Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield are both high-end VPN services with extensive server networks. However, ExpressVPN, with its location in the British Virgin Islands, stringent no-logging policy, and integrated ad blocker, offers superior privacy protection and browsing experience. Despite Hotspot Shield’s larger server count and longer money-back guarantee, it falls short due to its United States jurisdiction and lack of a no-logging policy. Therefore, from a user’s perspective, ExpressVPN is the better choice.
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 Hotspot Shield
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $7.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $12.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | Hydra, IPSec, and OpenVPN |
| Servers | 3,000 | 3,200 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 80 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Partially |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
Both ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield positions themselves in the higher-end segment of the VPN market. Hotspot Shield’s cheapest 1-month plan starts at $7.99/mo; while ExpressVPN charges $6.67/mo and requires a 15-month commitment.
For your reference, based on our market research, the average cost of VPN is $3.56/mo with a commitment period of 21 months. You should consider whether the additional features and services offered by Hotspot Shield and ExpressVPN justify this higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
Jurisdiction: ExpressVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. ExpressVPN’s location in British Virgin Islands (BVI), free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over Hotspot Shield, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of United States. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, ExpressVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Comparing the two, ExpressVPN’s BVI base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in BVI gives ExpressVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
When it comes to server availability and geographic coverage, both ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield 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, Hotspot Shield operates a large fleet of servers, with 3,200 servers across 80 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 Hotspot Shield 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, Hotspot Shield, while offering a range of features and based in United States, 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: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield to customer satisfaction is clearly seen in their extensive money-back guarantees. These guarantees show the confidence each service has in its quality. It’s a no-risk offer. Users can try out each VPN’s features without worry. Explore Hotspot Shield’s server network in 80 countries, experience ExpressVPN’s ad blocking and Lightway protocol, and exaluate their technical support quality. All this can be done before making a long-term decision.
Ad Blocking Feature: ExpressVPN Better
A notable difference between ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield lies in their additional features – particularly ad blocking. ExpressVPN offers an integrated ad blocker, enhancing the browsing experience by eliminating unwanted ads and potentially harmful malware. On the other hand, Hotspot Shield does not come with an ad blocking feature, which might be a drawback for users who prioritize a clean and uninterrupted browsing experience.
Bottomline
After a thorough comparison, ExpressVPN stands out for its privacy advantages and additional features like ad-blocking, despite its higher cost. However, both VPN services offer extensive server coverage and strong encryption, making them reliable choices for security-conscious users.
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 Hotspot Shield 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 & Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield
Founded in 2008, Hotspot Shield is one of the more well-known VPN services. It was created by AnchorFree, Inc., and is currently part of Pango, a larger cybersecurity firm. Headquartered in the United States, Hotspot Shield is known for its high-speed connections and strong encryption. It offers a free version and a premium service, catering to a wide range of devices and platforms.
To learn more, read our Hotspot Shield 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.