Betternet vs ExpressVPN Comparison

When it comes to VPN services, the technology can seem arcane, leaving users often in the dark about what they're truly purchasing.

To shed light on this, we've undertaken a comprehensive comparison between Betternet and ExpressVPN, two of the most popular VPN providers.

This analysis aims to clarify the services each VPN offers in straightforward terms, helping potential users understand exactly what they're signing up for.

It's important to note that Betternet is owned by Pango, which is also the parent company of Comparitech.

However, this relationship has not influenced our coverage, and all our observations about both VPNs are supported by solid evidence.

Our research included hands-on testing of each service, a thorough review of their privacy policies, and an in-depth examination of their functionalities.

Here's what we found in our Betternet vs ExpressVPN comparison.

Both services provide trial periods through refund policies,\nbut Betternet extends its risk-free window beyond ExpressVPN’s offering.\n\nSubscription plans for these VPNs become more economical with longer commitments,\ntransforming monthly rates into more budget-friendly options.\nWhile neither is considered affordable for short-term users,\nmulti-year packages reduce costs substantially for both providers.\n\nBetternet includes a basic free tier accessible via a specific activation process,\nthough it imposes strict usage constraints like geographic restrictions\nand connectivity limitations across devices.\n\nRefund timelines differ between the two,\ngiving users extra flexibility with Betternet’s extended trial period\ncompared to its competitor’s shorter guarantee duration.

Both Betternet and ExpressVPN provide apps for the most popular platforms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

However, for users needing to protect less common devices or secure multiple devices simultaneously,

ExpressVPN

wins out due to its command line-based app for Linux and custom firmware for easier installation on routers.

This feature also helps bypass the limit of five connections, allowing for additional security on gaming consoles and smart TVs that do not support VPN apps.

In terms of browser extensions for Chrome, Betternet operates as a standalone proxy that secures all browser traffic, but not other applications.

On the other hand,

ExpressVPN

requires the main app to be installed, but it allows for direct control from the browser.

ExpressVPN

also includes a Smart DNS service called MediaStreamer, which aids in accessing US-only streaming platforms on devices without full VPN support.

Geo-restrictions are commonly used by streaming services to limit access to their content based on geographical locations. These services often incorporate advanced technologies to detect and block VPNs, making it particularly challenging for users to stream their favorite shows when traveling abroad.

When it comes with bypassing these restrictions, ExpressVPN stands out. It successfully accessed all the streaming platforms we tested, including multiple Netflix libraries. On the other hand, Betternet had a more mixed performance. While it did allow us to watch content from some major US-based services, it required several attempts, as not all of its servers are optimized for streaming.

In China, the situation is even more restrictive. The Great Firewall of China blocks a significant portion of the internet, including everyday services like Google, Facebook, and Wikipedia. To further enforce these restrictions, the Chinese government has also heavily restricted and blocked most VPN services.

ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs that can still reliably function in China. It doesn’t require any special settings or specific server selections, although it’s wise to keep the manual setup instructions handy, as you might encounter occasional connection issues due to updates to the Great Firewall. In contrast, our recent tests show that Betternet does not work at all within mainland China.

The simplicity of Betternet's interface is one of its standout features.

On the main page, users can establish a connection with just a single click or choose a different server location from a provided list.

However, navigating through the list of countries can be cumbersome as there is no search function, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users.

The settings menu is quite minimalistic, offering only a few basic options.

While this streamlined approach keeps the interface uncluttered, it lacks detailed explanations, particularly for features like "exclude domains," which could potentially confuse new users.

VPN Comparison: ExpressVPN vs Betternet

ExpressVPN and Betternet have similar features, but their server lists are searchable. You can also find your last-used location on the home screen of both VPNs, along with a suggestion of which server might be the fastest based on your location. The settings menus on both VPNs are well-organized and described, with options grouped into different tabs. On mobile, you can even run leak tests and check your IP address with both VPNs.

When it comes to VPNs like ExpressVPN and Betternet, neither discloses precisely the number of servers they run. However, that's not a big deal as simply comparing server quantities doesn't give the complete picture. After all, theoretically, one large, well - optimized server could perform better than a dozen small, poorly - set - up ones.

It's fascinating that both ExpressVPN and Betternet provide numerous server locations. In fact, most paid services usually offer only around 60, but these two are different.

Both of these providers utilize virtual servers. These virtual servers don't actually exist physically in their so - called countries but are instead run on a computer situated elsewhere in the world. For the user, there's essentially no difference. But this can make it hard to determine which country's privacy laws are applicable to your data. ExpressVPN uses virtual servers for several dozen locations, while Betternet only offers virtual locations.

Now, here is a list of the server locations of both Betternet and ExpressVPN.

The given article content has mentioned two major VPN providers, ExpressVPN and Betternet, with their differences in coverage across different countries. ExpressVPN is considered to be the faster service among the two, as it has a higher average speed of around 190 Mbps, while Betternet's average speed is around 50 Mbps.

However, the article has not mentioned the specific countries where these providers have better coverage. It is important to note that the coverage of a VPN provider may vary depending on the region, so it is recommended to check the coverage of each provider in the specific region you are interested in.

When comparing ExpressVPN and Betternet, there are several important aspects to consider.

Both providers support the IKEv2 protocol, but they also work with other protocols. Betternet has its own Catapult Hydra protocol and supports Wireguard on Android, and these protocols can offer speed benefits compared to OpenVPN. On the other hand, ExpressVPN has a proprietary Lightway protocol which is lightweight and ensures security during network switching. A key difference is that Lightway is open - source, allowing for vulnerability checks, while Hydra is not.

In terms of encryption, both providers utilize 256 - bit AES encryption, which is considered unbreakable at present. However, ExpressVPN authenticates connections with RSA keys that are twice the length of Betternet's, making ExpressVPN somewhat more secure.

Regarding additional features, both VPNs enable split tunneling, which allows specific apps or websites to bypass the VPN unencrypted. Also, they both offer a kill switch. But there are differences here as well. Betternet offers the kill switch only on Windows, while ExpressVPN has it in its desktop apps. It's a plus that Betternet can automatically connect when an unsecured Wi - Fi network is used.

When choosing a VPN, privacy is a crucial factor. Logging policies can greatly impact how secure your online activities are. Both Betternet and ExpressVPN have relatively good privacy stances in this regard.

Neither of them keeps detailed logs of user activities. For instance, they store some diagnostic data like bandwidth consumption (in different time frames - per session for Betternet and per day for ExpressVPN) and the server location used. However, this data can't be directly traced back to the user.

ExpressVPN has an edge when it comes to proving its privacy claims. It has been through multiple independent audits. This includes not only the vetting of its privacy policy but also the examination of all its apps for vulnerabilities.

On the other hand, Betternet has not had any audits yet. Although its privacy policy might seem like it collects a significant amount of data at first glance, a closer look reveals that it actually has the same logging policy as other Pango - owned services such as Hotspot Shield. For Betternet, making this more transparent and undergoing an audit would enhance its reputation and reassure its users, which is definitely beneficial.

VPN Comparison: ExpressVPN vs Betternet

If you ever encounter an issue, both ExpressVPN and Betternet provide customer support solutions.

ExpressVPN boasts a 24/7 live chat, support email, numerous help articles, and video guides on YouTube for troubleshooting.

Betternet, on the other hand, lacks live chat and instead uses a chatbot to direct users to support articles. The articles are limited, and there's no option to speak with a human through the bot. You must email Betternet directly, but they do respond within a few hours.

When evaluating virtual private networks, performance metrics and adaptability across platforms often dictate superiority. \n\nExpressVPN demonstrates notable advantages in real-world applications, particularly through its consistent high-speed performance across global servers. This efficiency enhances streaming quality, reduces buffering during video calls, and maintains stable connections for bandwidth-intensive tasks. \n\nWhile both services offer encryption protocols, ExpressVPN's implementation of TrustedServer technology using RAM-only infrastructure provides enhanced data protection compared to Betternet's standard security measures. \n\nDevice compatibility reveals crucial differences – ExpressVPN supports router configurations for whole-network protection, enabling security for gaming consoles and smart home devices, whereas Betternet lacks Linux and router support despite allowing more simultaneous connections. \n\nStreaming enthusiasts will appreciate ExpressVPN's consistent access to geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, while Betternet's free tier imposes strict data caps and regional server limitations. \n\nRefund policies present an interesting contrast: Betternet's extended 45-day trial period versus ExpressVPN's shorter but more transparent 30-day guarantee. Both require subscription payments for full feature access during evaluation periods. \n\nTorrenting capabilities appear comparable on surface level, though advanced users might prefer ExpressVPN's router-level customization options for peer-to-peer activities over Betternet's basic functionality. \n\nCost analysis shows near-parity in pricing, making ExpressVPN's superior speeds and broader platform support more compelling for most users despite Betternet's marginally lower entry cost. \n\nIndependent audits and third-party testing methodologies favor ExpressVPN's commitment to transparency, particularly regarding data logging practices and network infrastructure details. \n\nFor privacy-conscious users, ExpressVPN's jurisdiction under British Virgin Islands laws offers stronger legal protections compared to Betternet's Canadian base, which participates in international surveillance alliances. \n\nUltimately, the choice hinges on prioritizing raw performance and versatility (ExpressVPN) versus basic functionality with extended trial options (Betternet), with most users finding greater value in the former's comprehensive feature set.

What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One

A Netflix VPN enables viewers to bypass geographical restrictions and unlock a wider array of content by connecting through servers in various countries, providing them with a richer and more diverse selection of movies and shows. This service is particularly useful for those seeking to access content not available in their own region, thus enhancing their Netflix experience.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If people want to access region-restricted content by Netflix VPN, they may want to consider the SafeShell VPN . This advanced tool is specifically designed to provide a seamless and secure streaming experience, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to unlock Netflix unblocked content.

One of the key advantages of SafeShell VPN is its high-speed servers, which are optimized for Netflix. These servers ensure that you can stream your favorite shows and movies without any interruptions, providing a buffer-free and high-definition viewing experience. Additionally, SafeShell VPN allows you to connect up to five devices simultaneously, supporting a wide range of operating systems such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, and Apple Vision Pro. This means you can enjoy your favorite content on any device you choose, with no restrictions.

Another standout feature of SafeShell VPN is its exclusive App Mode, which enables you to access multiple regional libraries at the same time. This gives you the freedom to explore a diverse range of content from different parts of the world. Furthermore, with lightning-fast connection speeds and no bandwidth limitations, you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming, downloading, and browsing. The proprietary "ShellGuard" protocol ensures top-level security, protecting your online privacy and data from potential threats.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN

To begin using SafeShell Netflix VPN , first download the application from the official website or your device’s app store. After installation, launch the app and sign in using your registered account credentials. Navigate to the server selection menu, where you’ll find a list of global locations optimized for streaming. Pick a server in the region matching your desired Netflix library—for instance, select a U.S.-based server to access American-exclusive shows. Once connected, the VPN will encrypt your connection and mask your IP address, ensuring seamless access to geo-restricted content.

Next, open your Netflix platform—either via a browser or the app—and log in as usual. With SafeShell Netflix VPN active, the service will automatically detect the virtual location you’ve chosen. For optimal performance, enable the “Streaming Mode” within SafeShell’s settings, which prioritizes speed and stability for uninterrupted viewing. If you encounter any content restrictions, simply disconnect and reconnect to a different server. This flexible approach lets you switch between regional libraries effortlessly, making SafeShell an ideal companion for global Netflix enthusiasts.