Are you looking for a way to protect your browser history? A virtual private network (VPN) is a great tool to add a layer of cybersecurity when using the internet. A VPN masks your IP address, so you can browse the web without it being traced to you. A VPN can also change the location of your IP address, so you can connect to a server in your home country to access Netflix or other services while traveling abroad.

There are a variety of VPNs available. One of those options is Avast SecureLine VPN. From our testing, 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.

AvastSecureLine VPN is a little confused with its free trial. In some places, it touts a seven-day trial. In other places, it touts a 60-day trial. When we signed up for a free trial, it was 60 days.

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.

3.9

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On Avast SecureLine VPN's website

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Avast SecureLine VPN

• Easy-to-use interface
• Smart VPN feature automatically connects when needed
• No month-to-month payment options

Avast SecureLine VPN overview

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.

Avast SecureLine VPN pros and cons

Avast SecureLine VPN 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 55 countries

Although 700 servers may seem like a lot, Avast SecureLine VPN actually has a smaller amount compared with some other VPNs. Private Internet Access boasts more than 35,000 servers, and CyberGhost has more than 7,400.

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. 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: Maintains connection logs but not activity 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.

Avast SecureLine VPN does not keep logs of your internet activity. It does, however, keep logs of your connection history. These logs would show the timestamps of when you connected to the VPN and how long. Also, Avast SecureLine only stores this data for 35 days. VPN logs can potentially jeopardize the privacy that a VPN provides if those logs are leaked or made available to authorities, advertisers, etc. Avast SecureLine VPN only logs your connection history, so even if this information was leaked, it would only show the date and time you connected and disconnected. It would not show what you did while connected.

Avast SecureLine VPN is headquartered in the Czech Republic. 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. The Czech Republic is not part of one of these alliances.

Kill switch

Avast SecureLine VPN has kill switch functionality. A kill switch is a convenient feature when using a VPN. 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.

The kill switch can be enabled in the settings of the VPN. It was easy for us to activate the kill switch; however, we did notice that connecting to the VPN often took longer if we had the kill switch enabled. Sometimes, the connection would stall altogether.

Split tunneling

Users also have access to split tunneling with Avast SecureLine. Split tunneling allows users to 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.

Users can change the split tunneling configuration in the Avast SecureLine settings. Unfortunately, split tunneling is only available on Android devices. It’s not available in iOS or on Avast SecureLine’s desktop apps.

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 how your VPN functions. Coupled with encryption, your VPN protects your data through its protocol. Avast SecureLine uses the OpenVPN protocol, which is an open-source and secure solution that can be customized to suit the needs of users.

There are other VPN protocols, but OpenVPN is regarded as one of the safest and more efficient. Avast also offers different protocols for Android and Apple users to help improve its VPN service. The IKEv2/IPsec protocol is used in its Apple-based services and the WireGuard protocol is available for Android.

Avast SecureLine VPN test results

Avast SecureLine VPN has ample features, but does it actually work? We tested the VPN to see how easy it was to use, how well it connected to different servers worldwide, and whether it covers all your VPN needs.

We tested Avast SecureLine for DNS and WebRTC leaks. We also checked internet speeds when connected to VPN servers in the United States, France, Australia, and Canada. And, most importantly, we checked to see whether Netflix worked while connected to the VPN in those same regions.

Speed tests

• Avast SecureLine VPN speed test results: Avast SecureLine VPN failed its speed tests.

We tested Avast SecureLine on a MacBook Pro, and we were connected to the internet through a Wi-Fi connection. Our internet connection speeds range from 200 to 450 Mbps download speed without a VPN on any given day. When we were testing, our baseline internet speed was 200 Mbps.

When we first connected to the VPN, it connected to the closest server to our location. This server was in Denver, Colorado. We saw a dip in download and upload speeds, as well as latency when we connected, but it wasn’t noticeable when browsing the internet.

From there, we traveled the world and connected to servers in varying countries. Each of these connection points also had a dip in overall speed, with the slowest speeds coming while we were connected to a server in Australia.

Avast SecureLine VPN speed test results

Avast SecureLine VPN Netflix tests

• Avast SecureLine VPN 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.

Based on our testing, Netflix worked in several countries while using Avast SecureLine VPN. We did have some issues with the connection being lost when switching to a new server location, but we had been oscillating between locations often.

Avast SecureLine VPN Netflix test results

DNS leak tests

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

A DNS leak test evaluates if a VPN is properly configured and checks to see whether your VPN is leaking your DNS or Domain Name System to your internet service provider (ISP). If there is a leak, your VPN would not be encrypting your browser history correctly, and your ISP would still be able to see your browsing activity. Avast SecureLine VPN passed this test, providing DNS leak protection.

WebRTC leak tests

• Avast SecureLine VPN 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.

Avast SecureLine VPN compatibility

When looking for a VPN, it is important to make sure that the VPN will work with any device you’re using. You likely want to use your VPN on your computer, phone, tablet, or whatever device you are using. Avast SecureLine VPN is compatible with Windows and macOS, along with Android and iOS. However, Avast is not available on Linux and cannot be installed on routers.

Avast SecureLine VPN 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. However, it does not have any contact options if you need something right now. There is no phone number or live chat. You’ll have to wait for a response after submitting the form. Avast does offer premium tech support, which gives you 24/7 access via phone, but it comes at a hefty price tag of $79.99 per simple call and $119.99 for a complex fix.

Avast SecureLine VPN prices and subscriptions

Avast SecureLine VPN offers several pricing options for users. If you are looking for a VPN option for a year or less, then Avast would cost $4.39/mo or $55.08 per year. If you’re willing to commit to a two-year or three-year plan, Avast drops the price to $4.39/mo. You can pay for Avast using major credit cards or PayPal.

However, Avast SecureLine VPN does not offer a month-to-month plan. To pay for the service, users have to pay for one, two, or three years at a time.

Avast SecureLine VPN cost

Avast SecureLine VPN 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 is 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 or if you’re worried about government censorship, you may want to consider a VPN with more server locations and security features. There are many other options such as NordVPN or Surfshark.

3.9

Learn More

On Avast SecureLine VPN's website

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Avast SecureLine VPN

• Easy-to-use interface
• Smart VPN feature automatically connects when needed
• No month-to-month payment options

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.