Avast SecureLine VPN Vs NordVPN 2024: Which is Best Choice? 🤔

Avast SecureLine VPN:

Avast SecureLine VPN has a barren-looking interface.

The settings have three tabs, and these have a few checkboxes. The general tab has the option to switch on and off the software notifications, a checkbox indicating whether it is run by a client on startup, and an opportunity to opt in or opt out of the beta updates.

This specific beta feature can damage the VPN’s stability, which has been pointed out by Avast itself. The second tab, “network security,” gives a few options for automatic connection to the VPN.

The kill switch, which is turned off by default, is on the network’s security page. 

For those using the SecureLine VPN, it is suggested to ensure this switch is turned on to maximize the security as, without it, the VPN could even get disconnected without being noticed, and you would be making online buys or even checking out private data without any security. 

The final tab has no checkboxes.

However, it provides users with a one-click method for installing the SecureLine browser extensions. Avast only covers these bare-minimum features and has no additional features beyond the mandatory ones.

NordVPN:

NordVPN is not exactly the best when you look at features, but it has some pretty good features. NordVPN has a solid kill switch, which is much more than a checkbox.

The internet kill switch is similar to that of Avast SecureLine and other controls, and it blocks internet traffic when your VPN is disconnected.

It also has the app kill switch, which allows you to define the program list, which will be closed by NordVPN in case the VPN connection is lost.

There are auto-connect options that enable connection to the VPN when the app starts or even detection of untrusted networks, which is good, especially when using public WiFi.

In contrast to Avast SecureLine VPN, NordVPN allows you to select where the VPN is linked when it gets connected automatically.

 If you do not have particular locations, you can choose any region to connect to, and NordVPN will pick up a fast server automatically. NordVPN has recently added a new Cyber Security feature that keeps you secure by blocking malware sites or phishing attempts.

This feature acts like an ad-blocker too. It might not be a very effective dedicated ad-blocker.

However, it is good to have the part. NordVPN can also use obfuscated servers that permit people in places where VPN is restricted to connect to NordVPN.

Winner: NordVPN is a winner here as it has an app kill switch and options to customize the auto-connect behaviour. Additionally, it has an ad-blocker, malware-blocker, and obfuscated servers.

Avast SecureLine VPN Vs NordVPN: Ease of Use

Ease of use is quite important. A well-constructed software tool can simplify any complex task, whereas a poorly designed tool can make a simple job time-consuming and frustrating.

Here, the VPN layout is described, and issues are identified.

Avast SecureLine VPN:

Avast SecureLine VPN has a minimalist approach in terms of its UI. Its window is a little large compared to other VPNs. However, there is relatively less to fill this space.

About two-thirds is occupied by a toggle switch to connect and disconnect the VPN. Beneath this, it indicates if the IP is unprotected, along with the protected IP and the connection time when the VPN is switched on.

The bottom third part has the country flag indicating the selected country and its name. A “change location” button expands into the complete server list, taking the opened window.

It is organized well. You can browse all the locations in the alphabetized list, or you can choose the tab where the sites have been grouped continent-wise.

The settings are easy to locate, and the various options have been explained briefly, which is good for first-timers. A low frame rate has an extraordinary effect when you need to move the window around.

The window moves much slower than your mouse and does not move smoothly.

NordVPN:

The interface of NordVPN is better than that of Avast SecureLine VPN. Two-thirds of the window is covered by a map indicating locations available in blue markers. All you need to do is click the desired connection location.

You can also check the server list. NordVPN does not come with grouping options found in Avast SecureLine VPN.

However, there is a search bar that sorts the problem. NordVPN has many more settings than Avast SecureLine VPN, but they are manageable. There are just three setting tabs and one tab for account information.

The three tabs for settings include “general,” the “auto-connect” tab, and the “advanced” tab. The “general” page has a lot of features that most of the users do not require.

The “auto-connect” bill has all the necessary settings for the VPN to automatically connect. 

The “advanced” tab contains options for protocol and DNS, which users need not worry about. The client of NordVPN is well-optimized. It just needs a few system resources.

There were no crashes or issues with NordVPN. It is pretty smooth.

Winner: NordVPN is a winner, as repositioning the window isn’t an issue, and it has a better layout.

Avast SecureLine VPN Vs NordVPN: Security & Privacy

In this area, we look into the VPN protocols and encryptions. We test for issues like DNS leaks. We also check the history of VPNs to understand any cases of security or background of the breach. 

We also look into the privacy policies to understand the information collected by them and how they use it. 

Avast SecureLine VPN:

Avast SecureLine VPN does not offer users many options, so the protocol and encryption are locked, and it depends on the devices being used.

The OpenVPN protocol is being used for people using Android and Windows devices, which is highly trusted and open-source.

Those using macOS and iOS devices will have IKEv2, which is less secure than OpenVPN; however, it still offers some protection. Both protocols are paired with AES-256, the best encryption.

Avast has one privacy policy covering all its products and services.

This makes the policy long and extensive, reaching 39 pages. Avast SecureLine VPN collects data, including the operating system, a section of the IP address, and the server you use.

It is also indicated that Avast is sharing the information gathered with any third parties.

NordVPN:

NordVPN doesn’t give users any real choices in terms of encryption and protocol. Instead, they are locked into a combination of AES-256 and OpenVPN.

This combination gives you the best performance and VPN security. However, you must be aware of the recent security breach, where a TLS key was stolen, and the hackers were able to launch an attack.

This has permanently stained NordVPN’s track record, though they ensure such incidents will not occur in the future. Their privacy policy is concise and avoids excessive legal terminology.

The only information it requires from its users is to set up their account using their email address. It does not gather any other identifying data.

The information collected is related to your usage of the VPN and is limited to areas like server load used for maintaining the network.

Winner: There is a tie between NordVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN.