This Bitdefender VPN review will help you decide if this popular VPN option is right for your needs and budget.
Summary:
Bitdefender has grown to be one of the largest cybersecurity technology companies worldwide. The Bitdefender Premium VPN service keeps users anonymous, allowing you to surf the web incognito and protecting sensitive information from prying third parties. The Premium VPN is only available to subscribers and is an advanced version of Bitdefender free version with a meagre 200 MB limit.
Related: Best VPNs for Australians
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- User-friendly interface
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Free version available for subscribers
Cons
- Low number of server locations
- No split tunnelling for apps
- No dedicated IP address add-on
- Does not unblock all content
Table of Contents
What Is a VPN?
A virtual private network (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.
Featured Partner Offers
1
NordVPN
Plan costs
$7.33 AUD per month or $87.95 for the first year
Number of Servers
5,500
Encryption
AES-256
2
Surfshark
Price
Starting From $3.07 AUD Per Month
Number of Servers
3000+
Encryption
AES with 256 -bit keys
3
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
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 4000 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. The best value deal for Australians is via the 12-month plan, which is billed at $49.99 for the first year, which equates to $4.16 a month. If you don’t want to lock yourself in for 12 months, then the month-by-month plan costs $8.99.
Both plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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 customise activation in specific cases. You can set your VPN to connect automatically when you’re on an insecure network, such as airport wi-fi, 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 Tunnelling
Split tunnelling 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, which isn’t clear on the website.
Unfortunately there is no dedicated IP address either, and you won’t find any list showing Bitdefender VPN’s 49 server locations on the website. A more compelling website, like TunnelBear or NordVPN, would help Australians better understand whether it’s the right VPN for them, although we appreciate the pricing listed in Australian dollars as opposed to defaulting to USD.
The customer service options—phone, email or live chat—are to be applauded, and users will be pleased with the ability to connect up to 10 devices.
Is Bitdefender Right for You or Your Business?
It may not offer a dedicated IP address, 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 an above-average 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.
Featured Partner Offers
1
NordVPN
Plan costs
$7.33 AUD per month or $87.95 for the first year
Number of Servers
5,500
Encryption
AES-256
2
Surfshark
Price
Starting From $3.07 AUD Per Month
Number of Servers
3000+
Encryption
AES with 256 -bit keys
3
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
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.
What customer support does Bitdefender VPN offer?
You can reach Bitdefender VPN’s support team via phone, email or live chat from Australia. 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 VPN are 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 VPN varies, 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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