bVPN Review: Anti-Censorship, Limited Servers, Connection Logs
bVPN is a VPN service that emphasizes obfuscation and privacy controls, offering multiple protocols such as OpenVPN, L2TP, SSH and Smoke to help bypass network censorship. The provider documents a moderate server footprint and states that some connection metadata is retained.
It is mainly suited for users who need anti-censorship tools and obfuscated connections in restrictive regions rather than those seeking broad server coverage or strict no‑logs provenance. Actual performance, unblocking success, and privacy implications can vary by region, server selection, device, and the provider’s current implementation.
At a Glance
b.VPN is a compact VPN service that emphasizes obfuscation and security features for use in censored environments while offering a modest server footprint and mixed streaming support. It combines multiple connection methods designed to defeat censorship with a limited global server network.
| Logging | No logs of activity; retains original IP address, connection time and duration, and bandwidth usage. |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands |
| Audits | Not specified |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, L2TP, SSH, Smoke, Shadowsocks; TCP and UDP modes |
| Encryption | Strong encryption and security protocols (details not specified) |
| Kill switch | Yes |
| Leak protection | DNS and IPv6 leak protection claimed; tests reported no IP or DNS leaks |
| Server network | 65 servers in 40 countries |
| Connections | 6 devices |
| Refund policy | No standard money-back guarantee; refunds handled case-by-case; 30-day free trial via App Store; free plan limited to 60 minutes per day |
Our Ratings
The ratings for b.VPN are based on a structured review approach that considers publicly available privacy disclosures, documented technical features, and overall usability across supported platforms.
Category ratings are presented in the table below. Extended review material for each category appears later in the post and provides more detailed findings and test results.
Security & Privacy
b.VPN’s stated privacy approach emphasizes obfuscation tools and standard privacy controls aimed at protecting user traffic in censored environments, according to the provider. The provider states a no-logs policy for internet activity but also records limited connection metadata.
Regarding logging, b.VPN states it does not keep records of online activity; however, it records the original IP address, connection time and duration, and bandwidth usage for product improvement purposes, as stated by the provider. These retained connection logs are described as being used for product improvement rather than activity tracking.
b.VPN is based in the Netherlands, which may carry legal obligations under local and international data‑sharing frameworks; this jurisdictional context should be considered when assessing trust. No independent third-party audits are specified by the provider.
| Logging policy | No logs of internet activity stated; retains original IP address, connection time and duration, and bandwidth usage. |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands. |
| Independent audits | Not specified. |
| Protocols and encryption | OpenVPN, L2TP, SSH, Smoke, Shadowsocks; TCP and UDP modes. Encryption is described as strong but cipher details are not specified. |
| Kill switch | Yes. |
| Leak protection | DNS and IPv6 leak protection claimed; tests reported no IP or DNS leaks; WebRTC protection not explicitly specified. |
💡 Security tip
Enable the kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and use obfuscation modes (Smoke or SSH) when connecting from restrictive networks to reduce the risk of exposure.
Transparency & Ownership
b.VPN is based in the Netherlands, which is the stated legal jurisdiction for the service.
[Ownership/parent company] – Not available
[Public audits or reports] – Not available
[Past controversies or trust issues] – Not available
[Open-source app status] – Not available
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Parent company / ownership | Not available |
| Public audits or reports | Not available |
| Open-source apps | Not available |
| Notable disclosures or limitations | Retains original IP address, connection time and duration, and bandwidth usage; limited server network (65 servers in 40 countries); no standard money-back guarantee |
Server Network & Infrastructure
b.VPN operates a relatively small network with 65 servers across 40 countries, including locations such as the UK, Netherlands, United States, China, and others. The provider notes multiple server locations within some countries, while others have only one server (for example, the UAE and Taiwan).
Virtual server locations and specific infrastructure details such as RAM-only servers or private DNS are not specified by the provider.
- Number of servers: 65 servers
- Countries/regions covered: 40 countries
- Virtual locations: Not specified
- RAM-only servers: Not specified
- Dedicated/static IP availability: Not specified
- Notable server specializations: Smoke/SSH/Shadowsocks obfuscation; UK “TVstream” streaming server (Manchester dedicated to iTV/Channel 4)
Speed & Performance
VPN speed depends on factors such as distance, server load, and protocol choice; these variables influence observed throughput and latency.
| Nearby servers | During our testing, we found base download speeds of 7.17 Mbps; speeds dropped to 4.98 Mbps (approximately 2.19 Mbps reduction on Netherlands servers). |
|---|---|
| Distant servers | During our testing, speeds dropped to 2.55 Mbps (approximately 4.62 Mbps reduction on UK servers); lowest download observed on Russia servers (value not specified). |
| Connection stability | While reviewing, we found generally stable connections with occasional buffering and brief lag on some servers; performance varied by server load and distance. |
| Gaming and latency | Our testing revealed playable multiplayer performance on mobile; reductions in download speed ranged from roughly 30% to 65% depending on server distance, with typical reductions of about 2–3 Mbps (approximately 20–40% on nearer servers). |
During our testing, gaming performance was evaluated using high-intensity mobile shooters and fast-paced racing titles on mobile devices; latency was described qualitatively as low enough for smooth play without noticeable input delay. Mobile performance was explicitly tested; console use via a router is possible but was not directly measured. No platform detection issues were documented during our review.
Suitable for mobile gaming at close to medium distances, as latency remained low during mobile tests. Console or router-based use may see increased latency on distant servers.
Streaming & Unblocking
b.VPN can bypass many streaming geoblocks for several major services in testing, though results vary by service and server choice. During testing, Netflix, Disney+, Peacock, and HBO Max were unblocked while Amazon Prime Video (US) could not be streamed.
Supported Streaming Services
❗ Regional variations
Unblocking success depends on server and region: the provider’s UK “TVstream” server is noted as effective for UK streaming (support cites BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime UK on UK servers), while Amazon Prime Video US was blocked in testing. Results may vary by device and server location.
Torrenting & P2P Use
According to the provider, b.VPN supports P2P use and is described as compatible with torrenting, offering TCP protocol options that add security during file transfers. It is not specified whether P2P is permitted on all servers.
Port forwarding availability is not specified by the provider. Proxy and tunneling options such as Shadowsocks and SSH are supported, and a kill switch is provided to prevent IP exposure if a connection drops.
| P2P Support | Not specified |
|---|---|
| Port forwarding | Not specified |
| SOCKS5/Proxy support | Shadowsocks, SSH, Smoke |
| Kill Switch | Yes, prevents IP leak if connection drops and protects P2P transfers |
App compatibility
b.VPN provides native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android and can be configured on routers to protect other devices. Some streaming devices and consoles require indirect setup via a computer or router, and the service permits up to 6 simultaneous connections per license.
Customer Support
The provider offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, Facebook, and email, according to documentation and product information.
Feedback in the source indicates quick live-chat responses (around 1–2 minutes on average) and notes a collection of helpful guides and step-by-step resources.
- Live chat availability: 24/7 live chat
- Email/ticket support: Email support available; response time not specified
- Knowledge base/guides: Help guides and step-by-step documentation available
- Other: Phone and Facebook support
- Languages: Not specified
Pricing & Plans
b.VPN’s pricing is linked to its technical features, including obfuscation modes (Smoke, SSH, Shadowsocks), multiple protocol options, and 24/7 support channels. These elements are the primary factors communicated alongside plan tiers.
Plans include a monthly plan at $9.99/month, a 6-month plan at $8.33/month, and a 1 Year Plan at $7.50/month. The cheapest plan is the 1 Year Plan at $7.50/month. A free plan is available with 60 minutes per day and the App Store offers a 30-day free trial; no standard money-back guarantee is provided and refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis.
❗ 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.
|
Monthly Plan
|
6-Month Plan
|
1 Year Plan
|
Free Plan
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
$9.99/month
|
$8.33/month
|
$7.50/month
|
Free
|
| Details | Monthly subscription offering full feature access, obfuscation modes, multi-protocol support, 24/7 live chat, six simultaneous device connections, and standard leak protection. | Six-month subscription with same features and a mid-term discount; includes obfuscation tools, multi-protocol support, six device connections, and 24/7 support. | Annual subscription offering the lowest monthly price with a longer-term discount; includes obfuscation modes, multi-protocol support, six connections, and 24/7 live chat. | Free plan providing 60 minutes per day with limited server locations; useful for testing obfuscation modes and basic connectivity before purchasing. |
| Get started | Get started | Get started | Get started |
FAQ about bVPN
Can bVPN unblock Amazon Prime Video?
During testing, b.VPN was unable to stream Amazon Prime Video US because the service detected VPN use and blocked playback. Other services such as Netflix and Disney+ were successfully unblocked in the same testing.
Does bVPN work in China?
The provider states that b.VPN offers obfuscation technologies (Smoke, Shadowsocks, SSH) aimed at bypassing the Great Firewall. According to documentation, these modes make the service usable in China.
Will bVPN slow my internet connection?
During testing, download speeds dropped from a 7.17 Mbps baseline to about 4.98 Mbps on Netherlands servers and to 2.55 Mbps on UK servers. This produced generally usable connections but occasional buffering on more distant servers.
Does bVPN keep logs of user activity?
The provider states a no-logs policy for internet activity but records connection metadata such as the original IP address, connection time and duration, and bandwidth usage. These retained connection logs are described as being used for product improvement.
What devices does bVPN support?
The provider offers native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS and documents router configuration options. Streaming devices and consoles can be used indirectly via a computer or router, according to the documentation.
Does bVPN allow torrenting and P2P?
According to the provider, b.VPN supports P2P and offers TCP protocol options to secure file transfers. The documentation does not specify whether P2P is permitted on all servers or provide details on port forwarding availability.
What is bVPN’s refund or trial policy?
There is no standard money-back guarantee; refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis as stated by the provider. A free plan provides 60 minutes per day and App Store downloads include a 30-day free trial.
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