In the VPN business, there are numerous paths to success. To attract customers, many services innovate and provide new features. Others, on the other hand, don’t wander as often and instead seek to improve on the formula. Success isn’t really guaranteed no matter which path they take.
We’ll be comparing Hotspot Shield with ExpressVPN this time. Hotspot Shield is a VPN that is well-known for its fast connection speeds, free version, and general performance. Meanwhile, while ExpressVPN is more costly than the standard VPN, it excels in a variety of areas.
So, when you examine Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN closely, what other differences do you notice? Let us have a look.
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN: A Face Off!
| ExpressVPN | Hotspot Shield | |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot Rating: | 4.6 | 4.7 |
| Servers: | 3000+ servers in 94 countries | 1800+ servers in 80+ countries |
| Logs policy: | No logs | No logs |
| Pricing: | Starts from $8.32/month | Starts from $7.99/month |
| VPN protocols: | Lightway, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Catapult Hydra, IKEv2 |
| Streaming Compatibility: | Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, DAZN, Hotstar | Netflix, YouTube,BBC iPlayer |
| Platforms: | Linux, Windows, iOS, Firefox, Chrome, macOS, and Android | iOS, Linux, Windows, Mac, and Android |
| Simultaneous connections: | 5 devices | 5 devices |
| Support: | FAQs, knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support | knowledge base, email support, 24/7 live chat, FAQs |
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN speed test: Which is faster?
Because both VPN companies use proprietary tunneling protocols, the speed tests were very fascinating. Lightway is used by ExpressVPN, while Hydra is used by Hotspot Shield.
Let’s compare the speeds of both VPNs based on the formula: 100 Mbps download speed/100 Mbps upload speed to determine which is faster among the two:
| ExpressVPN | Hotspot Shield | |
| Lightway/Hydra | 85/72 Mbps | 86/65 Mbps |
| IKEv2 | 83/66 Mbps | 84/40 Mbps |
Both VPNs had similar speeds, with ExpressVPN having faster upload speeds and Hotspot Shield with quicker download speeds. Given that streaming 4K video requires only a 25 Mbps connection, both of these VPNs ought to be able to handle whatever you throw at them.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN streaming capabilities; Which one unblocks more platforms?
When it concerns to pure unblocking power, ExpressVPN comes out on top. It not only gave us access to a wide range of geo-restricted streaming services, but it also gave us access to nearly a dozen Netflix libraries.
This is a tough achievement, but one that more than a third of VPN users wish to accomplish because they want to circumvent geographical restrictions.
While Hotspot Shield didn’t perform as well as the top VPNs in terms of streaming, it did show that it is capable of competing with them. It only had difficulty with the most popular streaming providers, and it had no trouble unblocking moderately popular channels.
Hotspot Shield, in particular, can access several of the most popular Netflix libraries, something that few other VPNs can do.
Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!
Torrenting
Torrenting and P2P is another category where the two are nearly equal, but ExpressVPN takes the lead once more. The element that pushed it over the finish line this time was port forwarding.
Aside from that, both providers enable P2P traffic on their whole network of servers. Neither of them offers a SOCKS5 proxy, that would make them strong rivals for the best torrent VPN. Fortunately, both VPNs support split tunneling.
Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!
Features overview
Both VPNs offer an array of features to users. However, there are a few prominent ones that make the VPNs stand out. Let’s check them out:
Smart DNS
Smart DNS is great for unblocking platforms on devices that do not natively support VPN connections.
Hotspot Shield lacks the Smart DNS functionality, which would put it on line with other excellent VPNs for streaming. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN offers a feature called MediaStreamer that allows the VPN to unblock material on a variety of services.
Split tunneling
Both VPNs were found to offer a robust split tunneling feature that you can use to divide apps and sites among the ones that you want the VPN connection on, and the ones on which you don’t.
When using Hotspot Shield, you’ll see a function called SmartVPN, which is similar to split tunneling. Surprisingly, the VPN allows you to choose not only apps but also websites, which is extremely convenient.
Malware Blocking
When you’re about to visit an infected website, Hotspot Shield informs you, keeping you from falling prey to phishing scams or malware. However, sadly, ExpressVPN offers no such feature.
Cybersecurity suite
You will get more than just a VPN when you buy Hotspot Shield Premium. The list is as follows:
- Aura antivirus – The Premium subscription offers an antivirus with real-time security. However, keep in mind that it is only compatible with Windows and Mac.
- 1Password – It is a password manager that automates the completion of internet forms and passwords. It’s one of the most secure and effective password managers on the market. It comes with 1 GB of document storage.
- Spam-call blocker (Robo Shield) – This is an Android and iOS feature that flags calls coming from unknown numbers as spam.
Final Result: Hotspot Shield is the Winner!
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN security: which is more safe?
In terms of security, the two are not on same footing. But there are some typical details that come up, so let’s start there.
Encryption and tunneling protocols
ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway tunneling protocol, which is geared for security, speed, and stability, is the company’s key selling point. Users can also connect via OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, or use the oldest L2TP protocol.
Hotspot Shield, on the other hand, only allows you to use IKEv2 or its own Hydra protocol. Hydra, according to the company, helps you to connect faster and provides faster long-distance connections than OpenVPN.
Both services use 256-bit AES encryption, which is so strong that this would take an attacker decades to crack without the precise decryption key. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, employs 4096-bit RSA keys, which are twice as lengthy as Hotspot Shield’s.
While neither is particularly vulnerable to cracking, the increased length makes brute force attacks on ExpressVPN’s keys more difficult.
Logging
As for the Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN logging policies, neither service saves any information that could be used to identify you. Hotspot Shield does maintain session duration data and a log of the websites you visit, but it does so in such a way that nothing can be traced back to a single user.
ExpressVPN stores only the minimal connection logs, which include the time and date of your connection. None of this information, however, may be used to identify you.
Kill Switch
Each of these VPNs has a kill switch that prevents data from being sent if your connection is lost. This way, you’ll never browse without protection even by accident. Furthermore, they both encrypt your information in specific techniques.
Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!
Plans pricing
| Prices and Plans | ExpressVPN | Hotspot Shield |
| Periods | 1 month | Basic |
| 6 months | Premium | |
| 1 year | Premium Family | |
| Special offers and discounts | 35% off on 1 year plan | 38% off on the Premium plan |
| Lowest price per month | $8.32/month | $7.99/month |
| Highest price per month | $12.95/mo | $11.99/mo |
Hotspot Shield has fewer price choices, but it is one notch less expensive, and the plans are divided into tiers that incorporate additional protection software. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN is more expensive but offers more plans and payment alternatives.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
China and countries with restricted internet access
ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield both allow you to bypass the restrictions and freely browse the internet in China.
The best part is that, unlike many other VPNs, ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield don’t require you to do anything special in order to surf safely in the country.
Due to the fact that both services’ websites are now restricted, you’ll have to install them before visiting China. However, while you might not be able to access Hotspot Shield within the country at all, ExpressVPN does offer a mirror site that allows Chinese users to install the VPN from inside the country.
It’s also a good idea to save the manual setup instructions in case you need to troubleshoot after you arrive.
Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!
Server locations
The server infrastructure of these VPNs share a lot of similarities. ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers and 94 countries to choose from, whereas Hotspot Shield has 1800+ servers and 85+ countries. With such a huge number of servers, it’s not unexpected that neither of them owns the entire fleet.
However, ExpressVPN has one card up its sleeve that could resolve the dispute. That’s TrustedServer technology, meaning means their servers run entirely on RAM and don’t save any data on hard drives. When using ExpressVPN, this is a huge privacy plus.
Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN device compatibility: Interface & Ease of Use
| Hotspot Shield | ExpressVPN | |
| OS supported | Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android | Mac, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Android |
| Other devices and operating systems | Fire TVs & Android TVs | Kodi, Android TVs, and Fire TV devices |
| Browser extensions | Chrome | Chrome, Edge, & Firefox |
| Simultaneous connections | Five | Five |
Now that we’re almost at the end, let’s review the apps of bith VPNs on all major operating systems and decide which is better: Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN.
Desktop apps
Both VPNs come with easy-to-use desktop applications. On the main interface, ExpressVPN has a huge quick-connect button and a server list that is divided into categories. Users can look at recommended servers or all of the locations on a specific continent.
The settings menu is similarly divided into tabs and provides straightforward descriptions. This keeps things clutter-free and straightforward enough for almost anyone to understand.
The desktop interface for Hotspot Shield is similar, but it organizes its servers alphabetically, with the UK and US servers appearing first. There’s also a fast access option with your two most often visited locations.
You can also search for your preferred country directly if you like. The settings are well-organized, and it’s simple to figure out what they do. Even better, you may start a live chat conversation right from the support tab.
Mobile apps
ExpressVPN has done an excellent job of ensuring a similar user experience throughout all of its apps. In fact, the mobile version is nearly identical to the desktop one.
The only noticeable change is in the settings menu, which lacks some functionality (such as using only ExpressVPN’s DNS servers). It’s worth noting, though, that a full array of security protections is still available.
The mobile app for Hotspot Shield is actually more entertaining to use than the PC version. This is because it removes the majority of the clutter from the sidebar, making it far easier to discover what you need.
It also enables you to connect to the internet or access settings right from the home screen. For what it’s worth, the options haven’t changed much; the only distinction is that you can’t choose which protocol to use manually anymore.
Final Result: It’s a Tie!
Customer support
Both VPNs offer email and live chat service 24/7. Hotspot Shield, on the other hand, only provides this service to premium subscribers. Instead, this VPN advises free users to search the extensive knowledge library for answers.
ExpressVPN has a searchable library of FAQs as well as a YouTube channel with video tutorials.
In general, live chat is the best option if you need assistance. This option, however, may not always be available, for example, if you’re travelling in China.
Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN – The Winner?
ExpressVPN is the winner of our Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN comparison! This service, while slightly slower, provides access to a larger number of countries and unblocks a considerably wider of streaming platforms.
It also has a long list of security and privacy features, including the possibility to register anonymously with Bitcoin, which Hotspot Shield does not.
ExpressVPN is a good alternative if you want to browse without being tracked by the government or simply stream Netflix from another country.
FAQs
Is ExpressVPN worth the money?
ExpressVPN a fantastic VPN. You won’t find a suitable all-around VPN if money isn’t a factor. ExpressVPN excels in all areas, including security, speed, unblocking geo-restricted websites, circumventing censorship, and customer service.
It’s something we’d suggest to everybody, from newcomers to seasoned VPN users.
Is ExpressVPN better than Hotspot Shield?
Yes, ExpressVPN is better and faster than Hotspot Shield. If speed is crucial to you, we suggest checking out ExpressVPN.