Using a VPN for free can be a significant advantage, and there are currently numerous free providers available, such as Avira’s Phantom VPN. However, how does this VPN service operate, and is it trustworthy with your data?
What Is Avira?
Avira Operations GmbH, commonly known as Avira, is a German antivirus software provider founded by Tjark Auerbach in 2006. However, the company’s antivirus service has been available since 1986 under the name H+BEDV Datentechnik GmbH. In 2001, an American firm acquired the company, and it was not until 2006 that the name was changed to Avira.
Avira offers three antivirus services to its users, two of which are paid (Internet Security and Prime), and one that is free (Free Security). Although the free package does not provide as many features as the paid plans, it still offers adequate protection, including device scans, regular updates, malware quarantine, a firewall, and a free Phantom VPN.
Avira’s Phantom VPN was launched ten years after the company’s establishment, in 2016. The VPN is available with both free and paid antivirus plans, but it can also be downloaded separately for free. So, what features does this VPN offer?
Pros of Avira’s Phantom VPN
If you’re considering Avira’s Phantom VPN, the crucial question is whether it can provide adequate protection. Let’s begin by discussing encryption, a fundamental aspect of any VPN service.
Here are some potential pros of Avira’s Phantom VPN:
- Security: Avira’s Phantom VPN offers strong encryption to keep your online activity private and secure.
- User-friendly: The VPN is easy to use, and its interface is intuitive, making it an excellent option for beginners.
- No logs policy: Avira claims to have a no-logs policy, which means that it does not track or store your online activity.
- Availability: The VPN is available on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
- Free option: Avira offers a free version of its VPN, making it accessible to those who may not be able to afford a paid VPN service.
- Unlimited data: The paid versions of Avira’s Phantom VPN offer unlimited data, which means that you can browse and download without worrying about hitting any limits.
- Multiple servers: Avira has a wide network of servers in different locations, giving you the flexibility to choose a server that is closer to your location or that has fewer users, ensuring faster speeds.
- Ad blocker: Avira’s Phantom VPN includes an ad blocker feature, which can prevent ads from appearing on your device, improving your browsing experience.
Avira’s Phantom VPN can be downloaded on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, either directly from Avira’s website or through the Apple or Google Play store for mobile devices. However, how does the Phantom VPN app compare to other VPN apps? Is it worth installing?
The Avira Phantom VPN App
Avira’s Phantom VPN app is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it accessible to users of all technical levels.
The app’s main screen features a VPN activation button, a monthly data cap display (which we will discuss later), and a data usage tracker. By selecting the three horizontal lines at the top-left of the screen, users can access additional features such as server locations, settings, and auto-connect options.
In addition, the Avira Phantom VPN app allows users to switch from OpenVPN to WireGuard with ease, which can be a significant advantage for those who prefer WireGuard over OpenVPN.
The Cons of Avira’s Phantom VPN
Here are some potential cons of Avira’s Phantom VPN:
- Data cap: The free version of the VPN comes with a limited monthly data cap of 500MB, which may not be sufficient for heavy internet users.
- Limited features: Avira’s Phantom VPN lacks some advanced features, such as split tunnelling or a kill switch, compared to other VPN services.
- No streaming support: Avira’s Phantom VPN does not currently support streaming services like Netflix, which may be a drawback for some users.
- Limited server network: While Avira has servers in various locations, the total number of servers available is relatively limited compared to other VPN providers.
- Questionable jurisdiction: Avira is headquartered in Germany, part of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance, raising concerns about privacy and data protection.
- Inconsistent speeds: Users have reported inconsistent connection speeds with Avira’s Phantom VPN, with some experiencing slow connections.
- No anonymous payment options: Avira’s Phantom VPN only accepts payment through traditional methods such as credit cards and PayPal, which may not be suitable for users who value anonymity.
Avira’s Phantom VPN Connection Speeds
Avira’s Phantom VPN connection speeds can vary depending on several factors, such as the user’s location, the server location, and the user’s internet speed. Some users have reported slow connection speeds with Avira’s Phantom VPN, while others have experienced faster connections.
Using a VPN can potentially slow down your internet connection speed, and this is also the case with Avira’s Phantom VPN. During our testing, we observed a significant drop in download speed from 78.32 Mbps to 35.55 Mbps, which could be a concern for users who engage in bandwidth-intensive activities such as streaming, online gaming, or video calling.
In addition to the download speed, we observed a decrease in upload speed when using Avira’s Phantom VPN. Specifically, the upload speed decreased from 17.51 Mbps to 14.08 Mbps. While this decrease was not as significant as the drop in download speed, it is still important to consider if you engage in activities that require a higher upload speed, such as video conferencing or uploading large files.
Lower connection speeds can result in buffering, crashes, and other issues, which may be frustrating for users. Therefore, it is important to consider your internet usage requirements before choosing a VPN, especially if you prioritize faster connection speeds.
In general, Avira’s Phantom VPN may not be the best choice for users who require consistently fast connection speeds, such as those who regularly stream high-definition videos or play online games. However, for users who prioritize privacy and security over speed, Avira’s Phantom VPN can still provide adequate protection.
Avira VPN and its drawbacks
Although Avira’s Phantom VPN has a low data limit and can significantly affect your connection speeds, it may still be a suitable choice for users who require a basic VPN for occasional internet usage. While it may not be the best option for users who need faster speeds or higher data limits, it can still provide adequate privacy and security for general browsing and online activities.
Would you like to read more about the Pros and Cons of Avira’s Free Phantom VPN-related articles? If so, we invite you to take a look at our other tech topics before you leave!
