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What Is a VPN?
A VPN routes traffic through an encrypted connection to a remote server, thereby preventing your internet service provider (ISP) from tracking what you do over the internet. A VPN encrypts your traffic to hide your content if a third party intercepts your traffic.
Bitdefender Premium VPN at a Glance
Bitdefender Premium VPN uses top-of-the-line AES 256-bit key encryption to provide users with complete online anonymity. Whether you’re on your PC or mobile device, Bitdefender Premium VPN hides your Internet Protocol (IP) and encrypts all incoming and outgoing data and traffic so that no online activity is linked to you. Also, access geo-restricted content by connecting to the VPN software via any of its over 4,000 servers in more than 49 server locations across the globe.
Privacy
Bitdefender Premium VPN uses secure and superfast Catapult Hydra protocol to reroute your IP address when you’re surfing the internet. The VPN is further reinforced with the Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) algorithm and SHA-256 hash functions working in the background to give you the reassurance that your data stays protected. You won’t find any Domain Name System (DNS), Web Real-time Communication (WebRTC) or other leaks when using Bitdefender Premium VPN.
Also, Bitdefender Premium VPN operates a no-log policy—you can be sure that there’s no one monitoring the sites and content you visit or download over the virtual private network. The VPN service provider only collects your name, email address and payment information upon subscription.
Speeds
Bitdefender Premium VPN uses the Catapult Hydra protocol to deliver optimum speed and performance, regardless of your location. You’ll get at least 410 Mbps, thanks to its over 4,000 servers operating from more than 49 different locations. But make sure you connect to Bitdefender VPN’s Automatic feature that allows Bitdefender Premium VPN to select the fastest server for you. Connecting to a farther server might slow you down since your encrypted data would need to travel more.
Pricing and Plans
Bitdefender customers on any of its security plans will get a free version of Bitdefender VPN, but this version has a daily traffic quota of 200 MB per day, which won’t do much for you. The paid version, Bitdefender Premium VPN, offers unlimited traffic and connects you to over 4,000 servers in 49 countries. You can also connect up to ten devices, including Windows, macOS, Android and iOS devices.
In terms of pricing, Bitdefender premium VPN comes cheap if all you need is no-frills protection for your data. Its entry-level plan for Windows is $29.99 per year (protects 10 devices) while those who need protection for iOS will pay $49.99 (also for 10 devices).
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NordVPN
Monthly Pricing (2 Year Plan)
$3.49 per month
# of Devices
6
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Surfshark
Monthly Pricing (2 Year Plan)
$2.29
# of Devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
2
Surfshark
On Surfshark's Website
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Private Internet Access
Monthly Pricing (2 Year Plan)
$2.03
# of Devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
Other Benefits
Bitdefender offers its users a series of benefits, including the following.
Autoconnect
Bitdefender takes VPN auto-connect capability a notch higher by allowing you to customize activation in specific cases. You can set your VPN to connect automatically when you’re on an insecure network or start peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing. The Autoconnect feature also responds to specific apps, URLs, payment sites and website categories. This feature is good if you don’t want to leave your VPN on all the time.
Kill Switch
You’ll find this one on a few other VPN service providers. A kill switch secures your privacy by disconnecting your internet connection if your VPN loses connection. This feature makes sure you never get exposed while using the internet. You can customize Bitdefender’s kill switch feature to disconnect your internet automatically or turn off the kill switch feature in case of VPN connection loss.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling allows you to choose which websites connect directly through your ISP or the Bitdefender VPN. But bear in mind that while you can safe-list specific websites, you can’t safe-list apps or set up split tunneling on the macOS app.
Fine Print
While preparing this Bitdefender VPN review, we noticed a few things about how Bitdefender’s VPN operates. The free version is only available if you already subscribe to one of the service provider’s security plans. Although the Windows plan price is $29.99 initially and the iOS plan price is $49.99 for the first year, expect to pay much higher renewal plan prices. Also, you won’t find any list showing Bitdefender VPN’s 49 server locations on the website.
How Bitdefender Stacks Up
| Bitdefender Premium VPN | CyberGhost VPN | AirVPN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forbes Advisor Rating |
|
|
|
| Plan Costs | As low as $29.99 per year (for Windows devices) | $56.97 for the first two years (plus three months free), then $56.97 per year after that or $12.99 per month | Approximately $54 per year |
| Number of Servers | More than 4,000 | More than 8,000 | More than 200 |
| Number of Devices Allowed | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Dedicated IP Server | No | Available as an add-on for an extra $5 per month | No |
| Learn More | -- | On CyberGhost VPN's Website | -- |
| Read Reviews | -- | Read CyberGhost VPN Review | Read AirVPN Review |
Choosing a VPN service includes comparing the features of different VPN service providers. From the table above we can say that Bitdefender offers better value than AirVPN. At a lower amount, you’ll enjoy more simultaneous connections and a larger number of servers.
While CyberGhost costs more than Bitdefender Premium VPN, it stands out for offering its users a dedicated IP address that prevents the company from sharing an IP address with strangers.
Is Bitdefender Right for You or Your Business?
It is not one of the best VPNs, but Bitdefender VPN has one of the most competitive annual prices we’ve seen. So if you’re looking to access blocked content and protect your online activities without breaking the bank, this is a decent pick. The VPN is also simple to use, making it a suitable option for an individual or small business that’s just getting started with technology or using VPNs.
However, the VPN is quite limiting for power users since it lacks robust features, such as a dedicated IP address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How good are the Bitdefender VPN apps?
Not only does the Bitdefender Premium VPN app connect in three to four seconds, but it also provides you with all you’ll need, including the kill switch feature and the ability to change your server location without losing VPN protection. You’ll also receive protection notifications and can operate it in a Dark Mode.
How good is Bitdefender VPN for streaming?
Bitdefender VPN works well for streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer and YouTube, but when it comes to other streaming services such as Hulu and DAZN, tests have revealed that Bitdefender VPN will not always bypass all geographical restrictions. So it might not be the best choice for streaming.
What customer support does Bitdefender VPN offer?
You can reach Bitdefender VPN’s support team via phone, email or live chat. Also, there’s a lot of information on Bitdefender’s knowledge base of FAQs, articles and how-to videos, or you can discuss any issues you might be having with Bitdefender’s expert community.
What’s the difference between a proxy and VPN, such as Bitdefender?
A proxy and a VPNare similar in that a proxy server and a VPN can mask your IP, but the difference is that a proxy won’t encrypt your internet data—a VPN does.
How do I connect to a VPN?
The process for connecting to a VPNvaries, depending on your device and operating system. Generally, you need to download the VPN’s app or software, enter your username and password and select a server. For more detailed instructions, check out the VPN’s website or contact customer service.
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