Review Insights · App Store
Bitdefender VPN: Fast & Secure
Bitdefender SRL · 13,163 ratings · ★ 4.8
4.8
★★★★★
13,163 ratings
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Top complaints - extracted from 42 negative reviews
Recurring phrases mined from 1-2★ reviews. The bigger the percentage, the more users have the same problem. Fix the top 2-3 in your version and you have product-market fit on day one.
1
"connect"
8 negative reviews mention this · 19% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Auto-connect needs improvements.. Final Update: NOTHING has changed! The VPN still disconnects randomly like it did in 2023, exposing users’ IP Addresses without them even knowing! There’s no real auto-connect protocol to prevent this from happening and until Bitdefender un…" - OfficialLaCole
2
"bitdefender"
8 negative reviews mention this · 19% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Auto-connect needs improvements.. Final Update: NOTHING has changed! The VPN still disconnects randomly like it did in 2023, exposing users’ IP Addresses without them even knowing! There’s no real auto-connect protocol to prevent this from happening and until Bitdefender un…" - OfficialLaCole
3
"been"
8 negative reviews mention this · 19% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Auto-connect needs improvements.. Final Update: NOTHING has changed! The VPN still disconnects randomly like it did in 2023, exposing users’ IP Addresses without them even knowing! There’s no real auto-connect protocol to prevent this from happening and until Bitdefender un…" - OfficialLaCole
4
"work"
8 negative reviews mention this · 19% of all complaints
★★★★★ "VPN malfunction. with web protection on VPN does not work NO VPN on one phone, while the other phone has VPN PROTECTION and encryption it was breached do not recommend" - fyre monkei
5
"iphone"
7 negative reviews mention this · 17% of all complaints
★★★★★ "DOUBLE HOP LOCATIONS. Please fix bug asap! Double Hop Locations are not matching up with IP Address search result! I just re-installed the app and restarted iPhone afterwards, but the issue remains. I connected to Europe but IP Address is showing US!" - KitKat-SF
6
"doesn"
6 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Doesn’t recognize premium subscription. Doesn’t recognize my paid premium VPN subscription. Offering premium subscription that I have already paid for." - mwmit
7
"wifi"
6 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Auto-connect needs improvements.. Final Update: NOTHING has changed! The VPN still disconnects randomly like it did in 2023, exposing users’ IP Addresses without them even knowing! There’s no real auto-connect protocol to prevent this from happening and until Bitdefender un…" - OfficialLaCole
8
"connection"
6 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Auto-connect needs improvements.. Final Update: NOTHING has changed! The VPN still disconnects randomly like it did in 2023, exposing users’ IP Addresses without them even knowing! There’s no real auto-connect protocol to prevent this from happening and until Bitdefender un…" - OfficialLaCole
9
"does"
6 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Doesn’t recognize premium subscription. Doesn’t recognize my paid premium VPN subscription. Offering premium subscription that I have already paid for." - mwmit
10
"working"
6 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Ad Blocker and Anti Tracking Stopped Working. Longtime user and both the Ad Blocker and Anti Tracking features have STOPPED WORKING. See ALL ads regardless of if the VPN is on or not. PLEASE FIX!" - IVC Pro
11
"phone"
5 negative reviews mention this · 12% of all complaints
★★★★★ "VPN malfunction. with web protection on VPN does not work NO VPN on one phone, while the other phone has VPN PROTECTION and encryption it was breached do not recommend" - fyre monkei
12
"public"
5 negative reviews mention this · 12% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Automatic Activation breaks captive portals. VPN activates, even when setting it to only manually connect. This causes problems when trying to connect to public wifi networks. Because the VPN activates, the captive portal is inaccessible. Without this, the user cannot complete the con…" - Parallel Pillion
📋 All 42 negative reviews
Every 1-2★ review we fetched. Use the copy button to grab them all for your own analysis (paste into ChatGPT/Claude with a prompt like "summarize core user problems, group by theme, ignore bugs, focus on missing features").
Doesn’t recognize premium subscription
Doesn’t recognize my paid premium VPN subscription. Offering premium subscription that I have already paid for.
Auto-connect needs improvements.
Final Update: NOTHING has changed! The VPN still disconnects randomly like it did in 2023, exposing users’ IP Addresses without them even knowing! There’s no real auto-connect protocol to prevent this from happening and until Bitdefender understands this and adds a more aggressive auto-connect feature, consumers’ IP Addresses will continue being exposed randomly.
Unfortunately, I won’t be here as a customer to see if Bitdefender will successfully resolves the persistent disconnects with a solid auto-connect feature similar to my my original suggestion below, as they’ve switched to annual subscriptions (only), no refunds (not even prorated refunds) after 30 days.
The service is too buggy to risk forfeiting out an annual payment with zero funds after 30 days. For that, I can no longer recommend Bitdefender. Fix your refund policy to accommodate the buggy state your apps and services are currently in, once your team finally makes the product reliable and keep it reliable in a timely manner, then you can revisit the “zero refunds after 30 days” talk on annual subscriptions. Annual subscriptions only, No refunds after 30 days, and buggy apps/services… DO NOT MIX!
Original Review: So far, this VPN app has improved tremendously since the last time I tried it, back in 2023! Thanks for listening to the feedback!
The only thing missing, is an improved Auto-connect feature.
It’s missing the “Auto Connect on Any WiFi or Cellular Data Connection” feature that Norton’s VPN app has on iPadOS/iOS.
This feature commands the VPN app to connect at all times (regardless the data connection’s type or safety status), forcing the VPN to automatically activate, even after restarting/powering devices on.
Sometimes I forget to reactivate the Bitdefender app, after powering on or restarting a device, because I’m so used to Norton’s Auto Connect feature.
Hopefully, you’ll improve the auto connection experience a bit more, making it more autonomous so users don’t have to manually enable it.
Lastly, can you guys please remove or add a toggle to disable the warning message that tells users they’ve been connected to the VPN for 1 hour? I pay for unlimited Bitdefender VPN service and want my VPN connected at all times. So this warning, is irrelevant to me and users like me. Having a way to disable the warning, would be greatly appreciated.
Unfortunately, I won’t be here as a customer to see if Bitdefender will successfully resolves the persistent disconnects with a solid auto-connect feature similar to my my original suggestion below, as they’ve switched to annual subscriptions (only), no refunds (not even prorated refunds) after 30 days.
The service is too buggy to risk forfeiting out an annual payment with zero funds after 30 days. For that, I can no longer recommend Bitdefender. Fix your refund policy to accommodate the buggy state your apps and services are currently in, once your team finally makes the product reliable and keep it reliable in a timely manner, then you can revisit the “zero refunds after 30 days” talk on annual subscriptions. Annual subscriptions only, No refunds after 30 days, and buggy apps/services… DO NOT MIX!
Original Review: So far, this VPN app has improved tremendously since the last time I tried it, back in 2023! Thanks for listening to the feedback!
The only thing missing, is an improved Auto-connect feature.
It’s missing the “Auto Connect on Any WiFi or Cellular Data Connection” feature that Norton’s VPN app has on iPadOS/iOS.
This feature commands the VPN app to connect at all times (regardless the data connection’s type or safety status), forcing the VPN to automatically activate, even after restarting/powering devices on.
Sometimes I forget to reactivate the Bitdefender app, after powering on or restarting a device, because I’m so used to Norton’s Auto Connect feature.
Hopefully, you’ll improve the auto connection experience a bit more, making it more autonomous so users don’t have to manually enable it.
Lastly, can you guys please remove or add a toggle to disable the warning message that tells users they’ve been connected to the VPN for 1 hour? I pay for unlimited Bitdefender VPN service and want my VPN connected at all times. So this warning, is irrelevant to me and users like me. Having a way to disable the warning, would be greatly appreciated.
VPN malfunction
with web protection on VPN does not work NO VPN on one phone, while the other phone has VPN PROTECTION and encryption it was breached do not recommend
Ad Blocker and Anti Tracking Stopped Working
Longtime user and both the Ad Blocker and Anti Tracking features have STOPPED WORKING. See ALL ads regardless of if the VPN is on or not. PLEASE FIX!
Abrug
I was doomscorlling and it. Said virus and i looked at vpn it was. Off all because i disnt have a subscription
Literally scamming
I already bought the vpn and tried restoring purchases and it continues to try to make me pay. Then it trys to put you in some stupid support system that are all bots. Do not buy!!!! Be ware!!!
Scam
I accidentally pressed the vpn button of again in like the First 30 seconds and then I try to turn it back on but it just asks for money I press kill switch and I don’t know what just happened,
App won’t let me sign in
Had to find a new vpn app
It’s a total scam!
They charged me but didn’t sent me any activation code! This thing happened 3 times. I emailed them and no any response!
Automatic Activation breaks captive portals
VPN activates, even when setting it to only manually connect. This causes problems when trying to connect to public wifi networks. Because the VPN activates, the captive portal is inaccessible. Without this, the user cannot complete the consent/activation process, leaving the device without access to the internet.
Why only 1 star for such a small issue you might ask? Because this is literally the only scenario where I need the VPN.
Why only 1 star for such a small issue you might ask? Because this is literally the only scenario where I need the VPN.
Never had VPN. Can’t figure out how to use.
No support other than programmed website or community chats. Can’t even find what I need there. Want to remove BD VON from my phone…
DOUBLE HOP LOCATIONS
Please fix bug asap! Double Hop Locations are not matching up with IP Address search result! I just re-installed the app and restarted iPhone afterwards, but the issue remains. I connected to Europe but IP Address is showing US!
Wael
After the latest update I am suffering even to install the vpn profile in IOS and when installed , it never connects either duble tap pr single vpn, lately it became the worst VPN EVER
Glitching
I pay for the monthly subscription and I can’t even use the vpn, it won’t connect and is constantly glitching.
Not working on iPad
Will not connect with public WiFi. Does not appear in Settings/VPN. I uninstalled and reinstalled but still does the same thing. Works when I use my iPhone as a hotspot using a mobile network.
Difficult
Wow did not expect that this is going to be such a difficult experience after I saw that I haw to call Romania to solve issues
App is hacked
My app is not working properly it appears it has been compromised the central porting of app shows a long number with alphabets and I tried to open a ticket on line it want to thru just keep spinning
New Premium VPN 👎🏻
The updated PREMIUM VPN has been interfering with the functions of multiple programs that worked well prior to this “upgraded” app.
Used to work
I picked Bitdefender because my organization blocked ExpressVPN and Nord all the time. Bitdefender was able to get through my org filter. Since this latest update, nothing works. Deleting the app and reinstalling it and going through setup yields no results. Looks like I won’t be renewing my subscription and going with something else again.
Regretting buying Bitdefender VPN
Bitdefender VPN is the worst of worst. The speed is worst, the ping time is more. Sometimes I cannot browse and forget about streaming through this vpn anytime. Regret buying premium security package.
Latest update
VPN is useless. It prevents many apps from opening. After disconnecting VPN no further problems encountered
can't navigate onlinr
I know the VPN is for our online safety; but, when you literally have to turn the VPN off to do any online shopping, it's useless to subscribe to.
Worthless
First time outside USA, it work fine on laptop but on iphone fails with error 9, it cannot secure an insecure connection. Worthless! Need, but it fails miserably. When traveling who wants to spend their time dickin around with bd vpn?
Can’t use simul function
Can’t use vpn and web protection function at same time. They also want you to upgrade to their separate vpn app, which also doesn’t allow simultaneous function.
Problem
Wish I could could see what this app is about however though it starts off with making an account not good just another VPN app trying to pressure the public again how sad I have read so many reviews for VPN’s seems like they are not very good and the reviews are always from a year ago no new reviews causing doubt we all need a VPN THAT IS TRUSTWORTHY my search will continue so for now I’m without WI-FI as sit in this hotel be glad when I find a home where I can once again pay for private WIFI
Terrible
Don’t waste your time and money on this. Not worth it. When I first downloaded it it worked but as time proceeded the vpn location didn’t worked and the website browser I was using still had me at the location I’m at. Don’t waste your time
Not working on iPhone 15 pro
This vpn does not connect on my iPhone 15 Pro. Bitdefender security does. I just got billed nearly $80 to renew my license. I would like to see how I can get a refund so I can get something that works?
BitdefenderVPN
I’m getting where I won’t like it if I can’t keep my web site connection on! Every time I scan my iPad it keeps telling me I’m at risk that the web connection is inactive. How many times do I have to activate it? Why pay for the protection if my website is inactive?
I don’t want BitdefenderVPN anymore. I just want the regular Bitdefender Security service without the VPN.
Thank You Debra Sweeney
I don’t want BitdefenderVPN anymore. I just want the regular Bitdefender Security service without the VPN.
Thank You Debra Sweeney
Payment
It says to verify my payment method and when I do it’s says that’s it alredy in there and won’t let me continue beyond that
very difficult to understand
dont understand where you are and what. and why it stops individual usage of common apps i use
I have but 1 year but only used for about month can’t be use
I have but 1 year but only used for about one month can’t to be use anymore Whether Wi-Fi or cellular network just show error code 9
Poor and useless support!
Subscribed to premium to cover my IPhone and Mac, doesn’t work in my Mac Mini and support doesn’t know why! Don’t trust this!!
VPN
I upgraded to have the unlimited access and it only gives me 200mb and then shuts off.
Messes up / stops the phone from working/ won’t turn off
I have not had a good experience with this VPN. It constantly makes me restart my phone to get my data to work. Nothing will load and it ends up being the VPN that’s the problem. On WiFi or data does not matter.
It also won’t stay turned off. I turn it off, it turns itself right back on…. Not okay.
It also won’t stay turned off. I turn it off, it turns itself right back on…. Not okay.
VPN easy detect and block from working?
For iOS this vpn doesn’t work for public or corporate network WiFi. Once the firewall detects you using vpn it will block you from connecting to the internet. It only work on my own network WiFi so it’s useless outside my network. I don’t think this VPN works very well for mobile devices. It works ok on my desktop but some vpn location is being blocked by some websites so I have to change to a different VPN location that is not blocked by the website to get access. For example usps blocked vpn location from Chicago so in order to access the website I need to change the VPN location to Atlanta which the website hasn’t blocked yet. What is the point of this vpn? Can this vpn easily be detected by other networks firewall? If so it will be useless.
ADS GALORE
I have been a paying subscriber to BitDefender for YEARS now and recently every app I use is loaded now with advertisements- WHY is this? I pay for two different BitDefender subscriptions and have loved them, because of limited ads, now they’re everywhere.
Recent Changes Make App Almost Unusable
I’ve been using BitdefenderVPN for a long time on both my iPad and my iPhone. Use has been straightforward and smooth up until now. However, recent changes have made the app almost unusable outside of my home network. Public networks now either will not connect, or will only connect when BitdefenderVPN is turned off. If I turn off BitdefenderVPN, I can connect to public networks, but when I then turn VPN back on the app continually indicates that it is ‘connecting.’ It never completes the action. It works fine if I turn off Wi-Fi and connect using a 5G cell signal (iPhone). Since my iPad does not have cellular, I can’t have a secure connection. So, bottom line, BitdefenderVPN is virtually unusable away from home - when I need it most.
International Use
Does not work good in the countries in the Middle East
Bad Connection Issues
I constantly have to refresh the app or connect to different IPs since these will affect your browser connection. Slows down download performance even though my internet speed tests are great. This service is expensive for these issues that have been occurring for past 2 yrs. Please fix these issues Bitdefender.
iPhone app
The VPN seems to be glitching and constantly blocking internet connectivity - both via cellular and Wi-Fi.
Just updated and iOS won’t connect
I have been having issues with the VPN on my phone. Some sites required me to disable first snd connection after reaching the site. The new version takes the guesswork out. It just doesn’t connect. Running iOS 17.6.1
Doesn’t Make a Ton of Sense
I’ve been using Bitdefender AV for a while now and I really love it. I have the AV and VPN on my PC and love them a lot. I have mobile security on my phone and love it as well, but there is one problem. The VPN for mobile is overridden by Bitdefender web protection. For some reason, the VPN and web protection do not work together. This makes me wonder why it’s even on mobile. Don’t get me wrong the VPN is good and can’t complain with the free price but kind of confusing.
Sentiment summary
97%
Positive (4-5★)
2%
Neutral (3★)
2%
Negative (1-2★)