⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Surfshark starts at $1.99/mo vs AVG VPN at $4.99/mo
- Best for: Surfshark for privacy-focused users with multiple devices, AVG VPN for beginners who want antivirus bundled with a VPN
- Key difference: Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections and 3,200+ servers. AVG VPN caps at 10 devices and around 700 servers.
- Our pick: Surfshark for most users — it costs less, covers more countries, and has an audited no-logs policy
Surfshark and AVG VPN both promise to keep your online activity private.
But they come from very different backgrounds.
Surfshark is a dedicated VPN provider with a growing feature set.
AVG VPN is an add-on from an antivirus company.
That difference shapes everything about how they work.
Overview
This Surfshark VPN vs AVG VPN comparison covers pricing, features, privacy, and speed.
We also break down who each VPN service works best for.
Our sources include published specs, official documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN connection fits your needs.
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a VPN service based in the Netherlands.
It encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address.
The Surfshark app works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Browser extensions are also available for Chrome and Firefox.
It stands out by offering unlimited device connections on a single plan.
Surfshark
Surfshark VPN protects all your devices with one subscription. Connect unlimited devices at once and access 3,200+ VPN servers in 100 countries.
Surfshark Pricing
Surfshark pricing is simple. Three plans cover different commitment levels.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Months +3 Extra | $1.99/month | Long-term savings |
| 12 Months +3 Extra | $3.19/month | Medium-term users |
| 1 Month | $15.45/month | Short-term or testing |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS users through Google Pay and Apple app stores.
Money-back guarantee: All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free test.
📌 Note: Surfshark offers three tiers: Starter, One, and One+. The Starter plan includes the VPN only. One adds Surfshark Antivirus and Alert. One+ adds data removal tools. Prices above reflect the Starter tier.
⚠️ Warning: Surfshark pricing typically increases after the initial term. Check renewal rates before subscribing. Students registered with Student Beans can get a 15% discount on Surfshark subscriptions.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here’s what makes Surfshark VPN worth considering:
- Unlimited Connections: Connect every device you own. No caps, no limits. Most VPN providers restrict you to 5 or 10 devices.
- Huge Server Network: Surfshark has 3,200+ servers across 100 countries. More server locations mean faster download speeds and better access to streaming services.
- Audited Privacy: Deloitte and Cure53 have independently audited Surfshark’s no-logs policy. Your browsing history stays private.
- CleanWeb: The built-in ad and malware blocker removes ads and trackers from your web traffic while connected.
- MultiHop: Route your VPN connection through two VPN servers for added security. Dynamic MultiHop lets you pick custom server pairings.
- Alternative ID: Create a fake online persona to protect your real identity when signing up for new services.
- WireGuard Protocol: Surfshark uses WireGuard by default. Speed tests show it delivers high download speeds with strong encryption.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Surfshark and spent several days testing the VPN across different devices. Here’s what stood out:
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on all plans
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries for fast speeds
- Independently audited no-logs policy by Deloitte
- Built-in CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers
- Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming sites
❌ Cons
- Monthly plan at $15.45 is expensive without a long-term commitment
- Based in the Netherlands (part of Nine Eyes alliance)
- Inconsistent connection times on certain Surfshark servers
- Renewal prices increase after the initial subscription term
What is AVG VPN?
AVG Secure VPN is a VPN service from AVG, owned by Avast.
The company is based in the Czech Republic.
AVG VPN encrypts your internet connection using AES-256 encryption.
It works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.
The app is designed for beginners who want one-click protection.
AVG VPN
AVG Secure VPN offers a generous 60-day free trial. Connect up to 10 devices with AES-256 encryption and optimized servers for streaming.
AVG VPN Pricing
AVG VPN is bundled with AVG’s security products. Here are the current plans.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| AVG Antivirus Free | Free | Basic antivirus without VPN |
| AVG Internet Security | $4.99/month | Antivirus with firewall |
| AVG Ultimate | $4.99/month | Full suite with VPN included |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: AVG Secure VPN offers a 60-day free trial for all new users. You need to create an account and provide a payment option to start the trial.
Money-back guarantee: AVG offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid subscriptions after the trial ends.
📌 Note: AVG Secure VPN’s long-term pricing requires a minimum one-year subscription. There is no monthly-only option. The standalone VPN subscription costs around $54 per year.
⚠️ Warning: AVG Secure VPN does not offer monthly subscriptions. You must commit to at least one year. Also, AVG Secure VPN retains connection event logs for two years, which is a concern for privacy-focused users.
Key Benefits of AVG VPN
Here’s what makes AVG Secure VPN worth considering:
- 60-Day Free Trial: AVG Secure VPN offers one of the longest free trials in the VPN market. No payment is needed upfront for the first 60 days.
- Simple Interface: The app resembles AVG’s antivirus software. It has a one-click connect button on the main screen that even total beginners can use.
- 10-Device Limit: AVG Secure VPN allows up to 10 devices simultaneously. That covers your computer, laptop, phone, and tablet.
- Optimized Servers: AVG provides dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting. These optimized servers can access Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
- Kill Switch: A built-in kill switch activates by default. It cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly.
- Multi-Platform Support: Install AVG Secure VPN on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The avg apps are available in multiple languages worldwide.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for AVG VPN and explored the app for a few days. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
AVG VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 60-day free trial with no upfront payment required
- Very simple one-click interface for beginners
- Mimic protocol helps bypass VPN blockers
- Bundled with AVG antivirus products for security
❌ Cons
- Retains connection event logs for two years
- No independent privacy audit has been completed
- Small server network with only 700+ servers in 50+ countries
- Lacks advanced features like MultiHop or split tunneling on desktop
Feature Comparison
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of Surfshark VPN vs AVG VPN?
We’ll explore 10 key features to help you pick the right VPN service.
| Feature | Surfshark | AVG VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1.99/month | $4.99/month |
| Free Trial | 7 days (mobile) | 60 days |
| Servers | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 700+ in 50+ countries |
| Simultaneous Devices | Unlimited | 10 |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ (Deloitte) | ❌ |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ❌ (desktop) |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ (CleanWeb) | ❌ |
| MultiHop | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best For | Privacy, streaming, families | Beginners, antivirus users |
1. Server Network
Surfshark: Surfshark has a vast network with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including both physical and virtual servers. Multiple servers in each region give you better connection speed. Surfshark’s servers support multiple VPN protocols including WireGuard and the OpenVPN protocol.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN offers over 700 servers across more than 50 countries. The network focuses heavily on Europe and North America. Server coverage in regions like Australia, Canada, France, and the UK is available, but the overall network is smaller than most VPN services.
2. Privacy and Security
Surfshark: Surfshark’s privacy policy states it does not log browsing history, network traffic, or IP addresses. The company maintains a strict no logs policy that has been independently audited by Deloitte and Cure53. Surfshark only holds IP addresses for a maximum of 15 minutes after a session ends. All Surfshark encrypted traffic uses AES-256 to keep your data secure. This VPN company takes privacy seriously.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN uses AES-256 encryption and does not log your browsing history or DNS queries. However, AVG Secure VPN retains connection event logs for two years. These include connection timestamps and data usage amounts. AVG Secure VPN has not undergone an independent audit to verify its privacy claims. AVG also has a history of sharing user data with authorities.
⚠️ Warning: AVG is owned by Avast, which was previously caught selling user data collected through its antivirus products. While AVG Secure VPN’s privacy policy says it doesn’t log websites you visit, the two-year log retention policy is worth noting.
3. Connection Speed
Surfshark: Surfshark’s performance is strong with high download speeds, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. Speed tests show Surfshark delivers fast speeds while keeping strong encryption active. Surfshark VPN is capable of delivering high download speeds and passable upload speeds on most VPN servers.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN has acceptable speeds. According to published reviews, AVG averages about 31% of base download speeds and 19% of base upload speeds. The default Mimic protocol provides decent speed but lacks transparency about how it works. Speed varies based on server distance and network conditions.
4. Streaming and Netflix Access
Surfshark: Surfshark can unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming services without issues. Users report buffer-free streaming experiences. The large server network helps you find a VPN server that works with your preferred streaming sites.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN provides dedicated optimized servers for streaming. It can access Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime through its streaming servers. Multiple AVG users often share the same IP address on a server, which adds anonymity but can trigger blocks. Regular servers may be blocked by streaming sites. AVG’s streaming access is inconsistent compared to premium VPN providers.
5. Device Compatibility
Surfshark: Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections on all plans. The Surfshark app is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and the Android app works on phones and Android TV. Browser extensions work on Chrome and Firefox. You can install Surfshark on all your devices — computer, laptop, phone, and Apple TV.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN allows up to 10 devices simultaneously. It works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. There’s no Linux support and no browser extensions. Ten devices is generous for most VPN services, but it can’t match unlimited connections.
6. Split Tunneling
Surfshark: Surfshark’s split tunneling feature, called Whitelister, lets you choose which apps bypass the VPN tunnel. This is helpful when you want to access local network services while keeping the rest of your web traffic encrypted.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN lacks advanced features like split tunneling on desktop platforms. The app has a basic settings menu with limited customization. This makes AVG VPN less flexible for users who need control over their VPN configuration.
7. Advanced Features
Surfshark: Surfshark offers MultiHop, which routes VPN traffic through two servers. Camouflage Mode disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. The Alternative ID feature creates a fake identity with a virtual phone number for online registrations. You also get a dedicated IP address option, IP rotation through the IP rotator feature, webcam protection, and a virtual IP address to mask your real IP address. Surfshark security extends beyond just the VPN connection.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN has a proprietary protocol called Mimic. Mimic helps bypass VPN blockers by disguising VPN traffic. Beyond that, AVG VPN lacks advanced features like MultiHop, an ad blocker, or an IP rotator. The app focuses on simplicity over power.
8. User Interface and Ease of Use
Surfshark: Surfshark’s Windows app and mobile apps have an intuitive design. The main screen shows your connection status and lets you pick a VPN server. Settings are well-organized but offer deep control for advanced users.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN is designed for beginners. The main screen has a single ON button to connect instantly. Users can select a different server location after connecting. The interface resembles AVG’s antivirus software and feels familiar to existing AVG users.
9. Protocol Options
Surfshark: Surfshark supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 VPN protocols. WireGuard is the default and delivers the fastest speeds. Users can switch protocols in the settings based on their needs.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and its proprietary Mimic protocol. Mimic is the default and is designed to evade VPN detection. However, Mimic lacks transparency about its security features and how it works under the hood.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Surfshark | AVG VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | 7 days (mobile) | 60 days (all platforms) |
| Monthly | $15.45/month | No monthly option |
| Annual | $3.19/month | ~$4.49/month |
| Long-Term | $1.99/month (27 months) | ~$4.39/month (2-3 years) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
Surfshark: Surfshark pricing starts at $1.99/month on the 27-month plan. That’s less than half the cost of AVG’s cheapest option. Each Surfshark subscription includes unlimited connections, so every device is covered. The 7-day free trial on Android and iOS lets you test before committing. A 30-day money back guarantee protects your purchase.
AVG VPN: AVG Secure VPN’s standalone pricing starts around $4.39-$4.99/month depending on the subscription length. The 60-day free trial is a strong advantage, giving you two full months to test the VPN service. However, AVG VPN does not offer monthly subscriptions, so you must commit to a year minimum.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | Surfshark | $1.99/mo vs $4.99/mo |
| Longest free trial | AVG VPN | 60 days vs 7 days |
| Unlimited devices | Surfshark | No device cap at all |
| Audited privacy | Surfshark | Deloitte-audited no-logs |
| Antivirus bundle | AVG VPN | VPN + antivirus combined |
| Streaming access | Surfshark | Works with more services |
💰 Your Budget
Surfshark costs $1.99/month on a long-term plan. AVG VPN starts at $4.99/month. If budget matters most, Surfshark saves you more over time.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Surfshark works on more platforms including Linux and Android TV. AVG VPN covers Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS only. If you need browser extensions or Apple TV support, pick Surfshark.
🔒 Your Privacy Needs
Surfshark has an independently audited no-logs policy. AVG VPN keeps connection logs for two years. If online privacy is your main goal, Surfshark is the safer pick.
🎓 Your Experience Level
AVG VPN has a simpler one-click interface on the main screen. Surfshark has more features but remains easy to use. Both work well for beginners, but AVG VPN is slightly easier to install and connect.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
AVG VPN offers a 60-day free trial. Surfshark offers 7 days on mobile. If you want to test a VPN service for a few seconds of setup and weeks of use, AVG gives you more time.
🛟 Support Options
Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support. AVG Secure VPN support is limited to email tickets that take about a day to respond. If quick help matters, Surfshark is the better choice.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPN services? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to AVG VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 60-day free trial to test before paying
- Antivirus bundled with your VPN subscription
- Simpler interface with fewer menus to navigate
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device connections (capped at 10)
- MultiHop, CleanWeb, and Alternative ID features
- Access to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription from your account dashboard
- Download AVG Secure VPN from the official AVG website
- Start your 60-day free trial and connect to a server
🔄 Switching from AVG VPN to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited device connections for your whole household
- Audited no-logs policy for better privacy
- MultiHop, split tunneling, and CleanWeb ad blocker
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Integrated antivirus protection (unless you buy Surfshark One)
- The 60-day free trial period
- AVG’s familiar one-click interface
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your AVG VPN subscription from your AVG account
- Sign up for Surfshark and download the app
- Install Surfshark on all your devices and connect
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test enterprise VPN configuration setups or evaluate how either tool performs for large teams. Our observations are based on May 2026 versions of both products. If you need obfuscated servers for use in heavily censored regions, your experience may differ from what we’ve described here. We also didn’t cover static IP addresses, virtual phone number features, or visited IP addresses tracking in detail. Capabilities like IP rotation and virtual servers were not tested across all locations. Standard VPN features were covered, but niche use cases for laptops in restricted networks were outside our scope.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Surfshark |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | Surfshark |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | Surfshark |
| 📺 Streaming Access | Surfshark |
| 👶 Ease of Use | AVG VPN |
| 🔌 Device Compatibility | Surfshark |
| 🆓 Free Trial | AVG VPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Surfshark |
🏆 WINNER: Surfshark
Surfshark wins 5 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Privacy-focused users, families with multiple devices, streaming enthusiasts
Surfshark and AVG VPN serve two very different audiences. Surfshark is a full-featured VPN provider with an audited no-logs policy, unlimited connections, and a massive server network. It handles streaming, privacy, and speed better than AVG across the board.
AVG VPN is a good pick for users who already use AVG antivirus and want a simple VPN add-on. The 60-day free trial is the longest in the market, and the one-click interface takes only a few seconds to learn.
However, AVG’s connection log retention and lack of an independent audit make it a weaker choice for privacy. If you need a good VPN that protects your sensitive data and browsing history, Surfshark is the better pick.
More of Surfshark Compared
Here’s how Surfshark stacks up against other VPN providers:
Surfshark vs NordVPN
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, lower 2-year pricing, Alternative ID privacy feature
NordVPN wins on: Larger server network with 6,000+ servers, faster raw speeds, dedicated IP addresses included in more plans
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Much lower monthly cost, unlimited connections, built-in CleanWeb ad blocker
ExpressVPN wins on: Wider router compatibility, faster average speeds, TrustedServer RAM-only technology
Surfshark vs Proton VPN
Surfshark wins on: More server countries (100 vs 91), lower long-term price, Alternative ID feature
Proton VPN wins on: Free tier with no data limits, Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps
Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Surfshark wins on: More intuitive mobile apps, CleanWeb blocker, MultiHop routing
Private Internet Access wins on: More servers overall, lower renewal pricing, dedicated IP included
More of AVG VPN Compared
Here’s how AVG VPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
AVG VPN wins on: Longer 60-day free trial, bundled antivirus, simpler interface for new users
NordVPN wins on: 6,000+ servers in 111 countries, independently audited privacy, faster speeds
AVG VPN vs CyberGhost
AVG VPN wins on: Longer free trial period, integrated antivirus bundle, Mimic obfuscation
CyberGhost wins on: 11,000+ servers, better streaming support, 45-day money-back guarantee
AVG VPN vs McAfee VPN
AVG VPN wins on: Longer free trial at 60 days, 10 device connections, Mimic protocol for bypassing blocks
McAfee VPN wins on: Better privacy policy, wider platform support, included with McAfee Total Protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AVG VPN any good?
AVG Secure VPN is a basic VPN that works for casual browsing and streaming. It uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch. However, it lacks an independent privacy audit and retains connection logs for two years. For better privacy protection, consider a dedicated VPN provider instead.
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Yes. Any honest Surfshark VPN review will confirm that the no logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte and Cure53. The company is based in the Netherlands and uses AES-256 encryption. It does not store your real IP address or browsing history on its servers. This Surfshark review reflects those findings.
Is AVG Secure VPN free?
AVG Secure VPN is not completely free. It offers a 60-day free trial, which is generous compared to most VPN services. After the trial ends, you need a paid subscription. The cheapest annual plan costs around $4.49/month billed yearly.
How much is Surfshark VPN per month?
The monthly plan costs $15.45. The 12-month plan drops to $3.19/month. The best deal is the 27-month plan at $1.99/month. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Does AVG VPN work with Netflix?
AVG Secure VPN can access Netflix through its optimized streaming servers. However, regular servers may be blocked. Streaming access is not as reliable compared to dedicated VPN providers like Surfshark, which works with Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ without issues.
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