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Best server network
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Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
Best for multiple devices
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Easy-to-use interface
Smart VPN feature automatically connects when needed
We evaluated two providers, ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN, to help you find the best VPN. ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN are both reputable options, but we found that there were a few differences that really set them apart, including price, number of connected devices, ability to stream, and available servers.
We'll determine the strengths and weakness of these two services in our ExpressVPN vs. Avast SecureLine VPN review.
While ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN are similar, their primary differences are their allotted simultaneous connections and their server networks.
Avast SecureLine VPN allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections, while ExpressVPN allows 8. On the other hand, ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, while Avast SecureLine VPN has servers in only 34 countries.
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| Price | $4.99–$12.95/mo | $4.39-$4.59/mo |
| Max # of connected devices | 8 | 10 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more |
| # of servers | Unlisted in 105 countries | 700 servers in 34 countries |
| VPN protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, WireGuard, Mimic, IPsec |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | ||
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Avast SecureLine VPN |
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive VPNs on the market, but it makes what you pay worthwhile. It offers a proprietary protocol called Lightway, which claims to improve VPN speed, security, and reliability. Our tests show it increased our download speed with every server we tried.
ExpressVPN also has servers in 105 countries, so you can unblock content from tons of locations around the world.
Avast SecureLine VPN is a solid option if you're new to VPNs. It has a user-friendly interface, along with a Smart VPN feature for automatic connections if you're on an unsecure network.
Avast's VPN also has a solid server network for an antivirus VPN. You'll get up to 700 servers in 34 countries, which is enough for basic VPN usage.
Avast SecureLine offers plans at lower prices and with a longer risk-free trial period than ExpressVPN.
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Our Pick
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| Price range | $4.99–$12.95/mo | $4.39-$4.59/mo |
| Best value plan | 12-month plan for $6.25/mo (billed annually) | 12-month plan for $4.59/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 60 days |
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Avast SecureLine VPN |
Avast SecureLine VPN offers subscriptions to its services only in yearly increments, with plans for one year, two years, or three years. The price ranges from $4.39-$4.59/mo.
However, you do get to save money on a VPN subscription if you commit to more than one year with Avast. The price drops from $4.39/mo to $4.59/mo.
If you’re looking to purchase a VPN service in monthly increments, ExpressVPN has a monthly plan where you’ll pay $12.95/mo. You can also commit to a six-month subscription for $9.99/mo (billed every six months). The best value is the 12-month plan for $6.25/mo (billed annually), since it has the lowest monthly price breakdown.
Both VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, so you can try either service risk-free before committing to a VPN. ExpressVPN's is 30 days, while Avast's is 60 days.
You can pay for either VPN using any major credit card and PayPal. With ExpressVPN, you can also pay with bitcoin, which is great for anonymity, or through Paymentwall, which offers several different payment options as well.
You can typically expect a VPN to slow down your internet speed when connected. That's because VPNs route your internet traffic through a remote server, so your data isn't taking the shortest route to its destination.
When evaluating VPNs, we evaluate how speeds are affected while using servers from around the world. The table below shows how ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN impacted our baseline internet speeds.
| Server location | Our Pick
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| US | 3% faster | 19% faster |
| CA | 12% faster | 8% faster |
| UK | 7% faster | 33% slower |
| AU | 3% faster | 32% slower |
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Avast SecureLine VPN |
ExpressVPN increased our download speeds with every server we tested, so using the VPN with our device didn't register at all during normal internet usage. Even the Australian server, which is located significantly further away from our physical location, still maintained a faster download speed.
Avast SecureLine actually had the largest increase in download speed with its U.S. server. It nearly increased our speed by 20%. However, there were slowdowns with Avast with the U.K. and Australian servers, which is more of what we expect from VPNs especially with the location distance.
ExpressVPN wins for having features that work consistently along with plenty of bonus features to justify the subscription price.
| Feature | Our Pick
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| Number of servers | Unlisted in 105 countries | 700 servers in 34 countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | British Virgin Islands | Czech Republic |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| VPN protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, WireGuard, Mimic, IPsec |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| DNS leak protection | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Avast SecureLine VPN |
As far as basic VPN features, ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLine are pretty even. They both offer AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard, along with a kill switch feature and split tunneling.
A kill switch stops your internet connection if the VPN connection is lost. This function ensures that you won’t be using your internet unprotected if your VPN stops working.
Unfortunately, Avast's kill switch gave us some trouble. It took a lot longer to connect to VPN servers with the kill switch on and we found ourselvs having to reboot the VPN each time when the kill switch was engaged.
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Split tunneling is another useful VPN feature that comes with both VPNs. Split tunneling allows you to navigate some of your website traffic through the VPN connection, while other browsing can continue without a VPN connection.
For example, you may want to be connected to a VPN to stream Netflix out of the country, but you don’t need the VPN to access your regional banking service.
You should also consider which VPN protocols are included with the service. Most VPNs offer several protocols depending on your usage needs. The protocol defines how data will be transmitted between your computer and the VPN server. They also have varying security levels and may improve or slow down your internet connection.
Avast SecureLine VPN uses the OpenVPN and WireGuard protocol, which are strong for securiy and speed. For Apple users, Avast SecureLine offers the IPsec protocol.
ExpressVPN uses its own protocol, Lightway. ExpressVPN touts that the Lightway protocol “does the minimum needed to get you connected quickly and securely, so you might even notice less battery usage.” It also offers other protocols, such as IPsec and OpenVPN.
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ExpressVPN offers more than just a VPN with its services. You'll get additional tools like ad and tracker blockers, a password manager, and even some limited parental control functionality.
ExpressVPN offers compatibility with more devices and has 24/7 live chat for easy customer service interactions around the clock.
Our Pick
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| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Router | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| 24/7 support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Email, phone, online guides, forums |
| Learn more | Get ExpressVPN | Get Avast SecureLine VPN |
Another important factor in choosing the right VPN is ensuring that the service has apps for the devices you plan on using. ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLineVPN work on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. However, if you’re looking to install a VPN on Linux or on your router, ExpressVPN is the only choice between the two.
ExpressVPN is also available for smart devices like TVs. As far as smart devices, Avast SecureLine VPN is available only on Android TVs.
From a usability standpoint, Avast SecureLine and ExpressVPN are both pretty easy to use and simple to navigate. With the Avast SecureLine dashboard, it was easier to see your connection status and your server location.
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ExpressVPN’s dashboard shows up as a pop-up instead of its own program, which we found hard to navigate at times. However, all its features work consistently, unlike Avast's kill switch.
ExpressVPN has more comprehensive customer service. ExpressVPN has a 24/7 live chat you can use regardless of whether you have a subscription. But Avast only has a chatbot that can help you find answers to frequently asked questions; you are not able to connect with a live agent through the chat function.
ExpressVPN offers users a more robust support library with articles, how-tos, and more. But unlike Avast, it doesn't have a support forum.
ExpressVPN is a trustworthy VPN with industry-standard security features. It does not keep user logs, and it uses AES 256-bit encryption as well.
To disable Avast SecureLine VPN, you’ll want to uninstall the VPN from your computer or device. If you want to turn off the VPN for the time being but leave it installed, you can disconnect from the VPN server on the dashboard.
While ExpressVPN is a great option, there could also be other options that work better for your needs like Nord VPN and Surfshark. When finding the best VPN, you should evaluate your budget, what features you find most important, and how you plan to use it. ExpressVPN is an effective VPN, but it can also be expensive.
No, Avast VPN does not keep activity logs. However, they do keep connection logs, which Avast says is to help troubleshoot errors or connection issues. On its website, Avast says, “This data pertains to interactions taken in the app, and cannot be used to uncover what you’re using the VPN service for.”
ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN offer almost plenty of features in common and both have servers worldwide. However, when it came to performance, ExpressVPN had a smaller effect on our overall download speeds. It also offers more bonus features and extensive compatibility.
In the end, we felt ExpressVPN was the winner. Avast SecureLine is significantly less expensive, so you may want to pick Avast if the price point is important to you. However, we found that ExpressVPN was worth the cost to keep up your connection speeds and have better customer support.
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Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLine are just two VPNs in a huge market. We've compiled some alternative recommendations that may have better pricing, server networks, security features, and more:
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| 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 |
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