Before the Shutdown: Bullguard Vpn’s Best & Worst

Company Overview

BullGuard, established in 2002, built their reputation as a cybersecurity firm specializing in antivirus solutions. Recognizing the growing demand for online privacy tools, they expanded their portfolio to include a VPN service. The provider’s primary focus was on delivering straightforward, effective security solutions tailored for both individual users and small businesses. Their VPN service aimed to offer secure browsing, data protection, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions, catering to users across various regions and languages.

In terms of features, BullGuard VPN provided:

Server network: Approximately 2,000 servers spread across 16 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Norway, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Denmark, France, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Singapore, and Switzerland. This distribution ensured users had multiple options for connecting through different regions.

Security measures: The service employed 256-bit AES encryption, a standard trusted by governments and security experts worldwide. They also featured a kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection dropped unexpectedly.

No-logs policy: BullGuard VPN maintained a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that users’ online activities were not recorded or stored.

Over the years, the company garnered recognition for their commitment to user security. However, it’s noteworthy that in 2021, BullGuard was acquired by NortonLifeLock, leading to the eventual discontinuation of BullGuard-branded products in favor of Norton’s offerings.

BullGuard VPN Features & Services

BullGuard VPN was designed with both security and ease of use in mind, offering a well-rounded selection of features to ensure a safe and seamless online experience. While they may not have been the most advanced VPN on the market, they provided several essential tools to enhance user privacy, accessibility, and convenience.

User-friendly interface: One of BullGuard VPN’s standout aspects was their intuitive, minimalistic design, making them accessible for users of all experience levels. The VPN application featured a simple one-click connection, allowing users to instantly secure their connection without navigating through complex settings. The interface also displayed server locations, connection status, and basic security settings in a way that was easy to understand.

Multi-device support: The VPN allowed users to secure up to six devices simultaneously, making them a convenient option for those with multiple gadgets. Whether on Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS, BullGuard VPN ensured that users could protect their internet traffic across different platforms. However, they did not offer native support for routers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs, which may have been a limitation for some users seeking whole-home VPN coverage.

Automatic Wi-Fi protection: Public Wi-Fi networks are often vulnerable to hacking, man-in-the-middle attacks, and data interception. To address this, BullGuard VPN included an automatic Wi-Fi protection feature that immediately activated the VPN when connected to an unsecured or public network. This was particularly useful for users frequently connecting to airports, coffee shops, hotels, and other public spaces, ensuring that their data remained encrypted and safe from potential threats.

App kill switch: While many VPNs include a standard kill switch that disconnects the internet entirely if the VPN connection drops, BullGuard VPN took this a step further with their App Kill Switch. This feature allowed users to select specific applications that should be automatically terminated if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly. This was especially beneficial for users who handled sensitive transactions, online banking, or torrenting, as they prevented data from leaking outside the encrypted VPN tunnel.

VPN protocols and speeds

The balance between security and speed is a major concern for VPN users, as strong encryption can sometimes slow down the connection. BullGuard VPN utilized two widely trusted VPN protocols to optimize speed and security based on user needs.

IKEv2/IPsec: Known for their fast connection speeds and stability, IKEv2 was the recommended protocol for mobile users. It was particularly effective for those who often switched between networks (such as from Wi-Fi to mobile data), ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted connection. This made it a great option for travelers or professionals on the go who required a fast and stable VPN connection.

OpenVPN: This protocol is widely regarded as one of the most secure VPN protocols available, utilizing AES-256 encryption to protect user data. While OpenVPN provided excellent security and was useful for bypassing geo-restrictions, it could sometimes result in slightly slower speeds compared to IKEv2. This made it a strong choice for privacy-conscious users, particularly those streaming geo-blocked content or accessing sensitive information in regions with high censorship.

Plans & Pricing

BullGuard VPN offered a tiered pricing structure designed to accommodate different user needs, with discounts increasing for longer commitments. Their 6-month plan was priced at $12 per month, totaling $71.99 every six months. This option was suitable for users looking for short-term VPN access without committing to a long subscription.

For those willing to invest in a longer subscription, the 1-year plan provided better value at $5.31 per month, amounting to $63.74 per year—a 25% savings compared to the six-month plan. However, the most cost-effective option was the 2-year plan, which lowered the price to $2.83 per month, billed $68 every two years, offering an impressive 60% discount over the month-to-month equivalent.

Regardless of the plan chosen, BullGuard VPN offered a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service risk-free before committing. This refund policy provided reassurance, particularly for first-time users uncertain about the VPN’s performance. Additionally, the service supported multiple payment methods, including PayPal, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and JCB, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of customers.

Advantages & Disadvantages 

Advantages

One of BullGuard VPN’s biggest strengths was their user-friendly design, making it accessible to individuals of all technical backgrounds. The interface was simple and intuitive, allowing users to connect to their preferred server with just a single click. Unlike some VPNs that require navigating through complex settings, BullGuard VPN made securing an internet connection effortless. This ease of use was particularly beneficial for beginners or users who preferred a hassle-free setup without extensive configurations.

Another major advantage was their robust security features, ensuring a high level of protection for users’ online activities. With AES-256 encryption, BullGuard VPN provided military-grade security, keeping browsing data, personal information, and online transactions safe from cyber threats. Additionally, the kill switch feature further reinforced security by automatically disconnecting internet access if the VPN connection dropped unexpectedly. This prevented any accidental data leaks, giving users peace of mind when using public Wi-Fi networks or handling sensitive data.

BullGuard VPN also catered to multi-device users by allowing connections on up to six devices simultaneously. This was a practical feature for individuals who frequently switched between their laptop, smartphone, and tablet or for small families looking to secure multiple devices under a single subscription. The VPN’s compatibility with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS ensured that most users could take advantage of their features, although their lack of support for routers or smart TVs was a potential limitation.

Disadvantages

Despite their strengths, BullGuard VPN had some notable drawbacks, starting with their limited server locations. With approximately 2,000 servers across just 16 countries, their coverage was significantly smaller than competitors like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, which offer thousands of servers across 50+ countries. This limited selection meant users outside of major regions like North America and Europe had fewer options for secure and high-speed connections. Those in Asia, South America, and Africa might have experienced slower speeds or difficulty accessing region-specific content.

Another significant downside was the lack of split tunneling, a feature that allows users to choose which applications route through the VPN while keeping others on a direct internet connection. This omission meant that users who wanted to, for example, stream content without affecting their local network speeds or access banking sites that restrict VPN use, had no way to do so. Many competing VPNs offer this feature, making their absence a notable disadvantage for users looking for greater control over their connections.

Lastly, BullGuard VPN fell short when it came to advanced features. While it covered the basics well, it lacked enhancements found in top-tier VPNs, such as ad blockers, dedicated IP addresses, obfuscated servers for bypassing censorship, or specialized streaming and gaming servers. These extra features can significantly improve the VPN experience, especially for users who need more than just standard privacy and security protections. Without them, BullGuard VPN may have felt somewhat limited compared to competitors offering more comprehensive packages.

Customer Experience

User feedback on BullGuard VPN was generally mixed, with some praising their simplicity and performance, while others pointed out their limitations compared to larger VPN providers. The experience largely depended on individual needs—those looking for a basic, reliable VPN were often satisfied, while users expecting advanced features and broader server coverage found it lacking.

Positive feedback

Many users appreciated BullGuard VPN’s ease of use, particularly their straightforward setup process and intuitive design. Unlike some VPNs that require extensive configuration, BullGuard VPN offered a one-click connection, making them ideal for beginners and those who wanted a hassle-free experience. Customers frequently mentioned that the installation and setup were quick and seamless, allowing them to secure their online activities without dealing with complex settings.

Additionally, consistent connection speeds were another highlight. While VPN services can sometimes slow down internet performance, many users found that BullGuard VPN maintained stable speeds, particularly when connected to nearby servers. This reliability made them a good choice for casual browsing, streaming, and downloading, even if it wasn’t necessarily the fastest VPN on the market.

Critical feedback

Despite their ease of use, some users were disappointed by the limited server network. With only 16 countries covered, BullGuard VPN had a much smaller reach than competitors offering 50+ locations worldwide. Users outside of North America and Europe found that connection options were restricted, sometimes leading to higher latency and slower speeds for those accessing servers from distant regions.

Another commonly cited issue was the lack of advanced features, particularly split tunneling. Many modern VPNs allow users to choose which traffic should be routed through the VPN while keeping certain applications or websites on a direct internet connection. The absence of this feature meant that users had less control over their internet traffic, which could be frustrating for those who wanted to stream local content without affecting other online activities.

Additionally, compatibility concerns were frequently mentioned. While BullGuard VPN worked well on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, users could not install it on routers, smart TVs, or gaming consoles. This limitation prevented users from securing their entire home network or accessing geo-restricted content on devices like Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, or gaming consoles—a feature that many competitors support.

Customer Support

BullGuard VPN offered multiple customer support options, including live chat, email support, and self-help resources. The live chat feature provided users with immediate assistance, making it a convenient option for resolving quick issues.

Conclusion

BullGuard VPN offered a strong balance of security, privacy, and user-friendliness, making them a suitable choice for users seeking reliable online protection without a steep learning curve. Their intuitive design, solid encryption measures, and ability to unblock popular streaming platforms were standout features that appealed to both privacy-conscious users and casual internet users alike. However, BullGuard VPN was not without their limitations, such as a limited number of server locations, missing advanced features like split tunneling, and compatibility issues with routers and smart TVs, which affected their versatility compared to larger competitors.

Despite these shortcomings, BullGuard maintained a strong focus on user security, demonstrated by their no-logs policy, 256-bit AES encryption, and essential tools like the kill switch. These features gave users peace of mind when browsing on unsecured networks or accessing geo-restricted content. However, with NortonLifeLock’s acquisition of BullGuard, the product line was eventually discontinued, and users have been redirected to explore Norton’s suite of cybersecurity offerings, which continue to uphold privacy and security standards that BullGuard initially established.

For those seeking alternatives, we provide an array of resources to help guide your search for the right VPN. Our platform features comprehensive reviews of leading VPN providers, a comparison tool to evaluate features side by side, and a blog with expert insights on topics such as online privacy and cybersecurity best practices. Browse through our content to make an informed decision and find a VPN that meets your security and privacy needs. Happy browsing!