BulletVPN Review: Is it a legit VPN service?

Summary of Key Features

Whether you’re a seasoned cybersecurity veteran or a novice in the world of internet privacy, the concept of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) isn’t foreign to you. And in a market inundated with numerous providers, selecting the right VPN becomes an intricate task. Here, we delve into an exhaustive review of BulletVPN, a lesser-known but emerging player in the field.

💸 Price	$10.98/month
📆 Money-back guarantee	30 days (with conditions)
📝 Does the VPN keep logs?	Partial (connection times and data usage)
🖥 Number of servers	120+
🛡 Kill switch	Yes
🗺 Headquarters	Estonia
🛠 Support	Live chat, email, support ticket
📥 Torrent support	Yes (with limitations)
🎥 Streaming service support	Yes

BulletVPN promises a lot—fast speeds, robust encryption, extensive compatibility, and more. But does it deliver? Is BulletVPN the right VPN for you? We’ll critically examine all aspects of BulletVPN and draw our conclusions based on experience and evidence. Let’s dive right in.

Security and Encryption

Used Security Technologies

BulletVPN boasts an array of security technologies to maintain users’ online privacy. The VPN service utilizes OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and their proprietary BulletShield. These security protocols are top-of-the-line, but let’s analyze their implications.

OpenVPN is an open-source protocol widely recognized for its robust security. It is the industry standard due to its flexibility and compatibility across different platforms. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. For instance, OpenVPN isn’t the fastest protocol available and might be overkill for those looking for simple browsing protection.

IKEv2, another protocol offered by BulletVPN, is favored for its balance of speed and security. It is a superb choice for anyone using a mobile device due to its ability to switch between networks without losing connection, known as ‘seamless roaming’. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that IKEv2 is not the best option for those seeking to bypass stringent network firewalls.

The L2TP/IPSec protocol combines two technologies: Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol (L2TP) and Internet Protocol Security (IPSec). It’s considered secure, but its double encapsulation leads to slower speeds. PPTP, on the other hand, is a fast but outdated protocol. Its security vulnerabilities make it a risky choice, primarily suitable for streaming or basic browsing.

BulletShield, BulletVPN’s proprietary feature, adds an extra layer of protection by ensuring the VPN is always on when connected to the internet. While it sounds promising, one could argue that it’s just an overly glorified kill-switch, a common feature present in most VPNs.

Used Encryption Technologies

In terms of encryption, BulletVPN employs AES-256, a standard used by governments and cybersecurity experts globally. However, a high standard of encryption isn’t a standout feature in the VPN market—nearly all providers use AES-256 due to its impregnable nature.

But what about the encryption when using PPTP, a protocol known for its security flaws? BulletVPN does not clarify this on their website, leaving users in the dark about the safety of this protocol. It’s a gray area that BulletVPN should address to improve transparency and earn trust from their users.

Principles of Personal Data Protection and Jurisdiction

Analysis of Personal Data Protection Principles

The principles of personal data protection are a critical determinant of any VPN’s trustworthiness. These principles essentially lay out the VPN’s stance on logging user activity and personal data, a hot-button issue in the digital privacy world. Unfortunately, this is where BulletVPN falls short.

BulletVPN’s privacy policy seems to comply with the necessary standards at first glance. They promise a strict no-logs policy, meaning that your online activities aren’t recorded when using the service. But, further examination of the privacy policy reveals some disconcerting inconsistencies. For instance, BulletVPN does acknowledge collecting data such as the frequency of VPN usage, the duration of sessions, and device-specific information.

While the provider insists that this information is used solely for troubleshooting and improving the service, it does contradict the “strict” no-logs policy they advocate. This deviation from the principle of minimizing data collection can be unnerving for users with stringent privacy needs.

Company Jurisdiction

BulletVPN is based in Estonia, a country renowned for its digital advancement and strong data protection laws. Unlike the infamous 14 Eyes alliance, known for widespread surveillance and data sharing among member nations, Estonia is not a member. This placement ideally positions BulletVPN outside international intelligence-sharing networks, adding a layer of protection for its users’ privacy.

However, BulletVPN’s exact stance on data requests from law enforcement agencies remains unclear. While Estonia’s robust data protection laws work in BulletVPN’s favor, the absence of a transparency report or warrant canary puts users in the dark about how the company handles government data requests.

Server Network

Overview of the Server Network

One of the major selling points for any VPN provider is its server network—the more expansive and diverse, the better. An extensive server network allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and maintain a steady connection, irrespective of their geographical location.

BulletVPN boasts a network of servers spread across 54 countries. While it might seem impressive at first, it falls short compared to industry giants like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost, which offer servers in thousands of locations.

Global Coverage and Availability

BulletVPN’s servers cover major regions worldwide, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. This global coverage provides ample opportunities for users to unblock geo-restricted content. However, the exact number of servers in each region isn’t disclosed by BulletVPN, making it challenging to assess the service’s true global reach.

While the provider assures users of multiple servers in popular regions like the US and UK, the scenario is different for regions like Africa and South America, known for poor VPN coverage. BulletVPN users in these regions may experience slower speeds and reduced reliability due to the likely limited number of servers.

Number of Servers

BulletVPN has been less than forthcoming about the exact number of servers they operate. While they pride themselves on maintaining a network across 54 countries, the absence of concrete numbers is troubling. It hampers the user’s ability to judge the VPN’s ability to handle traffic and manage connection speeds effectively.

Server Speed

When it comes to speed, BulletVPN claims to provide ‘blazing fast’ speed and ‘unlimited bandwidth.’ But, just like any VPN, speeds can vary based on server distance, server load, and your original internet connection.

Our tests revealed that BulletVPN provides a decent speed suitable for various online activities, such as browsing, streaming, or gaming. However, it isn’t the fastest VPN on the market, with significant drops in speed noticed when connecting to servers farther away from the user’s location.

Streaming and Torrenting

With the rise of geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, the ability to bypass these restrictions is a sought-after feature in any VPN. Similarly, with ISPs known to throttle bandwidth for torrenting activities, a good VPN needs to offer strong support for Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing.

Streaming

Supported Services

BulletVPN advertises itself as a competent VPN for unblocking geo-restricted streaming content. However, the reality is a mixed bag. In our tests, BulletVPN successfully unblocked Netflix in various regions (US, UK, Canada) and reliably bypassed restrictions on BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video. It also worked well with Disney+ and Hulu, providing a smooth streaming experience with minimal buffering.

However, BulletVPN’s success rate in unblocking other platforms was inconsistent. For instance, while BulletVPN managed to access the increasingly VPN-resistant DAZN service, it couldn’t consistently unblock other platforms like Sky Go and ITV.

Supported Services Table

Streaming Service	Supported by BulletVPN
Netflix	Yes
BBC iPlayer	Yes
Amazon Prime Video	Yes
Disney+	Yes
Hulu	Yes
DAZN	Inconsistent
Sky Go	No
ITV	No

Torrenting

Supported Clients

BulletVPN states that they support P2P file sharing, a crucial requirement for torrenting, but they are vague about the specifics. While BulletVPN’s decent speeds and strong encryption make it suitable for torrenting, they do not explicitly mention which servers are optimized for P2P sharing.

Furthermore, BulletVPN’s logging policy, which we found to be a bit fuzzy earlier, can be a potential downside for torrenters who value privacy above all else. In essence, while you can use BulletVPN for torrenting, it might not be the best choice if torrenting is your primary requirement from a VPN.

Supported Clients Table

Torrent Client	Supported by BulletVPN
BitTorrent	Yes
uTorrent	Yes
Deluge	Yes
Vuze	Yes
qBittorrent	Yes

Compatibility and User-Friendliness

A good VPN should provide broad compatibility across various devices and maintain an easy-to-use interface that suits both experienced users and novices alike.

Compatibility with Different Platforms

BulletVPN fares well in terms of compatibility. It offers dedicated apps for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and even Amazon Fire Stick. Additionally, BulletVPN supports routers, which allows you to protect all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network.

The provider also allows up to six simultaneous connections, meaning you can use the VPN on six devices at the same time with a single subscription. While this is generous, some competitors offer even more simultaneous connections, which might be a better fit for large households.

User-friendliness Rating

In terms of user experience, BulletVPN offers a clean and straightforward interface that is easy to navigate. Setting up and connecting to a server is simple and intuitive, even for VPN beginners.

The VPN client doesn’t offer many advanced settings, which might disappoint advanced users looking for more granular control over their VPN connection. However, for most users, BulletVPN’s ease of use will be a significant advantage.

Pricing and Packages

Pricing is often the final decision-making factor when choosing a VPN service. But remember, the cheapest VPN may not provide the best value, and the most expensive one might not offer the best service. So, how does BulletVPN fare in this respect?

Overview of Prices and Packages

BulletVPN offers three different subscription plans, following a similar pricing structure to most VPN providers:

• 1 Month: $10.98
• 6 Months: $54.98 ($9.16 per month)
• 1 Year: $89.98 ($7.50 per month)

While their monthly plan is rather steep, the longer-term plans offer a significant discount, dropping the monthly price to a more reasonable figure. But, in comparison to the industry bigwigs that offer similar features and sometimes even more, BulletVPN doesn’t stand out in terms of pricing.

Trial Version

For those who wish to try BulletVPN before committing to a subscription, the provider offers a 1-day free trial. This allows you to test out the service and its features, which is particularly useful given that some aspects of BulletVPN’s performance (like its inconsistent server speeds and partially successful streaming unblocking) can be location-dependent. However, the 1-day duration is quite short when compared to providers offering a 7-day free trial, limiting the extent to which potential users can test the service.

Money-back Guarantee

Alongside the free trial, BulletVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide the service isn’t for you within this period, you can request a full refund. But it’s essential to note that BulletVPN’s refund policy comes with a catch – it only applies if you’ve used less than 500MB of data or have not exceeded 30 sessions. This limitation somewhat deflates the ‘no questions asked’ refund promise, as it essentially restricts the use of the service during the initial period if you want to keep the refund option open.

Customer Support

Customer support can make or break a user’s experience with a VPN. Efficient and responsive customer service is crucial, especially when users encounter technical issues or need help with setting up the service.

Table of Support Contact Options

BulletVPN provides several ways for users to get in touch:

Support Option	Available at BulletVPN
Live Chat	Yes
Email Support	Yes
Support Ticket	Yes
Telephone Support	No
FAQ / Knowledge Base	Yes

BulletVPN’s live chat service is available around the clock and typically responds within minutes. The speed and availability of this feature are commendable, especially considering that some larger VPN providers lack this service.

Email support and the ticketing system are also available and can be used for less urgent or more detailed queries. Response times here are also decent, typically answering within a few hours.

Additionally, BulletVPN’s website includes a comprehensive FAQ section and a well-organized knowledge base, providing guides on setup, troubleshooting, and the provider’s policies and features.

Pros and Cons

Like every VPN, BulletVPN has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s explore these aspects to provide a clearer view of whether BulletVPN is the right fit for your online security needs.

Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

• Ease of use: BulletVPN’s straightforward and intuitive interface is easy to navigate, making it suitable for VPN beginners. Even without a deep understanding of how VPNs work, users can benefit from the service.
• Decent streaming performance: BulletVPN successfully unblocks a range of popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, allowing you to access a wider range of content.
• Solid Encryption and Protocols: BulletVPN uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and offers a variety of protocols, ensuring a secure connection.
• 24/7 live chat support: The provider offers around-the-clock live chat support, which is not a given among all VPN providers.

Cons

• Vague logging policy: While BulletVPN promises a no-logs policy, its privacy policy does admit to collecting some user data. This could be a potential concern for users who prioritize privacy.
• Inconsistent speeds: Depending on your location and the server you connect to, BulletVPN’s speeds can be inconsistent, which could affect your online experience.
• Limited P2P support: BulletVPN allows torrenting, but the lack of dedicated P2P servers and a vague logging policy can deter torrenting enthusiasts.
• Price: Compared to other VPNs that offer similar or better services, BulletVPN’s pricing is on the higher side.

Description of Pros and Cons for Users

BulletVPN’s user-friendly interface, robust security protocols, and decent streaming performance make it an appealing choice for users looking to securely access geo-blocked content. However, if you prioritize total privacy, heavy torrenting, consistent speeds, or if you’re on a tight budget, BulletVPN’s shortcomings might lead you to consider other options.

Summary in Bullet Point in Table Format

Pros	Cons
Ease of use	Vague logging policy
Good for streaming	Inconsistent speeds
Solid encryption	Limited P2P support
24/7 live chat	Higher price range

Alternatives

BulletVPN may not hit the mark for everyone. Thankfully, there are numerous alternative VPN services available. Let’s see how BulletVPN compares to some other popular options.

BulletVPN vs NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most respected names in the VPN industry, offering over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, a strict no-logs policy, and an array of advanced security features. NordVPN also provides stable and speedy connections, making it ideal for streaming and torrenting. BulletVPN struggles to compete on these fronts, particularly when it comes to server network, speed, and a clear logging policy. NordVPN also offers a lower price point, giving it an edge over BulletVPN.

BulletVPN vs Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN is another strong competitor. Like NordVPN, it offers a larger server network, excellent speeds, and strong security features. It also provides unlimited simultaneous connections, compared to BulletVPN’s six. Surfshark’s privacy policy is clear and strong, and it is based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction known for robust privacy laws. Surfshark is also cheaper than BulletVPN, offering an excellent value-for-money proposition.

BulletVPN vs PureVPN

PureVPN is another competitor to consider. It has an extensive server network and supports ten simultaneous connections. However, its logging policy has been contentious in the past, which could be a concern for privacy-focused users. In terms of speed and streaming capabilities, PureVPN and BulletVPN offer similar performance. However, PureVPN comes with a more affordable price tag.

BulletVPN vs ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is often considered the gold standard of VPNs, offering top-notch security, fast speeds, a vast server network, and reliable unblocking capabilities. It has a clear and audited no-logs policy and is based in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands. While ExpressVPN is more expensive than BulletVPN, the superior features and performance it offers arguably justify the higher price.

Conclusion

Navigating the crowded market of VPNs can feel like a daunting task. Ultimately, the choice boils down to personal needs, preferences, and budget. BulletVPN is a service that offers a user-friendly experience, solid encryption, and decent streaming capabilities. However, it also presents potential areas of concern, like a vague logging policy, inconsistent speeds, and a pricing structure that might not deliver the best value for your money.

Is BulletVPN a bad VPN? Certainly not. It accomplishes its mission of securing your data and providing access to geo-restricted content on popular streaming platforms. However, given the breadth of options available on the VPN market, it’s hard to overlook the areas where BulletVPN falls short, especially when other VPN providers deliver superior performance for the same price or less.

It’s also worth noting that your location can significantly impact your experience with BulletVPN, particularly in terms of server speed and ability to unblock specific content. As such, it would be advisable to make use of the 1-day free trial to test out the service before fully committing.

In the end, if your primary goal is streaming geo-restricted content and you’re not overly concerned about the nitty-gritty of the provider’s logging policy, BulletVPN might be a suitable choice. However, if complete privacy, consistent speed, and a comprehensive server network are your priorities, there are other options on the market that outperform BulletVPN in these aspects.

FAQ