Private Internet Access vs Bitdefender VPN: Best VPN in 2025

by | Feb 1, 2025

Winner
Private Internet Access
4.5
  • No Logs Policy
  • Dedicated IP
  • Antivirus
  • VPN Router
  • Privacy Protection
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Paid Plan Starts at $2.03
Runner Up
bitdefender logo
3.0
  • Unified Platform
  • Threat Detection
  • Detection AI
  • AI Cybersecurity
  • Effortless Security
  • 30-Days Money-Back Guarantee
  • Paid Plan Starts at $2.92
Private Internet Access vs Bitdefender VPN

Choosing a VPN can feel overwhelming, right?

There are so many options. You’re looking for something secure, fast, and reliable.

Two popular choices often come up: Private Internet Access (PIA) and Bitdefender VPN.

But which one is actually better for you?

It’s frustrating to compare VPNs side-by-side. 

In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll break down Private Internet Access vs Bitdefender VPN. 

Overview

We’ve put Private Internet Access and Bitdefender VPN through rigorous testing, evaluating their performance across key areas like speed, security, server network, and user experience.

This comparison highlights their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Private Internet Access logo
4.5out of 5

Boost your online privacy with Private Internet Access. Experience a truly secure connection.

Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.03/month

Key Features:

  • MACE ad blocker
  • Advanced split tunneling
  • Multi-Hop
Bitdefender VPN
3out of 5

Internet with more freedom and security? Secure your connection with Bitdefender today!

Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.92/month

Key Features:

  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • No traffic logs
  • Automatic kill switch

What is Private Internet Access?

Looking for a VPN that’s serious about privacy? Then, you need to check out Private Internet Access (PIA). 

They’ve been around for ages and have a solid reputation for keeping your data safe & sound.

There are no complicated setups, just powerful protection for all your online activities.

Also, explore our favorite Private Internet Access alternatives

Private Internet Access

Our Take

Private Internet Access logo

Unleash your online freedom with Private Internet Access! Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously to a vast network of 35,000+ servers across 91 countries. Start your journey to a more private internet today!

Key Benefits

  • Extensive server network: Over 35,912 servers in 84 countries.
  • Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
  • Affordable price: Offers competitive plans.
  • Ten simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices.

Pricing

  • 2 Years + 2 Months Free: $2.19/month.
  • 6 Months: $7.50/month.

All plans include unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations.

private internate access pricing

Pros

  • Strong encryption.
  • Large server network.
  • Strict no-logs policy.
  • Unlimited connections.
  • Includes antivirus.

Cons

  • It can be slower.
  • Based in the US.
  • Limited streaming support.
  • Customer support can be slow.

What is Bitdefender VPN?

Looking for a VPN that’s super easy to use? Bitdefender VPN might be just what you need!

Bitdefender, a well-known antivirus company, makes it.

This VPN is great for beginners because it’s simple.

It keeps your online activity private and helps you get around those annoying location blocks.

Also, explore our favorite Bitdefender VPN alternatives

Bitdefender VPN Homepage

Our Take

Bitdefender VPN

Ready to experience the internet with more freedom and security? Secure your connection and unlock a world of content today!

Key Benefits

  • No-logs policy: Bitdefender doesn’t keep track of your online activity.
  • Unlimited bandwidth: You can stream and download as much as you want.
  • Automatic kill switch: This feature protects your data if your VPN connection drops.
  • 200+ servers in 50+ countries: A decent network for most users.
  • Strong encryption: Uses the same encryption standard as banks to keep your data safe.

Pricing

  • 1 Year Plan: $2.92/month
  • 1 Month Plan: $6.99/month
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Pros

  • Very easy to use.
  • Affordable pricing options.
  • Good for essential privacy.
  • Works well with Bitdefender antivirus.
  • Doesn’t slow down your connection.

Cons

  • Fewer server locations.
  • Not the best for streaming.
  • Lacks advanced features.
  • Customer support can be slow.
  • There are no specialty servers.

Feature Comparison

Choosing a virtual private network requires balancing PIA’s reputation for massive server network size and advanced features against Bitdefender’s security pedigree and premium vpn connection quality.

This analysis from private internet access review and Bitdefender VPN review clarifies which vpn provider offers the superior combination of privacy, performance, and overall value for vpn users.

1. Server Network Size and Coverage

  • Private Internet Access (PIA): Boasts one of the largest and strongest vpn server networks in the world, with thousands of servers globally. This scale, confirmed by a tested private internet access, ensures low congestion.
  • Bitdefender VPN: The network size is substantial, with over 4,000 vpn server options across many server locations, offering a strong global presence for a premium vpn product.

2. Simultaneous Connections

  • Private Internet Access (PIA): Provides unlimited simultaneous connections under a single subscription, offering exceptional value for households and vpn users with many devices.
  • Bitdefender VPN: Limits the number of vpn connections to 10 devices per bitdefender central account, which is generous but does not match PIA’s unlimited simultaneous connections.

3. Core Security Features

  • Private Internet Access (PIA): Includes an audited kill switch, strong vpn protocols, and deep customization options. It is a dedicated vpn provider focused solely on the vpn tunnel.
  • Bitdefender VPN: Offers a reliable kill switch and strong vpn protocols. As an offshoot of an antivirus software, it provides a secure vpn connection within a broader security context.

4. Logging Policy and Audits

  • Private Internet Access (PIA): Follows a verified no logs policy, meaning it does not record user ip addresses or online activity. The private internet access vpn has a strong history of validating its privacy claims.
  • Bitdefender VPN: While claiming no usage logs, the bitdefender premium vpn review notes it retains some traffic logs related to the vpn connection for a short period, making it slightly less private than PIA’s zero-log stance.

5. Advanced Features: Split Tunneling

  • Private Internet Access (PIA): Offers highly customizable split tunneling, allowing vpn users to precisely control which apps or ip addresses route through the encrypted vpn tunnel.
  • Bitdefender VPN: Also includes split tunneling, providing necessary flexibility to route some internet traffic outside the virtual private network for local network access or specific applications.

6. Transparency and Jurisdiction

  • Private Internet Access (PIA): Is based in the US (Five Eyes), which raises some privacy concerns, though the tested private internet access policy has repeatedly proven reliable in court cases.
  • Bitdefender VPN: Is based in Romania, outside the jurisdiction of major surveillance alliances, which is often preferred by privacy-conscious vpn providers and vpn users globally.

7. Connection Speed and Stability

  • Private Internet Access (PIA): Known for delivering very fast and reliable speeds. It connects to the chosen vpn server with minimal delay, making the experience smooth for vpn users.
  • Bitdefender VPN: Delivers competitive speeds, making it a reliable virtual private network. The connection attempt typically results in verification successful waiting only a few seconds.

8. App Design and User Experience

  • Private Internet Access (PIA): The pia vpn app is feature-rich, targeting power vpn users with extensive settings and customization options.
  • Bitdefender VPN: The app design is simple, integrating seamlessly with the bitdefender central account for existing customers. It prioritizes ease of use over complex configuration.

9. Overall Value

  • Private Internet Access (PIA): Offers low long-term prices and powerful features, consistently rating high on value for vpn users who want an industrial-strength vpn server network and unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • Bitdefender VPN: Provides a strong vpn connection as part of a vpn services bundle. Its standalone pricing, reviewed in the bitdefender premium vpn review, offers good security but sometimes less sheer value than dedicated vpn providers like PIA.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

  • No-Logs Policy: Ensure the VPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track your online activity. This is crucial for privacy.
  • Customer Support: If you encounter any issues, look for a VPN with responsive customer support. 24/7 live chat is a very big plus.
  • Free Trial or Money-Back Guarantee: A free trial or money-back guarantee allows you to the test the VPN risk-free before committing to a long-term plan.
  • Independent Audits: Choose a VPN that has undergone independent security audits to verify of their claims and ensure transparency.
  • Simultaneous internet connection: Consider how many of devices you want to simultaneously. Most VPNs allow at least five simultaneous connections.
  • Specific Needs: Think about your particular needs. Do you need a VPN for the streaming, torrenting, gaming, or browsing? Choose a VPN that excels in your desired area.
  • User Reviews: Read user reviews & expert opinions for a well-rounded perspective on the VPN’s performance and reliability.

Final Verdict

After extensive vpn tests and this review 2025, comparing vs Private Internet Access and vs Bitdefender VPN 2025, we recommend Private Internet Access (PIA).

While Bitdefender Premium VPN offers solid security, especially if you’re already using Bitdefender Total Security, PIA vs Bitdefender shines in speed and server network size.

Internet access has more customers with PIA, and for good reason.

Private Internet Access competes strongly in the internet access category.

Although Bitdefender Premium has its own strengths, PIA VPN is the best vpn for most users needing top-tier speed and privacy.

Consider your vpn needs, but vs PIA, for most, PIA wins.

Remember, a vpn doesn’t make you completely invisible, but it adds a crucial layer of security.

More of Private Internet Access

We’ve explored alternatives to Private Internet Access, so how does Private Internet Access compare to them?

  • Private Internet Access vs NordVPN: PIA offers more simultaneous connections and a larger server count, while NordVPN provides faster speeds and better streaming support.
  • Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN: It is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly apps, and reliable unblocking of streaming services. While PIA offers a larger server network and allows unlimited connections, ExpressVPN often provides a smoother and faster overall experience, especially for streaming.
  • Private Internet Access vs PureVPN: PIA generally offers faster and more consistent speeds, along with unlimited simultaneous connections. While PureVPN boasts a larger server count and can unblock more streaming services in some tests, PIA’s performance and strong focus on security often give it an edge.
  • Private Internet Access vs SurfsharkVPN: It is often more affordable, especially for long-term plans, and allows unlimited connections. While PIA has a larger server network, Surfshark generally provides faster speeds, better apps, and more features, making it a strong all-around competitor.
  • Private Internet Access vs ProtonVPN: It emphasizes strong security and privacy with features like Secure Core servers and a transparent approach. While PIA offers faster speeds on nearby servers and allows unlimited connections, ProtonVPN’s focus on privacy and consistent performance on international servers makes it a strong contender for privacy-conscious users.
  • Private Internet Access vs AdGuard VPN: It’s primary strength lies in its integration with ad and tracker blocking. PIA is a more comprehensive VPN service offering a wider range of server locations and functionalities beyond ad blocking.
  • Private Internet Access vs Virtual Shield: PIA offers a more extensive server network, stronger security features, and generally better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
  • Private Internet Access vs StrongVPN: Both VPNs offer strong encryption, but PIA boasts a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections, providing greater flexibility.
  • Private Internet Access vs FastestVPN: PIA generally offers a larger server network and more robust security features than FastestVPN, which is budget-friendly.
  • Private Internet Access vs AuraVPN: It includes identity theft protection alongside its VPN. PIA focuses on providing a secure and private VPN connection with a large server network and unlimited connections.
  • Private Internet Access vs CyberGhost: It is known for its user-friendly apps and specialized servers for various online activities. PIA offers a larger server network and unlimited connections, appealing to users with many devices.
  • Private Internet Access vs McAfee VPN: PIA is a dedicated VPN service with a wider range of features and better performance than the basic VPN included with McAfee’s security suite.
  • Private Internet Access vs Mysterium: PIA uses a traditional server network known for its size and consistent performance. Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different approach to anonymity and potentially variable speeds.

More of Bitdefender VPN

Here’s a quick comparison of Bitdefender VPN with alternatives:

  • Bitdefender VPN vs NordVPN: It boasts a larger server network and more advanced security features.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs ExpressVPN: It is faster, better for streaming, and offers stronger privacy. Bitdefender is bundled and simpler.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs PureVPN: It: larger server count. Bitdefender: simpler interface.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs Surfshark VPN: It is faster, has unlimited devices, has more features, and is better for streaming. Bitdefender is bundled.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs ProtonVPN: Bitdefender: user-friendly. ProtonVPN: stronger privacy.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs PrivadoVPN: Bitdefender: bundled. PrivadoVPN: potentially faster, stronger privacy, free tier.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs AdGuard VPN: Bitdefender: general VPN. AdGuard VPN: ad-blocking focus.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs Virtual Shield: Bitdefender: more established, larger network. Virtual Shield: very basic.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs StrongVPN: Bitdefender: smaller network. StrongVPN: robust encryption.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs FastestVPN: Bitdefender: bundled. FastestVPN: budget-friendly.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs AuraVPN: Bitdefender: VPN only. AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs CyberGhost: Bitdefender: simpler, smaller network. CyberGhost: user-friendly, specialized servers.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs McAfee VPN: Bitdefender is: more feature-rich VPN. Both are often bundled with an antivirus.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA: larger network, unlimited devices. Bitdefender: user-friendly.
  • Bitdefender VPN vs Mysterium: Bitdefender: traditional network. Mysterium: decentralized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which VPN is better for streaming?

Both PIA and Bitdefender can be used for streaming, but PIA’s generally faster speeds often make it a preferred choice. However, server selection and consistent performance can vary, so it’s always a good idea to test both options with your preferred streaming services during any trial period.

Does Bitdefender include a VPN?

Bitdefender offers a VPN service called Bitdefender Premium VPN. It’s often bundled with their other security products, like Bitdefender Total Security, but can also be purchased as a standalone subscription.

Is PIA a good VPN for beginners?

Yes, PIA is considered a good VPN for beginners. It has user-friendly apps for various devices and offers a relatively straightforward setup process. Their customer support is also readily available should any questions come up.

Can I use a VPN on multiple devices?

Yes, both PIA and Bitdefender allow simultaneous connections, but the number of devices you can connect at the same time varies depending on your subscription plan. Check their websites for the most up-to-date details.

VPNs are legal in most countries. However, using a VPN to commit illegal activities is, of course, still illegal. VPNs are primarily used to enhance privacy and security, not for illicit purposes.

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