Compare AVG Secure VPN and Turbo VPN: Which App is the Best?
Turbo VPN is a popular free VPN service with 100M+ downloads, offering fast connections and unlimited bandwidth, though it comes with significant advertising that impacts the user experience. | 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. | 5.3 | 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. | 6.0 Turbo 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, Turbo 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, and there's no way to manually choose specific server locations in the free version. 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 6.0 out of 10—good for basic VPN needs but lacking the depth and reliability that serious users require. | 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. | 5.5 Turbo VPN's performance presents a mixed picture that reflects the challenges of maintaining a free VPN service with heavy advertising monetization. While the app can deliver fast connections when working properly, reliability issues and the advertising model significantly impact the overall performance experience. Performance strengths include:
However, significant performance issues undermine the user experience:
User reviews reveal a pattern of performance degradation, with newer reviews showing more complaints about connection stability and speed issues. The app's heavy reliance on advertising revenue may be impacting server quality and maintenance, leading to the performance decline observed in recent reviews. 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 5.5 out of 10—good speeds when working but undermined by frequent connection drops and advertising interruptions that create an inconsistent and frustrating user experience. | 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. Winner in this category |
| Design Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 5.5 Turbo VPN's design philosophy centers on simplicity and accessibility, which works well for its target audience of casual VPN users. The interface is clean and uncluttered, with a prominent connect button that makes the core functionality immediately obvious to new users. Design strengths we observed include:
However, the design experience is significantly compromised by the advertising model. The requirement to watch 4 ads to connect and 4 more to disconnect creates a jarring user experience that breaks the otherwise clean interface. Users frequently mention that the ads feel intrusive and disrupt the app's flow, making what should be a simple action feel cumbersome. Additionally, the ads themselves are often inappropriate or malicious, with users reporting redirects to scam websites and inappropriate content. This undermines the otherwise user-friendly design and makes the app feel more like an advertising platform than a privacy tool. While the core interface design is solid, the advertising intrusions significantly impact the overall design experience. For users who value a clean, uninterrupted interface, alternatives like Proton VPN offer a more polished design without advertising interruptions, while Windscribe VPN provides a cleaner free experience with less aggressive monetization. We rate design at 5.5 out of 10—good core design principles undermined by intrusive advertising that compromises the user experience. | 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. | 5.5 Turbo VPN's value proposition is fundamentally compromised by its advertising model and billing practices, creating a confusing experience where the free tier's value is undermined by its own monetization strategy. Value strengths include:
However, the free tier's value is significantly compromised by the advertising model:
The premium pricing is more reasonable than Now VPN ($0.99-$69.99), but the billing issues and poor customer support undermine confidence in the service. Premium VPN services like NordVPN and Surfshark VPN offer more comprehensive features, better privacy protection, and more transparent pricing for similar or lower costs. For users seeking genuine value, alternatives like Proton VPN offer a more generous free tier with better privacy protection and fewer restrictions, while Windscribe VPN provides a more respectful free experience with clearer upgrade paths. We rate value for money at 5.5 out of 10—good value in theory but severely undermined by advertising and billing issues that make the free experience feel more like a trial than a genuine free service. | 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. Winner in this category |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 4.5 Turbo VPN's ease of use is fundamentally compromised by its advertising model, despite having a simple core interface. While the app's basic functionality is straightforward, the requirement to watch multiple ads for basic actions creates a frustrating user experience. Usability strengths include:
However, the ease of use is severely undermined by the advertising model and forced interactions. The requirement to watch 4 ads to connect and 4 more to disconnect transforms what should be a simple one-tap action into a frustrating experience. Users consistently report that these ads make the app feel "pushy" and interrupt their workflow. Additionally, the ads themselves are often inappropriate or malicious, with users reporting redirects to scam websites and inappropriate content. This creates a poor user experience that goes beyond simple inconvenience and into potentially harmful territory. While the core interface is genuinely easy to use, the advertising interruptions and forced interactions significantly compromise the overall user experience. For users seeking a truly hassle-free VPN experience, alternatives like Proton VPN offer a cleaner free tier without forced interactions, while Windscribe VPN provides a more respectful free experience with fewer interruptions. We rate ease of use at 4.5 out of 10—excellent core usability severely undermined by advertising interruptions that make simple actions unnecessarily complex and potentially harmful. | 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. | 5.0 Turbo VPN's security and privacy practices present significant concerns that raise legitimate questions about the service's trustworthiness. While the app claims to offer secure connections and privacy protection, several factors undermine confidence in its privacy commitments. Security strengths include:
However, significant privacy concerns emerge from the business model and operational practices:
User reviews reveal additional concerns about the authenticity of the service, with reports of unauthorized charges and poor customer support. This lack of transparency about the service's legitimacy further undermines trust in its privacy practices. 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 5.0 out of 10—basic security features present but significant 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. | Turbo VPN represents a cautionary tale of how a promising free service can be undermined by its own monetization strategy and business practices. While the app delivers on its core promise of free, unlimited VPN access with simple one-tap connection, the aggressive advertising model and billing issues create a frustrating user experience that often feels more like a trial than a genuine free service. The app's massive popularity (100M+ downloads, 4.7-star rating) reflects genuine demand for free VPN services, and many users do find value in its basic functionality. However, the recent rating decline (4.7 to 4.5 in last 100 reviews) and increasing complaints about connection stability, malicious ads, and unauthorized charges suggest that the advertising model may be impacting the service quality. For users who can tolerate the ads and billing issues, Turbo VPN provides a functional free VPN, but the experience comes with significant trade-offs. For users seeking a more respectful free VPN experience, Proton VPN offers better privacy protection and fewer restrictions, while Windscribe VPN provides a cleaner free tier with more transparent monetization. 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 | ||
