ExpressVPN vs Avast VPN
Choosing a VPN can feel like picking between a purpose-built sports car and a convenience package bolted onto a family sedan. ExpressVPN has spent years refining its service as a privacy-first VPN, building out a vast server network and even creating its own fast protocol. Avast SecureLine VPN, on the other hand, grew out of an antivirus suite and was meant more as a simple add-on than a stand-alone powerhouse. That difference in DNA shapes everything from how fast they perform to how deeply they protect your data.
In the comparison below, we break down these contrasting philosophies without declaring a one-size-fits-all winner. Your ideal VPN might depend on whether you’re constantly binge-watching shows, jumping on remote work calls, or just want something straightforward and bundled with other software. We’ll also highlight where each service falls short and point out other useful options, like open-source VPNs and plug-and-play hardware solutions, that may be better suited to specific needs.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- ExpressVPN is a full-featured VPN with over three thousand servers in about 105 countries, a proprietary Lightway protocol that prioritizes speed, verified no-logs audits, and stellar performance with major streaming platforms.
- Avast SecureLine VPN is integrated into Avast’s antivirus suite, offering basic protection for up to ten devices at a lower price. However, its limited network, slower performance, and past controversies about data handling raise some concerns.
- For users seeking greater transparency, advanced privacy tools or whole-home convenience, there are open-source VPNs and hardware boxes that focus on secure routing, minimal configuration, and reduced logging.
Quick Comparison: ExpressVPN vs Avast SecureLine VPN
| Criteria | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price (long term) | About US$6 per month on an annual plan | About US$4.50 per month on multi-year plans |
| Money back guarantee | Thirty days | Sixty day trial (conditions apply) |
| Server network | More than three thousand servers across roughly one hundred and five countries | Approximately seven hundred servers in about thirty-five countries |
| Device limit | Eight simultaneous devices | Ten simultaneous devices |
| Supported protocols | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, Mimic, IPsec |
| Unique features | RAM-only servers, Threat Manager, Smart Location | Mimic obfuscation protocol, limited port forwarding, integration with Avast antivirus |
| Streaming support | Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and more | Works with US Netflix; other services inconsistent |
| Best for | Streamers, gamers and privacy enthusiasts | Existing Avast users and budget seekers |
On paper, the contrast between these VPNs is already noticeable. ExpressVPN runs one of the largest global networks and has developed its own protocol built from the ground up for speed and reliability. It’s pricier, but the investment comes with superior apps, stronger streaming support, and verifiable privacy practices. Avast SecureLine VPN, while cheaper and covering a few more devices, remains limited in reach and performance.
For users seeking whole-house solutions without extra setup hassle, hardware-based tools like the Shellfire Box offer a different kind of simplicity, one that may suit households wanting hands-free security across all connected devices.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Total servers | Over three thousand | About seven hundred |
| Countries covered | Approximately one hundred and five | Approximately thirty-five |
| Americas coverage | Twenty-four countries with multiple cities | Fifteen city locations in the United States and limited coverage elsewhere in the Americas |
| Europe coverage | Forty-seven countries | More than twenty cities across Europe |
| Asia Pacific coverage | Twenty-seven countries | Selected cities in Japan, Singapore and Australia |
| Middle East and Africa | Eight countries | Sparse or none |
| Server types | RAM-only, 10 Gbps ports | Mix of virtual and physical servers |
| Dedicated/static IP | Not offered | Not offered |
ExpressVPN has built one of the most expansive infrastructures in the VPN world. Its server coverage spans the globe and includes multiple city-level options in high-demand regions. All of its servers operate on volatile memory (RAM), which is wiped with every reboot, offering a high level of security. Whether you’re traveling or working from a remote part of the world, the chances of finding a nearby ExpressVPN server are excellent.
In contrast, Avast SecureLine VPN maintains a much smaller network with less geographic reach. Most of its coverage is centered in North America and Europe, with only a handful of options elsewhere. If you’re located in Africa or the Middle East, this lack of server availability could be a dealbreaker.
For deeper analysis on how these coverage patterns compare with other top-tier providers, check out our review of ExpressVPN vs NordVPN, which dives into infrastructure and regional performance.
Speed & Performance
| Location | ExpressVPN – download/upload (latency) | Avast SecureLine VPN – download/upload (latency) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Roughly 485 Mbps down, 52 Mbps up (28 ms) | About 68 Mbps down, 14 Mbps up (113 ms) |
| United Kingdom | Roughly 380 Mbps down, 45 Mbps up (30 ms) | About 66 Mbps down, 39 Mbps up (34 ms) |
| Japan | Approximately 320 Mbps down, 28 Mbps up | Data not available |
| Canada | Approximately 144 Mbps down, 63 Mbps up (121 ms) | Speeds not measured |
| Latency impact | Low – typically adds 20 to 130 ms | High – often exceeds 100 ms |
When it comes to real-world performance, ExpressVPN is a powerhouse. The proprietary Lightway protocol is lightweight, fast to connect, and consistently delivers high speeds even over long distances. Whether you’re gaming, video conferencing, or streaming 4K video, performance remains steady and responsive. Upload speeds and latency are also competitive, making it suitable for work and play alike.
Avast SecureLine VPN, by comparison, lags behind significantly. The speeds are serviceable for everyday browsing and HD streaming, but if you’re transferring large files or require low latency for gaming or VoIP, the sluggish upload rates and high ping times can become a problem. In scenarios like that, you might even consider an alternative like Shellfire VPN, which balances performance and simplicity, especially when paired with the Shellfire Box for smart home-wide protection.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256 |
| Protocols | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, Mimic, IPsec |
| Kill switch | Available on all platforms | Only on Windows desktop |
| Split tunnelling | Yes, app and site based | No |
| Audits | Multiple independent audits of apps and infrastructure | No independent audits |
| Logging policy | No activity or connection logs | Collects connection logs such as IP, timestamps and data transferred |
| Additional tools | Threat Manager, RAM-only servers, Private DNS | DNS leak protection, Mimic protocol to obfuscate traffic |
Both services rely on strong encryption, but ExpressVPN goes a step further in building user trust. Its Lightway protocol is not only fast but open to audit, and its infrastructure has undergone extensive third-party scrutiny. The no-logs policy has been proven under audit, and RAM-only servers further ensure that no data is stored long-term. It also provides split tunnelling, a kill switch on all platforms, and its own Threat Manager to block trackers.
Avast SecureLine VPN does offer basic protection and obfuscation via its Mimic protocol, but there’s no independent verification of its no-logs claims. Connection logs are retained, which could be a red flag for privacy-conscious users. Its kill switch only works on Windows, and there’s no support for split tunnelling.
For more detailed comparisons on audit transparency and privacy features, read our in-depth piece on NordVPN vs ProtonVPN, where privacy-focused readers will find further insights.
Streaming Performance
| Platform | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix (US) | Yes, HD and 4K | Yes, HD but only on certain servers |
| Netflix (other regions) | Yes – UK, Canada, Japan, Australia and more | Often blocked |
| Hulu | Yes, HD | No |
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes, HD and 4K | Unreliable |
| Disney+ | Yes, HD and 4K | No |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes, HD | No |
| Other services (YouTube TV, DAZN) | Stable access | Varies |
| Smart DNS/Media streamer | Included – Smart DNS works on devices without VPN apps | Not offered |
If streaming is a major part of your online activity, ExpressVPN is an easy recommendation. It reliably unblocks popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer across multiple regions, and does so with smooth performance. Thanks to its Smart DNS feature, you can even stream on devices like Apple TV and gaming consoles without needing to install any software.
Avast SecureLine VPN, meanwhile, can be hit-or-miss. It may work with US Netflix, but other regional catalogs are frequently blocked. Streaming apps like Disney+ and BBC iPlayer are often inaccessible, and there’s no Smart DNS feature to fall back on.
Looking for reliable streaming access across all devices?
Our Shellfire Box is designed to provide consistent access to your favorite streaming platforms, which can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing issues with other VPNs.
Platform Compatibility
| Platform/Device | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Windows and macOS | Yes, with full features | Yes, with full features |
| Linux | Yes – graphical and command line clients | No official client |
| iOS and Android | Yes, feature complete | Yes, basic |
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox and Edge | No |
| Streaming devices | Apps for Fire TV, Apple TV and Android TV; Smart DNS included | No dedicated apps; manual installation only |
| Game consoles | Router setup and Smart DNS support | Not supported directly |
| Router support | Available via pre-configured routers and manual installation | No |
| Simultaneous connections | Eight devices | Ten devices |
Platform support is one of ExpressVPN’s strong suits. From native apps across all major systems to router support and Smart DNS for hard-to-reach devices like gaming consoles, it’s ready for anything. It even includes browser extensions that act like full VPN apps, providing added privacy for web browsing.
Avast SecureLine VPN sticks to the basics, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. There’s no Linux support, no browser plugins, and no router compatibility. You do get a higher device cap, but if those devices include streaming sticks or gaming consoles, you may find yourself out of luck.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Country | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|---|
| China | Blocked or unreliable | Blocked |
| Iran | Often blocked | Blocked |
| United Arab Emirates | Intermittent success | Blocked |
| Russia | Sometimes works | Blocked |
| Turkey | Works but may be throttled | Blocked |
When it comes to navigating digital censorship, neither VPN is ideal, but ExpressVPN performs marginally better. While once reliable in China and the UAE, even ExpressVPN now struggles due to aggressive VPN blocking tactics. Its obfuscation is automatic and built into the Lightway protocol, but it’s not designed for stealth-first missions.
Avast SecureLine VPN is more or less unusable in these regions. The Mimic protocol is a start, but it lacks the sophistication of purpose-built stealth technologies used by VPNs that specialize in bypassing censorship. In high-risk regions, users may be better off with a dedicated obfuscation VPN.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Interface design | Modern and intuitive | Clean and simple |
| Ease of use | Very easy – big connect button and smart location | Easy – integrates with Avast suite |
| Server selection | List and recommended servers with search and favourites | List by city; limited choice |
| Settings and customisation | Comprehensive – choose protocols, enable split tunnelling, toggle Threat Manager | Basic – select protocol; few other options |
| Stability and bugs | Very stable | Generally stable with occasional disconnects |
| Language support | Multiple languages | Limited languages |
User interfaces are clean on both services, but ExpressVPN gives you more to work with. It opens to a single, large connect button with smart location suggestions. You can favorite servers, test speeds, switch protocols, and toggle features, all from the app’s main menu.
Avast SecureLine VPN stays minimal. It integrates into Avast’s dashboard and gets the job done for basic users. However, it lacks advanced tools and customization. There’s no way to tweak settings beyond protocol choice. Users looking for both ease and control will find ExpressVPN better balanced.
Customer Support
| Support channel | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Live chat | Available 24/7 and staffed by knowledgeable agents | Not available |
| Email support | Yes, typically responds within a few hours | Yes, via ticket system; responses may take a day or more |
| Knowledge base | Extensive library of guides and FAQs | Basic articles |
| Tutorial videos | Yes | No |
| Community/forum | Active community and social channels | No dedicated VPN forum |
ExpressVPN stands out when it comes to support. Live chat is available anytime and the agents tend to be both fast and helpful. The knowledge base is rich in tutorials, setup guides and troubleshooting articles, complemented by step-by-step videos. If you’re stuck, getting answers is easy.
Avast SecureLine VPN falls short here. There’s no live chat, and email responses come through a ticketing system that can take time. The help articles are thin, and there’s no community space dedicated to VPN users. If support matters to you, especially in urgent situations, ExpressVPN is clearly the better prepared option.
And if you’re curious how ExpressVPN stacks up against another security-focused service in terms of support quality, check out our ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN review.
Additional Features
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Ad and tracker blocking | Threat Manager blocks trackers | No |
| MultiHop (double VPN) | Possible via manual configuration | No |
| Port forwarding | No | Available on specific P2P servers |
| Dedicated IP | No | No |
| Split tunnelling | Yes | No |
| Obfuscation | Automatic on Lightway when needed | Mimic protocol |
| Threat detection | Threat Manager filters malicious domains | Integrated antivirus available through Avast suite |
ExpressVPN focuses its extras on privacy. Threat Manager blocks trackers and malicious sites before they load, and users can manually set up multi-hop routing. While it lacks port forwarding and a dedicated IP, the core package is well-rounded and cleanly implemented.
Avast SecureLine VPN does offer some perks like port forwarding and a unique obfuscation protocol, but most advanced features are tied to the larger antivirus suite. The VPN itself lacks essentials like ad blocking or split tunnelling. This could be a dealbreaker for those wanting fine control or extra security layers.
Some users may find the feature balance more appropriate in a solution like Shellfire VPN, which emphasizes hands-off usability, or the Shellfire Box, which simplifies advanced protection by securing all devices on your home network without needing to toggle features manually.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting and More
| Use case | ExpressVPN | Avast SecureLine VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting / P2P | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Remote work | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Budget‑conscious | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship bypass | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
ExpressVPN is a top-tier option for streaming. It unblocks services with ease, delivers consistent speed and works across virtually all platforms. With Smart DNS built in, it’s especially handy for households using Apple TV, Fire TV or gaming consoles. Avast SecureLine VPN can manage US Netflix on a good day, but falters elsewhere.
For users who want minimal setup and broad compatibility, the Shellfire Box also deserves attention, it provides automatic whole-home coverage that works even on media devices without native VPN support.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
ExpressVPN allows torrenting on all servers and pairs this with RAM-only infrastructure and a proven no-logs policy. It’s a dependable pick for regular torrent users. Avast SecureLine VPN supports P2P on selected servers and offers port forwarding, but its limited server pool and connection logging might raise concerns.
Best VPN for Gaming
ExpressVPN keeps ping times low and connections stable, two musts for online gamers. Whether you’re into competitive shooters or co-op MMOs, Lightway delivers smooth gameplay. Avast SecureLine VPN has higher latency and a smaller network, making it less suitable for gaming.
Best VPN for Remote Work
Working remotely often involves large file transfers, video calls and accessing corporate tools. ExpressVPN supports split tunnelling so you can isolate work traffic while browsing locally. Avast SecureLine VPN lacks this and may bottleneck connections during peak hours.
Router-based solutions like the Shellfire Box are especially convenient in remote work setups, letting you encrypt tools across your entire home without needing to install VPN apps on each device.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
Avast SecureLine VPN is cheaper and sometimes bundled with antivirus software. If you’re already part of that ecosystem, the value proposition makes sense. ExpressVPN costs more but offers a much richer feature set.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
Neither of these services excels in censored regions. ExpressVPN occasionally works, thanks to Lightway’s obfuscation, but it’s not foolproof. Avast SecureLine VPN generally fails to connect in restricted networks. For travelers or expats, advanced stealth VPNs are more reliable choices.
Conclusion
After weighing all the facts, the differences between a specialized VPN and an antivirus add-on are clear. ExpressVPN brings speed, global coverage, trustworthy privacy credentials and great usability to the table. It’s more expensive, but for streamers, gamers, remote workers and privacy-conscious users, the premium may be justified.
Avast SecureLine VPN is more of a plug-in than a powerhouse. It’s affordable and simple to use, but the trade-offs, limited features, weaker performance, and patchy streaming support, make it harder to recommend for anything beyond light usage.
For those looking beyond software alone, our Shellfire Box offers a hands-off alternative. It protects your entire network without requiring tech-savvy setup or multiple app installs. Paired with Shellfire VPN, it becomes a full-home security solution that’s particularly appealing to families and users who prioritize convenience over advanced tweaking. It may not rival ExpressVPN in raw speed, but for many, the simplicity and broad device compatibility make it a worthy contender.
