Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and Bitdefender VPN are two competitive VPN services. ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, offers a comprehensive service with a rating of 77.9%. Bitdefender VPN, based in Romania, scored a 67.4% rating. Both have a no-logging policy and offer AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN supports additional ChaCha20 encryption and multiple protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway. Bitdefender VPN uses the Hydra protocol. ExpressVPN has 3,000 servers in 94 countries, while Bitdefender VPN operates 4,000 servers across 50 countries. ExpressVPN allows 8 simultaneous connections, Bitdefender VPN allows 10. Both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN’s cheapest price is $6.67/mo over a 15-month subscription, while Bitdefender VPN offers $2.92/mo. ExpressVPN excels in unblocking streaming platforms and offers an integrated ad blocker. Bitdefender VPN does not have these features. From a user’s point of view, if cost is not a concern, ExpressVPN offers a more comprehensive service.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs Bitdefender VPN
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | Bitdefender VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Romania |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $2.92/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $6.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | Hydra |
| Servers | 3,000 | 4,000 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 50 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | Aon Cyber Solutions |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live chat, Email, and Phone call |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | – |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Bitdefender VPN Better
Bitdefender VPN presents an appealing price point at $2.92/mo, while ExpressVPN opts for a premium pricing strategy, starting at $6.67/mo for their 15-month subscription plan. This leads to an intriguing evaluation of the additional value ExpressVPN offers. Boasting military-grade encryption (AES-256, and ChaCha20), 24×7 live chat support, and a global network of 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, ExpressVPN aims to justify its higher cost.
Yet, when compared to the offerings of Bitdefender VPN, the question remains: do these enhanced features of ExpressVPN align with the specific needs and preferences of users seeking a premium VPN experience? This is something you’ll need to consider when comparing the two.
Jurisdiction: Tie
Both ExpressVPN and Bitdefender VPN offer the significant advantage of being based outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with ExpressVPN in British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Bitdefender VPN in Romania. Operating from these locations, they stand apart from the reach of the extensive surveillance network that characterizes the 14-Eyes countries.
Understanding the 14-Eye Alliance and Its Significance
The 14-Eyes Alliance represents an expanded framework of intelligence sharing, evolving from the original Five-Eyes and subsequently Nine-Eyes alliances. This coalition encompasses countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and various European nations. VPN providers situated within these countries are potentially subject to legal obligations which may conflict with user privacy. Such obligations could entail surrendering user data, including logs, under government demand.
This is a crucial consideration, especially in cases where VPN services claim a no-logs policy. Choosing a VPN like ExpressVPN or Bitdefender VPN, both located outside these surveillance-heavy jurisdictions, can offer an added layer of privacy and security for users concerned about governmental data requests and monitoring.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
When it comes to server availability and geographic coverage, both ExpressVPN and Bitdefender VPN stand out with their impressive reach.
ExpressVPN, known for its expansive server network (3,000 servers in 94 countries), ensures users can connect from virtually anywhere, offering seamless access and speed. Similarly, Bitdefender VPN operates a large fleet of servers, with 4,000 servers across 50 countries.
This widespread coverage by both services guarantees reliable and fast connections, irrespective of your location, making them excellent choices for users seeking extensive worldwide access.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and Bitdefender VPN to customer satisfaction is clearly seen in their extensive money-back guarantees. These guarantees show the confidence each service has in its quality. It’s a no-risk offer. Users can try out each VPN’s features without worry. Explore Bitdefender VPN’s server network in 50 countries, experience ExpressVPN’s ad blocking and Lightway protocol, and exaluate their technical support quality. All this can be done before making a long-term decision.
Unblock Streaming Platforms: ExpressVPN Better
A substantial point of divergence between ExpressVPN and Bitdefender VPN is their ability to unblock popular streaming platforms. ExpressVPN excels in this area, consistently unblocking a wide range of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Conversely, based on our market research, Bitdefender VPN struggles in this regard. Despite its 4,000 servers in 50 countries, the VPN provider does not reliably unblock major streaming platforms. This limitation is a crucial consideration for users who prioritize entertainment and seek a VPN service that can bypass geo-restrictions on streaming content.
Ad Blocking Feature: ExpressVPN Better
A notable difference between ExpressVPN and Bitdefender VPN lies in their additional features – particularly ad blocking. ExpressVPN offers an integrated ad blocker, enhancing the browsing experience by eliminating unwanted ads and potentially harmful malware. On the other hand, Bitdefender VPN does not come with an ad blocking feature, which might be a drawback for users who prioritize a clean and uninterrupted browsing experience.
Bottomline
ExpressVPN and Bitdefender VPN both offer robust services, with ExpressVPN excelling in unblocking streaming platforms and ad blocking, while Bitdefender VPN provides a more cost-effective solution. The choice between these two VPN services ultimately depends on individual user needs and priorities, including factors such as pricing, server availability, privacy, and specific feature requirements.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and Bitdefender VPN comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & Bitdefender VPN
Bitdefender VPN
Founded in 2001, Bitdefender is a cybersecurity leader with its headquarters in Romania, specifically in Bucharest, and also maintains a significant presence in the United States, with a headquarters in Santa Clara, California. Bitdefender offers VPN services as part of its extensive suite of cybersecurity products.
To learn more, read our Bitdefender VPN review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.