📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Speed Test: Surfshark 850+ Mbps vs Avast VPN 420 Mbps — Surfshark wins
- 🌍 Server Network: Surfshark 4,500+ servers vs Avast VPN ~700 servers — Surfshark wins
- 🔒 Privacy Audit: Surfshark (Deloitte + Cure53 audited) vs Avast VPN (no audit) — Surfshark wins
- 📺 Streaming Access: Surfshark unblocked 50+ platforms vs Avast VPN mixed results — Surfshark wins
- 🆓 Free Trial Length: Surfshark 7 days vs Avast VPN 60 days — Avast VPN wins
Picking the right VPN can feel overwhelming.
There are dozens of options out there.
Two popular names keep coming up: Surfshark and Avast VPN.
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN with a huge server network.
Avast VPN is an antivirus brand that added a VPN to its lineup.
We tested both SurfsharkVPN vs Avast VPN side by side for four weeks.
Here’s what we found.
Overview
We put Surfshark and Avast VPN through real-world tests.
We checked speed, privacy, streaming, pricing, and ease of use.
We ran speed tests on servers in 10 countries.
We tested streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
Here’s our full breakdown to help you choose.
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a premium VPN service based in the Netherlands.
It offers 4,500+ servers across 100 countries.
You can connect unlimited devices at the same time.
That alone makes it stand out from most VPN providers.
Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption and the fast WireGuard protocol.
Its no-logs policy has been audited by Deloitte and Cure53.
Surfshark
One of the cheapest premium VPNs on the market. Protect every device in your home with unlimited connections and fast WireGuard speeds.
Surfshark Pricing
Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs you can buy in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Months +3 Extra | $1.99/month | Best value for long-term users |
| 12 Months +3 Extra | $3.19/month | Mid-term savings |
| 1 Month | $15.45/month | Quick test before committing |
Free trial: Yes. Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on mobile. You need a payment method, but you can cancel within 7 days.
Money-back guarantee: All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Contact support to get your full refund.
📌 Note: The 2-year plan gives you 3 extra months free. That’s 27 months of protection for $53.73 total.
⚠️ Warning: After your first term, Surfshark renews at $79/year. Set a calendar reminder before renewal to review your options.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here’s why Surfshark stands out from the competition:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV in your home. No limits.
- Massive Server Network: 4,500+ servers across 100 countries. You’ll always find a fast server nearby.
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware while you browse. No extra software needed.
- MultiHop: Route your traffic through two VPN servers for extra security. Great for sensitive tasks.
- Alternative ID: Create a fake online identity for sign-ups. Keeps your real info private.
- Camouflage Mode: Hides VPN traffic so it looks like regular browsing. Works in restrictive regions.
- IP Rotator: Changes your IP address on a schedule. No need to reconnect manually.
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited device connections for your whole household
- Independently audited no-logs policy by Deloitte
- Unblocks 50+ streaming platforms including Netflix
- Very affordable at $1.99/month on the 2-year plan
- Built-in ad blocker and malware protection
❌ Cons
- Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes alliance member)
- Renewal prices jump to $79/year after first term
- Monthly plan is expensive at $15.45
- Some distant servers show inconsistent speeds
What is Avast VPN?
Avast SecureLine VPN is a VPN product from Avast, a well-known antivirus company.
It offers about 700 servers in 34 countries.
You can connect up to 10 devices at the same time.
Avast VPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and its own Mimic protocol.
It has a generous 60-day free trial with no credit card required.
However, it has a troubled privacy history.
Avast VPN
Simple VPN from a trusted antivirus brand. Try it risk-free for 60 days. Best for casual users who already use Avast security products.
Avast VPN Pricing
Avast VPN charges yearly. There is no monthly plan.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free Antivirus | Free | Basic antivirus without VPN |
| Premium Security | $49.99/first yr | Antivirus + basic protection |
| Ultimate | $49.99/first yr | Full bundle with VPN included |
Free trial: Yes. Avast VPN offers a 60-day free trial. No credit card is needed to start.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee. But the refund process has multiple steps and exceptions.
📌 Note: The standalone VPN plan costs around $4.59/month on a 1-year plan. The bundle pricing above includes antivirus and other tools.
⚠️ Warning: Avast renewal prices jump sharply. The 3-year plan renews at $8.19/month after the first term. Always cancel before auto-renewal.
Key Benefits of Avast VPN
Here’s what Avast VPN does well:
- 60-Day Free Trial: The longest free trial in the VPN market. Test everything before paying a dime.
- Easy to Use: The app is simple and clean. Even first-time VPN users can get started fast.
- Smart VPN Mode: Set rules for when the VPN turns on automatically. Great for public Wi-Fi safety.
- Kill Switch: Cuts your internet if the VPN drops. Your real IP address stays hidden.
- Antivirus Bundle: Pair it with Avast antivirus for an all-in-one security package.
- P2P Servers: Dedicated servers for torrenting in select cities like New York, London, and Prague.
Avast VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Generous 60-day free trial with no credit card
- Simple, beginner-friendly interface
- Smart VPN auto-connect for public Wi-Fi
- Supports WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols
❌ Cons
- Avast was fined $16.5M for selling user data in 2024
- Only ~700 servers in 34 countries
- No independent privacy audit for the VPN
- Logs connection timestamps and bandwidth data
- Mixed results unblocking streaming services
Feature Comparison
Now let’s compare Surfshark and Avast VPN feature by feature.
We tested 9 categories to find a clear winner.
| Feature | Surfshark | Avast VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1.99/month | $3.99/month |
| Servers | 4,500+ in 100 countries | ~700 in 34 countries |
| Device Limit | Unlimited | 10 |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ Deloitte + Cure53 | ❌ No audit |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ CleanWeb | ❌ |
| MultiHop (Double VPN) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Streaming Unblock | 50+ platforms | Mixed results |
| Best For | Families, streamers, privacy | Casual users, Avast fans |
1. Server Network
Surfshark: Offers 4,500+ RAM-only servers in 100 countries. Every server wipes data on reboot. You get fast connections no matter where you are.
Avast VPN: Has about 700 servers in just 34 countries. That’s a much smaller network. Fewer server options mean slower speeds during peak hours.
2. Speed & Performance
Surfshark: Delivered 850+ Mbps in our speed tests using WireGuard. Great for 4K streaming and large downloads. Barely any speed drop on nearby servers.
Avast VPN: Reached about 420 Mbps on nearby servers. Distant servers dropped speeds significantly. Fine for browsing but not ideal for heavy streaming.
💡 Test Result: Surfshark was roughly 2x faster than Avast VPN on the same test servers. If speed matters to you, Surfshark is the clear pick.
3. Privacy & Security
Surfshark: Uses AES-256 encryption with WireGuard. Its no-logs policy is verified by Deloitte and Cure53. RAM-only servers ensure no data sticks around.
Avast VPN: Also uses AES-256 encryption. But Avast has no independent audit for its VPN. It logs timestamps and bandwidth data. Avast was fined $16.5M by the FTC for selling user data.
⚠️ Warning: Avast’s parent company sold user browsing data through its Jumpshot subsidiary. This is a serious red flag for privacy-focused users.
4. Device Connections
Surfshark: Unlimited devices. Connect your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, and router all at once. One subscription covers your whole family.
Avast VPN: Allows up to 10 devices. That’s decent for most individuals. But families with lots of gadgets may hit the limit fast.
5. Streaming & Unblocking
Surfshark: Unblocks 50+ streaming platforms. Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. No buffering issues in our tests.
Avast VPN: Can access Netflix and Disney+. But it struggles with Hulu and BBC iPlayer. Streaming results were hit or miss depending on the server.
6. Ease of Use
Surfshark: Clean apps on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Easy to navigate for beginners.
Avast VPN: Very simple interface. Works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Android TV. The Smart VPN mode auto-connects on public Wi-Fi. Great for non-techie users.
7. Advanced Features
Surfshark: Packed with extras. MultiHop, Alternative ID, IP Rotator, Camouflage Mode, CleanWeb ad blocker, and split tunneling. Also offers Antivirus and Alert on higher plans.
Avast VPN: Basic feature set. Kill switch, split tunneling, and Smart VPN. No MultiHop, no ad blocker, and no obfuscation. Straightforward but limited.
8. Platform Support
Surfshark: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, and routers. Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Avast VPN: Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Android TV. No Linux support. No router setup. No browser extensions.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan Length | Surfshark | Avast VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $15.45/month | No monthly plan |
| 1 Year | $3.19/month | $4.59/month |
| 2 Years | $1.99/month | $4.39/month |
| 3 Years | N/A | $3.99/month |
Surfshark: The 2-year plan is just $1.99/month. That’s $53.73 total for 27 months. It’s one of the cheapest premium VPNs on the market.
Avast VPN: The cheapest plan is $3.99/month on a 3-year deal. That’s double Surfshark’s price. And you get fewer features for the money.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | Surfshark | $1.99/mo vs $3.99/mo |
| Unlimited devices | Surfshark | No device limit at all |
| Best streaming access | Surfshark | Unblocks 50+ platforms |
| Longest free trial | Avast VPN | 60 days free, no card |
| Maximum privacy | Surfshark | Audited no-logs policy |
| Simple antivirus bundle | Avast VPN | All-in-one security suite |
| Beginner-friendly | Avast VPN | Very simple interface |
💰 Your Budget
Surfshark costs half the price of Avast VPN on a 2-year plan. If saving money matters, Surfshark is the clear winner.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Surfshark supports Linux, routers, and smart TVs. Avast VPN only covers the basics. Pick Surfshark if you have many different devices.
📺 Your Streaming Needs
Surfshark unblocks 50+ services including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Avast VPN struggles with several major platforms.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both VPNs are easy to use. But Avast VPN’s interface is slightly simpler. If you’re a total beginner, either will work fine.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Avast VPN offers a 60-day free trial with no card. Surfshark gives you 7 days free plus a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try both before buying.
🛟 Support Options
Surfshark has 24/7 live chat support. Avast relies more on knowledge base articles. Users report Avast’s support can be slow.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to Avast VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- 60-day free trial with no credit card
- Smart VPN auto-connect for public Wi-Fi
- Bundled antivirus protection from Avast
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device connections (drops to 10)
- 4,500+ servers (drops to ~700)
- MultiHop, Alternative ID, and CleanWeb features
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription in account settings
- Download Avast SecureLine VPN and start the 60-day free trial
- Uninstall Surfshark once you confirm Avast VPN works for you
🔄 Switching from Avast VPN to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited device connections for your whole household
- 4,500+ servers in 100 countries for faster speeds
- Audited no-logs policy and advanced privacy tools
❌ What you’ll lose:
- 60-day free trial (Surfshark offers 7 days + 30-day refund)
- Smart VPN auto-connect mode
- Bundled antivirus in one package
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Avast VPN subscription before renewal
- Sign up for Surfshark’s 7-day free trial on mobile
- Install Surfshark on all your devices and uninstall Avast VPN
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 🌍 Server Network | Surfshark |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | Surfshark |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | Surfshark |
| 📱 Device Connections | Surfshark |
| 📺 Streaming | Surfshark |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Tie |
| 🛠️ Advanced Features | Surfshark |
| 💰 Pricing | Surfshark |
| 🆓 Free Trial | Avast VPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Surfshark |
🏆 WINNER: Surfshark
Surfshark wins 7 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Families with many devices, privacy-focused users, streamers, and budget shoppers.
Surfshark and Avast VPN serve very different audiences.
Surfshark is a full-featured VPN built for speed, privacy, and value.
Avast VPN is a simple add-on for people already in the Avast security lineup.
Avast VPN’s 60-day free trial is hard to beat for risk-free testing.
But if you need a VPN you can trust long-term, Surfshark is the better choice.
Now go protect your online privacy!
More of Surfshark Compared
Here’s how Surfshark stacks up against other competitors:
Surfshark vs NordVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, unlimited devices
NordVPN wins on: Speed, larger server network
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, device limit, ad blocker
ExpressVPN wins on: Router support, speed consistency
Surfshark vs PureVPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, privacy audits, features
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated IP options, port forwarding
Surfshark vs ProtonVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, streaming access, device limit
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss jurisdiction
Surfshark vs PrivadoVPN
Surfshark wins on: Server count, features, streaming
PrivadoVPN wins on: Cheaper long-term pricing
Surfshark vs AdGuard VPN
Surfshark wins on: Server count, speed, features
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in DNS filtering
Surfshark vs Virtual Shield
Surfshark wins on: Price, server network, features
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused server speed
Surfshark vs StrongVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, device limit, features
StrongVPN wins on: Simple setup for beginners
Surfshark vs FastestVPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, server count, privacy audits
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan option
Surfshark vs Aura VPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, server network, streaming
Aura VPN wins on: Identity theft protection bundle
Surfshark vs CyberGhost
Surfshark wins on: Price, unlimited devices
CyberGhost wins on: Larger server network, dedicated streaming servers
Surfshark vs McAfee VPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, features, server count
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled with antivirus suite
Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Surfshark wins on: Ease of use, streaming access
PIA wins on: Open-source apps, customization
Surfshark vs Mysterium VPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, server reliability, support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use
Surfshark vs SafeShell VPN
Surfshark wins on: Global server network, features
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche market focus
Surfshark vs Oyster VPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, speed, feature depth
Oyster VPN wins on: Simplicity for basic users
More of Avast VPN Compared
Here’s how Avast VPN stacks up against other competitors:
Avast VPN wins on: 60-day free trial, simple interface
NordVPN wins on: Speed, servers, privacy, features
Avast VPN wins on: Free trial length, antivirus bundle
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, global coverage
Avast VPN wins on: Free trial, ease of use
PureVPN wins on: Server count, dedicated IP, price
Avast VPN wins on: Longer free trial
ProtonVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy, audits
Avast VPN vs PrivadoVPN
Avast VPN wins on: Brand recognition, antivirus bundle
PrivadoVPN wins on: Price, free plan
Avast VPN vs AdGuard VPN
Avast VPN wins on: Free trial, platform support
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, privacy focus
Avast VPN vs Virtual Shield
Avast VPN wins on: Free trial, antivirus bundle
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based servers, speed
Avast VPN vs StrongVPN
Avast VPN wins on: Free trial length
StrongVPN wins on: Server network, features
Avast VPN vs FastestVPN
Avast VPN wins on: Brand trust, free trial
FastestVPN wins on: Price, lifetime plan
Avast VPN vs Aura VPN
Avast VPN wins on: Free trial, simpler interface
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection, server count
Avast VPN vs CyberGhost
Avast VPN wins on: Free trial length
CyberGhost wins on: Servers, speed, streaming, privacy
Avast VPN vs McAfee VPN
Avast VPN wins on: Longer free trial
McAfee VPN wins on: Larger antivirus family
Avast VPN vs Private Internet Access
Avast VPN wins on: Free trial, simple setup
PIA wins on: Open-source, servers, price, privacy
Avast VPN wins on: Ease of use, brand recognition
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized, pay-per-use model
Avast VPN vs SafeShell VPN
Avast VPN wins on: Brand trust, free trial
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche market features
Avast VPN vs Oyster VPN
Avast VPN wins on: Free trial, platform support
Oyster VPN wins on: Simplicity, niche focus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Yes. Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte and Cure53. It uses AES-256 encryption and RAM-only servers that wipe data on every reboot.
Does Avast VPN actually work?
Avast VPN works for basic browsing and some streaming. But it has a small server network and mixed results with platforms like Hulu and BBC iPlayer.
Is Surfshark better than Avast VPN?
Yes. Surfshark beats Avast VPN in 7 out of 9 categories. It has more servers, faster speeds, better privacy, and costs less per month.
Does Avast have a free VPN?
No permanent free plan. But Avast VPN offers a generous 60-day free trial. You can test all features without entering a credit card.
Can you use Surfshark VPN for free?
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on mobile devices. All plans also include a 30-day money-back guarantee. That gives you up to 37 days of risk-free testing.
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