Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and Betternet are both VPN services, but they differ significantly in their offerings and performance. ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, scores higher with an overall rating of 77.9%, while Betternet, located in the United States, scores 39.7%. ExpressVPN’s jurisdiction offers better privacy protection than Betternet’s, due to the former’s location outside of the 14-Eye Alliance’s surveillance reach. In terms of pricing, ExpressVPN offers a cheaper monthly rate for a 15-month subscription compared to Betternet’s monthly rate. ExpressVPN also stands out with its no-logging policy and third-party audit by Cure53, ensuring user data security. It also boasts a larger server network spread across more countries, promising better performance. Betternet, though, offers a longer money-back guarantee period and supports more simultaneous connections. In terms of features, both VPNs offer kill switch and split tunneling, but only Betternet offers ad-blocking. From a user’s perspective, ExpressVPN appears to be the better choice due to its higher privacy protection, larger server network, and commitment to user data security.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs Betternet
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | Betternet |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $7.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $12.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-128, and AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | Hydra, IPSec, and Wireguard |
| Servers | 3,000 | 1,000 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 80 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | No |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Netflix |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
Both ExpressVPN and Betternet positions themselves in the higher-end segment of the VPN market. Betternet’s cheapest 12-month plan starts at $7.99/mo; while ExpressVPN charges $6.67/mo and requires a 15-month commitment.
For your reference, based on our market research, the average cost of VPN is $3.56/mo with a commitment period of 21 months. You should consider whether the additional features and services offered by Betternet and ExpressVPN justify this higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
Jurisdiction: ExpressVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. ExpressVPN’s location in British Virgin Islands (BVI), free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over Betternet, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of United States. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, ExpressVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Comparing the two, ExpressVPN’s BVI base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in BVI gives ExpressVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: ExpressVPN Better
The server fleet size of ExpressVPN and Betternet is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. ExpressVPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 3,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, Betternet maintains a more modest server presence, with only 1,000 servers across 80 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Betternet, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of ExpressVPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
No Logging Policy: ExpressVPN Better
The privacy policies of ExpressVPN and Betternet reveal a stark contrast. ExpressVPN not only upholds a stringent no-logging policy, but also reinforces this commitment through regular audits by Cure53. These audits validate ExpressVPN’s adherence to its privacy claims, providing an added layer of trust and transparency.
On the other hand, Betternet, while offering a range of features and based in United States, does not follow a no-logging policy. This means that it might keep some records of user activities – which can be a significant concern for those who prioritize anonymity and data security.
Users who value rigorous privacy standards and external validation of security claims may find these differences pivotal in choosing the right VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and Betternet to customer satisfaction is clearly seen in their extensive money-back guarantees. These guarantees show the confidence each service has in its quality. It’s a no-risk offer. Users can try out each VPN’s features without worry. Explore Betternet’s server network in 80 countries, experience ExpressVPN’s ad blocking and Lightway protocol, and exaluate their technical support quality. All this can be done before making a long-term decision.
Bottomline
After an extensive review, ExpressVPN stands out as the superior choice due to its robust server network, strict no-logging policy, and jurisdiction in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands. However, Betternet also offers valuable features, and users should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing a VPN service.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and Betternet comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & Betternet
Betternet
Betternet is a VPN company that provides users with secured and private internet connections. The company was established in 2015 by its founders, Timo Bühler. The company’s headquarters is located in Redwood City, California, but it has a global presence with servers in numerous countries.
One of the unique aspects of Betternet is that it offers a free VPN service in addition to its premium plans. The free option is ad-supported and provides users with access to servers in multiple countries. The premium plans offer additional features such as unlimited data usage, access to exclusive servers, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
To learn more, read our Betternet review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.