⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Malwarebytes includes the VPN from $79.98/yr (Plus). AVG includes it from $4.99/month (AVG Ultimate).
- Best for: Malwarebytes for privacy-first users. AVG for streaming and large households.
- Key difference: Malwarebytes keeps no connection logs. AVG stores connection event logs for two years.
- Our pick: Malwarebytes for most users, thanks to its audited no-logs policy and WireGuard speed.
Malwarebytes VPN and AVG VPN both come from antivirus brands.
That shared background hides a big split in how they treat your data.
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN keeps almost nothing about your sessions.
AVG Secure VPN stores connection logs for two years.
Yet AVG unlocks more streaming sites and covers more devices.
So the right pick depends on what you value most.
Overview
This Malwarebytes VPN vs AVG VPN comparison covers privacy, speed, streaming, devices, and price.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and user reviews for both tools.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each one.
Those observations appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
What is Malwarebytes VPN?
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN comes from the maker of a popular anti malware solution.
It’s a virtual private network that hides your IP address and encrypts your online activities.
So how does Malwarebytes Privacy VPN work?
It sends your traffic through an encrypted VPN connection to one of its worldwide servers.
It runs on the WireGuard protocol with AES-256 encryption.
It began on Mullvad’s server network.
It now runs on AzireVPN infrastructure, which Malwarebytes bought in 2024.
Here’s a quick video look at the app.
Malwarebytes VPN
A simple privacy VPN from a trusted antivirus brand. It pairs WireGuard speed with an audited no-logs policy.
Malwarebytes VPN Pricing
Malwarebytes sells the VPN inside its security bundles. Here’s what each plan costs.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $59.99/yr | Antivirus only on 3 devices (no VPN) |
| Plus | $79.98/yr | Antivirus + VPN on 3 devices |
| Total | $89.99/yr | Device security, VPN, and identity protection |
Pricing verified October 2026.
Free trial: Yes. Malwarebytes offers a 7-day free trial for Privacy VPN.
Money-back guarantee: Yes. You get 60 days to ask for a refund.
📌 Note: Plus and Total share all the same features on the VPN side. Malwarebytes doesn’t run discounts on VPN subscriptions. It accepts PayPal and credit or debit cards, but not crypto.
⚠️ Warning: VAT applies in some countries. It can raise your total by up to 20% at checkout.
💡 Price check: Some review sites list standalone Privacy VPN plans. They show $39.99/yr for one device, $49.99/yr for three, and $59.99/yr for five. Confirm the final price at checkout.
Key Benefits of Malwarebytes VPN
Here’s what makes Malwarebytes worth a look:
- WireGuard Speed: WireGuard is lighter than older protocols like OpenVPN. Connections usually start within a few seconds.
- Audited No-Logs Policy: Malwarebytes doesn’t store DNS requests, IP addresses, or bandwidth usage. An April 2026 audit by X41 D-Sec reviewed its VPN setup.
- Kill Switch: It blocks all network traffic if the VPN drops. Your real IP stays hidden from websites.
- Connection Rules: This split tunneling tool lets certain apps or IP addresses skip the VPN. It’s easily accessible in settings.
- MultiHop: Your traffic can pass through two servers, each in a different country. That adds one more layer of privacy.
- Private DNS: Malwarebytes runs its own DNS server. It doesn’t track your traffic.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Malwarebytes Privacy VPN and used it for daily browsing. Here’s what stood out:
Malwarebytes VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- WireGuard protocol with AES-256 encryption
- No-logs policy reviewed by an independent 2026 audit
- Kill switch, MultiHop, and split tunneling included
- Clean desktop app and mobile apps with auto connect
- Fast, helpful replies from customer support
❌ Cons
- Small network of 470+ servers
- Struggles with Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
- No apps for Linux, routers, Fire TV Stick, or gaming consoles
- Based in the US, a 5 Eyes member
What is AVG VPN?
AVG Secure VPN is the VPN service from AVG Technologies.
AVG shares a parent company with Avast, so the apps feel similar.
It masks your location and hides your online activity with AES-256 encryption.
The one-click design makes it easy for beginners.
One subscription covers up to 10 devices.
It also protects sensitive data like banking logins on public Wi-Fi.
Watch the video below to see AVG in action.
AVG VPN
A one-click VPN from a familiar antivirus name. It covers 10 devices and has servers built for streaming.
AVG VPN Pricing
AVG sells the VPN on its own and inside bundles. Here are the main plans.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| AVG Antivirus Free | Free | Basic virus scan (no VPN) |
| AVG Internet Security | $4.99/month | Antivirus and firewall (no VPN) |
| AVG Ultimate | $4.99/month | Antivirus plus AVG Secure VPN |
Pricing verified October 2026.
Free trial: Yes. AVG Secure VPN offers a 60-day free trial for new users.
Money-back guarantee: Yes. Paid plans come with 30 days to get a refund.
📌 Note: AVG doesn’t sell monthly-only subscriptions. The shortest term is one year, billed up front.
⚠️ Warning: The free trial needs an account and a payment method. Cancel before it ends if you don’t want to be charged.
💡 Price check: Some sites list the standalone AVG Secure VPN near $54 per year. Confirm the final price at checkout.
Key Benefits of AVG VPN
Here’s what makes AVG worth a look:
- One-Click Setup: Press the ON button on the main screen to connect. The app also comes in multiple languages.
- 10 Devices: One plan covers up to 10 devices at once. That’s more than many vpns allow.
- Streaming Servers: Dedicated servers handle streaming and torrenting. Reviewers have unblocked US Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
- Mimic Protocol: AVG’s own protocol helps slip past VPN blockers. It’s the default choice.
- Kill Switch On by Default: The internet kill switch is active from day one. You don’t have to hunt for it.
- Shared IPs: Many AVG users share the same server IP. That makes any one person harder to trace.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer used AVG Secure VPN for regular browsing and some streaming. These were the main takeaways:
AVG VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Covers up to 10 devices on one subscription
- Streaming servers that reach Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Kill switch turned on by default
- Long 60-day free trial
❌ Cons
- Keeps connection event logs for two years
- No independent audit of its privacy claims
- Lacks advanced features and protocol options
- No monthly plan
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how these two stack up? We’ll compare the important features side by side, from logging rules to streaming.
| Feature | Malwarebytes VPN | AVG VPN |
|---|---|---|
| VPN Included From | $79.98/yr | $4.99/month |
| Free Plan With VPN | ❌ | ❌ |
| Default Protocol | WireGuard | Mimic |
| Independent Audit | ✅ (2026) | ❌ |
| Connection Logs | ❌ | ✅ (2 years) |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| MultiHop | ✅ | ❌ |
| Streaming Servers | ❌ | ✅ |
| Max Devices | 5 | 10 |
| Best For | Privacy-first users | Streaming and families |
1. Encryption & VPN Protocols
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes Privacy VPN pairs WireGuard with AES-256 encryption. WireGuard is open, lean, and quick. You can’t switch to OpenVPN or another protocol, though.
AVG VPN: AVG also uses AES-256, with its own Mimic protocol as the default. Mimic is fast and helps get past VPN blocks. AVG shares little detail on how Mimic protects data.
⚠️ Warning: Mimic is closed and thinly documented. If you care about open, reviewed code, WireGuard is the safer bet.
2. Logging, Audits & Jurisdiction
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes keeps no DNS requests, IP addresses, or bandwidth logs. It may store anonymized data, like a public key needed to connect. Before 2026, the lack of third party audits was a common complaint.
That changed in April 2026. X41 D-Sec audited the VPN servers and software. It confirmed logging stays off by default. It also found two critical flaws, which Malwarebytes says it moved quickly to fix. Critics still call the privacy policy hard to read.
AVG VPN: AVG doesn’t log your original IP, DNS queries, browsing history, or emails. It does record connection timestamps and how much data you send. Connection event logs stay for two years, and no audit has checked these claims.
⚠️ Warning: Neither company sits in a privacy haven. Malwarebytes is US-based, inside the 5 Eyes alliance. AVG is in the Czech Republic, under EU data retention rules. AVG’s transparency reports also show it has shared data with authorities.
3. Server Network
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes offers 470+ servers across 45+ countries. That’s smaller than most VPN services. There’s no Smart DNS and no specialty virtual servers for streaming or P2P.
AVG VPN: AVG lists 700+ servers in 50+ locations. Some reviewers count closer to 36 countries, mostly in Europe and North America. Both cover popular spots like the UK, Canada, France, and Australia.
4. IP Masking & Streaming
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes protects your real IP address behind Malwarebytes servers. Streaming services are its weak spot. Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer often fail, and there are no dedicated streaming servers.
AVG VPN: AVG masks your location so you can reach geo-restricted content. Its streaming servers can access Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. One independent ranking places it #29 of 61 VPNs for streaming.
💡 Pro Tip: On AVG, always pick a server marked for streaming. Regular servers are more likely to get blocked by streaming sites.
5. Speed & Gaming
Malwarebytes VPN: WireGuard should help, but results vary. Third-party speed tests show about 34% drops on nearby servers. Distant servers dropped about 62%. Some gamers also report high ping.
AVG VPN: In third-party tests, AVG kept about 31% of base download speed. Upload held at about 19%. That’s fine for browsing and video calls. Big downloads will feel slower.
⚠️ Warning: These numbers come from separate tests, so treat them as rough guides. Your connection speed depends on distance and your internet provider. Neither is the fastest VPN for gaming.
6. Devices & Apps
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes has a Windows app, a Mac desktop app, and an iOS app. Android gets an app too. The Mac version needs macOS Catalina or later. The standalone VPN allows up to five simultaneous connections.
AVG VPN: AVG supports the same four systems but allows 10 devices at once. That suits families with several laptops, phones, and tablets. Neither tool supports Linux or gaming consoles.
7. Kill Switch, Split Tunneling & Extras
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes gives you a kill switch, Connection Rules for split tunneling, and MultiHop. Auto connect and auto launch keep you covered from startup. Browser Guard, a free extension, blocks ads, trackers, and scam sites.
AVG VPN: AVG’s kill switch is on by default, which is great for beginners. Beyond that, AVG Secure VPN’s settings and capabilities are thin. There’s no MultiHop and little room to tweak.
8. Identity Protection
Malwarebytes VPN: The Total plan adds identity theft protection. It watches for misuse of your personal details and alerts you fast.
Dark web monitoring scans leak sites for your email, passwords, and card numbers.
A personal data remover also asks data brokers to delete your info.
AVG VPN: AVG sells Secure Identity as a separate add-on. It works alongside other AVG apps to flag leaked personal data.
9. Antivirus & Malware Tools
Malwarebytes VPN: Malwarebytes Premium Security adds real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing. Malwarebytes products now span antivirus, VPN, Browser Guard, and identity tools. The free version only scans and cleans. It doesn’t include the VPN.
AdwCleaner is a free cleanup tool for Windows devices. It removes adware, toolbars, and any stubborn pop up window.
AVG VPN: AVG Antivirus Free covers basic scanning at no cost. AVG Internet Security adds a firewall. AVG Ultimate bundles everything with the VPN.
AVG’s virus scan and cleaner also tidies junk files on your computer.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan Tier | Malwarebytes VPN | AVG VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ (free scanner only) | AVG Antivirus Free: Free (no VPN) |
| Entry | Standard: $59.99/yr (no VPN) | AVG Internet Security: $4.99/month (no VPN) |
| VPN Included | Plus: $79.98/yr | AVG Ultimate: $4.99/month |
| Top Tier | Total: $89.99/yr | — |
| Free Trial | 7 days | 60 days |
| Money-Back | 60 days | 30 days |
Malwarebytes VPN: You pay more for the VPN, but Plus bundles antivirus software with it. Total adds identity tools for a small step up. The 60-day refund window lowers the risk.
AVG VPN: AVG Ultimate is the cheaper way to get a VPN and antivirus together. It also covers more devices than Malwarebytes Plus. The 60-day trial lets you test it well before paying.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | AVG VPN | Cheaper VPN bundle |
| Strict privacy | Malwarebytes VPN | Audited, no connection logs |
| Netflix and Hulu | AVG VPN | Dedicated streaming servers |
| Many devices | AVG VPN | 10 devices at once |
| Extra security tools | Malwarebytes VPN | MultiHop and Connection Rules |
| Beginner-friendly | Tie | Both are one-click simple |
💰 Your Budget
AVG gives you a VPN and antivirus for less per year. Malwarebytes costs more but adds stronger privacy promises.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Both cover Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS on any operating system you’re likely to use. Skip both if you need a router app or Linux.
🔒 Your Privacy Needs
If no logs matter most, pick Malwarebytes. If you mostly want to stream and download torrents, AVG’s P2P servers fit better.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both suit beginners with big connect buttons and few settings. Malwarebytes gives tinkerers a bit more to adjust.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
AVG’s 60-day trial is the longest here, while Malwarebytes offers 7 days. Use the trial period to test speeds on your own network.
🛟 Support Options
Malwarebytes support tends to respond quickly to a support ticket. AVG leans on its help center and FAQ pages.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Malwarebytes VPN to AVG VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Dedicated servers for streaming and torrents
- Coverage for up to 10 devices
- A longer 60-day free trial
❌ What you’ll lose:
- An audited no-logs policy
- MultiHop and Connection Rules
- Fast WireGuard connections
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel auto-renewal in your Malwarebytes account
- Create an AVG account and start the trial
- Install AVG on each device and press ON
🔄 Switching from AVG VPN to Malwarebytes VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- No connection timestamp or data-usage logs
- MultiHop routing through two countries
- Browser Guard and AdwCleaner tools
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Reliable streaming servers
- Room for 10 devices
- The Mimic protocol for VPN blocks
📋 How to switch:
- Turn off auto-renewal in your AVG account
- Buy Malwarebytes Plus or start the 7-day trial
- Install the app for your operating system and sign in
If you run into issues downloading either app, check the minimum system requirements first.
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on everyday users and small households. We didn’t test either app on Android TV, smart TVs, or routers. We also skipped long torrent sessions and business plans. Malwarebytes users report it struggles to bypass censorship in China, but we didn’t test that. Our notes reflect the October 2026 versions, and features may change with any update.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Privacy & Logging | Malwarebytes VPN |
| 🛡️ Encryption & Protocols | Malwarebytes VPN |
| ⚡ Speed | Malwarebytes VPN |
| 🧰 Security Extras | Malwarebytes VPN |
| 🪪 Identity Protection | Malwarebytes VPN |
| 📺 Streaming | AVG VPN |
| 📱 Device Limit | AVG VPN |
| 💰 Pricing | AVG VPN |
| 🆓 Free Trial | AVG VPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Malwarebytes VPN |
🏆 WINNER: MALWAREBYTES VPN
Malwarebytes VPN wins 5 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Online privacy, existing Malwarebytes users, public Wi-Fi protection
These two tools look alike on the surface, but they’re built for different people. Malwarebytes is a security company first and a VPN company second. That shows in its privacy focus.
So, is Malwarebytes Privacy VPN safe for daily use? For most people, yes. The 2026 audit and kill switch back up its promises.
AVG is the better pick for streaming and big households. Still, if you care about who sees your data, Malwarebytes is the stronger choice. Our full Malwarebytes privacy VPN review goes deeper on speeds.
More of Malwarebytes VPN Compared
Here’s how Malwarebytes stacks up against other vpns:
Malwarebytes wins on: antivirus bundled in Plus, simpler settings, MultiHop routing
NordVPN wins on: a much larger server network, steady streaming access, more advanced privacy tools
Malwarebytes VPN vs ExpressVPN
Malwarebytes wins on: lower yearly cost, built-in malware protection, Browser Guard extension
ExpressVPN wins on: router support, wider streaming reach, its own Lightway protocol
Malwarebytes wins on: antivirus in the same plan, easier beginner setup, identity tools in Total
ProtonVPN wins on: a free plan, Swiss jurisdiction outside 5 Eyes, open-source apps
Malwarebytes VPN vs Surfshark VPN
Malwarebytes wins on: an audited no-logs setup, AdwCleaner included, a simpler app
Surfshark wins on: unlimited simultaneous connections, ad and tracker blocking built in, more locations
Most VPNs on this list beat Malwarebytes on servers and streaming. A premium VPN like NordVPN is the safer bet for heavy streamers.
More of AVG VPN Compared
Here’s how AVG stacks up against other VPN brands:
AVG wins on: a longer free trial, AVG antivirus in the same bundle, one-button setup
NordVPN wins on: audited no-logs promises, faster connections, far more servers
AVG wins on: the Mimic protocol for VPN blocks, antivirus bundling, a simpler app
CyberGhost wins on: more streaming servers, more locations, a longer refund window on long plans
AVG wins on: dedicated streaming servers, a standalone VPN option, a 60-day trial
McAfee wins on: VPN inside wider McAfee+ plans, identity tools, a bundled password manager
AVG VPN vs Private Internet Access
AVG wins on: easier for beginners, default kill switch, antivirus from the same brand
Private Internet Access wins on: unlimited connections, open-source apps, deep settings and port forwarding
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malwarebytes VPN any good?
It’s good for privacy-minded beginners. You get WireGuard, AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy. Streaming and server count are its weak spots.
Does Malwarebytes VPN log data?
No. It doesn’t store DNS requests, IP addresses, or bandwidth usage. It may keep anonymized data, like a public key. A 2026 X41 D-Sec audit reviewed these claims.
Is AVG Secure VPN safe to use?
Yes, for everyday browsing. It uses AES-256 encryption and a default kill switch. But it keeps connection logs for two years and hasn’t been independently audited.
Does AVG VPN work with Netflix?
Yes, on its dedicated streaming servers. Reviewers have unblocked US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Regular servers may get blocked, so pick a streaming server.
Do I need a VPN with my antivirus?
They do different jobs. Antivirus stops malware on your device. Using a VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic. That matters most on public Wi-Fi.
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