Sustainable Substitutes for Big Tech VPN Services

Alternatives to Betternet and other VPNs that don't preserve user privacy.

  • Feasibility: How easily can the average user switch to this substitute? Higher feasibility results in a higher ranking.
  • Editor's Rating: How sustainable is the substitute? The more sustainability attributes it fulfils, the higher it is ranked.

IVPN

IVPN is a privacy-focused VPN service with a strict no-log policy and open-source transparency.

IVPN is ad-free, ensuring a cleaner and more private user experience.
IVPN’s client applications are open-source, ensuring transparency and community-driven development.
IVPN is based in Gibraltar, ensuring compliance with strong European privacy laws.
IVPN does not collect or log user activity or metadata, ensuring complete privacy and security.
No registration is required to use IVPN, anonymous payment options are also available.
IVPN offers subscriptions for one week, making event based subscriptions more affordable.
Website

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN is a privacy-focused VPN service with a strict no-log policy and open-source transparency.

Mullvad VPN is ad-free, ensuring a cleaner and more private user experience.
Mullvad VPN is open-source software, ensuring transparency and community-driven development.
Mullvad is based in Sweden, ensuring compliance with GDPR and strong privacy laws.
Mullvad does not collect or log user data, ensuring complete privacy and security.
Website
protonvpn logo

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused VPN service developed by Proton Technologies, with a strict no-log policy.

ProtonVPN is ad-free, ensuring a cleaner and more private user experience.
ProtonVPN clients are open-source software, ensuring transparency and community-driven development.
ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, ensuring compliance with strong European privacy laws.
ProtonVPN does not collect or log user activity or metadata, ensuring complete privacy and security.
ProtonVPN offers a free tier with strong privacy protections for all users.
ProtonVPN's free tier can be used in Guest Mode where no registration is required.
Website

NordVPN

NordVPN is a VPN service with strict no-log policies and servers in 40+ locations.

NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring no one traffic data can be sold, breached or analysed.
NordVPN is ad-free, ensuring a cleaner and more private user experience.
Website

How to move away from Big Tech VPN Services

Here's a guide on how to easily get away from Betternet, ExpressVPN and Private Relay.

It's pretty straight forward. Just check in advance whether the VPN service of your choice has all the features you need.

  • Does the designated VPN service have all the locations needed?
  • Does it support (anonymous) payment methods?
  • Does it offer short-/longterm subscription options?
  • Are there native apps for all operating systems in question?