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Best for fast speeds
- All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
- Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
- One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Best short-term solution
- VPN with good size server network with thousands of available virtual servers
- Annual paid plan is reasonably priced compared to other premium VPN providers
- Simultaneous connections capped at 10 devices
Surfshark VPN and Bitdefender VPN are both reliable virtual private networks (VPNs). Surfshark offers unlimited devices that can be connected at once and includes additional features to help keep you protected.
There are three different plans (and three durations) for users to choose from, starting as low as $2.19/mo (billed every two years).
Bitdefender’s offerings are more streamlined than Surfshark’s. There’s only one plan, which can protect up to 10 devices at a time.
Let’s look at the similarities and differences between Bitdefender VPN and Surfshark.
Surfshark VPN vs. Bitdefender VPN: Prices
Which VPN is faster?
Which VPN is more secure?
Surfshark VPN vs. Bitdefender VPN: Compatibility and customer support
Surfshark VPN vs. Bitdefender VPN FAQs
Is Surfshark VPN or Bitdefender VPN better?
Surfshark VPN vs. Bitdefender VPN at a glance
While Surfshark VPN and Bitdefender VPN offer similar offerings, they also have differences that may make one solution a better fit for you over the other.
Surfshark offers unlimited device connections and is compatible with routers, smart TVs, and Apple and Android devices.
With Bitdefender, you’ll be limited to 10 devices, and it’s only available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
- Surfshark: Best for fast speeds
- Bitdefender VPN: Best short-term solution
How do Surfshark VPN and Bitdefender VPN compare?
Price | From $2.19/mo (billed every two years) | From $2.92/mo (billed annually) for the first year |
Max # of connected devices | Unlimited | 10 |
24/7 customer support | ||
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
# of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 4,000 servers in 50+ countries |
VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN | OpenVPN, IPSec, Hydra |
No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
Unblocks Netflix? | ||
Learn more | Get Surfshark
Read Surfshark Review |
Get Bitdefender VPN
Read Bitdefender VPN Review |
How we test and rate VPNs
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
Surfshark VPN pros and cons
Surfshark is an easy-to-use VPN packed with features to help you stay protected online. It offers three different plans: Starter, One, and One+. The Starter plan includes the VPN and an ad blocker, while the higher-tier plans offer additional features such as antivirus protection, credit alerts, and data removal services.
- Unlimited devices
- Compatible with smart TVs and routers
- Dynamic double VPN functionality
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Advanced features aren’t available on Starter plan
- Expensive monthly plans
Bitdefender VPN pros and cons
Bitdefender VPN offers encryption for up to 10 devices at a time, and it works on Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS. Bitdefender offers only one plan, Premium VPN, which you can purchase for as little as $2.92/mo (billed annually) for the first year.
- No log policy
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 4,000 servers in 50+ countries
- Significant impact on internet speeds
- Only available on standard devices such as Windows and macOS
Surfshark VPN vs. Bitdefender VPN: Prices
Our Pick |
||
Price range | $2.19–$17.95/mo | $2.92–$6.99/mo |
Best value plan | 24 month plan for $2.19/mo (billed every two years) | 12 month plan for $2.92/mo (billed annually) for the first year |
Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
Learn more | Get Surfshark VPN
Read Surfshark VPN Review |
Get Bitdefender VPN
Read Bitdefender VPN Review |
Surfshark offers several different plan options while Bitdefender only has one. For the best deal, it’s advantageous to purchase a VPN subscription for one year with Bitdefender or two years with Surfshark.
With a two-year commitment, Surfshark is only $2.19/mo (billed every two years), and Bitdefender is $2.92/mo (billed annually) for the first year with a one-year commitment.
If you want to purchase a VPN solution for only one month, you’ll pay $15.45/mo with Surfshark and $6.99/mo with Bitdefender.
Payment options
Most VPN solutions give you several different payment options, and these two VPNs are no different. Below are the payment options for each provider.
Surfshark VPN payment options
- Credit card
- Google Pay
- Cryptocurrency
- PayPal
- Amazon Pay
- Sofort
Bitdefender VPN payment options
- Credit card
- PayPal
- Bank transfer
Which VPN is faster?
One factor to consider when choosing a VPN is how connecting to it affects your overall internet speed. A VPN connection is expected to slow down your speeds a bit, but it should not significantly affect your connection.
Here’s how Surfshark and Bitdefender performed when we were connected to servers around the world.
Server location | Our Pick |
|
US | 3.5% slower | 70.5% slower |
Canada | 8.5% slower | 70.5% slower |
UK | 9% slower | 71% slower |
AU | 33% slower | 72% slower |
Learn more | Get Surfshark VPN
Read Surfshark VPN Review |
Get Bitdefender VPN
Read Bitdefender VPN Review |
Bitdefender VPN had a significant impact on overall speeds, slowing down our download speed by 70 percent or more in all locations.
Which VPN is more secure?
Feature | Our Pick |
|
Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 4,000 servers in 50+ countries |
No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
VPN headquarters | Netherlands | Romania |
Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256 |
VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN | WireGuard, OpenVPN, Hydra |
Kill switch | ||
Split tunneling | ||
DNS leak protection | ||
Ad blocker | ||
Learn more | Get Surfshark VPN
Read Surfshark VPN Review |
Get Bitdefender VPN
Read Bitdefender VPN Review |
Surfshark has servers in more countries than Bitdefender, which gives you access to additional streaming libraries and helps you connect to a specific country.
Bitdefender and Surfshark both offer an ad blocker as part of the VPN, and you’ll get access to key features like kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection with both VPN services.
Surfshark offers some great additional features, including its dynamic multihop, which allows you to connect to two or more servers for greater encryption. You’ll also gain access to an email and personal detail generator, which can help you take a proactive approach to protecting your data.
Both Surfshark and Bitdefender have no-log policies, which help users have even more anonymity. In 2023, Surfshark’s no-logs policy was verified by Deloitte, giving users greater confidence that their information is secure. In 2022, Bitdefender's no-logs policy was audited by Aon Cyber Solutions.
Surfshark VPN vs. Bitdefender VPN: Compatibility and customer support
Our Pick |
||
Windows | ||
macOS | ||
Android | ||
iOS | ||
Linux | ||
Routers | ||
Smart devices | ||
Browser extensions | Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge | |
24/7 customer support | ||
Customer support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Live chat, email, phone, online guides, forums |
Learn more | Get Surfshark VPN
Read Surfshark VPN Review |
Get Bitdefender VPN
Read Bitdefender VPN Review |
While both Surfshark and Bitdefender offer 24/7 support, Surfshark’s support options are much more accessible. To access Bitdefender’s support channels, you’ll have to answer several questions about your problem first.
If you’re planning on using a VPN while using a Windows or Mac computer or while on an iPhone or Android phone, either VPN solution will work.
If you want to protect additional devices like your internet router or smart devices, you’ll want to use Surfshark, which offers protection for additional types of devices.
Surfshark VPN vs. Bitdefender VPN FAQs
Has Surfshark ever been hacked?
No, Surfshark has not been hacked or had an instance that compromised user data as of June 2024.
Can Bitdefender VPN be trusted?
Bitdefender is a trusted company that offers several different cybersecurity solutions outside of just the VPN.
Does Surfshark VPN’s price increase after renewal?
Surfshark plans do not increase after renewal. However, if you have a 24-month plan, it will renew for only 12 months.
Does Bitdefender VPN’s price increase after renewal?
Bitdefender is currently offering promotional pricing for its VPN. If you lock in a promotional discount, the VPN will renew at full price, which is subject to change.
Is Surfshark VPN or Bitdefender VPN better?
Overall, Surfshark VPN is the better option, especially if you’re looking for a long-term VPN solution. One of the deciding factors came from our testing while connected to the VPN.
The Bitdefender VPN had a significantly negative impact on our speed, which may make it difficult to use for some. Surfshark’s impact on overall internet speeds was minimal.
We also found Surfshark to be more compatible with a variety of device types and browser extensions, while Bitdefender is limited to Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Whether you’re experienced at using a VPN or just discovering the technology for the first time, Surfshark makes it easy for you to understand its features and how to use it. It’s also convenient to contact customer support.
With its seven-day free trial, 30-day money-back guarantee, and 4,000 servers, Bitdefender still offers a quality VPN.
Surfshark VPN vs. Bitdefender VPN alternatives
There are other reliable VPN solutions if Surfshark and Bitdefender don’t meet your needs.
Here are three top VPN solution alternatives that we’d recommend.
Price | $3.09–$15.99/mo | $2.19–$11.99/mo | $2.03–$12.99/mo |
Free version | |||
Max # of connected devices | 10 | Unlimited | 7 |
# of servers | 6,400+ servers in 111 countries | Servers in 91 countries | Servers in 100 countries |
VPN protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-128-GCM | AES 256-bit |
No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
Headquarters | Panama | United States | Romania |
Netflix access | |||
Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Private Internet Access | Get CyberGhost |