A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that can do wonders when it comes to improving your online privacy and security. All data that gets transferred between the computer and your VPN server gets encrypted and cannot be read by anyone else.
But unless you are a technological freak, it is tough to completely understand every feature that a VPN has to offer, making it tough to choose the one that can work best for you.
Here in this post, we are comparing two leading VPNs currently ruling the market viz. ExpressVPN and Avast VPN.
Getting to know ExpressVPN and AvastVPN
ExpressVPN is well known for providing intensely fast connection speed, top-tier geographic coverage, top-notch security, and great customer support through channels like live chat.
All of this makes it an astounding option to smoothly access the restricted websites as well as browse through the websites while maintaining anonymity. ExpressVPN is definitely the go-for provider when you are in search of a VPN offering optimal-level support for torrenting as well as P2P file-sharing.
Avast VPN, on the other hand, is an amazing choice for those users who are looking for a protection service that is easy-to-use of the streaming sites. Despite its comparatively ordinary feature set, it offers some unmatched benefits like the single click for installation feature.
This user-friendly VPN provides blazing-fast connection speed on the dependable servers. One of the major highlights of Avast VPN is the phone support they offer to its users.
In this comparison, we will take into consideration various categories and compare both these platforms on that basis for choosing a winner so that you can understand which one of these two providers can work the best for you.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN: Privacy
Privacy tops the priority list for both these internet beasts, and they are well-aware of the meddlesome eyes online. You will be sharing tons of crucial information on the internet and have numerous malicious parties and hackers trying to break in for tampering and stealing your logs. The privacy protection policies of your VPN provider should be user-friendly and clear. It is best to cross-examine the details which might be “not so obvious” regarding your provider before you finally decide to purchase.
Both ExpressVPN and Avast VPN come with the AES-256 bit encryption as well as several other top-tier security protocols, which includes OpenVPN that is considered to be super resourceful.
→ ExpressVPN
It is definitely one of the best options to go for when you wish to hide the browsing data. It is located in the British Virgin Islands, and thus it has no obligation legally to retain the logs of VPN data. This basically implies that ExpressVPN does not store any information about the users.
→ Avast VPN
Avast VPN has some of the robust privacy features to offer. The provider does not keep any log of the activities, but they do record the connection logs, data usage, IP address and keep it for 30 days. Though you don’t need to worry about using Netflix on public Wi-Fi when torrenting, you need to opt for a provider that does not log any of the data regarding your session. Another concern is it being based in the Czech Republic, which is a member of the 5 eyes.
→ Winner – ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN wins this point owing to the better privacy it offers as compared to the Avast VPN.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN: Speed
Speed is one of the most crucial aspects to take into consideration when opting for a VPN. You should never settle for a VPN provider that slows your connection speed down. We have used the Speedtest.net application for performing the speed test of downloading on both VPNs.
While performing the test:
→ The testing machine is the Windows server with the gigabit Ethernet connection that is based in North America.
→ The testing machine is the Windows Server with the gigabit Ethernet connection that is based in North America.
→ Three users connected to the VPN servers in Hong Kong, United States and the United Kingdom for 3 days and 3 times every day.
→ The Windows Application of every provider is used in order to connect for the test. The application is configured for connecting through the OpenVPN protocol over the UDP.
→ After connecting to every server, the Speedtest application is used for conducting the test, followed by shutting it down and then restarting it for every test.
→ After the speed measurements are recorded, an average speed is calculated.
→ ExpressVPN
The provider offered an average download speed of 106.78 Mbps which makes it perfect for all the online activities, which includes the streaming of 4K video streaming.
→ AvastVPN
The average connection speed offered by Avast is 73.8 Mbps which is enough for undertaking the majority of the online activities like video streaming, file sharing and gaming.
It is important to note that the connection speed you experience can be different from what is mentioned here. This is because the speed of the server depends on the physical location, the connection speed of the ISP as well as the location of the VPN server.
→ Winner – ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN wins this point because of the comparatively better speed it offers.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN: Features
An ideal VPN should be able to perform well across each and every vital aspect.
→ ExpressVPN
Its well-known feature of split tunneling lets you separate the devices that you will be using VPN for and the ones you will not. To put that in perspective, you can split-tunnel the traffic for using only Google Chrome for VPN and not the other applications on your computer. Or the other way, you can have all the other applications routed via Virtual Private Network except for Google Chrome. The other vital features include obfuscation, DNS leak protection, IPv4 as well as IPv6 leak protection, and also the WebRTC leak protection.
→ Avast VPN
Avast VPN offers you incredible performance and connection speed in general. The VPN secures the browsing with the use of military-level encryption of AES-256-bit with OpenVPN and IPSec protocols. In addition to this, the astounding customer support and DNS-leak protection make this provider an alluring option.
→ Winner – ExpressVPN
The ExpressVPN has comparatively more features to offer than the Avast VPN.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN: Encryption
A VPN can protect the online activities of a user against the attacks by malicious parties and hackers. Both these VPNs provide their users a robust AES-256 encryption with IPSec and OpenVPN protocols.
→ ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN put into application the additional protocol for top-tier security. For example, it is inclusive of various protocols like L2TP and SSTP, which Avast VPN lacks. Other protocols are TCP/UDP, SSTP, and PPTP. In addition to this, it also offers split tunneling for routers, Android, Windows, and macOS. Its servers put into use IP addresses that are completely unique for the DNS queries in order to ensure no traffic or any DNS leaks.
→ Avast VPN
The DNS leak protection feature of Avast VPN too will make sure that the data is super secure and always under wraps. As you connect with the VPN, your information is secure with the Open SSL libraries through UDP ports.
→ Winner – ExpressVPN
Avast VPN lacks certain protocols like L2TP and SSTP, which ExpressVPN offers, and thus, it wins this comparison.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN: Simultaneous Connections
Owing to the multiple devices people have these days, the need for simultaneous connections has become pretty important. The need for this attribute is further boosted by the need for families and businesses across the globe. Most of the users wish to be connected simultaneously. This feature is definitely a must-watch in cases where you have many internet users in your company or house. But it is important to take into consideration that the versatility of a VPN should not come at the cost of good internet connections.
→ ExpressVPN
The regular subscription of ExpressVPN lets the users connect simultaneously to 5 devices. In order to connect to more than 5 devices, the user needs to purchase another plan separately or use the VPN router.
→ Avast VPN
This VPN provider lets you connect to about 5 devices all at once, provided you buy the multi-device service of Avast VPN. Its basic plan does not let you connect to the various devices.
→ Winner – Tie
Both the VPN providers offer the same level of functionality for this attribute.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN: Torrent Support
Currently, there is a plethora of content sharing online, and irrespective of what you wish to download, be it movies, videos, games, music, or any other media, torrenting can be helpful for you. P2P file sharing is basically the norm for sharing files where the peers can share various materials in just a snap. With Torrenting, you can download files online in bulk via the BitTorrent site. Though the BitTorrent/P2P sharing has massive benefits to offer for the users, you might have to face the regulations and laws for the copyrighted content you shared. You might get charged with piracy and copyright infringement which are considered to be the two most leading contributors of cybercrimes.
→ ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN lets P2P on all its servers across the globe. Apart from that, ExpressVPN does not throttle the connections or cap any data. Thus with this provider, you will definitely enjoy great speeds as compared to the VPN with really few servers that are torrent-friendly.
→ Avast VPN
The provider lets torrent downloading in just 8-select servers of 6 geo zones. With Avast, you can also see the servers of the provider that supports the P2P activities as they are marked visibly on the server location. This way, you can choose the server for connection.
→ Winner – ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers better Torrenting support than Avast VPN.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN: Streaming Support
Almost everyone has an OTT subscription of one platform or the other. But not all the content of streaming services are always available. On the basis of your location, the content available varies in different countries.
→ ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN can unblock about 16 streaming services which include Disney+, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu, Spotify, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Zattoo, Showtime, Sling TV, Crackle, Sky Go, DAN, Hotstar, Vudu, iTV Hub, and ESPN.
→ Avast VPN
Avast VPN has one server that is based in the US and is designated for streaming. You can find this server in the application. If the majority of reviews are to be believed, Avast VPN does not offer reliable access to the other streaming platforms.
→ Winner – ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has better streaming support to offer than Avast VPN.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN: Global Server Coverage
In the usual case, the more the global servers offered by a VPN provider, the easier it gets to slide via boundaries across the globe in order to access the content that is restricted. With VPN servers, you can access the content, including online games, music, and video, from
anywhere across the globe.
→ ExpressVPN
Express VPN boasts more than 3000 servers that are spread in 160 locations of 94 countries. The majority of these servers are physical, but 3 percent of these are virtual. This basically implies that ExpressVPN can let you bypass much more geoblock as compared to Avast VPN.
→ Avast VPN
Initially, Avast VPN offered minimum coverage across the globe, with just 27 cities in 19 countries. But today, it has changed, and now the company operates in 34 countries across 55 locations which include Netherlands, Canada, the U.K, the U.S, Japan, Singapore, and China.
→ Winner – ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers wider global server coverage as compared to the Avast VPN.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN: Multi-Platform Support
If you are someone that owns multiple devices like mobiles and computers, then the number of supported gadgets becomes an important point to take into consideration. As a result, a great VPN should offer support to the major operating systems and platforms.
→ ExpressVPN
The provider is compatible with a plethora of platforms. It can support famed routers, Nook, Blackberry, Android, iOS, Windows, Amazon Fire TV, macOS, and Linux. It also supports the browser extensions, which include Safari, Firefox, and Chrome.
→ Avast VPN
Avast VPN has the modest compatibility of supporting only iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows. You can also install it as a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox. Though this can be a tad bit disappointing for the device enthusiast, it can still be enough for a lot of users.
→ Winner – ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers more multi-platform support as compared to Avast VPN.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN: Gaming
An ideal VPN should be able to protect the gamers when they are online. It should also let them have access to the foreign servers. Fortunately, both the things can be done using the Avast VPN and ExpressVPN. Both of them, thus, have the potential of being the gaming daily driver.
But you can only use ExpressVPN along with the gaming console as it is the only service amongst the two that can be installed on the router.
→ Winner – ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has an extra edge in this functionality over Avast VPN, thus making it win.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN: User-Friendliness
The User-Friendliness of a provider is a crucial aspect to take into consideration. On the surface, both the VPNs are seen offering a robust user experience.
→ ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has a lot many options to offer, especially in their settings tab, but it still manages to keep all its things very well organized in its interface and is thus just as easy to use.
→ Avast VPN
Avast VPN, on the other hand, is somewhat empty, making it easy to find out what you are looking for. But if the reviews are to be believed, its interface was a bit glitchy when clicking and dragging around. This dampened the overall user-friendliness of Avast VPN.
→ Winner – ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a more user-friendly option to go with as compared to Avast VPN.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN : Customer Support
The applications and services offered by ExpressVPN and Avast VPN are really very straightforward, and both these providers offer a reliable as well as a customer care team that is easy to contact. Both the providers offer a pretty helpful section of Frequently Asked Questions on their website, but on ExpressVPN, it is pretty much in detail.
→ ExpressVPN
The provider offers incredible customer support. It provides its users with live chat support that is active 24/7. This is complemented with instructions and guides for troubleshooting and also setting up as well as using the VPN. If you still have issues, you can get support from the provider through a support ticket or email.
→ Avast VPN
The customer service of Avast VPN comes in three-fold viz, a user forum, 24/7 phone support, and a trouble ticketing system. The customer support through the phone is one of the most unique services that this VPN offers, and most of the VPN providers lack it.
→ Winner – Avast VPN
Avast VPN wins this point over ExpressVPN, owing to the telephone support it offers to its users.
Comparing ExpressVPN And Avast VPN : Pricing
Pricing is one of the most crucial aspects to take into consideration when choosing your provider.
→ ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has three pricing plans to offer to its users viz:
The 1 Month Plan costs $12.95 per month.
The 6 Month Plan costs $9.99 per month and is billed $59.95 every 6 months.
The 15 Month Plan currently costs $6.67 per month (Usual Price – $12.95 per month) and is currently billed $99.95 for the first 15 months and 12 months after that. ( Usual Price – $194.20). (Try Our ExpressVPN coupon code to get 3 months free offer)
All the plans come with a 30-days money-back guarantee.
→ Avast VPN
Avast VPN has three pricing plans to offer viz:
The 1-Year plan costs $4.99 per month and bills $59.88 for the first year.
The 2-Year plan costs $3.99 per month and bills $95.76 for the first 2 years.
The 3-Year plan costs $3.99 per month and bills $143.64 for the first 3 years.
Avast offers a free trial for 7 days and a money-back guarantee of 30 days.
→ Winner – Avast VPN
Avast VPN wins this point over ExpressVPN because of the free trial it offers.
Wrapping It Up
So now that we are at the end of the comparison between the two robust VPN Providers viz ExpressVPN and Avast VPN let us choose the winner. It is super obvious and easy to opt from these, too, and it is none other than the ExpressVPN.
Though both of these VPNs offer quick connection speed and reliable servers, ExpressVPN wins the majority of crucial categories and aspects of a VPN like privacy, features, encryption, torrent support, streaming support, gaming, global server coverage, user-friendliness, and multi-platform support. All in all, it is a powerful VPN that offers top-tier security, brilliant speeds, and reliability. Avast VPN, on the other hand, defeats ExpressVPN when it comes to customer support and pricing.
Hopefully, this curated comparison between ExpressVPN and Avast VPN will help you in choosing the one that can work best for you and your needs.
ExpressVPN vs Avast VPN Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. Is Avast VPN A Good Option?
A: Though Avast is great when it comes to the pricing plans and customer support it offers, it lacks certain features which other providers usually offer.
Q.2. Is ExpressVPN A Good Option?
A: ExpressVPN is definitely an excellent option to go with. It boasts an optimal combination of both virtual and physical servers in the majority of countries. The provider is also known for the robust set of features it has to offer to its users.
Q.3. Which Option Between Avast VPN And ExpressVPN Is Best For Me?
A: If you are in search of a platform that offers you an advanced and robust feature set, then ExpressVPN is the one for you. But if you are looking for a VPN with basic requirements and that can easily fit your budget, then Avast VPN can prove to be a great option for you to go with.
Tristan is a cybersecurity expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He specializes in virtual private networks (VPNs) and has helped numerous organizations and individuals secure their online activities through the use of VPN technology.
