If you are looking for the best VPN service, AVAST or PIA? This comparison will show which is a better alternative.
Avast Secureline VPN and Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment (PIA) are two well-known VPN companies that are often contrasted. Experts in the field of online security overwhelmingly agree that the latter service is superior. Continue reading this Comparison essay to see why.
Comparison
I’d like to start with a table that summarizes what both companies have to offer:
 Avast SecureLine VPN |
 Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment |
|
| Policy on Logging | Logging is not permitted. | Logging is not permitted. |
| Jurisdiction | Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. | United States of America (Five-Eyes Member) |
| Encryption | AES-256 | 4096-bit RSA Key Exchange AES-256 AES-128 SHA-256 Hash Authentication |
| Protocols | UDP OpenVPN TCP OpenVPN | UDP OpenVPN TCP OpenVPN IPSec/L2TP WireGuard |
| Adblockers and anti-malware software | No | Yes |
| On/Off switch | Yes | Yes |
| Tests for Leaks | There were no leaks discovered. | There were no leaks discovered. |
| Tests of Speed | Fast | Fast |
| Torrenting & P2P | Yes, indeed (Optimized P2P Servers) | Yes, indeed (On all servers) |
| Streaming | Netflix Amazon Prime is a subscription service that allows you to iPlayer (BBC) Firestick Roku is a streaming media player (Via Router) Kodi Apple TV is a device that allows you to watch (Via Router) Android Television (Android TV) | Netflix Hulu Firestick Amazon Prime Kodi |
| Gaming | iOS and Android on Windows Xbox One is a video game console that was released (Via Router) PS4 is a game console that was released in (Via Router) Nintendo Switch is a game console that was released in (Via Router) | iOS and Android on Windows Xbox One is a video game console that was released (Via Router) PS4 is a game console that was released in (Via Router) Nintendo Switch is a game console that was released in (Via Router) |
| Compatibility | Chrome for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS Firefox Tor | Android iOS Android iOS Android iOS Android iOS Android iOS Android iOS Android iOS Android iOS Android iOS Android Chrome Firefox Opera Selected by Tor Routers |
| Simultaneous Connections are when two or more things happen at the same time. are when two or more things happen at the same time. | 5 | 10 |
| Servers | 55 | 3300+ |
| China | No | On occasion (1 Out of 3 Servers Worked) |
| Tunneling in Two Parts | No | Yes |
| Features Not Included | No Features Not Included | No Features Not Included |
| Prices | $8.99/Month $4.99 per month (1 Year) $3.99 per month (2 Years) | $9.95/Month $3.33 per month (1-Year) $2.69 per month (2-Years)
Special Promotion: Save 73% on a 2-year membership and get 2 months free. |
| Our Opinion | 3.8 | 4.2 |
| Website | www.avast.com/secureline-vpn | www.privateinternetaccess.com |
To say that Avast SecureLine VPN and PIA are different would be an understatement. After all, a plethora of things set them apart from one another. With that said, it’s necessary to go into detail to fully understand why Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment is superior. Let’s start by talking about security.
Privacy & Security
The United States, which is a member of the Five Eyes Alliance, is home to PIA. As a result, the service is bound by some stringent copyright and privacy rules, limiting its ability to operate freely. This, if anything, puts it at a significant disadvantage in comparison to most rivals.
Unlike its rival, nothing stops Avast SecureLine VPN from providing complete digital protection to its users. That’s because it’s based in the Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe., which is a VPN-friendly country.
Comparison of Encryption
Avast Secureline VPN exclusively uses AES-256 Encryption whereas Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment also utilizes AES-128 on certain platforms as a backup. Moreover, the provider uses SHA-256 hash authentication and an RSA 4096-bit key exchange for added security.
Protocols for Virtual Private Networks
Sad to say, OpenVPN is the only VPN protocol that’s supported by Avast SecureLine VPN. Meanwhile, PIA also allows you to take advantage of IPSec/L2TP, and WireGuard. Both are fast, secure, and 100% capable of working around all kinds of online geo-restrictions.
Protection Against Leaks
Here’s the result of a leak test I ran while paired to Avast SecureLine VPN and its server in Singapore:
IP Leak Test – Avast SecureLine VPN Singapore
When I conducted the identical test on PIA and its matching server, this is what happened:
IP Leak Test – Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment Singapore
Thankfully, both services were successful in masking my IP address. As a result, I can now firmly suggest them to anyone who value their anonymity above everything else. You’ll be able to stay under the radar if you use either.
Server Safety
Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment and Avast Secureline VPN both maintain strict no-logging policies. For that reason, you don’t have to worry about the two giving away your data to anyone.
Sadly, neither service has started to use RAM-based servers. These VPN servers, for those who don’t know, are entirely incapable of maintaining taps on and storing private user information. Any company that utilizes them may be trusted totally.
Final Thoughts
The winner of this round of our Avast SecureLine VPN vs PIA is Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment since it supports more Protocols. Moreover, it also has a larger network and more features that are designed to keep you safeguarded whenever you browse the internet.
Test your speed
I ran a couple of Tests of Speed to determine which VPN provider is faster. Here is a screenshot showing how Avast Secureline VPN along with its Singapore server did:
Test your speed – Avast SecureLine VPN Singapore
Next, after switching to PIA’s same-location server, here is how my connection changed:
Test your speed – Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment Singapore
The results of my Tests of Speed left me surprised. I did not expect Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment to bring down my connection to such a profound extent. With that out of the way, since Avast Secureline VPN did much better, it’s the winner of this important category of our Comparison.
Torrenting & P2P
You’re allowed to torrent on Avast SecureLine VPN and PIA’s networks. In fact, the latter service even has a fully dedicated P2P network while the former boasts a handful of optimized servers. Besides that, both VPN providers are compatible with every mainstream torrenting client.
I had to put each service to the test to see whether it leaked while torrenting. The following diagram depicts how Avast Secureline VPN’s New York server operates:
Torrenting Leak Test – Avast SecureLine VPN New York
Here’s how PIA’s Singapore server performed in comparison:
Torrenting Leak Test – Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment Singapore
Fascinatingly, only PIA managed to keep my IP address hidden. The testing software almost instantly caught my location when I was using Avast SecureLine VPN. Hence, the winner of this round of our Avast Secureline VPN vs Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment match is none other than PIA.
Streaming
A VPN service is more than simply a security precaution. It’s also a technology that allows you to view streaming online material that would otherwise be inaccessible. Needless to say, not every VPN enables you to access Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO+, and Amazon Prime’s international libraries.
Thankfully, user reports on Reddit indicate that Avast Secureline VPN and PIA VPN are also suitable for streaming. Each is believed to effortlessly get past the limitations of the major streaming providers, allowing you to view an endless supply of fresh video.
Netflix
Netflix is by far the most popular streaming service on the planet. As a result, it was critical for me to investigate whether both VPN services could coexist. To accomplish so, I connected to their US servers and watched Spotlight. The following is how Avast Secureline VPN performed:
Netflix US – Avast SecureLine VPN
Now, here’s how PIA did it:
Netflix US – Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment
Despite the fact that both VPN services allowed me to watch without issue, PIA is my winner in this category. Because it has a wider network, it can provide its consumers with access to more limited streaming service libraries.
Gaming
Both Avast Secureline VPN and PIA may be used to play games. However, since the latter VPN service supports routers, you’re better off with it. That means you may use it on your favourite gaming console to play securely and connect to international game servers.
Compatibility
This table shows what Avast SecureLine VPN and PIA are compatible with:
| Avast SecureLine VPN | Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment |
| Chrome for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS Firefox Tor | Chrome for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS Firefox Opera Routers chosen by Tor |
As you can see, PIA is compatible with a far wider range of OS systems and browser extensions. It may also be installed on a variety of routers. As a result, the service takes first place in this area.
Simultaneous Connections are when two or more things happen at the same time. are when two or more things happen at the same time.
You can use Avast SecureLine VPN with up to 5 devices simultaneously with one account. Although this may seem rather impressive, you should know that many other VPN providers have much better offerings. One example is PIA, which allows for up to 10 same-time gadget pairings.
Servers
It’s critical to choose a VPN company with a large number of servers. Why? Because it is better capable of maintaining your anonymity and is less likely to get overburdened. Furthermore, it has a better possibility of circumventing arbitrary internet geo-restrictions.
For this category, PIA takes the win as it operates a whopping 3000+ servers while Avast SecureLine VPN only operates 55. Of course, this shouldn’t come as a surprise as Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment has been around for longer, and thus, has had more time to develop its infrastructure.
China
It is far from simple to overcome China’s stringent internet censorship policies. In truth, only a handful VPNs are capable of completing the task. Even fewer have the capacity to do so consistently enough for regular customers like you.
Between the two, only Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment can work in China. However, you must know that it cannot reliably provide you with access to the global internet. Our testers report that they’ve only found success with 1 out of 3 of its servers.
Interface & Usability
Avast Secureline VPN’s desktop and mobile apps are simple to use, explore, and setup. They’re ideal for folks who aren’t very tech-savvy. However, the applications aren’t flawless, and it will take some time to become accustomed to and master them.
Interface for Avast SecureLine VPN
Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment’ native apps have simple interfaces that people of all sorts are certain to appreciate. Upon opening them, you’ll immediately see a large quick-connect button. To change the service’s settings, simply click the three-dot icon found on the upper-right corner of the apps.
Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment Interface
Despite the fact that they both have excellent applications, PIA is the winner in this area of our competition. I selected it since its applications were easy for me to learn and master. Aside from that, I appreciated how changeable their designs are since they include dark modes.
Features Not Included
Sad to say, both Avast Secureline VPN and Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment lack exclusive features. But, both do have essential security features that you’ll find useful. While the former service only has a On/Off switch, the latter also has an ad and malware blocker (PIA MACE) and Tunneling in Two Parts.
PIA is the victor in this aspect of our match because it has somewhat more to offer.
Customer Service
In today’s competitive VPN industry, a provider must have good customer service to overcome its competitors. Fortunately, the developers of Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment and Avast Secureline VPN understand this. They’ve made sure their services have decent support.
Please see the table below for a comparison between the two:
| Avast SecureLine VPN | Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment | |
| Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Email Customer Service | Yes | Yes |
| Support over the phone | No | No |
| Ticket Assistance | No | Yes |
| Video Instructions | No | No |
| Knowledge Base on the Internet | Yes | Yes |
| Average Time to Respond | 24 Hours | 45-minute time limit |
It’s clear that PIA has better customer service than Avast SecureLine VPN. After all, it maintains Ticket Assistance and has a superior Average Time to Respond. Besides that, I’ve discovered that it maintains a larger online knowledgebase that makes DIY troubleshooting a breeze.
Prices
The following is a breakdown of the prices charged by each VPN service provider:
| Avast SecureLine VPN | Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment | |
| Lengths of Subscriptions | $8.99/Month | $12.95/Month |
| 1 yr. ($4.99 p.m.) | 6-Month Subscription ($9.99/Month) | |
| 2 Year Subscription ($3.99/Month) | 15 months at $6.67 each month | |
| The Most Expensive Month | $8.99 | $12.95 |
| Lowest Monthly Rate | $3.99 | $6.67 |
| Price for a year | $59.88 | $99.95 plus shipping (15 Months) |
| Guaranteed Money-Back | 30 Days | 30 Days |
| Special Promotion | No Special Promotions available | Special Promotion: Save 73% on a 2-year membership and get 2 months free. |
Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment is much more expensive than Avast Secureline VPN. Moreover, it lacks a free trial, unlike its competitor that lets you test it for 7 days. Needless to say, the 30-day Guaranteed Money-Back policy in place will still let you use the VPN without risks.
Because its prices are much better, the winner of this final round of our PIA vs Avast SecureLine VPN battle is Avast SecureLine VPN.
Verdict
Is Avast SecureLine VPN better than Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment?
No. As you may have seen in this Access to the Internet in a Secure Environment vs Avast SecureLine VPN in-depth Comparison, Avast SecureLine VPN is inferior to PIA. Although it’s slower and more expensive, the provider has better security, streaming, and torrenting capabilities.
On top of that, it is compatible with a lot more platforms and allows for a greater amount of simultaneous device connections under a single account. Finally, the service boasts more Features Not Included, superior applications, as well as superb customer service.
Please note that Avast SecureLine VPN is not a bad VPN. In fact, it’s better than a large chunk of what’s available. However, it just falls short of its competitor in almost every single regard.
