Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN 2023: Nord Leaves Avast in the Dust

Discover why NordVPN is ahead of the race for streaming as well as privacy and security features, leaving Avast SecureLine VPN lagging behind.
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Best for Browsing and Basic Activities

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On Avast SecureLine VPN's website

  • Can be used on up to 10 devices
  • Uses secure tunneling protocols like OpenVPN, IPsec, WireGuard, and Mimic for another layer of encryption
  • Unable to block the majority of streaming platforms

Best for Streaming and All-Purpose Use

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On NordVPN's website

  • Can bypass many restrictions on multiple streaming platforms
  • Boasts an extensive network of over 5,600 servers in 60 countries
  • Nord’s money-back guarantee is only 30 days

Having a hard time deciding if you should give Avast SecureLine VPN or NordVPN a try for online privacy and security? We’ve done the hard work of evaluating Avast VPN vs. NordVPN, so you don’t have to.

So let’s dive into the details of both virtual private networks (VPNs), including features, pricing, internet speed, and more.

In this article
Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN at a glance
Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: prices
Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: features
Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: internet speeds
Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: compatibility and ease of use
Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: customer service
Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN FAQs
Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: which is better?

Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN at a glance

After carefully assessing Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN, we noted some stark differences. Avast SecureLine VPN is good for web browsing, messaging, and keeping up with social media. On the other hand, NordVPN took the limelight as a more powerful VPN that can sidestep network blocks on various streaming platforms.

  • Avast SecureLine VPN: Best for browsing and basic activities
  • NordVPN: Best for streaming and all-purpose use

How do Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN compare?

Avast SecureLine VPN
NordVPN
Our Pick
Price Starts at $4.39/mo $3.99/mo
Max # of connected devices 10 6
24/7 customer support
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Android, iOS Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more
# of servers 700+ 5,600+
VPN protocol OpenVPN, IPsec, WireGuard, Mimic OpenVPN, NordLynx, IKEv2/IPsec
No-logs policy Some logs No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
View Avast SecureLine VPN Plans View NordVPN Plans

Prices as of 04/24/2023.

Avast SecureLine did a decent job regarding basic online activities, such as browsing the web, checking emails, sending and receiving messages, purchasing items online, and using social media. It offers bank-grade encryption like AES 256-bit encryption, which helps secure data and online traffic from digital creeps and cybercriminals. Avast also uses secure tunneling protocols like OpenVPN, IPsec, WireGuard, and Mimic for another layer of encryption.

Additionally, Avast VPN can be used on up to 10 devices, which is great for households with large families. Unfortunately, it fell short in terms of its pricing, number of servers, no-logs policy, compatibility options, and the ability to unblock restrictions on various streaming platforms.

After comparing both VPNs, NordVPN is truly ahead of the game with features, especially with streaming. While it supports fewer devices than Avast, it remains the superior choice and has the ability to bypass many restrictions on multiple streaming platforms, leaving SecureLine with no chance of catching up.

Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: prices

Avast SecureLine VPN NordVPN
Our Pick
Price range $4.39-$4.59/mo $3.99–$15.69/mo
Best value plan 3-year plan for $4.39/mo 2-year plan for $3.99/mo
Money-back guarantee Yes — 60-day money-back guarantee Yes — 30-day money-back guarantee
See Full Pricing Details See Full Pricing Details

Prices as of 04/24/2023.

After comparing Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN pricing, we learned that SecureLine’s best value plan was slightly more expensive than NordVPN if you want to save money on a VPN. However, we noticed a significant disparity in the price ranges of these two VPN services.

Although NordVPN can be expensive when you select a monthly plan, its most affordable option is the two-year plan at just under $4 per month. Meanwhile, Avast SecureLine VPN's three-year plan costs slightly more at over $4 per month. Unfortunately, neither Nord nor Avast offers a family plan, but their VPN services allow family sharing between devices.

Additionally, both VPN providers offer a money-back guarantee, giving users a risk-free trial period. Avast SecureLine has a longer money-back guarantee of 60 days, while NordVPN’s is only 30 days.

Winner: Although NordVPN is more expensive when you select its premium monthly plan, it offers the lowest pricing compared to Avast SecureLine VPN, with its competitive two-year plan.

Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: features

Feature Avast SecureLine VPN NordVPN
Our Pick
Number of servers 700 servers in 34 countries 5,600+ servers in 60 countries
No-logs policy Some logs No logs
VPN headquarters Czech Republic Panama
Encryption AES 256-bit, OpenSSL AES-256-GCM
VPN protocol OpenVPN, IPsec, WireGuard, Mimic OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), NordLynx (WireGuard), IKEv2/IPsec
Kill switch
Split tunneling
Netflix support
Torrenting support
Blocks ads and trackers
Dark web monitoring
Automatic VPN connection
Read Avast SecureLine VPN Review Read NordVPN Review

Data as of 04/24/2023.

Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN have several differences between them as far as their features. When it comes to server count, NordVPN boasts an extensive network of over 5,600 servers in 60 countries, whereas SecureLine has over 700 servers in 34 countries. Having a larger server network can increase the chances of bypassing network blocks worldwide. It can improve performance, but that isn’t always the case as other factors can impact server performance.

Reviewed by Mars Groves
“Avast also uses secure tunneling protocols like OpenVPN, IPsec, WireGuard, and Mimic for another layer of encryption.”

Another notable difference between Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN is user privacy. While both VPNs claim to protect user data, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy and has been audited by PwC to verify this claim. In contrast, Avast SecureLine VPN does collect some logs, including timestamps of when you connected to or disconnected from your VPN, which might be a concern for users who prioritize absolute privacy.

Additionally, NordVPN offers robust features like military-grade encryption, dedicated IP, static IP, split tunneling, a kill switch, smart DNS, private DNS, a Meshnet for holding LAN parties (perfect for gamers), ad and tracker blocking, dark web monitoring, threat protection, double VPN, and many more that SecureLine lacks. These features can significantly improve a user’s online experience by providing more security and control over their privacy. Although both VPNs support torrenting and P2P sharing, NordVPN continues to take the lead, especially with streaming.

Whether you are an ordinary internet user, remote worker, torrenter, or gamer, NordVPN has you covered. NordVPN makes a stronger contender with its robust features and commitment to user privacy, especially compared to Avast SecureLine VPN.

Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: streaming support

Platform Avast SecureLine VPN NordVPN
Our Pick
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Hulu
BBC iPlayer
Disney+
HBO Max
Data as of 04/24/2023.

NordVPN is the clear winner for accessing popular streaming platforms. Avast SecureLine VPN was unable to block a majority of streaming platforms during our testing. Netflix was only accessible when we selected a domestic server in Phoenix, Arizona, after connecting to U.S.-based servers in cities like Salt Lake City, Utah; Dallas, Texas; and San Francisco, California.

We are unsure exactly why SecureLine’s Phoenix server was able to bypass Netflix’s restrictions while the rest did not. On the other hand, NordVPN was able to access Netflix from domestic servers. Still, we could not log in when connecting to international servers in the U.K., Australia, and Canada. Streaming Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services was done without any lag or interruptions.

Although Netflix doesn’t allow us to screenshot their content, making it appear completely black, we were able to enjoy watching Netflix shows with Nord.

Connecting to a server in Phoenix, Arizona with NordVPN while streaming Netflix

Connecting to a server in Phoenix, Arizona with NordVPN while streaming Netflix

Sometimes, connecting to various servers until one of them lets you access a streaming service can feel like playing roulette. A server that was unblocked one day can be blocked the next. Nonetheless, NordVPN has minimal issues with watching TV shows or movies without any interruption compared to Avast SecureLine VPN.

Winner: NordVPN is clearly your go-to for streaming and advanced VPN features. It can bypass restrictions on all streaming services, even though some only worked when connecting to domestic servers during our testing.

Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: internet speeds

Internet speeds are crucial when assessing VPN services. A good VPN should provide quick, dependable connections without affecting browsing, gaming, or streaming.

We used a 2017 Macbook Pro running macOS Ventura x 13.3.1 as our device for testing in Los Angeles, California, and tested our speeds using Speedtest.net. Our speed test results are revealed in the next section.

Baseline speed: 339.83 Mbps download / 18.49 Mbps upload / 17 ms latency

After obtaining our baseline speeds, we tested Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN's speed while connected to various servers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia.

Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN speed test results

Server location Avast SecureLine VPN NordVPN
Our Pick
US
  • Download: 32.77 Mbps
    Upload: 4.03 Mbps
  • Download: 76.96 Mbps
  • Upload: 17.51 Mbps
Canada
  • Download: 84.93 Mbps
  • Upload: 14.30 Mbps
  • Download: 72.39 Mbps
  • Upload: 14.71 Mbps
UK
  • Download: 47.41 Mbps
  • Upload: 8.41 Mbps
  • Download: 60.07 Mbps
  • Upload: 10.57 Mbps
AU
  • Download: 113.78 Mbps
  • Upload: 8.79 Mbps
  • Download: 58.24 Mbps
  • Upload: 6.47 Mbps
View Avast SecureLine VPN Plans View NordVPN Plans
Data as of 04/24/2023.

The speed results for Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN across multiple server locations revealed some stark differences.

Avast performed poorly in the U.S. and the U.K. but when we connected to its Australian server, its download speed of 113.78 Mbps was the fastest of all servers tested for both VPNs. Despite slight differences, NordVPN's speed performed poorly when connecting to an Australian server, and its latency in the U.S. and the U.K. were fairly high.

Our speed tests also covered latency speeds, which are noted in the table below. Latency, commonly known as “ping,” monitors how quickly data transfers from your device to the server and back. Latency is also an important factor since a lower latency indicates a more responsive and smoother browsing experience, particularly when streaming audio or video.

Other factors affecting latency are server location, network congestion, and the VPN protocol selected. For example, a server located halfway around the world from you may stream much slower than a server less than 120 miles away. Additionally, bandwidth throttling and using a tunneling protocol that uses TCP rather than UDP can also slow down latency. The location of servers and time of day can also affect latency (e.g., using a VPN during peak work hours).

Neither of the two VPNs demonstrated extremely high latency and they both had much lower latency when domestic servers were selected. In conclusion, both Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN displayed acceptable latency levels, but you should choose the one that best matches your needs and preferences.

Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN latency comparison

Server location Avast SecureLine VPN NordVPN
Our Pick
US 35 ms 32 ms
Canada 54 ms 60 ms
UK 206 ms 180 ms
AU 191 ms 182 ms
Data as of 04/24/2023.

Winner: NordVPN typically performs better in both download and upload speeds. In addition to having the fastest average speed across all server locations, NordVPN also had the lowest average latency across the board.

Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: compatibility and ease of use

Avast SecureLine VPN NordVPN
Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Router
Smart devices
Gaming consoles

Both Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN have user-friendly, intuitive interfaces that make it simple to navigate, connect to servers, and use their features. Whether you are using Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS, both VPNs allow you to easily connect to servers and manage your settings with only a few clicks from your fingertips.

However, NordVPN has superior compatibility, as it supports almost any device or operating system. In addition to the standard operating systems, it supports Linux, routers, gaming consoles like Xbox and Playstation, and smart devices like Fire Stick and Chromecast. However, Avast does offer support for smart TVs like Android TV, NVIDIA Shield TV, and Mi Box.

While neither VPN's interface presented significant challenges, NordVPN's increased platform compatibility makes it a more attractive option for those who need flexible support for multiple platforms or like to switch between different devices.

Winner: NordVPN's wide range of platform support and friendly UI make it the best VPN service for most people. Both VPNs are easy to use, but NordVPN has more compatibility and is the superior choice.

Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: customer service

Avast SecureLine VPN NordVPN
Our Pick
24/7 live chat
Phone
Email
Support forums
Online guides

Both Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN offer 24/7 live chat, phone, email, support forums, and online guides. However, Avast has many reviews on Trustpilot from people disappointed with its customer service because they couldn’t reach anyone by phone or email.

In contrast, NordVPN received positive feedback on Trustpilot when it came to its customer service and was noted for being speedy with their responses. Thus, Nord comes out on top as it delivers prompt customer service.

Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: payment options

Both Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN offer various payment options, making it easy for users to choose what works best for them. People who prioritize privacy can go with NordVPN and select their cryptocurrency payment options to boost privacy.

Below is a list of payment options that Avast SecureLine VPN and NordVPN offer.

Avast SecureLine VPN payment options

  • Credit card
  • PayPal
  • Wire transfer

NordVPN payment options

  • Credit card
  • PayPal
  • Cryptocurrencies (bitcoin, ether, and more)
  • Paymentwall (Alipay, Giropay, and more)

Winner: While both VPNs provide 24/7 customer service, NordVPN takes the lead again with its larger selection of payment options, which includes cryptocurrency for increased privacy.

Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN FAQs


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How do I cancel my Avast VPN trial?

If you’d like to learn how to cancel an Avast VPN trial, follow these steps carefully:

  1. Sign in to your Avast Account using the following link: https://id.avast.com/sign-in.
  2. Click Manage subscriptions on the My subscriptions tile.
  3. Select “Unsubscribe” under the subscription you want to cancel.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the cancellation.

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Does NordVPN block Google tracking?

While NordVPN can prevent Google from seeing your IP address, it does not block Google's tracking services. Consider using privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo and browser plug-ins that prevent trackers so you can further protect your privacy.


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Can I use Avast SecureLine on Fire Stick?

Although you can't use Avast SecureLine VPN directly on Fire Stick because it doesn't have a VPN app for Fire Stick, you can still get Avast SecureLine on your device by using the Downloader app on Fire Stick.

By setting up a VPN connection on your router, you can receive Avast SecureLine’s security and privacy on your Fire Stick and the other devices connected to your router.


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Is NordVPN detected by Netflix?

NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for avoiding Netflix’s detection measures. NordVPN has a huge network of servers, offering static IP addresses and dedicated IP addresses. Because of its wide selection of servers and IP addresses, it helps them prevent detection from streaming services like Netflix that block VPNs.

During our testing, NordVPN could unblock all streaming services, unlike Avast SecureLine VPN, which could only access Netflix from its domestic server in Phoenix, Arizona.

Avast SecureLine VPN vs. NordVPN: which is better?

Avast SecureLine VPN has an easy-to-use interface and speeds good enough for basic tasks like browsing the web, sending and receiving messages, and checking social media. Its two-year plan is a little more expensive than NordVPN's two-year plan, and Netflix is the only major streaming service it can unblock.

On the other hand, NordVPN is a more robust service provider with a wider range of features, such as better streaming support, faster speeds, lower latency, compatibility with a wider range of devices, better customer service, and advanced VPN features.


Taking everything into account, NordVPN stands out as a well-rounded VPN, making it the clear winner at the finish line.

NordVPN is our pick for being a well-rounded VPN
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On NordVPN's website

  • Loads of servers for more connection options
  • Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
  • Too many confusing plans

Author Details
Mars is a cybersecurity professional and writer based in California. He serves as an Advisory Board Member for WEBGAP, specializing in browser isolation.