parts of Asia. Moreover, some countries include multiple locations, such as the United States (16 locations) and the United Kingdom (3).
NordVPN’s server network is much larger than Avast’s. Moreover, the app includes a ‘Quick Connect’ feature that uses an algorithm. It automatically picks the best server for your location and needs. However, it also lets you manually choose specific or specialised servers.
This wide network and specialised options help NordVPN deliver fast, secure connections. Therefore, it adapts to many needs and keeps the user experience strong.
Speed and Security: AvastVPN vs. NordVPN
Speed and security matter, and every VPN must deliver both. So, what happens with NordVPN and Avast VPN? Which one runs faster and stays more secure? Let’s look next.
1. Security
Security forms the foundation of any VPN. In this area, both services perform well: Military-grade encryption, solid tunnelling protocols, and a no-logs policy. However, key differences make NordVPN’s protection more robust than Avast’s.
To make this clearer, here’s a table that summarises key security factors for both VPNs, including advanced tools:
| Security aspect | Nord VPN | Avast VPN |
| Protocols | – NordLynx: The brand’s flagship protocol. It’s a proprietary implementation of WireGuard, optimised for higher speed and security.- OpenVPN: Industry-standard protocol, known for its balance between security and performance. – IKEv2/IPsec: Efficient protocol, especially on mobile devices. | OpenVPN: Uses this protocol on compatible platforms. – IPSec/IKEv2: On iOS devices. – Avast Mimic: A protocol designed exclusively by Avast to improve censorship evasion and bypass geographic restrictions. This helps a lot in regions with strict censorship or VPN blocks. |
| Encryption level | AES-256: Military-grade encryption across all protocols, and users regard it as highly secure. It sets today’s highest standard. | AES-256: It runs across its protocols, so it delivers a strong security level. |
| No-logs policy | Strict no-logs policy: Does not store information about users’ online activity. – .Independent audits: Has undergone third-party audits to verify its privacy practices. | No-logs policy: Claims not to store user browsing data. – No known public audits: No independent audits have been reported to support this policy. |
| Kill Switch | – Available on all platforms: It cuts internet access if the VPN fails, so it protects privacy at all times. | – Available on desktop apps: It triggers if the VPN fails. |
| Obfuscated servers | It offers obfuscated servers to bypass censorship and restrictions in countries with strict internet policies, such as China or Russia. | It doesn’t offer them, but its Mimic protocol targets a similar goal: It enables VPN use in restricted countries or regions. Although both use different traffic-masking methods, both approaches help users keep privacy and access in restricted regions. |
| Integrated antivirus | It includes ‘Threat Protection’, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, so it adds another security layer. | Avast offers bundles that combine its VPN with its antivirus and other security and optimisation tools. The most complete bundle is Avast Ultimate |
| Split tunnelling | Yes, it lets you choose which apps or sites use the VPN connection and which don’t. | It doesn’t offer this feature, so it limits flexibility for managing network traffic. |
| Tor compatibility | It provides specialised servers for Tor over VPN, so you gain an extra anonymity layer. | It doesn’t integrate with the Tor network. |
| DNS leak protection | Yes, it uses measures that prevent DNS leaks, so DNS queries stay inside the VPN tunnel. | Yes, it offers DNS leak protection to keep user privacy. |
| Double VPN | Yes, it routes traffic through two different VPN servers for an extra security layer. | No it doesn’t provide this feature. |
| Dedicated IP | Yes, it offers dedicated IPs in specific locations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. | No it doesn’t offer a dedicated IP option. |
| Ad and malware blocking | The ‘Threat Protection’ feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. | No it doesn’t include ad blocking or malware protection. |
| Smart VPN | SmartPlay runs automatically when you connect to any NordVPN server, with no extra setup, and it combines VPN and SmartDNS benefits. | Yes, it automates activation based on user preferences. In other words, it can turn the VPN on automatically for certain activities. |
Security comparison: Avast VPN vs Nord VPN
2. Speed
When you connect a device to a VPN, browsing speed can drop. Tests from different users show that Avast SecureLine VPN can deliver inconsistent speeds, especially on distant servers.
In fact, NordVPN shows clear advantages thanks to its NordLynx feature. It builds on the WireGuard protocol, which most brands use, yet it stays extremely fast and secure. Therefore, it suits streaming, downloads, and online gaming.
Here’s a table that summarises the main speed characteristics for each brand:
| Aspect | NordVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
| Tunnelling protocol | It uses NordLynx, a custom WireGuard implementation optimised for fast connections. | It uses OpenVPN, IPSec, and its proprietary Avast Mimic protocol. |
| Average speed | It delivers consistent, fast speeds, even on distant servers. | It delivers decent speeds on nearby servers, but it stays less consistent over long distances. |
| Latency | Low latency, so it suits video calls and online gaming. | Acceptable latency on nearby servers, but it can rise on distant servers. |
| Performance consistency | It keeps stable performance across different network conditions. | Performance can vary more, especially at peak times or on heavily loaded servers. |
Speed comparison: Avast VPN vs NordVPN
As we can see, NordVPN delivers faster speeds and lower latency than Avast VPN. Therefore, it suits activities that need fast, stable connections.
Avast VPN vs NordVPN: Which works best for digital nomads and remote workers?
Because of their lifestyle, digital nomads face higher privacy risks. Therefore, a VPN belongs in their essential kit, alongside the Holafly eSIM or monthly plans, which help them stay connected worldwide. So, these two tools work best together for secure, fast work, without interruptions or roaming charges.
So, who wins this match: Avast VPN vs NordVPN? The clearest conclusion says NordVPN suits digital nomads and remote workers better. It combines speed, advanced security, global unblocking, and a large server network. Therefore, travellers can protect online activity with a flexible, reliable VPN.
That doesn’t mean Avast SecureLine VPN can’t work well. However, it lacks advanced features and consistent performance, which this lifestyle demands.
Which VPN do we recommend at Holafly?
Although NordVPN clearly ranks among the market’s best, at Holafly we recommend another trusted provider right now: Proton VPN.
The same team behind ProtonMail created it, and it operates from Switzerland, a country with strict privacy laws. That means laws protect your data and limit external access to your information. When you work remotely on public networks in cafés, airports, or temporary stays, this legal support makes a key difference against more commercial VPNs.
We also value Secure Core, which adds protection by routing traffic through secure data centres in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden. Then it exits to the internet, which reduces exposure to attacks, surveillance, and public-network intrusion. Moreover, its Stealth protocol stands out, because it connects smoothly where other VPNs fail or get detected. Therefore, you can keep working without interruptions or unexpected blocks.
If you want to understand why we recommend Proton VPN, we suggest you read our full review. Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to Holafly Plans and enjoy unlimited internet in more than 170 countries.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
