Avast VPN vs NordVPN—Which Suits You Better?
Cyber threats are more advanced today than ever, emphasizing the need for additional online security measures. This rising concern has increased the growth of the Virtual Private Network (VPN) market, which was worth $45 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $350 billion by 2032.
To help you find the best VPN for your needs, we've compared two well-known VPN services—Avast VPN vs. NordVPN. This article will also present an additional security tool that can help you protect your financial data online.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of May 2024, and the features of the products may evolve. Visit the VPNs' official websites for the latest updates.
Avast VPN vs NordVPN—A Comparison
To help users determine which of the VPNs better aligns with their needs, we'll examine these five crucial aspects:
- Security features
- Speed and performance
- Server network size
- Compatibility and support
- User experience and customer support
Security Features
Avast VPN and NordVPN use AES-256 encryption and OpenVPN protocols[1][2]. Avast VPN also supports WireGuard, Mimic, and IPsec (for Mac), while NordVPN uses WireGuard (NordLynx) and IPsec/IKEv2. Having more protocols available allows users to adjust the performance and security levels to their needs.
Both services also offer the following features:
- Kill switch—A feature that instantly disconnects users from the internet if the VPN connection fails, protecting their IP address and sensitive data.
- Split tunneling—Users can direct traffic from certain apps through their regular internet connection even with the VPN on.
- DNS leak protection—A feature that ensures all DNS requests go through the VPN tunnel and prevents potential leaks of users' browsing activity.
- No log policy—Avast VPN gathers minimal service data for diagnostics[3], while NordVPN follows a no-log policy, meaning it doesn't record any user activity.
Features specific to NordVPN include[4]:
Speed and Performance
NordVPN has earned a reputation for exceptional speed, as demonstrated by independent speed tests. According to AV-TEST[5], NordVPN was found to be nearly twice as fast as the next fastest VPN service provider—it showed a speed of 417.0 Mbps in the U.S. and 255.9 Mbps in the U.K.
Another test[6] found it achieves an average speed of 341.5 Mbps and slows down connections only by 10% of users' regular speeds.
An independent speed test[7] of Avast VPN found that it can reduce download speeds up to 75%, getting speeds of up to 26.5 Mbps on a 100 Mbps regular connection.
The VPN speed can differ depending on various factors, such as server distance and base internet connection speed. Features like double VPN and certain VPN protocols may also contribute to slower connections.
Server Network Size
Avast VPN boasts about 700 servers across 34 countries[8], while NordVPN offers over 6,300 servers in 111 countries[9].
A larger VPN network offers several benefits to users:
- Lower server congestion, which can improve speed
- Higher likelihood of finding servers closer to the user, reducing latency
- Easier access to local content and services
Compatibility and Support
Support for multiple operating systems and devices is crucial for VPN users seeking flexibility and compatibility. NordVPN and Avast VPN can be used on various operating systems and devices, such as:
- Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
- Smart TVs
NordVPN goes further by supporting Linux and routers[10]. Both VPNs allow up to ten simultaneous connections.
User Experience and Customer Support
Both VPNs offer intuitive interfaces, easy-to-navigate menus, and informative tutorials. Although both providers have dedicated 24/7, live chat, and email support in addition to support guides, only Avast VPN has a phone support service[11][12].
Some users have allegedly had issues with Avast's customer support[13], claiming that they had trouble resolving issues by phone and email. On the other hand, NordVPN has been recommended by users[14] for its responsiveness to customers.
In terms of pricing, Avast VPN's lowest per-month cost for a multi-year plan is around $4.39[15]. NordVPN's lowest per-month price for a multi-year plan usually starts at $3.39[16], but this can vary due to NordVPN's complex payment structure and frequent discounts.
Both services offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Want To Explore Some More?
If neither NordVPN nor Avast VPN meets your needs, there are several other options worth considering:
- Surfshark VPN, Malwarebytes VPN, Windscribe VPN, and PIA VPN might be ideal for users who need to connect more devices simultaneously.
- CyberGhost VPN and Turbo VPN may be great for those seeking an even larger server network.
- Proton VPN, Hide.me VPN, and Hotspot Shield VPN may be perfect for users who want to try a VPN free of charge.
How To Boost Protection for Your Sensitive Data Online
VPNs can keep you safe from some online threats, but they do not offer protection from every attack vector. Even with a VPN on, you might still encounter:
- Phishing scams—Hackers may try to trick you into revealing sensitive information via deceptive emails or websites.
- Malware attacks—Malicious software can infiltrate your devices, potentially causing data loss and resulting in unauthorized access.
- Server data breaches—Merchants that hold users' financial information can experience data breaches, putting your sensitive data at risk.
In 2023 alone, 3,205 instances of data compromises affected more than 353 million individuals in the U.S.[17] However, there are several steps you can take to boost your online security. Ensuring websites have an SSL certificate, learning how to recognize phishing scams, using secure Wi-Fi, and enabling two-factor authentication can help protect your private information.
You should also consider using virtual cards when making online purchases. These cards are connected to a real funding source, such as a debit card or bank account, but replace this information with random card numbers at checkout. In case of a breach on a merchant’s servers, only your virtual card data will be visible, while your real payment details will remain protected.
Banks like American Express® and Capital One® provide virtual cards to their customers, but independent providers like Privacy offer advanced security and customization options, and they do not require you to be an account holder at a specific bank.
How Privacy Makes Online Payments Safer
With over 250,000 users, Privacy is a reputable virtual card provider that allows its customers to create unique cards for various purposes. When paying with Privacy Cards, your sensitive details are protected from potential thieves as they never leave Privacy's servers.
Privacy uses top-notch security measures to protect your information, including:
Privacy Card Types and Features
Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:
- Single-Use Cards—This type of card closes shortly after the first transaction. It is ideal for one-time payments or purchases at merchants you don't trust completely.
- Merchant-Locked Cards—These cards are "tied" to the first merchant you use them with. Even if the card details are stolen, they cannot be used elsewhere. You can use Merchant-Locked Cards at your favorite online shops or for recurring payments, such as subscriptions.
- Category-Locked Cards—These cards are "locked" to a specific, pre-determined category of merchants. Any attempt to use them with a merchant outside that category will be declined. You can use Category-Locked Cards to set a monthly budget for a specific type of purchase and organize your finances.
Privacy lets you pause or close your cards, and any attempt to charge the card will be declined. This feature can be useful when canceling a subscription service as it can help you block accidental charges.
Privacy also lets you set spending limits. Privacy will not allow any charge above the set limit, protecting your account against overcharging or hidden fees.
Convenience Features
Privacy Virtual Cards offer features that make managing your online transactions easy:
- Privacy App—It is compatible with iOS and Android devices and allows you to create and manage virtual cards directly from your smartphone. You can also use the app to set spending limits or pause/close your cards at any time.
- Browser extension—The Privacy Browser Extension can be used with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Safari for iOS. It lets you create and use virtual cards directly from the browser and has an autofill option for entering card details.
- 1Password integration—Privacy integrates with 1Password, one of the most popular tools for managing passwords. You can create, store, and autofill virtual card details directly from 1Password's browser extension.
- Shared Cards—You can share a virtual card with your relatives or close friends, while your actual card details remain secure.
- Card Notes—This feature allows you to leave notes on Privacy Cards, helping you keep track of your payments and merchant names.
How To Get a Privacy Card
You can use Privacy Virtual Cards at most vendors and websites that accept Visa® or Mastercard®. To get started with Privacy, follow these steps:
- Create an account
- Enter the necessary Know-Your-Customer (KYC) information
- Link a funding source, such as your debit card or bank account
- Request and generate a Privacy Virtual Card
Privacy offers four plans, each with distinct features:
*Live Chat is available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
