Compare AVG Secure VPN and Thunder VPN: Which App is the Best?
Thunder VPN is a highly-rated free VPN service with 100M+ downloads, offering fast connections and minimal ads, making it one of the better free VPN options available. | 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. | |
| 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. | 7.2 | 7.3 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 Thunder VPN delivers a solid foundation of core VPN features that meet the basic needs of most users. The app's feature set is straightforward and focused on simplicity rather than advanced functionality, which aligns well with its target audience of casual VPN users. Key features we found most valuable include:
However, Thunder VPN lacks many advanced features that users expect from premium VPN services. There's no kill switch to protect against connection drops, no split tunneling to route specific apps through the VPN, and no specialized servers for streaming or torrenting. The server selection is limited compared to premium alternatives. While the core features work well for basic privacy and geo-unblocking needs, power users will find the feature set limiting. For users who need advanced features like kill switches, split tunneling, or specialized servers, alternatives like Proton VPN offer more comprehensive free tiers, while NordVPN provides extensive advanced features for premium users. We rate features at 7.5 out of 10—good for basic VPN needs with better user experience than most free alternatives, but lacking the depth that serious users require. Winner in this category | 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. Winner in this category |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 6.5 Thunder VPN's performance presents a mixed picture that reflects the challenges of maintaining a free VPN service. While the app can deliver fast connections when working properly, reliability issues significantly impact the overall performance experience. Performance strengths include:
However, significant performance issues undermine the user experience:
User reviews reveal a pattern of performance issues, with many users praising the app's speed when it works but complaining about frequent disconnections. The app's focus on user experience over aggressive monetization may be impacting server quality and maintenance. For users seeking reliable performance, alternatives like Proton VPN offer more consistent free performance with better server maintenance, while NordVPN provides premium performance with dedicated servers and better reliability guarantees. We rate performance at 6.5 out of 10—good speeds when working but undermined by frequent connection drops and stability issues that create an inconsistent user experience. Winner in this category | 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. |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 8.0 Thunder VPN's design philosophy centers on simplicity and user experience, which works exceptionally well for its target audience. The interface is clean, intuitive, and focuses on functionality rather than flashy design elements. Design strengths we observed include:
The design experience is significantly better than competitors like Turbo VPN and Now VPN, with much less advertising interruption. Users consistently praise the app's clean interface and ease of use, making it one of the most user-friendly free VPNs available. While the core interface design is solid, some users report that the app requires keeping the window open to maintain connections, which can be inconvenient. However, this is a minor issue compared to the overall design quality. For users who value a clean, uninterrupted interface, Thunder VPN offers one of the best free experiences available. Alternatives like Proton VPN offer similar design quality with better privacy protection, while Windscribe VPN provides a comparable free experience with fewer restrictions. We rate design at 8.0 out of 10—excellent design principles with minimal advertising that creates a genuinely user-friendly experience. Winner in this category | 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 |
| Value for Money Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 8.0 Thunder VPN's value proposition is significantly better than most free VPNs, offering a genuinely useful free service with minimal advertising and good performance. The app provides excellent value for users who can tolerate occasional connection issues. Value strengths include:
The free tier's value is significantly better than most free VPNs, with minimal advertising and good performance. However, some limitations affect the overall value:
The premium pricing is reasonable ($1.99-$59.99), but the connection stability issues may not justify the upgrade for many users. Premium VPN services like NordVPN and Surfshark VPN offer more comprehensive features and better reliability for similar or lower costs. For users seeking genuine value, Thunder VPN offers one of the best free experiences available. Alternatives like Proton VPN offer a more generous free tier with better privacy protection, while Windscribe VPN provides a more reliable free experience with fewer restrictions. We rate value for money at 8.0 out of 10—excellent value for a free VPN with minimal advertising and good performance, though connection stability issues limit the overall experience. Winner in this category | 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. |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 7.0 Thunder VPN excels in basic usability with its one-tap connection approach, making it one of the most accessible VPN apps for beginners. The core functionality is genuinely simple and requires no technical knowledge to operate effectively. Usability strengths include:
However, the ease of use is somewhat undermined by connection stability issues. Users report that the app requires keeping the window open to maintain connections, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, frequent connection drops require reconnection, which interrupts the user experience. While the core interface is genuinely easy to use, the connection stability issues compromise the overall user experience. For users seeking a truly hassle-free VPN experience, alternatives like Proton VPN offer a cleaner free tier with better connection stability, while Windscribe VPN provides a more reliable free experience. We rate ease of use at 7.0 out of 10—excellent core usability with good interface design, but undermined by connection stability issues that require user intervention. Winner in this category | 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 |
| Security & Privacy Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 6.0 Thunder VPN's security and privacy practices present a mixed picture that raises some concerns for privacy-conscious users. While the app claims to offer secure connections and privacy protection, several factors undermine confidence in its privacy commitments. Security strengths include:
However, some privacy concerns emerge from user feedback and business practices:
User reviews reveal mixed experiences, with some users praising the app's privacy features while others express concerns about data collection. The lack of transparency about the service's data handling practices further undermines trust. For users who prioritize privacy and security, alternatives like Proton VPN offer Swiss-based privacy protection with independent audits and transparency reports, while Windscribe VPN provides Canadian privacy protection with more transparent data handling practices. We rate security and privacy at 6.0 out of 10—basic security features present but concerns about data handling, jurisdiction, and transparency that compromise trust in the service. | 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. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Thunder VPN represents one of the better free VPN options available, offering a genuinely useful service with minimal advertising and good performance. While the app delivers on its core promise of free, unlimited VPN access with simple one-tap connection, connection stability issues and the need to keep the app window open create some usability concerns. The app's exceptional popularity (100M+ downloads, 4.8-star rating) reflects genuine demand for a user-friendly free VPN service, and many users do find value in its basic functionality. However, the frequent connection drops and stability issues suggest that the free model may be impacting server quality and maintenance. For users who can tolerate occasional connection issues, Thunder VPN provides a functional free VPN with minimal advertising. For users seeking a more reliable free VPN experience, Proton VPN offers better privacy protection and connection stability, while Windscribe VPN provides a more reliable free tier with fewer restrictions. For those willing to pay for premium features, NordVPN and Surfshark VPN offer more comprehensive solutions with better reliability and privacy guarantees. | 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. |
| Our Recommendation | ||
