Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and Hola VPN are evaluated based on various factors including privacy, pricing, and usability. ExpressVPN, headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, scores higher at 77.9% compared to Hola VPN’s 66.6%. While Hola VPN offers a more affordable service, ExpressVPN stands out with its strict no-logging policy, larger server network, and longer money-back guarantee period. From a user’s perspective, ExpressVPN appears to be the better choice due to its superior privacy measures and extensive server coverage.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs Hola VPN
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | Hola VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Israel |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $1.49/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $7.49 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 14 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | IKEv2/IPsec, L2TP, and PPTP |
| Servers | 3,000 | (not stated) |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 41 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | |
| Android App | Yes | No |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Hola VPN Better
Hola VPN presents an appealing price point at $1.49/mo, while ExpressVPN opts for a premium pricing strategy, starting at $6.67/mo for their 15-month subscription plan. This leads to an intriguing evaluation of the additional value ExpressVPN offers. Boasting military-grade encryption (AES-256, and ChaCha20), 24×7 live chat support, and a global network of 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, ExpressVPN aims to justify its higher cost.
Yet, when compared to the offerings of Hola VPN, the question remains: do these enhanced features of ExpressVPN align with the specific needs and preferences of users seeking a premium VPN experience? This is something you’ll need to consider when comparing the two.
Jurisdiction: Tie
Both ExpressVPN and Hola VPN offer the significant advantage of being based outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with ExpressVPN in British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Hola VPN in Israel. Operating from these locations, they stand apart from the reach of the extensive surveillance network that characterizes the 14-Eyes countries.
Understanding the 14-Eye Alliance and Its Significance
The 14-Eyes Alliance represents an expanded framework of intelligence sharing, evolving from the original Five-Eyes and subsequently Nine-Eyes alliances. This coalition encompasses countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and various European nations. VPN providers situated within these countries are potentially subject to legal obligations which may conflict with user privacy. Such obligations could entail surrendering user data, including logs, under government demand.
This is a crucial consideration, especially in cases where VPN services claim a no-logs policy. Choosing a VPN like ExpressVPN or Hola VPN, both located outside these surveillance-heavy jurisdictions, can offer an added layer of privacy and security for users concerned about governmental data requests and monitoring.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
When it comes to server availability and geographic coverage, both ExpressVPN and Hola VPN stand out with their impressive reach.
ExpressVPN, known for its expansive server network (3,000 servers in 94 countries), ensures users can connect from virtually anywhere, offering seamless access and speed. Similarly, Hola VPN operates a large fleet of servers, with (not stated) servers across 41 countries.
This widespread coverage by both services guarantees reliable and fast connections, irrespective of your location, making them excellent choices for users seeking extensive worldwide access.
No Logging Policy: ExpressVPN Better
The privacy policies of ExpressVPN and Hola VPN reveal a stark contrast. ExpressVPN not only upholds a stringent no-logging policy, but also reinforces this commitment through regular audits by Cure53. These audits validate ExpressVPN’s adherence to its privacy claims, providing an added layer of trust and transparency.
On the other hand, Hola VPN, while offering a range of features and based in Israel, does not follow a no-logging policy. This means that it might keep some records of user activities – which can be a significant concern for those who prioritize anonymity and data security.
Users who value rigorous privacy standards and external validation of security claims may find these differences pivotal in choosing the right VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: ExpressVPN Better
ExpressVPN offers a substantial sense of security to its users through a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. This affords new users plenty of time to comprehensively evaluate its services.
Conversely, Hola VPN proposes a shorter duration for its money-back guarantee. Although this briefer period still presents a chance to test the service, it could be a factor for those users who favor an extended trial to thoroughly ascertain the VPN’s suitability for their specific requirements.
Kill Switch Feature: ExpressVPN Better
The presence of a kill switch in a VPN service is a critical factor for many users. ExpressVPN includes a kill switch feature, which automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks. In contrast, Hola VPN does not offer a kill switch. This could be a significant drawback for users who require an assurance of continuous privacy protection. While Hola VPN compensates with other features such as (not stated) servers spread across 41 countries and various support options like Email, the lack of a kill switch might deter users who prioritize uninterrupted security in their VPN service.
Bottomline
Based on our comprehensive review, ExpressVPN and Hola VPN both offer unique advantages with ExpressVPN leading in privacy and security features, while Hola VPN stands out for its cost-effectiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these two VPN services should align with the user’s specific needs and preferences, whether it’s stringent privacy, extensive server coverage, or budget-friendly pricing.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and Hola VPN comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & Hola VPN
Hola VPN
Hola VPN, founded in 2012 by Ofer Vilenski and Derry Shribman, is known for its unique peer-to-peer VPN service. Based in Israel, Hola offers both a free and a premium VPN service, focusing on providing easy access to a wide range of global content. It’s known for its user-friendly browser extension and compatibility with multiple platforms.
To learn more, read our Hola VPN review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.