BullGuard VPN vs VIP72

BullGuard VPN was a privacy-focused virtual private network service developed by BullGuard, a cybersecurity company founded in 2002 and headquartered in the United Kingdom. Known for their strong encryption, no-logs policy, and ease of use, the VPN aimed to provide secure, unrestricted internet access for users worldwide. With around 2,000 servers in 16 countries, they offered geo-restriction bypassing, automatic Wi-Fi protection, and a built-in kill switch, ensuring user data remained safe. Despite their user-friendly design and strong security features, BullGuard VPN had limitations, including a smaller server network, lack of split tunneling, and no support for routers or smart TVs. User feedback was generally positive, with praise for their consistent connection speeds and simple setup, though some users noted the absence of advanced features compared to larger VPN providers. Following NortonLifeLock’s acquisition of BullGuard, the VPN service was discontinued in July 2022, with users directed to Norton’s cybersecurity solutions. While BullGuard VPN is no longer available, their privacy-first approach and commitment to security left a mark in the VPN industry. Read on for a detailed breakdown of their past features, performance, and how they compared to competitors.

VIP72 VPN was a privacy-focused service provider founded in 2006 and headquartered in the United States. Offering a combination of VPN, proxy, and SOCKS proxy services, they catered to users looking for strong anonymity, geo-restriction bypassing, and secure browsing. Their network included VPN servers in 13+ countries and a massive SOCKS proxy infrastructure spanning 182 countries, allowing users to mask their IPs and access restricted content. VIP72 utilized 256-bit encryption with OpenVPN protocols, ensuring secure connections for activities such as P2P file sharing and accessing streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. They also supported residential IPs and HTTP header modifications, which set them apart in the proxy market. However, concerns over slow speeds, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of customer support led to mixed feedback from users. Additionally, allegations of involvement in the Bunitu Trojan botnet raised security concerns, further impacting their credibility. Despite operating for over 15 years, VIP72 shut down in 2021, leaving many users without notice. While their extensive proxy network and privacy tools made them a unique player in the VPN industry, their abrupt disappearance and questionable security practices make them a controversial provider worth deeper investigation.