Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
In comparing ZoogVPN and Hotspot Shield, several key differences emerge. ZoogVPN, based in Greece, offers a no-logging policy and unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a good choice for users prioritizing privacy and extensive connectivity. It also offers a cheaper price point at $1.99/mo for a 12-month subscription, compared to Hotspot Shield’s $7.99/mo. However, Hotspot Shield, based in the United States, provides a more extensive server network with 3,200 servers across 80 countries, potentially offering better speed performance and geographic reach. It also provides a longer money-back guarantee period of 45 days, compared to ZoogVPN’s 7 days. Both VPNs support AES-256 encryption and 24/7 live chat customer support. Considering these factors, ZoogVPN might be a better choice for users prioritizing privacy and cost, while Hotspot Shield might appeal more to users seeking extensive server coverage and a longer trial period.
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: ZoogVPN vs Hotspot Shield
| VPN Company | ZoogVPN | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Greece | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $1.99/mo over 12-month subscription | $7.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $12.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 7 days | 45 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | IKEv2/IPSec, Open VPN, and TLS VPN | Hydra, IPSec, and OpenVPN |
| Servers | 71 | 3,200 |
| Servers Countries | 42 | 80 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Partially |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | No |
| Split Tunneling | No | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | 0 |
| 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: ZoogVPN Better
While ZoogVPN positions itself as an affordable option at just $1.99/mo (annual subscription), Hotspot Shield sets its price higher at $7.99/mo. The higher price at Hotspot Shield requires a deeper examination of value for money. What does Hotspot Shield offer to validate this higher cost? With features like military-grade encryption (AES-256), comprehensive 24/7 Live Chat support, and an extensive network of 3,200 servers across 80 countries, Hotspot Shield certainly makes a strong case. However, these offerings stand in comparison to ZoogVPN’s capabilities. This disparity in pricing leads to a pivotal consideration for consumers: assessing individual preferences and determining if Hotspot Shield’s unique features align with their specific VPN requirements.
Hotspot Shield Plans
ZoogVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: ZoogVPN Better
The jurisdiction of their VPN provider is a critical consideration for those who prioritize online privacy. Hotspot Shield’s HQ is based in United States, a 14-Eye country; ZoogVPN’s on the other hand is based in Greece.
Bound by the stringent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union, Greece provides a robust framework for data protection. And, being a country outside of the 14-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, Greece is less likely to share surveillance data with other countries. In contrast, United States, a country within the 14-Eyes Alliance, have more invasive surveillance programs and data-sharing agreements, potentially compromising individual privacy to a greater extent.
Understanding the 14-Eyes Alliance and Its Privacy Implications
The 14-Eyes Alliance, an expansion of the Five- and Nine-Eyes intelligence collaborations, includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and several European nations. These member states are known for their extensive surveillance activities, as highlighted by disclosures from figures like Edward Snowden (watch video below). Such surveillance extends to the sharing of collected data among member countries.
The presence of a VPN provider in a 14-Eyes country could mean legal obligations to surrender user data to government entities, with the potential for this data to circulate among the alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security, particularly with the push for encryption backdoors.
In result, Greece-base ZoogVPN ffers a lower risk of government-led surveillance and is likely the better choice in term of data privacy and security.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Hotspot Shield Better
The server fleet size of ZoogVPN and Hotspot Shield is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. Hotspot Shield stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 3,200 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection. In contrast, ZoogVPN operates with a much smaller server fleet, consisting of just 71 servers in 42 countries.
The difference in server counts between the two VPNs might affect the performance and speed – especially if you are located in less covered regions. For users living in regions with fewer or no servers from ZoogVPN, this translate to higher latency (slower connection speeds). Also, the vast server network of Hotspot Shield not only provides better speed performance, but also typically allows for broader geographic reach (ie. bypassing geo-restrictions in streaming platforms).
No Logging Policy: ZoogVPN Better
The privacy policies of ZoogVPN and Hotspot Shield reveal a stark contrast.
ZoogVPN’s commitment to user privacy is reflected in its strict no-log policy. This policy is a critical feature for ensuring privacy, as it means the VPN service does not keep logs of user activities, including browsing history, IP addresses, and session times on their servers. The only data it does store is the user’s email address and bandwidth usage, which is a common practice for most VPN services.
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.
If you value rigorous privacy standards and external validation of security claims, this can be a deal-breaker between the two VPN providers.
Money Back Guarantee: Hotspot Shield Better
When comparing their customer refund policy – Hotspot Shield offers a substantial sense of security with a 45-day money-back guarantee. This allows you plenty of time to evaluate Hotspot Shield’s features and customer supports before jumping in long term.
Conversely, ZoogVPN proposes a much shorter duration (7 days) for its money-back guarantee. Although this briefer period still presents a chance to test the service, it could be a factor for users who prefer an extended trial to thoroughly try out the VPN services for their specific requirements.
Simultaneous Connections: ZoogVPN Better
Hotspot Shield permits users to connect up to 10 devices at the same time – which is a relative small number compare to market average. In contrast, ZoogVPN 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 Hotspot Shield.
Bottomline
In conclusion, ZoogVPN and Hotspot Shield both offer unique features and benefits that cater to various user needs. Users who prioritize cost-effectiveness and a no-logging policy might lean towards ZoogVPN, while those who value extensive server networks and a longer money-back guarantee might find Hotspot Shield more appealing.
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 ourZoogVPN 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 ZoogVPN & 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.
ZoogVPN
ZoogVPN is a virtual private network company that was established in 2013 by Zoog Services IKE company. The company is headquartered in Patras, Greece; and they specialize in providing secure and private internet connections to their clients.
To learn more, read our ZoogVPN review.