BullVPN Review: Streaming Access, Slow Long-Distance Speeds, Retains Connection Metadata
BullVPN is a VPN service that provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, a Chrome extension, and streaming‑optimized servers. The service uses AES‑256 encryption and operates a network of 300 servers across 49 countries.
It is most suitable for users who need straightforward apps and occasional access to specific streaming libraries via dedicated streaming servers. Performance and privacy depend on region, server choice, and device — BullVPN retains connection metadata, lacks a kill switch, and long‑distance speeds are significantly reduced.
At a Glance
BullVPN offers basic protection and specialized streaming servers but has important privacy and security shortcomings. The service uses AES-256 encryption and supports several common protocols, yet it logs connection data, lacks a kill switch, and maintains a relatively small server footprint.
| Logging | Yes — collects local IP, VPN-assigned IP, connect/disconnect timestamps, and cookie IDs |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Thailand |
| Audits | No third-party audits reported |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, L2TP, IPsec, IKEv2, Softether |
| Encryption | AES 256-bit |
| Kill switch | No |
| Leak protection | No DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks detected in tests |
| Server network | 300 servers in 49 countries |
| Connections | 2 simultaneous devices (1 on 7-day offer); up to 20 with additional payment |
| Refund policy | 7-day money-back guarantee; refunds for packages over 1 month only and subject to verification |
Our Ratings
Ratings for BullVPN are derived from a structured review methodology that evaluates publicly available privacy disclosures, documented technical features, and overall usability across supported platforms.
The category ratings are presented in the table below. An extended review of each category appears later in the post for readers seeking more detail.
Security & Privacy
BullVPN’s public disclosures indicate a pragmatic approach to security that includes industry-standard AES-256 encryption and support for common protocols, while the provider’s privacy statements show retained connection data. According to the provider, BullVPN collects connection metadata such as local IPs, assigned VPN IPs, connect/disconnect timestamps, and cookie identifiers.
The service’s privacy policy states it retains this data for troubleshooting and operational purposes. BullVPN is based in Thailand, which is outside the 5/9/14‑Eyes intelligence alliances, but this jurisdiction alone does not eliminate privacy risks related to retained logs.
No independent, third‑party security audit is publicly reported and the provider has not released an audit name or year. There is no publicly available evidence of independent verification of logging or security claims.
| Logging policy | Yes — collects local IP, VPN-assigned IP, connect/disconnect timestamps, and cookie IDs |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Thailand |
| Independent audits | No third-party audits reported |
| Protocols and encryption | OpenVPN, L2TP, IPsec, IKEv2, Softether; AES 256-bit encryption |
| Kill switch | No |
| Leak protection (DNS/IP/WebRTC) | Tests reported no DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks |
💡 Security tip
Keep apps updated and run a simple leak test before sending sensitive data. Prefer providers that publish a strict no-logs policy and an independent security audit when privacy is a priority.
Transparency & Ownership
BullVPN states its legal jurisdiction as Thailand. This jurisdiction is presented in the provider’s public materials and is reflected in the service disclosures.
[Ownership/parent company] – Not available. [Public audits or reports] – No third-party audits reported. [Past controversies or trust issues] – Not available. [Open-source apps] – Not available.
| Jurisdiction | Thailand |
|---|---|
| Parent company / ownership | Not available |
| Public audits or reports | No third-party audits reported |
| Open-source apps | Not available |
| Notable disclosures or limitations | Provider discloses retention of connection metadata (local IP, assigned VPN IP, connect/disconnect timestamps, cookie IDs); no independent audit; lacks a kill switch |
Server Network & Infrastructure
BullVPN operates a network of 300 servers across 49 countries, with most servers concentrated in Asia and Europe and additional presence in Australia, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Whether locations are virtual or physical is not specified. The provider documents streaming-optimized servers and “No Ads” servers (Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and the US) and maintains servers in some countries with strict internet controls; no information is published about RAM-only servers or private DNS infrastructure.
- Number of servers: 300 servers
- Countries/regions covered: 49 countries
- Virtual locations: Not specified
- RAM-only servers: Not specified
- Dedicated/static IP availability: Not specified
- Notable server specializations: Streaming-optimized servers and “No Ads” servers (Japan, Singapore, Thailand, US)
Speed & Performance
VPN speed depends on factors such as distance from the server, server load, and the protocol in use.
| Nearby servers | While reviewing, we found nearby servers delivered moderate reductions; Germany 1 speeds dropped to 19.78 Mbps (approximately 24.6% reduction on Germany 1 server) and UK 1 speeds dropped to 20.25 Mbps (approximately 22.1% reduction on UK 1 server). |
|---|---|
| Distant servers | During our testing, distant servers showed much larger drops; USA 1 speeds dropped to 9.64 Mbps (approximately 63.2% reduction on USA 1 server), Australia 1 speeds dropped to 7.76 Mbps (approximately 70.4% reduction on Australia 1 server), and Singapore 1 speeds dropped to 8.35 Mbps (approximately 68.2% reduction on Singapore 1 server). |
| Connection stability | Our testing revealed local server connections were stable enough for buffer-free streaming, while long-distance connections had higher and more variable latency (pings recorded up to 245 ms) and fluctuating throughput. |
| Gaming and latency | During our testing, nearby servers produced pings around 35–60 ms suitable for online play, but long-distance servers produced pings of roughly 180–250 ms, which caused lag; overall observed reductions were about 22–30% on nearby servers and about 63–70% on long-distance servers. |
During our testing, gaming performance was evaluated for fast-paced online multiplayer usage rather than specific titles; platform breakdown was not specified. Pings on nearby servers (35–60 ms) supported playable online sessions, while long-distance pings (180–250 ms) caused noticeable lag. Suitable for online gaming on nearby servers thanks to low 35–60 ms ping, but high latency on distant servers limits playability. Prefer local servers for latency-sensitive play; long-distance connections are not recommended for competitive gaming.
Streaming & Unblocking
BullVPN can access several popular streaming platforms when using its streaming-optimized servers, but compatibility is inconsistent across services. Streaming access depends on selecting specific streaming servers rather than the provider’s general server pool.
Supported Streaming Services
❗ Regional variations
Unblocking success varies by server and region; only BullVPN’s streaming-optimized servers reliably access platforms. In testing, streaming-optimized servers accessed Netflix libraries (US, Japan, Korea) and Disney+ (Netherlands 2), while Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video were detected as blocked on regular servers. Results may vary by device, server choice, and region.
Torrenting & P2P Use
BullVPN permits P2P file sharing according to its documentation, but observed speeds during review were very slow and the provider retains connection logs, which raises privacy concerns for torrenting. Users should weigh performance and logging practices before using the service for P2P.
Port forwarding and proxy/tunneling options are not specified in the available material. The app does not include a kill switch, so there is no built-in protection to prevent IP exposure if the VPN connection drops.
| P2P Support | Limited |
|---|---|
| Port forwarding | Not specified |
| SOCKS5/Proxy support | Not specified |
| Kill Switch | No — does not protect P2P connections |
App compatibility
BullVPN provides native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, a Chrome extension, and support for Smart TVs via Google Play; there is no native Linux app. The service allows 2 simultaneous device connections by default (the 7-day offer limits to one connection).
Customer Support
The provider offers multiple contact channels including email, phone support, Facebook Messenger, Line, and WeChat (for customers in China). Documentation states there is no 24/7 live chat.
Feedback indicates email responses often take at least 24 hours and some enquiries remained unanswered. The provider maintains a troubleshooting page with guidance for connecting in restrictive regions.
- Live chat availability: No
- Email/ticket support: Email support; responses often take 24+ hours
- Knowledge base/guides: Troubleshooting page and guides
- Other: Phone, Facebook Messenger, Line, WeChat (China)
- Languages: Thai primary; limited English support
Pricing & Plans
BullVPN’s pricing reflects a focus on basic security features, streaming-optimized servers, and availability in restrictive regions as noted by support documentation. Customer support and feature limitations (such as connection limits and refund conditions) are relevant to the service’s value proposition.
Cheapest plan: 2 Years at $4.83 per month. Other published plans include 1 Year at $5.17/month and 1 Month at $7.79/month. A 24-hour free trial is available for desktop and mobile apps, and the service offers a 7-day money-back guarantee (refunds subject to verification and restrictions for packages over one month).
❗ Pricing considerations
Pricing and promotions may vary over time. This website is updated regularly, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Users should verify current plans directly on the provider’s website before purchasing.
|
2 Year
|
1 Year
|
1 Month
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
$4.83/month
|
$5.17/month
|
$7.79/month
|
| Details | Two-year subscription with streaming-optimized servers, native apps, and 2 simultaneous device connections; includes 24-hour free trial and a 7-day money-back guarantee. | One-year plan offering the same streaming servers and apps, standard 2-device allowance; suitable for longer-term users seeking an intermediate commitment. | Monthly plan providing full app access and streaming-optimized servers with 2 device connections; useful for short-term or trial use. |
| Get started | Get started | Get started |
Final Verdict
BullVPN is suitable for users seeking an affordable, straightforward VPN that can reliably access certain streaming platforms via dedicated streaming-optimized servers. It is a budget-friendly option primarily for those who need basic streaming access and simple apps rather than strong privacy guarantees. The service provides AES-256 encryption and native apps for common desktop and mobile platforms, plus a short free trial and a 7-day refund window. Its small server network and streaming-focused servers make it a practical choice for short-term or region-specific streaming needs.
Those who require robust privacy safeguards, comprehensive security features, or consistently fast global performance should consider alternatives. BullVPN retains connection metadata, does not offer a kill switch, and exhibited significant speed reductions on long-distance servers. Email-based support can be slow and some support resources are primarily in Thai, which may affect responsiveness for international users. These limitations reduce suitability for users who need strict anonymity or low-latency connections worldwide.
Users who require stronger privacy protections or reliable long-distance speeds may prefer providers that publish a strict no-logs policy and independent security audits.
FAQ about BullVPN
Does BullVPN keep logs of my online activity?
Documentation states BullVPN collects connection metadata including local IP, assigned VPN IP, connect/disconnect timestamps, and cookie IDs. This indicates the provider retains identifiable connection logs while the account is active.
Can BullVPN unblock Amazon Prime Video in my region?
During testing, BullVPN was unable to reliably access Amazon Prime Video and returned a VPN-detected error when attempting playback. The provider’s streaming-optimized servers worked for some services but Prime Video was reported as blocked in the source tests.
Does BullVPN work in China for accessing websites?
The provider states BullVPN works in China and recommends downloading the app beforehand. Documentation and support suggest using OpenVPN or IPSec and specific servers recommended for China.
Will BullVPN slow my internet connection significantly on distant servers?
Testing found nearby servers had moderate speed reductions while long-distance servers showed severe drops (for example, USA 1 dropped to 9.64 Mbps, ~63% reduction). High latency on distant servers (up to about 245 ms) was recorded and can affect responsiveness.
Does BullVPN offer a free trial or money-back guarantee?
Documentation shows a 24-hour free trial for desktop and mobile apps and a 7-day money-back guarantee. Refunds for packages longer than one month are subject to verification and specific refund conditions.
Does BullVPN include a kill switch to prevent IP leaks?
Documentation and testing indicate BullVPN does not provide a kill switch and a connection drop did not cut internet access. As a result, there is no built-in mechanism to automatically prevent IP exposure on connection loss.
Can BullVPN be used for torrenting safely with privacy protection?
Testing reported very slow torrenting speeds (for example, a maximum of 84 kB/s on a nearby Germany server) and the provider retains connection logs. Combined with the absence of a kill switch, BullVPN is not a strong privacy-focused choice for torrenting.
Which devices does BullVPN support with native apps?
Documentation lists native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, plus a Chrome extension and Smart TV availability via Google Play; Linux is not supported. The Chrome extension is limited to 14 server locations compared with native apps.
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