AVG is a familiar name in digital security, often mentioned alongside Avast, Norton, and McAfee. Known primarily for its antivirus software, AVG has expanded into other security services, including AVG Secure VPN. This review explores whether AVG Secure VPN can effectively compete with established VPN providers.
Features and Interface
alt text: AVG Secure VPN's main interface showing the on/off slider and location information.
The AVG Secure VPN Windows app mirrors the design of other AVG products, such as AVG Internet Security. The main window features a prominent on/off slider, your current location, and IP address. A “Change Location” button provides access to the server list.
AVG Secure VPN offers over 700 servers in more than 50 countries, with dedicated servers optimized for streaming and torrenting. The streaming server selection, while limited to the US, UK, and Germany, is a welcome addition.
alt text: The settings menu of AVG Secure VPN showcasing limited customization options.
The settings menu is streamlined. Options include startup behavior, local device access, an internet kill switch (enabled by default), notification preferences, and a safe list for excluding networks from the VPN connection. Recent updates have added VPN protocol selection and additional language options.
However, AVG Secure VPN lacks features found in many competitors, such as split tunneling, multi-hop, and ad/tracker blocking. The app is available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Pricing and Trial
alt text: A screenshot displaying AVG Secure VPN's pricing plans, which focus on long-term subscriptions.
AVG Secure VPN’s pricing structure is unusual. Instead of monthly plans, it offers only yearly subscriptions, with discounts for two- and three-year commitments. While the annual price of around $54 is competitive, the lack of monthly options may deter some users.
To offset this, AVG provides a 60-day free trial. While requiring an account and payment information, users can cancel anytime within the trial period without charge.
Performance and Unblocking
Performance testing revealed average download speeds at 31% and upload speeds at 19% of baseline speeds. While these results are not outstanding, VPN speed tests are influenced by various factors. AVG Secure VPN’s speeds should suffice for general browsing and streaming.
alt text: The server selection screen within AVG Secure VPN highlighting the streaming and P2P optimized server options.
Unblocking performance is mixed. Dedicated streaming servers reliably accessed Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and HBO Max. However, other servers struggled, with inconsistent access to streaming platforms. AVG Secure VPN’s suitability for streaming depends largely on the target country.
Security and Privacy
alt text: A view of the protocol options within AVG Secure VPN, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and Mimic.
AVG Secure VPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and its proprietary Mimic protocol, designed to bypass VPN blockers.
Located in the Czech Republic, outside of international intelligence alliances, AVG is not subject to mandatory data sharing. Its privacy policy outlines collected data, including connection timestamps and data volume for network optimization (retained for 35 days), and client-side connection events, application events, and crash reports (retained for two years). While transparent about data collection, AVG’s practices may concern privacy-focused users.
Conclusion
AVG Secure VPN offers a user-friendly experience, decent streaming capabilities, and a generous 10 simultaneous device connections. However, its data logging practices and lack of advanced features may be drawbacks. It’s a reasonable choice for users seeking a simple VPN from a recognized security brand, but those prioritizing privacy or advanced functionality should consider alternatives.
