Comparing both VPN providers with privacy, streaming, security, encryption, And Torrenting, Here is a quick statistical overview of both VPN providers.
Features
NordVPN
Avast VPN
Encryption Type
Third-Party Audit
Log Policy
Jurisdiction
Smart DNS
Proxy
Users
Dedicated IP
Servers
Double VPN
Ad blocker
Malware Blocker
Password Manager
Bandwidth
Gaming Support
Torrent Support
Streaming Supports
Connection
Downloading
Free Version
China
AES-256
No-Logs
Panama.
14 million
5200+
Unlimited.
6
Allowed
Here is the complete analysis and thorough test report; which one is better for privacy? let’s find out.
In this NordVPN Vs. Avast VPN comparison, I’ll dive deep to determine which service provider is better. I’ll look at various aspects such as speed, pricing, encryption, security features, logging policy, and all other pressing methods. Ultimately, I’ll give my final verdict on who provides effective performance and wins the battle of privacy and security.
Between the two VPNs, most of you’re similar to NordVPN. The VPN dominates the VPN industry and is among the top-tier VPN. At the same time, Avast has a good name and reputation in the cybersecurity industry, thanks to its premium quality products such as Avast antivirus and Avast SafeZone Browser.
Avast SecureLine VPN is another popular security product living up to the company’s reputation. The VPN has created great hype in the industry, which provoked me to test both myself.
Want to know which VPN is better? Read on to get all your answers.
Avast VPN vs. NordVPN Comparison
Below is a quick and general overview of the two VPNs. So, here you go:
| Factors | NordVPN | Avast VPN |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Czech Republic |
| No of servers | 5000+ servers in 59 countries | 700 servers in 34 countries |
| Encryption | AES-256 bit | AES-256 bit |
| Speed | Superfast, consistent, and reliable | Sluggish |
| Operates in China | Yes | No |
| Protocols offered | OpenVPN and IKEv2 | OpenVPN, and IPSec |
| Zero-Logging Policy | Keeps no logs | Logs username, data transmitted, and connection timestamp |
| Supports Torrenting | Yes | Yes |
| Unblocks Netflix | Yes | Yes |
| No simultaneous connections | Up to six devices | Up to 10 devices |
| Website | nordvpn.com | avast.com |
Security and Encryption
Everyone wants to maintain and protect their online privacy in this era of changing security landscape. At present, the best way to do this is by using a compatible VPN provider that offers robust encryption and security features.
NordVPN uses industry-standard AES-256-bit encryption for safeguarding data traffic. It has a double VPN feature that allows users to change multiple servers shortly for enhanced encryption.
To further enhance your online security, NordVPN uses advanced VPN protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. Besides this, it uses a perfect forward secrecy feature for more protection. The PFS feature changes the encryption keys according to the need for time.
Besides this, the service provider comes with a wide range of security-enhancing features that maintain your digital privacy and make you anonymous over the web. The features include:
- Kill switch
- Onion over VPN
- DNS and IP leak protection
- SOCKS5
- CyberSec
- Obfuscation technology
- Ad and Malware blocker
- Split tunneling support
All these features grant you more anonymity and protection than other traditional VPNs available in the market.
On the other hand, Avast VPN is also a secure and reliable VPN. Like NordVPN, it also uses AES-256-bit encryption and standard VPN protocols, i.e., OpenVPN and IKEv2. Also, it has an effective kill switch for guarding your IP address when the VPN connections drop and prevents DNS leaks. But, it lacks several other security-boosting features and thus remains far behind NordVPN.
Privacy Policy
A VPN’s privacy policy is the most critical factor determining the level of protection a VPN can guarantee. In their privacy policy, many VPNs claim to provide the utmost level of privacy and safety but, in reality, logs users’ data and risk their digital privacy. Thus, I decided to deeply analyze both service providers’ privacy policy.
Avast VPN’s Privacy Policy
Avast VPN has mentioned in their privacy policy that they do not keep activity logs. But, it doesn’t mean they collect data as per their website claim; they keep connection logs such as connection timestamp, IP address of the VPN server, and data transmission when using the service.
Here’s a look at Avast VPN privacy policy:
The collected data is stored for 30 days. I found it most alarming that Avast VPN belongs to the Czech Republic, which is not a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. Moreover, it is a part of the European Union so, the data retention laws are applicable. It is something that differs Avast from NordVPN that has a secure location and a strict privacy policy.
NordVPN’s Privacy Policy
NordVPN belongs to the safe jurisdiction of Panama Island. The country hasn’t imposed any strict privacy or data retention laws, making it ideal for privacy advocates.
The VPN follows a strict no-log policy and is regarded as one of the most trusted VPN in the industry. It doesn’t store activity or connection logs of its customers’ online activities.
Here’s what NordVPN privacy policy say about their logging policy:
Interestingly, its strict zero-logging policy became apparent when NordVPN suffered a data breach. In March 2018, an unidentified attacker accessed the encryption key, and the service provider experienced a breach. NordVPN, in a blog post, accepted the attack and stated that owing to a no-log policy, the breached server didn’t contain any sensitive user data.
Individuals and security experts raised their fingers at NordVPN’s integrity. The company, to prove its point undergoes an independent audit for two years. PricewaterhouseCoopers AG (PwC) analyzes the service and confirms that NordVPN is faithful with its words and exhibits a strict no-log policy.
Moreover, NordVPN allows anonymous payment methods which highlights how the VPN provider respects user privacy. VPN providers accepting via bitcoin and keep the customer identity anonymous. In comparison, Avast VPN doesn’t accept payment in the form of cryptocurrency. This gives NordVPN an upper hand over Avast in terms of respecting user privacy.
Bypassing Censorship in China
China is among the worst countries that exhibit strict internet laws. Access to the internet is very limited, and not all VPNs can bypass the Great Chinese Firewall.
When I tested both the VPNs to bypass censorship in China, NordVPN was up to my expectations. It has some handy functionality like the obfuscated servers to ensure connection in China. Unfortunately, Avast VPN doesn’t work in China.
Server Locations
A VPN with an extensive server network allows fast connection and enables users to unblock content from anywhere in the world. NordVPN offers more server networks than Avast VPN.
Avast VPN comes with a minimal server network. The VPN comes with 700 servers spread in 34 different countries.
In contrast, NordVPN is among those VPNs that have the largest server network. The service provider currently comprises more than 5000 servers spread in 59 countries.
Thus, again NordVPN is recommended to use.
Compatibility with Devices and Platforms
Avast VPN is compatible with major operating systems and devices. But, there is no manual setup for Linux, and you can’t configure your router to work with Avast VPN software and secure all your home devices.
Moreover, since the VPN lacks the SmartDNS tool, you can use it on FireStick TV or game consoles like Xbox or PlayStation.
Unlike Avast, NordVPN is compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and routers. I was impressed to find out NordVPN can be installed on various streaming devices like Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Android TV, games consoles, and Amazon FireStick TV making it a standout Avast VPN.
But, considering other compatibility features, I believe NordVPN offers greater compatibility to the users.
Simultaneous Connections
The simultaneous connection allows using a single VPN account on multiple devices at a time. NordVPN allows users to connect up to six devices, whereas AvastVPN supports up to ten devices, making it stand out against NordVPN.
Speed Test Results
Speed is one of the crucial factors while selecting a VPN because it impacts the overall functionality and performance of a VPN. No one wants to use a VPN that comes with a slow and sluggish connection. Using a VPN with a fast speed ensures good streaming, browsing, and torrenting experience.
If I talk about NordVPN so, without any doubt, it is a fast VPN. It offers fast and consistent connections across all servers. The downloading and uploading speeds are pretty impressive.
To clear my doubt, I run a speed test from time to time and record peak times and down. During the speed test, I found that NordVPN only reduces 5% of the overall speed.
But, this isn’t much to worry about because NordVPN has a vast server network comprising more than 5000 servers spread in 59 countries. This is why NordVPN offers a quicker connection than the regular one and helps prevent ISP tracking.
Upon testing Avast VPN, I was disappointed because the speeds were not as fast as I expected. I conducted speed tests for local and international servers and was shocked to find that the speeds were quite sluggish on remote servers. Moreover, websites and videos take more time to start loading. But, once things start loading, everything functions normally.
To put it simply, NordVPN is better than Avast VPN regarding connection speed.
Streaming Abilities
Most streaming services have imposed a ban on VPNs. Only the VPNs that update their servers and come with additional features like the Smart DNS play or the split tunneling mode can unblock content from various streaming channels. Thus, I decided to check whether NordVPN and Avast VPN access content from famous streaming channels or not.
I started with Avast VPN and unblocked Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus without any connectivity issues. The speeds were acceptable, and there wasn’t much buffering throughout the streaming experience.
Unfortunately, when I tested the VPN for BBC iPlayer and Hulu so, I failed. I did try a couple of times, but it didn’t work out. Although Avast claims to have servers in the UK, those servers don’t work with streaming on either platform.
Now coming towards NordVPN. I was highly impressed when I tested NordVPN for different streaming services. It works great on all major streaming platforms. What amazed me about NordVPN was that it works well with 15 other Netflix libraries around the globe, making it an excellent choice to stream Netflix and other content platforms.
The streaming speeds were fast and consistent. I also tested NordVPN on other platforms and got similar results. BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney Plus work perfectly fine with Nord NPN, and all thanks to its SmartDNS feature.
So, suppose you’re looking for a VPN to watch unlimited content on a wide range of streaming services. In that case, I’d recommend NordVPN for providing the best and high-quality video streaming experience.
Torrenting and P2P
Downloading copyrighted content is another reason why people prefer to use a VPN. Torrenting falls in a grey area as it isn’t allowed in most parts of the world, and only a VPN can help access the torrent websites. Both NordVPN and Avast VPN claim to support torrenting, but I tested the VPNs for torrenting to test their claims.
NordVPN offers thousands of optimized servers for P2P traffic. The VPN provides a SOCKS5 proxy that can be used with torrent clients like BitTorrent and spoofs your IP address to make P2P sharing possible. Also, NordVPN’s obfuscation technology allows accessing any torrent website without worrying about the snooping eyes spying on your activities.
There are eight different locations where NordVPN doesn’t have torrenting servers. If you try to download in any such location, the VPN reroutes your traffic through a dedicated server in Canada or Netherlands and allows you to download torrent files.
On the other hand, Avast VPN has eight dedicated torrenting servers. I connected to each of them and enjoyed a smooth downloading experience. Another thing that I’d like to mention is that both service providers were free from IP leaks ensuring that no one can recognize you while you download torrents.
Since Avast doesn’t provide the same security level as NordVPN thus, it is not a safer option for torrenting.
Customer Support
The Panama-based VPN offers knowledgeable yet customer support. If you’ve any queries, you can drop a message via email. You can find detailed setup guides, blogs, NordVPN support page, and FAQs on their website.
Besides this, the service provider also offers a 24/7 live chat option that’s always ready to assist despite the time frame. They all possess technical knowledge and are highly responsive.
I messaged the customer support team to check their claims to inquire about the refund policy. I created a scenario where I demanded a refund. I was impressed by how their representatives dealt timely and resolved my query. In contrast, Avast VPN lacks the live chat option, which I believe is the most effective. In addition to FAQs, set up guides, and email support, they also offer a telephone support option, which NordVPN lacks. But it doesn’t make much difference.
Avast VPN leaves room for instant communication. Addressing customers’ queries in a short time is what every customer, including me, wants. Customers have to stay on call for minutes to get their issues resolved. Moreover, most of the time, telephonic calls are missed out. When I called, I connected with the representative after 20 minutes of waiting because the representative did not answer the call. Here, again NordVPN wins.
Payment Insights & Refund Policy
Both of them come with three subscription plans. Let’s have a look at their pricing.
| Subscription Plan | NordVPN | Avast VPN |
| Monthly | $11.95 per month | Not available |
| One year | $4.92 per month | $4.99 per month |
| Two year | $3.67 per month | $3.99 per month |
| Three year | Not available | $3.99 per month |
Avast VPN accepts payment through credit cards or PayPal. While NordVPN offers several different payment method options such as:
- Bitcoin
- Credit and Debit cards
- Alipay
- Amazon Pay
Both the VPN providers offer a seven-day trial period and a 30-days money-back guarantee too.
Nevertheless, NordVPN is a bit cheaper than Avast VPN and should be considered.
Final Verdict: Who Wins?
Based on the above-detailed comparison, I concluded that NordVPN is better than Avast VPN. Privacy and security are the two main areas where no one should compromise. Unfortunately, Avast VPN comes with a shady privacy policy that drifts away from the users from using it.
Furthermore, Avast VPN offers limited features than NordVPN. NordVPN has many more features, and the prices are also competitive. So, if you’re looking for a VPN to unblock Netflix, download torrents, or boost your online privacy, then NordVPN is significantly better than Avast VPN.
