People on the lookout for a new VPN service might be wondering which provider is better – Bitdefender VPN or NordVPN. After all, we’re discussing two very popular, albeit, very different providers. Bitdefender is an old company that specializes in cybersecurity and offers a great antivirus.
NordVPN is a lot different and offers a pure VPN service with a few handy additions, which include antivirus and malware protection. It’s no wonder potential buyers often compare these two. And if you’re one of these buyers, consider yourself more than lucky.
Today’s NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN will see us cover 9 extensive tests. They’ll be used to evaluate both VPNs in terms of performance, compatibility, speeds, streaming, security, privacy, and many other factors. This is crucial for understanding which VPN to buy and spend your money the right way.
We don’t recommend rushing through this in-depth look at both services. Instead, read it carefully and take note of their individual qualities. A better VPN might not necessarily suit you, especially if you’re on a budget or looking for particular functionalities. That said, read on and you’ll see which VPN will win out between NordVPN and Bitdefender VPN.
Bitdefender VPN vs NordVPN: Apps & Ease of Use
Starting this NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN analysis, we’ll go with the simplest test – applications, and ease of use.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that Bitdefender VPN offers support for all major platforms. By major platforms, we – and the provider – think about:
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
Linux isn’t considered a major platform by the provider, so the app for this platform is unavailable. This was, by the way, one of our main critiques in the review of Bitdefender VPN. It’s such a shame that this service supports only 4 platforms and not Firestick TV or routers, for example.
Thankfully, you can remedy this problem by choosing another VPN – NordVPN. This service mastered what it takes to be among the most reliable options in 2024. For one, it does offer apps for Linux distros, which you won’t find in its rival.
Two, NordVPN even supports many routers, several generations of Fire TV Stick, Xbox/PS gaming consoles, and so on. To make sure it really works on every device, the provider offers SmartPlay or SmartDNS, allowing for streaming on non-conventional platforms.
Now, in terms of simultaneous connections, NordVPN is definitely lacking. With 6 of them, NordVPN compares poorly to Bitdefender VPN, which offers 10 in its premium plan. It’s not a big deal for us, as NordVPN’s user experience is a tad better than Bitdefender VPN’s, as you’ll see.
Bitdefender VPN
Bitdefender VPN is by no means a bad-looking service. In fact, we’re very surprised at how good-looking and functional its app is. As you see below, the home screen of the app houses a big connection button, and underneath, there’s the option to open the server list.
From here, you can connect with a single click of a mouse, which takes a second or two, making the app snappy and hasty. Bitdefender VPN lets you search for particular locations as well, or connect automatically to the fastest VPN server based on your location.
On the left-hand side, you’ll find several menus for additional information. However, the Gear icon is the most important, as it houses many settings and options that the provider offers. From here, it’s easy to enable split tunneling, use a kill switch, or deploy an ad blocker.
The mobile version of Bitdefender VPN is awesome as well. It resembles a similar look, with smooth iOS/Android apps that work perfectly fine. In this NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN comparison, this provider showed no problems in terms of disconnects and/or bugs and glitches. No complaints there.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a beautiful VPN with apps that beat pretty much every provider out there. You have a big world map that you can use to connect or simply select the country from the server list and do the same. NordVPN connects in literally a second, making it one of the fastest VPNs we’ve seen.
The NordVPN app is jam-packed with functionalities and features that you won’t find in Bitdefender VPN but more about that later. For now, it’s vital to mention just how easy it is to use. In the server list, you can find all of its special servers, so you don’t have to roam randomly in the app.
The left-hand side is, again, reserved for different functions like Settings, Dark Web Monitor, Threat Protection, Meshnet, and more. Each relevant feature is placed separately from the others to make sure it’s easily accessible and useful the same moment you need it.
We like NordVPN’s dedication to simplicity, yet, feature-richness even on mobile devices. Its iOS/Android apps look the same as their desktop counterparts. Even better, they offer almost the same set of features, making them incredibly powerful and versatile.
Who Wins?
In the first test, NordVPN WINS against Bitdefender VPN. While Bitdefender VPN offers 4 more simultaneous connections, NordVPN is simply a more quality provider. It has apps for more platforms while feeling a lot more premium compared to its rival.
In the end, having better device compatibility always beats the number of simultaneous connections, in conjunction with the superior user experience that NordVPN boasts.
Security & Privacy: Which One Is Safer to Use?
Security-wise, you’d be a fool to think these companies are underwhelming. Both excel in different types of security. NordVPN is more of a tool for anonymity and privacy, while Bitdefender specializes in PC-related security in the form of antivirus software.
However, we should compare their security and privacy from the VPN standpoint.
Security Features
First, we’ll talk about their security features. In this section, we’re focusing on those that NordVPN and Bitdefender VPN share. For the start, both providers offer AES-256-bit encryption, which is a staple of every quality VPN provider. It’s the strongest level of encryption, after all.
Another key feature is the kill switch, which disables all internet traffic to prevent IP leaking if the VPN connection drops. Both VPNs have a kill switch, with NordVPN allowing you to apply the setting to particular apps as well, instead of working strictly on the “global” level.
Nevertheless, you’ll also find split tunneling in both services, which helps route only particular apps through the VPN tunnel. In terms of advanced features, both providers have some. In Bitdefender VPN, you’ll find the option to block ads and trackers.
NordVPN offers Threat Protection, which blocks the same threats but also offers antivirus and malware protection. Bitdefender VPN lacks these features and instead, requires you to purchase or download its antivirus for free. Besides, its antivirus is one of the best, which makes perfect sense.
What Are the Differences?
When talking about differences in this NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN duel, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Bitdefender VPN has this Autoconnect feature. This automatically connects you to the VPN when visiting particular types of sites, such as gambling, adult, file sharing, payment vendors, etc.
Also, Bitdefender VPN isn’t using WireGuard but instead, focuses on a protocol called Catapult Hydra. In our Kaspersky VPN review, we mentioned that this provider also uses this protocol. It’s a protocol based on OpenVPN TLS, which helps boost connection speeds and the ability to get over censorship.
NordVPN includes a plethora of features that Bitdefender VPN doesn’t have. Instead of Hydra, NordVPN uses NordLynx, a WireGuard-based option that offers even faster speeds and better performance. This VPN also offers Double VPN servers for adding another layer of encryption to your connection.
Moving on, you’ll also find Meshnet, a perfect option for playing games online in a secure LAN party. The Dark Web Monitor is here too, which will monitor your email for potential threats and prevent your accounts on different sites from being compromised.
We like NordVPN’s inclusion of RAM-based servers and Private DNS, neither of which can be found in Bitdefender VPN. On top of that, this provider also has obfuscated servers, which mask your VPN connection and make it look like a normal connection instead.
NordVPN’s option to see your security level is also handy, as you’re also getting recommendations from the provider to turn on or off particular features. Overall, NordVPN is a more feature-packed provider, giving you more protocols, unique functions, and stronger security with RAM-only servers.
Is There a No-Logs Policy?
Keeping no logs is absolutely important for your privacy. When talking about NordVPN, you’ll surely have no trouble, as the company is from Panama and comes with a verified no-logging policy. Panama is a great offshore location known for stringent privacy laws.
This means NordVPN isn’t obligated to keep logs related to your IP address, DNS queries, timestamps, connection data, geolocation, and so forth. The company relies on minimal logging to make your subscription functional and be able to help you out in the case of potential issues.
When mentioning a verified no-logging policy, we also mean third-party audits. The provider has plenty of them under its belt and we’re extremely certain that it’ll get more given its privacy-oriented nature.
Bitdefender VPN is based in Romania, like CyberGhost.
Romania isn’t an offshore location but it has almost the same privacy laws, which means a no-logging policy should be there. Sadly, Bitdefender VPN’s vagueness leaves a lot to be desired because understanding its privacy policy is a lot harder.
We found that Bitdefender VPN stores no logs of your IP address, traffic logs, browsing history, and other personally identifiable data. However, when talking about the info that it stores, not many bits of data can be extracted. For example, it can store your data for up to 10 years.
But which data are we talking about? No idea. On the flip side, the provider underwent a third-party security audit in 2024, from the security firm Aon Cyber Solutions. However, this audit was mostly aimed at the Catapult Hydra source code and, as they say, the “Partner VPN platform.”
Who Wins?
NordVPN WINS the second round of the duel against Bitdefender VPN. While Bitdefender VPN offers a solid array of features, it disappoints when talking about privacy. Its rival goes guns-blazing on all sides, offering an impressive portfolio of features and an even more impressive history of storing zero logs.
NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN Streaming Test
As one of the most important aspects of a VPN, streaming is surely going to make it or break it for many people. In this regard, who do you think is better – NordVPN or Bitdefender VPN? Let’s start with the latter. Bitdefender VPN isn’t a streaming champ but it does work well to an extent.
For example, we noticed it works with a few Netflix libraries, especially Netflix US. BBC iPlayer will also work with the UK server, while platforms like Disney+ and Prime Video, for example, are much harder, if at all possible to access. Foreign TV channels can be accessed as well.
However, you should keep in mind a few US TV channels that will detect Bitdefender VPN in most cases. The streaming performance is average, and while 4K footage will work smoothly on closer servers, more distant servers usually require you to drop the quality to 720p or 1080p.
NordVPN irons out everything, though. This provider works with way more Netflix catalogs and all the other popular services – let’s not name them a thousand times. It’s one of your best allies for easily changing countries on Netflix. On top of that, watching TV channels from other countries is a breeze, as NordVPN is never detected.
One thing to mention is that this provider is also faster for streaming. Thanks to NordLynx and 10+ Gbps servers, the performance is excellent, which prevents buffering and slowdowns. Neither of the VPNs have dedicated streaming servers but as you can see, they’re unnecessary.
This especially rings true in NordVPN, which works surprisingly well in the majority of cases. In fact, its obfuscated servers that can be used in China will also work for streaming. This comes in handy in censored countries for unlimited online entertainment.
Who Wins?
In this battle, NordVPN WINS again due to being a more streaming-friendly service. With better connection stability and the option to unblock more streaming services, it’s no wonder NordVPN is sweeping aside Bitdefender VPN. Great job.
NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN Speed Comparison
Having in mind our previous test, you can catch a glimpse of which provider is faster. Still, in this Bitdefender VPN vs NordVPN analysis, we’ll need to do a direct comparison using the speed-test website. This will tell us which provider is faster overall.
Let’s start with our testing parameters. First of all, we’re in Europe. We did a speed test without a VPN, with our speeds looking like this:
After this test, we started incorporating NordVPN and Bitdefender VPN. We tested each provider for 3 days in a row, 3 times a day, using 4 server locations. As always, we went for the UK, the US, Australian, and Japanese servers to make sure we mix things up.
When it comes to protocol selection, we usually use OpenVPN or WireGuard. This time, Bitdefender VPN offered just one – Catapult Hydra, while NordVPN’s default option usually meant using NordLynx. Therefore, these were our go-to options for this comparison.
Having said that, the results are below, so let’s go through them.
NordVPN
UK:
US:
Australia:
Japan:
Bitdefender VPN
UK:
US:
Australia:
Japan:
Who Wins?
According to the speed test results, NordVPN once again WINS out over Bitdefender VPN. However, we can notice that Bitdefender VPN isn’t critically slow, displaying solid levels of performance. This is typical for Hydra-powered VPNs like Hotspot Shield or even Kaspersky VPN, which has decent speeds.
Still, taking into account how great NordLynx is, the result is not surprising. NordVPN ended up being faster on every server, offering even lower latency on each of them. This, undoubtedly, makes the Panamanian provider a winner, especially when talking about long-distance servers.
Torrenting: NordVPN or Bitdefender VPN?
If torrenting is important to you, choosing between Bitdefender VPN or NordVPN can be difficult. At first, both services allow P2P, and again, that’s nothing out of the ordinary, keeping in mind their premium status. We tested NordVPN for torrenting a thousand times with top-notch results.
The provider offers P2P servers meant exactly for this purpose. Connect to one of them and voila! You can enjoy limitless torrent downloads with staggering speeds – both in terms of upload and download. Not to mention that NordVPN even allows you to use its SOCKS5 proxy.
Enabling it can further boost the performance, alas, at the cost of privacy. Whatever the case, NordVPN is a state-of-the-art provider for torrent downloads that won’t produce any problems. Bitdefender VPN’s servers are P2P-optimized too, and as you can see below, torrenting works.
Its download/upload speed is fantastic, as we managed to download Linux Mint graciously in merely a few minutes. One thing to keep in mind is that Bitdefender VPN isn’t very transparent in terms of logging, which might represent a threat to torrent users.
We don’t know which data is stored precisely due to the vague privacy policy. But having in mind its Romanian jurisdiction, we reckon Bitdefender VPN is safe enough for this purpose. So far, we haven’t heard about a single complaint in this regard, which means you should be okay.
Who Wins?
In this round of the Bitdefender VPN vs NordVPN comparison, NordVPN WINS again thanks to a slight edge. By this “slight edge”, we mean special P2P servers, the SOCKS5 functionality, and better privacy-oriented features. After all, it’s not all about performance here. Privacy/security matters when torrenting and NordVPN delivers it perfectly.
Download torrents safely with NordVPN
Are NordVPN and Bitdefender VPN Working in China?
Obfuscation is necessary if you want to use a VPN in China, while at the same time, it’s not a guarantee that the service will work. NordVPN offers obfuscated servers, taking advantage of the OpenVPN TCP protocol. TCP is slower but can bypass deep-packet inspection if implemented properly.
Thankfully, NordVPN does an amazing job here, making it a viable option to get over the Great Firewall. In addition, the provider’s fast speeds make the experience even better, as you’ll still be able to play games, stream, and download at nearly full speeds in China.
Keep in mind that NordVPN is blocked from time to time because the Great Firewall improved a lot in recent years. Astrill VPN is a decent pick for this purpose but because it’s overly expensive, it’s never our recommended option. One thing we can tell you is that Bitdefender VPN is the polar opposite.
After testing it quite a few times in major Chinese cities, we can confirm it’s not working at all. This Catapult Hydra protocol uses OpenVPN TLS, which can, at times, and in certain countries, bypass censorship. Not in China, though.
Bitdefender VPN is, as such, a poor option for this country. We tried everything we could, even enabling a kill switch and using different protocols on our mobile devices but to no avail. When it comes to other countries, both VPNs will perform respectably well.
In the UAE, Qatar, Russia, Iran, and Turkey, we noticed they work consistently, with no bigger problems. Again, NordVPN will have an advantage here thanks to obfuscation that can survive even the harshest VPN crackdowns that sometimes happen in Turkey and Russia.
Who Wins?
Once again, in this NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN test, NordVPN WINS. It’s clear as day that obfuscation helps a lot, as bypassing DPI becomes much easier – and possible in the first place. With Catapult Hydra, don’t expect anything besides fast speeds and solid connection stability.
Bitdefender VPN vs Bitdefender VPN Server Fleets
Let’s now compare Bitdefender VPN and NordVPN’s server networks. Unlike many other antivirus-related VPNs, Bitdefender VPN actually has a pretty good server fleet.
Bitdefender VPN (4,000+ servers in 50+ countries)
We’re talking about 4,000+ servers in around 53 countries. Both numbers are very competitive even when putting Bitdefender VPN against much stronger foes. For example, Surfshark has 3,200 servers, while ExpressVPN is at 3,000. Both services have more countries – 100 and 105 respectively.
Regardless of that, Bitdefender VPN’s server distribution is excellent. You’ll get plenty of US server locations but also many European servers. The VPN has servers in Israel, for instance, with many other locations in Asia, Africa, and even South America.
The downside is that in every country, you’ll find just one location, except for the UK, where you have 2, and the US, where you have 15. That’s because there are 50 or so countries, which is still much lower than ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, NordVPN, Surfshark, or even PIA.
Also, we’re not sure if Bitdefender VPN uses RAM-only servers. If not, then it’s pretty disappointing. If yes, well, it’s definitely worth commending. The 10+ Gbps infrastructure is here, obviously, as the Bitdefender VPN showed stellar performance in this duel.
NordVPN (5,500 servers in 60 countries)
NordVPN showcases its huge server park consisting of 5,500 servers in 60 countries. The server network is marvelous, with at least a few server locations per country. In addition, users can enjoy 2,000+ servers in the US alone, which is great for unblocking Disney+ or HBO abroad.
Another thing in this NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN duel is that this provider has dedicated servers. We mentioned them, and they include obfuscated, P2P, Double VPN, and even Onion over VPN servers, which help access the dark web through Tor safely.
Furthermore, the VPN has servers in all major countries, including Japan, Singapore, the UAE, and almost entire Europe. Unlike Bitdefender, we know every bit of information related to this server park. First, NordVPN uses RAM-only servers, making security vulnerabilities non-existent.
We also know the provider uses 10+ Gbps servers but it went publicly with the information that an upgrade is inbound. Thus, we’ll probably get to enjoy either 20 Gbps or faster servers soon, which will drastically improve the performance and speed.
Who Wins?
After this comparison, NordVPN WINS again. As you can see, it has 1,500 more servers in 13 more countries, so numbers-wise, it’s a clear winner. Even in terms of quality, it’s the same. NordVPN has dedicated, RAM-only servers, while Bitdefender VPN fails to provide any.
Customer Support: Bitdefender VPN or NordVPN?
Bitdefender is a big corporation with plenty of products under its belt. As such, reaching its customer support can be difficult. You’ll need to visit the Support section, find the product you’re using, and then be greeted with a few troubleshooting articles.
Scrolling down, you’ll find the option to contact support. Then, again, you’ll have to choose your subject and answer a few questions, only to then be able to contact the support team. Thankfully, Bitdefender offers email, phone, and 24/7 chat support, so you’re completely covered.
Especially impressive is its phone support, as the provider gives you plenty of numbers for different countries, including the Worldwide number. However, we found that calling Bitdefender VPN takes quite a bit of time for the company to respond, so chatting is always better.
NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat service along with email support. Both are hasty and through live chat, you get almost instant responses. Phone support isn’t here but the provider doesn’t need it, as it’s already very helpful through these two means.
NordVPN is also a bit more active on social media and YouTube, so it’s a plus. It’s a shame that this service has no phone support as well but as said, we don’t think that would be the main choice of its users. Even our team prefers good, old chatting.
Who Wins?
In this NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN analysis, it’s a DRAW. Both providers excel in customer support, with Bitdefender VPN offering phone support to make things better. Still, because it’s harder to reach compared to NordVPN, we decided not to declare it a winner, and instead, go for a draw.
Bitdefender VPN vs NordVPN Pricing Comparison
The total cost of a VPN is of the utmost importance for users on a budget. Therefore, for our last NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN comparison, we’re going to look at offers and prices.
Bitdefender VPN
We’ll start with Bitdefender VPN, which doesn’t change its price often. In fact, the last time we used this provider, the price was the same, and even in this test, it hasn’t changed a bit.
As you can see, the service offers a straightforward pricing structure. You’ll get a monthly plan at $6.99 and an annual plan at $2.50 a month for the first year. This means that, for the first year, you’ll pay $29.99 upfront, which is VERY cheap.
After that, however, the renewal price is $69.99 a year, which is slightly less than $6 a month. For this price, you’re definitely not getting the best VPN. For comparison, ExpressVPN costs a bit over $6 a month for the annual plan and offers a 49% discount + 3 free months.
Yet, ExpressVPN is better than NordVPN and Bitdefender VPN. A great incentive is a 30-day money-back guarantee, which will let you get your money back if you’re not impressed.
NordVPN
NordVPN’s complex pricing structure might leave you confused. But don’t worry, things aren’t so complicated that you won’t be able to comprehend them. NordVPN divides its plans into three categories, starting with the 2-year plans.
We can see the pricing above, which shows us that NordVPN’s Standard 2-year plan is very budget-friendly for the first 2 years. The renewal price is, as expected, somewhat higher.
The annual pricing is much more comparable to Bitdefender VPN, as this VPN offers the same plan. We can see that, for the first year, NordVPN ends up being almost double the price at the moment of writing. The renewal price is important too.
Unfortunately, in this case, NordVPN is also a less affordable pick, being more than $30 more expensive than its rival – at least. Finally, we come to the monthly plans, which are displayed below.
Without a doubt, its monthly plans are particularly costly, even the cheapest Standard plan. Much like Bitdefender VPN, NordVPN includes a 30-day refund policy but also value-added taxes in some countries. These can bump up the price and increase it to more than 20% – be careful!*
To make sure you don’t miss out on any current offers, take a look at our article featuring NordVPN coupons currently available.
Who Wins?
On a grand scale, NordVPN isn’t very expensive but it’s far less affordable than Bitdefender VPN. It’s easy to see that Bitdefender VPN WINS by offering very attractive plans that won’t cost you a fortune. For some of you, this will be a deciding factor.
Conclusion: NordVPN Wins!
Having gone through all 9 tests, it’s time to see what the providers managed to achieve. The final score for today is 8:2 for NordVPN, which ends up as a winner. Bitdefender VPN, despite the score, put up a good fight and even surpassed its opponent in many tests.
For example, Bitdefender VPN has more simultaneous connections, phone support, and very cheap pricing. NordVPN won’t be the best money-saving option but that’s not the point with this provider. We’re talking about a flagship offer from Nord Security that must be followed by an adequate price.
Factoring in what we said, you can see the provider’s undeniable quality. It’s very fast, streaming-friendly, useful in China, very safe and secure, and it’s one of the most reliable VPNs for torrenting. What’s more, it’s pretty difficult to find NordVPN’s faults in this comparison.
Yes, it offers just 6 simultaneous connections and has expensive monthly plans. But other than that, this is a juggernaut VPN that will give every opponent a run for its money, beating 99% of them, except CyberGhost and ExpressVPN.
So, let’s digress. Which VPN to buy – NordVPN or Bitdefender VPN? If you have enough money to spend, by all means, go for NordVPN.
