Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and Avira Phantom VPN are two competitive VPN services with distinct strengths and weaknesses. ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, boasts a high overall rating of 77.9% compared to Avira Phantom VPN’s 40.7%. It offers a larger server network with 3000 servers across 94 countries, robust encryption, and a strict no-logging policy. However, it is more expensive, with the cheapest price being $6.67/mo over a 15-month subscription, compared to Avira Phantom VPN’s $3.63/mo. Avira Phantom VPN, based in Germany, does not have a no-logging policy and has fewer servers (1400 across 37 countries). However, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which may be beneficial for larger households or businesses. After considering all factors, ExpressVPN emerges as the better choice for users prioritizing privacy and extensive server coverage, despite its higher price.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs Avira Phantom VPN
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | Avira Phantom VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Germany |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $3.63/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $5.77 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 60 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | IKEv2/IPSec, Open VPN, SSL VPN, and TLS VPN |
| Servers | 3,000 | 1,400 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 37 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | Live chat, Email, and Phone call |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Netflix |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Avira Phantom VPN Better
Avira Phantom VPN presents an appealing price point at $3.63/mo, while ExpressVPN opts for a premium pricing strategy, starting at $6.67/mo for their 15-month subscription plan. This leads to an intriguing evaluation of the additional value ExpressVPN offers. Boasting military-grade encryption (AES-256, and ChaCha20), 24×7 live chat support, and a global network of 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, ExpressVPN aims to justify its higher cost.
Yet, when compared to the offerings of Avira Phantom VPN, the question remains: do these enhanced features of ExpressVPN align with the specific needs and preferences of users seeking a premium VPN experience? This is something you’ll need to consider when comparing the two.
Jurisdiction: ExpressVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. ExpressVPN’s location in British Virgin Islands (BVI), free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over Avira Phantom VPN, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of Germany. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, ExpressVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Comparing the two, ExpressVPN’s BVI base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in BVI gives ExpressVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: ExpressVPN Better
The server fleet size of ExpressVPN and Avira Phantom VPN is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. ExpressVPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 3,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, Avira Phantom VPN maintains a more modest server presence, with only 1,400 servers across 37 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Avira Phantom VPN, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of ExpressVPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
No Logging Policy: ExpressVPN Better
The privacy policies of ExpressVPN and Avira Phantom VPN reveal a stark contrast. ExpressVPN not only upholds a stringent no-logging policy, but also reinforces this commitment through regular audits by Cure53. These audits validate ExpressVPN’s adherence to its privacy claims, providing an added layer of trust and transparency.
On the other hand, Avira Phantom VPN, while offering a range of features and based in Germany, does not follow a no-logging policy. This means that it might keep some records of user activities – which can be a significant concern for those who prioritize anonymity and data security.
Users who value rigorous privacy standards and external validation of security claims may find these differences pivotal in choosing the right VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and Avira Phantom VPN to customer satisfaction is clearly seen in their extensive money-back guarantees. These guarantees show the confidence each service has in its quality. It’s a no-risk offer. Users can try out each VPN’s features without worry. Explore Avira Phantom VPN’s server network in 37 countries, experience ExpressVPN’s ad blocking and Lightway protocol, and exaluate their technical support quality. All this can be done before making a long-term decision.
Simultaneous Connections: Avira Phantom VPN Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing ExpressVPN and Avira Phantom VPN is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows.
ExpressVPN, while providing a robust and reliable VPN service, permits users to connect up to 8 devices at the same time. This is generally sufficient for individual users or small families – ensuring that multiple devices can be secured under one account. In contrast, Avira Phantom VPN takes this a step further by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection. It allows for a more flexible approach to securing online activity, without the need to prioritize which devices are protected.
For users with extensive connectivity needs, this difference in simultaneous connection capabilities might be a deciding factor in choosing Avira Phantom VPN over ExpressVPN.
Ad Blocking Feature: ExpressVPN Better
A notable difference between ExpressVPN and Avira Phantom VPN lies in their additional features – particularly ad blocking. ExpressVPN offers an integrated ad blocker, enhancing the browsing experience by eliminating unwanted ads and potentially harmful malware. On the other hand, Avira Phantom VPN does not come with an ad blocking feature, which might be a drawback for users who prioritize a clean and uninterrupted browsing experience.
Bottomline
ExpressVPN and Avira Phantom VPN cater to different user needs and preferences, with ExpressVPN boasting higher privacy protection, a larger server network, and a no-logging policy, while Avira Phantom VPN offers a more cost-effective solution and unlimited simultaneous connections. Users should consider these factors in conjunction with their specific requirements when choosing between these two VPN services.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and Avira Phantom VPN comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & Avira Phantom VPN
Avira Phantom VPN
AVG Technologies, merged with Avast in 2016, was originally founded in 1991 by Tomáš Hofer and Jan Gritzbach and is headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic
To learn more, read our Avira Phantom VPN review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.