⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Tarification : Proton VPN starts at $0/month (free plan) with paid plans from $2.99/month. Bitdefender VPN starts at $59.99/year bundled with antivirus.
- Idéal pour : Proton VPN for privacy-first users who want a standalone VPN service. Bitdefender VPN for users who already need antivirus and want VPN bundled in.
- Différence principale : Proton VPN is a dedicated VPN provider with open-source apps and Secure Core servers. Bitdefender VPN is an add-on inside a security suite.
- Our pick: Proton VPN for most users — it has a better free tier, more servers, and stronger privacy credentials.
Proton VPN and Bitdefender VPN take very different approaches to online privacy.
One is a dedicated VPN provider built by privacy activists.
The other is a VPN bundled inside an antivirus suite.
That core difference shapes everything from pricing to features.
This comparison breaks down both tools so you can pick the right one.
Aperçu
This ProtonVPN vs Bitdefender VPN comparison covers pricing, security features, and streaming support.
We also break down who each VPN service works best for.
Our sources include published specs, documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN provider fits your needs.
Whether you’re a Linux user or a Windows app fan, we cover every angle.
Qu'est-ce que ProtonVPN ?
Proton VPN is a VPN service built by the team behind Proton Mail.
It’s based in Switzerland under some of the world’s strongest privacy laws.
The Proton VPN app is open-source and has passed third-party audits.
It offers a free VPN with unlimited bandwidth and no ads.
Paid plans unlock 8,600+ Proton VPN servers across 112 countries.
Le Androïde app and Windows app both connect in a few seconds.
Proton VPN also supports mobile device use on iOS and Android TV.
ProtonVPN
A privacy-focused VPN from Switzerland. Open-source apps and a strict no-logs policy make it a top pick for secure browsing.
Tarifs de ProtonVPN
Proton VPN offers three plans. The free tier has no data caps at all.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | 0,00 $/mois | Navigation et tests occasionnels |
| Plus | 2,99 $/mois | Full server access and streaming |
| Illimité | 7,99 $/mois | VPN + Proton Mail, Drive, Pass |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Essai gratuit : The free plan works forever with no credit card needed. Paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Garantie de remboursement : All paid plans come with a full 30-day refund policy. Contact support within that window to get your money back.
📌 Note: The Unlimited plan bundles Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar, and Passage Proton alongside the VPN. These Proton apps work together for complete online privacy. If you already use other VPN services for Proton services, this plan saves you money compared to buying each one separately. Proton Technologies AG manages all these products from Switzerland.
⚠️ Avertissement: The free plan limits you to servers in five locations and one device at a time. Secure core servers, streaming support, port forwarding, and dedicated servers for P2P are only on paid plans. This premium VPN can be an expensive VPN compared to budget options.
Principaux avantages de ProtonVPN
Here’s what makes Proton VPN worth considering:
- Protection de la vie privée en Suisse : Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN falls outside of Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes surveillance alliances. Swiss law requires a court order before any data request.
- Politique de non-conservation des journaux vérifiée : Proton VPN passed a third-party audit confirming it does not store traffic logs, IP logs, or browsing history. The VPN company also publishes a transparency report.
- Applications open source : Every Proton VPN app is open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for security flaws. This level of transparency is rare among other VPN providers.
- Réseau de serveurs étendu : Over 8,600 VPN servers spread across 112 countries. The server list is far larger than most VPN companies offer.
- Free Plan With No Ads: The free VPN has unlimited bandwidth, no ads, and no speed throttling. Compared to other free VPNs, this free tier is hard to beat.
- Architecture de base sécurisée : Routes your internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel in privacy-friendly countries before reaching the endpoint server. This adds an extra layer of protection against network attacks.
- Bloqueur de publicités NetShield : Blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. This feature protects against online threats and DNS leaks while browsing.
- Accélérateur VPN : Uses advanced networking to boost internet speeds. The VPN Accelerator makes a noticeable difference when connecting to distant server locations.
What Our Team Noticed
Notre écrivain signed up for Proton VPN and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Avantages et inconvénients de ProtonVPN
✅ Avantages
- Formule gratuite avec bande passante illimitée et sans publicité
- Applications open source vérifiées par des audits indépendants
- juridiction suisse en dehors des alliances de surveillance
- Plus de 8 600 serveurs répartis dans 112 pays
- Routage multi-sauts Secure Core pour une confidentialité accrue
❌ Inconvénients
- Free plan limits you to 5 server locations and 1 device
- Les serveurs Secure Core peuvent ralentir les vitesses de connexion.
- Aucune assistance par chat en direct n'est disponible pour une aide rapide.
- Plus plan is pricier than some budget VPN providers
Qu'est-ce que Bitdefender VPN ?
Bitdefender VPN is a virtual private network built into Bitdefender’s security suite.
It uses the Catapult Hydra protocol for fast connection speeds.
The Bitdefender Premium VPN comes bundled with antivirus, anti-tracker, and ad blocker tools.
It covers Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.
Bitdefender VPN is based in Romania, outside the Five Eyes alliance.
The VPN connection starts quickly and you can automatically connect to the nearest server location.
It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections and includes a favorites system for quick access to preferred servers.
VPN Bitdefender
A VPN bundled with Bitdefender’s antivirus suite. Covers up to 10 devices with AES-256 encryption and ad blocking built in.
Tarifs du VPN Bitdefender
Bitdefender VPN is sold as part of security bundles. Here’s the breakdown.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender Total Security | 59,99 $/an | Antivirus with limited VPN (200MB/day) |
| Sécurité Premium Bitdefender | 79,99 $/an | Unlimited VPN + antivirus + gestionnaire de mots de passe |
| Bitdefender Ultimate Security | 89,99 $/an | Full security suite + identity protection |
| Bitdefender Ultimate Security Plus | 119,99 $/an | Complete protection + identity theft assurance |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Essai gratuit : Bitdefender offers a 7-day free VPN trial with no credit card required. A limited free version caps data at 200MB per day.
Garantie de remboursement : All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee for purchases made through Bitdefender’s website.
📌 Note: Unlimited VPN traffic only comes with Premium Security ($79.99/yr) or higher. The Total Security plan caps VPN data at 200MB per day, which is barely enough for basic browsing.
⚠️ Avertissement: Bitdefender’s first-year pricing is promotional. Renewal prices jump significantly. Premium Security renews at $129.99/yr after the first year.
Principaux avantages du VPN Bitdefender
Here’s what makes Bitdefender VPN worth considering:
- Sécurité tout-en-un : Bitdefender VPN comes bundled with antivirus, anti-tracker, and ad blocker as part of providing VPN services alongside device protection. You get online security and VPN in one purchase.
- Protocole Catapult Hydra : Uses the fast Catapult Hydra VPN protocol for quick connections. Also supports WireGuard and OpenVPN as VPN protocols for more flexibility.
- Interface simple : The app has a clean, beginner-friendly design. You can connect to a VPN server with a single click. Download speeds and ping times are displayed clearly.
- 10 connexions simultanées : One subscription covers up to 10 devices at the same time. That’s enough for a whole household.
- Protection des réseaux Wi-Fi publics : Automatically secures your internet connection on unsecured networks like coffee shops and airports. Protects your online privacy from targeted ads and trackers.
- Juridiction de la Roumanie : Based in Romania, outside Five Eyes surveillance. Romanian law does not require VPN companies to keep user data. Payment options include credit card and bank transfer.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Bitdefender VPN and explored the platform for several days. Here’s what stood out:
Avantages et inconvénients de Bitdefender VPN
✅ Avantages
- Bundles VPN with antivirus and security tools
- Interface simple et conviviale pour les débutants
- Catapult Hydra protocol delivers fast speeds
- Assistance par chat en direct 24h/24 et 7j/7 disponible
❌ Inconvénients
- Aucune prise en charge Linux ou des routeurs
- Difficultés à débloquer Netflix et Disney+
- Privacy policy lacks clarity on logging practices
- No standalone VPN option outside the security suite
Comparaison des fonctionnalités
Let’s compare ProtonVPN vs Bitdefender VPN across 9 key areas. This covers everything from privacy to streaming to pricing.
| Fonctionnalité | ProtonVPN | VPN Bitdefender |
|---|---|---|
| Prix initial | 0 $/mois (formule gratuite) | 59,99 $/an (forfait) |
| Plan gratuit | ✅ Bande passante illimitée | ❌ 200MB/day only |
| Nombre de serveurs | Plus de 8 600 dans 112 pays | Plus de 4 000 dans 54 pays |
| Audit sans journaux | ✅ Vérifié par un tiers | ❌ Not independently audited |
| Applications open source | ✅ | ❌ |
| Interrupteur d'arrêt d'urgence | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tunnelage fractionné | ✅ | ✅ |
| Prise en charge de Linux | ✅ | ❌ |
| Déblocage du streaming | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime | BBC iPlayer (limited) |
| Idéal pour | Utilisateurs soucieux de la confidentialité | utilisateurs du pack antivirus + VPN |
1. Politique de confidentialité et de non-conservation des journaux
ProtonVPN : Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy verified by a third-party audit. Proton VPN passed this review with no issues found. The VPN company is based in Switzerland, which has some of the world’s strongest privacy laws. Proton VPN also publishes a transparency report showing how few legal requests it receives. Your internet service provider cannot see your online activities when connected through the encrypted VPN tunnel.
Bitdefender VPN : Bitdefender VPN claims a no-logs policy for browsing history and traffic logs. However, it does log some technical data including user and device IDs for fraud prevention. Hashed user data and randomly generated tokens may be stored. The privacy policy has been criticized for lacking clarity, and no independent audit has confirmed these claims. The data processor processes data according to Bitdefender’s instructions.
2. Réseau de serveurs
ProtonVPN : Proton VPN has over 8,600 servers in 112 countries. That’s a massive server network for a VPN provider. Every server is a physical machine owned and operated by Proton, not rented from third parties.
Bitdefender VPN : Bitdefender VPN offers over 4,000 servers in 54 countries. That’s a decent network but less than half of what Proton offers. The servers are powered by Hotspot Shield’s infrastructure, not owned by Bitdefender directly.
3. Encryption and VPN Protocols
ProtonVPN : Proton VPN uses AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy. It supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and its own Stealth VPN protocol. The Stealth protocol disguises VPN tunnel traffic as normal internet traffic to bypass censorship. Proton services also include encrypted tunnel protection on every connection.
Bitdefender VPN : Bitdefender VPN also uses AES-256 encryption. It primarily runs on the Catapult Hydra protocol for speed. It also supports WireGuard and OpenVPN as VPN protocols. However, it lacks any obfuscation protocol to bypass internet censorship. A Bitdefender Premium VPN review shows these protocols handle most web browsing needs well. The UK server and other server locations connect quickly.
4. Dispositifs de sécurité
ProtonVPN : Proton VPN includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and NetShield ad blocking. It also offers Secure Core servers that route traffic through privacy-friendly countries. Tor over VPN is available for users who need extra anonymity on the Tor network. You can also run a DNS leak test to confirm your VPN connection is secure. Proton VPN offers Tor servers for maximum privacy.
Bitdefender VPN : Bitdefender VPN has a kill switch and split tunneling. It also includes an ad blocker and anti-tracker feature as additional features. Public Wi-Fi protection turns on automatically when you join unsecured networks. The Bitdefender product covers online security against online threats. However, there are no double VPN or Tor features available.
5. Streaming and Geo-Restricted Content
ProtonVPN : Proton VPN unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other major streaming services. According to Proton VPN’s website, dedicated servers are available for streaming access across multiple regions. This makes Proton VPN good for geo restricted content access. Does Proton VPN work for streaming? Yes — it handles most platforms without issues.
Bitdefender VPN : Bitdefender VPN can unblock BBC iPlayer and certain websites but struggles with Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. It does not have dedicated streaming servers. There is no way to access the same number of streaming platforms. This limits its usefulness if blocking access to geo restricted content is your main concern.
⚠️ Avertissement: Bitdefender VPN’s streaming support is inconsistent. If watching region-locked content matters to you, Proton VPN is the safer bet.
6. Compatibilité des appareils
ProtonVPN : The Proton VPN app runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV. The Linux app has a full GUI interface. It also supports router setups for whole-network protection. Up to 10 simultaneous connections are available on paid plans. Proton apps work well across every mobile device.
Bitdefender VPN : Bitdefender VPN works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS only. Mobile apps are available for phones and tablets. It does not support Linux, routers, Apple TV, or Fire TV Stick. That limits how many devices and platforms you can protect. You manage everything through a Bitdefender Central account.
7. Comparaison des forfaits gratuits
ProtonVPN : Proton VPN’s free version offers unlimited bandwidth with no ads. It’s limited to servers in five locations and one device. But there are no data caps at all, which is rare among other free VPNs. This is a secure VPN option even on the free tier.
Bitdefender VPN : Bitdefender’s free version requires an active Bitdefender security subscription. It caps data at 200MB per day. That’s barely enough for light email checking and not useful for browsing or streaming.
8. Assistance clientèle
ProtonVPN : Proton VPN support staff can be reached through email and a support ticket system. There is no live chat support. Response times vary, and connection times for getting a reply can be slow during peak hours. You can visit Proton VPN’s website for documentation and guides.
Bitdefender VPN : Bitdefender offers 24/7 live chat support, email, and phone support for all Bitdefender’s products. However, the general support team handles all Bitdefender products, not just VPN. This means you may get a general support team member instead of specialist providers who know VPN internals. Desktop notifications alert you when the latest version is available.
9. Tarification et coûts
Comparons les plans tarifaires côte à côte.
| Type de plan | ProtonVPN | VPN Bitdefender |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | $0/month (unlimited data) | 200MB/day (with security sub) |
| Entrée payée | 2,99 $/mois (Plus) | 59,99 $/an (Sécurité totale) |
| Niveau intermédiaire | 7,99 $/mois (illimité) | 79,99 $/an (Sécurité Premium) |
| Niveau supérieur | — | 119,99 $/an (Ultimate Plus) |
ProtonVPN : At $2.99/month on a 2-year plan, Proton VPN is affordable for a standalone premium VPN. The free plan makes it easy to test before you pay. You only pay for VPN features — no forced antivirus bundle.
Bitdefender VPN : Bitdefender VPN can’t be bought on its own outside of the security suite. The cheapest plan with unlimited VPN is $79.99/yr (Premium Security). That’s good value if you also need antivirus, but expensive if you only want a VPN.
Différents scénarios
| Si vous avez besoin | Choisir | Pourquoi |
|---|---|---|
| Meilleur VPN gratuit | ProtonVPN | Données illimitées, sans publicité |
| Pack antivirus + VPN | VPN Bitdefender | Suite de sécurité tout-en-un |
| Diffusion en continu sur Netflix/Prime | ProtonVPN | Débloque les principales plateformes |
| Prise en charge Linux ou routeur | ProtonVPN | Bitdefender ne propose pas d'application Linux. |
| Configuration adaptée aux débutants | VPN Bitdefender | Conception de connexion en un clic |
| Confidentialité maximale | ProtonVPN | Audité sans journaux, open source |
💰 Votre budget
Proton VPN’s free plan costs nothing and has no data caps. If you need a premium VPN on a tight budget, Proton VPN Plus at $2.99/month is cheaper than any Bitdefender plan with unlimited VPN access.
🔌 Votre pile technologique
If you use Linux or need VPN on a router, Proton VPN is the only choice here. Bitdefender VPN only covers Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS — no Linux app, no router support.
📝 Vos besoins en matière de confidentialité
Proton VPN is the clear winner for privacy. Its open-source apps, audited no-logs policy, and Swiss jurisdiction make it a top choice for journalists, activists, or anyone who wants maximum online security.
🎓 Votre niveau d'expérience
Bitdefender VPN has a simpler interface and 24/7 live chat support. If you’ve never used a VPN before and want hand-holding, Bitdefender is easier to start with.
🆓 Essais et démos gratuits
Test Proton VPN’s free plan forever — no credit card needed. Bitdefender offers a 7-day trial. Both paid options include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
🛟 Options d'assistance
Bitdefender has 24/7 live chat support and phone support, which Proton VPN lacks. If quick customer support matters, Bitdefender has the edge. Proton VPN relies on email tickets with slower response times.
Guide de changement
Vous utilisez déjà l'un de ces services VPN ? Voici à quoi vous attendre si vous en changez.
🔄 Vous passez de ProtonVPN à Bitdefender VPN ?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Bundled antivirus, anti-tracker, and malware protection
- Assistance par chat en direct et par téléphone 24h/24 et 7j/7
- Simpler one-click interface for beginners
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Secure Core multi-hop servers and Tor over VPN
- Linux, router, Android TV, and Apple TV support
- Open-source apps and audited no-logs policy
📋 Comment changer :
- Cancel your Proton VPN subscription from your Proton account settings
- Purchase a Bitdefender Premium Security plan from Bitdefender’s website
- Download and install Bitdefender on your devices through Bitdefender Central
🔄 Vous passez de Bitdefender VPN à ProtonVPN ?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- 8,600+ servers in 112 countries vs 4,000+ in 54
- Open-source apps with audited privacy protections
- Reliable streaming access for Netflix, Prime, and more
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Protection antivirus et anti-malware intégrée
- Assistance clientèle par chat en direct et par téléphone 24h/24 et 7j/7
- All-in-one security dashboard in Bitdefender Central
📋 Comment changer :
- Cancel auto-renewal in your Bitdefender Central account
- Sign up for Proton VPN’s free or Plus plan at protonvpn.com
- Download the Proton VPN app on all your devices and sign in
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test enterprise VPN connections or evaluate how either tool performs for large corporate teams. Our observations are based on the May 2026 versions — features may change after updates. If you need VPN access in heavily censored regions like China or Russia, your experience may differ from what we’ve described here.
Verdict final
| Catégorie | Gagnant |
|---|---|
| 💰 Tarification | ProtonVPN |
| 🔒 Confidentialité | ProtonVPN |
| 🌐 Réseau de serveurs | ProtonVPN |
| 📺 Diffusion en continu | ProtonVPN |
| 👶 Facilité d'utilisation | VPN Bitdefender |
| 🛟 Service client | VPN Bitdefender |
| 🔌 Compatibilité des appareils | ProtonVPN |
| 🏆 Vainqueur toutes catégories | ProtonVPN |
🏆 GAGNANT : ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN remporte 5 catégories sur 7.
Idéal pour : Privacy-focused browsing, streaming geo-restricted content, and users who want a free VPN with no data caps.
ProtonVPN and Bitdefender VPN serve different types of users.
Proton VPN is a dedicated VPN provider with privacy at its core. Proton VPN easy setup, advanced features like Secure Core, and a strict no logs policy make it stand out. It has more servers, better streaming support, and open-source apps that anyone can audit.
Bitdefender VPN works well if you already need antivirus software. The security bundle adds decent VPN protection without a separate subscription.
But if you want a standalone VPN with strong privacy protections, Proton VPN is the better choice for most people.
Comparaison de ProtonVPN
Here’s how ProtonVPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
ProtonVPN vs NordVPN
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, free plan with unlimited data
NordVPN l'emporte sur : Faster raw speeds, larger server count, dedicated IP addresses available
ProtonVPN contre ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Free tier available, lower paid plan pricing, audited transparency reports
ExpressVPN l'emporte sur : Wider router support, faster connection speeds in some regions, TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure
ProtonVPN contre SurfsharkVPN
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Stronger privacy credentials, Swiss privacy laws, Secure Core multi-hop
SurfsharkVPN l'emporte sur : Lower pricing at $1.99/month, unlimited device connections, CleanWeb ad blocker
ProtonVPN vs CyberGhost
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Open-source code, free plan available, better censorship bypass with Stealth protocol
CyberGhost l'emporte sur : Dedicated streaming and gaming servers, 45-day money-back guarantee, lower entry pricing
Comparatif des VPN Bitdefender
Here’s how Bitdefender VPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
Bitdefender VPN contre NordVPN
Bitdefender VPN l'emporte sur : Bundled antivirus and malware protection, simpler setup for security novices, lower entry price with security included
NordVPN l'emporte sur : Faster speeds, 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, independent no-logs audit, dedicated VPN focus
Bitdefender VPN vs McAfee VPN
Bitdefender VPN l'emporte sur : More server locations (54 vs fewer), WireGuard protocol support, better ad-blocking features
McAfee VPN l'emporte sur : Unlimited device connections, better streaming unblocking, identity monitoring included
Bitdefender VPN vs Accès Internet privé
Bitdefender VPN l'emporte sur : Integrated antivirus suite, simpler interface for non-technical users, phone support available
Private Internet Access l'emporte sur : Linux and router support, open-source apps, cheaper VPN-only pricing, more server locations
Foire aux questions
Le VPN Proton est-il sûr à utiliser ?
Yes. Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy verified by an independent audit. It’s based in Switzerland and all apps are open-source, so anyone can check the code for vulnerabilities.
Bitdefender VPN est-il digne de confiance ?
Bitdefender VPN uses AES-256 encryption and is based in Romania. However, its privacy policy lacks transparency on logging. It has not completed an independent no-logs audit like some dedicated VPN providers have.
Proton VPN est-il compatible avec Netflix ?
Yes. Proton VPN unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming platforms. The Plus plan includes access to dedicated servers for streaming.
Le VPN Bitdefender est-il gratuit ?
A limited free version comes with Bitdefender security products. It caps VPN data at 200MB per day. For unlimited VPN traffic, you need the Premium Security plan at $79.99/yr.
Which is better for privacy — ProtonVPN or Bitdefender VPN?
Proton VPN is stronger on privacy. It has audited no-logs claims, open-source code, and Swiss legal protections. Bitdefender VPN’s privacy policy is vague about what data it collects.
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