Avast SecureLine VPN Review—Reliability, Limitations, and Alternatives
As the number of internet users rises, so does the prevalence of cybercrime. According to Statista, there were over 3,205 data compromises in 2023, a 78% increase from the 1,802 reported in 2022[1]. Beyond the rising quantity, cyberattacks have also become more advanced.
While measures like using strong passwords and updating software can provide some protection, there are additional steps one can take to improve online security. This is where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) come in. VPNs like Avast SecureLine VPN can encrypt data and mask online activities, enhancing the privacy and safety of their users.
This Avast SecureLine VPN review will describe the service's features, providing the essential information you need to decide whether it's the right VPN for you. You'll also learn about virtual cards and how they can help reinforce security during online transactions.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this review is accurate as of April 2024. For up-to-date information, please refer to Avast SecureLine VPN's website.
How Avast SecureLine VPN Works
Like similar services, Avast SecureLine VPN improves your online privacy by utilizing a secure connection process. When activated, a request is sent from the user's device to one of the VPN's servers to establish a protected tunnel. This tunnel encrypts data sent from and to the user's device, making it unreadable to potential interceptors.
Once the data reaches the VPN server, it's decrypted and sent to its destination—a website, social media platform, or anything else the user wants to access. The data the website or platform sends in response is similarly decrypted on the user's device.
These steps create the impression that the user is browsing from the VPN server's location, not the user's actual location. This allows VPN users to connect to servers in remote locations and access locally available resources.
Avast SecureLine VPN's Key Features
From strong encryption to support for multiple devices, Avast SecureLine VPN offers numerous attributes designed to provide users with a secure and unrestricted internet experience. The service's features and functionalities span six categories:
- Security and convenience
- Speed and performance
- Server network
- Device compatibility and support
- User experience and customer support
- Pricing
Security and Convenience
Avast SecureLine VPN employs AES-256 encryption, a high standard in data security typically used by militaries and governments for secure communication[2].
To ensure users have secure and reliable connections, the service supports various VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec (on MacOS and iOS)[3][4]. It also has the Mimic protocol, which disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder for third parties to detect that you're using a VPN.
The service offers a kill switch to reduce the risk of data leaks. It also offers split tunneling, which allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which do not, providing control and flexibility.
Here are some other security and convenience features[3] offered by Avast SecureLine VPN:
Speed and Performance
Using Avast SecureLine VPN can slow down the base internet speed to some extent, which is expected of VPN services due to the encryption process. According to official sources, the VPN can maintain average speeds of 450–600 Mbps[5]. Users who engage in data-intensive activities, such as videoconferencing, should be satisfied with its performance.
Here's a list of other popular services and their typical speeds[6]:
Server Network
Although some other providers may have a more extensive global presence, Avast SecureLine's network is broad enough to allow users to bypass geo-restrictions. The table below includes some statistics on Avast SecureLine VPN's global server network:
Device Compatibility and Support
Avast SecureLine VPN supports several device types and operating systems, including:
- PC (Windows, macOS)
- Android devices
- iPhone/iPad
The VPN accepts up to ten devices simultaneously but doesn't support routers. Users who need to secure eleven or more devices may need to consider other VPN services.
User Experience and Customer Support
Avast SecureLine VPN has several features that make it user-friendly, including the following:
- A minimalist design
- An easy-to-navigate interface
- Quick connection via a single button
- A change location button that makes it easier for individuals to choose their preferred server location
In terms of support, users get four avenues for assistance:
- Phone (Available 24/7)
- Live chat (Available 24/7)
- Comprehensive guides on the official Avast Support website
Users on a free trial may have limited options for support—Avast only directs them to technical guides on the website.
Pricing and Availability
Avast SecureLine VPN offers three subscription plans:
- One year
- Two years
- Three years
The table below breaks down Avast SecureLine VPN pricing[2] for each plan:
Additional Online Protection Methods
Services like Avast SecureLine VPN are designed to prevent specific threats, and there are online risks that they may not be able to address. For example, if you sign up for an online service and its database gets compromised, your personal information could be stolen.
Hackers may also use advanced persistent threats (APTs) to bypass VPNs. These are sophisticated, long-term cyber attacks that target specific data. VPNs cannot protect against these types of threats as they often involve exploiting multiple vulnerabilities over an extended period.
To enhance your online safety, consider combining a VPN with another piece of online security toolkit—a virtual card. A virtual card includes a unique 16-digit number, CVV, and expiration date you can use at checkout, protecting your actual financial details.
With an independent card provider like Privacy, you also get advanced security features, control over spending, and comprehensive support.
Use Privacy Guards To Protect Your Financial Information
Using Privacy Virtual Cards for online transactions allows you to keep your sensitive details off the merchant's website. They act as a stand-in for your real payment card, and if a merchant experiences a data breach, your actual card details will remain secure because you've used a virtual card instead.
Some other security measures Privacy offers include:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)—Privacy uses a secondary verification method beyond passwords, ensuring only authorized users can access Privacy accounts.
- Transaction alerts—You receive real-time notifications for all transactions, helping you stay informed and take prompt action in case of suspicious activities.
- Fraud protection—In case of disputed transactions, Privacy will analyze the transaction and file chargebacks on your behalf if the claim is valid.
Privacy Card Types
Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:
- Single-Use Cards—Designed for one-time transactions, these cards close shortly after the transaction is complete. They can be useful when shopping on websites whose safety practices you're unfamiliar with.
- Merchant-Locked Cards—These cards are "locked" to the first merchant they're used at and can't be used elsewhere. They are ideal for recurring payments, like subscriptions and bills.
- Category-Locked Cards—Rather than "locking" to a single merchant, these cards "pre-lock" to a merchant type. This technology allows them to be used at multiple merchants within a specific category, such as groceries or utilities.
You can pause or close Privacy Cards at any time, and Privacy will block any charge on that card. You can also set a spending limit and define how much a merchant can charge you. Privacy will decline any charge that goes above the set amount, protecting your bank account from any unexpected fees and price increases you weren't notified about.
Convenience Features
To ensure you have a seamless experience when transacting online, Privacy offers a mobile app (iOS and Android) that allows you to create new cards, manage them, and receive transaction notifications.
You also get access to the Privacy Browser Extension. Available on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Safari for iOS, it eliminates the need to manually enter your card details when transacting, making online shopping effortless.
Privacy integrates with 1Password, too, allowing you to create Privacy Cards and manage the existing ones within the 1Password web extension. You can also rely on 1Password's autofill feature when using your virtual cards online.
How To Get a Privacy Virtual Card
To get started with Privacy, follow four easy steps:
- Create an account
- Complete the know-your-customer (KYC) process
- Link a funding source, such as your bank account or debit card
- Request and generate your first Privacy Virtual Card
Depending on your needs, you can choose any of the four monthly plans Privacy offers:
- Personal (free for domestic purchases)—This plan lets you create up to 12 new virtual cards per month. It provides access to Single-Use and Merchant-Locked Cards, all card features, the mobile app, and the browser extension.
- Plus—At $5 per month, this plan offers everything in the Personal plan, 24 new cards per month, priority customer support, access to Category-Locked Cards, a convenient card sharing feature, and access to Card Notes.
- Pro—At $10 per month, it offers everything under the Plus plan, plus the ability to generate up to 36 new cards per month, 1% cashback on eligible purchases up to $4,500 per month, and zero foreign transaction fees.
- Premium—At $25 per month, this plan offers all the features of the Pro plan but allows you to create up to 60 new virtual cards per month.
