Which VPN is the best?

Anyone who understands how the Internet works would recommend that you get a virtual private network if you want to maintain some elements of privacy and security while browsing the Internet. But how do you know which VPN to use?

I've used and reviewed several VPNs over the past few years and I can say with certainty that the best way to make that decision is to compare the top VPN service providers, which is what we'll do with Bitdefender VPN and NordVPN in this article.

SEE: 10 myths about cybersecurity that you should not believe (TechRepublic Premium)

Bitdefender is a Romania-based cybersecurity company that offers VPN services as a standalone solution, as well as an option to include them in its broader cybersecurity offerings, while NordVPN is a Lithuania-based VPN service provider known for its torrents and competitive speeds.

• Bitdefender: Best for streaming and torrents, with features to bypass geo-restrictions and access popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and Disney+.
• NordVPN: Best for users looking for an affordable VPN solution, especially if they already use other Bitdefender cybersecurity products.

Both offer solid features, but here's a breakdown of how they compare.

Bitdefender VPN vs NordVPN: Comparison Table

This table summarizes the main features available in both VPN services.

NordVPN and Bitdefender pricing

Both VPN providers offer competitive plans tailored to different user needs and budgets.

• The Bitdefender VPN plan starts at $3.33/month (billed annually) or $6.99 for a monthly billing cycle.

For NordVPN, the pricing structure is broader and covers the following plans:

• Essential: Starting at $3.69/month for the 2-year plan; $4.59/month/year; $12.99/month for monthly plan.

• Further: Starting at $4.69/month for the 2-year plan; $5.49/month/year; $13.99/month for monthly plan.

• Last: From $6.69/month for 2-year plan; $7.49/month/year; $15.99/month.

While Bitdefender offers a seven-day free trial for its Premium VPN, NordVPN does not offer a free trial. Both VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN vs Bitdefender: Feature Comparison

Below is a more detailed guide and analysis of both VPN solutions.

Streaming and torrent support

Winner: NordVPN

NordVPN and Bitdefender VPN serve different priorities when it comes to streaming and torrenting.

NordVPN can unblock popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and access your favorite content anywhere. Bitdefender, on the other hand, offers more limited streaming support, mainly for BBC iPlayer and YouTube.

SEE: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which VPN is better? (Technological Republic)

For torrenting, both VPNs are viable options. While Bitdefender allows torrenting on all of its servers, you may experience DNS leak issues while downloading torrents. NordVPN, on the other hand, works well for torrenting and offers a significant advantage with over 4,500 dedicated servers. Again, NordVPN also works with BitTorrent and other peer-to-peer platforms.

So if streaming and torrenting are your main concerns, NordVPN's broader platform access and extensive server coverage make it the clear winner.

Security and privacy

Winner: NordVPN

NordVPN and Bitdefender VPN run on 256-bit AES encryption, which is largely considered the industry standard for providing secure internet traffic. They also offer kill switch functionality to prevent data leakage in case the VPN connection drops, split tunneling, and ad/tracker blocking feature. However, the only difference here is that with NordVPN's Kill Switch feature, you can customize specific apps, while you can't do the same on Bitdefender.

Beyond the security features above, NordVPN offers several advanced security features that Bitdefender lacks, such as dual VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption, obfuscated servers, and RAM-only servers that do not store any data on hard drives. Additionally, NordVPN has undergone third-party audits of its no-logs policy, while Bitdefender's security has not been independently audited.

Server locations and simultaneous connections

Winner: NordVPN

Bitdefender VPN provides over 4,000 servers in over 50 countries, which is not on par with top VPN providers like ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

On the other hand, NordVPN has a network of more than 6,300 servers spread across 111 countries, giving users more options.

SEE: Surfshark vs. NordVPN: Which VPN is better in 2024? (Technological Republic)

In terms of simultaneous connections, both VPNs support up to 10 devices, allowing you to protect multiple devices at once, including your smartphone, tablet, and computer. However, I found that Bitdefender VPN cannot run on a router, giving NordVPN the advantage in this metric.

VPN protocol

Winner: NordVPN

NordVPN and Bitdefender VPN offer different VPN protocols. NordVPN offers multiple protocols, including NordLynx (based on WireGuard), which provides fast speeds and strong security. It also uses OpenVPN, a widely used protocol, and IKEv2/IPsec, which is fast, stable and ideal for mobile devices.

In comparison, Bitdefender VPN relies solely on its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, which is based on OpenVPN TLS.

SEE: Free VPN vs Paid VPN: Which is Right for You? (Technological Republic)

NordVPN's use of the modern WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol, along with the proven OpenVPN, gives it an edge in terms of speed, reliability, and security options. The lack of open source audits for Bitdefender's Hydra protocol raises some concerns about its reliability compared to more established protocols.

Figure D: NordVPN Protocols

Pros and cons of Bitdefender VPN

Advantages

• Affordable pricing plans.
• Allows you to download torrents on all servers.
• It can come with other Bitdefender products or be downloaded as standalone software.
• Independently audited.
• Rich community for Mac and Windows users.

Cons

• No dedicated Linux app.
• Unblocks only some streaming services.
• No Chrome extension.
• The app freezes when downloaded on a Mac.

Pros and cons of NordVPN

Advantages

• Extensive global network of servers.
• Reliable support for streaming and torrents.
• Strong security features with an audited no-logs policy
• Wide range of platform compatibility.
• It offers the Incogni feature, a personal data deletion tool.
• Dedicated IP.
• Flexible pricing options.

Cons

• More expensive than Bitdefender.
• The basic plan may have too limited features.
• Dedicated IP feature has an additional cost.

Should your organization use NordVPN or Bitdefender?

The choice comes down to the specific VPN preferences your organization needs.

If your organization prioritizes affordability and seamless integration with existing Bitdefender security solutions, you may find Bitdefender VPN (not the standalone software) an attractive option. Its lower pricing plans and compatibility with other Bitdefender products can streamline deployment and management within your existing ecosystem.

However, for organizations with more demanding security and privacy requirements, I will recommend NordVPN due to its advanced features. On top of that, NordVPN's broader server network can also be a valuable asset if your company has remote teams with specific content access needs scattered throughout.

To learn more about NordVPN, check out our in-depth review.

Review methodology

To provide an objective and complete comparison, I thoroughly evaluated both NordVPN and Bitdefender VPN through extensive research.

Security and privacy features were examined, paying particular attention to encryption protocols, independent audit documents, and user feedback on their respective community forums. Customer support responsiveness and depth of available resources were also assessed through direct interactions with customer support and exploring support channels on their websites.