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Hotspot Shield VS Private Internet Access

Compare Hotspot Shield VS Private Internet Access and see what are their differences

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Hotspot Shield logo Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a software application developed by AnchorFree, Inc.

Private Internet Access logo Private Internet Access

london trust media holdings (LTMH) will bring power back to the people.
  • Hotspot Shield Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-17
  • Private Internet Access Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-18

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.

Private Internet Access features and specs

  • Strong Privacy Policy
    Private Internet Access (PIA) has a strong no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities are not recorded or stored.
  • Wide Server Network
    PIA offers a broad range of servers located around the world, providing users with numerous choices to optimize speed and connect to different regions.
  • Advanced Security Features
    PIA includes features such as kill switch, DNS leak protection, and strong encryption protocols like OpenVPN, which enhance user security.
  • Affordable Pricing
    Compared to many other VPN providers, PIA offers competitively priced plans, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious users.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The PIA application is straightforward and easy to use, which is beneficial for both beginners and advanced users.

Possible disadvantages of Private Internet Access

  • U.S. Jurisdiction
    PIA is based in the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, potentially raising concerns for privacy-focused users.
  • Inconsistent Speed
    Some users report variability in connection speeds, which can be a drawback for activities requiring consistently high bandwidth.
  • Limited Streaming Support
    PIA has mixed success in unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, which might be a limitation for users seeking VPN for streaming.
  • Limited Customer Support
    PIA's customer support, mainly via email and tickets, can sometimes be slow, and the absence of live chat might be inconvenient for users needing immediate assistance.
  • Basic Customization Options
    While user-friendly, the PIA interface may lack advanced customization features that more experienced users might expect.

Hotspot Shield videos

+ Add

Hotspot Shield Review - Brutally Honest Review in 2019

More videos:

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

Private Internet Access videos

+ Add

Private Internet Access Review - HONEST REVIEW!

More videos:

  • Review - 5 Reasons Not to Buy Private Internet Access!
  • Review - Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN review: is it good enough for you? | VPNpro

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Hotspot Shield and Private Internet Access)

Hotspot Shield

Private Internet Access

VPN
75 75%
VPN
25% 25
Cloud VPN
78 78%
Cloud VPN
22% 22
Security & Privacy
79 79%
Security & Privacy
21% 21
Security
72 72%
Security
28% 28

User comments

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Reviews

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

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.
Source: thespotifypremiumapks.com
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...
Source: www.einsstark.tech
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.
Source: techreviewpro.com

Private Internet Access Reviews

Best NordVPN Alternatives
PIA, short for Private Internet Access, is one of the oldest VPNs on this list. It’s also the one with the widest array of servers. With over 29,500 servers in 78 countries, the VPN offers impressive performance at cheap prices as plans start at $2 per month. The company also focuses on streaming and bypassing blocks, but it hails from the USA. Other drawbacks include a...
Source: vpnwired.com
7 Best VPNs for Gaming in 2020
Private Internet Access is one of the more popular VPN providers and one we think you’ll be thrilled with depending on your needs. They offer some of the most competitive pricing in the industry and are ideal if you plan on using P2P services when you take a break from your gaming PC.
Source: www.thetechlounge.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Hotspot Shield and Private Internet Access, you can also consider the following products

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

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

OpenVPN - OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

Windscribe - Windscribe is a desktop application and browser extension that work together to block ads and trackers, restore access to blocked content and help you safeguard your privacy online.

Psiphon - Psiphon is circumvention software for Windows and Mobile platforms that provides uncensored access to Internet content. Read more about Psiphon.

NordVPN - NordVPN offers VPN technology that encrypts data twice.

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