If you have heard of Betternet, the service promising a free, easy to use VPN with no registration, it is very likely that one question came to mind before all others. The question being, “Is Betternet VPN safe to use?”'
In this article, we will take a look at a few of the different aspects of Betternet and try to get a picture of how exactly it compares to other VPNs, whether it is safe to use, and whether it can really live up to its promises.'
What Is Betternet?
Betternet is a free VPN service that promises to offer the functionality of a VPN without any of the costs involved.
Now, there is a paid version of the app available on Android and iOS, however, this review will focus on the free version which, at the moment, is their flagship product. We tested the apps for Windows, Android, and for Chrome. All features are correct at the time of writing.
What Are The Features of Betternet?
Betternet has loads of the features you would expect to receive from a VPN, as well as the ability to use the product without registering. Let’s take a look at some of their features now:
Can Be Used Without Registering
Using Betternet is easy and unlike most VPNs, there is absolutely no need to sign up to the service before using it. Not only does this make setting up the app simpler, it also has added privacy benefits.
Apps For Various Operating Systems
It can be used on a variety of platforms including iOS, Android, and Windows as well as the browsers Chrome and Firefox. The fact that you can use it with Firefox and Chrome means that despite there not being a Linux option it is also possible to use the service on Linux.
One problem with this, however, was that there seemed to be differences between the service provided with on each operating system. We will go into more detail in the ‘Disadvantages’ section.
Use As Any Other VPN
Like all the paid VPNs out there, you can use Betternet to unblock geo-restricted websites, encrypt your data when browsing the web, and hide your IP address.
Easy To Use
After installing the app, you literally just have to select a server location and then press connect to start using the VPN. It seems to work well and you are connected instantly.
Betternet: Disadvantages
Despite Betternet having a lot of good features, there are undoubtedly some major downsides to the product. These are:
Server Locations
When connecting to Betternet, you have very limited server options and at most (on the Chrome plugin) you can access two different servers, one in the US and one in the UK. When most paid for VPNs offer servers throughout the world this is incredibly limited.
As well as meaning that you can only access geo-blocked content in these two countries, it also means that should you live far away from the UK and the US and not be accessing a website based there, you may find that your speeds are slower than they would be with another VPN.
There are also big differences in the servers available on different platforms. For example, on the Chrome plugin, there is a choice between the US and the UK. On the Android app, it is just the US, although there are a load of options if you want to upgrade to their premium service.
On the Windows app, meanwhile, there isn’t even a choice at all. You simply have to press connect without being given a choice of server. When using the Windows app it seemed like we were connected to Switzerland. This is fine for general browsing, although if you want to access geo-blocked content in the US, not much use.
Ads
Betternet clearly state that third party advertisers may use technologies (including potentially cookies) to 'estimate the effectiveness of their advertisements. So, although Betternet themselves are not 'logging your data' they potentially allow third parties to 'use technology'. You can read their privacy policy in full here.
We assume this may put some people off?.
Is Betternet Safe to Use?
Betternet are surprisingly honest about how they make their money. On their website, they have a section titled “How We Make Money” which explains that they earn money whenever someone installs a sponsored app from the Betternet mobile app or whenever someone watches a video from the app.
As well as this, they have a premium version of the Android app that offers more server locations and other features that they use to make money.
Because of this, and assuming they are telling the truth, it would seem like Betternet VPN is safer to use than other free VPNs that may make their money by less obvious and possibly illicit means. Many free VPNs are probably perfectly safe though!
While there has been a lot of negative reports about free VPNs stealing your data or using your computer as a server, it would perhaps seem like this isn’t the case with Betternet.
Conclusion: Is Betternet A Good VPN?
As a free VPN, Betternet seems like one of the more trustworthy ones however, it isn't without its faults. Let's take a quick look at its pros and cons.
Pros
- It is really easy to use and no registration required
- Reliable connection
- No restrictions on the amount of data you can use & no data logging
- Lack of server choice makes it hard to access geo-restricted content
- If the limited amount of servers are running slow - too bad - no other choices!
- It's free - which may put a lot of users off on how secure their data really is
All in all, while the pros certainly outnumber the cons the lack of server choice is a big issue that could seriously affect the user experience of using Betternet. It is a good introduction to the world of VPNs or a quick fix if you are running low on cash, but not really much more.
Hopefully, you have enjoyed our article about Betternet VPN.
Check out more at the Betternet site
Betternet VPN Alternatives
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below.