Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Freelan VS Hotspot Shield

Compare Freelan VS Hotspot Shield and see what are their differences

Freelan logo Freelan

You are in control. Why would you trust a closed, proprietary software with your most-sensitive data ? Freelan is open-source and completely free. You know everything about its internals and its source-code.

Hotspot Shield logo Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a software application developed by AnchorFree, Inc.
  • Freelan Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-16
  • Hotspot Shield Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-17

Freelan features and specs

  • Open Source
    Freelan is open-source software, which means its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This enhances transparency and allows for community-driven improvements.
  • Cross-Platform
    Freelan supports multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile for different users.
  • Security
    Freelan utilizes strong encryption protocols to ensure secure communications over the network, safeguarding data from potential breaches.
  • Customizable
    Users can customize their network configurations to meet specific requirements, thanks to its flexible and extensible architecture.
  • No Central Servers
    Freelan operates on a peer-to-peer architecture, eliminating the need for central servers and reducing points of failure.

Possible disadvantages of Freelan

  • Complex Setup
    Setting up Freelan can be complex for non-technical users, requiring some understanding of network configurations and command-line operations.
  • Limited Documentation
    Although there is some documentation available, it is not as comprehensive as that for some competing solutions, making it harder for new users to get started.
  • Smaller Community
    Being a less popular option, Freelan has a smaller user community, which might result in fewer resources, tutorials, and community support compared to more mainstream solutions.
  • Performance Overheads
    As with many VPN solutions, Freelan can introduce latency and reduced network performance, particularly if not configured optimally.
  • Lack of GUI
    Freelan does not have a graphical user interface (GUI), making it less user-friendly and more challenging for users who prefer not to work with command-line tools.

Hotspot Shield features and specs

  • High-Speed Performance
    Hotspot Shield is known for its high-speed connections, making it ideal for streaming, large downloads, and gaming.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application is designed with a simple, intuitive interface that makes it easy for both technical and non-technical users to operate.
  • Large Server Network
    Hotspot Shield provides access to a large number of servers in various locations around the world, which can help bypass geo-restrictions.
  • Strong Security Features
    It offers robust encryption and security features such as malware protection, which enhance user privacy and data security.
  • Free Version Available
    A free version of Hotspot Shield is available, allowing users to try the service before committing to a paid subscription.

Possible disadvantages of Hotspot Shield

  • Logging Policy
    Hotspot Shield’s privacy policy has been criticized for potential logging of user data, which raises concerns for privacy-conscious users.
  • Ads in Free Version
    The free version of Hotspot Shield includes advertisements, which can be intrusive and disrupt the browsing experience.
  • Limited Features in Free Version
    The free version offers a limited set of features compared to the premium version, which may not meet all user needs.
  • Cost of Premium Version
    The premium subscription can be relatively expensive, which may not be affordable for all users.
  • Inconsistent Performance
    Some users have reported inconsistent performance, such as occasional slowdowns or interruptions depending on the server or location.

Analysis of Freelan

Overall verdict

  • Freelan is considered a good choice for users who need a customizable and open-source VPN solution. It is reliable, secure, and caters to users who prefer to have control over their network settings.

Why this product is good

  • Freelan is an open-source virtual private network (VPN) software that enables users to create secure private networks. It is highly configurable, supports various network topologies, and ensures privacy and security through encryption. Users appreciate its flexibility and the freedom it provides in terms of network configuration, making it a good choice for those who want more control over their networking setup.

Recommended for

  • Users who want an open-source VPN solution
  • Individuals with technical expertise who can manage network configurations
  • Those who prioritize security and privacy
  • Anyone looking to set up custom VPN topologies

Analysis of Hotspot Shield

Overall verdict

  • Hotspot Shield is a reliable choice for users looking for a fast and user-friendly VPN. It particularly excels in performance with streaming and browsing, although users who prioritize privacy above all else might find some concerns due to its U.S.-based jurisdiction.

Why this product is good

  • Hotspot Shield is considered a good VPN due to its fast connection speeds, advanced encryption protocols, and ease of use. It provides a large network of servers, which allows users to bypass geographic restrictions and access content from various regions. Additionally, it offers a free version with limited features and has a simple user interface, making it accessible for beginners.

Recommended for

  • Users who need fast streaming speeds.
  • People looking for a user-friendly VPN.
  • Individuals who require access to region-locked content.

Freelan videos

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Hotspot Shield videos

Hotspot Shield Review - Brutally Honest Review in 2019

More videos:

  • Review - Hotspot Shield VPN Review
  • Review - Hotspot Shield review: Should you get it? | VPNpro

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Freelan and Hotspot Shield)
VPN
26 26%
74% 74
Security & Privacy
30 30%
70% 70
Cloud VPN
24 24%
76% 76
Network & Admin
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Freelan and Hotspot Shield

Freelan Reviews

10 Best Hamachi Alternatives for Virtual LAN Gaming
The only drawback of FreeLAN is that it doesn’t have any graphic user interface; hence you need to manually configure the FreeLAN config file to use this application. FreeLAN could be hard to set up, but it won’t disappoint you.
Source: techviral.net
15 Best Hamachi Alternatives for Gaming in Virtual LAN (Latest 2021)
FreeLAN as the name says itself is an open-source, multi-platform, peer-to-peer VPN software. It is not an anonymous browsing VPN instead it creates a VPN Tunnel.
Source: growtechy.com
The 10 Best Open Source VPN Apps
Freelan VPN makes another excellent choice for users who don’t want to compromise on their security and performance while also not having to pay for software. Before we discuss Freelan any further, we’d like to mention that it is not a Web proxy service but a VPN software. However, this does not mean that you cannot anonymously browse the Internet using this application....
11 Best Hamachi Alternatives for Virtual LAN Gaming
As the name suggests, FreeLan is a free Hamachi Alternative and also a VPN creator. It is quite popular as it is one of the easiest VPN clients to form your own private network. It’s also completely open source and can be customized to your needs. It provides high speeds and has almost no lag when playing games. The downside is that FreeLan doesn’t provide you with an...
22 Alternatives To Hamachi For VPN & Virtual LAN Gaming!
Freelan is superb and equal to the task irrespective of your desire, whether you need to interface your family computers, enjoy a game with your friends by using a LAN, or grant access to your private system for your colleagues. It will quite effectively complete all these tasks for you and you won’t another program for any of these tasks.

Hotspot Shield Reviews

The Best Top 10 VPNs for Spotify 2025
Hotspot Shield is a popular VPN solution for Spotify users, offering fast and secure connections to its vast network of servers. With a user-friendly interface and 24/7 customer support, Hotspot Shield is perfect for music lovers.
Turbo VPN Alternatives – Best Free VPN Apps For Android in 2022
Hotspot Shield is the best and most popular VPN proxy application for Android smartphones. It takes security and privacy very seriously. Since it’s a VPN app, it can be used to unlock geo-restricted websites and content.
Source: techviral.net
112 Best Chrome Extensions You Should Try (2021 List)
Hotspot Shield extension is a freemium security tool. It uses WebRTC technologies to hide your IP and uses military-grade encryption to protect your data. Yes! it offers both free and paid plans, but as free, it only connects to one location and provides primary security. But premium subscription plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. However, for beginners, the free...
8 Best Turbo VPN Alternatives for Android and iOS
HotSpot Shield is yet another VPN that offers unlimited data just like Turbo VPN. It does not throttle the speed and the servers are always up which translates to excellent performance. However, bear in mind, under the free service, you have servers only from the US region which could be a bummer for some. Nevertheless, the best part about Hotspot Shield is that it offers...
Source: beebom.com
8 Similar Apps like Psiphon that are Actually Better
Hotspot Shield VPN is yet another incredible app like Psiphon. However, it does require you to subscribe to a plan to be able to utilize the VPN service. The pricing plans are similar to the ones offered by other VPN providers.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Freelan and Hotspot Shield, you can also consider the following products

Hamachi - Hamachi is a VPN service scaled to the unique needs of business owners.

ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

ZeroTier - Extremely simple P2P Encrypted VPN

OpenVPN - OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

TunnelBear - Really simple VPN to browse the web privately & anonymously.

DynVPN - DynVPN. Home · Learn More · Getting started · Download · License · Contact · Dashboard · Login · Signup. The easiest VPN solution that allows you to access your computers and devices.