Avast SecureLine VPN vs ExpressVPN in 2024
Avast VPN vs ExpressVPN – which one’s better? This is an interesting question because Avast is known for making a lot of security software, including antivirus software, secure browsers, and even anti-online-tracking software. Surely a company with this much experience can make a good VPN, right? To find out, I’ll compare their VPN solution to ExpressVPN – one of the best and most well-known services on the market.
Avast SecureLineVPN has 700+ dedicated servers in 34+ countries. It’s using the OpenVPN tunneling protocol and has the SmartVPN feature. On the other hand, ExpressVPN has thousands of servers in 105+ countries. It’s using its proprietary Lightway tunneling protocol and is running on RAM-only servers.
This barely scratches the surface of what we’ll be comparing. So let’s not hesitate and dive right in.
Avast SecureLine VPN vs ExpressVPN: specifications
Before going into detail and comparing VPNs in different categories, we believe it is better to give you an overview of some of the important features Avast SecureLine VPN and ExpressVPN offer.
We suggest getting an idea of the categories listed, and it is important not to make a decision solely on the price tag. This is because many VPNs cut down features to offer an extremely affordable price to lure you into getting a subscription.
ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN | |
⭐ Rating: | ||
🥇 Overall rank: | #27 out of #240 | #105 out of #240 |
🖥️ Servers: | 3,000 + servers in 105 countries | 700 + servers in 34 countries |
📖 No logs policy: | Independently-audited no-logs policy | Connection logs |
💵 Price: | - | - |
🔥 Coupons: | - | - |
🔒 VPN protocols: | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, IPsec |
🍿 Streaming services: | - | - |
🖥️ Platforms: | - | - |
📥 Simultaneous connections: | 8 | - |
💁🏻 Support: | 24/7, email | 24/7, FAQ |
ExpressVPN vs Avast SecureLine VPN: pricing
Plans and payments | Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN |
Free trial | No | Yes, 7-day (Android and iOS) |
One month | – | $12.95/month |
Six months | – | $9.99/month |
One year | $4.60/month | $4.99/month |
Two years | $4.20/month | – |
Three years | $3.75/month | – |
Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
Payment options | Credit card, PayPal | Credit card, PayPal, Bitcoin, Paymentwall (AliPay, UnionPay, and more) |
Neither VPN comes with a free version of its app. Instead, both have 30-day money-back guarantees, but sometimes it can be tricky to get a refund. Additionally, ExpressVPN comes with a 7-day free trial, which can be used on any device you want when you sign up. However, while Avast SecureLine has only a few subscription options,it’s still way cheaper than ExpressVPN.
Avast SecureLine VPN pricing
Avast SecureLine VPN, on the other hand, doesn’t have a free trial for users to explore its features. Surprisingly, there’s no 1 month subscription. The plans are:
- $4.60/month for 1 year
- $4.20/month for 2 years
- $3.75/month for 3 years
Like ExpressVPN, Avast offers a 30-day money-back guarantee but falls short in payment flexibility. The only available payment options are credit cards and PayPal.
ExpressVPN pricing
ExpressVPN offers a variety of subscription plans to suit different needs and budgets. With a free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee available, users can test the service before committing to a paid plan. Its subscriptions allow for up to 5 simultaneous connections. The different options are:
- $12.95/month for 1 month
- $9.99/month for 6 months
- $4.99/month for 12 months
Plus, it’s possible to find a lot of ExpressVPN coupons online to get a better deal. Payment options are plentiful and include Credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, Paymentwall, AliPay, UnionPay, and more.
Speed comparison
As VPNs impact your internet connection speed, it is important to consider the ones that provide the fastest speeds. For this purpose, we have conducted a speed test to determine which VPN – Avast SecureLine VPN or ExpressVPN performs better.
To make the comparison unbiased, we have considered US, UK, and Canada servers for the test. Before comparing the speeds, our baseline speeds are 294 Mbps download and 319 Mbps upload.
And it’s not surprising that ExpressVPN won with flying colors. The reason for such a large margin in speeds is that ExpressVPN uses its Lightway protocol which completely dominated Avast SecureLine VPN’s WireGuard implementation. Furthermore, it has a larger server fleet, ensuring stable connectivity.
Avast SecureLine VPN vs ExpressVPN: which is more secure?
Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN | |
Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Jurisdiction | Czech Republic | British Virgin Islands |
Logging | Logs some data | Independently-audited and court-proven no-logs policy |
Kill switch | Yes |
Yes |
Leak protection | DNS, IPv6, WebRTC | DNS, IPv6, WebRTC |
RAM server | No |
All |
It may seem that these VPNs are on opposite sides of the spectrum, but there is some overlap too. For starters, both are using industry-standard AES-256 encryption and support. Moreover, neither is prone to IP or DNS leaks, and both are equipped with kill switches. They’re even based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions, far from the reach of the Fourteen Eyes alliance.
However, ExpressVPN is the more secure option. Its no-logs policy was audited and they run the whole fleet on RAM modules only, preventing data logging in the first place.
Privacy
Since the British Virgin Islands is not part of the international intelligence-sharing alliance, it can be considered favorable for privacy. For people who value their privacy, this may be advantageous. Avast SecureLine VPN is also headquartered in the Czech Republic and is likewise not a member of an international intelligence-sharing alliance.
Logging
While no-log policies are common among VPNs, not all can substantiate these claims. ExpressVPN stands out with a court-proven and independently-audited no-logs policy, reinforcing its credibility. RAM-only servers further enhance privacy protection, ensuring no user data is stored on physical hard drives.
Contrarily, Avast SecureLine VPN does log some information, which might raise concerns for those seeking complete anonymity. That’s your operating system, hardware, device country/location, network information, applications on your device, and more. Additionally, to this device data, Avast collects personal, billing, account, and service information. The absence of RAM servers is also a huge drawback compared to ExpressVPN.
Servers location
Server specification | Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN |
Servers | 700+ | N/A |
Countries | 34+ | 105+ |
All physical servers | Yes | No |
Owns all servers | No | No |
In terms of server infrastructure, ExpressVPN is also in the lead. It has 3000+ servers in 148 locations across 105+ countries. Some of those server locations are virtual. But one of the main selling points of ExpressVPN is RAM-only servers, something that most VPNs do not have.
Avast SecureLine VPN has 700+ servers in 34+ countries. It’s a decent amount, and it’s running on dedicated hardware. Additionally, both providers allow unrestricted P2P traffic.
ExpressVPN dominates this category because of its huge number of servers and wide coverage. Thanks to its extensive network, customers have more options for locations and can avoid any performance issues brought on by overcrowding.
Features
Features | Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN |
Smart DNS | ❌No | ✅MediaStreamer |
Ad & malware blocker | ❌No | ✅Threat Manager |
Split tunneling | ❌No | ✅Yes |
Specialized servers | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
ExpressVPN is feature-packed, earning it another easy win. Avast SecureLine VPN, on the other hand, doesn’t offer much in terms of functionality, making it the less appealing option.
Smart DNS
ExpressVPN offers a feature called MediaStreamer, which serves as its Smart DNS solution. Devices and streaming peripherals don’t always support VPNs, which can be problematic when you want to secure or bypass geo-blocks.
Mediastreamer addresses this issue by connecting devices to the VPN without needing an app, allowing users to bypass blocks and stream content without problems.
Unlike ExpressVPN, Avast SecureLine VPN doesn’t offer a Smart DNS feature, putting itself at a disadvantage in terms of flexibility for streaming and bypassing geo-blocks.
Ad & malware blocker
ExpressVPN provides a feature called Threat Manager, which blocks ads and trackers, enhancing browsing safety across various platforms. However, Avast SecureLine VPN doesn’t include a specific ad & malware blocker, potentially exposing users to unwanted content and threats.
Split tunneling
ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature allows users to decide which apps will use the VPN connection, providing flexibility in managing network traffic. On the other hand, Avast SecureLine VPN lacks the split tunneling feature, which can be seen as a downside due to the flexibility in managing which apps use the VPN connection.
Specialized servers
ExpressVPN also offers servers designed for specific tasks, such as P2P, ensuring optimal performance when torrenting. There’s also servers for streaming. Whereas the Avast SecureLine VPN provides the same servers as the competition.
Other features
Additionally, ExpressVPN comes with Parallel connections.
Netflix and streaming comparison
Streaming platforms | Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN |
Netflix US | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
Other Netflix libraries | ❌No | ✅Yes |
Amazon Prime Video | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
Hulu | ❌No | ✅Yes |
HBO Max | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
Disney+ | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
BBC iPlayer | ❌No | ✅Yes |
YouTube TV | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
ExpressVPN gives consumers access to Netflix US and international Netflix libraries, enabling them to see content from almost every country. ExpressVPN is compatible with other streaming services, providing various entertainment alternatives.
But the MediaStreamer SmartDNS function of ExpressVPN is what makes it stand out. Even on devices that don’t generally support VPNs, this cutting-edge technology improves the streaming experience by enabling faster and more reliable connections.
With access to US Netflix and other streaming services, Avast SecureLine VPN also excels in this area. However, it falls short compared to ExpressVPN because it doesn’t offer access to additional Netflix libraries, doesn’t unblock many other popular streaming services, and doesn’t include SmartDNS.
Considering ExpressVPN has SmartDNS features and supports other Netflix libraries, we all know which VPN is the winner.
Device compatibility
Device support | Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN |
Major dedicated apps | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Other dedicated apps | Android TV | Android TV, Fire TV & Fire Stick, Kindle Fire, Chromebook, Router applet |
Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome (and Chromium-based browsers), Brave, Edge, Firefox, Opera |
Manual setup | – | Router, NAS, nVidia Shield, Kodi, Roku, Chromecast |
Simultaneous devices | 10 | 5 |
Regarding streaming platforms, ExpressVPN offers a wide array of dedicated apps for major operating systems such as Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. Beyond these, it supports other devices like routers, NAS, Nvidia Shield, Kodi, Roku, and Chromecast. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Opera, allowing seamless integration across various platforms.
Avast SecureLine VPN fails to match ExpressVPN in many aspects, offering considerably fewer dedicated apps.
Desktop applications
ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN provide user-friendly desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Thanks to the intuitive interfaces, even the most inexperienced users may easily navigate.
Avast SecureLine VPN is user-friendly on the desktop but falls short of ExpressVPN’s interface’s easy navigation and visual appeal. ExpressVPN stands out thanks to its somewhat more refined design on the desktop. And it has more features.
Mobile applications
Avast SecureLine VPN and ExpressVPN offer mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, keeping the same level of accessibility. A few taps are needed to connect to a server or change settings.
The smooth use of the ExpressVPN mobile application keeps it at the top of the game. On the other hand, Avast SecureLine VPN’s mobile interface is equally strong but falls short compared to ExpressVPN’s layout. And again, it fails to provide users with a versatile experience due to the lack of features.
Torrenting
P2P specification | Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN |
Allowed on | ✅Dedicated servers | ✅All servers |
Free SOCKS5 proxy | ❌No | ❌No |
Split tunneling | ❌No | ✅Yes (Windows, macOS, Android, routers) |
Port forwarding | ❌No | ✅Yes |
Both Avast SecureLine VPN and ExpressVPN support torrenting and P2P file sharing. However, ExpressVPN is a solid option for torrenting, thanks to its robust security features and fast speeds.
Meanwhile, Avast SecureLine isn’t exactly a good choice due to the privacy and logging concerns I mentioned earlier. Even if you choose to ignore that, Avast SecureLine only allows torrenting on a limited number of servers. Plus, it does not have split tunneling or port forwarding features, which are present on ExpressVPN. Yet it’s missing a SOCKS5 proxy, a feature that could cement it as one of the best VPNs for torrenting.
China
Specifications | Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN |
Works in China | ❌No | ✅Yes |
Stealth VPN | ❌No | ✅Yes (built-in StealthVPN) |
Tor over VPN | ❌No | ❌No |
Sadly, Avast SecureLine VPN has no chance against the Great Firewall of China. It is simply ill-equipped for such a great task.
Meanwhile, ExpressVPN has built-in StealthVPN, which automatically activates itself once DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) is detected. But that’s only one feature with little control from the user. If you want more options when circumventing Chinese censorship, look through our list of best VPNs for China.
Customer support
Support options | Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN |
24/7 live chat | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
Phone line | ✅Yes | ❌No |
✅Yes | ✅Yes | |
Knowledgebase | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
Finally, we have an area where Avast SecureLineVPN gains an edge. Premium users can choose from 24/7 live chat or phone calls. Plus, email conversations are also available, and there are plenty of written guides to peruse.
Naturally, free users get limited access to these features. Out of all of these, ExpressVPN is lacking a phone line but is still excellent at providing customer support.
Avast SecureLine VPN vs ExpressVPN – which is better?
ExpressVPN🥇 | Avast SecureLine VPN🥈 | |
Pricing | Loses❌ | Wins✔️ |
Speed | Wins✔️ | Loses❌ |
Security | Wins✔️ | Loses❌ |
Servers | Wins✔️ | Loses❌ |
Features | Wins✔️ | Loses❌ |
Streaming | Wins✔️ | Loses❌ |
Device compatibility | Wins✔️ | Loses❌ |
Torrenting | Wins✔️ | Loses❌ |
China | Wins✔️ | Loses❌ |
Customer support | Loses❌ | Wins✔️ |
Total wins | 8 out of 10 | 2 out of 10 |
Was there really ever a contest? If there was, it’s plain from this Avast SecureLine VPN vs ExpressVPN comparison that ExpressVPN is the better option whichever way you look at it. It’s reliable, fast, much safer to use, and much more feature-packed than its competitor.
The only thing Avast SecureLine VPN really has going for it is its pricing and customer support. However, its subpar security and privacy features make it a poor choice for anyone looking to stay anonymous online.
You may also like to read:
Avast SecureLine VPN vs NordVPN
Avast SecureLine VPN vs PIA
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
FAQ
Is ExpressVPN better than Avast SecureLine VPN?
ExpressVPN is better than Avast SecureLine VPN. It’s safer, faster, offers an extensive server network, has great streaming & torrenting capabilities, and it actually works in China.
Which is faster – ExpressVPN or Avast SecureLine VPN?
ExpressVPN outperforms Avast SecureLine VPN. ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol allows it to dominate Avast SecureLine VPN's WireGuard implementation, resulting in significantly higher download and upload speeds.