What is Hola VPN?
Hola VPN is a free peer-to-peer VPN service that enables users to access blocked websites and conduct anonymous online browsing. It is available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The service routes a user’s internet connection through a network of other Hola users, making it difficult for websites to track their location and identity. This allows users to access content that is blocked in their country or region.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) networking is a technique that Hola VPN employs, allowing users’ devices to connect to one another without the necessity of a centralized server. This allows for faster and more stable connections, but it also means that users’ devices are used as exit nodes, or gateways, for other users. This is why Hola VPN is free and able to offer a premium service called Luminati.
However, there has been controversy surrounding Hola VPN, in particular, because of the way it routes traffic. In 2015, it was revealed that the service had been used to launch a massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack against an 8chan imageboard. Hola VPN’s management has since changed the way the service routes traffic to address these concerns, but Users should still be mindful of any dangers associated with utilizing a peer-to-peer VPN service.
What is Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield is a well-known virtual private network (VPN) application that shields users’ internet connections and private data from online dangers. The software encrypts users’ internet connection and assigns them a virtual IP address, making it difficult for hackers to track their online activity. This way, users can browse the internet securely and without the fear of their personal information being stolen.
One of the key features of Hotspot Shield is its ability to block malicious websites and phishing attempts. The software has a built-in malware protection feature that scans the websites the user visits and alerts them if the website is known to be malicious. This feature provides an extra layer of security for users who are concerned about their online safety.
Hotspot Shield also provides users with the ability to access geo-restricted content. The software allows users to change their virtual IP address and appear to be located in a different country. This feature is particularly useful for users traveling abroad and who want to access content only available in their home country. Overall, Hotspot Shield is a great software for anyone concerned about their online safety and wants access to all the content they want whereas keeping their personal information secure.
Difference Between Hola VPN and Hotspot Shield
- Hola VPN is a free VPN service, whereas Hotspot Shield gives a trial and also offers a premier paid service.
- Hola VPN uses a peer-to-peer network, meaning that other users’ IP addresses will be used to provide VPN services, whereas Hotspot Shield has a dedicated VPN network, so users are always connected to a dedicated server.
- Hola VPN does not encrypt the user’s internet connection, whereas Hotspot Shield encrypts all data transmitted through its network.
- Hola VPN does not have malware protection, whereas Hotspot Shield has a built-in malware protection feature that scans all visited websites for potential threats.
- Hola VPN does not have any guarantee, whereas Hotspot Shield offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Comparison Between Hola VPN and Hotspot Shield
| Parameters of Comparison | Hola VPN | Hotspot Shield |
| Cost | Free | Free & Paid |
| Mechanism | Peer-to-peer Network | Dedicated Server |
| Encryption | No Encryption | Encrypted Data Transmission |
| Malware Protection | No Protection | Available |
| Guarantee | No Guarantee | 30-day Money-back Guarantee |