Bitdefender VPN Review (2025): Is it the right choice?

Bitdefender VPN Review

Sleek design, high speeds, and excellent streaming. Bitdefender is one of the best VPNs we’ve tested. However, its reliance on Pango for its VPN technology raises privacy concerns.

• Privacy: 50%. While Bitdefender itself doesn’t track user activity, Pango’s data collection practices are worrisome.
• Streaming: 100%. Bitdefender offered easy access to Netflix, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Prime, and BBC iPlayer in our test.
• Speed: 100%. Bitdefender is among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, perfect for streaming, gaming, and downloading.
• Security: 100%. Bitdefender offers top-tier encryption, protocols, a kill switch, split tunneling, and more.

Thanks to the 30-day return policy, you can try it risk-free.

Privacy

Bitdefender VPN’s logging policy is complex and somewhat concerning, primarily because it relies on a third-party provider, Pango (formerly Aura), to power its VPN service. This means both Bitdefender’s and Pango’s privacy policies apply, making it difficult for users to get a clear understanding of what’s being logged.

What Bitdefender Logs

According to Bitdefender’s privacy policy, it collects your IP address and device information to establish the VPN connection. However, many other VPN providers manage to connect users without logging IP addresses.

On the plus side, Bitdefender has a strict “no traffic logs” policy, meaning it does not collect your browsing activity, which is a crucial aspect.

The Role of Pango

Here’s where things become less clear. Pango, as Bitdefender’s data processor, has its own privacy policy and notice that raises potential concerns. Pango collects:

• Browsing activity: The websites you visit, though this isn’t linked to personally identifiable information.
• Origination IP addresses: Your IP address when connecting to the VPN, but it is deleted at the end of your VPN session.

Verdict

In summary, Bitdefender logs your IP address, while Pango tracks browsing activity in aggregate. While neither practice is a complete dealbreaker, it falls short of the higher privacy standards set by VPNs like NordVPN or Surfshark.

Streaming

Bitdefender VPN may not offer specialized streaming servers, but don’t let that discourage you—its performance in accessing popular streaming platforms is impressive.

In our tests, we connected to Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, and Netflix without any issues. This means you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies seamlessly.

Speed

Bitdefender VPN impresses with its fast download and upload speeds, making it a top choice for both local and international connections.

In our tests, it recorded an average international speed loss of just 3%, a great result that puts it ahead of many competitors. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or simply browsing, Bitdefender’s performance ensures a smooth, lag-free experience.

This remarkable speed can be credited to Hydra technology, developed by Pango (the provider behind Hotspot Shield). Hydra is designed to optimize data transfer, reduce latency, and maximize performance, even over long distances.

It’s worth noting that other major security brands like Panda, Kaspersky, and McAfee also rely on Pango’s infrastructure for their VPNs.

Security

Bitdefender VPN offers advanced security features and protocols.

Security Features

• Kill Switch: A fail-safe that cuts off your internet connection if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly, ensuring your real IP address stays hidden.
• Ad Blocker and Anti-Tracker: Block intrusive ads and trackers. These features enhance your privacy and improve your browsing speed.
• Split Tunneling: Decide which apps or websites use the VPN and which don’t, balancing speed and functionality.
• Auto-Connect: Set the VPN to activate automatically based on your preferences, whether it’s connecting on startup, using unsecured WiFi, or launching peer-to-peer apps and specific programs.

Flexible Protocols

Bitdefender supports a range of VPN protocols to deliver the perfect balance of security and speed. You can choose from:

• OpenVPN: A trusted, open-source protocol known for its robust security.
• WireGuard: A modern, lightning-fast protocol offering superior performance with advanced cryptography.
• Hydra: Hotspot Shield’s proprietary protocol, fine-tuned for reliable, high-speed connections.

AES-256 Encryption

Bitdefender employs AES-256 encryption, often called “military-grade” for its unrivaled strength. It’s the same encryption trusted by governments, banks, and security experts worldwide to protect sensitive data.

Leak-Proof Technology

Your privacy is protected against IP, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. Our tests confirm that your data stays secure within the encrypted VPN tunnel, so your online footprint remains invisible.

Even More Security

Optionally, you can get the VPN as part of Bitdefender Premium, which includes Bitdefender’s antivirus software and password manager.

Servers

Bitdefender VPN has a medium-sized network of 1,300 servers spread across 53 countries worldwide, with coverage across all continents. 

In large countries users can choose servers at the city level, allowing you to optimize your connection speed. This feature is available in Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States

While the network size might seem modest compared to competitors like NordVPN, it’s important to consider that Bitdefender prioritizes real servers rather than virtual ones.

Real servers are physically located in the country they represent, providing authentic IP addresses. Virtual servers, on the other hand, simulate being in a specific country but are often physically located elsewhere, like a server in Singapore representing Indonesia.

Prices

Bitdefender’s price per year is comparable to that of NordVPN. For users looking for a more affordable alternative, Surfshark, Norton, TotalVPN, and CyberGhost are good options.

User reviews

We analyzed user reviews across all major VPN brands, focusing on scores and review counts from TrustPilot, a trusted and widely used review platform.

Unfortunately, Bitdefender scores below average compared to competitors. Common complaints include difficulties in disabling auto-renewal and frequent upsell attempts.

On the positive side, many users praise the strong protection Bitdefender provides, highlighting its reliability in securing their online activities.

Ownership

Bitdefender, established in Romania in 2001, is a leading cybersecurity provider, serving individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, and enterprises. The company operates globally, with headquarters in Bucharest, Romania, and Santa Clara, California, along with offices across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

With over 1,600 employees—more than half dedicated to research and development—Bitdefender prioritizes innovation, holding 440 patents in areas such as machine-learning threat detection. Its technology is widely trusted, with partnerships with major players like Microsoft, VMware, and Citrix, and a reseller network spanning 170 countries.