AVG Secure VPN Quick Overview
If you’ve ever noticed ads popping up for items you’ve recently shopped for online, you’re probably aware that marketing agencies and businesses track your online activity. For those who’d rather keep their activity private and want added security when using a public Wi-Fi network, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) not only encrypts your connection to keep it private but also hides your location, giving you uncensored access to items that are location-specific.
Pros
- No monitoring
- Simple interface
- Free trial
- Minimal impact
Cons
- High price
- No kill switch
- Mediocre encryption
- Limited servers
| Devices Covered |
| Supported Devices |
| Number of Servers |
| Encryption |
| Customer Support |
| Money-Back Guarantee |
| Hardware Connection Protection |
| Wireless Connection Protection |
| Kill Switch |
| Logs Users |
| AVG Secure VPN |
| Unlimited |
| Windows PC, Mac, iOS, Android |
| 29 |
| AES 256-bit |
| 24/7 |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| Yes |
| No |
| No |
| Visit AVG |
AVG Secure VPN works for PCs with Windows, Macs, iPhones, and Android devices. It uses a port-blocking evasion algorithm and bank-grade encryption to give you private internet access, even if you’re using an unsecured network. With AVG’s VPN service, you can easily switch your IP address with a click and show your location as being anywhere from Miami to Warsaw to Hong Kong. See how AVG stacks up against the best VPN Services.
Pricing and Features
AVG offers plans for multiple devices, but the plan you buy is device specific. So if you buy a VPN for your Mac, it will work only on Macs. If you want a VPN for PCs, you’ll have to get the specific Windows VPN. There isn’t an option that works for more than one kind of operating system.
What We Like
- Free Trial
AVG offers a thirty-day free VPN trial of its service so you can try before you buy. - Money-Back Guarantee
If you do purchase the software and you’re not happy with it, AVG offers a thirty-day money-back guarantee. - Unlimited Coverage
You can put Secure VPN software on as many computers as you like with one license. However, you can only use the VPN on one at a time.
What We Don’t Like
- Confusing Subscription
Many AVG users report that their VPN software indicates that their license is only good for thirty days even though they’ve paid for a full year. This glitch can be resolved by going into Settings, clicking on “Account” and then clicking “Refresh license.” - Required Purchase
If you’re interested in trying out AVG Secure VPN on your mobile device, you’ll have to buy it first, but you’ll get your money back if you decide not to keep it within thirty days of purchase. - High Price
AVG’s VPN costs nearly twice as much as higher-rated VPN software products on the market.
Features and Usability
In terms of user experience, simplicity is one of AVG’s strongest features. But we’d prefer a little more complexity when it comes to private internet access.
What We Like
- Dedicated Mac Version
Many PC software applications fall short when they’re converted to run on a Mac, but AVG’s VPN was created using proprietary Apple programming, which means that it will run seamlessly on a Mac. - Simple User Interface
The VPN user interface is straightforward, with no complicated settings to confuse you. - Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Connections
AVG lets you make P2Ps through their data center connections, which means you can participate in anonymous torrent downloading on a secure network. - Automation
AVG offers a variety of handy customizable automation options for your VPN. It can automatically turn on whenever you’re connected to an unsecured network, and it can start automatically when you turn on your computer or when you open the program. You can also enable and disable notifications that let you know when the VPN is working.
What We Don’t Like
- Limited Number of Servers
While twenty-nine worldwide servers is sufficient for decent anonymity, it doesn’t compare to top-rated Nord VPN’s 4,000. - Secondary VPN Disruption
AVG Secure VPN doesn’t play well with others: if it detects that you’re connected to another VPN, it may not work properly.
Protection and Performance
We appreciate AVG’s commitment to user privacy, but the Secure VPN lacks a few key security features that could leave you vulnerable, putting it behind the rest of the pack for VPNs.
What We Like
- No Logging
The biggest complaint among VPN users is that most VPN service providers track or “log” users’ activity while they’re using the VPN, making it feel less than safe. AVG has a no-log policy, which means your VPN browsing is completely private and ad-free. - Light Impact
Because VPNs encrypt traffic and data before sending them to a VPN server, they can often slow down your connection, but AVG Secure VPN doesn’t seem to affect internet connectivity at all. - Hardwire and Wireless Security
You can use AVG Secure VPN to ensure privacy on both your hardwire and your wireless networks.
What We Don’t Like
- Sub-Prime Encryption
A 256-bit encryption key isn’t weak, but it’s not the strongest out there. Other VPNs like Nord use 2,048-bit encryption. - No Kill Switch
VPNs aren’t foolproof, and the second you lose your VPN connection, you’ll also lose your privacy. Most VPNs have a kill switch built into the program that will automatically cut the internet connection if the VPN fails, but AVG doesn’t come with this fail-safe. - WebRTC Glitch
WebRTC is a feature that is found in Windows, Mac OS X, and Android for browser B2B applications, and it can make your IP address visible even if you’re using a VPN. AVG doesn’t have a fix for this issue, but they are aware of it. They recommend disabling WebRTC in your browser or using a browser that doesn’t use WebRTC, like Safari or Internet Explorer.
FAQs
What is the difference between AVG Secure VPN and AVG Internet Security?
AVG Internet Security is an antivirus suite that protects your computer against malware infection, while AVG Secure VPN protects your online identity and activity from prying eyes. You can purchase them together to ensure both security and privacy.
What is the difference between Avast SecureLine VPN and AVG Secure VPN?
Even though Avast and AVG merged in 2016, they still offer products under each name, and the VPN offerings are slightly different. Avast SecureLine VPN costs more than AVG, but it also has fifty-four server locations around the world, compared to AVG’s twenty-nine. Both VPN services use 256-bit encryption, and both have a no-logging policy.
Why did I get a message from Gmail saying there’s suspicious activity on my account when I used my VPN?
Browsing with your VPN turned on will change your IP address, which often triggers a warning from service providers like Gmail or Live Mail. This just means they’ve noticed that your account has been accessed from a different geographic location, which is actually a good sign, because it means your VPN is working properly. To resolve the situation, double-check that the server location you selected in AVG Secure VPN matches the one in the Gmail message and confirm it as your IP address.
How do I get the best server performance from my VPN?
Selecting servers close to you—preferably in the same country—will improve your connection speed, but that may not provide the full privacy or unrestricted access you’re looking for. If you want to access country-specific content, use a server located in that country. This will be easier if you have more server options available to you through your VPN.
The Bottom Line
VPNs are ideal for frequent travelers, especially those who frequently use public Wi-Fi or need to access American websites in countries where access is restricted. VPNs are also helpful if you prefer anonymous browsing or want to participate in unregulated online activities (like torrent downloading) and avoid government snooping.
If you already subscribe to AVG services and you want a name you can trust, then AVG Secure VPN may be right for you. Its no-logging policy is a definite plus for those seeking privacy while browsing online, and its straightforward, easy-to-use interface is a great option for those who want something simple. But if you’re looking to go deep undercover, keep shopping around. There are other VPN providers out there with tougher encryption keys and more servers at a lower price.
How We Evaluated AVG Secure VPN
To research our AVG Secure VPN review, we studied AVG’s specifications and compared them with similar VPN products. We also read others’ reviews on AVG Secure VPN and compared them with reviews for other VPN services. Visit SafeWise to find out more about our methodology.
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