P
PSwiss no-logs VPN with a free plan, 20,000+ servers and built-in ad blocking
Free, from $3.49/mo
FreeVPNPlanet vs Hotspot Shield
Pricing, features, platforms and who each one suits — side by side.
F
Choose FreeVPNPlanet if…
- you work on Linux
- you're in its core audience: users wanting a free vpn, travelers
H
Choose Hotspot Shield if…
- you're in its core audience: streamers, gamers
Side by side
Feature FreeVPNPlanet Hotspot Shield
Pricing modelFreemiumFreemium
Starting price——
Free plan
Free trial
API
Open source
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome
CompanyFREE VPN PLANET S.R.LAnchorfree, LLC
Full feature lists
F FreeVPNPlanet
- Free plan with unlimited traffic, time and bandwidth
- No registration needed to connect
- 256-bit encryption with OpenVPN, IKEv2 and StarGuard
- Kill switch and DNS/IP/WebRTC leak protection
- RAM-only servers and strict no-logs policy
- Double VPN and Onion-over-VPN servers (Premium)
- Split tunneling and browser smart filters (Premium)
- Router and OpenVPN config support
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.
FreeVPNPlanet · freevpnplanet.com
Hotspot Shield · hotspotshield.comWhat you'd pay
The cheapest plan that fits, per month, billed yearly where the plan offers it.
FreeVPNPlanet
FreeFree
Premium (1 month)€9.99/mo
Premium (1 year)€3.99/mo, billed €47.88 once
Premium (4 years)€1.99/mo, billed €95.52 once
Hotspot Shield
Freemium. Plan details aren't published.
Strengths and limitations
FreeVPNPlanet
- Free plan has no traffic, bandwidth or time limits
- No sign-up or personal data required for the free version
- Premium covers up to 10 devices
- 14-day full refund on Premium
- Free plan limited to 6 locations in 5 countries
- Free version shows ads
- P2P, streaming and split tunneling require Premium
- Pricing listed in EUR
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
PP
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
W
W
Freemium
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
B
BFree VPN app with optional Premium for streaming, gaming and private browsing
Free, from $6/mo
B
Free, from $6/mo
A
A
Freemium
A
Free VPN with 500 MB monthly data for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS users
VPNFree plan
T
TT
See site
Facts from each vendor's public pages. Editorial policy