When it comes to internet privacy, one thing is certain – a reliable VPN can not only ensure anonymous browsing but also help you bypass the common geo-blockades. There is a good reason why Virtual Private Networks have topped proxies in the past couple of years.
Still, that doesn’t mean that every VPN offered at the market is worth your time and money. To help you make an educated decision, we will do our best to go through the features offered by Avira Phantom VPN, and highlight the potential alternatives. Let’s get right to it!
What is Avira Phantom VPN
Much like Avast SecureLine, the Phantom VPN is developed by a successful antivirus company – Avira. Headquartered in Germany, it is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to internet privacy.
The Virtual Private Network itself has been operating for the past couple of years. In fact, it is quite good in a couple of aspects. When it comes to keeping your browsing data, and login info away from third-parties, Avira Phantom VPN does do a great job.
This is mostly because of its 256-bit AES encryption, as well as several anti-leak instruments, including a kill-switch. When it comes to browsing the world wide web, you will be able to enjoy it without the risk of ISP operator interrupting and finding out your actual IP address.
We are quite happy to see that the user interface for this VPN is friendly for beginners and that the installation process is quite simple. Also, it does offer an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
Lastly, it seems that Avira Phantom VPN does do well when it comes to unblocking popular streaming platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Downsides of Avira Phantom VPN
It is a fact that Avira Phantom VPN does have certain potential in terms of protecting your private info, and browsing activity. It’s also pretty good when it comes to bypassing censorship in different countries, including Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia.
However, this Virtual Private Network simply doesn’t cut it when it comes to the privacy policy, as well as stability of the connection, and overall device compatibility.
Sketchy Logging Policy
At first, Avira Phantom VPN does claim a strict no-log policy. However, as soon as you get into details and read their ToS and privacy policy page, you will find that they do keep some logs of your connection.
They do confirm to tracking whether you are using their paid or free option and the amount of data consumed by each user. Also, diagnostic data that should help Avira improve their service.
On the other hand, they do claim not to track the websites you visit, your original IP address, and alternate locations you have connected to.
Hence, while Phantom VPN does okay when it comes to staying away from your privacy, there is still room for improvement.
German Jurisdiction
Another issue is directly related to the location of their headquarters. Being set in Germany, this provider does adhere to the regulations and requests from the 5-9-14-Eyes alliance.
If you know a thing or two about VPNs, you know this is the opposite of what you want to get in terms of privacy and security. The fact that any of the allied governments, including the US, UK, Canada, France, Italy, and several other countries can get a hand on the stored info is not promising.
Yes, the aforementioned logging policy is fine. But that still doesn’t protect you from the fact that Avira may be forced to hand over anything that they have on you. Additionally, when it comes to data retention, Germany is among the countries that don’t feature friendly laws and regulations.
Incredibly Slow Servers
This Virtual Private Network does offer 38 servers in as many countries. This is certainly not the best considering that providers including NordVPN and CyberGhost offer thousands which turns out to be effective global coverage.
However, this is not the main issue. What we are most unhappy about is that almost 80% of the servers are highlighted by huge pings and awful connection stability. Logging to their US servers, we did experience a speed drop of more than 70% both when it comes to download and upload.
We did experience somewhat better performance when it comes to their EU servers (in the UK) with the speed drop being set at 50%. Also, the ping here was at 60 ms.
The worse performance was when we connected to Hong Kong. There, the ping spiked up to 350 ms, and we had just 5% of our initial internet speed. We couldn’t even enjoy Google, never mind streaming, or online games.
Limited Device Compatibility
Last but not least is the fact that this Avira Phantom VPN is compatible with just a few devices. While you can install it on Windows, iOS, macOS, and Android, but it doesn’t work with Linux.
Also, you can’t connect it with routers, consoles, and Smart TVs. Not to forget, if you were hoping to enjoy reliable risk-free torrenting and browse through TOR, that is not going to be available either.
Our Favorite Alternatives
It is a fact that Avira Phantom VPN does have a series of flaws that you may not be comfortable with. For this reason, we have a couple of alternatives that will fulfill your needs for anonymous browsing and unlimited streaming.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is highlighted by exquisite speeds, as well as a large server park that offers reliable performance across the globe.
If you are not familiar with ExpressVPN, you might also be interested in this article. Based in the British Virgin Islands, it offers one of the best security and privacy aspects of all the providers.
You will not have to worry about logging or potential leaks.
Why Choose This VPN Over Avira Phantom VPN?
The answer is quite clear – for the incredible server speeds that it offers. As we have mentioned above, no matter your location, you are sure to enjoy excellent performance.
We experienced great speeds and connection stability with this VPN.
Why Is ExpressVPN Better Than Avira Phantom VPN?
It all depends on what you are looking to get. ExpressVPN is more expensive than Avira Phantom VPN. However, the speed and reliable refund policy that it offers justifies the premium service that it claims.
CyberGhost
Lastly comes CyberGhost, which we do consider to be one of the best for a couple of reasons. First, it is based in Romania and, as such, is not a part of the 5-Eyes alliance.
Additionally, you are looking at more than 6,000 servers you can effectively connect from. There is nothing to worry about when it comes to the user interface, as it is made simple and easy for beginners.
Furthermore, it will unlock British TV channels and most other streaming sites.
Why Choose this VPN over Avira Phantom VPN?
When you compare it to what Avira Phantom VPN has to offer in terms of global coverage, CyberGhost does much better. Plus, it is a great VPN to use on Android.
Why is CyberGhost better than Avira Phantom VPN?
One of the main reasons is because of the incredibly effective customer service. The live chat feature is up 24/7, no matter your location.
Not to mention, the pricing options of CyberGhost are more affordable than most. Also, the refund policy is one you can certainly rely on!
NordVPN
When it comes to reliable virtual private networks, this provider is on top of the list. Based in Panama, it is not subject to any data retention laws or the Five Eyes alliance.
Additionally, it is highlighted by an array of tunneling protocols and military-grade encryption. It is a global provider that offers services in more than 5,500 servers around the world.
This provider can effectively unblock over 150 streaming sites, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Why Choose This VPN Over Avira Phantom VPN?
The main reason is because of the aforementioned privacy and security concerns. NordVPN does a great job providing its users with a leak-free, malware-protected, anonymous browsing.
It is highlighted by a kill switch, CyberSec, as well as an innovative feature that will connect you to the safest and best-performing server. This makes it an offer that you can trust.
Why Is NordVPN Better Than Avira Phantom VPN?
We consider it to be more reliable not only because of the protection but also because of better server speeds. It is also able to bypass the geo-restriction implemented by Hulu and other popular streaming platforms.
The Best Free Alternative
Apart from the paid alternatives that we consider worth your time and money, there is a free option that you can enjoy without stressing about privacy and security.
Windscribe
If you have ever read a VPN review article, or done your research, you probably came across this Canadian-based provider. There is both a paid and a free plan, but only the free subscription option is of our interest here.
It comes with a couple of limits, including 10GB data transfer and 14 servers. But that will still do the trick for most activities, including torrenting and streaming.
Why Choose this VPN over Avira Phantom VPN
Well, because you will get to experience better speeds and overall connectivity without having to pay anything.
Why is Windscribe better than Avira Phantom VPN
The main reason is that it features a privacy-friendly logging policy. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about Windscribe selling private info and browsing data for a profit.
Wrap Up
This is all to say that while it does have certain potential in the aspect of security and protection, Avira Phantom VPN simply is not good enough.
That is why if you want to experience stress-free anonymous browsing and watch your favorite TV shows across the globe, we suggest you subscribe to some of the alternatives mentioned above!