Betternet VPN offers a unique selling point with its free, forever-accessible service, but it lacks in other critical areas such as server count, speed, and transparency. In the competitive VPN industry, providers offering free services often rely on user data for monetization. While Betternet claims not to be one of these providers, its lack of transparency raises concerns about its trustworthiness.
Features
Betternet VPN is a Canadian-based provider with a mixed reputation, having been recognized as both one of the best and worst VPN services in the market. It remains one of the most downloaded VPNs across mobile app stores, likely due to its free-tier offering.
The service is available on multiple platforms, including desktop apps for Windows and Mac, mobile apps for Android and iOS, and browser extensions. However, it’s important to note that the browser extensions are not true VPNs, but DNS proxies without encryption. Furthermore, the Betternet Chrome extension was previously compromised and was reported to spread malware. Similarly, their mobile app scored a VirusTotal AV rating of 13, indicating the presence of malware on many devices.
Given these security concerns, I would advise against using their mobile apps and browser extensions. After scanning Betternet’s Windows app, it appeared clean, though the uninstall process left numerous residual files. On the usability side, the app offers minimal features, with no customization options. It supports basic functionalities like starting at system boot and automatically reconnecting if the connection drops. During my tests, it connected and disconnected smoothly. However, support is limited to email and a ticketing system—no live chat is available.
The absence of significant features, such as a kill switch, firewall, or leak protection, along with the lack of server transparency, makes it difficult to recommend Betternet as a paid service.
Pricing
Betternet’s core product is its free VPN, which is ad-supported on mobile. Users are required to watch video ads or install promoted apps to continue using the service. The desktop client offers a 7-day free trial, but users must provide credit card details upfront to access it, which is a red flag for privacy-conscious users. Payment methods are limited, with no option to pay via PayPal or other alternatives, adding to the inconvenience.
Performance
When it comes to performance, Betternet struggles with speed. The speed drop after connecting to Betternet was significant, and while the provider previously had issues with DNS leaks, my tests showed no leaks in DNS, WebRTC, or IPv6. However, without a kill switch feature, it’s impossible to confirm whether this protection is consistent at all times.
On the positive side, I was able to access Netflix, though the streaming quality was low, and there was considerable buffering.
Privacy and Security
Betternet presents a mixed picture in terms of privacy and security. The company claims to use OpenVPN with AES 256-bit encryption and 128-bit AES-CBC for IPSec, but details beyond this are scarce. Typically, VPN providers that use robust encryption promote this feature prominently, but Betternet appears to downplay it, which raises concerns.
While Betternet claims to keep no logs, its Terms of Service (ToS) and Privacy Policy indicate otherwise, revealing that they do log connection data. Additionally, users must agree to the ToS and privacy policies of various third-party advertisers, further complicating privacy concerns. The ad-supported model involves several third parties, leaving users vulnerable to privacy breaches. Though torrenting is permitted, the provider could expose users if faced with a DMCA notice or court order.
Given these privacy risks and Betternet’s location in Canada, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, I would not recommend Betternet to users who prioritize privacy.
Betternet VPN Service may appeal to casual users due to its free offering, but it falls short in several critical areas. The lack of transparency regarding its server network, inconsistent performance, and concerning security history raise red flags. While it provides some basic encryption, the absence of key features like a kill switch, combined with its ad-supported business model and logging practices, makes it unsuitable for privacy-conscious users.
For those seeking a reliable, secure, and customizable VPN, there are better alternatives on the market. Betternet’s limited feature set and questionable privacy policies make it hard to recommend, especially when privacy and security are paramount. Ultimately, while its free access is enticing, the risks involved outweigh the potential benefits, especially for those who prioritize data protection and online security.
