Surfshark VPN vs. Bitdefender VPN 2024: Best Features for Your Budget

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 $1.99/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 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 $1.99/mo (billed every two years)	From $2.92/mo (billed annually)
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	1,300+ servers in 30+ 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

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.

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).

Surfshark VPN vs. Bitdefender VPN: Prices

	Our Pick
Price range	$1.99–$17.95/mo	$2.92–$6.99/mo
Best value plan	24 month plan for $1.99/mo (billed every two years)	12 month plan for $2.92/mo (billed annually)
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 $1.99/mo (billed every two years), and Bitdefender is $2.92/mo (billed annually) 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	1,300+ servers in 30+ 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

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 1,300+ 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.