Avast SecureLine VPN Review 2024: A Middle-of-the-Road Solution for Internet Safety

Avast SecureLine VPN is a simple, competitively-priced VPN. Its dashboard makes it easy to see if you’re connected to the VPN and if your browsing data is secure.

Avast has all the necessary features if you’re looking for a VPN. However, not all of its advertised features are available on Mac, PC, and Android platforms, which can be a bit confusing. 

Read on to learn more about Avast SecureLine’s VPN and its quirks.

Overview

We last tested Avast SecureLine VPN on October 16, 2024.

4.4

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On Avast SecureLine VPN's website

VPN

Avast SecureLine VPN

• Easy-to-use interface
• Smart VPN feature automatically connects when needed
• Kill switch doesn't work

Our experience

Our experience with Avast SecureLine VPN was surprisingly smooth during our most recent testing. In the past, we've encountered hiccups like error messages which required a full reboot.

This time, we could download and setup Avast's VPN without issues. We like that it starts with an explanation on how a VPN can protect your personal information.  

You can also find a tab with VPN basics so you can learn how to use and personalize your VPN. You'll also find a link to Avast's FAQs.

We didn't have an issue accessing Netflix, and even with reduced speeds on some servers, we were able to browse without noticeable lag. It's nice that Avast includes servers for torrenting and streaming, which you usually don't find included on VPNs included with antivirus programs.  

As far as VPNs go, if this one was included with our antivirus, we would definitely use it. 

Who is Avast SecureLine VPN best for?

• Recommended for users looking for browser privacy and to stream entertainment in different locations

Avast SecureLine VPN is a quality solution for users looking for a VPN to help protect their internet activity. However, Avast does not have a vast network of servers, which may be a disadvantage if traveling abroad or needing to connect to a server in a specific area. 

There are other VPN solutions with more options, but Avast SecureLine VPN is a good solution for simple VPN use.

Prices and subscriptions

Avast SecureLine VPN's cost ranges from $4.39-$4.59/mo. If you’re willing to commit to a one-year or two-year plan, you'll enjoy greater savings than if you just purchase the VPN month-to-month. 

Note that Avast SecureLine VPN is more expensive than most standalone VPN providers, and its the best value if you combine it with an Avast antivirus plan. See how its starting price compares to other providers below:

• ExpressVPN: $6.67/mo (billed annually)
• Avast SecureLine VPN: $4.39/mo
• NordVPN: $2.99/mo (billed every two years)
• Surfshark: $1.99/mo (billed every two years)

You can pay for Avast using major credit cards or PayPal.

Features

Overall, Avast SecureLine has all the necessary features for a VPN. You can easily connect to the VPN provider and the product’s dashboard shows you exactly what server you’re connected to, along with your virtual IP address. Although there is a device limit, Avast at least allows for 10 simultaneous connections.

Avast also offers both a manual and Smart VPN solution, so you have optimal control over your VPN usage. The Smart VPN feature allows you to set certain situations where you want to be connected to a VPN. If one of these parameters is true, then Smart VPN will connect automatically. This feature can help keep you protected in case you forget to connect to the VPN.

Server count and countries

• 700 servers in 34 countries

Although 700 servers may seem like a lot, Avast SecureLine VPN actually has fewer than some other VPNs. NordVPN boasts 6,800+ servers while Surfshark offers 3,200+ servers.

However, the number of servers doesn’t always equate to the quality of the VPN. Servers give you more options on where to connect and flexibility on VPN usage. Plus, Avast offers servers specifically for torrenting and streaming, which is a nice bonus. 

If you’re looking for a VPN to protect your browsing history day-to-day, Avast’s servers would be sufficient. If you’re traveling the world, looking to protect yourself from government censorship, or something more extreme, more servers may be helpful to you.

No-logs policy and headquarters

• Avast SecureLine VPN logs policy: No logs
• Avast SecureLine VPN headquarters: Czech Republic

Although a VPN encrypts your browser usage and hides your identity, some countries and governments require that VPNs maintain activity logs on its users. This can circumvent the protections a VPN offers. 

In these locations, the police or government could request user data, which could still show your browser activity once you were connected to the VPN app. A VPN with a no-logs policy can help you alleviate this concern.

A VPN’s headquarters can also play a role in jeopardizing your privacy. Many countries are part of information-sharing alliances that can require companies to provide customer information to governmental entities. 

Luckily, Avast SecureLine VPN is headquartered in the Czech Republic, which is outside these alliances.

Kill switch

If your VPN loses connection, your public IP address will no longer be hidden, and your web activity will be more easily accessible. A kill switch blocks your access to the internet when your VPN becomes unexpectedly disconnected. This protects you from browsing the internet without your VPN connection.

Avast's  kill switch can be enabled in the settings of the VPN. It was easy for us to activate the kill switch.

Split tunneling

With split tunneling, Avast users can pick and choose what internet activity is protected by the VPN and what information is not. 

Maybe you’re traveling abroad and want to watch Netflix, but your work email needs to be viewed from your IP address to work. You could use split tunneling to have your Netflix activity go through the VPN while your work email usage does not.

You can change the split tunneling configuration in the Avast SecureLine settings. Unfortunately, split tunneling is only available on Android devices.

Encryption

A VPN’s encryption is a critical piece of its security puzzle. A strong VPN will use robust encryption to protect your browsing information. 

Avast SecureLine uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is one of the strongest VPN encryptions available. This encryption is used by the government and banking sites, so Avast’s VPN should keep you safe from hackers.

VPN protocol

The VPN protocol is one of the most important aspects of your VPN's function. Coupled with encryption, the protocol you choose determines how quick and secure a connection you'll receive. Avast SecureLine uses different protocols for different operating systems. 

For Mac and iOS users, you'll have access to Avast SecureLine's proprietary protocol, Mimic, as well as IPsec. Windows and Android users will have a choice between OpenVPN and WireGuard.

Test results

Avast SecureLine VPN has ample features, but does it actually work? We tested the VPN to see how well it maintained our speeds with its worldwide servers, if it could unblock various regional Netflix libraries, and if it could prevent data leaks. 

Speed tests

• Speed test results: Avast SecureLine VPN maintained solid speeds across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., but struggled with Australia.

We tested Avast SecureLine on a PC laptop running Windows 11 from a physical location in the U.S. Our baseline speed was the following: 

We had some standard dips in speed when connected to servers in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. As you select servers further from your physical location, your speed typically will dip and your latency will increase. 

Australia had the largest decrease, dropping our download speed by nearly 80%. Our latency also increased by over 1,000%. 

Latency also impacts how your internet performs. It refers to how long it takes data to trabel back and forth between points, like when you perform an action to play a video game. 

Avast SecureLine still performed well, but you may be better off avoiding the Australian servers. 

Netflix tests

• Netflix test results: Avast SecureLine passed its Netflix tests.

There are several reasons to use a VPN to access Netflix or other streaming services. Many programs and streaming services are available only in specific locations, such as BBC iPlayer in the U.K. If you’re traveling abroad and want to watch your favorite Netflix show, you may need to connect to a VPN so your IP address can access Netflix shows from your region.

Avast SecureLine VPN reliably unblocked regional Netflix libraries like the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. The first Australian server we selected was slow to load, but once we switched to another it worked fine.

DNS leak tests

• DNS leak test results: Avast SecureLine VPN passed its DNS leak tests.

A DNS leak test evaluates whether a VPN is properly configured and checks to see whether it is leaking your DNS or Domain Name System to your internet service provider (ISP). If there's a leak, your VPN will not be encrypting your browser history correctly, and your ISP will still be able to see your browsing activity. 

Avast SecureLine VPN passed this test, providing DNS leak protection.

WebRTC leak tests

• WebRTC leak test results: Avant SecureLine passed its WebRTC leak tests.

A WebRTC leak test looks to see if your real IP address is being compromised when using websites that use Web Real-Time Communication. WebRTC is an open-source tool that lets web browsers manage connections in real time like video or audio calls. In some cases, the real-time connection can expose your actual IP address, even if you’re connected to a VPN. 

We did not encounter any WebRTC leaks when connected to the Avast SecureLine VPN.

Kill switch test

• Kill switch test results: Avant SecureLine passed its kill switch tests.

We think a kill switch is among the essential features for a VPN. If you're on public Wi-Fi and need to switch servers, a kill switch can ensure your connection remains encrypted. 

After enabling Avast SecureLine VPN's kill switch, we connected to a server in Belgium. Then, we switched to a server in Austria. Based on ipleak.net, our true IP address remained hidden. 

Compatibility

When looking for a VPN, it is important to make sure that the VPN will work with your devices. You likely want to use your VPN on your computer, phone, tablet, or whatever you're using. 

Avast SecureLine VPN is compatible with Windows and macOS, along with Android, iOS, and Android TV. However, Avast is not available on Linux and cannot be installed on routers.

Customer support

Avast offers a robust learning center including blogs, an academy with guides about digital security and privacy, in-depth articles about security threats, and a forum where users can connect directly with Avast community members.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for through its resources, Avast has an easy-to-use form where you can narrow down your question and submit it to the company for an answer. 

Paid subscribers to any Avast service have access to phone and email support. When we called Avast, it took less than five minutes to get assistance. The tech was helpful and solved our issue quickly. 

Top alternatives

If you're not satisfied with Avast SecureLine VPN, consider one of the alternatives below. We've tested all of them extensively and are confident in our recommendation for any of them. These are some of the best VPNs available, and we think you'll find something you like.

Price	$2.99–$17.99/mo	$1.99–$17.95/mo	$2.03–$6.99/mo
Max # of connected devices	10	Unlimited	7
# of servers	6,800+ servers in 111 countries	3,200+ servers in 100 countries	Unlisted in 100 countries
VPN protocol	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2	OpenVPN, IKEv2. WireGuard
Encryption	AES-256-GCM	AES-256-GCM	AES-256
No-logs policy
Headquarters	Panama	The Netherlands	Romania
Netflix access
Learn more	Get NordVPN	Get Surfshark	Get CyberGhost

FAQs

Bottom line: Is Avast SecureLine VPN good?

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and inexpensive solution for a VPN, Avast SecureLine may be a good option for you. The VPN employs the most secure encryption and VPN protocol currently available, so security should not be an issue. 

Although it's secure, Avast SecureLine VPN does not offer as many server locations, which can be a disadvantage if you need to connect to a specific country or location. If you’re looking to get multiple products from one company, the Avast Ultimate bundle comes with Avast antivirus software as well.

To pick the best VPN service for you, it is important to understand how you will be using the VPN and how important privacy is to you. If you are just looking to protect your browser activity, a solution such as Avast SecureLine VPN is a great option. 

If you need more robust features, consider a VPN with more server locations and security features. See how Avast SecureLine VPN compares to other providers:

• Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN
• Avast SecureLine VPN vs. ExpressVPN

4.4

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On Avast SecureLine VPN's website

VPN

Avast SecureLine VPN

• Easy-to-use interface
• Smart VPN feature automatically connects when needed
• Kill switch doesn't work

Author Details

Andrew Adams

About the Author

Andrew Strom Adams is a freelance writer focused on online privacy and digital security. He writes on various topics to help individuals protect themselves on the internet. Andrew has worked in legal marketing, technology, and startups. He has more than 12 years of experience in marketing and communications. He holds an M.B.A. from Westminster College and a B.A. in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University. When he’s not writing, he’s playing with his two kids or watching reality TV.

Mary James