In a Nutshell
pros
- Extremely affordable price
- No logging, monitoring or third party tracking
- Unlimited bandwidth 99.9% uptime
cons
- Only available for Windows and Android
- Low number of servers
Privacy
Avira’s Phantom VPN doesn’t have much in the way of advanced features, but its focus on privacy, security and access is evident. Plans include an antivirus feature that helps to protect security by fighting off malicious software (malware) such as spyware and adware.
All users are guaranteed end-to-end 256-bit AES encryption and a beautifully-designed app that’s simple and intuitive to use - even if you’ve never tried a VPN before.
More importantly, Avira has a firm no logging policy and is a member of the ITSMIG (Teletrust IT Security Association Germany), a voluntary association committed to producing software that’s free of hidden backdoors.
You’ll also get access to free antivirus software and Avira’s free Scout browser, which blocks unwanted scripts, prevents third party tracking and ensures you always browse the web using a secure connection.
Features
- End-to-end 256-bit AES encryption
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Free Scout browser
- Chrome extension
- OpenVPN protocol (for Windows/Android), IPSec (for Mac and iOS)
- Kill switch (with Windows)
- PNP File sharing and torrenting
- DNS leak protection
- 5 devices
The Speed Test
While Phantom VPN has a relatively low number of servers (over 34 countries) and IP addresses (only about 1,000), it still boasts 99.9% uptime, unlimited bandwidth and excellent speeds - all on an unlimited amount of simultaneous connections. Also, just 2 years ago Avira only had servers in 13 countries, so as you can see, Avira is continuously expanding its service.
There is also no speed throttling, meaning you won’t be penalized with slower speeds if you’re a heavy user.
Pricing and Deals
*Last updated: July 2019
At $3.72 a month, Avira Phantom VPN’s price definitely falls within the below average range, especially when you consider that all plans include 5 simultaneous devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Torrents
Avira’s website specifically lists PNP file sharing and torrenting capabilities. No further information is provided, but user reviews are positive.
Netflix
It’s likely that for many people, choosing a VPN provider is contingent on whether it can unlock Netflix and connect them to their favorite TV series and movies. Avira’s website makes no mention of Netflix, while it does guarantee access to platforms such as Hulu, Amazon instant video, and HBO Now. Independent reviews, however, have reported success accessing Netflix with Avira Phantom, and Avira’s FAQ recommends downloading the free trial and testing it out on platforms not specifically mentioned in the list.
Client Setup
Setting up Avira is done through an app that requires installation and a single-click process. Setup is the same for desktop and mobile users.
Apps
An app is available for both Android and Apple products.
How Does Avira Phantom Compare
Customer Support
If you use a free plan you don’t have much in terms of live support, but paid plans include access to premium customer support, either by opening a support ticket or via phone.
There’s also a regularly updated blog and a forum which, unfortunately, does not seem to be very active, at least for the time being.
Perhaps Avira’s greatest advantage over competitors is its “Hire an Expert” section, where you can get in touch with a tech consultant via email or live chat. The service is currently available in 10 languages and most of the experts offer a first consultation free of charge.
Finally, you can get in touch with an expert from Avira through its social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter, as well as a very helpful WordPress blog, which gives users the latest on security innovations, trends and developments. The social sites are very active and in addition to giving users an avenue for getting in touch with Avira, provide several educational videos, covering everything from Avira functionality to VPN advantages.
Ease of Use
Avira’s website is easy to navigate and even if you don’t have past experience with its products in the past, you will be able to sign up with ease and find all the relevant information. No matter which devices you choose to use - Windows, Android, iPhone/iPad or Mac, Avira has a VPN for you to block regional restrictions, secure your connections and make all of your online activity anonymous. Plus, it allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, which gives users a ton of flexibility.
No other VPN service we reviewed makes this possible (unless you connect all your devices to the same router).
Avira Phantom VPN bills itself as made “for everyone” - but what exactly does this mean? Let’s take a close look at who Avira thinks can benefit from its VPN services:
- Movie Lovers - 100% freedom to access Netflix, Popcorn time and more.
- World Travelers - access your favorite websites anywhere in the world.
- Privacy Minded - stay private by keeping your online activity personal.
- Gamers - challenge your friends from anywhere on the globe.
- Website Owners - see how your site looks from foreign search engines.
- Security Aware - evade hackers that want to steal your personal information.
FAQs
Q: What information does Avira track?
A: According to the website, Avira tracks information solely for the purpose of diagnostics and internal use. Here is a breakdown of what information it does and does not track:
What it does track:
- Diagnostic data used for product improvement. You can opt out of this at anytime through the interface.
- Whether each client is a paid or free user
- The amount of data each customer consumes
What it doesn’t track:
- Websites you have visited
- The IP addresses you used while surfing
- Your permanent IP address
- Files you’ve downloaded and websites you’ve visited
Q: Where are Avira’s servers?
A: 34 different countries plus 12 US cities.
Bottom Line
With solid encryption, excellent speeds and a bunch of freebies thrown in for good measure, Avira’s Phantom VPN is definitely worth a try. Plus, with a focus on security and virus protection you can browse, surf and stream without fear.
About Avira
Avira has more than 30 years experience in the digital security and privacy sector, and helped pioneer the freemium model for business software. The company has won several awards for its security products, including product of the year for file detection in 2016.
