trusted formAvast VPN vs Hotspot Shield | Several.com
Although we earn commissions from partners, we ensure unbiased evaluations. More on our 'How We Work' page

Avast VPN vs Hotspot Shield

Press [Add to Compare] to Edit, Add or Remove Vendors

Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Shared IP addresses
  • Optimized servers for streaming and P2P
  • DNS leak protection
  • 60-day free trial
Pros
  • Fast without compromising performance
  • Kill-switch feature is included
  • 24/7 customer support
Cons
  • Small server network
  • No monthly plans, only annual
  • No obfuscated servers
  • Split tunneling only on Android
  • Worrisome data logging history
Cons
  • Plans are expensive compared to other VPNs
  • Free VPN version is limited to 500MB per day
  • Bypasses US and UK Netflix only
Summary

Avast SecureLine VPN is a virtual private network service developed by Avast, a well-established cybersecurity company founded in 1988 and headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic. Launched in 2014, the VPN is designed to provide users with secure, encrypted internet connections, protecting their online activities from prying eyes. They offer AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch, ensuring data privacy. With servers in 34 countries, Avast SecureLine VPN supports streaming, torrenting, and multi-device connectivity for up to 10 devices. They feature Smart VPN Mode, which automatically adjusts settings based on user activity, and integrates seamlessly with Android TV. However, they lack router compatibility and obfuscated servers, which may be a drawback for advanced users. Customer feedback is good, with users praising their ease of use and strong encryption, but some noting limited server locations, lack of monthly plans, and the absence of advanced security features found in competitor VPNs. While not BBB accredited, Avast remains a reputable cybersecurity brand. With a 60-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, Avast SecureLine VPN provides an opportunity for users to explore their features.

Summary

​​Hotspot Shield, developed by Pango (formerly AnchorFree Inc.), is a prominent VPN service headquartered in Redwood City, California, with additional offices in Boston and Ukraine. Founded in 2005 by David Gorodyansky and Eugene Malobrodsky, the company has grown significantly, boasting over 3,200 servers across over 80 countries. This extensive server network allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and access region-locked content, enhancing privacy and security online. Hotspot Shield offers both free and premium plans. The free version includes limited server access and a daily data cap, while the premium version provides faster speeds, a broader server selection, and additional features like antivirus protection. A standout feature of Hotspot Shield is their proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, which aims to deliver enhanced speed and security compared to traditional VPN protocols. Despite their strengths, Hotspot Shield has faced criticism for not conducting third-party audits to verify their no-logging policy. However, they maintain a strict no-logging policy to protect user privacy. The service is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. As of December 31, 2024, Hotspot Shield will discontinue support for router-based VPN configurations.

Quick Stats
  • Price : Starts at $4.59 per month for a one-year subscription
  • Free Trial : 60-day free trial
  • Global Coverage : 34 countries
  • Customer Experience : Good
  • Number of Servers : 700+ servers
Quick Stats
  • Price : Free plan, then plans start at $9.99 per month
  • Free Trial : Available
  • Global Coverage : 80+ countries
  • Customer Experience : Fair
  • Number of Servers : 3200
Selling Points
  • Smart VPN mode
  • Automatic protection on public wifi
  • Android TV compatibility
  • Seamless integration with other Avast security products
Selling Points
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Free VPN version is available
  • Military-grade encryption
General Features & Perks
  • Allows Torrenting
  • Antivirus / Antimalware
  • Free Version
  • Integrated SSOs
  • Mobile App
  • Onion Over VPN Support
  • OpenVPN Support
  • Password Manager
  • Propriety Protocol
  • Streaming Support
  • WireGuard Support
General Features & Perks
  • Allows Torrenting
  • Antivirus / Antimalware
  • Free Version
  • Undisclosed
    Integrated SSOs
  • Mobile App
  • Onion Over VPN Support
  • OpenVPN Support
  • Password Manager
  • Undisclosed
    Propriety Protocol
  • Undisclosed
    Streaming Support
  • WireGuard Support
Security Measures
  • 256-bit AES Encryption
  • Dedicated IP Servers
  • Kill-Switch
  • RAM-Only Servers
  • Split Tunneling
  • Two-Factor Authentication
  • Warrant Canary
  • Zero-Logging-Policy
Security Measures
  • 256-bit AES Encryption
  • Dedicated IP Servers
  • Kill-Switch
  • Undisclosed
    RAM-Only Servers
  • Split Tunneling
  • Undisclosed
    Two-Factor Authentication
  • Warrant Canary
  • Zero-Logging-Policy
Privacy Features
  • Actionable Password Strength Report
  • Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
  • Dark Web Scanning
  • Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
  • Mobile App PIN Unlock
  • Obfuscated Servers
  • Secure Password Sharing
Privacy Features
  • Actionable Password Strength Report
  • Undisclosed
    Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
  • Dark Web Scanning
  • Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
  • Undisclosed
    Mobile App PIN Unlock
  • Undisclosed
    Obfuscated Servers
  • Undisclosed
    Secure Password Sharing
Device Compatibility
  • Android
  • Browser Plugins
  • ChromeOS
  • Fire OS
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Routers
  • Streaming Devices
  • Windows
Device Compatibility
  • Android
  • Undisclosed
    Browser Plugins
  • Undisclosed
    ChromeOS
  • Fire OS
  • iOS
  • Linux
  • macOS
  • Routers
  • Undisclosed
    Streaming Devices
  • Windows
Customer Service
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone
  • Social Media
  • Ticket
Customer Service
  • Email
  • Undisclosed
    FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Undisclosed
    Phone
  • Social Media
  • Undisclosed
    Ticket