Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN outperforms Betternet with a higher overall rating of 80.8% compared to 39.7%. With headquarters in privacy-friendly Switzerland, more servers globally (2,970 versus 1,000), and a strict no-logging policy, Proton VPN proves a more reliable option for user privacy and connection stability. In addition, Proton offers competitive pricing ($4.99/mo for a 24-month plan compared to Betternet at $7.99/mo), contributing towards its place as the superior VPN from a user’s standpoint.
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: Proton VPN vs Betternet
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | Betternet |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $7.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $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 | 2,970 | 1,000 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 80 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| 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: ProtonVPN Better
Proton VPN presents an appealing price point at $4.99/mo, while Betternet opts for a premium pricing strategy, starting at $7.99/mo. This leads to an intriguing evaluation of the additional value Betternet offers. Boasting military-grade encryption (AES-128, and AES-256), Email support, and a global network of 1,000 servers in 80 countries, Betternet aims to justify its higher cost. Yet, when compared to the offerings of Proton VPN, the question remains: do these enhanced features of Betternet align with the specific needs and preferences of users seeking a premium VPN experience?
Jurisdiction: Proton VPN Better
For those prioritizing online privacy, the jurisdiction of their VPN provider is a critical consideration. Proton VPN, with its base in Switzerland, offers a substantial privacy edge over United States-based Betternet. Not part of the EU or US jurisdiction, Switzerland is known for its neutrality and strict privacy regulations. This provides a robust legal framework that benefits ProtonVPN users.
On the other hand, Betternet is based in United States, a member of the 14-Eyes Alliance. The 14-Eyes Alliance, an expansion of the Five- and Nine-Eyes intelligence collaborations, includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and several European nations. These member states are known for their extensive surveillance activities, as highlighted by disclosures from figures like Edward Snowden (watch video below). Such surveillance extends to the sharing of collected data among member countries. In other words, company like Betternet could be legally obligated to comply with government requests for user data, with the potential for this data to circulate among the alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security.
Comparing the two, ProtonVPN’s Swiss 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 Switzerland gives ProtonVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Proton VPN Better
The server fleet size of Proton VPN and Betternet is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. Proton VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 2,970 servers in 68 countries 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 Proton VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
No Logging Policy: Proton VPN Better
The privacy policies of Proton VPN and Betternet present a clear dichotomy. Proton VPN 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 Proton VPN’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 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
Both Proton VPN and Betternet reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of Proton VPN to the advanced security protocols of Betternet – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Bottomline
Proton VPN and Betternet offer unique value propositions with their varied server counts, privacy protocols, and pricing structures. Proton VPN tends to outperform on several key metrics such as jurisdiction, no-logging policy, and server numbers. However, with Betternet’s accessibility and diverse range, both VPNs cater to a broad spectrum of user types and privacy needs.
About Proton VPN & 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.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company renowned for their secure email service – Proton Mail.
Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Switzerland. The VPN service currently has 2,970 servers in 68 countries. Although ProtonVPN owns and operates some of its servers, the majority are operated by ASNs such as Datacamp Limited. The service is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ChromeOS and can be used on smartphones, personal computers, and even installed on a wireless router.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN services available in the market. It utilizes OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company. In October 2022, Proton VPN released their Stealth Protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic.
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review.