How to Cancel Betternet: Step-by-Step Guide

What is Betternet

Betternet is a consumer VPN service that offers a freemium app and a paid Premium tier for desktop and mobile devices. The free tier is ad-supported with daily bandwidth limits, while Premium expands server choice, removes ads, and allows multiple-device connections. First, note that Betternet publishes both monthly and annual subscription options and a 7-day trial on some monthly offers; the company also states a 45-day refund guarantee for eligible purchases.

Next, purchase route matters: Betternet lists direct purchases and purchases made through app marketplaces as distinct billing routes; each route can affect auto-renewal handling and refund responsibility. The company also identifies third-party processors (for example, app stores) as the authority for certain refunds and cancellations.

Prices vary by marketplace and region; app-store listings sometimes show different A$ amounts for in-app purchases. Use the table above as a comparative reference rather than an absolute.

Customer experience with Betternet

What users report

Users on review platforms describe a mix of experiences. Positive notes focus on the free tier being simple to use and the VPN offering basic privacy features.

Negative feedback commonly mentions app instability, surprising auto-renewal charges, and friction when arranging refunds for marketplace purchases. One Trustpilot review summed up a cancellation complaint as: "Terrible service and hard process to cancel." Other reports on forums describe delays or denials when a refund request is routed through an app marketplace rather than the developer.

Recurring issues and practical takeaways

First, users repeatedly note that where the payment was made (direct vs app marketplace) determines who processes refunds and how quickly they happen. If the charge originated via an app marketplace, the marketplace's rules and time windows usually apply.

Next, several reviewers flagged problems with unexpected renewals and the difficulty of proving the original purchase details needed to support a refund claim; keeping order numbers and receipts is essential. Some users reported successful refunds when they supplied the marketplace order reference or the developer invoice number.

How cancellations and refunds typically work for Betternet

Most importantly, Betternet separates refunds by purchase route: direct payments may be handled by the company (AnchorFree), while purchases made through Apple, Google Play, or other marketplaces are subject to those processors' rules. This split affects eligibility, timelines, and the documentation needed.

Cooling-off and refund windows: Betternet advertises a 45-day money-back guarantee for eligible Premium purchases. App marketplaces often have shorter automatic windows (for example, Google Play's 48-hour window is referenced by the provider), so the effective route and timing of a refund request matter.

Auto-renewal and billing cycle impact: Subscriptions auto-renew at the end of the paid term unless auto-renewal is disabled according to the payment route. A renewal charge usually creates a new billing period; refunds for recently renewed charges may be treated differently depending on the date and the vendor policy. Keep the renewal date and the last charge timestamp visible in your records.

Proration and access after cancellation: Betternet’s terms indicate that cancelling an auto-renewal does not necessarily remove access immediately; access commonly continues until the paid period ends. If a refund is granted for an unused portion, the provider or payment processor will process the reimbursement according to their policy.

Documentation checklist

• Purchase evidence: receipt, order number, or invoice showing date and amount.
• Payment route: record whether the purchase was direct or via an app marketplace.
• Account identifiers: account email, Premium access code, or device purchase record if supplied.
• Charge details: transaction ID and the exact date/time of the renewal charge.
• Correspondence log: short notes of dates and topics of any communications you opened with support or marketplace teams.

Keep electronic copies and screenshots; these are the items most commonly requested when a refund or dispute is reviewed.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• 1. Missing order number: Without order or GPA/Apple order IDs, processing can be delayed. Always retain the marketplace order reference if one exists.
• 2. Assuming cancellation auto-refunds: Stopping auto-renewal is not the same as getting a refund for already charged periods; timing matters.
• 3. Relying on a single channel of proof: Provide both a receipt and a screenshot of the charge on your bank statement when possible.
• 4. Waiting too long to act: Marketplace refund windows can be much shorter than a developer’s stated guarantee; act quickly if you intend to dispute a recent charge.
• 5. Confusing free vs Premium entitlements: Some features are restricted to Premium accounts; cancelling will not retroactively change feature access for the paid period already used.

Billing route differences and their practical consequences for Betternet

First, direct purchase vs marketplace purchase creates practical differences: direct payments may be managed by the developer's processor and can follow the developer's 45-day policy, while marketplace purchases are governed by platform rules and timelines.

Next, dispute and chargeback considerations: If a refund request is refused and you believe the charge breaches consumer guarantees, you can consider escalating through the payment provider or your bank's dispute process. Be aware that banks and processors have strict time windows for chargebacks; documentation from the checklist above will be required.

Relevant consumer rights tied to Betternet purchases

Consumer guarantees apply to digital subscriptions and services; if Betternet fails to provide the service as described or there is a major failure, remedies including repair, replacement, or refund may be available under Australian consumer law. These rights exist independently of any developer refund policy.

Keep it short: if the service is materially different from the advertising or the app is not reasonably fit for purpose on compatible devices, this may strengthen a claim under consumer guarantees. Document the problem clearly and use the checklist above when seeking redress.

Address

• Address: P.O. Box 222455 Chantilly, Virginia 20153-2455 United States

Practical dispute and chargeback guidance

First, treat chargebacks as a last resort after gathering the documentation checklist and attempting to resolve the matter through the relevant payment route. Chargebacks carry time limits and procedural requirements that vary by card issuer and payment method.

Next, when preparing a formal payment dispute, export clear copies of transaction records and any marketplace order references. Provide a concise timeline of events and, if applicable, show why the service did not meet the description or failed to perform as promised. This is the information dispute teams prioritise.

What to expect after a cancellation or refund request for Betternet

Most importantly, expect timelines to depend on the payment route: developer-processed refunds may take several business days to post, while marketplace refunds follow the platform’s processing cadence. Keep monitoring your statements for the exact posting date.

Access and data: cancelling or securing a refund does not necessarily erase account data or local app files. If preserving a configuration or logs matters, export or save them before actions that remove access. Betternet’s Premium features generally remain available through the paid period unless otherwise specified.

Confirmation and follow-up: expect a confirmation mechanism from whichever party processed the refund; if follow-up is needed, rely on the documentation checklist and the transaction reference provided.

What to do after cancelling Betternet

First, reconcile your bank and card statements for at least two billing cycles to confirm there are no unexpected charges or duplicate renewals. Record the final transaction date and any refund posting date.

Next, if a refund was granted, verify the amount and whether it covers the full charged period or a prorated portion; note the refund reference for future proof. If a refund was denied and you believe consumer guarantees apply, consider lodging a formal complaint with the relevant consumer authority and prepare your documentation for escalation.

Finally, keep short actionable records of the dates you cancelled auto-renewal and the last billing event. These dates are the critical anchors when verifying refunds, filing complaints, or conducting a chargeback.