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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
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Better options than

Betternet alternatives

Betternet users often seek alternatives due to frequent disconnections, an abundance of ads, and issues with premium service and refunds. Many free users are frustrated by limited time, paywalls, and declining functionality, leading them to explore other VPN options.

Why users look for alternatives to Betternet

The alternatives

VPN
4.6★ · 2,068,901 ratings · Free

This VPN offers a free trial and some free servers, which can be useful for occasional use or testing before committing to a purchase.

Better for: It suits users who need a VPN for short-term tasks or to watch specific shows during a free trial period R61. It's also suitable for those who don't mind watching ads to use a free VPN, especially since some users report being able to close the app before ads play R57R59.

Head-to-head: Betternet vs VPN
X-VPN
4.7★ · 598,441 ratings · Free

X-VPN is praised by some users as being a very good and reliable VPN, with some calling it the best they've found.

Better for: It is better for users seeking a VPN that connects well and is generally reliable, as some users report it working effectively R66R69R75R77.

Head-to-head: Betternet vs X-VPN
VPN Hotspot Shield
4.6★ · 356,662 ratings · Free

VPN Hotspot Shield is noted for having a lot of servers and unique features, with some users finding it fast and effective for connecting to work or for school use.

Better for: It is better for users who need a VPN with a variety of server options and specific features R80. It can be useful for those needing to bypass restrictions at school or for quick work connections R87R91.

Head-to-head: Betternet vs VPN Hotspot Shield
VPN 360
4.7★ · 317,596 ratings · Free

VPN 360 is described as a 'great application' and 'the goat' by some users, suggesting a strong user experience for those it works for.

Better for: It is better for users seeking a highly-rated VPN experience, with some reviewers calling it the 'best vpn oat' and 'sm better than x vpn' R97R99R101R103.

Head-to-head: Betternet vs VPN 360
VPN Proxy Master
4.6★ · 309,657 ratings · Free

VPN Proxy Master is highlighted for being very fast and useful, with some users appreciating its free usability and instant connection.

Better for: It is better for users prioritizing speed and ease of connection, especially those looking for a free option that connects instantly R114R118R120.

Head-to-head: Betternet vs VPN Proxy Master
Stick with Betternet if

You should stick with Betternet if you have been using it for years and it continues to work for your specific needs, such as watching movies not available on streaming services, and you don't mind the ads or occasional instability .

Evidence note: Some alternatives like 'VPN', 'X-VPN', 'VPN Hotspot Shield', 'VPN 360', and 'VPN Proxy Master' have mixed reviews, with a significant number of users reporting issues like disconnections, ads, or non-functionality, which limits the scope of positive recommendations.

Frequently asked

Is Betternet free to use?
Betternet offers a free version, but it requires users to watch ads for limited usage time, typically 15 minutes per ad, and some users report being stuck at a paywall or needing to subscribe R3R7R15R18.
Does Betternet work in all regions?
No, Betternet does not work in all regions, with users specifically reporting it not working in Russia and Iran R4R13.
Are there issues with Betternet's premium service?
Yes, users have reported issues with Betternet's premium service, including instability, poor technical support, and difficulties with refunds or unexpected charges R1R46R48.
Why do users switch from Betternet?
Users switch from Betternet due to frequent disconnections, an overwhelming number of ads for limited free time, declining functionality, and problems with their paid service R1R3R7R9.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R9] Betternet 3/5 · US Vpn: it’s turn off every second bro
  2. [R19] Betternet 1/5 · US Disconnecting again & again: I had this VPN from years and now it got disconnected again & again so forced me to use some other VPN
  3. [R33] Betternet 3/5 · GB Good for a free VPN: Unreliable connection, often disconnecting during use, requires an extremely long ad to be watched every time you connect, reconnect or disconnect. However if a you want a free VPN, it’s ok.
  4. [R48] Betternet 1/5 · GB Scam: Even on the paid version the vpn randomly stops about every 30 mins. Total waste of money
  5. [R3] Betternet 3/5 · US i hate how i have to watch adds to get to use the vpn: its a good vpn but if i didnt have to watch advertisements for only 15 minutes of use it would be a 5⭐️
  6. [R7] Betternet 1/5 · US No longer allows me to use free with ads- paywall: Like title says, used to use this for free with ads and it was awesome. Now I’m stuck at a paywall where it refuses to leave the “Betternet Premium” subscription page until I subscribe. They used to be good but now they’re greedy, they suck.
  7. [R21] Betternet 3/5 · US Stupid update: Can yall please remove the whole ads thing I don’t like that I have to watch ads in order to access the vpn can you please remove this
  8. [R25] Betternet 1/5 · US ads: ads ruined everything. now you cant use it if you dont watch ads. uninstalled
  9. [R1] Betternet 1/5 · US Terrible premium service: Very unstable and terrible support when I asked for technical support and refund.
  10. [R46] Betternet 1/5 · US THIS APP IS A SCAM: This app is a scam DO NOT DOWNLOAD IT. They will suggest the free trial subscription service but still charge you for a monthly subscription before the trail ends.
  11. [R4] Betternet 1/5 · US Not working in russia: Not working
  12. [R10] Betternet 1/5 · US Time Disappears: Had over 3 hours of vpn usage available. Always turn it on and off when no longer needed. Went on one day and had no time. 😭
  13. [R13] Betternet 1/5 · US Not Working !!: Wasted my Net and not Working in Iran 👎
  14. [R15] Betternet 3/5 · US What?: Why does the app have a timer now? Ts used to be free and it used to work so good, I got it again thinking I could better WiFi at school but no I’m slapped in the face with a subscription a subscription with better internet I get but now you need “TIME!?” Come one man.
  15. [R30] Betternet 3/5 · GB By the time it connected I had a job, a family and graduated college: The time for it to connect is ungodly in a bad way! It took almost a hot 20 seconds to connect and the connection speed isn’t even good!
  16. [R57] VPN 4/5 · US Was pretty good: I’d give it 5 stars before but I’ll give it less since they removed the US from the free servers. other than that this works really well! I’d watch ads to use a vpn cuz I don’t exactly have money.
  17. [R59] VPN 5/5 · US works perfectly: its a good free vpn and the ads arent even a problem bc the vpn connects/disconnects before playing the ad so u can just close the app once u connect or disconnect it
  18. [R61] VPN 5/5 · US Shows: The free trial was extremely helpful. I’m too lame to buy the vpn cause I’m not sure what I’d use it for. but I did get to watch a show that I really wanted to watch with the free trial so if I ever have another reason for a vpn I will be using this vpn. Thank you.
  19. [R66] X-VPN 5/5 · US Beautiful job: I was having a hard time to find a good VPN app. This one is the best
  20. [R69] X-VPN 5/5 · US It’s the best: I like it
  21. [R75] X-VPN 5/5 · US My review: This is a very good VPN and I hope it works for everyone
  22. [R77] X-VPN 5/5 · US Good vpn: Good vpn
  23. [R80] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · US Solid.: Has a lot of servers and its own unique features.
  24. [R87] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · US Fast and Effective: I’m racing to connect for work. Seemed to work. We’ll see.
  25. [R91] VPN Hotspot Shield 5/5 · US Greatness: I used this during school and it worked great
  26. [R97] VPN 360 5/5 · US Mirag: Very cool app
  27. [R99] VPN 360 5/5 · US da goat: ts is sm better than x vpn, ts the goat. best vpn oat
  28. [R101] VPN 360 5/5 · US Great: Gréât
  29. [R103] VPN 360 5/5 · US Amazing: It’s a great application!
  30. [R114] VPN Proxy Master 5/5 · US The best: Very fast and useful
  31. [R118] VPN Proxy Master 5/5 · US BEST VPN OF MY LIFE: You can use it for free and connect INSTANTLY!!! I'm satisfied!👍 · translated
  32. [R120] VPN Proxy Master 5/5 · US You guys are the BEST!!!: Using your app was easy and it works phenomenally
  33. [R18] Betternet 3/5 · US Bring 30 back: When the vpn had 30 mins is was so good now its 15 per add and u cant watch a add after u have 30 mins

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store