AVG VPN Review—Is It Truly Private?
In 2023, there were 3,205 instances of data compromise reported in the United States, affecting more than 352 million individuals[1]. Over a ten-year period, the number of data compromises rose more than fivefold, and the trend doesn't show any signs of slowing down. While traditional digital safety measures like using antivirus software might protect user data to some extent, they fall short in securing information in transit.
This is where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) step in. VPNs encrypt data and mask online activities, making it difficult for potential hackers to track users' online activities or steal their sensitive information. AVG Secure VPN is one such solution—but is this VPN actually safe?
This AVG VPN review will analyze the VPN’s features, benefits, and potential limitations, providing comprehensive insights into its capabilities. For individuals who need comprehensive security, this article will also explain how virtual cards can help safeguard sensitive information when transacting online.
Disclaimer: The information in this review is accurate and up-to-date as of May 2024. The features of AVG Secure VPN may change over time.
How AVG Secure VPN Works
Like all VPNs, AVG VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between a user's device and the network's server. The encryption shields its users' traffic from any third party that would try to monitor it, including the users' Internet Service Provider (ISP). This feature can be especially useful for businesses that need to provide their employees with remote access to confidential company resources.
AVG VPN also assigns its users a different IP address than the one assigned by their ISP. This feature further protects users' online identities and allows them to access local or geo-restricted content.
AVG VPN's Key Features
To determine how AVG Secure VPN provides a secure, fast, and seamless online experience, we'll examine six key areas of its functionality:
- Privacy and security
- Speed and performance
- Global server network
- Device compatibility and support
- User-friendliness and customer support
- Pricing
Privacy and Security
AVG Secure VPN uses AES-256 encryption, an advanced standard used by banks, militaries, and governments, reducing the risk of data leaks and limiting exposure in case one happens.
For enhanced security, AVG Secure VPN employs three protocols[2]:
- OpenVPN—A secure protocol known for strong encryption and the ability to pass firewalls.
- Mimic—A protocol designed to disguise VPN traffic as regular web traffic, making it harder for one to detect that a VPN is being used, enhancing user privacy.
- WireGuard—A newer protocol that offers state-of-the-art cryptography. It's designed to be simpler and leaner for the fastest VPN experience.
Other notable security and privacy features[2] of AVG Secure VPN include:
While most VPNs have strict no-logs policies, AVG Secure VPN's privacy policy[3] states that it may collect some of its users' connection and service data under certain circumstances, which can be a concern for users who prioritize privacy.
Speed and Performance
Even though AVG Secure VPN encrypts data, consuming bandwidth and potentially slowing down the base internet speed, it still delivers decent performance. Recent tests[4] suggest that AVG Secure VPN attains download speeds of 22–86.94 Mbps, while its upload speeds fall in the 23.12–87.11 Mbps range.
Even though it's not the fastest network, the VPN's speeds can be adequate for various online activities, including gaming and business conferencing.
Global Server Network
Beyond security and speed, AVG Secure VPN has an extensive network of servers in more than 50 locations[5]. This infrastructure allows users to connect to a server close to their home location, potentially reducing the VPN's impact on connection speeds.
The branched-out network also enables users to access content from different regions by connecting to a server in the desired location. This feature may appeal to individuals who need to access local websites in their home country from abroad.
Device Compatibility and Support
AVG Secure VPN is compatible with several devices and operating systems, including:
- Computers (Windows, macOS)
- Mobile devices (Android, iOS)
The VPN doesn't support devices running on Fire OS, so it can't be installed on Amazon Fire Stick.
AVG Secure VPN also supports up to 10 devices simultaneously, so users who need unlimited connections should consider other services.
User-Friendliness and Customer Support
From setup to usability, AVG Secure VPN provides a smooth user experience. It offers clear, step-by-step installation instructions, allowing first-time users to get it up and running with minimal effort.
The app's interface is simple and intuitive, with the power button placed prominently at the center for quick connection. The "Change Location" toggle is positioned at the bottom, providing instant access to the list of server locations.
Individuals who need assistance can contact support via phone, email, or chat—it is available whenever users have questions about the service or encounter issues.
Pricing
AVG Secure VPN has three year-based plans[5]:
These fees are billed as one payment for the entire duration of the plan. The VPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try it risk-free and request a refund if it's not the best fit for them.
Other VPNs that offer money-back guarantees include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and Bitdefender Premium VPN.
Risks AVG Secure VPN May Not Eliminate
Like similar providers, AVG Secure VPN safeguards data in transit. However, once the information reaches its destination, it becomes vulnerable to risks, and its security depends on the measures taken by both you and the websites you visit. Some of these security concerns include:
- Advanced persistent threats (APTs)—These are sophisticated cyber threats that access a network and remain undetected for an extended period. They are often used to steal data or spy on the network's traffic.
- Merchant data breaches—Even with a VPN, data shared with a merchant can get stolen, compromising your privacy and security.
- Phishing scams—These are deceptive practices in which attackers pose as trustworthy entities and trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.
Ways To Protect Your Sensitive Information Online
In addition to employing a VPN, you can take additional steps to safeguard your sensitive information online:
- Activate two-factor authentication (2FA)—This method provides an additional verification step besides your password, making unauthorized access more challenging even if your password gets compromised.
- Stay alert to phishing attempts—Always verify the source before clicking links or sending personal information via emails or social media.
- Use virtual cards—When shopping online, virtual cards can help shield your financial details, reducing the risk of your payment card information being stolen in a merchant data breach. Dedicated providers like Privacy offer advanced security features, control over spending, and even allow card sharing, providing the ultimate experience when transacting online.
Privacy Cards Shield Your Financial Details
Privacy Cards act as a stand-in for your real card information, adding a layer of security between your financial details and the vendors you transact with. They include random card numbers you can use at checkout, allowing you to keep your actual payment card information safe.
As a BBB-accredited service, Privacy is regularly audited to ensure its security measures meet industry standards.
Other ways Privacy Cards protect your sensitive details include:
- Bank-grade encryption—Privacy uses AES-256, an encryption standard that is practically indecipherable to anyone who is not meant to decipher it.
- Transaction alerts—Privacy sends real-time notifications when your cards are used or declined, allowing for immediate detection of any possibly suspicious activity.
- Fraud protection—Like your bank, if you report a transaction, Privacy investigates it and files a chargeback against the merchant if the claim is valid, helping safeguard your funds.
Privacy Card Types and Features
Beyond securing sensitive data, Privacy Cards offer flexibility and control over your online payments. With Privacy, you can use three types of virtual cards:
- Single-Use Cards—Tailored for one-off purchases, these cards become invalid shortly after the first transaction. Even if the card numbers get stolen, they are useless to potential hackers. You can use them when transacting with unfamiliar vendors.
- Merchant-Locked Cards—These cards are "tied" to the first merchant they're used at. Any attempts to charge them from another vendor are automatically declined, protecting you from potentially fraudulent transactions. You can use them to pay for your favorite subscriptions, such as YouTube Premium, Dropbox, and Shopify.
- Category-Locked Cards—Similar to Merchant-Locked Cards, these cards "lock" to a merchant category rather than one individual merchant. You can use Category-Locked Cards to manage your budget for certain types of purchases.
Privacy allows you to set spending limits, pause, or close your virtual cards without affecting the funding source. When you set a spending limit, Privacy will automatically decline any transactions that go above it, helping you protect your bank account from any charges that weren't approved by you beforehand.
Pausing or closing the card can be useful when unsubscribing from services as Privacy will block all charge attempts.
Convenience Features
Privacy has features that make transacting online effortless. You can access the Privacy App with any Privacy plan you choose. Available on Android and iOS devices, it allows you to manage your virtual cards, set spending limits, and monitor transactions from your mobile device.
Privacy also has a browser extension available on major browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Safari for iOS. The Privacy Browser Extension autofills your virtual card details during checkout, saving time while reducing exposure to risks like keylogging.
Privacy also supports integration with 1Password. With this feature, you can use 1Password to securely store and manage your Privacy Cards.
How To Get Started With Privacy
You can get a Privacy Card in four simple steps:
- Register
- Complete the know-your-customer procedure to verify your identity
- Connect a funding source, such as your debit card or bank account
- Request your first card
Privacy has four monthly plans:
Privacy Virtual Cards are available to all U.S. residents above 18 and with bank accounts at U.S. banks or credit unions.
