NordVPN and Avast VPN are pretty known names in the VPN industry. Avast VPN is a product of Avast Antivirus that deals with antivirus, anti-spam, and other computer security products. In 2013, the company extended its service and launched Avast VPN. NordVPN is one of the best top-rated VPN providers that started its services in 2012.
There’s always an ongoing debate and confusion among users about which VPN is better. Thus, a poll was conducted on Twitter and asked for users’ votes.
According to the poll results, 85.7% of users voted for NordVPN for offering the best services. On the flipside, Avast VPN could back only 14.3% of votes. This article gives you a detailed comparison of NordVPN vs. Avast VPN to determine the best one. So, let’s begin with this.
A comparison of other privacy and security features
To test VPN’s performance, you need to look for its features. The following table gives you an insight into the features and helps you make more informed decisions.
| Features | NordVPN | Avast VPN |
| Kill switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | Only in Android |
| Ad/Malware blocker | ✓ | ✕ |
| Obfuscation Technology | ✓ | ✕ |
| Double VPN | ✓ | ✕ |
| Tor Over VPN | ✓ | ✕ |
| IPv6 leak protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| IP and DNS leak protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data breach checker | ✕ | ✓ |
| Public Wi-Fi protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dedicated IP address | ✓ | ✕ |
| Multi-factor authentication | ✓ | ✕ |
NordVPN and Avast VPN offer basic security-boosting features like a kill switch and VPN leak protection. These features improve digital privacy and ensure an excellent user experience. But NordVPN provides a wide range of security and privacy-focused features.
For example, NordVPN has an onion over VPN feature that allows you to use the Tor browser safely and even access the .onion sites. Moreover, if you find any blacklisted page or malicious site, the CyberSec feature immediately blocks it. Besides this, NordVPN has a unique obfuscation technology feature that enables you to bypass censorship and browse the web safely, even in strict regimes like China.
Unfortunately, Avast VPN doesn’t offer any of these features. The only impressive feature of Avast VPN is the data breach checker that lets you check if your passwords are being leaked.
As a whole, NordVPN is a winner in this category.
Privacy Aspects
Privacy is the top-most priority of users when choosing a VPN. There are two prime factors when analyzing the privacy of a VPN provider. It includes jurisdiction and logging policy. Before concluding which VPN offers greater privacy to the users, let’s look deep into the two factors.
Jurisdiction
A safe jurisdiction falls outside the region of the five eyes, nine eyes, and 14 Eyes alliance. NordVPN has its headquarters in the safe jurisdiction of Panama Island. It doesn’t fall within the jurisdiction of the global surveillance alliance. Also, it doesn’t follow any data retention laws. Thus, it won’t record your data or other sensitive information shared with anyone.
Meanwhile, Avast VPN belongs to the Czech Republic, a European Union member state. It’s not a member of the surveillance alliance, but it’s subjected to data retention laws. Thus, there’s always a risk of someone watching or recording your activities.
Log Policy
A private VPN avoids logging or sharing users’ IP addresses and browsing data with anyone. They don’t follow any mandatory data retention or anti-privacy laws. Even if they do so, it shouldn’t violate the users’ internet privacy rights.
NordVPN enjoys a clean reputation than Avast VPN when following a no-log policy. The VPN follows a strict zero-logging policy and prevents collecting users’ IP addresses, data logs, and connection timestamps. The VPN’s privacy policy also states that:
Despite all the claims, NordVPN suffered from a hacking incident in 2018. The event raised questions about its credibility. But soon, the VPN provider underwent a third-party independent log audit process. The log audit report clarifies that there was no loss of users’ data and that NordVPN’s claims of being a no-log VPN are valid. NordVPN had a log, app, and infrastructure audit and got the same result to win people’s trust.
In contrast, Avast VPN doesn’t have a no-log policy. Though the VPN claims they follow a strict no-log policy, they still collect users’ data. Like connection logs, IP addresses, and other information stored for 35 days. According to the website’s logging policy:
There is no proof that Avast VPN has ever audited its logging policy. Moreover, hackers breached the internal network via a VPN profile. They aimed to insert malware into the CCleaner software. Thus, users don’t prefer to use it.
Privacy Verdict
When compared, NordVPN is more private and safe to use than Avast VPN. It belongs to Panama Island and follows a verified logging policy. People will always doubt using Avast VPN because it logs users’ data for a specific time. Also, it doesn’t follow a no-log policy or undergoes a third-party log audit process. Thus, NordVPN is a private VPN for safe browsing, streaming, and downloading.
Security features comparison
If you’re using a VPN, your online security is the second most important factor you consider. A VPN’s military-grade encryption and tunneling protocols determine its security level. Some features like IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection maintain online security. But here, the question is, which one is more secure to use?
Encryption
The best VPN uses uncrackable and robust encryption to protect your activities from all prying eyes.
NordVPN uses state-of-the-art AES-256-bit encryption, 4096-bit RSA key, and SH 512 authentication keys. But, Avast VPN uses only AES-256 bit encryption to encrypt all incoming and outgoing traffic. Hence, both VPNs ensure that no snooping eye can have an idea about your online activities.
VPN Protocols
VPN protocols determine how the data routes via a connection. Each VPN provider uses various protocols that have different specifications. The OpenVPN (UDP) protocol focuses on speed while the OpenVPN (TCP) prioritizes security. NordVPN and Avast VPN differ in the choice of tunneling protocols.
NordVPN offers NordLynx, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), and IKEv2 protocols. The NordLynx is the new-generation VPN technology built around the robust WireGuard protocol. It provides a perfect balance between security and fast speed. If you’re an iOS or MacOS, you can choose the IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols. It establishes a quick connection and boosts the speed. You can enjoy maximum security with the OpenVPN protocol if you’re an Android or desktop user.
The website says Avast VPN uses OpenVPN (UDP) and OpenSSL protocols. The two protocols are reliable and widely used, so you can use them without suspicion. But it also supports IPSec and Avast Mimic protocol. The IPSec is best suited for Apple devices. The Avast Mimic is a proprietary protocol that is safe for all devices. It works best in countries that restrict the use of VPNs.
Security Verdict
With hackers, ISP, and agencies monitoring your data, you must use a VPN with the ever-rising risks. Use a VPN with strong encryption and tunneling protocols for the most security. Avast and NordVPN encrypt the data traffic, but NordVPN is more secure. It uses vital authentication keys and tunneling protocols to ensure incredible online protection.
Streaming And Torrenting compatiblaity
Streaming blocked content and downloading torrents are other reasons people prefer to use a VPN. Many VPNs don’t allow users to watch or download movies/TV shows from their favorite platforms. Hence, it’s crucial to determine which of the two service providers wins in this area.
Streaming
NordVPN and Avast VPN are compatible with streaming, but NordVPN is a better option. It is one of the best VPNs that unblocks 19 Netflix libraries, including US Netflix. Also, when tested, it worked well with Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. It has a global server network of over 5000 and establishes a quick connection. Thus, it allows you to stream the content in HD quality without any connection lags.
Moreover, NordVPN has impressive features that enhance your streaming experience. Like, it has a SmartDNS technology or the SmartPlay feature. You can stream the blocked content on devices that don’t support a VPN connection. You can connect it to gaming consoles or Amazon Fire Stick TV and enjoy streaming.
Unlike NordVPN, Avast VPN only helps unblock content from a few streaming platforms. This includes Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime. The VPN has a small server network that’s spread in 33 countries. But it does have a Smart VPN feature that automatically selects the optimal server location and ensures a seamless streaming experience. Moreover, Avast VPN doesn’t offer the SmartPlay feature but is compatible with Android TV. You can watch the blocked streaming content on your Mi Box, Android Smart TV, and Nvidia Shield TV.
Torrenting
Downloading torrents is risky; thus, you need to download them safely. Using a VPN for downloading torrents is the most reliable and safest method. You can consider using NordVPN and Avast VPN when it comes to torrenting.
NordVPN offers more than 3000 P2P-optimized servers that ensure a quick downloading process. It offers torrent-friendly features like split tunneling that makes downloading more secure. Besides this, it supports obfuscated technology. It helps bypass censorship and allows access to blocked torrent sites without being watched.
In contrast, Avast VPN offers specialized P2P servers in six countries. You can connect to the P2P servers in the UK, US, Germany, France, Netherlands, and the Czech Republic. You can download torrent files with less lagging when connected to these servers. But Avast VPN doesn’t offer torrent-centric features. But you can use the split tunneling feature if you’re using Avast VPN on your Android.
Streaming and Torrenting verdict
Again, NordVPN stands out in both areas. If you want a VPN for unrestricted torrenting and streaming, consider using NordVPN. It offers an extensive server network, dedicated P2P servers, and super-fast speeds that ensure the best streaming and downloading experience. Unlike Avast VPN, NordVPN offers more compatibility. You can connect it with popular devices, operating systems, and streaming devices. You can watch and download your TV shows and movies on any device and enjoy a fantastic experience.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it’s evident that NordVPN wins in all the categories. It provides a more trusted logging policy with a verified log-audit report. Moreover, it is more secure because of its robust encryption and advanced features. It offers a wide range of advanced security and privacy-boosting features. For instance, double VPN and CyberSec boost your security level.
Besides this, NordVPN ensures an excellent user experience. It allows unlimited streaming and torrenting. You can unblock content from popular streaming platforms and download torrents without compromising security. Though Avast VPN also allows it, the user experience is pretty mediocre. Thus, NordVPN is way better to use than Avast VPN.
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About the Author
Rebecca James is an IT consultant with forward thinking approach toward developing IT infrastructures of SMEs. She writes to engage with individuals and raise awareness of digital security, privacy, and better IT infrastructure.
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