Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN and Avira Phantom VPN differ significantly in overall performance, privacy policies, server count, and features. Proton VPN, with an 80.8% rating, offers strong privacy protection based in Switzerland, hosts an extensive server network, and implements a no-logging policy confirmed by audits. While Avira Phantom VPN, rated 40.7%, provides cheaper service and greater number of simultaneous connections, Proton VPN outperforms in areas critical to user privacy, reliability, and service features, making it the better choice for most users.
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: Proton VPN vs Avira Phantom VPN
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | Avira Phantom VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | Germany |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $3.63/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $5.77 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 60 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec, Open VPN, SSL VPN, and TLS VPN |
| Servers | 2,970 | 1,400 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 37 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | No | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 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: Tie
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and Avira Phantom VPN are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while Avira Phantom VPN cheapest 12-month plan starts at $3.63/mo. These VPNs exemplify the possibility of obtaining superior online security and privacy without a significant financial outlay. Both services highlight that accessing top-tier VPN features can indeed be budget-friendly
Jurisdiction: Proton VPN Better
For those prioritizing online privacy, the jurisdiction of their VPN provider is a critical consideration. Proton VPN, with its base in Switzerland, offers a substantial privacy edge over Germany-based Avira Phantom VPN. Not part of the EU or US jurisdiction, Switzerland is known for its neutrality and strict privacy regulations. This provides a robust legal framework that benefits ProtonVPN users.
On the other hand, Avira Phantom VPN is based in Germany, a member of the 14-Eyes Alliance. The 14-Eyes Alliance, an expansion of the Five- and Nine-Eyes intelligence collaborations, includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and several European nations. These member states are known for their extensive surveillance activities, as highlighted by disclosures from figures like Edward Snowden (watch video below). Such surveillance extends to the sharing of collected data among member countries. In other words, company like Avira Phantom VPN could be legally obligated to comply with government requests for user data, with the potential for this data to circulate among the alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security.
Comparing the two, ProtonVPN’s Swiss 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 Switzerland gives ProtonVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Proton VPN Better
The server fleet size of Proton VPN and Avira Phantom VPN is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. Proton VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 2,970 servers in 68 countries 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 Proton VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
No Logging Policy: Proton VPN Better
The privacy policies of Proton VPN and Avira Phantom VPN present a clear dichotomy. Proton VPN stands out by not only maintaining a strict no-logging policy but also reinforcing this commitment through regular audits conducted by Deloitte. These audits serve as validation of Proton VPN’s dedication to preserving user privacy.
In contrast, Avira Phantom VPN, despite offering a range of features and being headquartered in Germany, does not adhere to a no-logging policy. This implies that it might retain certain records of user activities, a matter of considerable concern for individuals who prioritize anonymity and data security.
For users who prioritize robust privacy standards and seek external verification of security claims, these distinctions may prove pivotal in selecting the most suitable VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both Proton VPN and Avira Phantom VPN reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of Proton VPN to the advanced security protocols of Avira Phantom VPN – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Simultaneous Connections: Avira Phantom VPN Better
Proton VPN offers a respectable number of simultaneous connections, capped at 10. This limit typically caters well to individual users or small families.
On the flip side, Avira Phantom VPN stands out with its offer of unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is a significant boon for larger households or business environments, where the number of devices needing VPN protection far exceeds half a dozen. The ability to connect an unrestricted number of devices under a single account with Avira Phantom VPN not only offers greater flexibility but also ensures comprehensive coverage for all online activities.
For those managing multiple devices, this unlimited access provided by Avira Phantom VPN could be a compelling reason to prefer it over Proton VPN.
Ad Blocking Feature: Proton VPN Better
A significant differentiator between Proton VPN and Avira Phantom VPN lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. Proton VPN excels in this regard, consistently providing users with access to a broad spectrum of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Nord users can reliably enjoy their preferred shows and movies from virtually any location.
Conversely, Avira Phantom VPN faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 37 countries, the VPN frequently encounters difficulties in reliably unblocking major streaming platforms. This limitation is of paramount importance for users who prioritize seamless access to streaming content and are in search of a VPN service capable of effectively circumventing geo-restrictions.
Bottomline
In conclusion, this article revealed fundamental contrasts between Proton VPN and Avira Phantom VPN regarding their capabilities and offerings. The deliberation showed that while Proton VPN consistently enjoyed higher ratings, Avira Phantom VPN stood out with its provision of unrestricted simultaneous connections. The comprehensive evaluations and comparisons in these VPNs exhibited that Proton VPN and Avira Phantom VPN both have distinctive merits which users must balance with their respective needs and preferences for optimum results.
About Proton VPN & 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.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company renowned for their secure email service – Proton Mail.
Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Switzerland. The VPN service currently has 2,970 servers in 68 countries. Although ProtonVPN owns and operates some of its servers, the majority are operated by ASNs such as Datacamp Limited. The service is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ChromeOS and can be used on smartphones, personal computers, and even installed on a wireless router.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN services available in the market. It utilizes OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company. In October 2022, Proton VPN released their Stealth Protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic.
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review.