Compare Readwise Reader and AVG Secure VPN: Which App is the Best?

	AVG Secure VPN	Readwise Reader
	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. VPN	Readwise Reader is a powerful read-it-later app that consolidates web articles, newsletters, PDFs, and ebooks into one platform. With advanced highlighting, AI assistance, and seamless note-taking integrations, it's designed for serious readers who want a distraction-free, feature-rich reading experience. Read It Later Productivity
Key Features	Secure VPN connection – Protect your data and identity while browsing Automatic connection – Connects automatically on unsecured networks Dashboard widget – Quick one-click VPN on/off toggle Multiple server locations – Choose from various countries and locations No-logs policy – Your browsing activity is not logged AVG integration – Works seamlessly with AVG security suite Easy setup – Simple installation and configuration Cross-platform support – Available on Android and iOS	Everything in One App: Seriously, everything. Web articles, email newsletters, RSS feeds, Twitter threads, PDFs, ebooks - it all just works together instead of being scattered across five different apps Highlighting That Syncs: Highlight on your phone, see it on your laptop. Highlight images, text, whatever. It actually remembers where you left off and what you marked AI Reading Assistant: Ask questions about what you're reading, get definitions, simplify complex stuff. It's like having someone smart sitting next to you while you read Text-to-Speech That Doesn't Suck: Finally, robotic voices are dead. This sounds like a real person reading to you, perfect for commutes or when your eyes are tired Sends Notes Anywhere: Your highlights automatically show up in Obsidian, Notion, wherever you take notes. No copy-pasting needed Works Offline: Download stuff and read without internet. Your highlights sync when you're back online
Our Rating	7.3	7.6
Total users	0	0
Total ratings	0	0
Average rating	— ⭐	— ⭐
Entry Level Price	Free	Free
Android	Downloads	Downloads
iOS
Features	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.	8.5 This is where Readwise Reader really shines. The features are genuinely impressive - not just marketing fluff, but stuff that actually makes reading online better. What we love: Everything Actually Works Together: Throw in web articles, newsletters, PDFs, ebooks, even Twitter threads - it all just works in one app Highlighting That Doesn't Disappear: Highlight on your phone, it's there on your laptop. Highlight images, text, whatever. It remembers everything AI That's Actually Helpful: Ask questions about what you're reading, get definitions, simplify confusing passages. It's like having a smart friend reading with you Text-to-Speech That Doesn't Sound Like a Robot: Seriously, this is good enough that you'll actually use it during commutes Notes Go Where They Should: Your highlights automatically show up in Obsidian, Notion, wherever you keep notes. No more copy-pasting Sync That Just Works: Start reading on your phone, continue on your laptop. It knows where you left off The rough spots? Search is surprisingly bad for such a polished app. Some stuff doesn't work great on e-readers. We hit bugs that shouldn't exist in a paid app. But the core features solve real problems and do it well.
Performance	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.	7.0 Performance presents a tale of two experiences - the core reading functionality works smoothly and reliably, but recent updates have introduced stability issues that affect the overall user experience. The strong points are evident during daily use. Reading feels responsive with smooth scrolling and quick page navigation. Content synchronization across devices works consistently, and importing articles, PDFs, and RSS feeds processes efficiently. The basic reading, highlighting, and annotation functions that form the app's foundation operate reliably. Recent developments tell a different story though. The significant drop from a 4.3 overall rating to 3.78 for recent reviews signals genuine stability problems with newer versions. Android users report more issues than their iOS counterparts, including navigation problems and functionality regressions. Some users have experienced critical issues like being unable to add new content after updates, while others consistently note that search performance remains poor. Device compatibility also varies, with particular issues reported on e-ink devices and certain Android configurations. While active development appears to be addressing these concerns, the reliability issues prevent the app from achieving the stability users expect from a paid service.
Design	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.	7.5 The design philosophy centers on creating a distraction-free reading environment, and it largely succeeds. Users consistently describe the app as "gorgeous," and the overall aesthetic genuinely supports focused reading with clean typography and thoughtful spacing. Design strengths that impressed us: Clean Reading Interface: Minimal distractions with focus on content consumption Consistent Visual Language: Cohesive design across different content types (articles, PDFs, ebooks) Customizable Reading Experience: Good control over fonts, spacing, and display preferences Intuitive Navigation: Logical information architecture for managing large content libraries The cross-platform execution reveals some inconsistencies though. The app clearly prioritizes iOS, and this shows in the Android experience. Navigation elements don't always follow Android design conventions, and gesture interactions occasionally feel foreign to the platform. While the core reading experience remains visually appealing, the iOS-first approach creates noticeable polish differences that affect the overall experience on Android devices.
Value for Money	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.	7.5 The value proposition is complex and heavily depends on your reading habits and tolerance for subscription models. The subscription approach generates polarized reactions - some users find it completely worthwhile while others strongly prefer one-time purchases. For power users, the comprehensive feature set justifies the cost. AI assistance, advanced highlighting, deep integrations, and reliable infrastructure create genuine productivity benefits. The 30-day trial period (with no credit card required) provides ample time to evaluate whether the app fits your workflow, and active development means you're paying for ongoing improvements. The subscription model does create barriers though. Unlike competitors, there's no permanently free tier with basic features, and the recurring cost adds up over time. Some users feel the subscription requirement should be more prominently displayed upfront, and occasional bugs or missing features (like robust search) can impact the perceived value when you're paying monthly. For serious readers who can utilize the full feature set and don't mind subscription costs, the value proposition is solid. Casual users or those preferring one-time purchases will likely find better alternatives elsewhere.
Ease of Use	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.	7.0 The usability picture is mixed - while the core reading experience feels intuitive once you're up and running, several barriers can frustrate new users during the initial setup and exploration phases. Where the app excels in usability: Intuitive Reading Controls: Highlighting, bookmarking, and annotation tools are discoverable and easy to use Smooth Content Import: Adding articles, PDFs, and connecting RSS feeds works reliably Logical Organization: Content management and library organization follow expected patterns Responsive Interface: Most interactions feel immediate and predictable The friction points become apparent early on though. The mandatory account creation before even testing the app frustrates many potential users, and Android users face additional hurdles with gesture navigation that doesn't behave as expected. The wealth of features also means there's a genuine learning curve - power users eventually find everything intuitive, but newcomers need time to discover and understand all capabilities. These initial barriers prevent the app from being truly accessible to everyone, despite its strong foundation once you're familiar with it.
Security & Privacy	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.	8.0 Readwise Reader handles security and privacy reasonably well for a cloud-based reading service, though the nature of the product requires some data collection and account management that privacy-conscious users should be aware of. Privacy and security strengths: Transparent Data Usage: Clear about what data is collected and how it's used for the reading experience Secure Sync Infrastructure: Reliable cross-device synchronization without apparent data loss or corruption Professional Service: Established company with clear business model (subscription-based, not ad-supported) Data Portability: Users can export their highlights and annotations Areas of privacy consideration: Required Account: Mandatory sign-up means your reading habits and content are associated with your identity Cloud Storage: All content and annotations are stored on Readwise servers rather than locally Content Analysis: AI features like GhostReader require processing your reading content Email Marketing: Some users mentioned receiving marketing emails, though unsubscribe options are available For a service that fundamentally requires cloud sync and AI processing, Readwise Reader handles privacy appropriately. However, users seeking maximum privacy might prefer local-only solutions. We rate security and privacy at 8.0 out of 10.
Conclusion	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.	After weeks of actually using Readwise Reader, we're impressed. It's not perfect, but it genuinely solves the "reading stuff scattered everywhere" problem that drives us crazy. The highlighting works great, the AI assistant is actually useful (shocking!), and having everything sync to your notes automatically is pretty amazing. The downsides are real though. The subscription model will annoy people, you can't try it without making an account first, and if you're on Android, it's going to feel a bit clunky. Plus, for a paid app, it crashes more than we'd like. But here's the thing - if you read a lot online and you're tired of managing content across multiple apps, this might change how you work. The 30-day trial is long enough to really test it out. Just don't expect perfection, expect a really good tool that keeps getting better.
	Install AVG Secure VPN	Install Readwise Reader
Our Recommendation