Now that you know a thing or two about Bitdefender and ExpressVPN, let's get to the main agenda of the day. How does Bitdefender compare to ExpressVPN? Let's find out.
This Bitdefender vs. ExpressVPN comparison review seeks to find out whether Bitdefender can match ExpressVPN in 2022. If you are torn between the two, this is the right place. We have stripped down the two providers analyzing all the critical aspects that should inform your decision.
Bitdefender and ExpressVPN are among the most popular brands in the cybersecurity industry. Bitdefender started as an online security software company selling antivirus and IoT security products but later jumped into the VPNs industry. On the other hand, ExpressVPN started as a VPN and has remained so. So now, the big question is, what sets them apart, and has Bitdefender finally matched the superiority of ExpressVPN?
Bitdefender supports up to 10 devices, while ExpressVPN supports up to 5. On the other hand, ExpressVPN is faster and deploys multiple protocols, while Bitdefender deploys just one. What’s more? Bitdefender has a wider server network than ExpressVPN, but the servers are not as specialized as those owned by ExpressVPN.
For more on the two VPN brands, read along.
Bitdefender is a trusted brand that has been at the forefront in matters of cybersecurity. Established in November 2001, the company is owned by a Romanian cybersecurity technology company and is best known for its antivirus software.
It’s not as popular in the industry as its main focus is not VPNs. All said and done, it’s a worthy brand that shouldn’t miss out on your wishlist. We checked the online review sites and other publications, and we are glad it’s a favorite for the average internet user with the antivirus.
However, it doesn’t get so much praise from the techies as its features are basic. On Trustpilot, Bitdefender has a rating of 3.9/5 after 6400 reviews.
ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is a trusted brand in the VPN industry. It is owned by Kape Technologies, a company that has flourished in the industry. This is the same company behind other top-rated VPNs, including CyberGhost, Zenmate, and Private Internet Access (PIA).
Even though it’s not the best VPN brand on the market, ExpressVPN is high up the ladder. We also checked what the consumers and experts say about this VPN, and we are glad it has a solid reputation.
On Trustpilot, ExpressVPN commands a 4.7/5 rating after over 10500 reviews.
Bitdefender was originally an antivirus software that offered protection on PCs and mobile devices only. Bitdefender VPN is not different; it is compatible with PCs (Windows and macOS) and mobile devices (iOS and Android) only.
Well, this is such a letdown considering the applications of VPNs go beyond online security and privacy. Today, users want stealth on their routers, TVs, and gaming consoles. The good thing is that Bitdefender can support up to 10 simultaneous connections.
On the other hand, ExpressVPN offers an all-round product that offers protection for all connected devices. To start, it is compatible with PCs (Windows, macOS, and Linux) and mobile devices (Android and iOS).
Besides PCs and mobile devices, ExpressVPN is compatible with routers, smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Sticks, Kodi, Roku TV, PlayStation, xBox, Nintendo Wii, Raspberry pie, and so on. On the downside, ExpressVPN can support up to 5 simultaneous connections.
Bitdefender has excellent usability. Getting started is pretty straightforward. The first step is to purchase a plan. Go to the order page, select a plan, and complete the purchase.
The next step is downloading Bitdefender, signing in, connecting to a preferred server, and you are good to go. The interface is very intuitive, and so is the navigation.
As for ExpressVPN, the process can be tricky when configuring TVs, routers, and consoles. But for PCs and mobile devices, you can get protection in minutes. Here again, you need to get a plan to get started. Click ‘Get Started’ to head to the order page.
Complete the payment and download ExpressVPN. Sign in, select a server, and that’s it. The user interface looks clunky at first, but you should get used to it in a few days.
Bitdefender free and Premium VPN use AES 256-bit encryption so you can be sure all your activity and data are safe. AES-256 bit is so secure that it would take the fastest computers millions of years to perform a successful brute force attack on AES 256-bit systems.
As expected, ExpressVPN also uses AES 256-bit to secure your data. This is the same military-grade encryption that Bitdefender and other top-rated VPNs use. It’s hard to come by a VPN that’s still on AES 128-bit encryption.
One factor that makes Bitdefender so basic is that it supports just one VPN protocol, Catapult Hydra. Yes, it’s fast, but it can’t be compared to the standard protocols.
On the other hand, ExpressVPN is a versatile VPN that deploys 8 different protocols, namely, PPTP, SSTP, L2TP, IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec, and Lightway. The first seven are popular protocols but the last, Lightway, is ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol based on WireGuard that enhances speeds.
Unfortunately, Bitdefender Premium is not well endowed when it comes to security extras.
One of its features is an internet kill switch, a must-have feature. It comes in handy when the VPN connection drops as it instantly stops your internet connection.
This way, none of your data will leak. This is the only worthy security extra worth mentioning.
ExpressVPN, on the other hand, packs a lot. First is the internet kill switch (Network Lock Switch) that also stops your internet connection immediately after the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
This VPN further enhances airtight security with WebRTC and DNS leak protection so none of your identifiable information and other data can leak. Third is Split Tunneling, which lets you decide which traffic to route via the VPN and which traffic not to.
Last is the encryption of all servers’ private DNS, thus preventing DNS request leaks. Interestingly, this VPN doesn’t have dedicated IPs. Instead, it rotates IPs.
Bitdefender is located in Bucharest, Romania, a country known for its privacy-friendly stand. Romania is not part of any of the surveillance alliances. Consequently, Bitdefender is not obligated to collaborate in case any 5/9/14-Eyes member states seek information regarding the VPN’s users.
Just like Bitdefender, ExpressVPN is also based in a privacy-friendly country – the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The BVI is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and is not a member of any global surveillance organizations. You can be rest assured that your data is safe.
Many assume that Bitdefender does not keep logs, just like all other VPNs. The company claims that it has a zero-log policy, but it is highly questionable now that in the brand’s privacy policy, the company explicitly says that it collects personally identifiable information such as IP addresses, timestamps, device information, web information logs, and bandwidth.
On the other hand, ExpressVPN has a credible 100% no-log policy. The company reiterates that it doesn’t collect personally identifiable data, including connection and disconnection timestamps, browsing history, assigned IPs, and original IPs.
Bitdefender may be an average VPN provider but boasts a vast server network. As of 2022, the VPN’s infrastructure boasts over 4000 servers.
But then, these servers can’t match the servers that the likes of NordVPN, PureVPN, and CyberGhost boast. They are basic servers that offer average speeds and security.
ExpressVPN also boasts a vast server network and has continued to expand its network. The company has over 3,000 servers spread at over 160 locations in 94 countries. While it has a smaller server network, ExpressVPN has invested in top-of-the-range servers.
Worth mentioning is TrustedServer, a technology with a suite of features that take security and privacy to the next level. In addition, there are RAM-only servers and virtual servers, among other features.
Bitdefender is not a reliable VPN for streaming. Whenever we tried streaming, Netflix banned the IP after a few minutes. It also failed to unblock BBC iPlayer and Hulu reliably.
Regarding P2P sharing, Bitdefender also performed dismally. The huge speed losses and not-so-tight security leave you vulnerable to slow torrents and bandwidth throttling.
Lastly, on gaming, Bitdefender can protect you from basic DDoS attacks but not serious attacks. But the good thing is you can use it to access gaming content such as maps and discounts not available in your region.
ExpressVPN is good for streaming. It unblocked several Netflix libraries and other streaming sites with geo-restricted content. Regarding torrenting and P2P sharing, it’s also a great deal.
We launched several torrenting sessions, and we are glad the speeds are favorable. In none of the sessions did we experience bandwidth throttling.
Regarding gaming, ExpressVPN’s state-of-the-art security covers you if a DDoS attack is launched. It also allows gamers to access geo-restricted gaming content and discounts.
Bitdefender, having been in business for over two decades, understands that customer support is integral to the success of any business. The company offers multichannel support on live chat, telephone, and email.
The best channel is the 24/7 live chat support, which offers instant solutions to most issues that users face. The telephone line and email are also resourceful but can’t be relied on always.
Besides the above channels, there are loads of other resources in the form of articles and videos that users can leverage.
One of the reasons for the success of ExpressVPN is its excellent customer support. Here again, users can take advantage of a 24/7 live chat that offers users immediate feedback on most non-technical issues.
The company has also provided an email address, but you shouldn’t expect immediate feedback. Besides the live chat and email, you can check out the detailed FAQ sections and knowledgebase.
Bitdefender is one of the free VPNs on the market. There is a free version, but it limits users to 200MB daily. There are two plans, a 1-month plan ($6.99 a month) and a 1-year plan ($2.49 a month.) A 30-day money-back guarantee covers both plans.
Before purchasing a plan, users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial with access to all the core features. The payment options include AMEX, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Wire Transfer.
ExpressVPN is a reliable VPN service, but the subscriptions are not pocket friendly. To start, there is no ExpressVPN free version though there’s a free trial. There are three plans. First is a 1-month plan ($12.95 a month), a 6-months plan ($9.99 a month), and a 1-year plan ($6.67 a month).
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Regarding the payment options, the list includes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Discover, JCB, QIWI, GiroPay, and iDEAL. Interestingly, you can also make Bitcoin payments, which enhances your anonymity.
There you have it, folks, a Bitdefender vs. ExpressVPN face-to-face comparison review. As you have seen, both VPNs deploy military-grade encryption and are located in privacy-friendly jurisdictions. But at the end of the day, ExpressVPN is the best choice. This is a reputable brand that offers uptight online security and privacy.
It offers faster speeds, is ideal for unblocking Netflix and streaming sites, and is safe for torrenting and P2P sharing. If you are an advanced user, go for ExpressVPN. But still, Bitdefender Premium VPN is suitable for average internet users on a budget.
This is a reputable brand that offers uptight online security and privacy. It offers faster speeds, is ideal for unblocking Netflix and streaming sites, and is safe for torrenting and P2P sharing.
