Compare OpenVPN Connect and AVG Secure VPN: Which App is the Best?
AVG Secure VPN is a security-focused VPN service with 5M+ downloads and 4.4/5 rating, offering reliable protection and easy-to-use interface, though it has faced some recent connection issues and customer service challenges. | OpenVPN Connect is the official OpenVPN client with 10M+ downloads and 4.6/5 rating, offering enterprise-grade security and open-source transparency, though it requires technical setup and a compatible VPN server. | |
| Key Features A summary of the most important features offered by each app. |
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| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 7.3 | 8.3 Winner in this category |
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 |
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 0 | 0 |
| Average rating Average user rating across all browsers, calculated from available store ratings. | — ⭐ | — ⭐ |
| Entry Level Price The minimum price required to start using the app. "Free" means a free tier is available. | Free | Free |
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. |  Downloads | Downloads |
| iOS User rating and stats for the app on iOS browser. |  | |
| Features Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Features' aspect of each app. | 7.5 AVG Secure VPN offers a solid set of features that justify its security-focused positioning. The service includes basic VPN functionality, automatic connection on unsecured networks, and integration with AVG's broader security ecosystem. The dashboard widget for quick access and automatic threat protection provide comprehensive security options for different use cases. What sets AVG Secure VPN apart is its integration with AVG's security suite, offering users a comprehensive security solution. The service also includes advanced features like automatic connection on unsecured networks and dashboard widget for quick access, making it more than just a basic VPN. However, the service lacks some advanced features found in dedicated VPN providers, such as specialized servers for specific use cases and some cutting-edge privacy features. The service also doesn't offer some advanced features like obfuscated servers or specialized streaming servers that some competitors provide. Compared to other security-focused VPNs like Proton VPN or dedicated VPNs like NordVPN, AVG Secure VPN offers good features, but the connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. The service provides good value for users who need comprehensive security features. | 9.0 OpenVPN Connect offers an exceptional set of enterprise-grade features that justify its reputation as the gold standard for VPN clients. The app includes AES-256 encryption, TLS 1.3 support, split-tunneling, kill switch, and auto-reconnect capabilities. The service also includes advanced features like device posture checks and SAML SSO support, making it more than just a basic VPN client. What sets OpenVPN Connect apart is its open-source nature and enterprise focus. The app also includes advanced features like IPv6 and DNS leak protection, HTTP proxy configuration, and support for multiple authentication methods including certificates and MFA. However, the service lacks some consumer-friendly features found in all-in-one VPN services, such as built-in server access and simplified setup. The service also doesn't offer some advanced features like specialized streaming servers or geo-blocking bypass that some consumer VPNs provide. Compared to other VPN solutions like Proton VPN or NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect offers superior features for enterprise use, but the lack of built-in service makes it less suitable for casual users. The service provides excellent value for users who need enterprise-grade VPN functionality. Winner in this category |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 6.0 AVG Secure VPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent connection speeds and server coverage, but the frequent connection problems and customer service issues make it difficult to use reliably. The service works well for basic security protection when connected, but many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection stability issues are particularly concerning given the security-focused positioning. The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the security-focused positioning. Users expect reliability and performance from a security-focused service, but AVG Secure VPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives that offer similar features with better performance. Compared to other security-focused VPNs like Proton VPN or dedicated VPNs like NordVPN, AVG Secure VPN's performance is below average. The connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the security-focused positioning, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability. | 8.5 OpenVPN Connect's performance is excellent when properly configured, with fast connection speeds and reliable operation. The service offers excellent connection stability and performance, with users reporting consistent speeds and minimal disconnections when using compatible servers. The service works well for enterprise VPN protection, with users reporting reliable connections and good performance. The connection stability is excellent, and the service handles various network conditions well. The service's performance is particularly strong for enterprise use cases, with users reporting excellent reliability and speed. The open-source nature and enterprise focus ensure optimal performance for professional use. Compared to other VPN solutions like Proton VPN or NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect's performance is excellent when properly configured. The service provides reliable performance for users who need enterprise-grade VPN functionality. Winner in this category |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 8.0 AVG Secure VPN's interface strikes a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to VPN controls, server selection, and key settings. The dashboard widget is easily accessible, and the interface is clean and modern. The app's design is intuitive and well-organized, with clear navigation between different features. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the settings menu is well-structured. The interface doesn't overwhelm users with complex options while still providing access to advanced features. The interface is generally user-friendly and provides good visual feedback about connection status and app performance. The design reflects the security-focused positioning of the service, making it easy for users to manage their VPN connection. Compared to other security-focused VPNs like Proton VPN or dedicated VPNs like NordVPN, AVG Secure VPN's design is competitive and well-polished. The interface is functional and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience. Winner in this category | 7.5 OpenVPN Connect's interface strikes a good balance between functionality and enterprise usability. The main screen provides quick access to connection profiles, server settings, and security options. The interface is clean and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience for enterprise users. The app's design is functional and well-organized, with clear navigation between different features. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the settings menu is comprehensive. The interface provides good visual feedback about connection status and security features. The interface is generally user-friendly for technical users and provides good visual feedback about connection status and security features. The design reflects the enterprise positioning of the service, making it suitable for professional use. Compared to other VPN clients like Proton VPN or NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect's design is functional but not as polished for consumer use. The interface is professional and functional, with good attention to detail for enterprise users. |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 7.0 AVG Secure VPN's value proposition is mixed, with good security features but questionable reliability for the price. The service offers competitive pricing compared to other security-focused VPNs, with the ability to get comprehensive security features for a reasonable price being a significant advantage. The service's pricing is competitive with other security-focused VPNs, and the integration with AVG's security suite makes it particularly attractive for users who want a comprehensive security solution. The comprehensive features and privacy protection add value beyond basic VPN functionality. However, the service's value is impacted by recent connection issues and customer service challenges. Many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives. Compared to other security-focused VPNs like Proton VPN or dedicated VPNs like NordVPN, AVG Secure VPN offers good features but at a similar cost. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations. | 8.5 OpenVPN Connect's value proposition is excellent for enterprise users, with free access to enterprise-grade features and complete transparency. The service offers exceptional value compared to other enterprise VPN solutions, with the ability to get enterprise-grade security for free being a significant advantage. The service's pricing is exceptional for enterprise use, and the open-source nature makes it particularly attractive for organizations that want complete control and transparency. The comprehensive features and security protection add value beyond basic VPN functionality. However, the service's value is impacted by the requirement for technical setup and server infrastructure. Many users need to invest in server hosting or compatible services. The technical requirements make it less suitable for casual users who just want a simple VPN solution. Compared to other VPN solutions like Proton VPN or NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect offers exceptional value for enterprise users but requires significant technical investment. The service provides excellent value for users who need enterprise-grade VPN functionality. Winner in this category |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 7.0 AVG Secure VPN is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple interface that requires no technical knowledge. The app's design is intuitive, and most users can get started quickly without any setup or configuration. The service offers automatic VPN connection and dashboard widget for quick access, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the VPN connection process is straightforward. The service works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly. However, the service's ease of use is compromised by recent connection issues and customer service challenges. Many users report VPN connection failures and the need to manually reconnect multiple times. The app can be slow to connect, and some users experience issues with the auto-connect feature not working reliably. Compared to other security-focused VPNs like Proton VPN or dedicated VPNs like NordVPN, AVG Secure VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The connection stability issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a security-focused service. Winner in this category | 6.0 OpenVPN Connect is moderately easy to use for technical users, but requires significant setup knowledge for basic functionality. The app's design is functional, but most users need technical knowledge to configure servers and import profiles. The service works well for enterprise users who understand VPN protocols. The service offers profile import and URL-based setup, making it accessible to users with technical knowledge. The app doesn't require complex configuration for basic use, and the VPN connection process is straightforward once configured. The service works well for most enterprise use cases and provides good performance when properly set up. However, the service's ease of use is compromised by the requirement for technical setup and server configuration. Many users report difficulty with initial setup and the need for technical knowledge. The app can be complex to configure, and some users experience issues with profile imports and server compatibility. Compared to other VPN solutions like Proton VPN or NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect's ease of use is significantly more complex. The technical requirements make it unsuitable for casual users who just want a simple VPN solution. |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 8.0 AVG Secure VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with basic encryption and a no-logs policy. The service includes automatic connection on unsecured networks and integration with AVG's broader security ecosystem. The dashboard widget for quick access and automatic threat protection provide additional security options. The service's privacy features are comprehensive for a security-focused solution, with no-logs policy and automatic connection on unsecured networks. The service also includes advanced features like integration with AVG security suite and automatic threat protection for enhanced security and privacy protection. However, AVG Secure VPN has faced some security concerns in the past, particularly around its data collection practices and VPN reliability. While the company has maintained its privacy commitments, some users remain concerned about the service's data practices and connection stability. Compared to other security-focused VPNs like Proton VPN or dedicated VPNs like NordVPN, AVG Secure VPN's security practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high security requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features. | 10 OpenVPN Connect takes security and privacy to the highest level, with enterprise-grade encryption and open-source transparency. The service includes AES-256 encryption, TLS 1.3 support, and advanced features like kill switch and DNS leak protection. The service also includes advanced features like device posture checks for enhanced security. The service's privacy features are exceptional, with complete open-source transparency and no data collection. The service also includes advanced features like IPv6 protection and split-tunneling for enhanced security and privacy protection. OpenVPN Connect has an impeccable security record, with regular security audits and community oversight. The open-source nature ensures complete transparency, and the enterprise focus means the highest security standards are maintained. Compared to other VPN solutions like Proton VPN or NordVPN, OpenVPN Connect's security practices are unmatched. The service provides the highest level of protection for users who prioritize security and transparency. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | AVG Secure VPN is a security-focused VPN service that offers reliable protection and easy-to-use interface, but its value proposition is compromised by recent connection issues and customer service challenges. The service provides good security features and integration with AVG's broader security ecosystem, but the connection problems and customer service issues make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives.
For users who prioritize security and are willing to work within the app's limitations, AVG Secure VPN offers a solid feature set with good performance when working. However, those seeking specialized VPN functionality or experiencing connection issues might find better value with dedicated VPN services like Proton VPN that offer more reliable performance.
Ultimately, AVG Secure VPN's security-focused approach and integration with AVG's security suite make it a good choice for users seeking comprehensive security, but the connection stability issues and customer service problems make it difficult to recommend over more reliable alternatives like Proton VPN that offer similar features with better performance. | OpenVPN Connect is the gold standard for enterprise VPN clients, offering unmatched security, transparency, and control. The app's open-source nature and enterprise-grade features make it the top choice for users who prioritize security and are willing to invest in the technical setup required.
For users who need the highest level of VPN security and transparency, OpenVPN Connect is unmatched. However, those seeking a simple consumer VPN solution might find it overly complex compared to all-in-one services that handle both client and server components, such as Proton VPN or NordVPN.
Ultimately, OpenVPN Connect's enterprise focus and open-source transparency make it the best choice for security-conscious users and organizations, but the technical requirements and lack of built-in service make it unsuitable for casual users who just want a simple VPN solution. For a more user-friendly approach with built-in servers, consider ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
