📊 Our Test Results:
- 🎯 Speed Test: NordVPN 99 Mbps vs Avast VPN 92 Mbps — NordVPN wins
- ⚡ Server Network: NordVPN 6,400+ servers vs Avast VPN 700 servers — NordVPN wins
- 🔒 Privacy Audit: NordVPN passed 3 audits vs Avast VPN 0 audits — NordVPN wins
- 📝 Streaming Access: NordVPN unblocked 10+ platforms vs Avast VPN 4 platforms — NordVPN wins
- 💰 Best Value: NordVPN $2.99/mo vs Avast VPN $4.59/mo — NordVPN wins
Picking the right VPN feels like a gamble.
You want fast speeds, strong privacy, and real streaming access.
NordVPN and Avast VPN both promise to deliver.
But one clearly outperforms the other in almost every test we ran.
We bought both NordVPN vs Avast VPN, tested them for weeks, and compared 10 key areas.
Here’s everything you need to make the right call.
Overview
We tested NordVPN and Avast VPN side by side for four weeks.
We checked speed, streaming, privacy, pricing, and ease of use.
We ran speed tests on servers across the US, UK, and Australia.
We also tested Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ access.
This comparison gives you the real, tested results.
What is NordVPN?
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services in the world.
It has over 6,400 servers spread across 111 countries.
NordVPN uses its own NordLynx protocol for lightning-fast connections.
It also offers Threat Protection Pro, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
NordVPN is based in Panama, far from surveillance alliances.
NordVPN
The top-rated VPN with 6,400+ servers, Double VPN encryption, and SmartPlay technology for unblocking every major streaming platform. Audited three times by independent firms.
NordVPN Pricing
Here’s what NordVPN costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2.99/mo | Budget users who want core VPN features |
| Plus | $3.49/mo | Users who want a password manager included |
| Complete | $5.39/mo | Full security suite with cloud storage |
Free trial: No free trial on desktop. Android users get 7 days free via Google Play.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day full refund on all plans. No questions asked.
📌 Note: The 2-year Basic plan at $2.99/mo is the best deal. It often includes 3 free months. NordVPN also accepts crypto payments for extra privacy.
⚠️ Warning: Monthly plans cost $12.99/mo. That’s over 4x the 2-year price. Always choose a longer plan to save money.
Key Benefits of NordVPN
Here’s why NordVPN stands out from other VPN providers:
- Massive Server Network: Over 6,400 servers in 111 countries. You’ll always find a fast server nearby.
- NordLynx Protocol: Built on WireGuard for blazing speeds. It kept 93% of our base speed in testing.
- Threat Protection Pro: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware before they reach your device.
- Double VPN: Routes your traffic through two servers for extra encryption layers.
- SmartPlay Technology: Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more with one click.
- Audited Privacy: Deloitte and PwC have verified NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy multiple times.
- Meshnet Feature: Connect devices securely for file sharing and gaming with peer-to-peer access.
NordVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 6,400+ servers across 111 countries for reliable connections
- NordLynx protocol delivers near-original internet speeds
- Independently audited no-logs policy by Deloitte and PwC
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and 10+ streaming services
- Built-in ad blocker, malware protection, and dark web monitor
❌ Cons
- Monthly plan is expensive at $12.99/mo
- Only 6 simultaneous connections per account
- Past server breach in 2018 may concern some users
- Advanced features have a slight learning curve for beginners
What is Avast VPN?
Avast SecureLine VPN is a simple VPN from the famous antivirus company.
It has around 700 servers in 34 countries.
Avast VPN supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and its own Mimic protocol.
The app is clean, easy to use, and great for VPN beginners.
Avast is based in the Czech Republic, outside major surveillance alliances.
Avast VPN
A simple, beginner-friendly VPN with a generous 60-day free trial. Best for casual browsing and basic privacy on public Wi-Fi networks.
Avast VPN Pricing
Here’s what Avast VPN costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free Antivirus | Free | Basic antivirus protection only |
| Premium Security | $49.99/first yr | Antivirus + VPN bundle users |
| Ultimate | $49.99/first yr | Full security suite with cleanup tools |
Free trial: 60-day free trial on all plans. No charge until the trial ends.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day refund policy after the trial period.
📌 Note: The 60-day free trial is one of the longest in the VPN market. All plans support up to 10 devices at once.
⚠️ Warning: Renewal prices jump significantly. The first-year discount does not apply when your plan renews. Check the renewal price before signing up.
Key Benefits of Avast VPN
Here’s why some users choose Avast VPN:
- 60-Day Free Trial: Test every feature for two months before paying a dime.
- Simple Interface: One-click connect makes it perfect for VPN beginners.
- Smart VPN Mode: Set rules for when the VPN turns on or off automatically.
- 10 Simultaneous Devices: Protect your whole household with one subscription.
- Antivirus Integration: Works perfectly with other Avast security products.
- Kill Switch Protection: Cuts internet if the VPN drops to protect your data.
Avast VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Generous 60-day free trial with full feature access
- Very easy to use with a clean, simple interface
- 10 simultaneous device connections per account
- Smart VPN auto-connect feature for public Wi-Fi
❌ Cons
- Only 700 servers in 34 countries — very small network
- No independent privacy audits to verify no-logs claims
- Parent company fined $16.5M by FTC for selling user data
- Struggles to unblock many streaming platforms
- No Linux, Smart TV, or router support
Feature Comparison
Let’s compare NordVPN vs Avast VPN across 10 key features.
This breakdown covers everything from speed to privacy.
| Feature | NordVPN | Avast VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.99/mo | $49.99/first yr |
| Server Count | 6,400+ in 111 countries | 700 in 34 countries |
| Speed (Download) | 99 Mbps on 100 Mbps line | 92 Mbps on 100 Mbps line |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ 3 independent audits | ❌ No audits |
| Netflix Unblocking | ✅ US, UK, CA, FR, DE, JP | ❌ Limited success |
| Double VPN | ✅ | ❌ |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ Windows & Android | ✅ Android only |
| Simultaneous Devices | 6 | 10 |
| Free Trial | 7 days (Android only) | 60 days (all platforms) |
| Best For | Power users & streamers | VPN beginners |
1. Server Network
NordVPN: Has 6,400+ servers spread across 111 countries. This makes finding a fast nearby server easy no matter where you live. NordVPN also offers specialty servers like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and obfuscated servers for restricted regions.
Avast VPN: Only offers around 700 servers in 34 countries. That’s about 9x fewer servers than NordVPN. The small network leads to slower speeds during peak hours and fewer options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
2. Speed & Performance
NordVPN: Uses the NordLynx protocol built on WireGuard. In our tests, it hit 99 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. Speed retention averaged 93% across international servers. Connection times were nearly instant.
Avast VPN: Reached 92 Mbps on nearby servers using the Mimic protocol. But speeds dropped 40-60% on distant servers. Server switching took up to 10 seconds. Performance was inconsistent compared to NordVPN.
💡 Test Result: NordVPN’s IKEv2 protocol hit 99.19 Mbps on the Australian server. Avast VPN’s best speed was 92.12 Mbps on the UK server using Mimic protocol.
3. Privacy & Security
NordVPN: Based in Panama, outside all surveillance alliances. Its no-logs policy has been verified by Deloitte and PwC in three separate audits. Uses AES-256-GCM encryption and runs RAM-only servers that wipe all data on restart.
Avast VPN: Based in the Czech Republic. Its no-logs policy has never been independently verified. Avast’s parent company was fined $16.5 million by the FTC in 2024 for selling user data through its Jumpshot subsidiary. The VPN still logs timestamps and data transfer amounts.
⚠️ Warning: Avast was caught selling user browsing data collected through its antivirus software without user consent. This is a serious privacy red flag for a VPN provider.
4. Streaming Access
NordVPN: Unblocked Netflix US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan in our tests. Also works with Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. SmartPlay technology handles geo-restrictions automatically.
Avast VPN: Had mixed results with Netflix. Some US servers worked, but many were detected and blocked. BBC iPlayer worked. Hulu and several other platforms failed. You have to test servers one by one to find what works.
5. Encryption & Protocols
NordVPN: Supports NordLynx (based on WireGuard), OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), and IKEv2. NordLynx uses ChaCha20 encryption for fast mobile performance. All protocols use AES-256 or equivalent encryption.
Avast VPN: Supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Mimic (a proprietary protocol). Mimic is built on OpenVPN and focuses on anti-detection. Both VPNs use AES-256 encryption as the baseline standard.
6. Device Compatibility
NordVPN: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Fire TV, Apple TV, Smart TVs, and routers. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. SmartDNS works on devices that don’t support VPN apps.
Avast VPN: Limited to Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Android TV. No Linux support. No Smart TV apps. No router configuration. The 10-device limit is generous, but the platform range is narrow.
7. Advanced Features
NordVPN: Offers Threat Protection Pro (ad/malware blocker), Double VPN, Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, dedicated IP addresses, Onion Over VPN, and obfuscated servers. This is one of the most feature-rich VPNs available.
Avast VPN: Offers the basics: kill switch, Smart VPN mode, and DNS leak protection. No double VPN, no ad blocker, no obfuscated servers, and no dedicated IP options. It focuses purely on core VPN functionality.
8. Ease of Use
NordVPN: Clean interface with a world map for server selection. One-click connect works great. The settings menu is well organized. Advanced features may take a few minutes to learn for new users.
Avast VPN: Extremely simple. Hit the connect button and you’re protected. Servers are sorted by continent. There’s almost nothing to configure. This is one of the easiest VPNs for first-time users.
9. Customer Support
NordVPN: 24/7 live chat with real NordVPN staff. No outsourced support. The knowledge base has detailed guides sorted by category. Response times are fast and representatives are knowledgeable.
Avast VPN: Offers phone support and email tickets. Some users report slow response times and unhelpful answers. The knowledge base is basic. No 24/7 live chat dedicated to VPN issues.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | NordVPN | Avast VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ❌ | Free Antivirus (no VPN) |
| Entry Plan | Basic: $2.99/mo | Premium Security: $49.99/first yr |
| Mid-Tier Plan | Plus: $3.49/mo | Ultimate: $49.99/first yr |
| Top Plan | Complete: $5.39/mo | — |
| Free Trial | 7 days (Android) | 60 days (all platforms) |
| Money-Back | 30 days | 30 days |
NordVPN: The 2-year Basic plan at $2.99/mo is one of the best VPN deals available. You get a massive server network, advanced features, and proven privacy for less than a cup of coffee per month.
Avast VPN: The first-year pricing looks competitive, but renewal prices spike dramatically. There’s no monthly plan available. The 60-day free trial is excellent for testing, but long-term value falls behind NordVPN.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best streaming access | NordVPN | Unblocks 10+ platforms reliably |
| Longest free trial | Avast VPN | 60-day full-feature trial |
| Proven privacy | NordVPN | 3 independent no-logs audits |
| Most devices at once | Avast VPN | 10 connections vs NordVPN’s 6 |
| Fastest speeds | NordVPN | NordLynx protocol wins every test |
| Easiest setup | Avast VPN | One-click, zero learning curve |
| Best long-term value | NordVPN | $2.99/mo with more features |
💰 Your Budget
NordVPN’s 2-year plan costs $2.99/mo with far more features. Avast VPN’s first-year rate looks decent, but renewal prices are much higher.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
NordVPN works on Linux, routers, Smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Avast VPN only supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
📝 Your Online Activities
For streaming, torrenting, or gaming, NordVPN is the clear pick. For basic browsing and email, Avast VPN does the job fine.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Complete VPN beginner? Avast VPN’s simple interface is hard to beat. But NordVPN is also easy enough for most people.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Avast VPN offers a 60-day free trial on all platforms. NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day Android trial.
🛟 Support Options
NordVPN has 24/7 live chat with trained in-house staff. Avast VPN offers phone and email support but with mixed quality reports.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from NordVPN to Avast VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 60-day free trial to test everything before paying
- 10 simultaneous device connections instead of 6
- Simpler interface with almost zero learning curve
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 5,700+ servers and access to 77 more countries
- Double VPN, Meshnet, Threat Protection, and obfuscated servers
- Reliable streaming access to Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your NordVPN subscription in your account dashboard
- Download Avast SecureLine VPN and start the 60-day free trial
- Install on your devices and connect to your preferred server
🔄 Switching from Avast VPN to NordVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries for faster, more reliable access
- Audited no-logs privacy policy you can actually trust
- Advanced features like Double VPN, Threat Protection, and SmartPlay
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 60-day free trial (NordVPN offers 30-day money-back instead)
- 4 simultaneous device connections (6 vs 10)
- The ultra-simple one-button interface
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Avast VPN subscription before it renews
- Sign up for NordVPN at fahimai.com/get/nordvpn
- Download the NordVPN app and connect using NordLynx protocol
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing & Value | NordVPN |
| 🚀 Server Network | NordVPN |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | NordVPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | NordVPN |
| 📺 Streaming Access | NordVPN |
| 🔌 Device Compatibility | NordVPN |
| 🛡️ Advanced Features | NordVPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Avast VPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | NordVPN |
| 🆓 Free Trial | Avast VPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | NordVPN |
🏆 WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN wins 8 out of 10 categories.
Best for: Streaming, privacy-focused users, power users, and anyone wanting the best overall VPN experience.
NordVPN and Avast VPN serve very different audiences.
NordVPN is a full-featured VPN built for speed, streaming, and serious privacy.
Avast VPN is a basic VPN meant for casual browsing and simple protection.
Avast VPN’s 60-day free trial is great for testing.
But if you need real privacy, fast speeds, and reliable streaming access, NordVPN is the clear winner.
Now go protect your internet connection with confidence!
More of NordVPN Compared
Here’s how NordVPN stacks up against other competitors:
NordVPN wins on: Pricing, server count, Threat Protection
ExpressVPN wins on: Slightly faster speeds, router app, Lightway protocol
NordVPN vs PureVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, privacy audits, streaming reliability
PureVPN wins on: Lower pricing, more server locations
NordVPN vs Surfshark VPN
NordVPN wins on: Server network, advanced features, speed
Surfshark VPN wins on: Unlimited devices, lower price
NordVPN vs Proton VPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming access, server count
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan available, open-source apps
NordVPN vs PrivadoVPN
NordVPN wins on: Server network, features, streaming
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with 10GB, simple pricing
NordVPN vs AdGuard VPN
NordVPN wins on: Server count, streaming, advanced features
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking, browser integration
NordVPN vs Virtual Shield
NordVPN wins on: Global server network, privacy audits, features
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused speed, simple interface
NordVPN vs StrongVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, streaming access
StrongVPN wins on: Simple pricing, WireGuard support
NordVPN vs FastestVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, privacy, advanced features
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan, budget pricing
NordVPN wins on: Server network, streaming, privacy audits
Aura VPN wins on: Identity theft protection bundle
NordVPN vs CyberGhost
NordVPN wins on: Speed, privacy audits, advanced features
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, longer money-back guarantee
NordVPN vs McAfee VPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server network, streaming access
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle integration
NordVPN vs Private Internet Access
NordVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, ease of use
Private Internet Access wins on: Open-source apps, lower price
NordVPN vs Mysterium
NordVPN wins on: Speed, reliability, customer support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
NordVPN vs SafeShell VPN
NordVPN wins on: Server count, features, privacy audits
SafeShell VPN wins on: China access, ShellGuard protocol
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server network, streaming
Oyster VPN wins on: Budget pricing, simple setup
More of Avast VPN Compared
Here’s how Avast VPN stacks up against other competitors:
Avast VPN wins on: 60-day free trial, 10 device connections
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, server network, privacy
Avast VPN wins on: Longer free trial, simpler interface
PureVPN wins on: More servers, better streaming, lower price
Avast VPN wins on: 60-day free trial, antivirus integration
Surfshark VPN wins on: Unlimited devices, speed, features
Avast VPN wins on: Longer free trial, simpler setup
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, open-source, better privacy
Avast VPN vs PrivadoVPN
Avast VPN wins on: Brand recognition, antivirus bundle
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, better privacy, more features
Avast VPN vs AdGuard VPN
Avast VPN wins on: 60-day trial, antivirus integration
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, browser integration, speed
Avast VPN vs Virtual Shield
Avast VPN wins on: More server locations, longer trial
Virtual Shield wins on: US speed, identity protection bundle
Avast VPN vs StrongVPN
Avast VPN wins on: Free trial length, simple interface
StrongVPN wins on: Better streaming, WireGuard support
Avast VPN vs FastestVPN
Avast VPN wins on: Brand trust, antivirus bundle
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan, lower price, more features
Avast VPN vs Aura VPN
Avast VPN wins on: Longer trial, simpler setup
Aura VPN wins on: Identity theft protection, credit monitoring
Avast VPN vs CyberGhost
Avast VPN wins on: Free trial length, simple interface
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming, speed
Avast VPN vs McAfee VPN
Avast VPN wins on: Longer free trial, more server locations
McAfee VPN wins on: Better antivirus integration, identity protection
Avast VPN vs Private Internet Access
Avast VPN wins on: Simpler interface, longer trial
Private Internet Access wins on: Open-source, more servers, lower price
Avast VPN wins on: Easier setup, brand recognition
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
Avast VPN vs SafeShell VPN
Avast VPN wins on: Brand recognition, free trial
SafeShell VPN wins on: China bypass, ShellGuard protocol
Avast VPN vs Oyster VPN
Avast VPN wins on: Longer trial, antivirus bundle
Oyster VPN wins on: Lower price, more privacy features
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN actually any good?
Yes, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs available. It has 6,400+ servers, fast NordLynx speeds, and a verified no-logs policy. It’s our top pick for streaming and privacy.
Does Avast VPN actually work?
Avast VPN works for basic browsing and public Wi-Fi protection. However, it struggles with Netflix and other streaming services. Its small server network limits performance on distant servers.
Is Avast VPN trustworthy?
Avast has a troubled privacy history. The FTC fined Avast $16.5 million in 2024 for selling user data through Jumpshot. The VPN itself has no independent audits to verify its no-logs claims.
Can I be tracked if I use NordVPN?
NordVPN makes tracking very difficult. It uses AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Its no-logs policy means NordVPN itself doesn’t track your activity.
Is NordVPN safe from government?
NordVPN is based in Panama, outside all surveillance alliances. It has a strict no-logs policy verified by independent auditors. Even if authorities request data, NordVPN has nothing to hand over.
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