Avira Phantom VPN Review In today’s digital world, online privacy and security are more important than ever. With cyber threats on the rise and data breaches becoming increasingly common, protecting your personal information while browsing the internet is crucial. One popular tool that many people turn to is a virtual private network (VPN).
Avira Phantom VPN is one such option that promises to keep your online activities private and secure. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at Avira Phantom VPN’s pricing, plans, features, pros, and cons to help you determine if it’s the right choice for you. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of Avira Phantom VPN!
Avira Phantom VPN Review
Avira Phantom VPN originates from a renowned antivirus company and provides reliable speeds, a functional kill switch, top-notch encryption, and even a free version. Nevertheless, Avira VPN has some drawbacks including a limited number of servers, the inability to access Netflix, and the absence of WireGuard on its Windows app. This is not surprising as no VPN developed by an antivirus provider has ever been ranked among our top recommendations.
If you desire a comprehensive VPN experience, there are faster services available that excel in streaming and offer extensive server networks, such as NordVPN. In this review of Avira Phantom VPN, I will subject it to our standard testing procedure. This evaluation will provide insights into the performance of the service and allow for a comparison with other tools available in the market.
Avira Phantom VPN Review Key Informations
| NordVPN | Avira Phantom VPN | |
| ⭐ Rating: | ||
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #1 out of #42 | #30 out of #42 |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 5,900 + servers in 60 countries | 150 + servers in 34 countries |
| 📖 No logs policy: | No logs | No logs |
| 💵 Price: | From $2.99/month | from $4.88/month |
| 🔥 Coupons: | NordVPN coupon 69% OFF | Avira VPN coupon 51% OFF |
| 🔒 VPN protocols: | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard (NordLynx) | OpenVPN (TCP), IPsec, WireGuard |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Youtube |
| 🖥️ Platforms: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS |
| 📥 Simultaneous connections: | 6 | Unlimited |
| 💁🏻 Support: | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, phone |
Phantom VPN Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Avira Phantom VPN Full Review
Avira Phantom VPN is a popular choice for those looking to enhance their online privacy and security. With a variety of pricing plans available, including a free option, users have the flexibility to choose the plan that best suits their needs and budget. The features offered by Avira Phantom VPN are comprehensive, including secure encryption, anonymous browsing, and access to geo-restricted content.
Some of the pros of using Avira Phantom VPN include its user-friendly interface, strong security measures, and fast connection speeds. However, there are also some cons to consider, such as limited server locations and a lack of advanced customization options. Overall, Avira Phantom VPN is a reliable VPN service that provides an added layer of protection for your online activities.
Speed and performance: Is Avira VPN fast?
Reviewing VPN speeds can be a challenging task as they are subjective and can vary. To overcome this, we select the same locations and connect to them using all available tunneling protocols, just like we do with other VPN services. By comparing these speeds to our baseline speeds, we can get a rough idea of how well a VPN performs on average.
In the case of Avira Phantom VPN, it relies on OpenVPN TCP and IPsec tunneling protocols. There is also WireGuard, but it is only accessible on Android. However, testing its speeds would require a different device than our test unit, which could distort the findings. This is because speed changes could be influenced by the use of a different network card. Therefore, we have excluded it from our speed test scores. Baseline: 300 Mbps download/300 Mbps upload
OpenVPN TCP
| Location | Download Speed (Mbps) | Upload Speed (Mbps) |
| US (NY) | 142 | 53 |
| US (FL) | 99 | 61 |
| US (LA) | 65 | 3 |
| UK | 272 | 54 |
| Germany | 246 | 74 |
| Japan | 49 | 4 |
| Singapore | 29 | 40 |
| Australia | 56 | 47 |
| Poland | 243 | 116 |
| India | 78 | 8 |
| Chile | 25 | 4 |
OpenVPN usually offers two options: TCP and UDP. TCP is known to be slower than UDP, but it provides better connection reliability. However, Avira’s Phantom VPN challenges this notion to some extent. On average, download speeds are reduced by 60%, which is not as significant as the 84% drop experienced by other dedicated VPNs. While TCP significantly affects upload speeds, reducing them by an average of 86%, it is still suitable for most online activities and offers greater security compared to UDP. Therefore, there is value in using TCP for VPN services.
IPsec
| Location | Download Speed (Mbps) | Upload Speed (Mbps) |
| US (NY) | 281 | 5 |
| US (FL) | 256 | 1 |
| US (LA) | 239 | 1 |
| UK | 285 | 17 |
| Germany | 282 | 9 |
| Japan | 188 | 4 |
| Singapore | 90 | 2 |
| Australia | 269 | 3 |
| Poland | 270 | 53 |
| India | 245 | 9 |
| Chile | 70 | 10 |
Avira Phantom offers IPsec as an alternative tunneling protocol in their apps. Generally, IPsec provides faster speeds compared to OpenVPN (TCP). In our tests, we observed a minimal average decrease of 25% in download speed, which is quite impressive considering the nature of IPsec.
However, when it comes to upload speeds, there is a significant average drop of 96%. These numbers indicate a substantial impact on upload performance. In general, most VPN services tend to have slower upload speeds. This is usually acceptable since the majority of users utilize VPNs for downloading rather than uploading. In this regard, Avira Phantom sacrifices upload speeds but maintains high download rates overall.
Streaming: Does Avira Phantom VPN work with Netflix?
Most major VPN providers make a big deal about their ability to unblock streaming services. However, Avira Phantom takes a more understated approach, and I soon discovered why. I was unable to access US-exclusive Netflix content despite using the VPN. While I could still watch videos, the available content was the same as what I could access in my home country. It was surprising that I didn’t encounter any proxy errors.
Unfortunately, Avira Phantom also had difficulties with other services. It failed to work with BBC iPlayer, as the VPN was detected and access to the content was blocked. The only instance where it successfully unblocked restricted content was with YouTube. It allowed me to view sports highlights that were not available with a European IP address. While this provides some hope, it’s important to note that if your main goal is unblocking geo-restricted content, Avira Phantom may not be the best choice.
Is Phantom VPN good and safe for torrenting?
Avira Phantom VPN doesn’t provide much information about its torrenting capabilities, except for a single line in the pricing section of their product. Their website does not state whether it supports peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers, which are necessary for uTorrent or BitTorrent apps to function correctly.
However, during my test, I found that Avira Phantom VPN is compatible with torrent clients. The download speed reached a maximum of 17MB/s (136mbps), which is an impressive result. This means that you can download a 1 GB Linux ISO in approximately 3 minutes, which is quite impressive. The overall experience was seamless, and no difficulties were encountered. Although I would have preferred if the provider explicitly explained their torrenting policy, it is understandable why they have not done so.
Avira Phantom VPN features
Malicious site blocking
Despite the limited settings available, Avira Phantom VPN offers a feature to enable blocks for malicious sites. By activating this toggle, any web content identified as dangerous will be filtered out, ensuring safe browsing. Notorious websites will not even load in your browser, providing an additional layer of security.
In addition to spam, phishing, and other fraudulent URLs, this also encompasses intrusive ads and trackers. To enhance the level of filtered links, it is advisable to use an adblocker alongside this VPN.
Automations
Some users prefer not to manually toggle the VPN on and off. In certain situations, it is desirable for the VPN to connect automatically. Fortunately, Avira Phantom VPN offers the option to pre-set automatic VPN connection for specific networks. For instance, when you connect to the public Wi-Fi at your favorite coffee shop, Avira will automatically establish a connection.
There are alternative choices available, such as initiating the system upon startup. Each time you restart your device, Avira will also automatically launch in the background. This feature can be highly advantageous and save you the effort of clicking. However, it should be noted that many VPN services offer comparable functionalities, so this is not a distinctive feature of Avira.
Is Avira Phantom VPN safe?
Avira Phantom VPN is a VPN service that prioritizes security. It appears that their technical specifications align with those utilized by top-tier providers. However, there is room for improvement in terms of their privacy policy and overall transparency. These aspects are the key factors impeding the progress of the service.
Encryption
According to their website, Avira Phantom VPN utilizes the 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard. This encryption standard is widely employed by numerous VPN service providers, password managers, and banking institutions. It is widely acknowledged that this level of encryption is extremely difficult to crack due to its lengthy and complex bit string. Even the most advanced computers are unable to accomplish this feat. Consequently, your data remains secure. However, they do not provide specific details regarding the hashing of your credentials or the authentication process. This information could be of interest to individuals with technical expertise who wish to understand the inner workings of the system.
Tunneling protocols
Although Avira Phantom VPN only offers a limited number of tunneling protocols, the available options are reliable and effective. The VPN service utilizes two primary protocols: OpenVPN and IKEv2. OpenVPN is known for its robust security features and is often considered the gold standard for VPN protocols. On the other hand, IKEv2 is known for its speed and stability, making it an excellent choice for streaming and gaming. While Avira Phantom VPN’s protocol offering may be limited, the ones that are available are well-suited to meet most users’ needs.
OpenVPN TCP
The mode comes with built-in error correction functionality, ensuring that data packets are only exchanged when the VPN server acknowledges the device. As a result, although communication may be slower, it is more reliable and secure compared to UDP mode.
IPsec
It is a collection of multiple other protocols that are utilized for the exchange and encryption of data. However, it is widely acknowledged as being one of the most superior tunneling protocols.
WireGuard
WireGuard, the latest open-source tunneling protocol, stands out for its remarkable security and speed. However, it is important to note that it is still in the developmental stage as a protocol and has not gained as much popularity as other alternatives. At present, WireGuard can only be accessed through the Android version of Avira Phantom.
While Avira Phantom may not offer the widest range of tunneling protocols, it does prioritize the essential ones. It provides the OpenVPN TCP protocol for safety and the IPsec option for speed. Although WireGuard is only accessible on Android devices, its inclusion as a feature demonstrates their commitment to enhancing their service, which is advantageous for their users.
Kill switch
The kill switch tests conducted this time were somewhat out of the ordinary. The service offers different versions of the app on app stores and their website. We carried out tests using both versions. In the first test, we implemented customized rules on the router to obstruct the connection. In the second test, certain app processes were terminated to assess the response of the kill switch. All these experiments provided us with valuable insights into what you can expect in case of a sudden disconnection from the service.
Regardless of whether you are using the Windows Store app or the one available through the Avira Phantom website, rest assured that the kill switch functions effectively. It was activated during both tests but no notification was received regarding its activation. By clicking on the disconnect button, I was able to regain Internet access. As a result, this action also disables the kill switch if you wish to connect without it.
The app’s balance wasn’t affected by the second test either. I successfully terminated the OpenVPN process on the app downloaded from the website, which immediately activated the kill switch and deactivated the connection.
It was only after disconnecting manually that I regained internet access. On the other hand, I was unable to disrupt any processes of the Windows Store version of the app as they were instantly recreated. In general, Avira’s kill switch is impressive. It stands out as one of the rare examples where it triggers even when interfering with app processes. Additionally, it works flawlessly in blocking connections to their servers.
Logging
The privacy policy of Avira’s Phantom VPN is a small portion of Avira’s overall privacy policy. While certain ground rules apply to all products, each product has its own unique details that are further explained. Avira assures users that they will not keep records of the websites they visit, their actual IP address, or the virtual IP addresses they are assigned.
This guarantee provides reassurance that user privacy will be respected. However, regardless of whether you are using the free or paid version, some minimal information is logged, such as data usage and account type. Additionally, there is an option to disable the collection of diagnostic data through a toggle in the settings.
The issue stems from their geographical position. Avira Operations GmbH & Co is situated in Germany, a country that is part of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. As revealed by the Snowden leaks, member countries have the ability to access data directly from Internet Service Providers and exchange it with one another.
To add to the problem, Germany is also subject to certain local laws regarding data retention, which Avira must adhere to. Given this unfavorable location, Avira Phantom could potentially benefit from greater transparency. This could work in their favor by assuring users that they are capable of safeguarding their anonymity even in these challenging circumstances.
Servers and locations
The server fleet of this service is not the largest. They have a total of 150+ servers spread across 34 countries, which can be considered underwhelming. The information regarding whether these servers are hardware-based or virtual is unclear. As a result, it is difficult to determine the extent of value one can expect from this service.
| Regions | Number of countries |
| Europe | 24 countries |
| Americas | 5 countries |
| Asia-Pacific | 5 countries |
Avira Phantom VPN does not offer global coverage as there are no servers in Africa or the Middle East, and only a limited number of options available in Asian countries. However, when it comes to choices, Europe has the most extensive range compared to other continents which are significantly lagging behind.
Plans and pricing
Avira Phantom VPN can be acquired through various methods. One option is to purchase the mobile version individually, which offers a more affordable price. Alternatively, you have the choice of subscribing to a regular plan that includes coverage for all device types. This option is available as part of the Avira Prime package, which also includes their other products. The price will vary depending on the route you select.
| Version | Price |
| Phantom VPN Pro (mobile only) | $5.99/month |
| Avira Prime | $9.99/month |
| Phantom VPN Pro | $10.00/month, $78.00/year, or $117/two years |
If your requirement for a VPN is limited to your phone, you can consider choosing Phantom VPN Pro for mobile. This particular option is designed exclusively for mobile devices running on either Android or iOS operating systems and is priced at $5.99 per month. It should be noted that WireGuard is available only on the Android version, so this could be a favorable choice for you.
Phantom VPN Pro offers compatibility with desktop devices and does not impose any restrictions based on operating systems. There are three subscription options available: a 2-year plan priced at $117 for the entire duration, an annual plan costing $78 per year, and a monthly plan priced at $10.00. It is worth noting that the monthly cost is distributed to $6.50 per month, making it only $0.51 more expensive than the mobile version.
Introducing Avira Prime, now available for purchase. The pricing options are as follows: $9.99 for a 1-month subscription, $59.99 for a 1-year subscription, $189 for a two-year subscription, and $279.99 for a three-year subscription.
One could argue that it is more practical to opt for Avira Prime in order to receive their VPN as an additional benefit. Payment can be made using PayPal, credit cards, or SEPA direct debit cards. Unfortunately, cryptocurrency alternatives are not accepted, which may disappoint some customers. However, they do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring that if you are unsatisfied with your purchase, obtaining a refund will be hassle-free.
Free version
Avira Phantom offers a free version that allows users to enjoy its services without any cost. There is no need to provide payment details or an email address for installation or usage. However, there are some disadvantages associated with this version. Users do not have the option to select the server they want to connect to; the app automatically chooses a server based on their location.
This means that cross-continent surfing is not possible. Additionally, there is a default data cap of 500MB per month, which can make the service practically unusable after just one hour of browsing. Users can increase this data cap by providing their email address.
However, the increase is only up to 1GB per month, which does not effectively solve the problem. The app also lacks certain features, such as the kill switch. Overall, there are few reasons to consider using Avira’s Phantom free version as it has significant limitations and may not provide much utility.
Easy Use Interface Environment
When it comes to interface and ease of use, Avira Phantom VPN has received positive reviews. The user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to navigate and set up the VPN service. With just a few clicks, users can connect to their desired server location and start browsing anonymously. The app is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, ensuring that users can enjoy a seamless experience across all their devices.
Additionally, Avira Phantom VPN offers a range of features such as AES 256-bit encryption, automatic Wi-Fi security, and a strict no-logs policy. However, some users have reported occasional connection issues or slower speeds during peak hours. Overall, Avira Phantom VPN provides a solid interface and ease of use that caters to both novice and experienced VPN users.
Windows
As previously stated, Avira Phantom offers two different app versions: one available through the Windows Store and another provided directly from their website. It is worth noting that these versions exhibit slight variations in performance.
Consistently, the app’s Windows Store version consistently caused DNS leaks. This was not an isolated incident, as it happened with all the servers I tested. However, this issue was not present in their website client. It is crucial to note that DNS leaks can jeopardize your identity by exposing your actual IP address and location.
Regarding the application itself, its appearance remains the same on both versions. It is user-friendly, albeit fairly simple, and provides the option to select a country but not specific servers. Users can switch between light and dark themes, set it to launch upon startup, and block harmful websites.
macOS
Similar to Windows, macOS also offers two different versions of the app. One can be accessed through the App Store, while the other is available on the Avira Phantom VPN website. These versions have distinct configurations: the App Store version utilizes IPsec, whereas the other version employs OpenVPN TCP. Each of these tunneling protocols offers unique advantages. It is unfortunate that you are unable to experience both options.
Both apps have the same features, disregarding any protocols. They both offer options for automatic launch on startup, disabling diagnostic information sharing, and blocking harmful websites. Additionally, they include a switch for toggling between light and dark mode.
Android
The design of the Avira Phantom VPN app closely resembles the desktop versions, maintaining a minimalist approach while still providing enough information for novice users to navigate effortlessly and locate their desired features.
While the app is lacking certain features when compared to its desktop version, it does offer unique functionalities. One such example is the absence of a kill switch, but it does include WireGuard. Upon connecting with the app, I noticed that the speeds were superior to those achieved with OpenVPN. Nevertheless, the disparity was minimal, resulting in only a 3% enhancement for both download and upload speeds.
iOS
The iOS app closely resembles the Android app, with the exception of lacking WireGuard and OpenVPN. Its main reliance is on IPsec as its sole option.
Enabling the kill switch is not possible as it is not a feature included in the app. However, you can still configure the app to automatically connect to untrusted Wi-Fi networks and there is also a toggle available to disable sending of diagnostic data. Apart from these options, there are no other settings or adjustments available.
Customer support
Avira’s product presentation is somewhat lacking in detail and coverage. While they do have an online knowledge section, it falls short when it comes to addressing certain topics such as the implementation of authentication mechanisms and the use of virtual servers. Their guides, though helpful for basic understanding, are not sufficient for those seeking more advanced setups. If assistance is needed, users can post questions on Avira’s message board, contact them through email or phone, but live chat support is not available.
Is Avira Phantom VPN any good?
Avira Phantom VPN is a lightweight service that occasionally achieves decent speeds. However, there may be occasional speed drops that can negatively impact your VPN experience while streaming YouTube (as the VPN does not unblock other streaming services). Although it may not be the most feature-rich tool available, Avira VPN is secure and provides good performance for torrenting.
It utilizes military-grade encryption and includes a functional kill switch. Additionally, Avira Phantom VPN offers a free version that does not require payment details or an email address. However, the 500MB data limit can be quite frustrating. Furthermore, the selection of tunneling protocols is somewhat peculiar as OpenVPN UDP is not available at all. In summary, if you do not require a VPN to unblock various streaming platforms or prioritize hardcore anonymity in countries like China, Avira Phantom is a reasonable choice when purchasing the Avira Prime antivirus package.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Avira Phantom VPN Review
Does Avira Phantom VPN have an Adblocker?
No, Avira Phantom VPN does not come with an adblocker. It is designed to filter out malicious websites, but it does not have the capability to disable irritating advertisements. If you wish to eliminate those, you will require a separate tool.
Does Avira Phantom VPN work in China?
The availability of functioning VPNs in China is constantly changing. The most reliable approach would be to reach out to their customer support representatives and inquire about the current status.
Does Avira Phantom VPN have a free version?
Indeed, Avira Phantom VPN offers a free version that allows users to utilize it without the requirement of signing up or providing their email address.
Bottom Line
Avira Phantom VPN is a powerful and reliable VPN service that offers a range of features to enhance your online security and privacy. With its affordable pricing plans, user-friendly interface, and strong encryption protocols, Avira Phantom VPN is a top choice for anyone looking to protect their sensitive information while browsing the web. Whether you’re using public Wi-Fi or accessing geo-restricted content, this VPN will ensure that your data remains secure and anonymous. If you’re in need of a trustworthy VPN solution, give Avira Phantom VPN a try today and experience the benefits for yourself.