General Overview
Avast SecureLine is often referred to as Avast VPN. As the branding suggests, the SecureLine is a VPN product by the popular security vendor we all know and love called Avast Software. That said the true belly of the beast here is HideMyAss which is owned by Avast.
Interestingly the feature set offered by Avast SecureLine isn’t anything out of the ordinary. They have an averaged size network spread across 55 locations in 34 countries, with P2P supported in 8 of those locations. The company has client software aka apps for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android operating systems. Though the question is, does Avast SecureLine offer something more than just a basic VPN experience and if so who is it best suited for? We’ll attempt to answer these and other questions in this review.
Special Features
Geographically Diverse Set of Servers
Sure! Avast SecureLine does not have an impressive number of servers like its competition. However, the servers are cleverly spread out across six continents. So, there are 55 server locations in around 34 countries. The servers are spread across large cities in the US, Australia and other parts of the world.
Minimalistic Interface
Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of SecureLine compared to the competition is just how uncluttered and straightforward the interface is for the most part. The installation is quick and simple. The app is so light it took us just 4 seconds to download and 3 minutes to install. When you fire up the app on Windows, Mac and mobile devices, you’re greeted by a minimalistic interface that anyone can use but which is unfortunately devoid of any advanced features.
Works perfectly with Netflix (US)
Australians who want to watch American Netflix will find that Avast SecureLine’s four servers which according to them are optimized for streaming works perfectly. There is one server in the UK, three other in the US. We also found a presumably virtual server named Gotham City too.
Privacy & Anonymity
Avast supports the well encrypted and secure OpenVPN protocol which uses the AES-256-CBC putting the service amongst the best when it comes to privacy. However, users have no control over the settings of the protocol, and there aren’t any protocols supported. Plus, there is no leak protection, kill switch, and various other privacy-related features we’ve grown to love and appreciate from other services.
In our books not having all those fancy features isn’t necessary since SecureLine does cover all the basics. We tested the service, and it did prevent WebRTC and DNS leaks quite efficiently. Preventing these leaks is good since it helps keep our identity anonymous online.
Figuring out Avast’s logging policy was a whole different story. Whether or not they keep logs is part of a 20,000-word document called their Privacy Policy. Though we eventually found that Avast states that the VPN service does not record browsing history or monitor users’ activities. But they do store a time stamp as well as an IP address each time you connect and disconnect from the VPN service. Plus, the amount of data uploaded as well as downloaded during a session is tied to your IP address which is stored on the VPN server.
Arguably this isn’t necessarily alarming if you’re using the VPN to watch Netflix or YouTube clips which are only intended for a US audience. However, if you’re downloading torrent files or uploading sensitive information to a personal server all of which can be traced back to you.
Avast VPN Speed and Performance
One of the most significant issues for us with Avast SecureLine is the lack of OpenVPN configuration files. So, that means we were not able to run our usual battery of tests like in other reviews. That leads us to use the manual approach, which requires manually connecting to each server through the app and then running tests using Fast.com and SpeedTest.net.
Even though we are not sure how many Avast SecureLine servers are based in Australia and New Zealand we did manage to connect a few times. Average speeds on our 10Mbps connection were around 7Mbps which is pretty decent all things considered. When connecting to servers in Western Europe, the speeds dipped to an average 4Mbps, and 3Mbps when connected to Eastern European VPN servers. The most problematic and slow were the servers in Poland.
Speeds, when connected to American servers, were a smooth 6Mbps on average which is unexpected considering the distance and latency issues we’ve faced with competing VPN services.
VPN Servers in Malaysia and other countries in Asia didn’t yield any better than 3Mbps on average.
Ease of use (Desktop and Mobile)
Desktops
The one thing Avast SecureLine gets right is ease of use on Desktops. Apparently, the interface was designed for someone who had never used a VPN before. The huge arrow draws your attetion to the ‘Connect’ button. Simple buttons indicate what they do like encrypt your online connection when the VPN is turned on and your current location as it appears to others.
Mobile Devices
On mobile devices, SecureLine is a mirror image of its desktop counterpart. Connect and subsequently disconnect with a single tap. The only noteworthy addition being the auto-connect feature. The feature works by auto connecting each time you’re connected to a Wi-Fi connection that’s otherwise not on your whitelist like the home or office connection.
Avast VPN Servers and Locations in Australia
Avast SecureLine does not have a specific number of Australian servers stated in its app, website or user manual. Though in our estimation it is around 4-5 servers across Sydney and Melbourne.
Customer Support
Apart from a couple of articles, an online forum, the only way to contact support is by filling in their online form. The company states that they take around two business days to respond.
Value for money
Not the best VPN service for the price. So, to us, it does not offer good value for money.
Our Verdict
Avast VPN is only a worthy consideration for those who want something that’s very easy to use and don’t mind the lack of features, support, and a complicated pricing system. Though everyone else should stay away from it.
