Choosing the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze.
Do you need blazing-fast speeds for streaming?
Rock-solid security for online banking?
Both offer top-notch features, but which one comes out on top in 2025?
In this comparison, we’ll break down ProtonVPN vs Bitdefender VPN and everything you need to know, from server locations to security protocols.
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both ProtonVPN and Bitdefender VPN.
We’ve evaluated their performance in real-world scenarios, including streaming, torrenting, gaming, and browsing.
Our analysis covers speed, security, privacy, features, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.
Experience true online freedom with Proton VPN’s strong security and privacy features.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at €4.49/month
Key Features:
- Secure Core servers
- NetShield ad-blocker
- Strong encryption protocols
Ready to experience the internet with more freedom and security? Secure your connection and unlock a world of content today!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.92/month
Key Features:
- Unlimited bandwidth
- No-logs policy
- Automatic kill switch
What is ProtonVPN?
Want a VPN that’s serious about privacy? Check out ProtonVPN.
They’re based in Switzerland. This means that they have strong privacy laws.
They also have some unique security features. They offer a free version. It’s bad, huh?
Also, explore our favorite ProtonVPN alternatives…
Enhance your online security with ProtonVPN. Choose a free plan with unlimited data or a premium plan starting at €9.99 monthly to unlock advanced features. Begin your secure browsing experience today.
Key Benefits
- Security-focused features: Secure Core servers and strong encryption.
- Privacy-conscious: Strict no-logs policy.
- NetShield ad-blocker: Blocks ads and malware.
- Open source apps: Transparency and community audits.
- A free version is available: Test it out before you commit.
Pricing
ProtonVPN offers a free plan with limited features. Want more? They have paid plans to suit your needs.
- 1 Month Plan: €9.99/month
- 2-Year Plan: €4.49/month
- 1 Year Plan: €4.99/month
Pros
Cons
What is Bitdefender VPN?
Looking for a VPN that’s super easy to use? Bitdefender VPN might be just what you need!
Bitdefender, a well-known antivirus company, makes it.
This VPN is great for beginners because it’s simple.
It keeps your online activity private and helps you get around those annoying location blocks. 👍
Also, explore our favorite Bitdefender VPN alternatives…
Ready to experience the internet with more freedom and security? Secure your connection and unlock a world of content today!
Key Benefits
- No-logs policy: They don’t keep track of your online activity.
- Strong encryption: Uses top-notch AES-256 encryption.
- Automatic kill switch: Protects your data if the VPN connection drops.
- Unlimited bandwidth: No limits on how much data you use.
- Easy to use: Simple interface for quick setup.
Pricing
Bitdefender VPN keeps it simple with these options:
- Bitdefender antivirus plus(1-Account-1-Device): $19.99/month
- Bitdefender antivirus plus(1-Account-3-Device): $29.99
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
When you’re choosing a VPN service, it’s essential to compare Bitdefender and ProtonVPN across their key features.
This VPN comparison will help you understand which VPN is the best VPN for your needs and whether you prioritize VPN speed.
Let’s dive in!
1. VPN Protocols
- ProtonVPN: This VPN provider offers a strong selection of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. This gives you flexibility and strong security.
- Bitdefender Premium VPN: This VPN primarily uses the Catapult Hydra protocol, which is proprietary. While Bitdefender VPN boasts speed, it lacks the open-source transparency of OpenVPN.
2. VPN Servers and Locations
- ProtonVPN: This VPN provides a decent network of VPN servers in 60+ countries. You’ll likely find a VPN server near you.
- Bitdefender VPN: Bitdefender Premium VPN has a smaller server network, with servers in 40+ countries. This might limit your options depending on your VPN usage.
3. VPN Speed
- Bitdefender VPN: In this Bitdefender VPN review, we found that it generally delivers faster VPN speeds, especially when using the Catapult Hydra protocol.
- ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN’s speeds can be a bit slower, particularly on long-distance connections. However, they are usually sufficient for most online activities.
4. Streaming and Torrenting
- ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN excels at unblocking streaming platforms like Netflix, thanks to dedicated streaming servers. ProtonVPN also allows torrenting on specific servers.
- Bitdefender VPN: Bitdefender VPN struggles with some streaming services. While it allows torrenting, it doesn’t offer specialized P2P servers like ProtonVPN.
5. Security and Privacy
- ProtonVPN: Based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. ProtonVPN includes features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
- Bitdefender VPN: Owned by Bitdefender, a Romanian cybersecurity company. Bitdefender VPN also provides essential security features like a kill switch.
6. VPN App and Ease of Use
- Both: Both ProtonVPN and Bitdefender Premium VPN offer user-friendly VPN apps across major platforms (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android). Connecting to a VPN server is straightforward with both providers.
7. Customer Support
- ProtonVPN: Provides email support and a comprehensive knowledge base.
- Bitdefender VPN: Bitdefender offers email and live chat support, which can be more convenient for quick solutions.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Specific Needs: Consider what you’ll primarily use the VPN for (e.g., streaming, torrenting, bypassing censorship). This will help you prioritize features like speed, server locations, and security protocols.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure the VPN has apps for all your devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.) and supports the number of simultaneous connections you need.
- Logging Policy: Pay close attention to the VPN provider’s of logging policy. A strict no-logs policy ensures your online activity remains private.
- Jurisdiction: The VPN provider’s location matters. Choose a VPN based in a country with strong privacy laws.
- Security Features: Look for essential security features, such as AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
- Advanced Features: Consider additional features like split tunneling, ad blocking, and obfuscation, depending on your needs.
- Free Trials and Refunds: Before committing to a long-term plan, you can test the VPN using free trials or money-back guarantees.
- User Reviews: Read the reviews from other users to understand the VPN’s performance, reliability, and customer support.
Final Verdict
In this ProtonVPN vs NordVPN showdown, ProtonVPN emerges as our top pick for most VPN users.
While Bitdefender VPN is faster, ProtonVPN offers a better overall package, especially for those who want to use a VPN for streaming or torrenting.
ProtonVPN provides a wider range of VPN protocols, a larger network of VPN servers, and stronger security features.
Plus, its commitment to privacy and user-friendly VPN app make it a winner in our VPN comparison.
If you’re looking for a new VPN that balances speed, security, and features, ProtonVPN is the way to go.
It’s a reliable and versatile VPN service that will keep your online activity private and secure, whether you’re browsing, streaming, or downloading.
More of ProtonVPN
We’ve explored alternatives to ProtonVPN, so how does ProtonVPN stack up directly against them?
- ProtonVPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds and a larger server network, while ProtonVPN focuses more on privacy and has a free plan with no data limits.
- ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is often faster and more reliable for streaming, while ProtonVPN provides strong security features and a transparent open-source approach.
- ProtonVPN vs PureVPN: ProtonVPN is generally considered better overall with faster speeds and stronger security, while PureVPN boasts a larger server count.
- ProtonVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is often more affordable and allows unlimited connections, while ProtonVPN is known for slightly faster speeds and stronger privacy features.
- ProtonVPN vs PrivadoVPN: ProtonVPN offers a wider server network and a stronger focus on privacy, while PrivadoVPN provides a decent free plan and good speeds.
- ProtonVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking integration, while ProtonVPN is a more comprehensive VPN that focuses on security and privacy.
- ProtonVPN vs Virtual Shield: ProtonVPN offers more advanced security features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- ProtonVPN vs StrongVPN: ProtonVPN generally has better speeds and a larger server network, while StrongVPN is known for strong encryption.
- ProtonVPN vs FastestVPN: ProtonVPN is typically faster and offers stronger privacy features compared to the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
- ProtonVPN vs AuraVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on VPN security and privacy, while AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
- ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers, while ProtonVPN emphasizes security and privacy with features like Secure Core.
- ProtonVPN vs McAfee VPN: ProtonVPN is a dedicated VPN service with stronger security and privacy features than the basic VPN included with McAfee.
- ProtonVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for customization and a large server network, while ProtonVPN focuses on strong privacy and a transparent approach.
- ProtonVPN vs Mysterium: ProtonVPN uses a traditional server network known for security and speed, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN.
More of Bitdefender VPN
Here’s a quick comparison of Bitdefender VPN with alternatives:
- Bitdefender VPN vs NordVPN: NordVPN: faster, larger network, more features. Bitdefender: user-friendly, bundled with antivirus.
- Bitdefender VPN vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is faster, better for streaming, and offers stronger privacy. Bitdefender is bundled and simpler.
- Bitdefender VPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN: larger server count. Bitdefender: simpler interface.
- Bitdefender VPN vs Surfshark VPN: Surfshark is faster, has unlimited devices, has more features, and is better for streaming. Bitdefender is bundled.
- Bitdefender VPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN: potentially faster, stronger privacy, free tier. Bitdefender: bundled.
- Bitdefender VPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN: ad-blocking focus. Bitdefender: general VPN.
- Bitdefender VPN vs Virtual Shield: Bitdefender: more established, larger network. Virtual Shield: very basic.
- Bitdefender VPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN: robust encryption. Bitdefender: smaller network.
- Bitdefender VPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN: budget-friendly. Bitdefender: bundled.
- Bitdefender VPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection—Bitdefender: VPN only.
- Bitdefender VPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost: user-friendly, specialized servers. Bitdefender: simpler, smaller network.
- Bitdefender VPN vs McAfee VPN: Bitdefender is: more feature-rich VPN. Both are often bundled with an antivirus.
- Bitdefender VPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA: larger network, unlimited devices. Bitdefender: user-friendly.
- Bitdefender VPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium: decentralized. Bitdefender: traditional network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtonVPN better than Bitdefender VPN?
For most users, yes. ProtonVPN offers a stronger combination of speed, security features, and server locations. It’s also generally more affordable than Bitdefender VPN.
Can I use Bitdefender VPN without Bitdefender antivirus?
Yes, you can subscribe to Bitdefender Premium VPN as a standalone product. However, it’s often bundled with Bitdefender’s antivirus software at a discounted price.
Do I need a VPN if I have Bitdefender Premium Security?
While Bitdefender Premium Security offers strong online protection, it doesn’t include all the functionalities of a VPN. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, providing an extra layer of privacy and security.
What is the difference between a VPN and a private network?
A private network, like your home Wi-Fi, is a local network with restricted access. A VPN creates a secure and encrypted connection over a public network, like the internet, allowing you to browse privately and securely, even on public Wi-Fi.
Which VPN is better for streaming, NordVPN or ProtonVPN?
Both are good, but ProtonVPN has a slight edge. It offers dedicated streaming servers optimized for unblocking platforms like Netflix, providing a smooth streaming experience.
