Based in Canada, Betternet is a free VPN service provider that has gained wide popularity among VPN users and has now grown to serve 38 million netizens. Betternet VPN is rated #1 on App Store and holds the same rank on Google Play as well. In this review, we will discuss all features and offers provided by Betternet based on testing their free VPN service.
Free VPN
Betternet is one of the few VPN services that are mainly free. In order to keep the business running, free Betternet users will be offered other applications to install through which the company profits per installation. In addition, there is a “Watch a Video and Connect” button integrated within the app, which when clicked by the user would earn Betternet more money.
Betternet Premium VPN
In addition to its free VPN model, Betternet has recently launched a premium VPN service at cheap prices. Premium users can enjoy ad-free service, 5 simultaneous connections, higher speed and access to up to 10 major server locations as stated on the website:
“Premium users will have the advantage of connecting to dedicated servers that are only for premium users with less traffic and better speed.”
Monthly subscription costs $11.99 per month, semi-annual subscription costs $3.99 per month and annual subscription costs $2.99 per month. Premium subscribers can also enjoy a 7-day free trial and are eligible for a 4-day money-back guarantee.
Payment Methods
There are only two ways to pay for any Betternet Premium subscription, either via Google Play or Apple Stores. This is a very efficient and secure way of payment because the company would not be able to store your payment details. In addition, users can call it quits and cancel their membership at any time since they are not bound by a contract.
Privacy Policy
We strongly advise you to read the privacy policy section of Betternet VPN. The company has put a lot of effort explaining important points regarding the safety of your information. To begin with, the company follows a no logging policy. This means that your browsing activities will not be monitored or stored. On the other hand, Canada is a member of the Five Eyes alliance which forces Betternet to fall under its jurisdiction to store metadata, such as: when you visit their website, your bandwidth, info about the VPN connection you are using, etc. Moreover, even though Betternet does not share your information with third parties, they are required by law to disclose your personal information without your consent to law enforcement agencies upon request.
The other important thing to pay attention to when using Betternet’s free VPN service, is that it makes profit by sponsoring third party apps by promoting ads. These ads may collect your personal information and track your online activities even though Betternet does not.
Betternet Features
We will highlight the most important features provided by Betternet VPN, including: level of encryption, bandwidth, number of servers and their location as well as the software client’s compatibility with other platforms.
Encryption
Betternet uses AES 256-bit encryption to support OpenVPN, which is considered to be the strongest and most secure tunneling protocol so far. It also relies on AES-CBC 128-bit encryption to support IPsec. Wed definitely recommend using OpenVPN for maximum security and anonymity.
Bandwidth & Server Network
Free Betternet users do not have the luxury to choose or switch between servers. They will be provided with the best and fastest server based on their location. As for premium users, they can switch between 10 server locations, including: CANADA, SWITZERLAND, USA, AUSTRALIA, UK, GERMANY, HONG KONG, JAPAN, FRANCE, SINGPAORE and more.
Free and premium users can both enjoy unlimited and unrestricted bandwidth as well as unlimited high speed.
Compatibility
Cross-platform is supported by Betternet VPN. The company provides software clients that are compatible with several major platforms and operating systems, such as: Android, iOS, Windows and Mac OS. It is also compatible with browsers, like: Chrome and Firefox.
Customer Support
Unfortunately, Betternet VPN does not provide live chat support service. However, users can reach Betternet support team through e-mail. They are very responsive and knowledgeable. In addition, there is a very comprehensive F.A.Q section for self-assistance.
Conclusion
For a free VPN service, Betternet has topped our expectations. It is very well developed and provides reliable VPN services. We definitely recommend it for users looking for a basic VPN service that gives a solid performance. However, we would not suggest it to advanced VPN users or privacy fanatics since Betternet does not provide a variety of security protocols and contains ads which can be a nuisance and a threat to online privacy.
One thought on “Betternet VPN Service Review (2017)”
iKev the main protocol for betternet is not really working in China !