Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ProtonVPN outperforms Hola VPN on key fronts. Boasting a higher overall rating (80.8% vs 66.6%), it holds a significant edge in data privacy with a no-logging policy and the bonus of a kill switch. Furthermore, ProtonVPN presents a transparent 30-day money-back guarantee, surpassing Hola VPN’s 14-day promise, making it a more user-oriented 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: Proton VPN vs Hola VPN
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | Hola VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | Israel |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $1.49/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $7.49 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 14 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPsec, L2TP, and PPTP |
| Servers | 2,970 | (not stated) |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 41 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | |
| 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: Tie
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and Hola VPN are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while Hola VPN cheapest 36-month plan starts at $1.49/mo. These VPNs exemplify the possibility of obtaining superior online security and privacy without a significant financial outlay. Both services highlight that accessing top-tier VPN features can indeed be budget-friendly
Jurisdiction: Tie
Proton VPN and Hola VPN both offer the distinct advantage of operating outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with Proton VPN based in the privacy-conscious environment of Switzerland and Hola VPN in the non-alliance territory of Israel. Their non-14-Eyes bases ensure a higher degree of privacy from global surveillance networks.
The Impact of the 14-Eye Alliance on VPN Services
Originating from the Five-Eyes and expanding to Nine-Eyes, the 14-Eyes Alliance encompasses a broad group of countries, including powerhouses like the US, UK, and various European nations. VPN providers in these countries might face legal pressures to hand over user information, contradicting their no-logs claims. By choosing a VPN service like Proton VPN or Hola VPN, both located outside these surveillance-intensive areas, users gain an extra layer of security against potential government interceptions and data monitoring, making them a preferred choice for users who value their digital privacy and security.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
Proton VPN and Hola VPN are both noteworthy for their extensive networks. With Proton VPN, users benefit from an expansive server network, facilitating connections from 68 countries and ensuring a smooth and speedy online experience. Hola VPN mirrors this capability, boasting a sizeable server fleet of (not stated) servers spread over 41 countries.
The broad reach of both Proton VPN and Hola VPN means that they are capable of providing dependable and swift connections for users globally, making them top contenders for those in search of a VPN with extensive worldwide coverage.
No Logging Policy: Proton VPN Better
The privacy policies of Proton VPN and Hola VPN present a clear dichotomy. Proton VPN stands out by not only maintaining a strict no-logging policy but also reinforcing this commitment through regular audits conducted by Deloitte. These audits serve as validation of Proton VPN’s dedication to preserving user privacy.
In contrast, Hola VPN, despite offering a range of features and being headquartered in Israel, does not adhere to a no-logging policy. This implies that it might retain certain records of user activities, a matter of considerable concern for individuals who prioritize anonymity and data security.
For users who prioritize robust privacy standards and seek external verification of security claims, these distinctions may prove pivotal in selecting the most suitable VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: Proton VPN Better
Proton VPN extends a reassuring 30-day money-back guarantee to its users, providing a substantial period for a full assessment of its services. Hola VPN, on the other hand, opts for a more condensed money-back guarantee period. While this shorter timeframe does offer a window for service evaluation, it might be a point to consider for users who are looking for a longer duration to thoroughly test the VPN’s fit with their needs.
Kill Switch Feature: Proton VPN Better
Proton VPN provides users with this essential security feature, which automatically disconnects the internet connection if the VPN drops, ensuring your data remains protected. Conversely, Hola VPN, lacking a kill switch, might pose a risk for users who require uninterrupted protection, especially in unstable network environments. This contrast in security offerings is vital for users who prioritize their online privacy and data security.
Bottomline
In conclusion, both Proton VPN and Hola VPN offer reliable services and beneficial features, but they differ significantly in some aspects. With its stricter privacy policy and security features such as kill switch, Proton VPN stands out, especially for users prioritizing privacy. However, users’ choice will ultimately depend on their specific needs, budget, and preference for service aspects like jurisdiction, server count, and geographical coverage.
About Proton VPN & 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.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company renowned for their secure email service – Proton Mail.
Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Switzerland. The VPN service currently has 2,970 servers in 68 countries. Although ProtonVPN owns and operates some of its servers, the majority are operated by ASNs such as Datacamp Limited. The service is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ChromeOS and can be used on smartphones, personal computers, and even installed on a wireless router.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN services available in the market. It utilizes OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company. In October 2022, Proton VPN released their Stealth Protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic.
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review.