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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: Holiday.com, 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: Holiday.com, 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.

ExpressVPN vs Avira Phantom VPN 2025

Table of Contents
    Editor's Note: Transparency and impartiality are important to us when bringing you our best selection of VPNs. Some of the industry-leading products on our list, including Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company. The VPNs we choose are derived from a thorough testing process.

    Is ExpressVPN or Avira Phantom VPN better for price, speed, streaming, gaming, and privacy?

    Author Image Agnieszka Stec
    Agnieszka Stec Cybersecurity Researcher
    Updated on 5th March 2025

    ExpressVPN outperformed Avira Phantom VPN in nearly every category, so there’s little wonder that this service reports having over 4 million active subscribers1. It boasts an independently audited no-logs policy, faster speeds, and advanced security features, while its competitor was far less reliable when it came to speed and privacy practices.

    My team and I conducted extensive tests on both VPNs, evaluating their performance in streaming, gaming, torrenting, and more. We also closely examined their privacy policies, security features, and server infrastructure. Even though Avira Phantom VPN comes from a major antivirus company, we found it was severely lacking.

    So, if you’re looking for the best VPN for your money, I recommend ExpressVPN. It provides excellent value and is suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. While Avira Phantom VPN’s free plan is undoubtedly tempting, I can’t recommend using this service given its poor performance in our tests.

    Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free

    Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

    ExpressVPN Avira Phantom VPN
    Overall Rating Our Score: 9.87/10

    www.expressvpn.com/

    Our Score: 5.89/10

    www.avira.com/

    💲 Lowest Monthly Price $4.99/month for the 2-year plan + 4 months free $5.99/month for the 1-year plan
    🗓️ Price on Renewal $116.95 per year
    (subject to change)
    $78 per year
    (subject to change)
    🤑 Coupons ExpressVPN 61% Off (2-year plan) Avira Phantom VPN 41% Off (1-year plan)
    💸 Money-Back Guarantee 30 days 60 days
    📺 Streaming Works with Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, DAZN, BBC iPlayer, and more Works with Netflix, Max, and Amazon Prime Video
    🌍 VPN Servers 105 countries with 3,000 servers 37 countries with 1,400 servers
    Speed Minimal speed drop, ideal for UHD streaming Significant speed drops on both nearby and distant servers
    🎮 Gaming Performance Optimal speed and ping on nearby servers Low ping on nearby servers, struggles at long distances
    🧑‍🤝‍🧑 P2P Support Yes Yes
    🔐 Security Protocols Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 (macOS only) IPsec (iOS and Android) and SSL/TSL (macOS and Windows)
    🔌 Kill Switch Yes Yes (Windows only)
    IP/DNS Leak Protection Yes Yes
    🏢 Based in Country British Virgin Islands Germany
    ⚠️ Does VPN Keep Logs No No
    Works in China Yes No
    #️⃣ Number of Device Connections 8 Unlimited
    💻 Device Compatibility Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge

    Plus, a native firmware for routers

    Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
    🔧 Customer Support 24/7 live chat, knowledge base, FAQs, and email Knowledge base, FAQs, phone support, and email

    Streaming — ExpressVPN Works With Considerably More Platforms

    ExpressVPN is much better for streaming than Avira VPN. Avira Phantom VPN worked well for streaming with certain platforms, but there were a few it couldn’t safely access.

    Streaming Platform ExpressVPN Avira Phantom VPN
    Netflix ✅ Yes, including popular Netflix
    libraries like the US, UK, Canada,
    Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan,
    and Switzerland
    ☑️ Yes, but not as reliable for some
    libraries
    Disney+ ✅ Yes ❌ No
    ESPN ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    (HBO) Max ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Hulu ✅ Yes ❌ No
    Sky ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Amazon Prime Video ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    BBC iPlayer ✅ Yes ❌ No
    ABC ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    CBS ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    NBC ✅ Yes ✅ Yes

    ExpressVPN could safely access far more streaming platforms, and it could do so far more reliably, too. We tried a variety of platforms, from global options like Netflix and Prime Video to regional ones like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and ESPN. We could stream in the best possible quality on each one, and we had no buffering or lag issues.

    Avira Phantom VPN was much less reliable for streaming than ExpressVPN. In our tests, it was not able to work with Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. ExpressVPN constantly provides safe access to these platforms, so it’s possible to stream your favorite content in HD from anywhere.

    ExpressVPN also offers a smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer. This allows you to stream on devices that don’t typically support VPNs, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles. MediaStreamer is compatible with several popular streaming services, but not all. A support representative confirmed that it currently supports Netflix, Max, Amazon Prime Video US, and BBC iPlayer.

    Be advised. The VPNs we recommend have strict no-log policies, ensuring they do not track your online activity. When using a VPN, it is your responsibility to comply with any relevant rules or the terms and conditions of the streaming services you access. At vpnMentor, we promote responsible VPN use and do not condone copyright infringement in any form.
    Winner
    Does ExpressVPN or Avira Phantom VPN have better streaming performance? ExpressVPN is much more reliable for streaming. With fast and stable connections and the ability to work with Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and DAZN, it leaves Phantom VPN far behind. 

    Server Network — ExpressVPN Has a Larger Server Network

    ExpressVPN Avira Phantom VPN
    Total Countries With Servers 105 37
    Number of Servers 3,000 1,400

    ExpressVPN stands out because it offers much more extensive server coverage. It covers over three times more countries than Avira Phantom VPN, and the latter’s Asian and African coverage is very poor. Such a robust network minimizes the risk of overcrowded servers and usually contributes to faster speeds.

    Additionally, ExpressVPN runs on RAM-only servers, which wipe your data on every reboot, ensuring your online activity stays private. Avira VPN doesn’t disclose information about its server type.

    Winner
    Which one is better for travelers, ExpressVPN or Avira Phantom VPN? ExpressVPN, as its extensive network of RAM-only servers covers far more countries, so you’ll always be able to find a fast, nearby server. 

    Speed — ExpressVPN Takes the Lead With Faster Speeds

    ExpressVPN delivered significantly faster speeds than Avira Phantom VPN on both nearby and distant servers. We conducted tests from a US location using servers in the US, UK, and Japan. For these tests, we used Lightway for ExpressVPN and OpenVPN for Avira Phantom VPN. It’s worth noting that our base speed was slightly lower when we tested Avira VPN.

    Speed Tests ExpressVPN Average Download Speed Avira Phantom VPN Average Download Speed ExpressVPN Average Upload Speed Avira Phantom VPN Average Upload Speed
    Connected to a US server 152.88 Mbps 26.03 Mbps 58.89 Mbps 10.16 Mbps
    Connected to a UK server 125.23 Mbps 37.86 Mbps 84.14 Mbps 0 Mbps
    Connected to a Japan server 134.68 Mbps 76.13 Mbps 0 Mbps 10.87 Mbps

    On nearby servers, ExpressVPN delivered exceptional speeds, with an average of 152.88 Mbps across our tests. In contrast, Avira Phantom VPN averaged just 58.89 Mbps. In real terms, ExpressVPN’s speed drop was barely noticeable, but the larger drop from Avira did result in web pages taking longer to load.

    The gap widened over longer distances. On a distant UK server, ExpressVPN maintained strong performance at 125.23 Mbps, while Avira Phantom VPN lagged behind at only 37.86 Mbps.

    Winner
    Which VPN performed better in our speed tests, ExpressVPN or Avira Phantom VPN? ExpressVPN was much faster and more reliable than Phantom VPN, largely thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol and extensive server network.

    Gaming — Both VPNs Are Good for Gaming on Nearby Servers

    To determine which VPN is better for gaming, we tested how quickly a device communicates with a server—a metric known as ping, which is essential for gaming performance. For a lag-free experience, ping should stay below 100 ms.

    ExpressVPN (Lightway) Avira Phantom VPN (OpenVPN)
    Quick Connect 4 ms 20 ms
    Connected to a US server 10 ms 22 ms
    Connected to a UK server 113 ms 192 ms
    Connected to a Japan server 148 ma 146 ms

    Both VPNs performed well on nearby servers but struggled with higher ping on distant ones, which is typical for most VPNs. However, ExpressVPN’s ping was significantly lower in almost all cases. For the best gaming experience, we recommend connecting to the closest available server.

    Stumble Guys with the ExpressVPN app connected to a US server in the backgroundWe never had any jittery movements or loading issues

    Winner - draw
    /
    Which VPN works better for gaming, ExpressVPN or Avira Phantom VPN? Both VPNs are suitable for gaming on nearby servers but don’t work well on distant ones. ExpressVPN is generally faster and has more server locations, which makes it easier to find a server close by.

    Torrenting — ExpressVPN Wins With Faster Download Speeds

    Both VPNs support torrenting, but ExpressVPN stands out with faster speeds for speedy downloads. In our tests, we downloaded a 4 GB file was downloaded in just 40 seconds with ExpressVPN, whereas Avira Phantom VPN took over two minutes.

    ExpressVPN also supports port forwarding via router setup, which can further improve speeds — a feature Avira Phantom VPN lacks. If you want to learn more, check out our guide to increasing your torrenting speeds.

    Both VPNs passed leak tests, and neither showed any IPv6, DNS, or WebRTC leaks. However, ExpressVPN provides additional privacy features, including a kill switch on all devices and built-in ad and malicious site blocking. Torrenting sites are often packed with shady ads, so this can help speed up your browsing and keep you safe.

    Important! Torrenting is generally legal in most countries, but downloading copyrighted material without permission is not. Always verify that the files you intend to download via torrent are in the public domain. At vpnMentor, we do not support copyright violations.
    Winner
    Which one offers better security for torrenting, ExpressVPN vs Avira Phantom VPN? ExpressVPN has more security features and includes a kill switch on all devices. It’s also faster and supports port forwarding via router setup. 

    Security — ExpressVPN’s Feature Suite is Robust and Extensive

    ExpressVPN once again takes the lead with a range of well-tested security features, including automatic obfuscation, an ad and malicious site blocker, and more. In comparison, Avira Phantom VPN provides standard security features like AES-256-GCM encryption but lacks additional advanced protection, like obfuscation and RAM-only servers.

    Security Feature ExpressVPN Avira Phantom VPN
    Encryption level AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20/Poly1305, 4096-bit RSA key with SHA-512 HMAC authentication AES-256-GCM (no additional information available)
    Kill switch All operating systems. Use Lightway protocol when activating it on iOS Only on Windows
    DNS/IP leak protection Yes Yes
    Protocols OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, IPSec/IKEv2, and IPSec/L2TP, and Lightway (own proprietary protocol) IPsec (iOS and Android) and SSL/TSL (macOS and Windows)
    Split tunneling Yes No
    Private DNS servers Yes No
    Tor Over VPN servers No No
    RAM-only servers wipe data Yes No
    Ad & malware blocker Yes No
    Double hop servers No No
    Dedicated IP addresses Yes No
    Obfuscation technology Yes No

    ExpressVPN offers its proprietary Lightway protocol, which provides excellent speeds and strong security via 256-bit AES or ChaCha20 encryption — two of the strongest encryption algorithms available. Meanwhile, Avira Phantom VPN relies on IPsec (for iOS and Android), OpenVPN, and SSL/TLS (for macOS and Windows), which are older and generally more vulnerable to security risks.

    You’ll also get far more robust features with ExpressVPN. Its built-in ad and tracker blocker, Advanced Protection, enhances security by blocking malicious websites and intrusive ads. It also includes Parental Controls to restrict access to adult content. While Avira Phantom VPN also blocks malicious sites, I found that ExpressVPN blocked far more ads, helping to speed up my browsing.

    Unlike AviraVPN, ExpressVPN offers a dedicated IP feature. It can’t trace the dedicated IP you’re assigned back to you, maintaining high privacy standards. This feature is currently available as an optional add-on for Android, iOS, and Windows platforms, with plans to expand to more platforms in the future.

    Winner
    Which VPN is most trusted? ExpressVPN emerges as the most trusted VPN due to its robust security features. It’s more feature-rich and supports modern Lightway protocol, which contributes to better speeds and tighter security. 

    Privacy — ExpressVPN Wins With Its Tested Privacy Policy

    DemandSage reports that 80% of individuals use VPNs to enhance security and 66% to safeguard their data2. We carefully examined both VPNs’ privacy policies to make sure your data is in the right hands.

    Both VPNs claim to follow a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy. However, only ExpressVPN has undergone several independent audits that verify these claims. It also demonstrated its commitment to privacy in 2017 when Turkish authorities seized one of its servers and found no user data.

    Avira Phantom VPN’s privacy policy is brief. It states that it doesn’t collect information about the websites and services you use, nor does it track any information that can link you to your online activities. However, none of these claims are backed up by audits, which makes me question their legitimacy.

    ExpressVPN is based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands. Meanwhile, Avira Phantom VPN operates from Germany, a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance, which shares intelligence among member countries. Learn more about these intelligence-sharing alliances in our guide.

    Winner
    Does Avira Phantom VPN keep logs? No, Avira VPN claims not to keep any logs. However, this has not been verified by an independent company. That’s why ExpressVPN takes the win, as its no-logs policy has been extensively audited and its headquarters are based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. 

    Works in China — ExpressVPN Usually Works, But Not Guaranteed

    Few VPNs work in China due to its strict internet restrictions and advanced blocking systems. However, ExpressVPN is one of the more reliable options thanks to its automatic obfuscation technology, which disguises your VPN traffic as regular internet activity. However, like all VPNs in China, occasional connection issues may still occur, and it can’t guarantee 100% uptime.

    ExpressVPN also provides ways to sign up from within China, which is not common among VPNs. Since the country blocks most VPN websites, it’s a good idea to install the app before arriving. However, ExpressVPN’s support team can provide a mirror URL to users outside China, which can then be shared with someone in the country to help with signing up.

    In contrast, Avira Phantom VPN doesn’t work in China. Customer support confirmed that the VPN can’t connect within the country.

    Important! Due to China's internet restrictions, even the most reliable VPNs may experience instability. However, trying ExpressVPN comes with no financial risk, as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Using VPNs that aren’t government-approved is illegal in China, but there have been no publicly reported instances of tourists facing penalties for doing so. Always familiarize yourself with local regulations. My team and I do not encourage violating any laws.
    Winner
    Is ExpressVPN owned by China? No, it doesn’t have any links with China. Thanks to its solid obfuscation technology, ExpressVPN is one of a few Western VPNs that still work in the country

    Installation & Ease of Use — Both VPNs are User-Friendly

    Both VPNs are user-friendly but have different designs - the better choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. ExpressVPN offers a well-balanced interface that combines simplicity with functionality. I like its main screen, which has a large connection button and the selected server location, with easy access to the server list.

    In contrast, Avira Phantom VPN adopts a minimalist but slightly chunky design, providing only a few extra options in addition to the big connection button on the main screen. While this makes it easy for beginners to get started, it lacks many essential features that are standard in most VPNs.

    Why do I have Avira Phantom VPN? Avira Phantom VPN Pro is included in the Avira Prime bundle, which includes a variety of other features, depending on the device you’re using. So, if Avira VPN appeared on your computer and you don’t remember buying it, it’s likely because you purchased Avira Prime.
    Winner - draw
    /
    Which VPN is easier to set up and use, ExpressVPN or Avira VPN? Both services are quick to download and easy to set up. Avira VPN is as simple as it gets, with just a few features available. On the other hand, ExpressVPN’s apps are feature-rich but still very clear and intuitive.

    Reliability & Support — ExpressVPN Wins With Live Chat

    Customer Support Features ExpressVPN Avira Phantom VPN
    24/7 Live chat Yes, responds immediately No
    Email support Yes Yes (ticketing system)
    Phone support No Yes, but it is very difficult to get through
    Step-by-step setup guides Yes, with video tutorials No
    Searchable knowledge base Yes Yes
    Exhaustive FAQ section Yes Yes

    When I tested ExpressVPN’s live chat support with questions about its ad blocker and obfuscation, I connected with an agent quickly each time and received detailed, helpful responses.

    Avira Phantom VPN, however, lacks live chat support — even for Pro users. I had to use its email-based ticketing system to ask Avira about its availability in China. My first support ticket was closed without explanation, forcing me to submit another request. I received an answer after around 16 hours, which isn’t ideal for a paid service.

    Both VPNs offer comprehensive support resources, but ExpressVPN takes the lead with a large knowledge base, live chat, and video tutorials.

    Winner
    Which VPN has better customer support? ExpressVPN wins with 24/7 live chat and a more extensive knowledge base. It also has video tutorials, which is a big help in troubleshooting simple issues.

    Pricing

    ExpressVPN Avira Phantom VPN
    Starting Price $4.99/month $5.99/month
    Price (On Renewal) $116.95 per year
    (subject to change)
    $78 per year
    (subject to change)
    Money-Back Guarantee (Days) 30 days 60 days
    Number of Devices per License 8 Unlimited
    Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices) Easy setup with a dedicated firmware No

    Avira Phantom VPN is the more affordable option, offering both free and Pro plans. The limited free plan has a 500 MB monthly data limit and no additional features, but the Pro plan removes these limits. You can also choose between a slightly more expensive plan that covers all compatible operating systems or a cheaper option for just mobile devices.

    ExpressVPN, while on the pricier side, offers significant discounts of up to 61%. With its long-term subscription, the monthly cost is $4.99/month, and it includes a few extra months of service for free. Given its speed, reliability, and strong security features, the higher price delivers far more value.

    Winner
    Which VPN offers better value for money? ExpressVPN, although slightly more expensive, is the one that gives you much more for the price. Plus, it frequently offers great deals and promotions, so you can usually get a good deal on your first subscription.

    Our Methodology for Testing ExpressVPN vs Avira Phantom VPN

    To ensure a fair comparison, we conducted thorough tests across multiple key areas. We assessed connection speeds on both local and international servers, evaluated streaming performance on popular platforms like Netflix and Disney+, and reviewed torrenting capabilities and privacy policies. We also compared their security features and abilities to work on restricted networks.

    For a deep dive into our testing methods, visit our methodology page. Feel free to use our guidelines to perform your own testing.

    ExpressVPN vs. Avira Phantom VPN — Reddit Opinions

    ExpressVPN is frequently praised for its fast speeds and strong streaming capabilities. Redditors also appreciate its user-friendly interface, well-designed apps, and overall ease of use. Avira Phantom VPN, on the other hand, receives a fair amount of criticism. Many users express concerns about its security and privacy, with some even questioning its safety. However, some Redditors do consider it a reliable option for torrenting.

    Our Score

    Features 9.9/10
    Pricing 9.4/10
    Ease of Use 10.0/10
    Reliability & Support 10.0/10
    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 James Everard
    James Everard Senior Writer
    Our Score: 9.9/10

    ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and trusted names in the industry. It’s known for being one of the safest, fastest VPNs around, so I wanted to see if it can live up to these claims. It’s not the cheapest VPN, but it often offers discounts that make it a better value for the money. Other decent VPNs offer similar features for less in the long term. So, do you really need to pay that much...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    A
    Anonymously
    10.0/10
    TEst Vlad

    My wife and I love the service we get. Never a problem yet! We have a few phones, two laptops, and a d... esktop connected to the VPN with zero concerns. I am excited to tell friends about Express VPN when I have the chance!More

    Latest negative user review
    C
    Charli
    6.0/10
    Ok, but expensive

    Seems ok, but I wouldn't say it's worth $20AUD a month. That's steep if you live in a backwater like A... ustralia, where the currency is not valuable. Easy enough to set up - you don't need to be Einstein - but unless you're a tech nerd who can take a look under the bonnet, you'll just have to trust what they say about their product. It frequently drops out without the slightest warning, often when it's the only thing online at the time - despite fast and flawless fiber internet, rendering expression entirely useless UNLESS you have it sitting on your desktop where you can keep an eagle eye on it to actually see it when it drops out so you can kick it back into service again (it doesn't do it by itself), which seems to defeat its purpose, so I'm taking away 2 stars for that. Support is good and they do get back to you as fast as they can.More

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Doris Muthuri
    Doris Muthuri Former 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

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall

    ExpressVPN stands out with its extensive server network and its proprietary Lightway protocol that enhances speed and security. The TrustedServer technology ensures no data is ever written to a hard drive, In contrast, Avira Phantom VPN offers servers in fewer countries and lacks advanced features like RAM-only servers and split tunneling.

    Best VPN for Torrents

    ExpressVPN wins with P2P support across all its servers, providing fast download speeds for torrenting. While Avira Phantom VPN allows P2P traffic, its limited server network and slower speeds may hinder efficient torrenting.

    Best VPN for Windows

    ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly Windows application compatible with all major versions, including Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. Avira Phantom VPN also offers a Windows app with AES-256 encryption but lacks the advanced features of ExpressVPN.

    Best VPN for Android

    ExpressVPN's Android app is designed for maximum ease of use and includes features like Protection Summary, Security Assistant, and Data Breach Alert, enhancing your security. Avira Phantom VPN offers a user-friendly Android app, but lacks the kill switch and split tunneling.

    Best VPN for Mac

    ExpressVPN's Mac app allows you to choose between a variety of protocols, including its proprietary Lightway protocol that provides consistently fast speeds. Avira Phantom VPN’s macOS app offers DNS leak protection but doesn't provide the same level of customization and speed as ExpressVPN.

    Best VPN for iOS

    ExpressVPN's iOS app is clean and minimal. The Siri integration allows you to connect to servers using voice commands. Avira Phantom VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which is beneficial for multiple Apple devices, but its app lacks the advanced features of ExpressVPN, mainly the kill switch.

    Best VPN for USA

    ExpressVPN operates numerous servers across various US locations and reliably works with services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Max. Avira Phantom VPN also offers dedicated US servers but struggles with Hulu and Max.

    The Bottom Line

    ExpressVPN stands out as the clear winner of this comparison. Its strong performance on streaming platforms, consistently fast speeds, and advanced security features make it one of the best VPN options available.

    Avira Phantom VPN offers a user-friendly interface and a free version, but its lack of advanced security features and questionable privacy practices make it a less reliable choice.

    ExpressVPN's strong reputation and verified commitment to privacy justify its slightly higher price. Plus, you can try it risk-free as it’s backed by a trustworthy 30 -day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you're not satisfied.

    FAQ

    FAQs on ExpressVPN vs Avira Phantom VPN

    Is ExpressVPN better than Avira Phantom VPN?

    Yes, ExpressVPN is generally superior to Avira Phantom VPN. It offers significantly faster speeds, a larger server network, and stronger security and privacy features. Additionally, ExpressVPN is compatible with more streaming platforms.

    Is ExpressVPN faster than Avira Phantom VPN?

    Yes, ExpressVPN is much faster than Avira Phantom VPN. It provides consistently high speeds, even on long-distance servers. With a larger server network and its proprietary Lightway protocol—designed for optimal speed and performance—ExpressVPN is among the fastest VPNs available.

    Do ExpressVPN or Avira Phantom VPN offer any deals?

    Yes, ExpressVPN regularly offers attractive discounts and promotions, with pricing starting at $4.99/month. Avira Phantom VPN Pro occasionally offers money off its plans, too. You can check for the latest deals on our coupon page.

    References

    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: Holiday.com, 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

    Agnieszka is a Junior Writer at vpnMentor and a passionate technology enthusiast with a strong interest in cybersecurity. She specializes in researching and reviewing VPNs to provide readers with honest and in-depth reviews.