🏆Winner: NordVPN
Avast VPN vs NordVPN – Which is the better VPN for privacy, security, and online accessibility?
Well, here in this comparison guide, we’ve put Avast VPN and NordVPN head to head and have compiled tables to help you figure out which one offers better value for money.
After a detailed comparison, we concluded that NordVPN is better than Avast VPN. You can find out more VPN tested and recommended by VPNRanks.
Avast VPN vs NordVPN: Quick Comparison
In this Avast VPN vs. NordVPN comparison, we compared the key features of both providers, which are summarized below: Also, you can explore our detailed VPN comparison chart, which has more insights about other VPNs.
| VPNs |  |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Czech Republic |
| Security | AES 256 Bit | AES 256 Bit |
| Leaks | No IP, DNS & WebRTC | Keeps IP, timestamp logs |
| Servers | 5500 in 60 Countries | 700+ servers 34 countries |
| Speed | 24.95 Mbps average | 9.57 Mbps |
| Streaming | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and More | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and More |
| Torrenting | ✔ | ✔ |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers |
| Pricing | $3.71/month | $3.99/month |
| Trustpilot | 4.0 ★★★★ – Reviews 6,127 | 3.8 ★★★ – Reviews 5,357 |
| Best For | Overall Best VPN | Best for Geo-Unblocking |
| More Info | NordVPN Review | Avast VPN Review |
| Visit Site | Visit Site |
Quick Overview: Avast VPN vs NordVPN
Before we go into details, here is a brief overview of 10 different categories on which both NordVPN and Avast have been tested in this article:
- Pricing Plans – We evaluated different subscription pricing plans for NordVPN and Avast, including their refund policies.
- Speed – Tested both VPN providers on a 30 Mbps base internet connection to see which one is faster than the other.
- Server Network – The number of server locations and the countries in which those servers are located.
- Security and Features – Analyzed both providers for various security, privacy, and data protection features.
- Logging Policy – Privacy policy of both VPNs, including policies regarding user data logs.
- Compatibility – Which devices and platforms are compatible with both services.
- Customer Support – To evaluate the efficiency and reliability of both provider’s customer support.
- Unblocking Strength – Test whether both the VPNs support various streaming services.
- Torrenting – To check how both providers perform in terms of secure and anonymous torrenting.
- Jurisdiction – To see if the providers operate from countries belonging to the 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes, or 14-Eyes alliance.
Avast VPN vs NordVPN: Head-to-Head Comparison
🏆 NordVPN is the winner!
I performed this side by side comparison between Avast and NordVPN and concluded NordVPN as the winner based on the following:
- Logging: NordVPN does not keep any logs
- Speed: 24.91 Mbps
- Servers: 5500
- Jurisdiction: Panama (safe jurisdiction for a VPN service)
- Price: $3.99/mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan)
- Live Chat Support: Yes
- Connection protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and more
Avast VPN vs NordVPN: Detailed Analysis [Updated March 2022]
Both VPNs have their own pros and cons. For instance, Avast is a renowned player in the cybersecurity industry. Though admittingly, it is more commonly recognized for its award-winning anti-malware suites than its VPN service. As a result, it lacks a few advanced VPN-specific features.
NordVPN is solely a VPN provider that has been working in the VPN industry since 2012. This gives NordVPN a slight edge over Avast VPN. However, a major reason why we think NordVPN is better than Avast VPN is because of its features. Below is a detailed comparison of NordVPN and Avast VPN.
1. Pricing Plans: Avast VPN vs NordVPN
| Pricing Plans | |
|
|---|---|---|
| 1-month | $11.95/mo | N/A |
| 1-year | N/A | $4.99/mo |
| 2-years | $3.99/mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) | $3.99/mo |
| 3-years | N/A | $3.99/mo |
Avast VPN – It offers three different pricing plans. Previously, Avast used to offer subscriptions depending on the device you had; however, that has changed now. Currently, their 1-year plan costs $4.99/mo, and their 2-year and 3-year plan costs $3.99/mo. All of the plans that I’ve just mentioned can be used on 10-devices simultaneously.
NordVPN – It is also quite reasonable in pricing; however, Avast VPN is a bit expensive in terms of pricing. NordVPN also offers three plans; however, unlike Avast VPN, it substitutes the 2-year plan for a monthly plan.
The provider used to offer a NordVPN’s lifetime subscription, but it is now discontinued. Currently NordVPN’s 1-month plan costs $11.95/mo, the 1-year plan costs $4.92/mo, and the 2-year plan costs $3.99/mo (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan).
Winner: 🏆 NordVPN
Payment Methods and Refund Policy
| Payment & Refund | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | ✔ | ✔ |
| PayPal | ❌ | ✔ |
| Cryptocurrency | ✔ | ❌ |
| 30-day Money-back guarantee | ✔ | ✔ |
Avast VPN – To purchase Avast VPN, you can make a payment through credit cards or PayPal. Both of these options are secure. However, an added crypto option would have given Avast VPN an edge over NordVPN. As for refunds, Avast VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN – On the other hand, NordVPN can be purchased through either credit cards, Google Pay, Amazon pay, ACH transfer, Union Pay, or cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and others. NordVPN used to accept PayPal payments in the past; however, not anymore. Similar to Avast VPN, all NordVPN subscription packages are refundable which means you can cancel NordVPN and get a refund within the first 30-day.
Winner: 🏆It’s a Tie
2. Speed Comparison: Avast VPN vs. NordVPN
Speed is another important factor that affects the functionality and overall performance of a VPN. Without good speed, you can’t expect good streaming or torrenting performance.
The speed of both providers for this comparison round was measured on a base connection of 30 Mbps download speed and 30 Mbps upload speed.
| OpenVPN/ NordLynx | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed | 25.46 Mbps | 9.57 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 23.53 Mbps | 8.43 Mbps |
As you can see from the table, NordVPN is the winner in the speed department. It’s almost thrice as fast when it comes to download speed and upload speed. Frankly, you can’t ask for a better speed performance than NordVPN.
Winner: 🏆 NordVPN
3. Server Network: Avast VPN vs NordVPN
|
|
|
| Server Network | 5500+ servers in 60 countries | 700+ servers in 34 countries |
Avast VPN – Has a relatively small server network compared to NordVPN. Although the provider doesn’t mention the exact number of servers on its website, it does indicate that it has 100 servers in 34 countries.
NordVPN – On the other hand, it has the largest servers network in the entire VPN industry. Currently, NordVPN’s server network is comprised of 5500+ servers operating in 60 countries. This is why NordVPN is the apparent winner in this category.
Winner: 🏆 NordVPN
4. Security and Features: Avast VPN vs. NordVPN
| Security Features | |
|
|---|---|---|
| AES-256 encryption | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leak protection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Kill switch | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-logins | 6 | 10 |
| Benchmark protocols | ✔ | ✔ |
| Onion Over VPN | ✔ | ❌ |
| Double VPN | ✔ | ❌ |
| Ad/malware blocker | ✔ | ❌ |
| Obfuscation | ✔ | ❌ |
Avast VPN – It uses AES-256-Bit encryption and standard VPN protocols. Although Avast doesn’t offer many features, it does offer DNS leak protection and a Kill switch to make sure you remain anonymous online. Other than that, the provider supports up to 10 multi-logins if you need to secure more than one device simultaneously.
NordVPN also uses the AES-256-Bit standard encryption, which has become the industry standard among VPN providers. But other than that, NordVPN also uses modern VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2.
NordVPN doesn’t stop here. To further enhance your security, it offers features like Onion Over VPN, leak protection, kill switch, CyberSec, and even Double VPN, which grant you twice the anonymity and security than traditional VPNs. For this reason, NordVPN gets the better of Avast VPN.
Winner: 🏆 NordVPN
5. Logging Policy: Avast VPN vs. NordVPN
Logging policy is a factor of extreme importance that determines the level of privacy a VPN can guarantee. You can see the comparison between NordVPN and Avast VPN’s logging policies below:
| Logs Type | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Connection logs | ❌ | ✔ |
| Activity logs | ❌ | ❌ |
Avast VPN – Although Avast VPN has an extensively written privacy policy page on its website, it still keeps logs of IP addresses and timestamps. That’s something NordVPN refrains from.
NordVPN – In comparison, NordVPN has one of the best logging policies in the industry. NordVPN expressly avoids maintaining logs of users’ IP, bandwidth, timestamps, or traffic logs. This is what makes NordVPN one of the best privacy solutions that you can get.
Winner: 🏆 NordVPN
6. Compatibility: NordVPN vs. Avast VPN
| Compatibility | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Android | ✔ | ✔ |
| iOS | ✔ | ✔ |
| Windows | ✔ | ✔ |
| macOS | ✔ | ✔ |
| Android TV | ✔ | ❌ |
| Linux | ✔ | ❌ |
| Chrome | ✔ | ❌ |
| Firefox | ✔ | ❌ |
Avast VPN is compatible with desktops and smartphones, including PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. However, it does not support less common platforms such as Linux and routers.Avast also work with Kodi in hongkong.
NordVPN – Aside from being compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, NordVPN also supports a broader range of devices, including Android TV, Firefox, Chrome, Firestick, Kodi, Roku, and other significant platforms. As a result, NordVPN once again wins in this category.
Winner: 🏆 NordVPN
7. Customer Support: NordVPN vs. Avast VPN
| Support | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✔ | ❌ |
| Email support | ✔ | ✔ |
| Telephone support | ❌ | ✔ |
| Troubleshooting guides | ✔ | ✔ |
| Setup guides | ✔ | ✔ |
| FAQs | ✔ | ✔ |
Avast VPN – It offers customer support over live phone calls 24/7. Avast also has a forum and knowledge base containing many helpful articles if you have any queries. However, Avast does not provide support over live chat, which leaves a lot to be desired because a written mode of instant communication is often more helpful than receiving instructions over a phone.
NordVPN – Offers assistance to customers over live chat, available 24/7. In addition, you can find detailed instructions, setup guides, and FAQs on NordVPN’s support page. Their support staff is technically competent and highly responsive, which is extremely valuable for sorting technical issues.
We tested the responsiveness of NordVPN’s live chat by inquiring about their Netflix functionality. It only took roughly 15 seconds for their representative to respond, which is quite impressive.
Due to the convenience of a 24/7 available live chat feature, NordVPN has a clear advantage over the Avast VPN.
Winner: 🏆 NordVPN
8. Unblocking Strength: Nord VPN vs. Avast
| Streaming Channels | |
|
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | ✔ | ❌ |
| HBO GO | ✔ | ✔ |
| Disney+ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hulu | ✔ | ❌ |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sling TV | ✔ | ✔ |
| FuboTV | ✔ | ❌ |
| BBC iPlayer | ✔ | ❌ |
The ban on VPNs by Netflix and other streaming services has affected many providers. So let’s see if Avast VPN and NordVPN have the ability to unblock popular streaming channels like Netflix from anywhere in the world.
Avast VPN – It was unable to unblock Netflix during the testing process. So, if you’re looking for a solution to access Netflix from a region of your choice, Avast VPN, unfortunately, won’t cut it. But as for other services like BBC iPlayer, Avast VPN worked just fine.
NordVPN – You can easily unblock US Netflix with NordVPN and effectively unblock BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and many other streaming services.
Best of all, NordVPN’s fast speeds allow for high-quality video streaming. You can also check out the NordVPN vs Hotspot Shield, NordVPN vs. Surfshark and NordVPN vs Proton VPN comparison as proof of the fact that NordVPN does offer high speeds in comparison to other VPNs.
Winner: 🏆 NordVPN
9. Torrenting: Avast VPN vs. NordVPN
| Torrenting Features | |
|
|---|---|---|
| No Logs | ✔ | ❌ |
| Fast Speeds | Fast | Average |
| Unlimited Bandwidth | ✔ | ✔ |
| Obfuscation | ✔ | ❌ |
| Safe Jurisdiction | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leak Proof | ✔ | ✔ |
Torrenting support is one of the factors that users usually consider before buying a VPN. However, since not all VPNs allow P2P file sharing, let’s see if NordVPN and Avast VPN can help you download torrents.
Avast VPN – It has several dedicated servers that allow torrenting. Currently, Avast has around eight servers that support torrenting. However, it lacks the obfuscation technology that can be crucial for privacy.
NordVPN – It offers a massive 5500+ server network with complete P2P support. NordVPN also offers obfuscation technology so you can easily access any torrent website using their servers without worrying about your activities being tracked. All in all, NordVPN is certainly one of the best VPNs to use for torrenting.
Winner: 🏆 NordVPN
10. Jurisdiction: Avast VPN vs. NordVPN
|
|
|
| Jurisdiction | Panama (Safe) | Czech Republic (Safe) |
Avast VPN – It is located in the Czech Republic. The country has no mandatory data retention laws, but it is believed to be a “cooperative” member of the 5/9/14 eyes alliance. Moreover, since the country is part of the EU, data retention requirements may apply in some cases. As such, the Czech jurisdiction of Avast VPN is not as secure as NordVPN’s Panamanian jurisdiction.
NordVPN – It is headquartered in Panama, which is a haven for privacy advocates. There are no data retention requirements on ISPs and VPN providers based in the country, and neither does it have any sort of affiliation with surveillance agencies in the US, UK, and their allies. This is why NordVPN is one of the safest options available for users that value their privacy.
Jurisdiction is essential when you are deciding on a VPN for yourself. For example, you don’t want to purchase a VPN provider like TunnelBear, operating from Canada (Part of the 5 eyes alliance), and risk your online privacy and data.
Speaking of TunnelBear, even though it is a competitive VPN provider on many levels with NordVPN, it is not a favorite due to its jurisdiction. Check out how it performs against top-tier VPN in TunnelBear and NordVPN comparison.
Winner: 🏆 NordVPN
Final Verdict: Avast VPN vs NordVPN
🏆 NordVPN is the winner!
NordVPN is the champion, performing well in all categories.
To sum up our Avast VPN vs NordVPN comparison, Avast VPN offers way fewer features than NordVPN. In contrast, NordVPN provides a lot more features at a much more competitive price. You can read in-depth about the features offered by both providers in our comprehensive NordVPN review and Avast VPN review.
Anyways, NordVPN is significantly better than Avast in terms of performance. Therefore, whether you consider the ability to unblock Netflix, download torrents, accessing restricted websites, and enhancing your online anonymity, then NordVPN is the better choice when compared to Avast VPN.
FAQs
Is NordVPN better than Avast VPN?
NordVPN is better than Avast VPN in terms of performance, speed, and unblocking ability. NordVPN is almost twice as fast as Avast VPN. Moreover, NordVPN works with all major streaming platforms and is perfectly capable of bypassing geo-restrictions. Avast VPN, on the other hand, lags behind as it does not work with popular sites.
Can I use Avast VPN for free?
Yes, you can use Avast VPN for free as it offers a free version. Its free version comes with a data allowance of 500 MB per month with access to 36 countries. It does, however, offer slow speeds and below-average performance as you cannot unblock most geo-restricted sites with its free version. You can learn more about this VPN in our free VPN guide.
