On top of that, you’ll want a VPN that protects your privacy. In the past, millions of Bulgarians had their personal information stolen during a cyberattack on the country’s tax agency. I tested 85 VPNs and discovered only a few that meet these specifications. The best VPNs for Bulgaria provide top-notch security features to help keep you anonymous online while you browse, stream, and torrent at breakneck speeds. I recommend ExpressVPN for Bulgaria because it has 3,000 ultra-fast servers in 94 countries, including Bulgaria. Plus, with advanced encryption and a strict no-logs policy your identity and online activity will remain safe. If you’re not impressed with ExpressVPN’s features, you can get a refund within the 30-day money-back guarantee period. Try the Best VPN for Bulgaria Now! Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Now!
Best VPNs for Bulgaria — Full Analysis (Updated 2023)
After weeks of testing, I found the best VPNs for Bulgaria to unblock regional restrictions while providing consistently fast and reliable speeds. Plus, all the VPNs on my list have servers in Bulgaria for accessing Bulgarian websites and services when abroad. What makes the VPNs I recommend stand out from the hundreds of others out there are their trustworthy money-back guarantees and ease of use.
1. ExpressVPN — Ultra-Fast Local and International Servers to Reliably Access Content
ExpressVPN has 3,000 lightning-fast servers in 94 countries (including the US, Canada, the UK and Australia) to quickly and efficiently get around geo-restrictions. If you’re visiting Bulgaria and need access to your home country’s websites, you can specify an auto-connect region. While visiting Bulgaria, I connected to US and UK servers to access my Netflix US and BBC iPlayer accounts and watched shows in ultra HD without buffering. Plus, with no bandwidth or data caps, you can stream as much as you want. ExpressVPN even offers a Smart DNS service (Mediastreamer) so that you can access content using your Smart TV or gaming console (PlayStation and Xbox). For the fastest speeds, use the VPN’s Smart Location feature and automatically connect to a nearby server. When I tested ExpressVPN speeds, I was connected to a Bulgarian server, and the difference from my base speed wasn’t even noticeable. Your online activity and actual location will remain private with ExpressVPN using the strongest AES 256-bit encryption to hide your data from hackers and other third parties. You can also choose which OpenVPN encryption suits you best — UDP for speed or the extra secure TCP. ExpressVPN doesn’t collect or store any information which could identify you or what you’re doing online. The VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands (outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes-Alliance) and adheres to a strict no-logs policy. The VPN’s automatic kill switch and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection guard your personal information against accidental exposure for additional safety. ExpressVPN is easy to install and use — you can stay protected with only a few clicks. The VPN provides clear setup instructions for any manual configuration (like on WiFi routers) and has 24/7 customer support standing by for immediate assistance. On top of that, you can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. You can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free. If you’re not 100% happy with it, you can claim a full refund within 30-days. When I tested this policy and canceled my subscription, my money was back in my account 3 days later. Try ExpressVPN Now!
2. IPVanish — Military-Grade Encryption to Protect Your Data From Theft
IPVanish uses military-grade encryption to conceal your data from prying eyes. With its AES 256-bit encryption, your data is virtually impossible to crack, so hackers and scammers can’t steal your information even when you’re using public WiFi. Aside from bulletproof encryption, IPVanish supports multiple security protocols to suit your needs (OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, IPSec, and PPTP). Additionally, the VPN keeps your personally identifiable information (including timestamps, DNS requests, and IP addresses) private with its no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, and automatic kill switch. The latter disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops (which is very rare). I didn’t detect any leaks while testing IPVanish’s security. With a global network of 2,200 servers, you can access websites and services from 75 countries and unblock streaming platforms from your home country, including Netflix US and ESPN. Not only that, but IPVanish comes with a Scramble feature that makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic so that the VPN can bypass even the toughest geoblocks and firewalls without slowing you down. IPVanish also offers a Bulgarian IP address. So, residents can watch local TV channels (such as bTV, BNT 1, and BNT 2) from anywhere. IPVanish is a high-speed VPN. When using its Best Server option in the Quick Connect screen, you automatically connect the best server based on your location. My speed was reduced by only 5%, which is excellent for lag-free gaming. What’s more, IPVanish owns its network, so any issues that could lead to delays are immediately taken care of in-house. If you’re into torrenting, you can connect to IPVanish’s P2P-specialized servers for optimal speeds without risking your privacy. Try IPVanish free for a short period when using its 30-day money-back guarantee. I requested a refund after testing the VPN for four weeks and got my money back in 5 business days. Try IPVanish Now!
3. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers Ideal for Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming
With 9,074 servers in 90 countries, CyberGhost can provide you with an IP address from almost any country, including Bulgaria. So, if you frequently travel, you’ll always be able to access the internet services you rightfully should have access to CyberGhost servers are reliably fast. I tried a few US and UK servers and only experienced a slight decrease in my average speed. My connection was fast enough for various online activities. With no data or bandwidth restrictions, I could binge-watch as much Netflix US and YouTube Red as I wanted. Despite the VPN being so fast, it doesn’t lack strong security features. CyberGhost uses AES 256-bit encryption and the OpenVPN (UDP and TCP) protocol. A kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection keep your data hidden at all times. Plus, CyberGhost doesn’t keep logs and is located in the privacy-friendly country of Romania. You can upgrade your subscription to CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers for additional security. These servers are operated independently by the CyberGhost team to guarantee safety from third-party intrusion. CyberGhost can connect up to 7 devices (including routers, Smart TVs, and gaming consoles) simultaneously and comes with an ad blocker to stop trackers and malicious websites. If you use mobile connections, you can activate the VPN’s data compression tool to reduce data wastage. Although monthly subscriptions are expensive, you can try CyberGhost for an impressive 45 days with its money-back guarantee if you opt for the yearly plan. I had no problems getting my money back after canceling my subscription. Try CyberGhost Now!
4. Private Internet Access — P2P-Friendly Servers for Fast and Secure Downloads
Seeing as Bulgaria frowns on torrenting, you’ll want a VPN like Private Internet Access (PIA) which has 29,650 servers all supporting torrenting. If you don’t care much about safety and prefer fast downloads, PIA offers a SOCKS5 proxy. On the other hand, if you feel anonymity is essential, add your torrenting client to your split tunneling list so that all your P2P traffic gets encrypted. PIA provides fast speeds most of the time. While in Bulgaria, I tested local PIA servers, and my speed remained consistent — I could download large files without delays. However, when connecting to servers outside of Europe, I noticed my connections becoming less stable. Luckily, with PIA having so many servers to choose from, finding one with fast, reliable speeds is not a problem. Plus, you can download as much as you want as PIA doesn’t limit bandwidth. With 24 servers in Bulgaria, you can easily access local content whenever and wherever you want. PIA also has thousands of servers in 84 countries to unblock geo-restricted content. PIA uses the highest-level encryption and a kill switch to stop criminals from stealing your data. The VPN also adheres to a no-logging policy and has DNS/IPv6 leak protection, so you don’t have to worry about data leaks. You can connect up to Unlimited devices at the same time and only pay for one license. If you want to secure more devices, you can manually install PIA on compatible routers. Should you run into complications, PIA has excellent customer service, including 24/7 live chat and a support portal with easy-to-follow setup guides and an extensive knowledge base. You can use PIA’s 30-day money-back guarantee to test if the VPN meets your needs. Try PIA Now!
5. PrivateVPN — Easy-to-Install VPN With a Straightforward Interface That’s Great for Beginners
PrivateVPN is an excellent choice for beginners –– it’s easy to set up (even offering remote setup) with a user-friendly interface. You can choose between two display modes: simple and advanced. The simple mode is very straightforward and has a clean look. The advanced mode is customizable and lets you adjust the settings according to your needs, which is an excellent feature for more experienced VPN users. Even though PrivateVPN has a smaller network, it’s proven itself capable of getting around geo-restrictions with servers in 63 countries (including the US and UK, and Bulgaria). So, you can access content you’ve already paid for, including Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. With PrivateVPN’s super-fast speeds, you’ll have a seamless browsing experience and buffer-free streaming. When I tested PrivateVPN by connecting to local servers in Bulgaria, my speed only reduced by 8%, which is fast enough for gaming online without interruptions. PrivateVPN also provides P2P support on all 200 servers, with unlimited bandwidth for unrestricted torrenting. PrivateVPN guards your data with virtually uncrackable AES bit-256 encryption and protects your privacy with a kill switch, no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and only pay for one subscription. Plus, the VPN is compatible with major operating systems and devices (including Smart TVs, routers, and gaming consoles). However, should you experience technical difficulties, PrivateVPN has live chat support available 24 hours a day. You can try all PrivateVPN features without risk, as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try PrivateVPN Now!
Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Bulgaria
I tried many VPNs to ensure they provide you with the best features. Each one had to pass my rigorous testing criteria, which you can use as a personal checklist to find the best VPN for your unique requirements.
Global network. To bypass geo-restrictions and access websites and services you should rightfully have access to, you need a VPN with servers all over the world. My recommended VPNs have thousands of servers in many countries worldwide. Servers in Bulgaria. For residents living or traveling overseas, you’ll want a VPN that has servers in Bulgaria so you can always access local content. Plus, if you’re in Bulgaria and connect to servers in the country, you’ll get the fastest possible speeds. Fast speeds. Invest in a VPN that provides you with buffer-free streaming, lag-free gaming, and uninterrupted torrenting. My list of best VPNs for Bulgaria all ranked highly in my speed tests. Robust security. Choose a VPN with the most powerful level of encryption — AES 256, so you’re protected from data theft and third-party monitoring. The VPNs on my list not only offer military-grade encryption, but they also give you the option of different security protocols depending on your VPN need (speed, security, bypassing geo-blocks). Data privacy. A VPN should keep what you’re doing online private. Look for a VPN that doesn’t keep logs (no-logs policy) and protects you against accidental data exposure (DNS/IP leak protection and a kill switch). Money-back guarantee. To avoid buyer’s regret, go for a VPN that offers a trustworthy money-back guarantee policy, so you can be confident of a full refund if the VPN doesn’t live up to the hype.
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Why do I need a VPN for Bulgaria?
Even though Bulgaria enjoys free internet without censorship, it is one of the most cyber-insecure countries in Western Europe. A VPN protects your data from theft by sending it through an encrypted tunnel, which is essential when connecting to public WiFi. Not only does a VPN secure your personal information, but it also unblocks international content so that you can access websites and services from your home country when traveling to Bulgaria. If you need to bypass geo-restrictions while keeping your identity and online activity confidential from prying eyes, I suggest giving ExpressVPN a try. ExpressVPN has a global network of secure servers (including ones in Bulgaria) that won’t compromise your speed, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Are VPNs legal in Bulgaria?
Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries, including Bulgaria. In fact, using a VPN keeps your actual location and browsing habits safe while gaming, streaming, and torrenting. I recommend ExpressVPN for its military-grade encryption, unlimited bandwidth, and super-fast connections in and outside of Bulgaria.
What’s the best VPN for Bulgaria?
My tests revealed that ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Bulgaria. It can offer you a Bulgarian IP address, has super-fast servers worldwide, excellent unblocking capabilities for accessing international content, and top security features. Try ExpressVPN out for yourself, and if you feel it’s not right for you, you have up to 30 days to claim a refund.
Can I use a free VPN in Bulgaria?
Yes, but I don’t recommend it. Free VPNs usually limit bandwidth, available servers, and security features. They do this so that you will upgrade to their paid plans, which might cost you more than if you went for a full-feature VPN right from the start. Also, many so called “free” VPNS sell your data to third parties to turn a profit. Instead, try one of the VPNs on my list that provide robust security features without slowing you down and comes with trustworthy money-back guarantees, which I tested myself.
How can I get a Bulgarian IP address?
To get a Bulgarian IP address, you need to connect to a server in Bulgaria. All the VPNs on my list have servers in the country. I recommend PIA as it has 24+ servers in Bulgaria. When connecting to one of these servers, every website you visit will regard your location as if you are in Bulgaria for easy access to Bulgarian TV channels and e-banking services.
Which Bulgarian TV shows can I watch with a VPN?
When using a VPN with servers in Bulgaria, like ExpressVPN, you can access local TV channels (such as bTV, BNT, Nova TV, and Skat TV) and watch various local TV shows from anywhere, including:
Bulgaria’s Got Talent Condominium Dear Heirs Every Sunday Fourth Estate Pod prikritie (Undercover) Slavi’s Show Stolen Life Stolichani v poveche (Sofia Residents in Excess)
The Bottom Line
While Bulgaria does not have internet censorship, you’ll still want a secure VPN with fast local and global servers to access Bulgarian and international content, especially if using public WiFi hotspots. I recommend ExpressVPN because it has thousands of servers in 94 countries, including Bulgaria. Plus, its strong encryption, no-logs policy, and kill switch will keep your real location and data private from hackers and scammers. You can try ExpressVPN with complete confidence as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Bulgaria
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