Elegir lo correcto VPN can feel like trying to pick the fastest car in a race.
You want something reliable, secure, and blazing fast, right?
Well, two of the biggest names are going head-to-head in our ultimate showdown: ExpressVPN vs Hotspot Shield.
We’ll break down everything from speed and seguridad to price and features so you can decide which VPN is best for your needs.
Descripción general
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve rigorously tested both ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield across various categories.
We’ve examined their speeds, security features, streaming capabilities, and more to help you hacer una decisión informada.
Enjoy blazing-fast speeds, top-notch seguridad, and access to your favorite content.
Precios: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan starts at $4.99/month
Características principales:
- Túnel dividido
- Lightway Protocol
- TrustedServer Technology
Want blazing-fast speeds and encryption? Experience a secure internet connection.
Precios: A free plan is available. Plan starts at $7.99/month
Características principales:
- 80+ countries
- 10 device connections
- Malware protection
What is ExpressVPN?
Ever feel like someone’s watching you online?
ExpressVPN is like having a secret agent on your side.
It hides your online activity and makes it look like you’re browsing from a different location.
Pretty cool, right? Plus, it’s super easy to use.
Even your grandma could figure it out! They have apps for all your devices, and their customer support is top-notch.
If you ever have a pregunta, they’re there to help 24/7.
Además, explora nuestros favoritos Alternativas a ExpressVPN…
Nuestra opinión
ExpressVPN es popular porque es rápido, confiable y seguroEs una excelente VPN completa, pero es un poco cara en comparación con otras.
Beneficios clave
- Velocidades ultrarrápidas: Perfecto para streaming y descarga.
- Enorme red de servidores: Más de 3.000 servidores en 94 países.
- Fuerte seguridad: Utiliza encriptación AES-256 y tiene un interruptor de seguridad.
- Garantía de devolución de dinero de 30 días: Pruébelo sin riesgos.
Precios
- 2 años + 3 meses gratis: $4.99/mes
- 12 meses + 3 meses gratis: $6.67/mes.
- 1 mes: $12,95/mes.
Ventajas
Contras
What is Hotspot Shield?
Need to jump online without leaving a trace? Hotspot Shield has you covered.
It’s like a magic tunnel for your internet connection.
No one, not even your internet provider, can see what you’re doing.
Este VPN is super speedy and excellent for streaming your favorite shows without buffering.
Plus, it’s easy to use, even if you’re new to VPNs.
Además, explora nuestros favoritos Hotspot Shield alternatives…
Nuestra opinión
Want blazing-fast VPN speeds? Hotspot Shield boasts a network of over 3,200 servers in 80+ countries optimized for streaming and downloading.
Beneficios clave
- Fast and reliable connections: Their Catapult Hydra protocol is known for its speed.
- Wide server coverage: They have servers in 80+ countries.
- Fuertes características de seguridad: Military-grade encryption and a kill switch.
- Built-in malware protection: Helps you avoid malicious websites and downloads.
- Aplicaciones fáciles de usar: Easy to set up and use on any device.
Precios
- Plan gratuito: $0/mes
- Premium Plan: $7.99/month
Ventajas
Contras
Comparación de características
Let’s dive deep into the features that make these VPN services tick.
We’ll compare them head-to-head across key areas to see which VPN is better.
1. Speed and Performance
When you use a VPN, you don’t want it to slow down your internet.
In our speed test, ExpressVPN consistently delivered faster download speeds than Hotspot Shield.
ExpressVPN has a built-in speed test feature, which makes it easy to find the fastest VPN server location for your needs.
Though Hotspot Shield claims to be one of the fastest VPNs, our tests showed otherwise.
If you’re looking for the best VPN for gaming or streaming, ExpressVPN is the winner.
2. Seguridad y privacidad
ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield offer robust security features.
They both use AES-256 encryption, the industry standard, to protect your VPN traffic.
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, outside of major surveillance alliances, while Aura, a US-based company, owns Hotspot Shield.
ExpressVPN also actively protects against DNS leaks, while Hotspot Shield lacks this feature.
Hotspot Shield and NordVPN both offer strong security, but ExpressVPN is the best.
3. Streaming y Torrenting
If you want to use a VPN for streaming, ExpressVPN is the better option. In our tests, ExpressVPN could stream Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer without issues.
Hotspot Shield, on the other hand, struggled with some streaming services.
ExpressVPN allows torrenting on all its servers, whereas Hotspot Shield allows torrenting only on specific servers.
In a Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN comparison, ExpressVPN still comes out ahead for streaming.
4. VPN Protocols
ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield offer different VPN protocols.
ExpressVPN has its own proprietary protocol called Lightway, which is designed for speed and security.
Hotspot Shield uses its own protocol called Hydra, which it claims is faster than Hotspot Shield’s other protocols.
However, ExpressVPN takes the lead in our speed tests.
NordVPN and Hotspot Shield both offer a variety of protocols, but ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is a standout.
5. Red de servidores
The size of a VPN’s server network can impact your VPN usage.
ExpressVPN has over 3,000 VPN servers in 94 countries, while Hotspot Shield has a smaller network of servers.
A larger network gives you more options for connecting to a VPN server location and can improve your speeds.
When comparing NordVPN vs Hotspot Shield, server network size is an important factor to consider.
6. Facilidad de uso
Both ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield are easy-to-use VPNs.
They both have user-friendly apps for platforms like Windows, Impermeable, iOS, and Android.
ExpressVPN’s app is slightly more intuitive, but both VPN providers make it simple to connect to a VPN server and configure a VPN session.
Whether you choose ExpressVPN or Hotspot Shield, you’ll find them easy to use.
7. Atención al cliente
When you’re choosing a VPN, it’s important to consider the customer support offered. ExpressVPN provides 24/7 live chat support, so you can get help anytime you need it.
Hotspot Shield also offers customer support, but it’s not as readily available.
If you need help troubleshooting a VPN issue, ExpressVPN is the superior choice.
Compared to ExpressVPN, Hotspot Shield’s customer support may be less responsive.
This in-depth feature comparison should give you a clearer picture of which VPN is better suited to your needs.
Whether you prioritize speed, security, streaming, or customer support, you can confidently choose a VPN.
8. Túnel dividido
Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps use the VPN’s encrypted tunnel and which don’t.
This can be very useful for things like streaming local content while still protecting your other internet connection.
This VPN offers a split tunneling feature on its apps for Windows, Android, and macOS.
It also has a unique feature for routers, where you can group devices and assign different VPN server locations to each group.
The Hotspot Shield VPN also offers split tunneling, which it calls “Smart VPN.”
This feature is available on its apps and lets you decide which apps should bypass the VPN tunnel.
9. Aplicaciones móviles
A great VPN is nothing without a strong mobile app, especially since we do so much on the go.
Both services have user-friendly apps, but there are some key differences in performance and features.
The ExpressVPN review shows that its mobile apps are top-notch. The android app is known for being fast and reliable, with a clean interface.
ExpressVPN’s mobile apps also use its Lightway VPN protocol, which is optimized for mobile devices and battery life.
The Hotspot Shield vpn review notes that its mobile apps are also easy to use, and a standout feature is hotspot shield’s free vpn option.
However, the free version has some limitations, like a speed cap on its mobile apps and ads on the Android app.
¿Qué tener en cuenta al elegir una VPN?
Here are some key things to consider when you’re choosing a VPN service:
- Privacy and Logging: A good Hotspot Shield review will tell you about its logging policy. For example, Hotspot Shield logs some datos, but it is not linked to your Browse activity. Always check the privacy policy to understand what data the VPN hosts, what is recorded, and if it could reveal your real IP address.
- Actuación: Check for the VPN’s speeds, including both download and upload speeds. Testing Hotspot Shield’s speed, we found it to be fast, especially with its proprietary VPN protocol, Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol. However, be aware that a free version often has speed limitations.
- Características: Look for features like a kill switch for the windows app, split tunneling (which Hotspot Shield’s split tunneling offers), and the number of simultaneous device connections. You should also consider if it provides a dedicated IP address or has servers optimized for specific tasks like streaming or gaming.
- Subscription and Support: Review the subscription options and pricing, from the free version to Hotspot Shield Premium. See if they offer a money-back guarantee, like Hotspot Shield’s 45-day money back guarantee. Check if their support team is responsive and if they have browser extensions and mobile apps for the devices you use most.
Veredicto final
In the battle of ExpressVPN vs Hotspot Shield, there can only be one winner.
While Hotspot Shield is a decent VPN service with its Hydra protocol and a free plan, ExpressVPN consistently outshines it.
ExpressVPN is known for its faster speeds than Hotspot Shield, robust security features, and excellent streaming capabilities.
ExpressVPN also offers a larger server network, user-friendly apps, and strong customer support.
Plus, ExpressVPN actively protects your privacy with features like DNS leak protection.
Although ExpressVPN is a bit pricier, it often offers VPN discounts.
If you’re looking for the best VPN for Windows or any other platform, ExpressVPN is a better choice.
We review vendors based on rigorous testing, so you can trust our recommendation.
Ultimately, both ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield are two of the best VPNs available, but ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs overall and the clear winner in this showdown.
More of ExpressVPN
Here’s a quick look at how ExpressVPN stacks up against alternatives:
- ExpressVPN vs PureVPN: ExpressVPN: faster, more reliable for streaming, better privacy.
- ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: Ambas son de primer nivel, pero NordVPN a menudo sale ligeramente por delante con más funciones y a veces mejores velocidades por el precio.
- ExpressVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark: unlimited connections, cheaper long-term. ExpressVPN: faster, more server locations.
- ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN: ExpressVPN: faster, better for streaming. ProtonVPN: strong privacy, free option.
- ExpressVPN vs PrivadoVPN: ExpressVPN offers better performance, is easier to use, and has more servers. PrivadoVPN is budget-friendly and privacy-focused.
- ExpressVPN vs AdGuard VPN: ExpressVPN is: comprehensive VPN. AdGuard VPN: unique ad-blocking integration.
- ExpressVPN vs Virtual Shield: ExpressVPN: more features, better performance.
- ExpressVPN vs StrongVPN: Both have strong encryption. ExpressVPN: larger network, broader compatibility.
- ExpressVPN vs FastestVPN: ExpressVPN: faster, more servers. FastestVPN: budget-friendly.
- ExpressVPN vs AuraVPN: ExpressVPN focuses on VPN. AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
- ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost: ExpressVPN: faster, more consistent for streaming. CyberGhost: user-friendly, specialized servers.
- ExpressVPN vs McAfee VPN: ExpressVPN is: dedicated VPN with more features, better performance.
- ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: ExpressVPN: user-friendly, better for streaming. PIA: customizable privacy settings.
- ExpressVPN vs Mysterium: ExpressVPN: traditional, reliable servers. Mysterium: decentralized network.
More of Hotspot Shield
We’ve explored alternatives to Hotspot Shield, so how does Hotspot Shield stack up directly against them?
- Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN: It offers a larger server network and stronger privacy, making it a more secure choice.
- Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN: It is known for its consistently fast speeds and user-friendly interface, often outperforming Hotspot Shield in speed and reliability.
- Hotspot Shield vs PureVPN: It boasts a larger server network than Hotspot Shield. Hotspot Shield is known for its Catapult Hydra protocol, which can offer good speeds.
- Hotspot Shield vs SurfsharkVPN: It typically offers more features, unlimited connections, and often better value than Hotspot Shield.
- Escudo Hotspot vs ProtonVPN: It focuses on strong security and privacy, while Hotspot Shield is known for its speed with the Hydra protocol.
- Hotspot Shield vs PrivadoVPN: It strongly emphasizes privacy, while Hotspot Shield has a larger server network in more countries.
- Hotspot Shield vs AdGuard VPN: It excels at ad and tracker blocking, while Hotspot Shield is a general-purpose VPN.
- Hotspot Shield vs Virtual Shield: Both are relatively basic VPNs, though Hotspot Shield has a more established presence.
- Hotspot Shield vs StrongVPN: It is known for robust encryption, while Hotspot Shield is recognized for its speed with the Hydra protocol.
- Hotspot Shield vs FastestVPN: It is a budget-friendly option. Hotspot Shield is known for its speed.
- Hotspot Shield vs AuraVPN: It includes identity theft protection. Hotspot Shield focuses on providing fast connection speeds.
- Hotspot Shield vs CyberGhost: It offers a larger server network and specialized servers, while Hotspot Shield is recognized for its speed.
- Hotspot Shield vs McAfee VPN: It is a standalone VPN focused on speed, while McAfee VPN is often bundled with antivirus software.
- Hotspot Shield vs Private Internet Access: It offers a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections, while Hotspot Shield is known for its speed.
- Escudo Hotspot vs Mysterium: It is a decentralized VPN, while Hotspot Shield uses a traditional server network focused on speed.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is ExpressVPN faster than Hotspot Shield?
Yes, in our speed tests, ExpressVPN consistently delivered faster speeds than Hotspot Shield. ExpressVPN has Lightway, its own protocol designed for speed, while Hotspot Shield uses its Hydra protocol. However, ExpressVPN still came out on top.
Can I use a free version of these VPNs?
Hotspot Shield offers a free plan with limited features and bandwidth. ExpressVPN does not offer a free plan, but it does have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Can I watch Netflix with ExpressVPN or Hotspot Shield?
ExpressVPN is better than Hotspot Shield for streaming. Our tests showed that ExpressVPN could reliably stream Netflix, while Hotspot Shield had some issues.
What security features do these VPNs offer?
Both VPNs offer robust security features, including AES-256 encryption. However, ExpressVPN outshines Hotspot Shield with features like DNS leak protection.
Can I use these VPNs on my router?
Yes, both ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield allow VPN use on your router. This will protect all the devices on your home network with a single VPN session.