Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Betternet VS OpenVPN

Compare Betternet VS OpenVPN and see what are their differences

Betternet logo Betternet

Betternet free VPN provides you with a better internet on all devices to access websites, protect your privacy against hackers and surf the web anonymously. WindowsStart surfing securely with Betternet VPN for Windows. Read more about Betternet.

OpenVPN logo OpenVPN

OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN
  • Betternet Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-17
  • OpenVPN Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-19

Betternet features and specs

  • Free Version Available
    Betternet offers a free version with limited features, which allows users to access basic VPN services without any cost.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application provides an easy-to-use and intuitive interface, making it accessible even to users with limited technical experience.
  • No Registration Required
    Users can start using Betternet immediately without needing to create an account or provide personal information, enhancing convenience.
  • Multiple Device Compatibility
    Betternet supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, ensuring users can protect their data across multiple devices.
  • Unlimited Bandwidth
    Even with the free plan, Betternet offers unlimited bandwidth, allowing users to browse without worrying about data caps.

Possible disadvantages of Betternet

  • Limited Server Locations
    The free version of Betternet provides limited server options, which can affect connection speed and access to geo-restricted content.
  • Intrusive Ads
    Free users experience frequent advertisements, which can be disruptive and negatively impact the user experience.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Betternet has faced scrutiny regarding its privacy policies, including potential logging of user data and sharing information with third parties.
  • Slow Speeds
    Users have reported slower speeds, especially on the free version, which can affect streaming and downloading activities.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    Betternet lacks some advanced features, such as a kill switch or DNS leak protection, which are available in other premium VPN services.

OpenVPN features and specs

  • Security
    OpenVPN uses robust encryption standards like AES-256, providing a high level of security for data transmission.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, OpenVPN allows users to verify its code for vulnerabilities, ensuring transparency and reliability.
  • Flexibility
    OpenVPN can run on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, offering extensive compatibility.
  • Customizability
    Users can configure OpenVPN according to their specific needs, allowing advanced network setups and policies.
  • Performance
    OpenVPN offers strong performance with efficient handling of large data transmissions and support for high and stable speeds.
  • Community Support
    A large and active community provides ample resources, including tutorials, forums, and user support.
  • Cost
    As a free and open-source solution, OpenVPN significantly reduces the cost compared to many commercial VPN offerings.

Possible disadvantages of OpenVPN

  • Complex Setup
    Setting up OpenVPN can be complex and may require technical expertise, particularly for advanced configurations.
  • Resource Intensive
    OpenVPN can be resource-intensive compared to some other VPN protocols, potentially impacting the performance of older or lower-spec hardware.
  • Client Software
    The official OpenVPN client software has a less user-friendly interface compared to some commercial VPNs, possibly deterring less tech-savvy users.
  • Mobile Experience
    Although OpenVPN supports mobile devices, the user experience on mobile can be less streamlined compared to desktop environments.
  • Initial Learning Curve
    New users may find the initial learning curve steep due to the multitude of configuration options and the need for understanding networking concepts.
  • Support
    While community support is strong, there may not be as much immediate or personalized support as found with some commercial VPN services.

Betternet videos

BetterNet VPN Review & Tutorial

More videos:

  • Review - Vulnerabilities found in TOP VPNs: Betternet & PrivateVPN. New research | VPNpro
  • Review - Best Free Unlimited VPN for iPhone and iPad to Use in 2020 (Fast & Safe) – Betternet for iOS Review

OpenVPN videos

OpenVPN Overview

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to setup OpenVPN on Windows | macOS | Android | iOS - Smart DNS Proxy

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Betternet and OpenVPN)
VPN
10 10%
90% 90
Cloud VPN
10 10%
90% 90
Security & Privacy
7 7%
93% 93
Security
27 27%
73% 73

User comments

Share your experience with using Betternet and OpenVPN. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Betternet and OpenVPN

Betternet Reviews

8 Best Turbo VPN Alternatives for Android and iOS
Betternet is my pick for the next alternative to Turbo VPN for two major reasons. First, it offers unlimited data without compromising security or your online identity in any manner. Secondly, you don’t need to sign up to use its free service and that is absolutely great. Basically, it’s exactly the same as Turbo VPN but with enhanced security and privacy safeguards. The app...
Source: beebom.com

OpenVPN Reviews

The top 10 alternatives to OpenVPN
OpenVPN is an open-source software application that provides virtual private network (VPN) services. It allows the creation of secure network connections over the internet, using a custom security protocol that utilizes SSL/TLS for key exchange. OpenVPN is capable of traversing network address translators (NATs) and firewalls, providing users with the ability to securely...
Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
OpenVPN is a virtual private network system used to create trusted end-to-end connection configuration and remote access services. As with any other VPN service, OpenVPN also has its own drawbacks. For instance, its inability to bypass particular proxy servers and complexities in user journeys lead to less user-friendliness. Therefore, we will be discussing a few...
6 Types of VPN Protocols, Compared: Which is the Best to Use?
In most cases, OpenVPN or WireGuard will be your best bet. PPTP is a protocol we don’t recommend using because of its relatively low-level encryption. However, you could try this protocol when privacy and security are not your highest priorities, such as for unblocking streams. If OpenVPN is not supported or does not work well for whatever reason, you could consider using...
Source: vpnoverview.com
OpenVPN vs WireGuard: Which protocol is best?
OpenVPN was first released in May 2001. Although the PPTP protocol had been around for five years already at this point, OpenVPN became popular because it offered stronger encryption without too much of a drop in speed. Over the years, vulnerabilities were patched and new clients were developed that brought OpenVPN support to a greater range of devices. This previously...
9 Best NordVPN Alternatives You Must Use In 2022
The next alternative to NordVPN on our list is OpenVPN. OpenVPN allows you to establish a point-to-point secure connection between your device and the Internet. It is a flexible VPN solution that can cater to business needs as well.
Source: wethegeek.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenVPN seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 40 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Betternet mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Betternet yet. Tracking of Betternet recommendations started around Mar 2021.

OpenVPN mentions (40)

  • Ask HN: Who is hiring? (October 2023)
    OpenVPN is hiring! https://openvpn.net/ C++ Developer in the United States. Full-time| Fully remote| Flexible work schedules Link to look at vacancy details and apply:. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Are there any work arounds for the Netflix new "household" system?
    How you connect to your modem will depend on the device you are using, but for windows laptops as an example you download the OpenVPN program and input your modem details there, much like you would any other vpn service. I think there would be some guides on youtube. https://openvpn.net/. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Can i use PFSense to control incoming user connections (without a vpn?)
    I just started playing with CloudConnexa for remotely managing my second pFSense. Really nice and is free for up to 3 concurrent users. https://openvpn.net. Can also self-host OpenVPN access server with a free 2 concurrent license. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Is the 7spotlight Markle family interview airing now? Is anyone watching and can provide comment? 👀📺
    If anyone is being blocked check out free OpenVPN. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Is it possible for a sysadmin to block only some packets from a VPN connection ?
    I too haven't used the client-nat directive in some years (I currently implement 1:1 NAT with pfsense to access my network because I'm too lazy to change the networks subnet from the default) so I decided to retest and it does appear that OpenVPN Connect clients do not properly support the client-nat directive but the traditional OpenVPN server/clients still do. I've just tested this on OpenVPN 2.6.3 Server,... Source: about 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Betternet and OpenVPN, you can also consider the following products

Psiphon - Psiphon is circumvention software for Windows and Mobile platforms that provides uncensored access to Internet content. Read more about Psiphon.

ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

Hotspot Shield - Hotspot Shield is a software application developed by AnchorFree, Inc.

TunnelBear - Really simple VPN to browse the web privately & anonymously.

Tor Browser - Tor is free software for enabling anonymous communication.

NordVPN - NordVPN offers VPN technology that encrypts data twice.