VPN Comparison

ProtonVPN vs Avast VPN: Which One Should You Actually Buy?

By the VPN Analyst team · Updated October 11, 2026 · 8 min read

Short answer: pick Proton VPN if you care about privacy, want more countries, or want to try a VPN for free. Pick Avast VPN only if you already pay for Avast One and just want simple Wi-Fi protection inside the same app.

Below we put ProtonVPN vs Avast VPN head to head in 7 rounds, with real prices after renewal, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

How we compared ProtonVPN vs Avast VPN

We scored both VPNs in 7 rounds that matter to real users: privacy and trust, price (including renewal), servers, speed, features, streaming and torrenting, and apps. All prices, server counts and features come from the official Proton VPN pricing page and Avast VPN page, checked in October 2026. Speed and streaming notes combine our checks with recent independent reviews.

ProtonVPN vs Avast VPN at a glance

Both VPNs cover 10 devices and give you 30 days to ask for a refund. That’s where the likeness ends. Proton is a VPN company first. Avast is an antivirus company that also sells a VPN.

Feature	Proton VPN	Avast Premium VPN
Owner / base	Proton AG, Switzerland	Gen Digital (USA), Avast is based in Czech Republic
Servers	20,000+ in 140+ countries	100+ locations in 74 countries
Devices	10	10
Best price	$3.49/mo (2 years)	$3.99/mo (2 or 3 years)
Monthly plan	$9.99	No monthly plan
Renewal	$83.88/year	$99.99/year
Free version	Yes, unlimited data	No, 60-day trial (card needed)
Refund window	30 days	30 days
Protocols	WireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth	OpenVPN, IPsec (Apple), WireGuard, own “Mimic” protocol
Multi-hop	Secure Core	Double VPN
Ad / tracker blocker	NetShield	Tracker Blocking
Open-source apps	Yes, all apps	No
Linux app	Yes	No

1. Privacy and trust: the biggest gap

A VPN sees all your traffic. So the real question is simple: do you trust the company behind it? Here the two are far apart.

Proton VPN

• Swiss law. Switzerland has strong data protection rules and sits outside the EU and US data deals.
• No-logs, checked by outsiders. Proton’s no-logs policy has been audited by third parties more than once.
• Open source. Every Proton VPN app is public on GitHub, so anyone can read the code.
• No ads, no data sales. Proton is funded by paying users and is majority owned by the non-profit Proton Foundation.

Avast VPN

• Says it keeps no activity logs, but it does collect some connection and device data to run the service.
• Past trouble. In 2020 Avast shut down its Jumpshot unit after reports it sold users’ browsing data. In 2024 the US FTC ordered Avast to pay $16.5 million and banned it from selling browsing data for ads.
• Closed source. You can’t inspect the app code.
• US parent. Avast is owned by Gen Digital, a US company (also behind Norton and AVG).

Winner: Proton VPN. The FTC case was not about the VPN itself, but it’s the same company handling your data. If privacy is the reason you want a VPN, this round decides the whole match.

2. Price: what you really pay (first term and renewal)

Most comparison sites show only the first-term deal. That hides the real cost. Here is both, from the official pricing pages (checked October 2026, USD):

Plan	Proton VPN Plus	Avast Premium VPN
1 month	$9.99	Not offered
1 year	$3.99/mo	$59.88 first year ($4.99/mo)
2 years	$83.76 upfront ($3.49/mo)	$95.76 upfront ($3.99/mo)
Renews at	$83.88/year	$99.99/year
Free option	Free plan, forever	60-day free trial

Winner: Proton VPN. It’s cheaper up front and about $16 a year cheaper at renewal. Avast’s 60-day trial is long, but it needs a card and turns into a paid plan if you forget to cancel.

3. Servers and locations

Proton runs 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries. Avast lists 100+ locations in 74 countries, with most countries having just one city. The US is strong on both (Avast has 25 US cities).

Why it matters: more locations means less crowded servers, a server closer to you (faster), and more options for travel or streaming libraries. If you need Africa, South Asia or Latin America, Proton covers far more of it.

Winner: Proton VPN.

4. Speed

Both are fast enough for HD streaming and video calls on nearby servers. Proton has moved its servers to 10 Gbps links and uses WireGuard plus its “VPN Accelerator” to keep long-distance speeds up. Avast says its 2026 app is up to 2x faster than its old version, and reviewers report good local speeds but slower results on far servers like Japan.

Winner: Proton VPN, mainly on long-distance connections. For local browsing, you won’t feel much difference.

5. Features compared

Feature	Proton VPN	Avast VPN
Kill switch	✔	✔
Split tunneling	✔	✔
Multi-hop	✔ Secure Core (via Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden)	✔ Double VPN
Anti-censorship mode	✔ Stealth protocol	✔ Mimic protocol
Ad and malware blocker	✔ NetShield	Trackers only
Tor over VPN	✔	✘
Port forwarding (P2P)	✔	✘
IP rotation	✘	✔
Auto-connect on public Wi-Fi	✔	✔ Smart VPN
Pause VPN timer	✘	✔ 15/30/60 min

Winner: Proton VPN for power and privacy tools. Avast’s pause timer and IP rotation are nice touches for casual users.

6. Streaming and torrenting

• Streaming: Proton officially supports Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and more on paid plans. Avast results are mixed: some reviewers got Netflix US working, others did not.
• Torrenting: both allow P2P on marked servers. Proton adds port forwarding, which gives faster, better-connected downloads.

Winner: Proton VPN.

7. Apps and ease of use

Avast is very simple: one big button, auto-connect on risky Wi-Fi, done. It lives inside the Avast One app, which is handy if you already use Avast antivirus. Proton has more settings, which can feel busy for beginners, but its quick connect works just as easily. Proton also covers Linux, Chromebook, Apple TV and browser extensions.

Winner: tie. Avast is simpler. Proton runs on more devices.

Verdict: which one should you choose?

Choose Proton VPN if you…

• want a VPN mainly for privacy
• want to start free, with no card
• stream shows from other countries
• torrent, travel a lot, or use Linux
• care about paying less at renewal

Choose Avast VPN if you…

• already pay for Avast One and want it all in one app
• only need basic protection on public Wi-Fi
• want the simplest possible app

ProtonVPN vs Avast VPN: FAQ

Is Proton VPN better than Avast VPN?

For most people, yes. Proton has more servers (20,000+ vs 100+ locations), audited no-logs, open-source apps, a free plan and a lower renewal price. Avast is mainly better if you want VPN and antivirus in one app.

Is Avast VPN safe to use?

The encryption is solid (AES-256, kill switch, leak protection). The concern is the company: Avast was fined $16.5 million by the FTC in 2024 over selling browsing data. It’s fine for public Wi-Fi, but not our pick for strong privacy.

Does Avast have a free VPN like Proton?

No. Avast offers a 60-day free trial that needs a card. Proton VPN Free has no time limit and no data cap, but it’s limited to 1 device and a few countries.

Which is cheaper, Proton VPN or Avast VPN?

Proton. Its 2-year plan is $3.49/mo vs $3.99/mo for Avast, and it renews at $83.88/year vs $99.99/year.

Which is better for Netflix?

Proton VPN. It officially supports major streaming services on paid plans and has far more countries to choose from. Avast’s streaming results are hit or miss.

Can I use Proton VPN or Avast VPN in China, Russia or Iran?

Proton’s Stealth protocol is built to get past VPN blocks and is the stronger option. Results change often, so set it up before you travel. If you’re in a heavily censored country, also read our Proton VPN vs Amnezia VPN comparison.

Prices and server counts checked on the official Proton VPN and Avast sites in October 2026. Deals change often. This page has affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.