Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN outranks Hotbot VPN with an overall score of 80.8% over the latter’s 49.3%. Proton VPN surpasses Hotbot VPN in key areas such as server count and geographical coverage, ability to unblock popular streaming platforms, and inclusion of ad-blocking features. From a user’s perspective, Proton VPN comes across as a more reliable, secure, and versatile choice for a VPN service.
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 Hotbot VPN
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | Hotbot VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | Seychelles |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $4.87/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $9.68 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec |
| Servers | 2,970 | 2,000 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 33 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | 6 devices |
| Works in China? | No | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | Submit ticket |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | – |
| 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 Hotbot VPN are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while Hotbot VPN cheapest 12-month plan starts at $4.87/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 Hotbot 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 Hotbot VPN in the non-alliance territory of Seychelles. 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 Hotbot 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: Proton VPN Better
The server fleet size of Proton VPN and Hotbot VPN is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. Proton VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 2,970 servers in 68 countries worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, Hotbot VPN maintains a more modest server presence, with only 2,000 servers across 33 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Hotbot VPN, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of Proton VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both Proton VPN and Hotbot VPN reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of Proton VPN to the advanced security protocols of Hotbot VPN – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Unblock Streaming Platforms: Proton VPN Better
One noteworthy distinction between Proton VPN and Hotbot VPN lies in their performance regarding the unblocking of popular streaming platforms. Proton VPN excels in this regard, consistently providing access to a wide range of streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Nord users can reliably enjoy their preferred shows and movies from various locations.
However, it’s important to note that Hotbot VPN encounters difficulties in this aspect. Despite having servers in 33 countries, the VPN struggles to consistently unblock major streaming platforms. This limitation is a crucial factor for users who prioritize access to streaming content and are seeking a VPN service that can effectively bypass geo-restrictions.
Ad Blocking Feature: Proton VPN Better
A significant differentiator between Proton VPN and Hotbot VPN lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. Proton VPN excels in this regard, consistently providing users with access to a broad spectrum of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Nord users can reliably enjoy their preferred shows and movies from virtually any location.
Conversely, Hotbot VPN faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 33 countries, the VPN frequently encounters difficulties in reliably unblocking major streaming platforms. This limitation is of paramount importance for users who prioritize seamless access to streaming content and are in search of a VPN service capable of effectively circumventing geo-restrictions.
Bottomline
Evidently, Proton VPN and Hotbot VPN offer unique features and benefits, with Proton VPN emerging superior in the aspects of server count, streaming platform accessibility, and ad-blocking. However, both services perform equally in terms of jurisdiction, plan pricing, and money-back policies. The ultimate decision lies with the user, balancing features against their particular needs and budget.
About Proton VPN & Hotbot VPN
Hotbot VPN
HotBot VPN, while its year of establishment and founders’ details are not widely publicized, is recognized for prioritizing user privacy and security. The service includes features such as AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy. HotBot VPN supports various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Based on our market study, the company’s headquarter is located in the Seychelles.
To learn more, read our Hotbot 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.