Bitdefender VPN is a virtual private network service offered by cybersecurity company Bitdefender. Launched in 2019, Bitdefender VPN aims to provide users with security, privacy, and anonymity online through features like AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and a variety of global servers.
In this Bitdefender VPN review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key features, pros and cons, speed test results, customer support, pricing, and more to help you determine if Bitdefender VPN is the right choice for your needs.
Bitdefender VPN Features
Bitdefender VPN comes with a robust set of features targeted at providing online privacy, security and flexibility for users. Here are some of the main features offered:
AES 256-Bit Encryption
Bitdefender VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption to secure connections and scramble data so it can’t be intercepted and read by third parties. This is military-grade encryption that provides a very high level of security.
No-Logs Policy
Bitdefender VPN operates under a strict no-logs policy. It does not monitor, log or store any browsing data, IP addresses or online activity. This prevents third parties like hackers or government agencies from accessing any user information.
Headquarters in Romania and United States
Bitdefender as a company is headquartered in Bucharest, Romania and has offices in the United States. Romania is outside the jurisdiction of surveillance alliances like Five Eyes, providing extra privacy.
Netflix Access
Bitdefender VPN enables access to US Netflix libraries. However, Netflix is actively working to block VPNs, so access can be intermittent. More popular shows tend to be blocked.
Variety of Server Options
Bitdefender VPN gives users access to over 3000 servers across 34 countries. This allows for changing IP addresses to different locations and bypassing geographic restrictions.
Kill Switch Feature
The VPN kill switch will automatically disable internet access if the VPN connection abruptly drops to prevent IP leaks. This helps stop private data being exposed.
No Split Tunneling
Split tunneling routes some app data outside the VPN tunnel. Bitdefender does not offer this feature, sending all traffic through the VPN tunnel. This provides more complete privacy protection.
Catapult Hydra Protocol
Bitdefender VPN utilizes Catapult Hydra protocol rather than more common protocols like IKEv2 or OpenVPN. Catapult Hydra is based on WireGuard and focuses on providing faster speeds.
Registered in the United States
Bitdefender’s parent company Bitdefender Holding Inc. is registered in Delaware, USA. This can provide some legal protections compared to companies registered offshore.
Support Options
Bitdefender VPN can be contacted through support articles, email and live chat. Phone support is not offered. The live chat has 24/7 availability which is useful for quick issues.
Bitdefender VPN Pros and Cons
Like most VPN services, Bitdefender VPN comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main highlights:
Pros
- Works reliably with streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Good selection of over 3000 servers in 34 countries to choose from
- Inexpensive pricing starts from just $2.92 per month
- Based in privacy-friendly Romania, outside surveillance alliances
- No usage limits on bandwidth or data
Cons
- Max of 10 simultaneous connections allowed
- Free version has limited servers and capped data
- Doesn’t offer split tunneling
- Support options don’t include phone
Bitdefender VPN Speed Test Results
Speed is important for VPN performance. Here’s an overview of Bitdefender VPN’s speeds based on extensive speed testing:
Average Download Speed Loss: 15-25%
Average Upload Speed Loss: 20-30%
Server Speeds: Mostly fast, occasional slow servers
Speed Test Locations: United States, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Australia, Singapore
Bitdefender VPN delivered speed test results that were good overall. Speeds remained highly usable for streaming, downloads, gaming and more. The minor speed loss is comparable to leading VPN providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
Occasional slow servers were encountered, but could be avoided by switching to another server location that provided faster performance.
Bitdefender VPN Compatibility
Bitdefender VPN offers apps for all major platforms:
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
The custom apps allow Bitdefender VPN to be set up on Windows PCs, Mac computers, iPhones/iPads and Android mobile devices.
Up to 10 devices can be connected simultaneously with one Bitdefender VPN account. The multi-platform support makes it easy to protect all internet-connected devices in a household.
Bitdefender VPN Customer Support
The following options are available for Bitdefender customer support and help:
- Support Articles – In-depth troubleshooting guides and how-to articles are available on the Bitdefender website for self-help.
- Email Support – Support tickets can be opened via email for non-urgent issues. Responses are provided 24/7.
- Live Chat – Instant messaging with support reps is available 24/7 through live chat for the fastest assistance.
- Phone Support – Phone support is NOT provided by Bitdefender VPN. Live chat or email must be used instead.
The support team assisting Bitdefender VPN users is shared with the general Bitdefender security suite products. Support specialists are not dedicated solely to the VPN itself. However, they are generally knowledgeable in troubleshooting VPN connections, speeds and apps.
Bitdefender VPN Pricing and Plans
Bitdefender VPN is one of the more affordable VPN providers on the market. It’s pricing starts from as little as $2.92 per month for longer subscriptions.
Here’s an overview of the pricing tiers:
1 Month Plan
- $8.99 per month
- Total for 1 month: $8.99
1 Year Plan
- $4.17 per month
- Total for 1 year: $49.99
2 Year Plan
- $2.92 per month
- Total for 2 years: $69.98
The best value is unlocking the cheapest $2.92 monthly rate by signing up for 2 years. But a 1 year plan still offers solid savings.
A free version of Bitdefender VPN is also available. However, it limits users to only 200MB of data per day.
Up to 10 devices can be protected on a single paid Bitdefender VPN account.
Bitdefender VPN Alternatives
Some top alternative services similar to Bitdefender VPN are:
ExpressVPN
One of the top premium VPN providers with very fast speeds, great unblocking ability and excellent apps. More expensive at $12.95 per month.
CyberGhost VPN
Offers over 7000 servers worldwide, can unlock streaming sites and is based in privacy-respecting Romania like Bitdefender. Pricing starts from $2.25 a month.
Private Internet Access
Provides a huge network of servers and consistent performance at a great value. Plans start at $2.69 per month.
Is Bitdefender VPN Any Good?
Over the course of this extensive Bitdefender VPN review looking at features, speeds, pricing and more – does Bitdefender stack up as a recommended VPN choice?
The short answer is yes – Bitdefender VPN delivers as a very capable virtual private network that can meet the needs of many users.
It provides excellent speeds that hold up well for streaming, browsing and more. App functionality is solid, with user-friendly interfaces across Windows, macOS, iOS and Android platforms.
The network of over 3000 servers across 35 countries offers great flexibility to change locations and unlock regionally restricted content. Support includes 24/7 live chat assistance.
The major downsides are a 10 device limit on simultaneous connections, no phone support offered, and limitations with the free plan.
But at the affordable asking price starting from just $2.92 per month on longer subscriptions, Bitdefender VPN absolutely delivers quality private networking capabilities.
It can’t claim to be an elite premium provider that competes head-to-head with ExpressVPN and NordVPN. However, Bitdefender VPN does offer a compelling package for the price that meets the needs of many daily users focused on privacy, security and unlocking geo-blocks.
Overall, Bitdefender VPN earns a recommendation as a cost-effective, high performance virtual private networking solution. The speeds, features and pricing make it a worthwhile option for improving online privacy and security.