Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Windscribe and Hotbot VPN both offer a variety of features, but they differ in key areas. Windscribe, based in Canada, scores higher overall with a rating of 57.5% compared to Hotbot VPN’s 49.3%. While Hotbot VPN, based in Seychelles, is more affordable with a monthly price of $9.68, Windscribe offers more features. These include a double VPN for added security, ad blocking, and the ability to unblock popular streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu. Both VPNs provide a no-logging policy and AES-256 encryption, but Windscribe also offers ChaCha20 encryption and more protocols. Windscribe allows unlimited simultaneous connections, compared to Hotbot VPN’s limit of six. Despite having fewer servers, Windscribe covers more countries. Both VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Given these factors, Windscribe is the better choice for users seeking comprehensive features and higher overall performance.
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: Windscribe vs Hotbot VPN
| VPN Company | Windscirbe | Hotbot VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Canada | Seychelles |
| Cheapest Price | $5.75/mo over 12-month subscription | $4.87/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.00 | $9.68 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec | IKEv2/IPSec |
| Servers | 120 | 2,000 |
| Servers Countries | 69 | 33 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 6 devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Unlikely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | No |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & 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: Hotbot VPN Better
Hotbot VPN positions itself as an affordable option. The VPN charges $9.68/mo for month-to-month contract and a much cheaper $4.87/mo for those who are willing to subscribe in long term.
In comparison, Windscribe sets its price higher at $12/mo for monthly subscribers and $4.87/mo for those who are willing to commit to a 12-month contract.
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 Windscribe justify the higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
Hotbot VPN Plans
Windscribe Plans
Jurisdiction: Hotbot VPN Better
The headquarters location of a VPN company is not just a geographical factor but a pivotal aspect that defines the legal framework within which a VPN operates.
Different countries have varying regulations regarding data retention, surveillance, and the extent to which government authorities can demand access to user data. For instance, companies based in countries that are part of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance might be legally obligated to collect and share user data with government agencies. Conversely, a VPN company headquartered in a country with strong privacy laws and no mandatory data retention requirements can offer greater assurances of user privacy and data security.
Based in Seychelles, Hotbot VPN offers a significant privacy edge over Windscribe. The country’s absence of mandatory data retention laws provides a stark contrast to the more invasive surveillance and data-sharing practices prevalent in the 14-Eyes countries (such as Canada – Windscribe’s HQ location).
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Hotbot VPN Better
The size of a VPN’s server fleet plays a crucial role in determining user experience. A larger fleet generally provides faster speeds, greater reliability, wider geographical coverage, lower latency, and potentially enhanced privacy. On the other hand, a smaller server fleet might lead to slower speeds, higher latency, limited content access, and potential privacy concerns.
In term of server counts, Hotbot VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 5,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In comparison, Windscribe maintains a more modest server presence, with only 120 servers across 69 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Windscribe, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of Hotbot VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Money Back Guarantee: Hotbot VPN Better
Hotbot VPN 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, Windscribe proposes a shorter duration (just 3 days!) 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.
* According to our market study, the average money-back guarantee period in the industry is approximately 25.68 days.
Simultaneous Connections: Windscribe Better
Hotbot VPN permits users to connect up to 6 devices at the same time – which is a relative small number compare to market average. In contrast, Windscribe offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection. It allows for a more flexible approach to securing online activity, without the need to prioritize which devices are protected.
For users with extensive connectivity needs, this difference in simultaneous connection capabilities might be a deciding factor in choosing Zoog over Hotbot VPN.
Unblock Streaming Platforms: Windscribe Better
A significant point of divergence between Windscribe and Hotbot VPN is their ability to unblock popular streaming platforms. Windscribe excels in this area, consistently unblocking a wide range of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Conversely, based on our research, Hotbot VPN struggles in this regard. Despite its 2,000 servers in 33 countries, the VPN provider does not reliably unblock major streaming platforms.
This limitation is a crucial consideration for users who prioritize entertainment and seek a VPN service that can bypass geo-restrictions on streaming content.
Double VPN Feature: Windscribe Better
Windscribe stands out with its double VPN feature, somethingHotbot VPN lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then Windscribe is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we studied, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Ad Blocking Feature: Windscribe Better
When comparing the two VPNs, ad blocking capabilities is a key distinction.Windscribe incorporates an ad blocker within its service, significantly improving the user’s browsing experience by filtering out intrusive advertisements and protecting against possible malware threats. Conversely, Hotbot VPN lacks an ad blocking function – which is a potential disadvantage for users who value a streamlined and ad-free online experience. This difference is crucial for users to evaluate based on their preferences for online safety and browsing convenience.
Bottomline
To sum up, Windscribe and Hotbot VPN have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you value privacy, affordability, and a wide range of servers, Hotbot VPN might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you need unlimited simultaneous connections, the ability to access popular streaming platforms, and extra security features like double VPN and ad blocking, Windscribe is likely the preferred option.
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 ourWindscribe and Hotbot 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 Windscribe & 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.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a cross-platform, commercial VPN provider based in Canada. The company was founded by Yegor Sak and Alex Paguis in 2016. It offers unlimited, simultaneous connections, and its privacy policy promotes the service as a no-log VPN. Windscribe is known for its exceptional commitment to social responsibility, particularly around issues of censorship in authoritarian regimes. For example, it provided expanded bandwidth free accounts to everyone affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Windscribe has also offered free and unlimited service to all journalists in the region, and subsequently combatting Russian blocks that aimed to render these efforts fruitless.
To learn more, read our Windscribe review.