Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN outperforms Betternet with an overall higher rating of 83.5% against 39.7%. This superiority stems from its cost-effective pricing, strict no-logging policy, verified by a third-party audit, and its jurisdiction location in Panama, beyond stringent data retention laws. Notably, its VPN server network far exceeds that of Betternet, with 5,000 servers versus 1,000. Although Betternet allows more simultaneous connections (10 against 6), NordVPN provides a double VPN feature, enhancing security by routing traffic through two VPN servers. Despite the similar money-back guarantees offered by both, from a user’s perspective, NordVPN offers a more comprehensive and secure service at a better price point. Consequently, NordVPN is the superior choice for most users.
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: NordVPN vs Betternet
| VPN Company | NordVPN | Betternet |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $7.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $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, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | Hydra, IPSec, and Wireguard |
| Servers | 5,000 | 1,000 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 80 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | |
| 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: NordVPN Better
At $3.79/mo, NordVPN offers a wallet-friendly VPN solution, in contrast to Betternet’s higher-priced offering at $7.99/mo. This price variance prompts users to ponder the added value provided by Betternet. Highlighting its military-grade encryption (AES-128, and AES-256), exceptional Email support, and an expansive server network spanning 1,000 servers in 80 countries, Betternet showcases its premium features.
However, it’s essential to compare these with NordVPN’s services to determine if the additional investment in Betternet aligns with what users seek in a VPN, balancing cost against specific feature needs.
Betternet Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: NordVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. NordVPN’s location in Panama, 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, NordVPN 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.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: NordVPN Better
NordVPN and Betternet differ substantially in their server fleet sizes. While NordVPN boasts a vast network of 5,000 servers globally, Betternet operates with a much smaller server fleet, consisting of just 1,000 servers in 80 countries. This difference might affect the performance and speed – especially for users in less covered regions.
No Logging Policy: NordVPN Better
The privacy policies of NordVPN and Betternet present a clear dichotomy. NordVPN stands out by not only maintaining a strict no-logging policy but also reinforcing this commitment through regular audits conducted by Deloitte. These audits serve as validation of NordVPN’s dedication to preserving user privacy.
In contrast, Betternet, despite offering a range of features and being headquartered in United States, does not adhere to a clear no-logging policy. This implies that it might retain certain records of user activities, a matter of considerable concern for individuals who prioritize anonymity and data security.
For users who prioritize robust privacy standards and seek external verification of security claims, these distinctions may prove pivotal in selecting the most suitable VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and Betternet is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of Betternet, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Double VPN Feature: NordVPN Better
One of the notable differences between NordVPN and Betternet is the inclusion of a double VPN feature. NordVPN offers this advanced feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. On the other hand, Betternet does not provide a double VPN option.
Bottomline
Following an extensive evaluation, NordVPN outperforms Betternet in critical areas such as privacy, server availability, and pricing, providing an overall rating of 83.5%. Conversely, Betternet, while offering a substantial service, remains behind with a rating of 39.7%, putting forth considerations about jurisdiction and logging policies, thus presenting a need for careful consideration based on individual user requirements.
About NordVPN & 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.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.