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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Surfshark vs Avira Phantom VPN 2024

Table of Contents
    Our Score: 9.3/10
    %s User Reviews
    More Info
    Our Score: 5.9/10
    %s User Reviews
    More Info
    Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

    Which VPN is better?

    Author Image Anneke van Aswegen
    Anneke van Aswegen

    Managing Editor

    Choosing between Avira Phantom VPN and Surfshark depends on what you need. Surfshark is an affordable VPN that helps you access hundreds of streaming platforms and geoblocked services. Avira, on the other hand, is the famous cybersecurity company's VPN offering. It's more online safety-focused and promises "complete privacy and security."

    Surfshark unblocked most streaming platforms I tested including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max. But Avira Phantom VPN is great for streaming too. Despite being privacy-focused, it helped me access nearly all my streaming accounts except for Disney+ and iPlayer.

    Both VPNs are fast as well, although Avira did slow my connection a bit when I tested servers that were far from my real location.

    As expected, Avira is strong on privacy and security — but so is Surfshark. Both feature industry standard measures like military-grade encryption, as well as built in ad- and malware blockers.

    Plus, each VPN is pretty affordable. They both have a range of plans with annual subscriptions working out at under $5.

    However, the two services differ in the extent of their server networks. Avira Phantom VPN has a small (though reliable) 1,400 servers in 37 countries, but Surfshark has the bigger network at 3,200 servers in 100 countries.

    That all being said,  one of these VPNs stand out for me. Read on to find out my verdict.

    Our Score

    Features 9.3/10
    Pricing 8.7/10
    Ease of Use 9.4/10
    Reliability & Support 9.8/10
    Features 5.9/10
    Pricing 6.6/10
    Ease of Use 6.6/10
    Reliability & Support 4.0/10

    Reviews

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Keira Waddell
    Keira Waddell

    Senior Writer

    Our Score: 9.3/10

    With VPNs, you tend to get what you pay for. So when I saw Surfshark’s low prices, I was skeptical about its rave reviews. To see if it could actually live up to these claims, I tested every aspect of Surfshark, including its speeds, security features, streaming abilities, network reliability, and device compatibility. I also took a closer look at Surfshark’s privacy policy to verify its v...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    L
    Lucas Pinto Ricardo
    10.0/10
    Fast, reliable and unlimited

    This VPN is fast and reliable. It has a lot of servers in different countries and can be used in an un... limited amount of devices (it supports Linux, which is something very important for me). The software and app get updated regularly: note that I experienced some bugs with the auto-connect feature on Android that have been solved since then. With this competitive pricing, I would definitely recommend it. IMPORTANT NOTE: I am not including the customer support in this review, because I never had to use it. If I use it in the future, I will update this review with my experience. I recommend you to see other reviews that include it if it is important for you.More

    Latest negative user review
    T
    Tim S.
    2.0/10
    Don't waste your money on dedicated IP

    While the generic Surfshark servers work well, the dedicated IP is worse than useless. With it, I get ... constant captchas and some websites refuse to connect at all. All is fine once I reconnect to a generic or even free VPN. Support is friendly but hopelessly incompetent at getting the problem fixed. So the dedicated IP works exactly opposite as what is advertised, all while vacuuming money out of your wallet. Stay away.More

    Read the full review
    Review by our expert
    Author Image Doris Muthuri
    Doris Muthuri

    Senior Writer

    Our Score: 5.9/10

    Avira has an extremely popular free antivirus software and offers both free and premium VPNs. However, just because the company has one renowned security option doesn't mean it makes one of the best VPNs. Can the free Avira VPN really keep you safe, and is it worth trying the premium version? To find out, I ran extensive tests on everything both versions of Avira Phantom VPN provide. That meant...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    A
    Anonymously
    10.0/10
    No issues

    I have no issues with this VPN (although I admit that it is from my favorite security company). Those ... who write about garbled text, for example, probably have their own operating system issues with which they should be concerned; I do not experience this or any other issue—not even after a clean install of Windows 10.More

    Latest negative user review
    J
    Joe
    6.0/10
    The only problem i have had is disconnects

    Easy to install, speed is good and many servers to choose from. However if I understood the author cor... rectly, there is not an unlimited number of devices you can connect. The first level is only five devices and then the next level is 25 devices. I now have 7 devices with Avira mounted. The problem I have had is that it randomly disconnects. It doesn't seem to happen often, perhaps once a day, but it is disconcerting. Checking with the help desk via email, I was advised to completely uninstall and reinstall, Unfortunately, that has not helped. The other issue is that a site called subscribe star seems to block it sometimes after you have logged in. That is, suddenly you get the "FORBIDDEN" window popping up and you cannot click on anything on the site's screen. I am guessing that the site has some sort of VPN restrictions but I am not sure. I am trying to contact them about the issue. It only seems to happen when I am running VPN.More

    Read the full review

    Pricing

    Starting price $2.89/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 30 Days
    Number of devices per license Unlimited devices
    Starting price $3.92/month
    Money Back Guarantee (Days) 60 Days
    Number of devices per license Unlimited devices

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall

    Surfshark is better overall. It gives you a more comprehensive blend of security and unblocking abilities. Plus, it has a whole range of additional features (like special modes for bypassing geo-restrictions). Surfshark also gives you unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it on all your devices.

    Best VPN for Torrents

    Surfshark is better for torrenting because it has P2P-optimized servers, excellent privacy, and super-fast download and upload speeds. Meanwhile, Avira is unclear on whether it supports P2P traffic, so I didn't feel comfortable using it for torrenting.

    Best VPN for Windows

    Surfshark is better because its Windows app is packed with bonus features. These include Camouflage Mode (for hiding VPN traffic), NoBorders Mode (for getting around strict firewalls), and Bypasser (a form of split tunneling that gives you complete control over your VPN).

    Best VPN for Android

    Surfshark is better because its Android app has been specifically designed for the platform. That means you get a more efficient, native kill switch and you can even spoof your device's GPS.

    Best VPN for Mac

    Surfshark is better because it's compatible with nearly every Apple laptop and desktop, plus every macOS. Its Mac app also features a useful ad blocker and a DoubleVPN feature that gives you additional privacy while browsing.

    Best VPN for iOS

    Surfshark is better because it works with iOS 10.3.3 and up and offers native iOS widget support. Its apps for iPhones and iPads even come with a 7-day free trial.

    Best VPN for USA

    Surfshark is better because it has a bigger network of servers in the US. Its 600+ cover 23+ cites across the States — giving you access to American content from anywhere.

    The Bottom Line

    See Plans & Pricing

    Avira Phantom VPN and Surfshark might have a lot in common but, when you break it down, Surfshark comes out on top. It has superior device compatibility, a bigger server network, and slightly better speeds. Plus, you get a lot more features and device connections for your money than you do with Avira.

    Are either of them the best VPN I've tested though? Well, no. ExpressVPN is my favorite service. It can unblock more international sites and services, has superior security features, and won't compromise your speed.

    Time to decide which one is best for you

    Go with Surfshark
    Go with Avira Phantom VPN
    Or click here to check best VPNs, rated by {{review_count}} users

    FAQ

    Is Surfshark better than Avira Phantom VPN?

    Yes, Surfshark is better overall than Avira Phantom VPN. It has 3200 servers in 100 countries, fast speeds, and impressive security features.

    Best of all, you can take advantage of its latest discount and get it for only $2.89 a month.

    What should I keep in mind when choosing between Surfshark and Avira Phantom VPN?

    When choosing a VPN, you want to pay close attention to its number of servers, overall speed score, pricing, and the number of simultaneous device connections it offers. While some VPNs provide a flawless online experience, others will really slow you down.

    If you’re ready to commit, then Surfshark may be perfect for you due to its performance during the tests .

    Is Surfshark faster than Avira Phantom VPN?

    Yes, Surfshark is faster than Avira Phantom VPN. Since your VPN is your computer’s main connection to the internet, you need to use a service that won’t slow you down by more than 20%.

    If speeds are important to you, then I recommend you take a look at ExpressVPN. It’s the fastest service out there, provides unlimited bandwidth, and you won’t experience any slowdowns even when you connect to the other side of the planet. You can try it out risk-free. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you don’t like it.

    Do Surfshark or Avira Phantom VPN offer any deals?

    Both Surfshark and Avira Phantom VPN offer deals on occasion. You can check out the current coupons and discounts here. However, ExpressVPN has the best deals. Right now, you can get a 49% discount and up to 3 months for free with a new subscription.

    We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
    Learn more
    vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

    About the Author

    As a Managing Editor at vpnMentor, Anneke van Aswegen helps readers quickly master VPNs. She aims to solve problems, whether accessing streaming platforms or protecting your data, without needing a computer tech.