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Avira Phantom VPN vs Surfshark

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Pros
  • Global server network for unrestricted access
  • AES-256 encryption for top-tier security
  • No-logs policy ensures complete anonymity
  • Kill switch to prevent accidental exposure
  • Automatic Wi-Fi protection for public hotspots
Pros
  • Unlimited device connections
  • Cross-platform functionality
  • Independent audits
  • Effective streaming performance
  • No-logging policy
  • 24/7 live chat support
Cons
  • Limited server network compared to competitors
  • Free plan lacks advanced features
  • No independent audit of privacy claims
  • Absence of advanced security options
  • Inconsistent speeds for high-demand activities
Cons
  • Features limited to certain platforms
  • High subscription costs
  • No free plans
  • Based in the 14 Eyes Alliance
Summary

Avira Phantom VPN is a trusted name in digital security, offered by Avira, a German company founded in 1986 and headquartered in Tettnang, Germany. As part of Avira’s extensive cybersecurity suite, Phantom VPN is designed to protect users’ online privacy and provide unrestricted internet access. The service features military-grade AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection, ensuring your data and browsing activities remain secure. Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, Avira Phantom VPN offers cross-platform functionality, making it an accessible choice for users on multiple devices. Its ability to bypass geo-restrictions and maintain reliable connections for streaming and browsing sets it apart in a competitive market. While customer reviews highlight its user-friendly interface and privacy features, some users have noted areas for improvement, such as connection speeds and server options. Avira’s integration of the VPN into its Prime Suite adds to its appeal, offering a comprehensive digital security package. With its long-standing reputation in cybersecurity, Avira Phantom VPN provides a dependable and feature-rich option for anyone seeking to enhance their online privacy and freedom. Explore its offerings to discover how it meets your specific needs.

Summary

Surfshark, founded in 2018 and headquartered in the Netherlands, is a leading force in online privacy and cybersecurity. Offering a cutting-edge VPN with over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, they provide fast, reliable access to geo-restricted content while keeping your data fully secure. Their standout features include camouflage mode, which hides VPN usage from ISPs, and multihop, which routes traffic through multiple servers for added security. With a strict no-logs policy and AES-256 encryption, Surfshark ensures user privacy and data protection. They also offer unlimited simultaneous connections, making them a great choice for users with multiple devices. Customers frequently praise Surfshark for their responsive customer support and seamless streaming performance, though some have noted occasional connection issues. Despite this, independent security audits and top industry awards like "VPN Solution of the Year" solidify Surfshark's reputation. Curious to know more? Read our in-depth review to explore all of Surfshark’s innovative features and discover why they are a top contender for anyone looking to take control of their online privacy and security.

Quick Stats
  • Price : Starting at $5.99 per month
  • Free Trial : Unavailable
  • Global Coverage : 37
  • Customer Experience : Good
  • Number of Servers : 1400
Quick Stats
  • Price : Starting at $15.45 per month and billed monthly
  • Free Trial : Available
  • Global Coverage : 100 countries
  • Customer Experience : Good
  • Number of Servers : 3,200+
Selling Points
  • 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Free plan with basic VPN features
  • Affordable bundled plans for comprehensive protection
Selling Points
  • Camouflage mode and multihop features
  • Ad-blocking
  • Threat management features
  • Obfuscated servers
General Features & Perks
  • Allows Torrenting
  • Antivirus / Antimalware
  • Free Version
  • Integrated SSOs
  • Mobile App
  • Onion Over VPN Support
  • OpenVPN Support
  • Password Manager
  • Propriety Protocol
  • Streaming Support
  • WireGuard Support
General Features & Perks
  • Allows Torrenting
  • Antivirus / Antimalware
  • Free Version
  • Integrated SSOs
  • Mobile App
  • Onion Over VPN Support
  • OpenVPN Support
  • Password Manager
  • Propriety Protocol
  • Streaming Support
  • WireGuard Support
Security Measures
  • 256-bit AES Encryption
  • Dedicated IP Servers
  • Kill-Switch
  • RAM-Only Servers
  • Split Tunneling
  • Two-Factor Authentication
  • Warrant Canary
  • Zero-Logging-Policy
Security Measures
  • 256-bit AES Encryption
  • Dedicated IP Servers
  • Kill-Switch
  • RAM-Only Servers
  • Split Tunneling
  • Two-Factor Authentication
  • Warrant Canary
  • Zero-Logging-Policy
Privacy Features
  • Actionable Password Strength Report
  • Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
  • Dark Web Scanning
  • Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
  • Mobile App PIN Unlock
  • Obfuscated Servers
  • Secure Password Sharing
Privacy Features
  • Actionable Password Strength Report
  • Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
  • Dark Web Scanning
  • Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
  • Mobile App PIN Unlock
  • Obfuscated Servers
  • Secure Password Sharing
Device Compatibility
  • Android
  • Browser Plugins
  • ChromeOS
  • Fire OS
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Routers
  • Streaming Devices
  • Windows
Device Compatibility
  • Android
  • Browser Plugins
  • ChromeOS
  • Fire OS
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Routers
  • Streaming Devices
  • Windows
Customer Service
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone
  • Social Media
  • Ticket
Customer Service
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone
  • Social Media
  • Ticket

Avira Phantom VPN vs. Surfshark

When selecting a Virtual Private Network (VPN), it’s essential to compare providers to find the best fit for your needs. This article examines Avira Phantom VPN and Surfshark, focusing on their service range and customization options, ease of use and integration, security and compliance, and pricing.

Service range and customization options

Both Avira Phantom VPN and Surfshark provide essential VPN services, such as encrypted internet connections, IP masking, and access to geo-restricted content. They support major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, ensuring multi-device compatibility. In terms of security, both VPNs use AES-256 encryption, a gold standard in the industry, and offer automatic connection features that engage the VPN when an unsecured network is detected.

Despite these similarities, Surfshark offers a more extensive server network, with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, compared to Avira Phantom VPN’s 1,400 servers in 37 countries. This means Surfshark users have access to a broader range of global content and potentially faster connection speeds. Additionally, Surfshark provides advanced features like Camouflage Mode, which hides VPN usage from ISPs, and MultiHop, which routes traffic through multiple servers for extra anonymity. Avira Phantom VPN lacks these specialized features, making it less flexible for users seeking deeper customization options.

Ease of use and integration

Both Avira Phantom VPN and Surfshark prioritize user-friendly interfaces, making it easy for even non-technical users to install and operate their apps. They feature intuitive dashboards for seamless server selection and connection management. Both also include a kill switch, which disconnects users from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.

However, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections, making it an excellent choice for large households or businesses that need to secure multiple devices. In contrast, Avira Phantom VPN limits users to five devices per subscription. Additionally, Surfshark provides dedicated browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, which Avira Phantom VPN lacks. Surfshark’s frequent updates and integration with Smart DNS for streaming devices also give it an edge in usability.

Security and compliance

Security is a top priority for both VPNs. Both use AES-256 encryption, no-log policies, and kill switches to ensure data protection. They also offer DNS leak protection, helping users keep their online activities private.

Despite these strong commonalities, Surfshark provides more advanced security features, such as Camouflage Mode (which hides VPN usage even from ISPs) and MultiHop (which routes traffic through multiple servers for added privacy). A key consideration for privacy-conscious users is jurisdiction—both VPNs are based in 14 Eyes alliance countries (Surfshark in the Netherlands and Avira Phantom VPN in Germany). This means that, in theory, these governments could be compelled to share data with intelligence agencies from other allied nations.

Pricing

Pricing plays a crucial role when selecting a VPN service. Surfshark offers affordable plans starting at $2.19 per month (when choosing a long-term plan) and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a cost-effective choice with unlimited device connections.

In contrast, Avira Phantom VPN is more expensive, starting at $5.99 per month for a mobile-only plan, with the full-featured plan costing $10.00 per month (or $6.50 per month when billed annually). Avira offers a free version with a 500 MB monthly data limit (which extends to 1 GB upon registration), but this is far too limited for most users. One advantage Avira does have is its 60-day money-back guarantee, which is longer than Surfshark’s 30-day period.

Conclusion

Both Avira Phantom VPN and Surfshark offer strong security features and reliable VPN services, but Surfshark stands out due to its larger server network, advanced security features, unlimited device connections, and lower pricing. Avira Phantom VPN may appeal to users who already use Avira’s other security products or prefer a simple VPN with basic features.