NordVPN vs Avast SecureLine VPN in 2020

If you’re not entirely new to the VPN world, you’re undoubtedly aware of both NordVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN. Of course, each has its selling points, but one of them is the sure frontrunner.

If you only have so much time, no worries. Take a look at the table below to see how Avast SecureLine VPN vs NordVPN stack up!

Just by looking at the table, you can see that NordVPN is the clear winner. But let’s look at the details. Continue reading to see how both providers do when I put them side by side in terms of security, privacy, ease of use, pricing, and more.

Security of Avast VPN vs NordVPN

Winner: NordVPN

The starting point seems promising as both providers have military-grade encryption to keep their users safe.

Both VPNs also offer a set of secure tunneling protocols. However, Avast SecureLine VPN lacks a little in this department. When NordVPN introduced the propriety version of the WireGuard protocol, called NordLynx, it left many of its competitors behind. The thing with NordLynx is that you get just as much security combined with great speeds, and today this combination is practically unbeatable.

Moreover, NordVPN has stronger security features, such as Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and a free SOCKS5 proxy. While both providers have a kill switch, that’s about all Avast SecureLine has to offer.

To see whether NordVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN were leaking my IP address, I took some online tests. With NordVPN, I chose Sweden, and with Avast SecureLine, I chose Norway:

As you can see, both providers did a great job of hiding my real IP address – the tests can only detect the VPN IP addresses.

Even though Avast SecureLine is not bad in terms of security, NordVPN is a lot better, which is why it’s the winner of the round.

Privacy

Winner: NordVPN

When it comes to staying private online, you want a provider that is based in a privacy-friendly country, has a strict no-logs policy, and offers anonymous payment methods, such as cryptocurrencies. Spoiler alert, one of the two providers have all of that.

I’m happy to see that both providers are based outside the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes countries. Both Panama and the Czech Republic are great locations for a VPN.

NordVPN has an independently-audited no-logs policy and no record of ever violating it. On the other hand, Avast SecureLine VPN keeps connection logs (timestamps, your IP address (sans the last octet), and the IPs of VPN servers you connect to) and this is one of those red flags you should look for when choosing a virtual private network.

Quite unsurprisingly, Avast SecureLine VPN does not have any anonymous payment options, leaving its competitor with the prize – in addition to all the features, NordVPN also accepts ten different cryptocurrencies.

Speed & Performance

Winner: NordVPN

While the sheer server count isn’t always the alpha and omega of how well a VPN will do on a speed test, NordVPN is an excellent example of a provider that has a lot of servers and delivers great speeds.

Even though none of the two owns their own server network, that doesn’t stop NordVPN from offering both speed and a reliable connection. And now, with the introduction of NordLynx, NordVPN is the fastest provider on the market, leaving no room for Avast SecureLine VPN to compete.

With AvastVPN, you get mediocre speeds that won’t get you very far, especially if you’re in need of a foolproof and fast Internet connection.

By choosing NordVPN, you can expect uninterrupted connection and great speeds – whether you’re streaming content on Netflix, or browsing online.

Avast VPN vs NordVPN apps and ease of use

Winner: NordVPN

What I like about both providers is that they offer apps for all major device types/operating systems. The only exception is that Avast SecureLine VPN doesn’t support Linux, but for general users, that’s probably not a huge problem. Moreover, both NordVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN allows 6 and 5 simultaneous connections, respectively.

Both providers support Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, and Avast SecureLine VPN also gives users their own Avast Secure Browser.

Sadly, Avast SecureLine VPN only supports Android TV, so if you’re a Fire Stick user, I’d recommend you go for NordVPN as it has dedicated apps for both Android TV and Fire TV.

NordVPN also allows for manual setup on routers, firewalls, and NAS. And it has more advanced customer support, which includes 24/7 live chat.

Moreover, quite recently, NordVPN introduced its new chatbot feature that works just fine. What’s great is that even when the chatbot cannot solve your issue, NordVPN’s friendly support team will do that quite smoothly.

Comparing that with Avast SecureLine VPN customer support with no live chat option, the winner of this round is more than obvious – it’s NordVPN.

Torrenting and P2P

Winner: NordVPN

Neither Avast SecureLine VPN nor NordVPN is a bad shout for torrenting. With that said, NordVPN is both safer and faster.

Avast VPN has no private DNS and is based in the Czech Republic, which, while quite privacy-friendly, is no Panama. Add NordVPN’s free SOCKS5 proxy and a powerful kill switch, and there you have it – a powerful tool to enjoy your P2P experience.

Moreover, NordVPN has a list of specialty servers with P2P that connects you to the fastest server in the fastest country automatically. With this feature, not only will you be able to enjoy torrenting, but you will also do it with ease.

Netflix and other streaming platforms

Winner: NordVPN

Even if both providers are looking great in this table, there’s something additional to mention. I had no problem accessing the American Netflix with Avast SecureLineVPN, accessing other Netflix libraries was trickier.

I managed to access the UK libraries, but it took some trial and error. The same goes for the Australian Netflix libraries. So, yes, Avast SecureLine VPN works with Netflix, but you might need to try a couple of times.

I’m happy that these problems don’t occur with NordVPN. This provider works great for Netflix US, other Netflix libraries, and the majority of other streaming platforms.

Avast SecureLine VPN works with BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO GO. I find it very capable, but NordVPN is simply more reliable, faster, and thus a clear winner of this round.

China and other restricted countries

Winner: NordVPN

One thing is for sure, we want a super-secure VPN service for a repressive country like China. Secondly, as with Netflix, not many VPNs are capable of getting past the (affectionately-titled) Great Firewall.

NordVPN has some nice tricks up its sleeve to make sure its service in China is as reliable as possible under the circumstances. For example, NordVPN’s Obfuscated servers will help you defeat China’s Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and NordVPN’s Tor-VPN integration called Onion over VPN.

Avast has no such tricks, therefore, we couldn’t recommend it as a reliable VPN for China.

Pricing of Avast VPN vs NordVPN

Winner: NordVPN

Before I start discussing the pricing, I must mention that Avast SecureLine VPN offers different pricing plans for both one device and five devices. In my comparison, I included prices for five devices, as getting a VPN only to protect your laptop, and forgetting about your smartphone or Android TV does not make sense to me.

If you buy it for five devices, Avast SecureLine VPN prices seem super unfair, because NordVPN, the far superior product, will cost you less than half the price of Avast VPN.

Of course, more pricing options is always a good thing, but it’s not like the other Avast SecureLine VPN deals are great.

Avast VPN vs NordVPN – which is better?

Winner: NordVPN

I’ve come full circle, and now we can reiterate: NordVPN is comprehensively better than Avast SecureLine. There is no aspect where we would favor the latter product!

With NordVPN, you will get both – increased security and privacy online, as well as the chance to bypass the geo-blocked or restricted content. Most importantly, you won’t be sacrificing on speeds and overall user experience.

Read our full reviews:

NordVPN review

Avast Secureline VPN review