With numerous subscribers that Avast VPN and NordVPN have, which of the two is a better VPN in terms of security, privacy and online accessibility. Through this article, we will compare both VPNs and see head to head which one would be better in performance and value for money.
We have performed side by side comparison between Avast and NordVPN and here is a detailed summary comparison chart.
| Avast VPN | NordVPN | |
| Jurisdiction | Czech Republic | Panama |
| Price | $3.99/month | $3.49/month |
| Logging Policy | Keeps IP, timestamp logs | No logs |
| Speed | 9.42 Mbps | 27.32 Mbps |
| Customer Support | FAQs/Telephone | Live Chat |
| Server Network | 100+ servers / 34 countries | 5000+ servers / 59 countries |
| Security | Powerful | Powerful |
| Torrenting | Yes | Yes |
| Netflix | No | Yes |
| Website | Avast.com | Nordvpn.com |
Detailed Comparison
All VPNs have their pros and cons and so are NordVPN and Avast. Avast, though is well-known in the cybersecurity industry, is lacks few advanced VPN specific features. NordVPN on the other hand, has a slighter edge due to it being in the VPN industry since 2012.
1. Pricing
Avast comes with three different subscription plans. They currently have a one-year plan which amounts to $4.99/month. Their two-year and three-year plan costs about $3.99. All plans allow subscribers to connect up to a maximum of 5 devices simultaneously.
NordVPN like Avast comes with three subscription plans. They have one-month plan which costs about $11.95/month. Its one-year plan amounts to $6.99/month and 3-year plan for only about $3.49/month.
With this, Avast comes cheaper and more affordable than NordVPN.
2. Payment Methods and Refund Policy
Avast VPN- allows their subscribers to pay through credit cards and PayPal. Unfortunately, they do not accept cryptocurrencies. However, as for refunds, Avast has a 30-day money back guarantee.
NordVPN- subscribers could pay through credit cards and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. However, NordVPN no longer accepts payment from PayPal. They also have a 30-day money back guarantee.
3. Speed Results
One of the most important things that one should consider when choosing a VPN is its speed since it could affect the overall performance and functionality.
Avast VPN
Australia: 8.84 Mbps
Germany: 9.21 Mbps
US: 9.57 Mbps
UK: 8.43 Mbps
Average Download: 9.01Mbps
NordVPN
Australia: 24.81 Mbps
Germany: 24.29 Mbps
US: 25.46 Mbps
UK: 25.09 Mbps
Average Download: 24.91Mbps
With this, you will notice that NordVPN has a higher average download than Avast VPN.
4. Server Network
Avast VPN- comes with a small server network. They only have around 100 servers located in about 34 countries worldwide.
NordVPN on the other hand, comes with 5000 plus servers located in 59 countries. This means, in this category, NordVPN wins over Avast VPN.
5. Compatibility
Avast VPN is compatible with the following:
- – Android
- – Windows
- – iOS
- – MacOS
Unfortunately, Avast does not use browser extensions – Chrome, Firefox and the like.
NordVPN is compatible with the following:
- – Android
- – Windows
- – iOS
- – MacOS
- – Linux
- – Android TV
- – Firefox
- – Chrome
With this, in this category, NordVPN wins over AvastVPN.
6. Logging Policy
Logging policy guarantees subscribers whether or not the VPN service provider keeps records of their logins, history, activities and browsing.
Avast VPN- has a privacy policy page found on their website. According to it, they do not keep activity logs but keeps connection logs of IP address and timestamps.
While NordVPN- does not log any connection nor activity logs. In fact, NordVPN has a strict no logs policy which means they do not log their user’s IP address, traffic logs, bandwidth or even timestamps.
7. Unblocking Capabilities
Streaming sites usually impose geographical restrictions and one of the most important features that VPNs has to have is the capability to bypass and unblock these restrictions.
Avast could unblock the following streaming sites:
- Disney Plus
- HBO Go
- Amazon Prime Video
- Sling TV
NordVPN on the other hand could unblock the following streaming sites
- Disney Plus
- HBO Go
- Amazon Prime Video
- Sling TV
- Netflix
- Hulu
- BBC iPlayer
- Fubo TV
8. Customer Support
Customer support is another important factor when considering a VPN service provider. It is where you go to whenever you have queries or you encounter any VPN technical problems.
Avast VPN- could be reached through 24/7 live phone calls. They also have forum on their site for more details. They do not have live chat support however they have email support if you wish a written instruction coming from their customer service support.
NordVPN comes with live chat, email support, troubleshooting, setup and FAQ guidelines found on their site. Unfortunately, they do not have telephone support.
As for responsiveness it took only 30 seconds for a NordVPN representative to respond.
9. Torrenting
Not all VPNs have the capability to allow their subscribers to download torrents. Hence, it is important to check if your VPN has this ability.
Avast comes with dedicated servers that allow their subscribers to torrent. However, they do not have an obfuscation technology which provides additional security to the subscribers when torrenting.
NordVPN on the other hand comes with an obfuscation technology which makes it very safe for their subscribers to torrent.
10. Security Features
Avast has the following security features:
- AES-256 encryption
- Kill Switch
- Leak Protection
- 5 Multi-logins
- Benchmark protocols
NordVPN has the following security features:
- AES-256 encryption
- Kill Switch
- Leak Protection
- 5 Multi-logins
- Benchmark protocols
- Obfuscation
- Double VPN
- Onion over VPN
- Split Tunneling
- Ad and malware blocker
- OpenVPN protocol
- IKEv2 protocol
11. Jurisdiction
Avast VPN is based in Czech Republic which does not have any data retention laws. However, it has been said that they are cooperative with the 5/9/14 eyes countries. Also since they are part of the EU they could be subjected to some data requirements in some cases.
NordVPN is based in Panama. This means they do not have to adhere to any data retention requirements or laws. They do not also have any sort of affiliation with any surveillance agencies of any country.
Conclusion:
Based on all the factors mentioned above, it seems that NordVPN has more advantages in terms of performance, security, privacy and accessibility over Avast VPN. Hence, if you would like to be able to unblock restricted streaming sites, keep your connection private and secured, have high speed and have top notch security features, we highly recommend to go with NordVPN.
