Avast SecureLine VPN Review 2022

Avast SecureLine VPN Review (2022) – Fast, but keeps logs

Avast is mostly known for its antivirus software, which is free and used by over 400 million people worldwide. However, it also offers the Avast SecureLine VPN service. This is an easy-to-use and fast VPN that works with American Netflix and allows you to download torrents safely. Sadly, its server network is quite small, and there are several concerns when it comes to security and privacy. We’ll be discussing all of these factors and more in this detailed review.

Avast SecureLine VPN Short Review

Avast SecureLine VPN is a decent VPN with good speeds on local servers and specialized servers for downloading and streaming. It even works with the American version of Netflix and BBC iPlayer. It uses relatively safe protocols and strong encryption. However, this VPN provider also has a logging policy and cannot keep your online data private. Aside from the privacy scandals that Avast as a company has been involved in over the years, SecureLine also admits to storing all sorts of connection logs and even part of your IP address. It also has a relatively small server network compared to other providers.

Specifications Avast SecureLine VPN

Price

From $3.75 a month

Operating systems

• Windows
• ,
• Mac
• ,
• iOS
• ,
• Android

Simultaneous connections

• 5

Torrents

• Torrenting allowed

Netflix

• Works with Netflix

Protocols

• OpenVPN
• ,
• IKEv2
• ,
• L2TP/IPsec

Payment methods

• Paypal
• ,
• Credit card

Money-back guarantee

• Yes

Works with

• 
• 

Visit Avast SecureLine VPN

Speed – How Fast is Avast SecureLine VPN?

A fast VPN ensures your internet speed doesn’t drop dramatically. After all, you don’t want to have to wait for Netflix to load just because you’re using a VPN connection. We tested Avast SecureLine’s speed, so you know what to expect of this VPN. The main conclusions are:

• Avast SecureLine VPN can reach very decent speeds.
• Both upload and download speeds were barely affected when we used a local server.
• Avast SecureLine’s USA servers were noticeably slower (in Europe) than our local servers.
• We noticed very little difference in speed during browsing, downloading, gaming, and streaming, even though it did take longer for Netflix to load.

Speedtest results Avast SecureLine VPN

To determine the factual speeds of Avast SecureLine, we tested this VPN with Speedtest.net. Below, you’ll see the results of our internet connection while testing Avast SecureLine. These tests have been conducted from The Netherlands and take both local and American Avast SecureLine servers into account. By means of a blank test, we’ve also tested our internet speed without a VPN.

Speed without a VPN (Speedtest.net):

These are the speed test results of our own connection without a VPN. These results will be used to compare the speed of the Avast SecureLine servers.

Speed with a local server (Speedtest.net):

Our connection reached the above speeds when we were connected with a local (in this case Dutch) Avast SecureLine VPN server. According to Avast SecureLine’s software, this was the most optimal server for us to use. Although the ping has risen compared to our blank test, both the download and upload speed stayed approximately the same. This is quite a good result. Avast SecureLine’s local server barely affects our internet speed.

Speed with a distant server (Speedtest.net):

The speed tests results of a distant Avast SecureLine server tell a different story. It isn’t unusual for your internet speed to slow if you use a VPN server that’s located far from your actual location. After all, your data will have to be rerouted all that way. Even so, the ping has significantly increased in this case. The download speed has dropped to less than half of what we had at first. Our upload speed did remain stable. While these results aren’t awful, they aren’t great, either.

Speed during daily use

Speed test results can be useful, but it’s more important to see how a VPN’s speed affects the user experience. That’s why we tried out Avast SecureLine for an extended period.

While browsing, we didn’t experience any problems. Web pages loaded fast and without any issues. Streaming, in most cases, went very smoothly as well. Spotify worked without any delays, and YouTube, too, barely needed to load videos. Watching the American version of Netflix also worked, although videos did need some time to load.

Downloading was reasonably easy when using the specialized P2P servers provided by Avast. Files from emails were downloaded in the blink of an eye. You can also safely download torrents with this VPN. While our local server didn’t give us access to The Pirate Bay, we were able to download quite quickly with an American server. During online gaming, we barely noticed a difference compared to our usual internet experience either.

Safety – How Secure is Avast SecureLine VPN?

In general, one could say that a safe VPN is a good VPN. A lot of people use a VPN to protect their online safety and privacy, after all. That’s why we closely study the security of all providers we test. Among other things, we’ll be looking at Avast SecureLine’s protocols as well as its logging policy. Some key points are:

• Avast SecureLine VPN uses the following protocols: OpenVPN (UDP), IPSec, and IKEv2, depending on the operating system you’re using.
• Avast’s logging policy is problematic: it logs part of your IP alongside other information.
• This VPN doesn’t log users’ browser activity or DNS requests.
• Browser data of free Avast users has been sold to other parties in the past.
• Avast SecureLine has a built-in kill switch.
• If you want to make an Avast SecureLine account, you need to share your email address and a username.

Protocols

Avast SecureLine VPN uses strong AES 256 bit encryption. Aside from that, this provider had different protocols, including OpenVPN, IPsec, and IKEv2. The protocol that will be used for your VPN connection depends on your operating system:

Something to keep in mind when you use Avast SecureLine VPN on Mac is that IPsec isn’t used in combination with L2TP, as is normally the case. The combination of these two protocols makes the system much safer. However, IPsec is responsible for encryption, meaning that, with Avast SecureLine for Mac, at least your connection will be coded. Even so, this is something you might want to take into consideration when choosing a VPN.

Logging and privacy

There’s a lot to say about Avast SecureLine’s logging policy and the way Avast handles customer privacy. First of all, we looked at the facts as stated in the VPN’s privacy policy. At its very top, there’s a slightly worrying statement: “While we respect your privacy and take strenuous measures to protect it, it does not mean that you are totally anonymous to us.” In other words, Avast SecureLine says that it gathers all sorts of user information to make the service function correctly, a practice that’s never seen in most decent VPN services.

Avast promises never to save your complete IP address, DNS requests, or activity logs. Even so, there is plenty of other data that’s actively logged. First of all, Avast needs your information to be able to create an account. Think of your email address, user name, password, and payment method. Avast will save even more information about you when you use its SecureLine service. This includes:

• Timestamps of your connection
• Your IP address subnet (which is almost your entire IP, save for the last digits)
• The IP address of the VPN server you use
• The amount of data sent through the connection

This information can be highly sensitive. While Avast doesn’t log your full IP address, it does know a huge part of that address. Just the last digits will be anonymized. This means it roughly knows where you are. All data mentioned above will be saved for thirty days. Information about your operating system, the VPN software version you’re using, as well as options you adjust within that software (such as activating the kill switch) will be logged and saved for up to two years.

Moreover, Avast works together with third parties. Specifically, when it comes to iOS and Android, this might be problematic. SecureLine collects information on those operating systems, which is then shared with Google Firebase Analytics (anonymized), Google Fabric Crashlytics (not personally identifiable), and AppsFlyer Analytics (for following marketing campaigns).

At the bottom of its privacy policy, Avast SecureLine mentions that it might share your personal data with external parties if there are legal requirements to do so. All in all, it’s pretty clear that Avast SecureLine can’t offer full anonymity.

Avast sold personal user data

While Avast SecureLine VPN doesn’t work with the same privacy statement as the remainder of Avast’s million-dollar company, it’s still worth checking out how Avast deals with the privacy of its users. One subsidiary of Avast was recently caught selling browser history data of free Avast antivirus users to other parties. While this information wasn’t from Avast VPN users, this discovery is worrying. It doesn’t bode well for the company’s sense of privacy and security.

Kill switch

Avast SecureLine has a built-in kill switch. To activate it, first click “Menu” in the VPN’s dashboard and then choose “Settings.” Click the tab “Network security” and then the empty box in front of “Activate Kill Switch” to turn on this option. A kill switch will interrupt your internet connection if your VPN gets disconnected. This way, you’ll never accidentally leak personal or sensitive information online.

What information does Avast SecureLine VPN need?

If you create an account with Avast SecureLine, you’ll have to share several pieces of information with them. You’ll also be assigned multiple ID tags that’ll be attached to your account. This includes:

• Email (for communication and invoices)
• User name
• License key (to activate your subscription)
• The end date of your subscription
• Information about trial periods

The data mentioned above will be saved for as long as you use the service. In many cases, this is to be able to make the service function as it should. You could use an anonymized email address and user name to protect your privacy up to a certain degree.

Usability – How User-Friendly is Avast SecureLine VPN?

A VPN needs to be user-friendly for people to make the most of it. In this section, we’ll be looking at different factors to determine the usability of Avast SecureLine, including its website, installation, software, and overall support. Overall, our conclusions are as follows:

• Avast SecureLine’s website is a one-pager that’s clear but not very informative.
• Installing the Avast SecureLine software is easy and intuitive.
• The software is easy to work with but doesn’t offer many options.
• The prices for a full Avast SecureLine subscription are very high.
• Avast SecureLine offers different payment methods, including PayPal and credit cards but no Bitcoin.
• Avast SecureLine has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• This VPN has an FAQ section (the knowledge database) and a forum. Still, customer support (via email and live chat) is only available for paying customers.

The Avast SecureLine VPN website

Avast SecureLine VPN doesn’t have a separate website. Instead, there’s an informative one-pager about SecureLine on Avast’s general website. All info is in one place, but sadly this information is very limited.

The page is very organized and clear. You’ll find explanations about the different functions of the VPN, its different servers, prices, and extra options. Every section has a small arrow you can click to read more detailed information. Unfortunately, even this detailed section only consists of a couple of sentences. While the website looks very organized, the different aspects of the VPN aren’t explained as well as we would’ve liked.

Installing Avast SecureLine VPN

Installing Avast SecureLine is easy. We installed the software on our Windows computer, but there are options for Android, iOS, and Mac as well. The download button on the website will change depending on which OS you use to access the page. If you need a little help installing Avast SecureLine, you can follow these steps:

1. Click “Download for PC” on the official Avast SecureLine web page. A file will automatically be downloaded.
2. Click on the download and then click “Run.”
3. Choose your preferred language and click “OK.”
4. Follow the steps and click on “Install.” Wait for the program to be installed.
5. Click “Finish.” The software will open automatically and can be used straight away.

Creating an account to use Avast SecureLine with is just as easy. You can do this in one of two ways. Firstly, you can instantly get a subscription. In this case, you’ll be able to make an Avast account, which you can use to log in. The other option is to use the free seven-day trial period before committing to the service.

Avast SecureLine VPN’s appearance and ease of use

Avast SecureLine’s software is very simple and intuitive. As is the case with most other providers, you’ll be working with a dashboard containing a big ON-button. If you click this button without picking a location first, you’ll automatically be connected to the most optimal (usually the closest) server. If you wish to change the language of the software, go to “Menu” and click “Settings.”

The dashboard shows your IP address, the IP of the VPN server you’re using, and the amount of time you’ve been connected to that server so far. You can adjust the location by clicking “Change location.” This will take you to the server list.

The software shows quite a lot of popups as it’s connecting. Fortunately, you can easily turn those off by going to “Menu” and changing the settings. There, you can also activate the kill switch (when you go to “Network security“) and download the browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Avast Secure Browser (when you go to “Browser Integration“).

Avast SecureLine’s software works as it should. Even so, it has a couple of drawbacks. Our biggest grief was the lack of options offered by the software. This doesn’t have to be a problem for a beginner but could prove inconvenient for the more experienced VPN user.

Pricing and methods of payment

Avast SecureLine VPN has an unusual pricing system compared to other providers. Most VPNs, such as ExpressVPN and Surfshark, offer a lower monthly price if you pick a longer subscription (for example, a yearly subscription instead of a monthly one). Avast SecureLine, however, has prices that don’t vary much between subscription durations.

Avast’s VPN solution is far from the cheapest VPN on the current market. Prices start at 3.99 USD per month for a long-term subscription. However, Avast SecureLine VPN is currently running a New Year’s sale starting at $3.75 per month for a 3-year subscription.

Avast SecureLine’s subscriptions have a 30 day money-back guarantee. Moreover, there’s a weeklong trial period, so you can test out the service before committing to a yearly subscription.

You can pay for your subscription in different ways:

• Credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and more)
• PayPal

This means there is no completely anonymous way to pay, such as with Bitcoin. On the plus side, there are country-specific payment options, such as iDeal in The Netherlands.

Customer service

Avast SecureLine’s customer service is only available in English and not accessible when you’ve got a free account. You might be able to find an answer to your questions in the Avast SecureLine knowledge database, but if you really run into trouble, you’ll need a paid account to get help.

When you’re a free user and attempt to contact customer support, you’ll be pointed right back to the database and the Avast Forum, where other users might be able to help you. Apart from that, however, we were given no help and no way to contact an Avast SecureLine employee via live chat or email.

In the end, we couldn’t ask our questions to Avast’s customer service. This is odd: there apparently is no way to use support when you’re a free user.

Server Network Avast SecureLine

Avast SecureLine’s server network includes 55 servers in 34 countries. Avast SecureLine offers specialized P2P servers as well as servers for streaming. This section will tell you more about Avast SecureLine’s servers and server locations. The main points to note are:

• Avast SecureLine has a relatively small server network with 55 servers in 34 countries.
• It offers special servers for streaming and downloading.
• Two fictive servers, Gotham City and Wonderland, also are part of the server network.
• It isn’t possible to request a dedicated IP address with Avast SecureLine.

Number of servers and locations

Avast SecureLine doesn’t have a gigantic server network with 34 countries and 55 servers. It looks especially small compared to the thousands of servers offered by, for example, CyberGhost and NordVPN. Even so, Avast SecureLine has several useful options. For example, the software will automatically determine which server is your optimal location, so you can use it to ensure you’ve got the fastest connection.

Here’s an overview of all server locations currently available with Avast SecureLine VPN:

• Australia (Melbourne)
• Austria (Vienna)
• Belgium (Brussels)
• Brazil (São Paulo)
• Canada (Montreal, Toronto)
• China (Hong Kong)
• Czech Republic (Prague)
• Denmark (Copenhagen)
• Finland (Helsinki)
• France (Paris)
• Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt)
• Hungary (Budapest)
• Israel (Petach Tikva)
• Italy (Milan)
• Japan (Tokyo)
• Luxemburg (Luxemburg)
• Malaysia (Johor Bahru)
• Mexico (Mexico City)
• The Netherlands (Amsterdam)
• New Zealand (Auckland)
• Norway (Oslo)
• Poland (Warsaw)
• Portugal (Leiria)
• Russia (Moscow, Saint Petersburg)
• Singapore (Singapore)
• South Africa (Johannesburg)
• South Korea (Seoul)
• Spain (Barcelona, Madrid)
• Sweden (Stockholm)
• Switzerland (Zurich)
• Taiwan (Taipei)
• Turkey (Istanbul)
• United Kingdom (Glasgow, London, Wonderland)
• United States (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Gotham City, Honolulu, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC)

Avast SecureLine offers a couple of unusual locations. Wonderland in the United Kingdom and Gotham City in the United States are fictive locations that appear in Alice in Wonderland and the Batman comics. If you pick one of those locations, you’ll see the following:

Avast claims that your location, to others online, will be “Gotham City, USA.” Of course, this place doesn’t actually exist. Instead, you’ll get an IP address in New York (and one in London if you choose Wonderland). To strangers online, it’ll seem as if you’re in one of these cities instead of the fictional ones.

Avast SecureLine has special servers that work for P2P traffic and streaming. These servers help you download anonymously and stream easily and freely.

Dedicated IP address

At this moment, it isn’t possible to request a dedicated IP address with Avast SecureLine.

Avast SecureLine’s Options

Just like many other VPNs, Avast SecureLine offers multiple browser extensions. Moreover, it’s got a kill switch and some options that make working with the VPN much easier. For example, you could have the VPN connect automatically when you start op your device, as soon as there’s an internet connection available. Most decent VPNs have such options, which doesn’t make Avast SecureLine very unique. The main points to note are:

• It works to bypass geo-restrictions on American Netflix and the UK’s BBC iPlayer.
• It does not work with other Netflix regions such as France.
• It supports torrent downloads.

Avast SecureLine VPN and Netflix

Avast SecureLine offers special streaming servers. With these, you can watch the American version of Netflix. Any other local versions of Netflix don’t appear to be available at the moment of testing. Using a French server to get access to the French version of Netflix, therefore, might not (always) give you access to the platform.

Fortunately, streaming servers in the US, Germany, and the UK do allow you to unblock and watch online streaming content. We tested American Netflix with the Gotham City (New York) server, and this worked perfectly. At times, loading movies took a little longer than we were used to, but this was mainly due to the speed reduction that came with using American servers while we’re stationed in Europe. Avast VPN also works to watch BBC iPlayer,

Avast SecureLine VPN and torrents

Avast SecureLine allows you to download torrents safely. The VPN offers special servers for P2P data. These servers are available in Germany, France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and the United States. While some servers might not give you access to The Pirate Bay (for example, the Dutch server), they work very well otherwise.

Conclusion – Our experience with Avast SecureLine VPN

Avast SecureLine VPN is a fast VPN that leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to safety. It has a small server network with just 55 servers and only offers client support to paying customers. Moreover, its subscriptions are relatively expensive if you want to use the VPN on more than one device at a time.

With its excellent speed test results, specifically when using local servers, and the specialized P2P and streaming services, Avast SecureLine also has its strong suits. The software is easy to use, and the encryption technology is relatively safe. This, however, brings us to our most serious issue with this VPN: its logging policy.

Avast SecureLine keeps logs of its customers. The company openly admits that its users will never be completely anonymous. Among other things, Avast SecureLine keeps connection logs and even (parts of) user IP addresses. Recently, it came to light that the browser history of a hundred million Avast antivirus users has been sold to third parties, which is very worrying.

Due to these privacy and safety issues, we don’t recommend Avast SecureLine VPN if your priority is to browse the internet anonymously. However, it’s speedy enough to download torrents and stream the US Netflix or UK’s BBC iPlayer.