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ExpressVPN vs Hotspot Shield
Pricing, features, platforms and who each one suits — side by side.
E
Choose ExpressVPN if…
- you work on Linux
- you're in its core audience: privacy-conscious individuals, frequent travelers
H
Choose Hotspot Shield if…
- you want a free plan to start with
- you're in its core audience: streamers, gamers
Side by side
Feature ExpressVPN Hotspot Shield
Pricing modelPaidFreemium
Starting price——
Free plan
Free trial
API
Open source
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome
CompanyExpressVPNAnchorfree, LLC
Full feature lists
E ExpressVPN
- Servers in 113 countries
- Lightway protocol with post-quantum protection
- AES-256 encryption and RAM-only TrustedServer technology
- Internet kill switch and split tunneling
- Private encrypted DNS
- Ad, tracker and malicious site blocking
- Optional dedicated IP
- Up to 14 simultaneous devices
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
Their home pages
What each vendor shows first: the pitch, the plans and the sign-up.
ExpressVPN · expressvpn.com
Hotspot Shield · hotspotshield.comWhat you'd pay
The cheapest plan that fits, per month, billed yearly where the plan offers it.
ExpressVPN
Basic€2.49/mo (€69.72 for first 28 months, then €79.95/year)
Advanced€3.99/mo (€111.72 for first 28 months, then €109.95/year)
Express Pro€6.49/mo (€181.72 for first 28 months, then €179.95/year)
Hotspot Shield
Freemium. Plan details aren't published.
Strengths and limitations
ExpressVPN
- Apps for desktop, mobile, TV, routers and browsers
- 30-day money-back guarantee for new users
- 24/7 live chat support
- Higher plans bundle a password manager, email aliases and eSIM data
- No free plan
- Advertised low prices apply only to the first 28 months, after which the plan renews at a higher annual rate
- Dedicated IP is a paid add-on unless you're on Express Pro
- Teams plans require at least 5 licenses
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
N
From $2.99/mo
S
SS
Paid
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
P
Open-source VPN with unlimited devices, no-logs policy and servers in 113 countries
From $2.03/mo
P
From $2.03/mo
P
Open-source VPN with unlimited devices, no-logs policy and servers in 113 countries
VPNOpen source
C
C
Paid
I
II
See site
Facts from each vendor's public pages. Editorial policy