AVG is better known for its antivirus. But since 2016 (when Avast acquired the antivirus) AVG has offered a VPN as an add-on. While bolting on a VPN to your antivirus may seem advantageous, the reality is that users accustomed to market-leading VPNs will find AVG’s offering quite lacking.
On the plus side, AVG VPN is fast. However, it can’t provide access to popular streaming services, it keeps more connection logs than the average premium VPN, and its servers are located in just 37 countries, which is quite limited. The apps also lack the advanced features you get with many competing services in a similar price range.
With these limitations in mind, we have provided a comprehensive list of alternatives that you can consider switching to.
In a rush to find an AVG Secure VPN alternative? Check out our favorites below:
- NordVPN: The best AVG VPN alternative. A secure VPN with a fast network of servers in 60+ countries. Strong security and a ton of advanced features, including a kill-switch, split tunneling, obfuscation,
- Surfshark: Best cheap AVG VPN alternative. Allows unlimited connections. Works to access most popular streaming services, including Netflix US. Strong security features and built-in ad blocking.
- ExpressVPN: Strong security and servers in 94 countries. Easy to use, fast speeds, and strong AES encryption. Apps come with a kill switch, obfuscation, split tunneling, and access to your favorite streaming services.
- CyberGhost: The easiest AVG VPN alternative for beginners. Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Fewer advanced features, but is fast, secure, and excellent for streaming. Has a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
- IPVanish: A lightning-fast VPN that has servers in over 50 countries. Apps for all platforms come with many advanced features, including obfuscation, split tunneling, and US servers that work for streaming in 20+ cities.
TRY THE TOP AVG SECURE VPN ALTERNATIVE RISK-FREE FOR 30 DAYS
There are many different VPN brands on the market, and it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. To help consumers find the best AVG alternative, we considered factors such as security, performance, and price. Below, you can see a list of criteria we used to make our picks:
- A wide selection of international server locations
- Access to popular streaming services like Netflix while abroad
- A watertight no-logging policy and strong AES encryption
- Unlimited bandwidth and no usage limits
- Speeds fast enough for streaming, torrenting, and gaming
- Live chat support with reliable, knowledgeable agents
- A nice selection of advanced features you don’t get with AVG VPN
- Decent value for money
If you want to know more about how we test and recommend VPNs, you can find out about our process in our VPN testing methodology guide. For now, here are summaries that will help you to pick the best AVG VPN alternative for your personal needs.
Best AVG Secure VPN Alternatives
Here’s our list of the best AVG Secure VPN alternatives:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is the best alternative to AVG Secure VPN. In addition to starting at just $3.29 per month, which is amazing value for what you get, NordVPN has all the features that the average internet user needs to stay safe and gain freedom online.
Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick. It can be set up manually on routers and Linux. It even has a proxy browser extension for Firefox, Edge, and Chrome. However, bear in mind that this proxy service is not as secure as the full VPN tunnel.
The main NordVPN apps come with a slew of advanced features, including AES encryption, a choice of protocols (including OpenVPN and a custom implementation of WireGuard called NordLynx), DNS leak protection, obfuscated servers, Double VPN (multi-hop), Tor over VPN, split tunneling, and a free Smart DNS service that works to access US streaming platforms on devices like consoles and smart TVs.
If streaming is a primary concern, NordVPN will be a vast improvement over AVG. It has servers in 60 countries that are optimized for streaming. In our tests, those servers worked to access around a dozen Netflix regions, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, ITV, ESPN, Disney Plus, DAZN USA, and many other platforms.
Add the VPN’s watertight security and no-logging policy, and you have a service that you can use to bypass internet blocks at work, to use the internet safely to torrent, or to connect to the internet on public wifi without fear of hackers.
NordVPN operates diskless servers, which is better in an emergency because no data is stored on a hard disk. The provider has completed full third-party audits of its apps, network, and policies. This means that the VPN is running a tight ship, and you don’t have to take any of its claims at face value. Live chat is available at any time of day, and you can try the VPN yourself thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Strict no-logs policy ideal for privacy-conscious users
- Consistently fast for streaming, gaming, and torrenting
- Excellent unblocking ability
- Expansive server network in 60+ countries
- Connect up to 6 devices
Cons:
- Can take a long time to connect
Our score:
BEST AVG VPN ALTERNATIVE:NordVPN is the best all-around VPN for home internet users. It has a strict no-logging policy, super-fast speeds, and works with Netflix. Nord has a 30-day money-back and 24/7 live chat support.
Check our full NordVPN review to find out more.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a cheap alternative to AVG that has solid apps and excellent features. A subscription starts at just $2.45 per month, and for that investment you get a service that you can install and use on an unlimited number of devices. You can use the VPN at home, at work, on public wifi, and even share it with friends and family – making you the most popular person at Christmas!
All jokes aside, Surfshark is pretty amazing. It has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux, and those apps come with AES encryption, a choice of protocols (including WireGuard for faster connections), DNS leak protection, obfuscation, a kill switch, and a unique No Borders mode that helps you connect in countries with a strict firewall.
To make it even better, the VPN uses DNS-based filtering to prevent trackers, block ads, and to filter out malicious websites and malware. It throws in a free Smart DNS service that you can use to access American streaming services on any device that won’t let you install a VPN directly. Plus, this VPN works to access nearly every streaming service we have ever tested it with.
Fast speeds make this VPN great for torrenting, gaming, videoconferencing, and streaming in HD. We found it extremely easy to set up and use, and we loved its 24/7 live chat support, which allows you to get help at any time of day. The biggest drawback is that it doesn’t have port forwarding, but unless you intend to seed torrents, this won’t really be an issue.
Pros:
- Allows unlimited connections
- Keeps no logs
- Provides a secure, encrypted connection on all your devices
- Perfect for streaming
- Strong encryption and security features
Cons:
- Some servers are a touch slower than others
Our score:
BEST BUDGET AVG ALTERNATIVE:Surfshark offers strong encryption and fast speeds. Can access Netflix, Hulu, HBO, ESPN, FOX, BBC, and many more. Allows unlimited connections. Users get a 30-day money-back guarantee with all plans.
Find out more in our Surfshark review
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable and fastest alternatives to AVG Secure VPN. Since it launched in 2009, it has maintained an impressive track record for protecting its users’ privacy. To increase trust even further, the VPN has undergone third-party audits of its apps, server network, and policies. This means you can trust ExpressVPN to provide the security and privacy you need for your online activities.
Apps are available for all popular platforms, and you can set ExpressVPN up manually on Linux and VPN-compatible routers. Admittedly, those apps aren’t quite as feature-packed as our top choice, NordVPN. However, they still come with a kill switch, obfuscation ( turned on by default when you connect using OpenVPN), DNS leak protection, split tunneling, and its proprietary Lightway protocol for streaming and torrenting with the best speeds possible.
It throws in a free Smart DNS service to help you access US streaming platforms on consoles and other devices that won’t let you install a VPN directly.
In our experience, ExpressVPN is awesome for watching 4K videos on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and a wide selection of international streaming platforms. We could stream without buffering and had no issues playing games. It also has outstanding 24/7 live chat support, which means you can always get help.
A solid no-logging policy means that ExpressVPN never has any records of what its users do while connected, and the VPN runs on diskless infrastructure, which allows it to instantly erase all data if the authorities ever raided it. This increases security for its users and allows the VPN to make good on its no-logs promise even in an emergency.
Pros:
- Outstanding security and privacy features
- Operates a network of more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries
- Extremely fast download/streaming speeds
- Easy to use
- No logs and solid AES encryption
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Fewer features than our top choices
Our score:
LARGE SERVER NETWORK:ExpressVPN is a fantastic alternative to AVG for those looking for a formidable all-rounder. Impressive accessibility and strong security features. Fully audited service with diskless servers. Works with around 20 Netflix regions. 30-day money-back guarantee to compare it to AVG yourself.
Read our ExpressVPN review to find out more.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is a fantastic option for somebody looking for a platform that is easy to use. The VPN has fewer advanced features than our top recommendations, but this makes it easier for non-techy home users to understand and enjoy. While it is excellent for beginners, it still has many advantages over AVG Secure VPN.
CyberGhost has over 7000 servers in 89+ countries, which makes AVG’s 700 servers in 30+ countries seem pretty pathetic. Those servers are exceptionally good for accessing international streaming services, including around a dozen Netflix regions, ESPN, Hulu, DirecTV Stream, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Crunchyroll, BBC iPlayer, and many more.
CyberGhost provides a choice of protocols, including the modern WireGuard protocol which gives it fantastic speeds for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and making video calls. It is super secure thanks to its AES-256 encryption, which makes it safe to access VoIP services in countries where they are blocked.
Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android and those apps come with a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, malware filtering, and ad blocking. Torrenting is allowed throughout its network, but it doesn’t allow for port forwarding, so bear that in mind. You also get 24/7 live chat support, which means you can ask questions about setting up or using the VPN no matter where you are in the world.
Users can install this VPN on up to 7 devices simultaneously, which is usually rough for most power users. And, you can test this VPN risk-free thanks to its super-generous 45-day money-back guarantee. Plus, this VPN represents fantastic value for money.
Pros:
- Solid no logging policy
- Based in Romania
- Works to stream in HD on most platforms
- Strong encryption and a kill switch
- Dedicated streaming servers for most popular services
Cons:
- No obfuscation feature
- No port forwarding
Our score:
GREAT ALT FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is an excellent: option if you want something better than AVG that is still suited to beginners. Has loads of servers and is great for unblocking streams. Strong encryption protects your privacy at home or on public wifi. Apps are available on all major platforms and it provides outstanding speeds. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our CyberGhost review here.
Get Deal >5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is a US-based VPN that packs a real punch. The service has a solid no-logging policy, which means that it has no records of what its users do while connected, and never retains any personal data such as the user’s IP Address or the IP of the server they connect to. Should US authorities come knocking with a warrant, it would have no historical data to provide.
Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firesticks, which means you can easily use it on tablets, smartphones, laptops, and desktop computers. What’s more, IPVanish is popular with KODI users due to its custom app that integrates seamlessly with the KODI media center software.
In terms of features, IPVanish is excellent. It comes with a kill switch, a choice of protocols (including OpenVPN and WireGuard), split tunneling, XOR obfuscation, and DNS leak protection. Just bear in mind that this service doesn’t have DNS-based ad blocking and malware filtering, as is the case with some of our other options.
The VPN has servers in over 20 US cities, which makes it great for accessing blackout NFL and MLB games, and it works to access US Netflix abroad. However, in our experience, it doesn’t work with some international streaming services.
If you specifically want a VPN for streaming, you should bear in mind that it is best to test it with your specific services using its 30-day money-back guarantee. That way you will know that it works perfectly for your personal needs. Finally, you can get help at any time of day using its live chat so, if you have any issues, head over to its website for help.
Pros:
- Fast speeds
- Strong AES-256 encryption
- No logs policy
- Lots of servers in the US and 50 other countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Blocked in UAE
- Blocked in China
- Doesn’t unblock as many streaming services
Our score:
EXCELLENT SPEEDS:IPVanish is perfect for US-centric users who primarily want to be able to get an IP address in many locations around the US. It is fast, allows torrenting, and works with US streaming platforms. Plenty of advanced features and settings. You can try it using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review
Get Deal >
AVG VPN alternatives FAQs
Can I get a free VPN alternative to AVG VPN?
Although there are some free VPNs available on the market, we recommend steering away from the vast majority of these. Free VPNs often lie about the level of protection they provide, they lack reliable encryption, have apps that suffer from leaks, and suffer from badly implemented servers that are slow and prone to vulnerabilities. Some free VPNs even contain spyware in their apps.
Free VPNs have to make an income. After all, maintaining a network of servers isn’t cheap. This is why so many free VPNs have lousy privacy policies that allow them to track you online for profiling purposes. This data is sold to third parties such as marketing companies and data brokers, to turn a profit.
Besides these issues, free VPNs are slow. Even the few trustworthy VPNS that have a free plan implement bandwidth limits that make that free service much slower than the paid version. This makes free VPNs no good for streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive tasks.
Is AVG Secure VPN a good VPN?
As an add-on for its antivirus, AVG Secure antivirus is pretty cool. However, anybody who wants to use their VPN for watertight privacy purposes should consider something with a stronger privacy policy.
AVG VPN’s encryption can prevent local networks, ISPs, and government agencies from tracking you online. So the VPN still serves the purpose of concealing your online habits, preventing websites from tracking your IP, and allowing you to spoof your IP.
It will protect you against hackers on public wifi. However, if you want to be sure that your VPN company has no data about you, you will need to opt for a stand-alone VPN that has additional features.
AVG lacks the privacy and security features that you get with leading VPNs, for example, it does not have obfuscation, port selection, split tunneling, port forwarding, ad blocking, multi-hop connections, smart DNS, or any other advanced features that you get with market leading VPNs.
Unfortunately, AVG also fails to unblock the vast majority of streaming services. Thus, you will need to choose an alternative VPN if you want to be able to access your home TV services on vacation, or if they are blocked at work.
Does AVG Secure VPN have a Chrome extension?
No. Although AVG does have an extension that blocks trackers and opts out of advertising, this is not a VPN extension and it will not allow you to proxy to a remote location. The AVG Online Security extension is available in the Chrome web store for free. It will help to protect you against phishing sites, block tracking, and warn you when other AVG users have given a website a poor reputation ranking.
Does AVG VPN have port forwarding?
No. AVG Secure VPN is very basic and does not have any sophisticated or advanced features such as split tunneling, port forwarding, ad blocking, multi-hop, obfuscation, etc. If you want a VPN that offers anything other than the ability to connect to a global server network and a kill switch, you will need to switch to another provider.
Do I need an alternative VPN to AVG VPN?
If you want a VPN that has additional features, a larger server network, a watertight privacy policy, and the ability to unblock popular streaming services, you will need to switch to another provider.
If you only need a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic to stop public wifi networks from tracking you, AVG will work just fine. Thus, whether you need to switch VPNs will depend entirely on your personal requirements.
It is worth noting that you can get a subscription to Surfshark for just $30 per year. You could easily pay for AVG antivirus and Surfshark rather than AVG with the VPN bolted on. All things considered, this is a much better option that will give you many advantages in terms of security and usability.
