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Software · head to head

ProtonVPN vs Avast One

ProtonVPN logo

ProtonVPN

Software

High-speed Swiss VPN that safeguards your privacy

From
Free
Rated
-
Avast One logo

Avast One

Software

All-in-one protection for your digital life

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: ProtonVPN free plan limited to one device at a time; Avast One ransomware and Wi-Fi vulnerability protection only on paid plans
  • They diverge on capability: ProtonVPN covers No-logs policy, Avast One covers Antivirus.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ProtonVPN and Avast One actually diverge.

Attributes where ProtonVPN and Avast One differ
AttributeProtonVPNAvast One
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, iOS, Android
Founded20141988

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in ProtonVPN

  • No-logs policy
  • Secure Core
  • Kill Switch
  • DNS leak protection
  • Tor over VPN
  • Split tunneling
  • NetShield ad-blocker
  • VPN Accelerator

Only in Avast One

  • Antivirus
  • Firewall
  • VPN
  • Data breach monitoring
  • Email Guardian
  • Webcam Shield
  • Ransomware Shield
  • Performance optimization

Both cover

  • Cloud deployment
  • Web support
  • Desktop support
  • Mobile support
  • English language support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

ProtonVPN

  • Privacy-focused browsing without subscription costnot Avast One
  • Multi-device protection with Plus plan supporting 10 devicesnot Avast One
  • Integrated access to Proton email and cloud services via Unlimited plannot Avast One

Avast One

  • Antivirusnot ProtonVPN
  • Internet Securitynot ProtonVPN
  • Privacy Toolsnot ProtonVPN

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

ProtonVPN

  • Free plan limited to one device at a time
  • Free plan restricted to 10 countries with random selection
  • Pricing amounts not clearly published; shown as variable

Avast One

  • Ransomware and Wi-Fi vulnerability protection only on paid plans
  • Free plan VPN is limited, no data breakthrough monitoring
  • Rebuilt app in May 2026 may have stability issues

Pricing, plan by plan

ProtonVPN

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the ProtonVPN review.

Avast One

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Antivirus
    • Limited VPN
    • Privacy tools
  • Silver$2.99/month
    • Enhanced antivirus
    • VPN
    • Device cleanup
  • Premium$4.19/month
    • Full antivirus
    • VPN with 55 servers
    • Password manager
  • Premium Plus$11.67/month
    • All Premium features
    • 30 devices covered

Which should you pick?

Choose ProtonVPN if

  • You need no-logs policy.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
  • You also want secure core.

Choose Avast One if

  • You need antivirus.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
  • You also want firewall.

Questions people ask

Is ProtonVPN or Avast One better?
Neither clearly leads. ProtonVPN starts at Free and Avast One at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ProtonVPN or Avast One?
ProtonVPN starts at Free and Avast One at Free.
Does ProtonVPN or Avast One run on more platforms?
ProtonVPN runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Avast One runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.
Can I use ProtonVPN for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is ProtonVPN best used for?
ProtonVPN is most often used for privacy-focused browsing without subscription cost, multi-device protection with plus plan supporting 10 devices, integrated access to proton email and cloud services via unlimited plan. Of those, privacy-focused browsing without subscription cost and multi-device protection with plus plan supporting 10 devices are not what Avast One is typically brought in for.
What can ProtonVPN do that Avast One cannot?
ProtonVPN covers No-logs policy, Secure Core, Kill Switch, DNS leak protection. Avast One covers Antivirus, Firewall, VPN, Data breach monitoring. Both handle Cloud deployment, Web support, Desktop support, Mobile support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Avast One: Is Avast One free?

Yes. Avast One offers a free tier with antivirus, VPN (limited), and privacy tools. Paid plans start at $2.99/month for Silver and $4.19/month for Premium covering up to 5 devices.

Source
Avast One: What does Avast One include?

Avast One provides antivirus, VPN, password manager, device cleanup, Wi-Fi security, data breach monitoring, and protection against AI-generated scams and deepfakes.

Source
Avast One: Does Avast One have ransomware protection?

Ransomware protection is available only on paid plans, not the free tier. Free users get antivirus and basic protection only.

Source

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