At first glance, NordVPN & Bitdefender VPN is entirely different beasts. While the former is just a side product of the associate-grade antivirus company, the latter is one of the top standard VPNs in the world.
However, they may not be so different in the end. Let’s compare your options, security, ease of use, and compatibility. Perhaps this battle between NordVPN vs. Bitdefender VPN is more interesting than I first thought.
Below we have established a detailed NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN Comparison, to aid you in finding out which is the best for you!
Table of Contents
NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN Comparison
Overview:
| NordVPN | Bitdefender VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating: | 4.9★★★★★ | 3.7★★★★☆ |
| Overall rank: | #1 out of #31 | #15 out of #31 |
| Servers: | 5,500+ servers in 59 countries | 1300+ servers in 48 countries |
| No logs policy: | No Logging | Some Logging |
| Pricing: | From $3.29/month | From $2.50/month |
| VPN protocols: | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard (NordLynx) | Catapult Hydra |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and more | BBC iPlayer, YouTube |
| Platforms: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox | Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS |
| Simultaneous connections: | 6 | 10 |
| Support: | Knowledge Base, FAQ, Email, 24/7 Live Chat | Knowledge base, FAQs, live chat, email, phone |
Speed Comparison Of NordVPN vs. Bitdefender VPN?
One of the most crucial considerations when selecting a VPN company is speed. Bitdefender vs. NordVPN exists directly compared because of this: it was interesting to find that the service is faster.
I utilized Bitdefender’s sole protocol, Catapult Hydra, and NordLynx. It is NordVPN’s fastest protocol.
- Baseline: 300 Mbps download/300 Mbps upload
| IKEv2 | NordVPN | IPVanish |
| Download average | 259 Mbps | 243 Mbps |
| Upload average | 137 Mbps | 77 Mbps |
The results were pleasing at every end. I was very shocked at how good Bitdefender speeds were. For example, once I connected to a server in a North American country, my hurry was still equivalent to that of a VPN.
I noticed the drop in transfer speed once I connected to Singapore, as I was down to only half my native speed. Still, this may not be a deal breaker.
However, Bitdefender falls behind when transferring speeds: on average, the VPN beat my association by seventy-five.
Meanwhile, the NordVPN case was a bit more stable. Its transfer speed was a small indefinite amount higher than that of Bitdefender VPN & so the transfer speed was almost twice as fast.
Netflix and Streaming performance
It’s no secret that almost everyone gets a VPN to watch geo-blocked movies and shows. So is it NordVPN vs. Bitdefender VPN that can meet the needs of the typical VPN user?
| Bitdefender VPN | NordVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | ❌ | ✅ |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hulu | ❌ | ✅ |
| YouTube | ✅ | ✅ |
I’ll tell you from the start: it’s NordVPN. This service is almost unbeatable in phrases bypassing mandatory geo-blocks for streaming platforms. Unblock at least 16 different Netflix libraries (US and UK included), BBC iPlayer, Hulu, DAZN, and YouTube.
However, Bitdefender is most photo enthusiasts would be a bit frustrated. The service is not capable of unblocking most of the popular streaming sites. For it only unblocked BBC iPlayer and YouTube, that’s not spectacular compared to what most VPNs are capable of it.
Torrenting
When it comes to torrenting, both Bitdefender VPN and NordVPN are suitable picks.
Still, NordVPN is slightly superior for P2P connections. While Bitdefender allows torrenting (at considerable speeds, I might add), NordVPN includes a few extra features for optimal security while mistreating torrenting users.
Along with offering dedicated P2P servers, NordVPN’s Onion over VPN Associate also has an integrated SOCKS5 proxy. So if you use torrents often, NordVPN may be the best option.
Features Overview
When it comes to options, NordVPN could be a clear winner here. Neither only offers services similar to Bitdefender VPN (split tunneling and auto connect), but it also includes some unique offerings such as a malware blocker and SmartDNS.
Split Tunneling
One of the most helpful features of a VPN is Split tunneling, which enables you to exclude connected apps or websites from the VPN association. As a result, you do not need to shut off the VPN when using a banking website or just wanting to access Netflix in your country.
Bitdefender offers this feature in Windows, Android, and iOS apps and allows you to exclude websites and domains.
Meanwhile, NordVPN offers Windows-only and mechanical split tunneling. Also, instead of websites, you are provided to choose apps.
Auto-connect Options
Both NordVPN vs. Bitdefender VPN offers automatic connection options.
When you abuse Bitdefender, it can build VPN activation automatically in the following cases: at startup, once you connect to an unsecured partner-level WiFi network, or once you abuse P2P users (such as BitTorrent). Additionally, manually choose the apps and websites whose launch would cause the VPN to connect to one of your servers.
As for NordVPN, the feature could be a bit simpler: The VPN often only launches if you connect to WiFi (you’ll be able to create an inventory of definite WiFi networks, though).
SmartPlay
NordVPN includes a little feature called SmartPlay or SmartDNS. It allows you to watch geo-blocked streaming content on devices that don’t support VPN apps (like some good TVs or game consoles). Note that SmartPlay does not encrypt your association.
Specialty Servers
It is yet another function that is exclusive to NordVPN members. You see, in addition to its standard server list, NordVPN has several specialist servers that might be accessible under unique circumstances:
- Onion over VPN: once these servers are abused, your association also passes through the Onion network before reaching the web, adding a layer of security.
- Double VPN: Your association can support 2 VPN servers instead of one, Although notice this selection once OpenVPN is the preferred protocol.
- Obfuscated servers: These servers can make your VPN traffic look like regular traffic. It will increase your chances of successfully using a VPN in oppressive countries like China.
- P2P networks: In another way, these torrent servers are conscious hold P2P data.
It’s also worth mentioning that NordVPN allows you to choose a similar server each time you connect to the VPN, which means you have the opportunity to use a similar science discipline without the requirement to search for an extremist science discipline address.
CyberSec
This NordVPN feature guard against unintentionally visiting malicious websites. In turn, you will have a much lower chance of being infected with trackers, spyware, Trojans, and other types of malware. You must disable the feature if you still wish to access a restricted website.
NordVPN vs. Bitdefender VPN: Which is More Secure?
Security is an extraordinary aspect of any VPN – you don’t want your private data leaked or sold to third parties.
And my conclusion is that NordVPN is more secure than Bitdefender VPN, mainly result to its much better zero logs policy which has been audited twice to date.
Encryption & Tunneling Protocols
Both Bitdefender VPN and NordVPN use constant secret writing: AES-256. You needn’t be concerned about the security of this writing because banks and even military websites use it.
The main distinction between NordVPN and Bitdefender VPN lies in the tunneling protocols. You see, Bitdefender offers only one protocol, while NordVPN supports several.
The protocol used by Bitdefender is called Catapult Hydra, a proprietary tunneling protocol developed by Hotspot protect. It has won several awards for its fast speeds, but there is not much information about its safety.
Meanwhile, NordVPN offers the following protocols:
- NordLynx: NordVPN’s own unique protocol, NordLynx, is based on WireGuard. It is really quick as a result.
- Open VPN (TCP/UDP): This protocol may be a staple in the world of VPNs. Note TCP version is more stable, while the UDP option is faster.
- IKEv2/IPsec: Fast and secure, this tunneling protocol using with mobile devices due to its stability.
Logging
If you have a good reason to use a VPN, Knowing what is reasonable is crucial for the service collection. It is also principal to consider the country of origin of the tool, as different countries have different data retention laws.
When it comes to Bitdefender, their work policy is not entirely flawless. While it guarantees not to share any of its knowledge with third parties, It still states that it will quickly gather timestamps and visited website information. It is not something I would prefer a VPN to do.
In contrast, NordVPN does not collect any logs. Even better: their privacy policy has been audited twice by PricewaterhouseCoopers, which makes it a lot more credible.
Both of these VPN area units are based primarily in privacy-friendly countries. NordVPN is based in Panama, while Bitdefender’s home country is the Balkan country.
Kill Switch
The kill switch can be a security feature that shuts down your network in case your VPN association is compromised, for example, if a VPN server suddenly goes down. It’s ready to prevent your actual IP address from being leaked.
So NordVPN’s kill switch is twofold. You can choose to disable network association altogether or select linked apps that should be closed once you get disconnected from the VPN.
Meanwhile, the Bitdefender VPN kill switch is simply system-wide. Also, one of our tests failed: once the VPN background processes were manually disabled, the VPN did not stop working on network association.
Plans & Pricing
It is clear from the evaluation why Bitdefender provides the most successful VPN available. Not only does it include a cheaper monthly plan, but its annual subscription costs less per month than NordVPN’s biennial plan. Therefore, it would be the highest possibility for people to have a decent budget.
| Plan | Bitdefender VPN | NordVPN |
| 1 month | $6.99 | $12.99 |
| 1 year | $2.50/month | $4.59/month |
| 2 years | – | $3.29/month |
However, keep in mind that NordVPN gives you 3-months free if you buy the annual subscription. Also, the second year of Bitdefender VPN exploitation can cost you $49.99 instead of $29.88.
It is worth mentioning that Bitdefender VPN includes a 7-day free trial that you can use on any device. Meanwhile, NordVPN’s 7-day trial is often claimed only on mobile devices.
Additionally, each service has a 30-day money-back guarantee that can allow you to cancel the subscription without a scratch.
Server locations
| Server locations | Bitdefender VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Servers | 4000 | 5500 |
| Countries | 48 | 60 |
| Americas | 6 | 7 |
| Europe | 26 | 36 |
| Asia Pacific | 12 | 11 |
| Middle East and Africa | 4 | 4 |
Although NordVPN offers more countries and servers than Bitdefender VPN, Bitdefender’s coverage of 1,300 servers and 48 countries is still pretty impressive, especially for associated antivirus VPNs (for comparison, Avast VPN offers only 700 servers in 35 countries).
However, NordVPN is the clear winner in this category. And I’m not just referring to quantity: all NordVPN servers support volatile memory (RAM), which means that all data is entirely exhausted once it appears.
Platforms, interface, & Ease Of Use
| Bitdefender VPN | NordVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Supported OS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Other software and devices | – | Kodi, Android TVs, Fire devices |
| Browser Extensions | – | Chrome, Firefox |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 | 6 |
Desktop Apps
All Bitdefender apps look pretty similar – you won’t see many variations, even between mobile and desktop apps, along with the window shape. I like the style, principally because of how intuitive the app area unit is.
Therefore, the Bitdefender Windows app offers all the options you’ve examined during this article, including split tunneling, auto-connect options, and a kill switch. On the other hand, the macOS version can be a bit lackluster, as it doesn’t offer split tunneling or most auto-connect options.
In the meantime, there is an additional unity between the NordVPN apps for Windows and macOS. The Mack version still has the bulk of settings, including custom servers and area units. The area of applications is much larger than those of Bitdefender, which allows the tool to incorporate a map showing the servers.
In terms of LINUX compatibility, since there is no computer program. Also, you need to be quite IT savvy if you want to use NordVPN on LINUX.
Mobile Apps
Bitdefender VPN’s humanoid app is quite similar to its Windows counterpart. It even has an added feature that blocks native network traffic, making your phone invisible to different users connected to a constant WLAN network.
It was good to discover that Bitdefender’s iOS app also offers some options (iOS VPN apps are the worst of the bunch). For instance, split tunneling is one of the options. However, you will only be able to select websites instead of applications. The app also includes a kill switch and has some limited auto-connect options.
NordVPN mobile apps cost a transfer, display styling, and have simple usability. Slight variations between the two: the humanoid app has split tunneling and auto connect options, while the iOS version includes dark web tracking.
Customer Support
Both NordVPN vs. Bitdefender VPN provides comparable customer support alternatives. Each has 24/7 live chat and content packed with FAQs. Also, write an associated email regardless of the service you use. However, Bitdefender also offers phone support.
I have spoken to each supplier via chat and have no complaints – the agents were friendly and helpful. Therefore, I declare a tie during this class.
NordVPN vs. Bitdefender VPN – Which One Wins?
| Category | NordVPN | Bitdefender VPN |
| Speed | ✅ | ❌ |
| Features | ✅ | ❌ |
| Security | ✅ | ❌ |
| Streaming | ✅ | ❌ |
| Torrenting | ✅ | ❌ |
| Servers | ✅ | ❌ |
| Price | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ease of use | ✅ | ❌ |
| Customer support | ✅ | ✅ |
I’m afraid there’s no competition here: NordVPN has destroyed Bitdefender VPN on pretty much every side, along with speed, features, and compatibility.
The only way Bitdefender beats NordVPN is price. However, a few extra $ a month shouldn’t be a deal breaker when your security is at stake.
FAQs
Is Bitdefender VPN better than NordVPN?
No, NordVPN is the best service here. It unlocks additional streaming platforms, offers higher speeds, and offers many tunneling protocols available from which to choose. See our detailed NordVPN review for more information.
Is Bitdefender VPN smart enough?
Bitdefender VPN could be a reasonable option if you want to unblock ordinary websites. You shouldn’t use a VPN to release streaming services like Netflix or Hulu if you watch those services.
Does Bitdefender VPN go together with antivirus?
If you install Bitdefender Antivirus, you automatically get the VPN on board the security tool (however, you will only have 200 MB of daily data). However, Bitdefender VPN is also available for installation as a standalone program.
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