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AVG Secure VPN Reviews

AVG Secure VPN Reviews

By Leo S. Leo S. — Verified by Adam B. Adam B. — Last updated: July 11, 2024 — User Reviews (0)
Overall
4/5
(4.5)
Features
(3)
Price
(4.5)
Customer Service
Pros
  • Simple interface
  • Easy to use
  • Wide range of countries
  • Specific locations for P2P and streaming
  • Great customer support
Cons
  • Average connection speeds
  • Collects IP address when connecting

When hearing the term ‘VPN’ for the first time, some people will think they’ll need extensive knowledge to successfully configurate one. AVG Secure VPN, however, is as light as VPN software can be while still being an impressive application. That’s no novelty within AVG’s solution, which is part of the Avast group. Since 1991, AVG has been releasing a series of security services like AVG Antivirus, AVG Internet Security, Tracker Blocker, Secure Browser, and many others. With a portfolio like this, it’s no wonder the company has also developed its own VPN service.

Even though the company has its headquarters in Czechia, AVG secure VPN is offered in various languages and distinguishes itself by having 56 locations available in over 35 countries. Users will be satisfied to know that they can try the full software for free for seven days and although licenses are limited to annual contracts, the product can be tested for longer than the trial period since AVG has a refund policy of 30 days.

Only $6.11 per month for three years
Enjoy a 10% discount on your VPN account with AVG Secure VPN by opting for the three-year plan. The total price of $219.99 may seem like a large amount, but it's the same as paying only $6.11 per month.
Get AVG Secure VPN for $6.11/mo

Features

Features
Bandwidth
Unlimited
# connected devices
10
Kill switch

Whether on Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS, installing AVG Secure VPN is relatively fast and doesn’t require much effort. Users simply need to provide an email to access the software; no other information is required to activate the trial version. Those installing the app on mobile will have to provide billing information, even if they only want to use the trial version.

This trial version is available for a period of seven days and it gives full access to the software’s features with no bandwidth restriction. Those testing the program on smartphone will be reminded that the trial period is ending and can either cancel the subscription or buy an annual license.

Unique interface

AVG’s VPN software scores when it comes to interface design. Making good use of a minimal feature set, the program is intuitive to the point that a first-time user would have no problem figuring out how to use it. The main dashboard contains a button to either connect or disconnect the VPN and an option to pick the location. This location menu divides servers by continent and includes two additional tabs specially for P2P and streaming connections. Users only have a small number of options available for altering the software’s functionality and when it comes to VPN configuring, there are none. This is in line with the overall image that the software presents, even if it can be seen as a disappointment by some.

Easy to connect

Using the VPN service is instinctive. It only takes a click on the main button once the desired location has been selected and the VPN is activated. This ease of use is AVG Secure VPN’s biggest asset, and yet is rather restrictive on the customization as a result. It uses OpenVPN and UDP protocols for Windows and IPSec for Mac, but users cannot choose which protocol they want to use. Streaming servers are also available and were successfully tested to view content only available in the U.S.

VPN network

VPN network
Countries
US, UK, CA, AU, VE, JP, IL, ZA, RU
# countries
35+
# servers
50+
# IPs
n/a

AVG Secure VPN has servers in 35 countries, ranging from commonly available locations like the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan but also less typical places like South Africa and Russia. In total, the software provides 56 servers all around the world. That number may be a bit lower than other competitors on the market, however this can be easily forgiven as the software has servers specifically designated for P2P and streaming through its data center locations. This is one of the application’s strongest aspects.

Regarding connection speeds, AVG’s Secure VPN doesn’t really go beyond expectations. We did some speed tests using three different locations – Spain, Canada, and Japan – each within Europe. It was predictable that Spain would present better results than Canada and Japan, however they still represented a 35% speed drop when compared to no active VPN connection. Results naturally vary according to the distance from the VPN location and the physical location. Overall, these numbers are similar to those obtained using other VPNs and so don’t really distinguish AVG’s VPN service from the crowded market.

Privacy protection

Privacy protection
SSL
OpenVPN
PPTP
L2TP
Show all

AVG claims that while using AVG Secure VPN, users’ activities will be fully encrypted and their privacy and real location will remain hidden. Individuals should have no worries regarding their online activity as the software uses three different protocols: OpenVPN and UDP for Windows, and IPSec for Mac. It also utilizes an AES 256-bit encryption, a bank-grade level of encryption for solid protection that comes alongside Open SSL and certificate authentication as well. Helpfully, AVG also explains how to confirm that the real location isn’t being displayed while using a VPN on its FAQ section.

Looking at AVG’s own privacy policy, customers will realize that AVG collects information when individuals use the VPN. AVG stores the user’s IP address when connecting and disconnecting to the VPN as well as the amount of data transmitted during the session. The company explains that the reason for collecting this data is solely for service quality analysis and fraud prevention and it will only be stored for 30 days. As such, the information collected doesn’t contain visited websites or any kind of personally identifiable information, so clients won’t need to worry about the company affecting their safety.

OS, device support

Platform support
Web app
Mobile optimized
macOS
Linux
Show all
Other devices
Xbox One
PlayStation
Apple TV
Chromebook
Show all

Like most VPN services, AVG Secure VPN can be used across various devices. The paid version of the software allows users to protect up to five devices at the same time, while the application can be used on devices supporting Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. When it comes to those on the Windows operating systems, it is officially available for Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or later, however people using older versions like Windows Vista or Windows XP can also use the software as AVG offers the option to download older setup files. Beware, though, that these older versions are not supported by AVG anymore and aren’t subject to any kind of updates.

AVG Secure VPN device support

For macOS, on the other hand, AVG Secure VPN can be installed on machines running Apple macOS 10.10.x Yosemite or newer. And when it comes to mobile, the app equivalent is available on devices that function with Android 4.0 or later and iOS 9.0 or later. In order to simplify the user’s experience, the program works the same way on all platforms and even its design remains the same.

With a range of products so wide, it would be easy for AVG to fail on delivering a good VPN solution across the board. It is very common for companies with such a wide reaching portfolio to release half-baked products for a quick cash grab. Yet the overall ease of use of this software makes it clear that it is a well-thought solution and that it was an obvious goal to make the application as simple as it could be while still retaining the most necessary options of a VPN program.

Pricing

Much like the service it provides, AVG keeps its pricing simple. Plans can be bought from $6.11 per month, which begins with users using the free trial version. After this they will be notified of the trial’s end, and will need to purchase an annual subscription to continue using the VPN.

The trial version is available for seven days and includes the same features as the paid subscription. Still, if customers buy the program and then feel it doesn’t suit their needs, the company’s 30-day money-back guarantee will let them claim their money back – which is handled by contacting AVG and asking for the full refund of the amount paid.

AVG has three types of subscriptions: annual, biennial, and triennial. The longer the license lasts, the cheaper it becomes, with the $79.99 annual price being the baseline default. The 24-month license costs $149.99 – meaning $6.25 per month – while the 36-month plan costs $219.99. While this may seem like a large amount, this equates to a discount of 10% off the yearly price and a smaller monthly price of $6.11.

Any plan can be purchased by using Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover. Google Checkout is also available for customers purchasing through the Play Store.

Payment options
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
Show all

Customer service

Customer support
24/7
Live chat
Email
Phone
Show all

In line with the top-quality service AVG provides through its software, the company has also invested in great customer service. Should customers have any kind concerns when installing the software, using the VPN, or even billing questions, then the customer support team has prepared a detailed section of FAQ on its website just for this.

Tutorials are also available for more practical issues like installing or uninstalling a product, how to activate it, and the like. On top of that, AVG’s customer service can be reached through numerous ways and can be contacted 24/7 via email, phone, and live chat, as well as through a forum or Facebook. Nevertheless, what really distinguishes AVG’s customer service is the fact it also provides remote desktop support, which allows for direct assistance through your desktop – particularly for those that aren’t so technically proficient .

Bottom line

AVG Secure VPN is certainly a positive experience: its simple interface means it is easy for anyone to use while the software lacks an extended panel of settings to avoid confusion, which it still makes up for by having a wide range of countries for users to connect to. The service does what it promises, protecting its customers when browsing online and the options for streaming and P2P sharing is appreciated.

When it comes to connection speeds, the VPN’s results are average and don’t really standout when compared to other solutions on the market. Some might be appalled by the fact that AVG keeps record of its users’ IP details when connecting and disconnecting the VPN as well as the amount of data transmitted. Despite this, the service is very efficient and its prices are fair, not to mention the product can be fully tested for a seven-day trial period. And yet, given the company’s 30-day refund policy, customers can really delve into the software for longer to find out if its simplicity is suitable for them.

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