Bitdefender VPN Review 2023 – Fast but Not Very Secure

Our Bitdefender VPN Review 2023 reveals that while the service offers above-average speeds, it is not a recommended VPN option due to several shortcomings. These include DNS leaks, data logging, and a lack of essential security features. Bitdefender VPN also fails to unblock Netflix, and we advise against using it for torrenting.

Bitdefender, an antivirus provider, has introduced its VPN service to protect users’ personal information and mask their IP addresses on unsecured wireless networks. The service allows users worldwide to access restricted content in specific regions.

With Bitdefender VPN, users can enjoy average speeds while maintaining anonymity as their traffic is encrypted. The service also provides protection for online activities and identities on the network to prevent hackers and ISPs from accessing them.

Bitdefender VPN collects user logs despite claiming not to, and it only offers a single tunneling protocol . When compared to other VPN providers, it provides limited access to streaming channels .

In this detailed Bitdefender VPN review , we will examine its features and services to determine if it’s worthy of being considered among the premium VPN services available.

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Bitdefender VPN Review – Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast speeds on local servers
• Lets you torrent easily
• User-friendly app
• Provide 10 simultaneous connections
• Internet Kill Switch
• Supports multiple OS like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
• AES-256 bit encryption
• Reliable customer support through blogs, live chats, and emails
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• No Smart DNS
• Logs temporary data
• Small servers range
• Leaks data credentials
• Doesn’t work in China
• Single tunneling protocol

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 Pricing and Plans

Bitdefender VPN Premium offers 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year plans starting as low as $1.25/month. The 1-year plan costs $14.99, the 2-year plan costs $48.99, and the 3-year package costs $71.99.

However, it’s important to note that Bitdefender charges according to the number of simultaneous devices. For example, a 1-year plan with one device connection costs $48.99, but if you increase the device number to 3, the charges will increase to $24.99 .

Bitdefender VPN lets you pay by PayPal, card, cheque, bank transfer, or cash (if you are a US citizen). It gives a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you dislike the services . Bitdefender VPN price scale is a more cost-effective VPN than the market leaders, such as ExpressVPN.

The best thing about this VPN service is that it offers a 7-day free trial to test the functionalities and operations before signing up for a long-term contract. Users with a Bitdefender central account can easily access the free trial option. The 30-day money-back guarantee is available to all Bitdefender VPN users .

Unlike other VPN providers, Bitdefender exceptionally offers a free version . However, it has a 200 MB data cap which is easily exceeded by scrolling through a few web pages. This free version is not feasible for daily usage due to data restrictions. You can also check other best free VPN services  to enjoy more GBs per day than this VPN.

Servers and Locations

Bitdefender Premium VPN provides 4000+ servers in 48 countries, which is not bad. Unfortunately, the company’s website does not display the server list, but the list of locations is strong, including servers in Africa and South America – regions often overlooked by other VPN providers.

Bitdefender VPN has good coverage in European and Asian countries, but its coverage in African and Middle Eastern regions is poor. The VPN collaborates with Hotspot Shield , which utilizes both physical and virtual servers. This makes it challenging for users to identify the type of server and connection used.

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Bitdefender Security

Is Bitdefender VPN safe? Yes, from the technical perspective, Bitdefender VPN is a secure VPN  that uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption with SHA-256 hash functions, but their logging practices go beyond the bare minimum, which may raise concerns for users focused on maintaining privacy.

Bitdefender VPN uses a kill switch and split tunneling which provides an extra layer of security to users. The VPN offers the proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol. Even though this protocol is pretty fast, you cannot compare it to other options like WireGuard  and OpenVPN that aren’t present in the Bitdefender apps.

Kill Switch

We evaluated the kill switch feature of Bitdefender VPN to determine how it functions during disruptions in the network. While one test involved blocking particular IPs through a router to assess how the app would respond to server downtime, the second test involved closing system processes to check for any detection capabilities.

The Firewall block test did not produce any conclusive results, as the app and device traffic remained encrypted despite blocking entry and exit IP addresses. The VPN failed to detect a compromised link during the process-killing test, raising concerns about its ability to maintain privacy for sensitive data. As a result, users who prioritize privacy must consider other VPN options .

Leaks – IP, DNS, WebRTC & Virus Tests

We tested Bitdefender for leaks and faced no IP and WebRTC leaks . However, the VPN did leak our DNS on most servers. For testing IP leaks, we connected to its UK server and got these results:

After that, we conducted a DNS leak test. Despite being connected to the UK VPN server, you can see that our DNS address is being leaked:

Finally, we wanted to test the VPN for WebRTC leaks. For that, we visited browserleaks.com. Once conducted, you can see that the VPN successfully passed our WebRTC test.

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Bitdefender Privacy and Logging Policy

Bitdefender VPN’s location in Romania provides some reassurance for users as the country’s constitutional court has declared data retention laws to be unconstitutional. Bitdefender VPN’s logging policy  and practices go beyond the norm, including collecting hashed user and device IDs and IP addresses. This goes against the trend of the industry, making it concerning for privacy-conscious users.

Although Bitdefender VPN is technically secure , its logging practices may be worrisome for some users. It is crucial for users to carefully consider their priorities while selecting a VPN service and conduct thorough research of each provider’s policies to ensure maximum protection of their privacy.

We always recommend using ExpressVPN which is the overall best VPN . It offers strong security features, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logging policy.

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Speed- Is Bitdefender VPN fast ?

Bitdefender Premium VPN delivers exceptional speed and performance through its use of the Catapult Hydra protocol, ensuring fast connections . Boasting a network of over 4,000 servers across 48+ different locations, users can enjoy speeds of at least 76.78 Mbps. 

It is recommended to utilize Bitdefender VPN’s Automatic feature, which selects the fastest server available, to avoid slower connections that can result from connecting to a more distant server, where encrypted data has to travel further. We evaluated its speed on its fastest server and obtained a download speed of 76.87 Mbps and an upload speed of 57.45 Mbps.

We have also conducted speed by connecting to distance servers. We got an average speed of 50.87 Mbps for downloading.

For the Bitdefender VPN review 2023 and particularly the speed performance test, the baseline speed was recorded and then compared with the results obtained after connecting to the VPN service.

On testing all locations, the average Bitdefender VPN download speed was 243 Mbps, and the upload speed observed was 77 Mbps collectively. The download speed has a somewhat reasonable reduction rate from the baseline, but the uploads mark a 74% decrease rate comparatively.

The speed results clearly indicate that Bitdefender VPN is super fast for streaming, browsing, and downloading. Check out the other fastest VPNs  for uploading, sharing, or exchanging files, the waiting times may be longer than usual.

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Streaming – Does Bitdefender work with Netflix ?

Bitdefender VPN encrypts user traffic for private internet browsing and claims to unblock content from all over the world. During testing, it failed to connect to UK and US Netflix and had issues accessing BBC iPlayer. It did work with iPlayer during a recent test and several UK servers also worked. Unfortunately, it was unable to access Disney+ and Amazon Prime, making it unsuitable for avid streamers.

You may want to explore the best VPNs for streaming , which can easily unblock content and platforms from any location.

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Is Bitdefender VPN Good for Torrenting ?

Bitdefender VPN is not recommended for torrenting due to its leaky privacy and DNS information. Even though torrenting is allowed on the network and provides fast speeds, Bitdefender VPN suffers from DNS leaks that can reveal your identity and location, making it not secure enough for P2P file sharing.

If you’re looking for the best way to bypass torrent blocking  , ExpressVPN is a top choice. It offers fast speeds, a strict no-logs policy, and strong security features, making it one of the safest VPNs for P2P file sharing. It has a large server network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. ExpressVPN also offers a kill switch and split tunneling to ensure maximum privacy and security while torrenting.

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Device Compatibility

Bitdefender provides dedicated applications for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android . Nevertheless, the absence of various advanced settings is a downside. The VPN service doesn’t support multiple devices and doesn’t work with routers or offer Smart DNS, which means it cannot be used on gaming consoles or streaming devices.

The VPN also lacks apps for Fire TV Stick and Android TV, and browser extensions are not available, unlike many premium VPNs.

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Installation of Apps and Ease of Use

While Bitdefender supports all major operating systems, it fails to support Linux. However, the apps are pretty easy to use on other devices. That’s an advantage considering it can be used by both novice and advanced VPN users. All the apps are more or less the same, with slight differences between them. Let’s check them out.

For Windows and MacOS

The Bitdefender provides a Windows VPN application and features a sleek, vertical layout with a black button bar extending along the left side. It includes a huge power button and a configurable dark mode. Without a map interface, the app’s usefulness is somewhat restricted.

The Autoconnect section of the options menu allows you to designate conditions in which the VPN will automatically connect. Bitdefender Premium VPN also connects instantly when you use particular applications, visit particular URLs, access specific types of content, or use P2P file-sharing software. There were no Netflix viewing issues, although the relationship between Netflix and VPNs is not constant.

The macOS app has the same appearance and functionality as the iPhone and Android. It is a little pop-up window featuring large, easy-to-read text, and its background is a global map. The application includes a large connecting button in the center of the window and a small Server Selection button at the bottom. When selecting a VPN server location, only a limited number of countries are available.

For Android and iOS

We conducted a review of Bitdefender’s Android VPN. The app has an intuitive interface that showcases a world map made of small circles. To choose a VPN location, users can tap the button located at the bottom of the screen, which initiates a brief animation demonstrating the movement of data bits to their new destination.

The Android edition of Bitdefender VPN provides several features such as split-tunneling for apps and websites, an internet Kill Switch, and auto-connect on public Wi-Fi. Users can also switch between Light and Dark modes in the Settings section of the app and permit access to other devices on the local network.

We also tested the Bitdefender iPhone VPN app . The app has an attractive design and offers both Light and Dark mode options. It features a world map created with circle-shaped bits that change to reflect your location as you choose a VPN server via the connection button at the center of the screen.

The app only allows users to search for a server by country, not by city and does not provide an option to select an individual server. It does come with useful features such as Auto-Connect, which connects you to a VPN server automatically while using split-tunneling for websites, an internet Kill Switch, and public Wi-Fi.

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Bypass Censorship – Does Bitdefender work in China?

No, Bitdefender VPN lacks obfuscation technology and therefore cannot bypass China’s Great Firewall. There is no indication that it can function in other countries with censorship measures either.

Bitdefender doesn’t bypass censorship in other multiple countries apart from China including Turkey, Russia, and UAE. We’re honestly not surprised because it clearly mentions that it restricts VPN usage in the following countries on its website:

• China
• Russia
• Oman
• Iran
• UAE
• Iraq
• Turkey

If you plan to visit a country with high levels of internet censorship, we do not advise using Bitdefender VPN as it will not be effective. You must get the best VPN in China, Turkey, or Iran.

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 Customer Support – Bitdefender VPN review

Bitdefender provides customer support via 24/7 live chat, email, and forums, which we have found to be efficient and prompt . The service offers comprehensive online support guides. Although we initially encountered frustrating customer support when reviewing Bitdefender VPN, it has since made significant improvements.

While live chat may not be available around the clock, it is still a quick and helpful option for global customers. For common issues, Bitdefender offers well-structured setup guides and troubleshooting instructions that should be sufficient. The forums, although mainly user-operated, can also be helpful, but may not be the most reliable source of information.

• 24/7 Live Chat Support  – Yes
• Online Resources  – Yes
• Email  – Yes
• Chatbot  – No
• Tutorial Videos  – No
• 24/7 Email Support  – No
• Email Support via Online Form  – No

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Alternative VPN Choices

Here are a few alternative VPNs that you can use instead of Bitdefender .

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service that offers fast and secures connections to users . With over 3,000 servers in 160 locations across 94 countries, ExpressVPN provides a reliable and efficient service. Users can choose from a variety of protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec.

For more information read ExpressVPN Review

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN is a relatively new player but has quickly gained popularity due to its affordable pricing and impressive features. With over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, Surfshark VPN offers fast and secure connections to its users. The service supports a variety of protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard.

For more information read Surfshark Review

PureVPN

PureVPN is a feature-rich VPN service that provides fast and secures connections to its users . With over 6,500 servers in 140 countries, PureVPN offers one of the largest server networks in the VPN market. The service supports a variety of protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec. PureVPN offers add-ons such as port forwarding and dedicated IP addresses for an additional fee.

For more information read PureVPN Review

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FAQs: Bitdefender VPN Review

Is Bitdefender VPN free with internet security ?

Yes, any Bitdefender security plan subscriber will receive a free version of Bitdefender VPN . However, this version has a daily bandwidth cap of 200 MB, so it won’t be of much use to you. For premium account features, you need to purchase the premium version.

Can Bitdefender VPN be trusted ?

As a VPN service, Bitdefender Premium VPN offers robust security, fast speeds, and user-friendly apps for various platforms . However, their logging policy goes beyond the minimum requirement, which may raise concerns for privacy-conscious users. Ultimately, whether or not Bitdefender VPN can be trusted depends on the user’s individual privacy needs and threat model.

Why is Bitdefender VPN so slow ?

Bitdefender VPN may be slow due to a variety of factors such as network congestion, bandwidth limitations, and server distance from the user’s physical location. If a user connects to a server that is far from their actual location, it could result in slower internet speed as the encrypted data has to travel a longer distance.

The overall speed of Bitdefender VPN can also be impacted by the user’s own internet connection speed and device specifications .

Is Bitdefender VPN worth the money?

The answer to whether Bitdefender VPN is worth the money depends on the user’s specific needs. While Bitdefender VPN offers excellent security and fast speeds, its logging policy may be a concern for privacy-conscious users. While it works well for some streaming services, it may not be the best option for accessing all geo-restricted content.

Can I use Bitdefender VPN on the router ?

No, you cannot use Bitdefender VPN on the router as it is a software-based product. It can be installed on devices with Windows, Android, or Mac, such as smartphones, tablets, etc. To protect your router with Bitdefender VPN, check the official website of Bitdefender VPN. Or better, you can connect ExpressVPN on router  and enjoy limitless protection across all of your connected devices.

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Do We Recommend Bitdefender VPN ?

No, we don’t recommend Bitdefender VPN . Bitdefender premium VPN is a good option for online security and protection but it only has standard and basic features that are not enough to satisfy the changing digital needs of users as offered by its competitors.

The Bitdefender VPN speed results for review indicate satisfactory performance in only some of the regions. Therefore, it’s not recommended for rigorous streaming. The Bitdefender VPN review on Reddit highlights its weaknesses and limitations. Furthermore the ambiguous logging policy, uneven performance, and abrupt delivery are evident vulnerabilities.

Our Bitdefender VPN review can serve as a guideline for users interested in exploring this VPN. Despite many claims of supporting anonymous browsing and unlocking various platforms and channels, we couldn’t find this VPN up to the mark.