Our Verdict
Our Thoughts on Bitdefender VPN
Bitdefender VPN earns a decent 67.4 out of 100. The company’s strength is in its balance. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking. Performance is solid, though it doesn’t top the charts. It offers good functionality at a fair price. All these make Bitdefender VPN a viable choice for those who want reliability without a hefty price tag.
About 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.
Bitdefender VPN offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $2.50/mo and require a 12-month commitment.
Visit Bitdefender VPN Online: https://www.bitdefender.com/
Bitdefender VPN Technical Specs
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Romania |
| Servers | 4,000 |
| Countries with Servers | 50 |
| Works In China | Unlikely |
| Encryptions | AES-256 |
| Cheapest Price | $2.50/mo, 12-month Subscription |
| Protocols | Hydra |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Unblock Streaming Platforms | – |
| Dedicated Device Apps | Both Android and Apple (iOS) |
| Ads Blocking | No |
| Support | 24/7 Live chat, Email, and Phone call |
Market Benchmarks
Are Bitdefender VPN’s any good in comparison?
The average score across our evaluated VPN services is 51.9%.
Bitdefender VPN’s score, in comparison, is 67.4%.
Our VPN ratings are based on our research of 96 VPN companies. Our scoring system is crafted to encompass a wide array of perspectives and addresses the needs of different users. Notably, only 10 out of the 96 VPNs we’ve reviewed scored above 75% and 26 VPNs scored below 40%.
Bitdefender VPN Pros & Cons
Listed below are what we like and dislike about Bitdefender VPN. As you explore the list, it’s crucial to weigh what sets this VPN apart from competitors against the aspects you might not favor.
The strengths of Bitdefender VPN highlight its unique advantages in the VPN market – offering features and services that may align perfectly with your specific needs. On the flip side, the cons, while not deal-breakers, are areas that may not meet everyone’s preferences or requirements.
It’s important for you to carefully consider these factors in relation to your individual needs and priorities in choosing a VPN service.
✅ Competitive Pricing
Bitdefender VPN offers an economically attractive option in the VPN market. Its cheapest plan, while requires a 12-month commitment, costs only $2.50 per month. This competitive pricing makes Bitdefender VPN a compelling choice for those seeking affordable online privacy solutions. However, users should still evaluate the overall value of the service, including features, security levels, and customer support, to ensure it meets their specific needs despite the lower price point.
✅ Jurisdiction Outside of 14-Eye Alliance Countries
Romania-based Bitdefender VPN is headquartered outside the 14-Eye surveillance network. The company HQ’s location can be advantageous for users seeking enhanced privacy. Being outside these jurisdictions reduces the risk of government surveillance and data requests. Privacy-conscious users often prefer VPNs based in non-14-Eye countries for these reasons.
What is the 14-Eyes Alliance?
The term “14-Eyes” refers to a group of countries that participate in a surveillance alliance known as SIGINT Seniors Europe (SSEUR). This alliance, an extension of the original Five Eyes (FVEY) agreement, includes countries that agree to collect, analyze, and share intelligence with one another. The 14-Eyes nations comprise the original Five Eyes — the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — plus Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
What does jurisdiction outside of the 14-Eyes Alliance mean to you as a VPN user?
For those looking for a VPN service, the jurisdiction of the VPN provider is a crucial consideration. Why:
- Data Privacy Laws: Countries within the 14-Eyes alliance have agreements that may involve sharing intelligence and surveillance data. If a VPN provider is based in one of these countries, there’s a potential risk that user data could be collected and shared among these nations. This is particularly concerning for users who prioritize privacy.
- Legal Compliance: VPN providers operating in these jurisdictions may be legally obliged to comply with government requests for data. This compliance could include handing over user logs or other data, even if the VPN service claims to have a no-logs policy.
- Trust and Transparency: For users seeking the highest levels of privacy and anonymity, operating outside the 14-Eyes jurisdiction is often preferred. VPN services based in non-14-Eyes countries are perceived as less likely to be subject to government surveillance and data requests.
✅ Offer a Kill Switch Feature
Bitdefender VPN enhances its VPN services with a robust kill switch feature. This security measure ensures that if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the user’s device will automatically disconnect from the internet, thus preventing any accidental exposure of the user’s real IP address and online activities.
A kill switch feature is particularly valuable for users who handle sensitive information or looking an added layer of privacy protection.
✅ Strict No-Logging Policy
Our market study finds that Bitdefender VPN adheres to a strict no-logging policy. The company does not track or store logs of users’ internet activities, including browsing and download history, traffic data, or IP addresses.
A VPN’s no-logging policy is a significant factor for users who prioritize privacy, as it ensures that their online activities are not monitored or recorded. In an era where digital privacy is increasingly valued, Bitdefender VPN’s commitment to not keeping logs enhances its appeal to privacy-conscious individuals seeking a trustworthy VPN service.
Furthermore, Bitdefender VPN reinforces its commitment of no-logging policy by engaging Aon Cyber Solutions to audit its infrastructure and software configurations.
❌ No Double VPN
Bitdefender VPN’s suite of features does not include a double VPN option. Without the double VPN, or ‘multi-hop’, your internet traffic cannot be rerouted through two separate VPN servers for additional encryption and security layers. While this may not significantly impact those with basic security needs, it could be a drawback for users seeking advanced privacy measures. Users requiring higher security levels, such as journalists or activists, might need to look for other providers that offer this enhanced privacy feature.
✅ Support Split Tunneling
Bitdefender VPN also stands out with its split tunneling feature. This functionality allows you to choose which apps or websites are routed through the VPN and which access the internet directly. The split tunneling feature is a plus for those wanting the best of both worlds: speedy local access without VPN interference and protected browsing for select tasks. Compared to VPNs that do not come with such a feature, Bitdefender VPN could save you countless hours of frustration.
❌ Unlikely to Work in China
At least half of the VPN companies we studied are unlikely to function effectively in China, and Bitdefender VPN falls into this category.
Due to China’s stringent internet regulations and advanced censorship technologies, many VPN services struggle to bypass these restrictions. Users planning to access the internet from within China should be aware that Bitdefender VPN may not be the most reliable option in this region. This limitation is a crucial consideration for travelers or residents in China who require consistent VPN access.
✅ Above Average Server Fleet Size
vpnCompany# operates on more than 4,000 servers in 50 countries. A larger server count typically offers more options for users in terms of server locations, reduces server load, and can provide better speeds and reliability.
❌ Struggle to Unblock Major Streaming Platforms
Unfortunately based on our research, Bitdefender VPN struggles to bypass the geo-blocks imposed by major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime TV, HBO Go, Hulu, and Disney+. You might not access content beyond your current region’s library with this VPN.
Based on our research, out of 96 VPN companies, only 10 were unable to bypass geo-blocks on stream platforms. For dedicated streamers hoping to delve into international content, this limitation is a significant drawback.
What is Geo-blocking?
Geo-blocking is a practice adopted by streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. Streaming availability is restricted based on your geographical location due to licensing agreements and regional content rights. The capability of a VPN to unblock geo-restrictions on streaming platforms can be a pivotal factor – especially if you want uninterrupted access to your favorite shows and movies when traveling abroad.
Bottom Line: Is Bitdefender VPN Right for You?
Verdict Recap
Bitdefender VPN earns a decent 67.4 out of 100. The company’s strength is in its balance. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking. Performance is solid, though it doesn’t top the charts. It offers good functionality at a fair price. All these make Bitdefender VPN a viable choice for those who want reliability without a hefty price tag.
When considering our VPN ratings, remember they are for reference only and may not reflect every individual’s unique needs. It’s essential for you to understand your specific requirements and choose a VPN service accordingly.
If your priority is extreme security, features like a double VPN and a jurisdiction outside of the 14-Eyes should be your focus, rather than factors like pricing, streaming platforms unblocking, or server count. Conversely, if you’re seeking extra privacy for casual internet browsing, advanced security features might be less critical, allowing you to opt for a more basic, cost-effective VPN solution.
We encourage you to actively try and test various VPNs yourself to find the one that best fits your unique requirements.
Alternatives to Bitdefender VPN
There are many Bitdefender VPN alternatives in the market – many of which are powerful and reasonably priced. Read further to compare and choose below.