VPN, a short form for Virtual Private Network, refers to software and tools that let you browse the internet safely. Normally, without VPNs, your activities on the internet can be tracked by many parties that you didn’t give consent. You can also be prevented from accessing certain websites and web content due to geo-blocking. However, with the aid of VPNs, you can bypass the geo-blocking, access the restricted website and web content as well as peruse the internet without third parties tracking and monitoring your activities on the web.
In this article, we will discuss the difference between two VPNs, Hotspot Shield and ExpressVPN, that allows you to access the internet safely.
Main Differences between Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN summarized
| Hotspot Shield | ExpressVPN |
| Has about 1800 servers located in more than 80 countries | Has about 3000 servers in 94 countries |
| Uses its in-house security protocol known as Hydra | Uses its in-house security protocol known as Lightway and can bypass any form of restriction |
| Doesn’t accept cryptocurrency like Bitcoin | Accepts Bitcoin as a payment option |
| Keeps aggregate logs | Doesn’t keep any logs at all |
» MORE: Is ExpressVPN Safe & legit? Are They Really Worth It?
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN: Features & Capabilities
Security
This is a paramount feature in VPNs given that one of the leading uses of a VPN is to protect users from tracking agents on the internet. Hotspot Shield uses numerous security features which include a 256-bit AES Encryption, a kill switch feature, perfect forward secrecy, and its in-house security protocol known as Hydra. The VPN claims that Hydra allows you to browse and use the internet at a faster speed.
ExpressVPN also uses almost the same set of security features. It uses a no-logs policy, a 256-bit AES Encryption, and a kill switch feature. However, it also has an in-house security protocol known as Lightway which is said to enable ExpressVPN to bypass all types of geo-location restrictions. ExpressVPN also uses a TrustedServer feature that ensures that all the data on the server is stored on the RAM and when the server is turned off, the data is erased. In a similar fashion to its on-logs policy, the TrustedServer technology has been audited and confirmed to be effective.
Setup and Interface
The setup and interface of a VPN determine the ease with which users use the VPN. With Hotspot Shield, users are introduced to a simple and clean interface design. The list of servers is arranged alphabetically but the US and UK servers come first before the other servers. There is also an option for choosing from your most used locations. The settings page is also neatly organized and comes with brief explanations that describe each settings option and what they do.
With ExpressVPN, one of the most prominent features on the interface is the large power button that allows you to turn the VPN on and off. There is also a server list that is separated into different categories. The options on the settings page are well-spaced and arranged so that it is clutter-free and easy to use.
» MORE: Is Surfshark Better for You Than ExpressVPN?
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN: Pricing
Hotspot Shield has four pricing plans. The plans are based monthly such as a 1-Month plan, 6-month plan, 1-year plan, and an unlimited plan. The price of each plan includes 1-month costs $12.99 per month, a 6-month plan costs $8.99 per month (cumulatively), a 1-year plan costs $5.99 per month and the unlimited plan costs $119.99.
ExpressVPN also employs the same payment system. Its payment plan is based on monthly use and it allows you to pay for 1-month use, 6-month use, or 12-month use. The 1-month plan costs $12.95 per month, the 6-month plan costs $9.99 per month, and the 12-month plan costs $8.32 per month.
» MORE: Which Is Better for You, Protonvpn or Expressvpn?
Reasons to choose Hotspot Shield over ExpressVPN
Hotspot Shield has some features that make it better or preferable to ExpressVPN. Some of these features include its fees and guarantee period. Hotspot Shield offers a 45-day guarantee period for your free trial. This means that you can use the VPN for 45 days for free, after which you can request the money paid for the subscription. If you eventually decide to go for the paid option, you get to save more by choosing Hotspot Shield as its price is cheaper than that of ExpressVPN.
Reasons to choose ExpressVPN over Hotspot Shield
ExpressVPN is arguably the better of the two VPNs, given that it has more servers in more countries. With over 3000 servers in more than 94 countries, you can be sure of an available server to bypass any content around the world. For people that do a lot of downloading, you can get to enjoy ExpressVPN better than Hotspot Shield because you can torrent with any of the 3000 servers. Finally, the security features and protocols used by ExpressVPN have been audited by independent bodies and there is an assurance that they work.
» MORE: Cyberghost Vs. ExpressVPN: Which Is Best For You?
The Similarities between Hotspot Shield and ExpressVPN
Hotspot Shield and ExpressVPN are both leading VPNs with premium security features such as a 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. They both offer restriction bypassing services on the internet and use similar extra features such as split tunneling, the onion router (TOR) support, and Perfect Forward Secrecy.
» MORE: Hotspot Shield: Is It Safe? How Trustworthy & Legit Are They Actually?
Hotspot Shield and ExpressVPN Alternatives
With the increased awareness about internet security and protection, it is not surprising to see that there are lots of VPNs out in the market. Many of these VPNs are worthy alternatives to both of the VPNs reviewed in this article. Some of them include
NordVPN
This is another VPN that offers unparallel internet security and bypasses numerous geo-restrictions on websites and web contents. In its process of providing security to people on the internet, NordVPN encrypts your internet connection twice. The only potential downside is that it is a bit more expensive than most VPNs.
Other alternatives include
- Winndscribe
- OpenVPN
- TunnelBear
- Norton Secure VPN
- Psiphon and many others
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN: Final Verdict
Of the two VPNs, it is safe to say that ExpressVPN is the better option and offers more utility, and security and allows you to access more websites and web content. It also offers a great speed and the ability to torrent using all of its servers. Hotspot Shield is not a bad option in itself. It comes with features that you won’t find on ExpressVPN. However, its limitation with the number of servers makes ExpressVPN a better option.
» MORE: Is Urban VPN Safe & Legit? How Reliable Are They Really?
FAQs
Which of Hotspot Shield and ExpressVPN is better for streaming?
Both VPNs are good for streaming but ExpressVPN remains the better option. It allows you to stream content on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. It also has a fast speed that makes sure all your contents are in HD and you can watch them all without buffering. It also works with gaming consoles and smart TVs.
While Hotspot Shield allows you to also access these streaming platforms, the number of servers on the VPN is lower than that of ExpressVPN and as a result, limits the places you can stream and access restricted web content from.
Is Hotspot Shield better than ExpressVPN?
Hotspot Shield is one of the leading VPNs in the industry at the moment. However, it is not correct to say that the Hotspot is better than ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN has superior streaming and torrenting features, customer support, plans, and pricing as well as security features.
» MORE: Is CyberGhost VPN Safe & Good? Are They Really Trustworthy?