⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing (from our CSV records): Avast starts at Free and runs to $49.99/first yr. Namecheap plans start at $0.99/mo.
- Best for: Avast VPN for beginners who want a long trial and a simple vpn app. Namecheap VPN for covering all your devices cheaply.
- Key difference: Avast SecureLine VPN caps you at 10 devices. FastVPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Our pick: Avast VPN, by a narrow 3.7 to 3.5 margin. The Czech jurisdiction and the 60 day trial edge it ahead.
Two cheap VPNs. Two very different problems.
Avast VPN carries the baggage of a $16.5 million FTC privacy penalty.
Namecheap VPN sits in the United States, inside the Five Eyes alliance.
Neither one has passed an independent audit.
So this comparison is less about which is great and more about which fits your budget and your online privacy needs.
Overview
This Avast VPN vs Namecheap VPN comparison covers pricing, servers, speed, security features, and streaming.
Our sources are published specs, each vpn provider’s documentation, and public user reviews.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with both apps on Windows and mobile devices.
Those notes sit in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
By the end you will know which virtual private network suits your online activities.
What is Avast VPN?
Avast VPN, sold as Avast SecureLine VPN, is the VPN arm of Avast antivirus.
It encrypts your internet connection and hides your ip address behind a vpn tunnel.
Avast SecureLine VPN servers number roughly 700 across 34 countries.
The company sits in the Czech Republic, which joins no data-sharing alliances.
You get apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Android TV.
One subscription covers 10 devices at once.
🏆 Winner: Avast VPN
A simple vpn service with a 60 day free trial. Smart VPN mode can automatically connect on untrusted networks. Best for beginners who want one app for security.
Avast VPN Pricing
Here are the Avast products and prices we have on record.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free Antivirus | Free | Testing basic protection before you pay |
| Premium Security | $49.99/first yr | Everyday users who want security plus VPN |
| Ultimate | $49.99/first yr | Households wanting the full Avast bundle |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: Yes. A 60 day free trial runs on every supported platform. You must enter payment information first, but nothing is charged until the 60 day trial ends.
Money-back guarantee: Avast runs a 30-day refund window on paid subscriptions.
📌 Note: Avast also sells SecureLine as a standalone subscription. Published plans run one, two, and three years at roughly $4.59, $4.29, and $4.39 per month. There is no monthly plan for the standalone VPN.
⚠️ Data note: Our CSV records the Avast suite prices shown in the table above. Avast’s published standalone VPN pricing differs, so we flag both. Check the checkout page before you buy, and watch the renewal rate after the first year.
Key Benefits of Avast VPN
Here is what the service does well:
- 60 Day Free Trial: Sixty days beats almost every rival trial window. Free trials this long are rare in the vpn space.
- Smart VPN Mode: You set rules so the app can automatically connect. It can turn on for banking sites or when you join a public network.
- Protocol Choice: The vpn app supports the OpenVPN protocol, WireGuard, and the proprietary Mimic protocol.
- Kill Switch and Leak Guards: A kill switch cuts the internet if the vpn connection drops. DNS leak protection and WebRTC leak protection stop dns leaks exposing your browsing data.
- Beginner-Friendly Apps: The Windows app and Android app are plain and easy to read. The layout suits people installing a VPN for the first time.
- Safer Public Hotspots: Using the VPN on unsecured Wi-Fi blocks man-in-the-middle attacks. It also stops advertisers and your ISP tracking online activities.
- Price Discrimination Shield: Masking your location can stop stores quoting higher prices based on where you shop from.
Here is how the product pages present the service.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer installed the Windows app and ran it through everyday browsing, streaming, and a few speed tests. Here is what stood out from that hands-on time:
The short walkthrough below covers the same session.
Avast VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 60 day free trial on every supported platform
- Smart VPN mode sets automatic connection rules
- Czech Republic base sits outside data-sharing alliances
- Kill switch plus OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Mimic protocol support
- 10 devices covered by one subscription
❌ Cons
- Around 700 servers is small next to many VPNs
- No independent audit of the no logs policy
- FTC fined Avast $16.5 million over privacy in February 2024
- Speeds drop sharply on distant servers
What is Namecheap VPN?
Namecheap VPN, branded FastVPN, comes from the web hosting and domain registrar Namecheap.
The parent company moved into the vpn space with a budget product.
FastVPN runs over 1,000 servers in more than 50 locations worldwide.
You get native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Linux and routers need manual setup with the OpenVPN protocol.
The headline feature is unlimited simultaneous connections on one namecheap account.
The company is based in the United States, inside the Five Eyes alliance.
Namecheap VPN (FastVPN)
Cheap cover for as many devices as you own. Good for light browsing and geo blocked content. Weak on audits and advanced features.
Namecheap VPN Pricing
Namecheap sells several products under one account. Here is what we have on record.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Private Email | $0.99/mo | The cheapest entry point into the account |
| VPS Hosting | $3.78/mo | Small sites that outgrew shared hosting |
| Domain | $10.98/yr | Registering or moving a domain name |
| Dedicated Servers | $29.88/mo | Heavier projects needing a full server |
| Contest Win | $10,000 | Promotional prize, not a purchasable plan |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: There is no fastvpn free tier. Mobile users get a one month trial, and the intro month costs under a dollar.
Money-back guarantee: FastVPN carries a 30 day money back guarantee on every plan.
📌 Note: Namecheap takes multiple payment methods, including major credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin. That gives you some privacy at checkout.
⚠️ Data note: The table above lists the Namecheap catalog prices in our CSV. Namecheap’s published FastVPN plans are separate: a $0.99 intro month that renews at $7.88, and a $18.88 first year that renews at $34.56. Renewal is where the real cost lands.
Key Benefits of Namecheap VPN
Here is what FastVPN gets right:
- Unlimited Connections: One plan covers as many devices as you own. Most vpn providers stop at five or ten.
- Affordable Pricing: The intro month costs less than a coffee. Few services undercut it.
- Simple Setup Process: Install FastVPN, sign in, and click once to connect to a vpn server.
- Streaming Mode: Dedicated servers target streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. It reaches some regional Netflix libraries.
- Protocol Range: FastVPN supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard with AES-256 encryption.
- Browser Extensions: A Chrome browser extension protects browsing without the full desktop app.
- Wide Device Reach: Works on Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV sticks, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Here is how the service is presented on the site itself.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer set up FastVPN on a laptop and an Android phone, then used it for a week of ordinary browsing and streaming. Here is what came out of that:
Namecheap VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on all your devices
- 1,000+ servers across 50+ server locations
- 30 day money back guarantee on every plan
- One-click connection and a fast connection setup
❌ Cons
- US base sits inside the Five Eyes alliance
- No third-party audit of its no logs claims
- Buggy fastvpn apps cause connection drops
- Download speeds fell about 40% on the nearest server
Feature Comparison
Below are the 10 areas that decide which vpn service you should pick. Each one covers what both tools actually offer, not what the marketing says.
| Feature | Avast VPN | Namecheap VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (CSV) | Free | $0.99/mo |
| Free Plan | ✅ Antivirus tier | ❌ |
| Server Network | ~700 in 34 countries | 1,000+ in 50+ locations |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | Unlimited |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ❌ |
| Independent Audits | ❌ | ❌ |
| Trial Length | 60 day free trial | 1 month on mobile |
| Jurisdiction | Czech Republic | United States |
| Best For | Beginners on a long trial | Covering every device cheaply |
1. Server Network
Avast VPN: The server network is small, at roughly 700 machines in 34 countries. Coverage thins out in Africa and parts of the Middle East. Many VPNs run five to ten times that count, which limits your server location choices.
Namecheap VPN: FastVPN lists over 1,000 servers across 50+ server locations. That is a wider spread than Avast offers. The trade-off is overcrowding on popular servers during peak hours.
2. Speed and Performance
Avast VPN: Performance is inconsistent. Nearby servers hold a fast connection, but this is not a fast VPN once you cross a continent. Avast says its servers are tuned to avoid throttling during heavy downloads.
Namecheap VPN: Published tests show download speeds falling around 40% on the nearest server. That is steeper than the average VPN. Distance makes it worse, so the name oversells the result.
💡 Pro Tip: Run your own speed tests on day one. Both services refund inside their guarantee windows, so test before the clock runs out.
3. Privacy, Logging and Audits
Avast VPN: The no logs policy has no independent audit behind it. Avast records timestamps, data volume, and connection details, but says it stores no identifiable information such as IP addresses. The Czech base avoids data-sharing alliances, which helps.
Namecheap VPN: FastVPN’s privacy policy claims no activity tracking, yet reports point to basic connection logs. No third-party audit exists. US courts can legally force companies to hand over data and stay quiet about it.
⚠️ Warning: Neither service has independent audits. Avast paid a $16.5 million FTC penalty in February 2024 after its Jumpshot arm sold browsing data. Namecheap may ask for ID at payment verification, and some users report an account inexplicably frozen. Concern here is not just paranoia.
4. Security Features
Avast VPN: You get a kill switch, DNS leak protection, WebRTC leak protection, and split tunneling. Smart VPN mode adds rules so the app can automatically connect on risky networks. It is more security than most budget rivals bundle.
Namecheap VPN: AES-256 encryption plus a kill switch covers the basics. There is no split tunneling and no auto protect layer for blocking risky sites. FastVPN apps also request broad permissions, which drew criticism.
5. VPN Protocols
Avast VPN: Three vpn protocols are available: the OpenVPN protocol, WireGuard, and the in-house Mimic protocol. Mimic is built to disguise VPN traffic where connections are blocked.
Namecheap VPN: FastVPN supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, and routes DNS requests through its own resolvers. That is a solid set for an encrypted connection. There is no obfuscation protocol for restricted networks.
6. Streaming and Content Access
Avast VPN: It reaches Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, with mixed results elsewhere. Hulu and BBC iPlayer often refuse the connection. Streaming media works, but not reliably on every library.
Namecheap VPN: A dedicated streaming mode targets Netflix and Hulu. For accessing geo blocked content it opens some regional Netflix libraries, but stumbles on Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. Netflix blocking still catches it often.
7. Device Support and Connections
Avast VPN: Native apps cover Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Android TV. One subscription connects 10 devices at once. Adding one device past that limit means dropping another.
Namecheap VPN: This is FastVPN’s strongest card. Unlimited simultaneous connections cover every phone, laptop, Fire TV stick, smart TV, and gaming console you own. Linux and routers work through manual setup only.
8. Ease of Use
Avast VPN: The app is clean and easy to navigate, which suits beginners. One complaint keeps surfacing: people find it installed alongside other Avast products without noticing. Smart VPN mode also misfires for some users.
Namecheap VPN: The setup process takes minutes and one button starts the tunnel. Install FastVPN, log in, connect. Reports of buggy builds and random connection drops are the weak spot.
9. Customer Support
Avast VPN: Support runs through a knowledge base and ticketing. Reviews frequently describe the replies as slow and unhelpful. Expect to solve simple problems yourself.
Namecheap VPN: Live chat is available, and the support team answers fast. The same agents handle domains and web hosting, so VPN-specific knowledge runs thin. Responsive, but often inexperienced.
10. Pricing & Cost
Here are the recorded plans side by side.
| Plan Tier | Avast VPN | Namecheap VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free Antivirus: Free | ❌ No free tier |
| Entry Paid | Premium Security: $49.99/first yr | Private Email: $0.99/mo |
| Mid Tier | Ultimate: $49.99/first yr | VPS Hosting: $3.78/mo |
| Top Tier | — | Dedicated Servers: $29.88/mo |
| Guarantee | 60 day free trial | 30 day money back guarantee |
Avast VPN: The $49.99 first-year price bundles security tools with the VPN, so you are not paying for a VPN alone. The catch is renewal, which climbs after year one. The 60 day trial softens the risk.
Namecheap VPN: Entry pricing is the cheapest in this matchup, and the monthly plan is almost free to start. Renewals are where the bill jumps. Budget for the second-year rate, not the sticker price.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest entry price | Namecheap VPN | Starts under a dollar |
| Longest trial | Avast VPN | 60 day free trial |
| Cover every device you own | Namecheap VPN | Unlimited connections |
| Split tunneling | Avast VPN | FastVPN lacks it |
| Better jurisdiction | Avast VPN | Czech, not Five Eyes |
| Bundled antivirus | Avast VPN | Security suite included |
| Audited no-logs proof | Neither | Look at top rated vpn services |
💰 Your Budget
FastVPN wins the first bill outright. Avast wins the first two months, because the 60 day trial costs nothing at all.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Both run on multiple platforms, but FastVPN reaches further into living rooms and gaming consoles. Avast stops at Android TV and one device slot out of ten per gadget.
🔒 Your Privacy Needs
If a government agency can legally compel a provider to secretly spy on user behavior, jurisdiction matters. Avast’s Czech base is the safer of these two, though neither matches providers in the British Virgin Islands.
📺 Streaming and Torrenting
Neither service runs dedicated torrenting servers, and both handle P2P slowly. For online gaming, pick a nearby server and expect latency to climb with distance.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Avast’s 60 days needs payment information up front, so set a calendar reminder. FastVPN gives you a month on mobile plus a refund window.
🛟 Support Options
FastVPN answers faster through live chat, though questions about VPN usage often get generic replies. Avast’s knowledge base is deeper but its ticket responses are slower.
Switching Guide
Already paying for one of them? Here is what changes.
🔄 Switching from Avast VPN to Namecheap VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections instead of a 10-device cap
- A far cheaper first bill and live chat support
- 300 more servers and wider server locations
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Split tunneling and the Mimic protocol
- Smart VPN mode connection rules
- A jurisdiction outside the Five Eyes alliance
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel the Avast subscription in your account settings
- Create a namecheap account and pick a FastVPN plan
- Download the fastvpn apps and sign in on each device
🔄 Switching from Namecheap VPN to Avast VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Split tunneling, WebRTC leak protection, and Smart VPN rules
- A 60 day free trial before any charge lands
- Antivirus tools bundled with the same subscription
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device coverage, capped now at 10
- The Chrome browser extension
- Around 300 servers and dozens of locations
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel FastVPN from your namecheap dashboard
- Start the Avast trial and enter payment details
- Install the Windows app or mobile app and set your Smart VPN rules
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
We focused on everyday home use on Windows, Android, and iOS. We did not run long stress tests, business deployments, or router-level installs. Speed figures come from published testing rather than lab conditions we controlled. If you need a VPN for high-risk work, both of these fall short and you should compare the best VPNs instead.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 🌍 Server Network | Namecheap VPN |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | Avast VPN |
| 🔒 Privacy & Jurisdiction | Avast VPN |
| 🛡️ Security Features | Avast VPN |
| 📺 Streaming Access | Avast VPN |
| 📱 Device Coverage | Namecheap VPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Tie |
| 💰 Pricing | Namecheap VPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Avast VPN |
🏆 WINNER: AVAST VPN
Avast VPN takes 4 of 8 categories, with one tie.
Best for: beginners, public network safety, and anyone who wants a long trial before paying
This is a narrow win, 3.7 against 3.5. Avast takes it on security features, jurisdiction, and the 60 day trial that lets you test properly.
Namecheap VPN answers back on price and device count. If you need one plan for a house full of phones, tablets, and TVs, FastVPN works out cheaper than almost anything else.
Be honest about what you are buying. Neither is a good vpn for serious privacy work, because neither has an audit. Most VPNs at this price ask you to trust a promise, and we strongly advise checking alternative VPNs before you commit a year.
More of Avast VPN Compared
Here is how it lands against the rivals people shortlist next:
Avast VPN wins on: the 60 day trial, a gentler learning curve, bundled antivirus tools
NordVPN wins on: audited no-logs claims, roughly 8x the server count, steadier long-distance speeds
Avast VPN vs ExpressVPN
Avast VPN wins on: lower entry cost, a longer test window, one app for antivirus and VPN
ExpressVPN wins on: BBC iPlayer and Hulu access, 90+ country coverage, published audit history
Avast VPN wins on: Mimic obfuscation, the trial length, bundled security extras
SurfsharkVPN wins on: unlimited devices, 100 countries served, ad and tracker blocking
Avast VPN vs McAfee VPN
Avast VPN wins on: protocol choice including WireGuard, Czech jurisdiction, split tunneling
McAfee VPN wins on: identity monitoring in the bundle, family plan pricing, simpler renewals
More of Namecheap VPN Compared
And here is FastVPN against the budget field:
Namecheap VPN wins on: first-year cost, no device limit, live chat that answers quickly
NordVPN wins on: Panama jurisdiction, verified no-logs audits, far smaller speed loss
Namecheap VPN wins on: the sub-dollar intro month, familiar billing if you host with Namecheap
SurfsharkVPN wins on: stable apps, split tunneling, reliable streaming platforms access
Namecheap VPN vs PureVPN
Namecheap VPN wins on: unlimited connections, cheaper first term, simpler app layout
PureVPN wins on: dedicated IP options, port forwarding, an audited privacy claim
Namecheap VPN vs PrivadoVPN
Namecheap VPN wins on: device count, more server locations, cheaper annual entry
PrivadoVPN wins on: a real free tier, Swiss privacy law, fewer app crashes
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Avast VPN actually work?
Yes. It encrypts traffic, hides your IP, and unblocks Netflix and Prime Video most of the time. Speeds hold up nearby and fall on distant servers.
Is Avast SecureLine VPN safe to use?
It uses strong encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. But the no-logs claim has never been audited, and the company paid a $16.5 million FTC privacy penalty.
Is Namecheap FastVPN safe?
It is fine for casual browsing, with AES-256 encryption and a kill switch. The US base, unaudited logging claims, and ID requests at checkout are the real concerns.
Is namecheap VPN fast?
Not especially. Published tests show roughly 40% slower downloads on the nearest server, and worse on distant ones. Fine for browsing, weak for large transfers.
Is NordVPN better than FastVPN?
Yes, on almost every measure: audits, speed, servers, and streaming. FastVPN only wins on price and unlimited devices. Pick it only if budget decides everything.
English 
Spanish 
Chinese 
German 
French 
Arabic 
Russian 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Korean 
Italian 
Turkish 
Dutch 
Polish 
Indonesian 
Thai 
Vietnamese 