Avast SecureLine VPN vs ExpressVPN: which VPN is better?
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Avast SecureLine VPN and ExpressVPN are robust VPN providers with two different approaches to internet privacy and security. Avast focuses on simplicity within its broader security suite, while ExpressVPN stands out as a premium service built for performance, features, and flexibility.
For this Avast SecureLine VPN vs ExpressVPN comparison, I evaluated each provider across key areas, including security, speed, streaming, server coverage, pricing, extra features, customer support, and overall ease of use. My testing reflects real-world usage to give a clear and balanced view.
Keep reading to see how they compare in detail and which VPN is the better fit for your needs.
Avast VPN vs ExpressVPN: overview
ExpressVPN is known as a premium, feature-rich service often ranked among the best VPNs, while Avast VPN is a part of the broader cybersecurity ecosystem. The main differences come down to speed, privacy, and features, with ExpressVPN offering faster performance, stronger security, and audited no-logs policies, while Avast remains more limited and beginner-focused.
| ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN | |
| ⭐ Rating: | ||
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #4 out of #41 | #19 out of #41 |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 700+ servers in 34 countries |
| 📖 No logs policy: | No logs | No logs |
| 💵 Price: | From $2.79/month | From $3.99/month |
| 🔥 Coupons: | ExpressVPN coupon 78% OFF | Cybernews VPN Coupons |
| 🔒 VPN protocols: | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, Avast Mimic, IPSec |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | BBC iPlayer, YouTube |
| 🖥️ Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS |
| 📥 Simultaneous connections: | 14 | 10 |
| 💁🏻 Support: | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, forum, FAQs, email, 24/7 phone support, 24/7 live chat |
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Key differences between ExpressVPN and Avast VPN
ExpressVPN is a premium service prioritizing performance and advanced security, while Avast VPN offers a simpler, budget-friendly option. Both provide solid encryption and no-logs policies, but they differ significantly in streaming capabilities, server coverage, and security features.
Choose ExpressVPN if:
- You need reliable streaming access across multiple platforms. ExpressVPN unblocks multiple Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max. Avast VPN only unblocks US and Canadian Netflix and YouTube.
- You want premium security features and proven privacy protection. ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers, has an audited no-logs policy, while Avast VPN still uses traditional hard drive servers and hasn't undergone independent audits.
- You need extensive server coverage. With servers in 105 countries, compared to Avast's 700+ in 34, ExpressVPN offers superior global coverage.
- You want solid platform compatibility. ExpressVPN supports more devices, including Linux GUI, Fire devices, and can be set up on routers, with 14 simultaneous connections versus Avast's 10.
Curious about its performance? Our ExpressVPN review has all the answers.
Choose Avast VPN if:
- You're already invested in the Avast security ecosystem. Avast VPN integrates seamlessly with Avast Antivirus and other privacy tools through Avast One bundles.
- You primarily browse in the US or UK. Avast VPN showed faster speeds than ExpressVPN in the US and UK testing.
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
Speed, performance, and streaming
With speed as a more direct metric of superiority, here we look at Avast VPN vs ExpressVPN and their performance with an identical baseline and compare the dropoff of download and upload speeds.
To determine the faster provider, we will focus on their speediest protocols: ExpressVPN’s Lightway vs Avast Mimic. First, let’s look at downloads:
- Baseline: 300Mbps download/ 300Mbps upload
| Location | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
| US (NY) | 155Mbps | 262Mbps |
| UK | 246Mbps | 289Mbps |
| Japan | 174Mbps | 82Mbps |
| Australia | 107Mbps | 92Mbps |
Avast SecureLine VPN shows dominant performance in the US and UK, but the average speed loss is very close. ExpressVPN loses about 43% of its baseline speed, while Avast SecureLine VPN is a bit faster with 40%.
Now let’s take a look at the uploads, where the situation is a bit more chaotic.
- Baseline: 300Mbps download/ 300Mbps upload
| Location | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
| US (NY) | 59Mbps | 67Mbps |
| UK | 199Mbps | 234Mbps |
| Japan | 69Mbps | 51Mbps |
| Australia | 110Mbps | 13Mbps |
Here, the lack of stability from AvastVPN starts to hinder its performance. On average, it loses 70% of the speed on uploads, while ExpressVPN lost 64%.
To learn more about their speedy alternatives, check out our guide on the best fastest VPNs.
Netflix and streaming performance
As we search for the best VPNs for streaming, ExpressVPN is a better match, with faster speeds and a higher connection success rate, even though Avast SecureLine has special servers dedicated to accessing major streaming services.
With Netflix as the most popular platform, both Avast SecureLine and ExpressVPN access the site, but Avast only managed to connect to the US and Canada streaming libraries. While the provider offers specialized streaming servers in the US, the UK, and Germany, the European servers did not work for streaming.
ExpressVPN is a better VPN for Netflix, with faster speeds plus stable and efficient unblocking of Netflix streaming sites. It managed to unblock all our tested streaming countries: the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, and others.
| Platform | Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN |
| Netflix | ✅ Yes (US and Canada only) | ✅ Yes (US, UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, and others) |
| Amazon Prime Video | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| YouTube | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Disney+ | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| HBO Max | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
For other streaming sites, the gap between providers becomes even more apparent, where Avast SecureLine only manages to unblock Netflix and YouTube. ExpressVPN is a better option that sweeps the board and easily accesses the most popular sites: BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Paramount+, HBO Max, and more.
Also, their performance when connecting to available platforms is another important trait. For the sites it did unlock, Avast SecureLine had slow loading speeds but stable connections during streaming. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN is fast and connects to all tested platforms, letting you enjoy movies or TV shows in full HD.
Torrenting
Even though both providers have solid privacy and security features, ExpressVPN is a better VPN for torrenting than Avast SecureLine VPN. It supports P2P communication for all its servers while stable and slightly faster connections than its competitor.
The overall structure of ExpressVPN is better suited for torrenting. It has a bigger network and more available locations, plus a functional kill switch with a split tunneling feature. Avast VPN’s P2P communication only works on specialized servers in select locations and is unavailable for the remaining options.
Plans and pricing
As we search for a VPN with the best bang for your buck, here you can see the difference between the premium but expensive ExpressVPN and a mid-tier Avast VPN.
ExpressVPN is expensive, but the additional features greatly enhance the service's functionality. Still, AvastVPN finds ways to offer great value for a lower price. For example, it lets you use 10 devices at a time, while ExpressVPN supports up to 14.
| Plan | Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN |
| Monthly | – | $12.99/month |
| One year | $4.99/month | $4.99/month |
| Two years | $3.99/month | $2.79/month |
| Three years | $3.99/month | – |
| Check Avast SecureLine VPN discounts | Check ExpressVPN discounts |
The unusual pricing structure for Avast VPN threw us off guard. Its shortest deal already binds you for a long-term partnership – a one-year subscription for $4.99/month. On top of that, the provider follows up with a barely cheaper two-year deal for $3.99/month and a three-year option for the exact same price.
Meanwhile, ExpressVPN’s subscriptions do not force you into lengthy obligations. You can choose between monthly, 1-year, and 2-year subscriptions. To save more money, you can check out our ExpressVPN coupons.
Server locations
| Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN | |
| Servers | 700+ | Undisclosed |
| Countries (total) | 34+ | 105+ |
| Virtual locations | No | Yes |
| Dedicated IPs | No | No |
As we compare Avast SecureLine VPN vs ExpressVPN by their global coverage and server fleets, we see ExpressVPN winning once more. AvastVPN only has 700+ servers in 34 locations, whereas ExpressVPN options in 105 countries.
Not only is the coverage of Avast SecureLine VPN insufficient to compete with ExpressVPN, but inconsistent speeds, if multiple users have a small server fleet, can also lead to overcrowding while sharing one VPN server. Also, there are no options to have a server for yourself because Avast VPN and ExpressVPN do not sell dedicated IPs.
Avast SecureLine VPN vs ExpressVPN features
| Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN | |
| Split tunneling | ✅ Yes (Android only) | ✅ Yes |
| Smart DNS | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| RAM-only servers | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Stealth VPN | ✅ Yes (Avast Mimic) | ✅ Yes |
| Web filters | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
By analyzing the offered suite of features from ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN, we see which provider brings more to the table and if the added tools are worth the price. For a mid-tier option, Avast VPN brings very few features, while the expensive ExpressVPN is a premium choice with a great set of functional tools.
Split tunneling
Often presented alongside essentials, a split tunneling feature helps you select which apps or segments of your internet connection travel through a VPN server, and ExpressVPN delivers this convenience for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android users.
The tools have simple options you can turn on to diversify selective routing, making sure that only the processes that need a VPN use it.
While it is one of the most demanded additional features, strangely enough, Avast SecureLine VPN has a split tunneling feature only on Android devices, where you can select which apps use VPN tunneling.
Server obfuscation
Obfuscated servers, also known as stealth VPNs, are crucial for areas where VPNs are blocked by the government or the owner of your network. ExpressVPN has this feature automated, switching the connection when someone tries to spy on the user.
While technically, Avast SecureLine VPN has no obfuscation feature, its proprietary protocol Avast Mimic is designed for getting around firewalls and recognition attempts from third parties. However, because the software behind it is closed-source, there is no way of knowing the level of obfuscation it provides.
Smart DNS
ExpressVPN is better than Avast VPN for streaming because it has a Smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer, which lets you access remote streaming libraries and platforms, even if your preferred device does not have a VPN app.
Avast SecureLine does not have a Smart DNS feature. That is a shame because this tool is essential for unblocking geo-restricted pages and streaming sites on devices that do not support VPN applications.
Other features
In its extensive list of premium features, ExpressVPN includes a Threat Manager for filtering malware and ensuring safer browsing sessions, a zero-knowledge DNS for more private connections, a password manager called ExpressVPN Keys, and the aforementioned TrustedServer technology for RAM-only servers.
Avast SecureLine VPN does not have the extra features we like to see, but it still includes a set of smart rules: conditions that automatically turn on your VPN.
Avast SecureLine VPN offers many additional tools, such as the famous Avast Antivirus, as well as various anti-tracking and privacy protection features. However, they're not available in the same package: you'll need to buy them separately or look for a combo plan such as Avast One. It's also worth mentioning that several features can be accessed through the same app.
Avast SecureLine VPN vs ExpressVPN: which is more secure?
Both ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN are solid options for secure VPN connections. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, while Avast SecureLine VPN is in the Czech Republic. Both choices reside in locations outside of intelligence-sharing alliances. However, there are inequalities in the infrastructure, logging, and privacy solutions that determine a better provider.
Infrastructure
One of the main innovations for modern VPN security is RAM-only servers. ExpressVPN uses them and even employs a tool called TrustedServer that makes sure the data of its servers are in RAM and gets erased after every reboot.
Avast SecureLine VPN still relies on the classic hard drive servers, which store data longer and are generally less secure and private than RAM-only options. ExpressVPN’s diskless data storage and management create a safer, fool-proof environment that respects our anonymity.
Another important aspect is the tunneling protocols that guide the connections for Avast VPN and Express VPN and dictate their versatility. Avast SecureLine VPN comes with a brief but solid list of options: OpenVPN and its main variations, IPSec for Apple users, WireGuard on Windows and Android for faster speeds, plus its custom protocol Avast Mimic, oriented at masking your VPN traffic.
ExpressVPN offers OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP or IPsec, PPTP, and its custom Lightway protocol for fast and lightweight connections. There’s no special masking protocol like Avast Mimic, but the Lightway protocol is built to support server obfuscation and will cover your tracks if tracking attempts from third parties are detected.
Privacy
The privacy for most VPNs begins at their base location, and both providers reside outside the Fourteen Eyes Alliance. However, ExpressVPN is a better choice because it is located in the British Virgin Islands, which has more favorable privacy laws than the Czech Republic.
Protecting our web connections, we have the industry standard AES-256 encryption for both providers, but ExpressVPN swaps to a lighter ChaCha20/Poly1305 for Lightway tunneling.
Both providers stop data leaks with a kill switch feature for VPN connections. ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLine have simple and intuitive settings to activate the tool and stop internet access when a connection with a VPN server is lost.
Logging
ExpressVPN abides by a strict, independently audited no-logs policy, whose credibility was proven in court and during audits by KPMG. With an emphasis on privacy and user security, the provider also had its applications tested for weaknesses by Cure53 and F-Secure.
Avast VPN follows a no-logs policy but records the times of connections, which are kept for 35 days. While the provider claims to stay away from our IP addresses, browsing history, and other elements of private data, we would want to see an independent audit to confirm these claims.
I recommend reading our guide on the best no-log VPNs for most private connections.
Platforms, interface, and ease of use
| Avast SecureLine VPN | ExpressVPN | |
| Supported OS | Windows, macOS Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Other software and devices | Android TV, Kodi | Android TV, Fire devices, Aircove routers |
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 | 14 |
| Usability level | Easy to set up | Easy to set up |
Both Avast SecureLine VPN and ExpressVPN have extensive apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, but ExpressVPN has a slight edge with a Linux app that has a GUI.
ExpressVPN and Avast VPN both have browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. However, ExpressVPN has an advantage in versatility. It can be manually set up on most routers, offers a dedicated app for Aircove routers, and a MediaStreamer tool for other devices.
Desktop apps
While reviewing ExpressVPN vs Avast VPN, we see that both providers have functional, easy-to-use apps. For Windows, Avast SecureLine VPN comes with a slick, dark-themed platform with all the necessary information in the center of your window.
On the right, we have a slick sidebar with 4 subsections. The icons are not perfect at conveying their functionality, and everything is intertwined with other tools from Avast.
On macOS, the app looks completely identical, but the OpenVPN tunneling protocol is replaced with IPSec. The layout and color scheme remains the same.
Alas, a big downside for Avast VPN is the lack of a Linux app. Most VPNs on the market at least include a text-based terminal app for tech-savvy Linux users, but Avast SecureLine VPN omits this option entirely.
ExpressVPN app is fairly minimalist, reminding of mobile interfaces, which also makes the design easily interchangeable between devices. While it does not try to reinvent the wheel but offers a clear overview of all tools and features with informative text.
The menu bar at the top has both icons and text displaying their functions, and an option for shortcuts lets you recreate prior VPN connections faster.
The macOS version looks the same but lacks a split tunneling feature on newer versions. ExpressVPN has also released a GUI for Linux, making the app easier to use.
Mobile apps
For Android devices, ExpressVPN offers another simple app that looks like a smaller version of a desktop app.
Again, iOS devices have the same layout but lose a lot of essential features: a manual kill switch, connection shortcuts, and settings for selective routing.
AvastVPN's Android app is arguably its biggest strength, as it is the only platform with a split tunneling tool. Besides that, the compressed layout and design are very similar to the Windows version.
Following the same design, just like its competitor, AvastVPN has a weaker app for iOS. While the provider has very few additional tools to begin with, this version of a mobile app leaves the IPSec as the only tunneling protocol.
Customer support
Both Avast SecureLine and ExpressVPN have the most important tools for finding help and support from employees. At first, we are happy to see a live chat option for services and email support for complex issues.
ExpressVPN and Avast SecureLine VPN also have lots of information via articles, FAQ, and tutorials to help you find solutions to problems before they get too complicated.
Avast SecureLine VPN vs ExpressVPN – which one wins?
ExpressVPN outperformed Avast SecureLine VPN in streaming, security, features, server coverage, and pricing. It offers RAM-only servers, independently audited no-logs policies, and unblocks all major streaming platforms.
Avast VPN only excels in specific US and UK speed tests and ecosystem integration for existing Avast users.
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN | Verdict |
| Pricing | ExpressVPN is more affordable at $2.79/month compared to Avast's $3.99/month, while offering significantly more features and better overall value. | ||
| Speed | Both providers deliver competitive speeds, but ExpressVPN wins with better average performance and more consistent upload speeds across all tested locations. | ||
| Privacy | ExpressVPN offers superior privacy with RAM-only servers, independently audited no-logs policies, and stronger jurisdiction, while Avast logs connection timestamps and has no independent verification. | ||
| Features | ExpressVPN provides extensive features, including split tunneling across multiple platforms, Smart DNS, RAM-only servers, and threat protection, while Avast offers limited tools. | ||
| Streaming | ExpressVPN unblocks multiple streaming services, while Avast only accesses Netflix US and Canada and YouTube. | ||
| Torrenting | ExpressVPN supports P2P across its entire 105-country server network with a kill switch and split tunneling, while Avast limits torrenting to specialized servers in select locations. | ||
| Support | Both providers offer 24/7 live chat, email support, comprehensive knowledge bases, and helpful tutorials, making customer support equally accessible and reliable for both services. |
FAQ
Is ExpressVPN better than Avast VPN?
Yes, ExpressVPN is better than Avast SecureLine VPN. With a larger server fleet and an extensive arsenal of features, ExpressVPN is a premium option that offers more than its competitor.
Does ExpressVPN or Avast SecureLine VPN offer more connected devices?
ExpressVPN offers 10 to 14 simultaneous connections, depending on the plan, while Avast SecureLine VPN offers 10 connections across all plans. So, it depends on which ExpressVPN plan you compare.
Which provider offers more additional security features – ExpressVPN or Avast VPN?
ExpressVPN has more additional security features. Avast SecureLine VPN has an app that works as a hub for its other features and an extensive antivirus program, but it works as a separate program that requires an additional payment. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN’s features are all included in one subscription.
