Betternet is one of the most downloaded free VPNs in the world, boasting millions of users across Android, iOS, and desktop platforms. With a clean interface, one-tap connections, and no need for registration, it seems ideal for casual VPN users.
But after reviewing and testing Betternet in 2025, it becomes clear: while it delivers on ease of use, its privacy and security track record leaves a lot to be desired.
Quick Summary: Betternet VPN at a Glance
What I Like:
- Very easy to use — great for beginners
- Available on most platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome)
- Offers a free version with no login
- Fast speeds for basic browsing
- Decent uptime and reliability
What I Don’t Like:
- Highly questionable privacy policy
- Track record of embedding tracking libraries in apps
- No open-source code or transparency reports
- Owned by a large ad-tech-centric company (Aura)
- Free version bombards users with ads
- Doesn’t support torrenting or secure bypassing of censorship
Betternet trades your privacy for convenience — and may profit from your data.
Privacy & Security: Serious Red Flags
If privacy is your top concern in 2025, Betternet should not be your first (or fifth) choice.
Logging and Tracking
Betternet’s privacy policy outlines that they collect device identifiers, location data, IP address, and usage metadata. This data can be shared with:
- Advertising partners
- Analytics services
- Affiliates
In fact, Betternet’s Android app has previously been flagged by security researchers for including as many as 14 different tracking libraries.
While the company claims it doesn’t log what you browse, it does gather:
- Device and OS type
- Approximate location
- Network and ISP info
- Time spent on the VPN
This makes it unsuitable for anyone requiring strong anonymity, including journalists, whistleblowers, or users in censored countries.
Encryption & Protocols
- Uses standard encryption (likely OpenVPN or IPSec, but not transparently confirmed)
- No support for WireGuard
- No user control over protocol selection
- No documentation on DNS leak prevention or kill switch
Features & Functionality: Barebones, Even with Premium
Betternet is very limited in functionality. Even the premium version doesn’t offer the level of control or features found in more privacy-respecting VPNs.
Free Version Includes:
- One-tap connection to random server
- Ads and upgrade prompts
- No server selection
- Limited speeds
Premium Includes:
- Server selection (20+ countries)
- Faster speeds
- No ads
- Use on up to 5 devices
However, even on premium:
- No kill switch
- No multihop or obfuscation tools
- No customization or advanced configurations
- No SOCKS5, split tunneling, or stealth protocol options
This is a VPN for basic browsing, not a tool for privacy enthusiasts.
User Experience: Smooth But Superficial
The reason Betternet remains popular despite its flaws is clear: it’s very easy to use.
UI/UX Strengths:
- Simple, one-tap connection
- Minimal interface — ideal for casual users
- Fast connection times
But this simplicity comes at the expense of user control. The user can’t verify connection details, select protocols, or know what infrastructure is behind the app.
Ads in Free Version:
- Ads can be intrusive and sometimes mislead users with fake “virus alerts” or sketchy redirects
- Some users report slow speeds or connectivity issues during peak hours due to server congestion
Final Verdict: Betternet Isn’t Worth the Privacy Trade-Off
Betternet may seem like an easy solution for free VPN access in 2025, but after using and analyzing it closely, it’s clear that the privacy cost is too high for any serious use.
Its minimalist interface, fast setup, and free tier are appealing — but under the hood, Betternet is plagued by opaque practices, weak encryption transparency, and a track record of invasive data collection. When your VPN is monetized through ads and owned by a data-focused company, that should be a huge red flag.
While it might work for quickly unblocking YouTube at school, it’s absolutely not a VPN you should trust for anything sensitive — whether it’s personal browsing, torrenting, or protecting yourself from censorship.
Final Score: 4/10 — User-friendly and fast, but deeply compromised on privacy and trust.
Better Alternatives to Betternet VPN in 2025
Looking for a more privacy-focused VPN that doesn’t trade your data for revenue? Here are a few Betternet alternatives that offer real security and transparency:
Proton VPN – Best Free VPN for Privacy
- Strict no-logs policy (audited)
- Free version with no ads or data caps
- Based in Switzerland, excellent for journalists & activists
Mullvad VPN – Best for Anonymity
- No account required — pay anonymously
- No data collection or marketing-based revenue model
- Verified no-logs and open-source apps
Windscribe – Great Free+Paid Hybrid
- Transparent policies and open infrastructure
- Free plan with generous 10GB/month
- Blocks ads and trackers on the VPN level
Others Worth Exploring:
- IVPN – High-trust small provider, great ethical track record
- TunnelBear – Free plan, now offers transparent audits
- Perfect Privacy – Power-user focused, great for multi-hop setups
These services put user privacy first, unlike Betternet, which uses VPN infrastructure primarily as a vehicle for ad revenue.
FAQs: Betternet VPN in 2025
Is Betternet VPN safe to use?
Not for sensitive tasks. It has a history of embedding trackers, vague privacy policies, and no independent audits. Fine for casual use, but unsafe for anything private.
Is Betternet really free?
Yes — but the cost is your data. The free version displays ads and collects information for marketing purposes. It’s not “free” in the privacy sense.
Can Betternet be used for streaming?
Not reliably. It sometimes works with YouTube, but fails with most platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Does Betternet keep logs?
While it claims not to log activity, it does collect identifiable metadata, including IP addresses and device information. It also shares this data with advertisers.
What’s a better free VPN than Betternet?
Proton VPN and Windscribe offer far better no-logs protections and don’t bombard you with ads or harvest your data.
