W
Avira Phantom VPN vs Hotspot Shield
Pricing, features, platforms and who each one suits — side by side.
A
Choose Avira Phantom VPN if…
- you're in its core audience: travelers, public wi-fi users
H
Choose Hotspot Shield if…
- you work on Chrome
- you're in its core audience: streamers, gamers
Side by side
Feature Avira Phantom VPN Hotspot Shield
Pricing modelFreemiumFreemium
Starting price——
Free plan
Free trial
API
Open source
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Android, iOSWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome
CompanyAviraAnchorfree, LLC
Full feature lists
A Avira Phantom VPN
- AES-256 encryption of web traffic
- Virtual IP address that changes with each connection
- Selectable virtual server locations
- 500 MB free data per month
- Unlimited data on Pro plan
- Kill switch in Pro for Windows
- No-logs policy
H Hotspot Shield
- Proprietary Hydra VPN protocol
- 115+ virtual locations in 80+ countries
- Up to 10 devices per account
- No logs of data tied to users
- Supports streaming, gaming, downloading and P2P
- Apps for smart TVs and Chrome
- 45-day money-back guarantee on direct purchases
What you'd pay
The cheapest plan that fits, per month, billed yearly where the plan offers it.
Avira Phantom VPN
Phantom VPN FreeFree
Phantom VPN ProNot stated on page
Hotspot Shield
Freemium. Plan details aren't published.
Strengths and limitations
Avira Phantom VPN
- Free plan with 500 MB of data each month
- Apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS
- AES-256 encryption and a stated no-logs policy
- Refunds within 14 days on monthly plans and 60 days on annual plans
- Free plan is limited to 500 MB per month
- Kill switch only in Pro for Windows
- Not available for use inside India
- Pro price isn't shown in the page text
Hotspot Shield
- 45-day money-back guarantee on direct purchases
- One account covers 10 devices
- Servers in 80+ countries
- Free VPN download offered
- No pricing details on the home page
- Subscriptions renew automatically unless you turn it off
- Linux app not listed
More comparisons
Other options to consider
W
Freemium
T
TT
See site
P
PSwiss no-logs VPN with a free plan, 20,000+ servers and built-in ad blocking
Free, from $3.49/mo
P
Free, from $3.49/mo
P
Swiss no-logs VPN with a free plan, 20,000+ servers and built-in ad blocking
VPNFree planOpen source
B
BFree VPN app with optional Premium for streaming, gaming and private browsing
Free, from $6/mo
B
Free, from $6/mo
F
FFree VPN with unlimited traffic and no sign-up, plus a 100+ location Premium plan
Freemium
F
Freemium
F
Free VPN with unlimited traffic and no sign-up, plus a 100+ location Premium plan
VPNFree plan
T
TFree and premium VPN for streaming, gaming and private browsing on any device
Free, from $3.33/mo
T
Free, from $3.33/mo
Facts from each vendor's public pages. Editorial policy