Best VPNs for Bulgaria in 2024 – Get a Bulgarian IP, browse and stream privately

ExpressVPN Demo

ExpressVPN is our number one recommendation for improving the overall online experience in Bulgaria. It works with tons of websites, including international streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and local Bulgaria TV stations – BNT1 and Balkanika Music TV included. ExpressVPN is also consistently fast, so you'll enjoy seamless browsing, streaming, gaming, and even torrenting. And, as ExpressVPN is a leader in developing innovative privacy features and a pioneer of TrustedServer technology, your privacy in Bulgaria and abroad is ensured.

Trusted ally

To cut to the chase, ExpressVPN is a VPN that will help you safely access the greatest variety of geo-restricted content worldwide, and it will do it in complete privacy. For a start, this VPN comes with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, as well as a variety of industry-leading VPN protocols. Among others, you can pick OpenVPN protocol, a universal go-to option for most devices and services. Or, try Lightway, ExpressVPN's proprietary protocol (based on WireGuard), which is an even more lightweight and faster option – excellent for your data-intensive tasks in Bulgaria.

ExpressVPN is the pioneer of the TrustedServer network – a cutting-edge technology that many of its competitors tried to copy and implement (in the form of RAM-only servers). One of the main benefits of TrustedServer is that it ensures the data gets deleted every time a server is rebooted (at least once a week), preventing intruders from laying hands on your information. But that's just the beginning. This VPN service comes with a long list of premium features, including a kill-switch, obfuscation (stealth servers), and split tunneling, which enables you to separate your local traffic (online banking, work-related activities) from your VPN traffic (streaming, browsing)

This British Virgin Islands-based VPN (a jurisdiction that's great for your privacy) was also among the first VPN providers to undergo an independent public audit, confirming its zero-logs claims and its commitment to user privacy. We always salute when a VPN company goes the extra mile like this to reassure its users and set a good example for competitors.

Seamless experience

ExpressVPN's servers network is truly vast – thousands of servers, in over 105 countries worldwide mean you'll get great international coverage in nearly any part of the world. On the other hand, a multitude of servers in Bulgaria means free and unrestricted access to BNT 1, bTV, Nova TV, and many other local TV channels whenever and wherever abroad.

However, ExpressVPN isn't just after quantity, it strives to provide a quality service as well. In line with that, it recently started upgrading all its servers to bring them to an impressive speed of 10Gbps, as opposed to the 1Gbps speed used previously (most high-end VPN providers still have 1Gbps servers only). This is a great advancement on top of the reliable connections and consistently fast service ExpressVPN was already offering.

The faster the servers, the more seamless streaming, gaming, and torrenting experience for users in Bulgaria and abroad. Another good piece of news is that ExpressVPN has proven an effective tool for fighting ISP throttling, so if you feel that your ISP in Bulgaria is deliberately slowing down some of your activities, ExpressVPN could help you bypass this problem too.

Beginner-friendly

ExpressVPN is one of the few services that are equally suitable for tech experts and VPN newbies. If the above-mentioned advanced features feel a bit intimidating now, don't worry! For a start, you can simply download the ExpressVPN app, pick a server, and connect – most things you'll need from a VPN will be covered by this. A quick connect button is also there to make things even simpler and faster.

If, however, you wish to further customize your VPN experience, you'll get plenty of opportunities for this with ExpressVPN. Setup Tutorials and 24/7 customer service are also available, so you'll get all the guidance you need.

Admittedly, ExpressVPN is more expensive than the VPNs below, but keep in mind that all of its subscription plans come with premium features, thousands of lightning-fast servers, and unprecedented levels of privacy and security. Plus, you can use it across all of your devices, and on up to five of them simultaneously. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also included with each of these plans, so why not test it first, and then decide if this is the best option for you?

Nord Demo

NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN provider, well-known for its exceptional geo-spoofing capabilities and its dedication to VPN innovations. It's a perfect choice for anyone looking to get their money's worth in a VPN, thanks to its top-notch privacy features, great coverage, and incredibly fast servers.

Perfect for streaming

Although NordVPN currently offers fewer server locations than ExpressVPN, its server network is still huge. You get to choose among over 5,600 servers in 111 countries worldwide – an impressive selection! What's more, these servers are strategically well-placed, so you'll have no trouble unblocking geo-restricted content in nearly any part of the world, including Bulgaria.

I regularly recommend NordVPN to everyone whose primary concern is streaming with a VPN. It reliably works with the world's most in-demand streaming websites and apps, so you don't need to put any of your favorite TV shows on hold until you're back from your travels. You can watch Netflix Bulgaria or HBO Max Adria from anywhere, with the same ease as back home. Likewise, if you're not from Bulgaria but just visiting, you can stream your home country's Netflix catalog during your stay, and access a variety of other geo-restricted services like Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer.

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market, so you don't have to worry about slow connections or buffering either. Besides, features like Smart DNS enable you to stream geo-restricted content directly to your smart TV. Its Quick Connect button makes things even easier and faster. It's a handy feature that'll pick an optimum server for you and instantly connect to it – so you don't have to stress about which of its thousands of servers will work the best.

Features to match

Speaking of features, NordVPN has plenty! The following are just some of the handy tools that will make your NordVPN experience more secure and pleasant.

• Obfuscation – Most VPNs change your IP address and encrypt your traffic to hide your digital footprint. Thanks to its stealth servers, however, NordVPN can also hide the fact that you're using a VPN and your internet traffic altogether. This is called obfuscation, and it beats even the strictest geo-restrictions and censorship around the globe.


• Split tunneling – As the name suggests, NordVPN can split your local online traffic from your VPN activities. It means you can choose which apps and websites will go through the VPN and which will go around it.


• Double VPN – You can choose to direct your traffic through two VPN servers instead of (the usual) one to further strengthen your VPN protection.


• DNS leak protection – Protects you from Domain Name System leakages by routing your internet traffic through a more secure, encrypted tunnel.


• Kill-switch – Cuts your internet traffic if your VPN connection drops to protect you from inadvertent data exposure.

Best of all – these premium features are all included in NordVPN's basic plan, at no extra charge. Dedicated IP is the only NordVPN feature that needs to be paid additionally, but I am sure those users which need their IP address to be exclusively theirs will find this option worth a few extra bucks a month.

Great cross-platform compatibility

Not only will you get all these features (and many more) but you get to use them across all your devices and platforms – and up to six of them simultaneously. Users love NordVPN's slick apps, available for Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, and even Android TV. Its Linux command-line software is super secure and easy to install, with quick setup instructions available on the website.

There are also VPN extensions available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, so you don't even need to install an app to make your browsing experience private and secure. All in all, you get excellent cross-platform compatibility and protection for all your devices, at a reasonable price, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee. We'd say it's definitely worth giving it a try!

Surfshark Demo

Surfshark is the youngest of our most recommended VPNs for Bulgaria. However, this VPN has achieved an awful lot since 2018, when it was first established. Its latest speed enhancements and features are simply awe-inspiring, and it's the only VPN on this list that offers unlimited simultaneous connections – at a price that suits every pocket.

The fastest-growing VPN

Just recently, Surfshark added over 30 new server locations to its already large network and became a leader in this aspect of service – with over 140 server locations in total. So, not only can you make great use of its lightning-fast servers in Bulgaria, but you can also (virtually) transfer to some of the most exotic locations in the world, including Brunei, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Saudi Arabia, and Puerto Rico.

But this is far from being the only aspect in which this service provider has made significant advancements lately. Surfshark also officially became a WireGuard-first VPN product, making this VPN protocol a primary protocol on almost all its apps – and we can already see improvements in UX in terms of the VPN speed and the quality of the connections.

Linux users in Bulgaria will be happy to hear that Surfshark has launched a brand new graphic user interface (GUI) VPN app for this platform – so they too can now install the new, enhanced version of this VPN in just a couple of clicks. All this, plus an independent audit that the company underwent in 2021, shows a serious dedication from Surfshark's side, and a determination to keep moving toward the top spot on the list of the world's best VPNs.

Highly customizable

Among other recent innovations, Surfshark VPN also introduced a ground-breaking Nexus feature – a great novelty to the whole VPN world, not just this service. With this feature, users get connected to an entire network of servers first and then get transferred to a chosen location. This, of course, is a much more private/stealthy option compared to the other VPNs that still offer you only a single server connection at a time.

Other advanced Surfshark features include:

• Camouflage mode – Pretty much the same feature as obfuscation. Your online activities become invisible to your ISP, governments, various spy agencies, and other snoopers.


• Bypasser – Allows specific (pre-approved) apps and sites to bypass the VPN tunnel. Ideal for mobile banking apps.


• IPTV protection – You get to watch both Bulgarian TV and international streaming platforms on your big TV screen, hustle-free, and without worrying about leaving your digital footprint.


• Surfshark Alert – Simple as it sounds, by toggling this feature on, you'll start receiving notifications each time any of your accounts get involved in a potential data leak.


• CleanWeb – Other cybersecurity firms offer this feature as a separate product, but Surfshark blocks pop-ups, ads, malicious links, and malware for free, with every VPN subscription.

Truly unlimited service

Did you leave your iron… or, perhaps, your VPN on? – at least, with Surfshark, one of these worries is behind you. With Surfshark, you can make as many simultaneous VPN connections as you want anytime you want. This is ideal when you wish to secure your important group projects, or simply treat your friends and family staying over.

With such a generous connections allowance, easy-to-use and modern GUI apps for all your devices, cheap plans, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, Surfshark definitely offers one of the best VPN deals on the market – make sure you don't miss it.

PIA Demo

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a US-based VPN with over 10 years of experience and clean records. Some privacy purists are sceptical about its US headquarters (home to many spying agencies), however, PIA has gone out of its way to prove its trustworthiness and dedication to customer privacy so many times. Besides, it's one of the few companies that has had its privacy policy verified at a court of law – not once, but twice.

All the servers you'll need

Tens of thousands of servers scattered all over the world is not something many VPN services can brag about – but it's exactly what PIA offers. Coverage in over 111 countries worldwide, including Bulgaria, gives users plenty of choice for all their favorite online activities! Its US focus, on the other hand,  means you'll be able to access exclusive US content from overseas when vacationing or on a business trip to Bulgaria.

I never faced issues accessing Netflix US, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, or other similar streaming services with this VPN. Connections were always strong, without buffering or reduction of the video quality. Plus, PIA offers torrent-friendly P2P servers, along with port forwarding, so that's great news for ardent torrenters who wish to secure their downloads too.

PIA servers are consistently fast and many of my colleagues have reported this service improved their ping latency while gaming – so you get plenty of usage with a single VPN, and at a very cheap price.

Proven security

PIA was one of the first VPNs to implement OpenVPN as a default protocol – lightweight encryption that's proven to be super secure. Still, this doesn't mean you can't switch to WireGuard at any point you need even faster and smoother connections.

Aside from robust encryption and a variety of VPN protocols, PIA offers RAM-only servers which automatically delete all user data every time they are rebooted. PIA doesn't keep tabs on you, and it has proven it whenever invited to bring evidence against someone to a US court of law – leaving the authorities empty-handed each time.

If this still doesn't satisfy your security standards, you can always further customize PIA to be more to your liking. This VPN is known to offer advanced options, such as:

• Multi-hop feature – allows you to go use two PIA servers at once for an extra security layer.


• Obfuscation (stealth servers) that hides your VPN traffic.


• Split tunneling that separates your VPN and non-VPN activities.


• Built-in ad and malware-blocking software.


• Kill-switch, and many others.

Protect your whole household

With PIA you get a very generous allowance of 10 simultaneous connections and fully-functional GUI apps for all your devices and OS, even Linux. This means you can protect your whole household at a little over $2 a month – a real bargain.

PIA apps could be slightly more beginner-friendly, that's true, but we have no doubt that you'll get the hang of this VPN very quickly, even if you're a complete newbie. For any doubts or questions you might have, there are comprehensive guides and 24/7 live customer support available on its website.

And in any case, like most of its valued competitors, PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. So you can always test whether the service suits you, risk-free, before fully committing.

PrivateVPN Demo

PrivateVPN is another easy-to-set-up, easy-to-use VPN that has proven time and again that it's worthy of its name. This is the cheapest VPN on our list, but do not allow its price to fool you – PrivateVPN ranks very high among its competitors, and it's one of the best VPN choices for users in Bulgaria, all relevant criteria considered.

Stream with one click

Being one of the easiest providers to use, PrivateVPN is perfect for VPN novices. Its apps install in a few clicks, the interface is super intuitive, and you get a big connect/disconnect button at the center of your app screen you can't miss. Pick a server, press the button, and you're ready to stream.

Thanks to its servers optimized for streaming, PrivateVPN unblocks the most popular streaming services with ease, including BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and over 20 different Netflix libraries (from Netflix US to Netflix Japan). This VPN is also great at unblocking popular websites and social media platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, so you can utilize it to bypass geo-restriction at work or school.

Along with PIA, PrivateVPN is the only recommended VPN for Bulgaria that offers both dedicated P2P servers and port forwarding functionality – making it a great choice for torrenters too. Besides, you won't face any data caps or bandwidth limitations, so you can download or stream content with peace of mind, and without lags or buffering.

Built with privacy in mind

PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, a country that's no longer the privacy paradise that it once was, but is still a decent place for protecting your online rights. And, even if it lacks in some privacy aspects due to its jurisdiction, PrivateVPN certainly compensates for it with its very strict zero-logs privacy policy – one which prevents it from storing any sensitive information and protects you even in case the Sweden government requests your data.

Besides, the company is the owner of its data center infrastructure, and so, in full charge of its hardware. Having no third parties involved further reduces any risk of data exposure.

PrivateVPN comes with a military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and 2048-bit DH key, which ensures all your online activities in Bulgaria are secured. A variety of VPN protocols is available for you to further customize your experience, among which we recommend the OpenVPN protocol – open sourced, lightweight, fast, and secure. This service provider also has a kill-switch, so you're safe from data leakages even if your VPN connection drops.

VPN for everyone

PrivateVPN offers great apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android and up to 10 simultaneous connections for you to make the best use of them. A 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to put the service to the test risk-free before committing to a long-term subscription –  which with PrivateVPN really pays off at only $2 a month.

Finally, a superb team of in-house developers is available for free remote help 24/7. They will gladly walk you through the installation process, answer your queries, or help you in case you encounter any bumps in the road.