WIRED rates Bitdefender VPN as strong value for everyday users
A new review highlights the service’s competitive pricing and solid performance, while noting it may not satisfy users seeking maximum privacy from US law enforcement.
WIRED has published a review of Bitdefender VPN, characterising the service as a fast and affordable option suitable for general users rather than privacy enthusiasts. The publication notes that while the VPN is not designed for those seeking to evade mass surveillance, it performs well for bypassing geo-location barriers and securing connections on open Wi-Fi networks.
The review highlights a competitive first-year price of $35, which rises to $70 for subsequent years. This introductory rate is lower than current first-year prices from competitors such as NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and Surfshark. However, the service lacks monthly or multi-year payment options, requiring users to commit to an annual subscription.
In terms of performance, WIRED’s testing using the WireGuard protocol showed average download speeds reduced by 14 per cent and upload speeds by 13 per cent compared to non-VPN connections. The reviewer noted that the service delivered reliable speeds, with download rates reaching up to 480 Mbps on a fibre connection, making it adequate for most everyday tasks.
The service supports up to 10 simultaneous device connections and offers servers in over 100 countries. The client software is available on Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, featuring a clean interface and essential tools such as ad-blocking, anti-tracking, and split-tunnelling. However, the review points out the absence of Linux support, smart TV apps, and static IP options, which may limit its appeal for more technical users.
A key consideration for privacy-focused consumers is the underlying infrastructure. Bitdefender’s VPN operates through a partnership with IPVanish, which supplies the network while Bitdefender handles the client software and branding. IPVanish is owned by media company Ziff Davis and has undergone independent no-log audits, the most recent in 2025.
Despite these audits, IPVanish previously faced a reputation hit in 2018 after handing user logs to the US Department of Homeland Security in 2016, despite a no-logs policy. WIRED notes that while IPVanish is a US company subject to strict law enforcement demands, it publishes transparency reports. It remains unclear how Bitdefender’s requirement for user accounts and credit card payments interacts with IPVanish’s no-logs policy.
