Hotspot Shield vs PureVPN Comparison

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In the world of VPN services, Hotspot Shield and PureVPN are both significant contenders. This article aims to pit Hotspot Shield vs PureVPN, dissecting their features, strengths and potential drawbacks. The goal is to help you make an informed decision when choosing the VPN service that best suits your needs.

Overview

Dive into a comprehensive comparison of two formidable VPN giants, Hotspot Shield and PureVPN. We’ll be putting their security measures, privacy policies, and speed performances under the microscope. Whether you’re seeking ironclad encryption, strict no-logs policy, or lightning-fast streaming, this in-depth analysis will help you determine which VPN emerges victorious in safeguarding your online presence.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield

Price: From $7.99/month

Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Refund Policy: Hotspot Shield offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Official website: www.hotspotshield.com

Hotspot Shield is best for individuals who prioritize online security and privacy, as it provides secure, encrypted internet access and protection from potential cyber threats.

Learn more about Hotspot Shield

PureVPN

PureVPN

Price: From $2.29/month

Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Refund Policy: PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Official website: www.purevpn.com

PureVPN is best for individuals and businesses who want secure, reliable, and fast internet connections for browsing, streaming, or accessing geo-restricted content.

Learn more about PureVPN

Hotspot Shield has been a reliable companion in my online journeys, offering swift and secure connections powered by Hydra VPN protocol. The user interface is intuitive, making the setup and connection a breeze. It’s not just a VPN; it’s a reliable shield guarding my data from the prying eyes of the internet, wholeheartedly deserving a 5-star rating! – Henrik B.

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PureVPN has been a consistent performer in ensuring a secure and seamless online experience. Their massive network of servers globally ensures I always have a fast and reliable connection. The added security layers, like the Ozone feature, offer a reassured sense of privacy while browsing or streaming. It’s the epitome of what a VPN service should be, commanding a well-earned 5-star rating. – Alessandro Rossi

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Hotspot Shield offers fast connection speeds and strong security, making it a reliable choice for many. However, the service could offer a more transparent approach to its logging policy to foster greater trust. A speedy and reliable service meriting a 4-star review. – Natalie Perez

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PureVPN offers a substantial range of features paired with a considerable network of servers globally. While the service generally offers impressive speed and security, the user interface could see some improvements to enhance usability. It rightfully secures a 4-star rating. – Mason

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Pros & Cons

This part examines the strengths and weaknesses of these two VPNs.

Winner is:

Hotspot Shield excels with its ultra-fast speed, military-grade encryption, and user-friendly interface, making it ideal for streaming and downloading. However, it's pricier and lacks a broad server selection. PureVPN shines with its extensive server network and budget-friendly plans, but it falls short with slower speeds and less intuitive software. Considering speed, security, and usability, Hotspot Shield wins despite a higher cost—proving you often get what you pay for.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield

Pros:
  • Fast speeds: Hotspot Shield is known for its fast speeds. This is important for streaming videos, downloading files, and browsing the web without any lag or buffering.
  • Unblocks geo-restricted content: Hotspot Shield can help you unblock websites and streaming services that are blocked in your region. This means you can watch your favorite shows and movies no matter where you are in the world.
  • Military-grade encryption: Hotspot Shield uses a military-grade encryption to protect your data hackers and other malicious actors. This means you can be confident that your personal information is safe when you're using Hotspot Shield.
  • Kill switch: The kill switch is a very important feature for any VPN. It will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address being exposed.
  • Split tunneling: Split tunneling is a useful feature that allows you to choose which apps and websites will use the VPN and which ones will use your regular internet connection. This can be helpful if you want to use a VPN for some tasks but not others.
  • Malware protection: Hotspot Shield can detect and block malicious websites and ads, helping to protect your device malware infections.
  • DNS leak protection: DNS leak protection is another important feature for any VPN. It prevents your DNS queries leaking to your ISP, further protecting your privacy.
  • Easy to use: Hotspot Shield is very easy to use. The app is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
  • Affordable: Hotspot Shield offers a variety of pricing plans to fit your budget. There is even a free plan that you can use to test out the service.
  • Free trial: Hotspot Shield offers a free trial that you can use to test out the service before you commit to a paid plan.
Cons:
  • Not as fast as some other VPNs: Hotspot Shield is known for its fast speeds, but it is not as fast as some other VPNs. This is because the VPN has a large number of users, which can sometimes slow down the network.
  • Has been criticized for its privacy policies in the past: Hotspot Shield has been criticized for its privacy policies in the past. In 2018, the company was accused of collecting user data without their consent. However, Hotspot Shield has since updated its privacy policy and claims to no longer collect any user data.
  • Some users have reported slow speeds with certain servers: Some users have reported slow speeds with certain Hotspot Shield servers. This is likely due to the fact that the servers are located in different parts of the world and may not be as well-optimized as others.
  • Not as user-friendly as some other VPNs: Hotspot Shield is not as user-friendly as some other VPNs. The interface can be a bit confusing, and it can be difficult to find the settings that you need.
  • Limited simultaneous connections: Hotspot Shield only allows up to five simultaneous connections per account. This means that if you have multiple devices that you want to use the VPN with, you may need to upgrade to a more expensive plan.
PureVPN

PureVPN

Pros:
  • Strong encryption: PureVPN uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data, which is considered to be the gold standard in security.
  • No logs policy: PureVPN claims to have a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not collect any data about your online activity.
  • Large server network: PureVPN has a large server network with over 6,500 servers in over 90 countries. This gives you a lot of options to choose when connecting to a VPN server.
  • Unblocks streaming services: PureVPN can unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. This is great if you want to watch your favorite shows and movies anywhere in the world.
  • Supports torrenting: PureVPN supports torrenting on all of its servers. This means that you can download and upload files without worrying about being tracked or monitored.
  • Easy to use: PureVPN has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to set up and use.
Cons:
  • Speeds can be inconsistent: In some cases, PureVPN's speeds can be inconsistent. This can be a problem if you are streaming or downloading large files.
  • DNS leaks have been reported: There have been reports of DNS leaks with PureVPN. This means that your real IP address could be exposed if you are not using the kill switch feature.
  • Customer support can be slow: Customer support with PureVPN can be slow to respond. This can be frustrating if you have a problem that you need help with.

Key Features

This section compares the overall features of Hotspot Shield vs PureVPN.

Hotspot Shield HQ and country of jurisdiction is United States, and Hotspot Shield supports Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and also offers a Chrome browser extension.

PureVPN HQ and country of jurisdiction is Hong Kong, and PureVPN supports a wide range of platforms and devices including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs, and other devices such as Amazon FireStick and gaming consoles.

Winner is:

Hotspot Shield offers superior speed, unbreakable encryption, and patented Hydra protocol, making it a clear winner over PureVPN. While PureVPN provides a larger server network, Hotspot Shield's user-friendly interface, better reliability, and ability to bypass georestrictions give it the edge. Both ensure privacy, but Hotspot Shield's no-logs policy and advanced security features make it the preferred choice for online anonymity.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield

  • Unblock geo-restricted content: Hotspot Shield can help you unblock websites and streaming services that are blocked in your region. This means you can watch your favorite shows and movies no matter where you are in the world.
  • Protect your privacy: Hotspot Shield encrypts your internet traffic, making it impossible for anyone to track your online activity. This is important for protecting your privacy, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
  • Keep your data safe: Hotspot Shield uses a military-grade encryption to protect your data hackers and other malicious actors. This means you can be confident that your personal information is safe when you're using Hotspot Shield.
  • Fast speeds: Hotspot Shield is known for its fast speeds. This means you can stream videos, download files, and browse the web without any lag or buffering.
  • Easy to use: Hotspot Shield is very easy to use. The app is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
  • Affordable: Hotspot Shield offers a variety of pricing plans to fit your budget. There is even a free plan that you can use to test out the service.
PureVPN

PureVPN

  • Strong encryption: PureVPN uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data, which is considered to be the gold standard in security.
  • No logs policy: PureVPN claims to have a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not collect any data about your online activity.
  • Large server network: PureVPN has a large server network with over 6,500 servers in over 90 countries. This gives you a lot of options to choose when connecting to a VPN server.
  • Unblocks streaming services: PureVPN can unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. This is great if you want to watch your favorite shows and movies anywhere in the world.
  • Supports torrenting: PureVPN supports torrenting on all of its servers. This means that you can download and upload files without worrying about being tracked or monitored.
  • Double VPN: PureVPN's Double VPN feature encrypts your traffic twice, making it even more secure.
  • Kill switch: PureVPN's kill switch feature will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address being exposed.
  • Split tunneling: PureVPN's split tunneling feature allows you to choose which apps and websites use the VPN connection and which ones use your regular internet connection.
  • Ad blocker: PureVPN's ad blocker blocks ads and trackers, which can improve your browsing experience and protect your privacy.
  • Secure WiFi: PureVPN's Secure WiFi feature helps to protect your privacy when you connect to public WiFi networks.

Security Features

This section looks at important security features of Hotspot Shield and PureVPN such as encryption methods, protocols, split tunneling, kill switch, and more.

Winner is:

Hotspot Shield and PureVPN both offer strong security features. However, Hotspot Shield comes out on top. Both offer 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Hotspot Shield supports multiple VPN protocols including their own Catapult Hydra, while PureVPN supports standard protocols. Hotspot Shield offers a no-logs policy, whilst PureVPN has been involved in a controversy regarding its logging policies. Hotspot Shield also has features like ad-blocking and private DNS, which PureVPN lacks. Therefore, for comprehensive security, Hotspot Shield wins.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield

  • 256-bit AES encryption: Hotspot Shield uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered to be military-grade encryption. This means that your data is encrypted with a key that is 256 bits long, which is very difficult to crack.
  • Kill switch: The kill switch is a feature that will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address being exposed if the VPN connection fails.
  • Split tunneling: Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps and websites will use the VPN and which ones will use your regular internet connection. This can be helpful if you want to use a VPN for some tasks but not others.
  • DNS leak protection: DNS leak protection prevents your DNS queries leaking to your ISP. This means that your ISP cannot track the websites that you visit.
  • Malware protection: Hotspot Shield has a built-in malware protection feature that can help to protect your device malware infections.
  • No logs policy: Hotspot Shield has a strict no-logs policy. This means that the company does not collect any data about your online activity.
  • 256-bit AES encryption: This is the standard encryption for your data when using Hotspot Shield. It is considered to be military-grade encryption and is very difficult to crack.
  • OpenVPN protocol: Hotspot Shield uses the OpenVPN protocol, which is considered to be one of the most secure VPN protocols.
  • IKEv2/IPSec protocol: Hotspot Shield also supports the IKEv2/IPSec protocol, which is another secure VPN protocol.
  • Double VPN: Hotspot Shield offers a double VPN feature that encrypts your traffic twice, making it even more secure.
  • Obfuscated servers: Hotspot Shield offers obfuscated servers that can be used to bypass VPN blocking in countries with strict internet censorship.
PureVPN

PureVPN

  • AES-256 encryption: PureVPN uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data, which is considered to be the gold standard in security. This means that your data is scrambled into gibberish that cannot be read by anyone without the encryption key.
  • No logs policy: PureVPN claims to have a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not collect any data about your online activity. This means that your browsing history, traffic data, and even the websites you visit cannot be tracked by PureVPN or anyone else.
  • Double VPN: PureVPN's Double VPN feature encrypts your traffic twice, making it even more secure. This is done by routing your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one.
  • Kill switch: PureVPN's kill switch feature will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address being exposed.
  • Split tunneling: PureVPN's split tunneling feature allows you to choose which apps and websites use the VPN connection and which ones use your regular internet connection. This can be useful if you want to use a VPN for some things, but not for others.
  • Ad blocker: PureVPN's ad blocker blocks ads and trackers, which can improve your browsing experience and protect your privacy.
  • Secure WiFi: PureVPN's Secure WiFi feature helps to protect your privacy when you connect to public WiFi networks. This is done by encrypting your traffic and preventing others snooping on it.
  • Kill switch: PureVPN's kill switch feature will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address being exposed.
  • DNS leak protection: PureVPN's DNS leak protection feature prevents your DNS requests being leaked to your ISP or other third parties.
  • IPv6 leak protection: PureVPN's IPv6 leak protection feature prevents your IPv6 traffic being leaked to your ISP or other third parties.
  • AES-256 encryption: PureVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered to be the gold standard in security. This means that your data is scrambled into gibberish that cannot be read by anyone without the encryption key.
  • Double VPN: PureVPN's Double VPN feature encrypts your traffic twice, making it even more secure. This is done by routing your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one.
  • OpenVPN: PureVPN supports the OpenVPN protocol, which is considered to be one of the most secure VPN protocols.
  • WireGuard: PureVPN also supports the WireGuard protocol, which is a newer and more efficient VPN protocol.

Privacy Features

This section looks at the privacy features of PureVPN vs Hotspot Shield in terms of country of jurisdiction (five-eyes surveillance) no-logging policy, independent auditing, and more.

Winner is:

Hotspot Shield and PureVPN both offer robust privacy features. Hotspot Shield maintains a strict 'no-log' policy, independently audited for transparency, supports private browsing, and has a favorable data jurisdiction outside the 'Five Eyes'. PureVPN, although it has a 'no-log' policy, faced criticism over user data privacy and is based within the 'Five Eyes' jurisdiction. Neither supports crypto payments. Considering these factors, Hotspot Shield wins for its superior privacy features and commitment to user data protection.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield

  • No logs policy: Hotspot Shield has a strict no-logs policy. This means that the company does not collect any data about your online activity, including your IP address, browsing history, or traffic.
  • Kill switch: The kill switch is a feature that will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address being exposed if the VPN connection fails.
  • Split tunneling: Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps and websites will use the VPN and which ones will use your regular internet connection. This can be helpful if you want to use a VPN for some tasks but not others.
  • DNS leak protection: DNS leak protection prevents your DNS queries leaking to your ISP. This means that your ISP cannot track the websites that you visit.
  • Malware protection: Hotspot Shield has a built-in malware protection feature that can help to protect your device malware infections.
  • Secure DNS: Hotspot Shield uses its own secure DNS servers to prevent DNS leaks.
  • Double VPN: Hotspot Shield offers a double VPN feature that encrypts your traffic twice, making it even more secure.
  • Obfuscated servers: Hotspot Shield offers obfuscated servers that can be used to bypass VPN blocking in countries with strict internet censorship.
  • No IP logs: Hotspot Shield does not log your IP address, which is the unique identifier for your device on the internet. This means that Hotspot Shield cannot track your online activity or see what websites you visit.
  • No browsing history: Hotspot Shield does not log your browsing history, which is a record of the websites that you have visited. This means that Hotspot Shield cannot track your online activity or see what websites you have visited.
  • No traffic logs: Hotspot Shield does not log your traffic data, which is a record of the data that you send and receive over the internet. This means that Hotspot Shield cannot see what websites you visit or what files you download.
  • No DNS logs: Hotspot Shield does not log your DNS queries, which are the requests that your device makes to a DNS server to resolve domain names into IP addresses. This means that Hotspot Shield cannot see what websites you visit.
  • No session logs: Hotspot Shield does not log your session logs, which are records of the times that you connect to and disconnect the VPN. This means that Hotspot Shield cannot track how long you are using the VPN.
PureVPN

PureVPN

  • No logs policy: PureVPN claims to have a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not collect any data about your online activity. This means that your browsing history, traffic data, and even the websites you visit cannot be tracked by PureVPN or anyone else.
  • Private DNS: PureVPN uses private DNS servers to prevent your DNS requests being intercepted by third parties.
  • Tor over VPN: PureVPN allows you to connect to the Tor network through its VPN servers. This can help to further protect your privacy and anonymity.
  • Kill switch: PureVPN's kill switch feature will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address being exposed.
  • Split tunneling: PureVPN's split tunneling feature allows you to choose which apps and websites use the VPN connection and which ones use your regular internet connection. This can be useful if you want to use a VPN for some things, but not for others.
  • Ad blocker: PureVPN's ad blocker blocks ads and trackers, which can improve your browsing experience and protect your privacy.
  • Secure WiFi: PureVPN's Secure WiFi feature helps to protect your privacy when you connect to public WiFi networks. This is done by encrypting your traffic and preventing others snooping on it.
  • No connection logs: PureVPN does not keep any records of your connection logs, which means that they do not store information about the websites you visit, the amount of data you transfer, or the time and duration of your VPN sessions.
  • No traffic logs: PureVPN does not keep any traffic logs, which means that they do not store information about the content of your online activity.
  • No IP logs: PureVPN does not keep any IP logs, which means that they do not store information about your real IP address.
  • No DNS logs: PureVPN does not keep any DNS logs, which means that they do not store information about the websites you visit.
  • No payment logs: PureVPN does not keep any payment logs, which means that they do not store information about your payment methods.

Speed Features

This section explores the speed features of Hotspot Shield and PureVPN when it comes to server technology for download/upload speeds for streaming and torrenting.

Winner is:

Hotspot Shield and PureVPN both offer commendable speed performance. Third-party speed tests show Hotspot Shield with an average download speed of 71 Mbps and upload speed of 36 Mbps, outpacing PureVPN's average download and upload speeds of 30 Mbps and 15 Mbps respectively. Hotspot Shield's server speed is also faster, reducing buffering on streaming sites and providing better torrenting experience. Therefore, when comparing these two VPNs purely on speed features, Hotspot Shield comes out as the overall winner.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield

  • 3,200+ VPN servers in 70+ countries: Hotspot Shield has a large network of VPN servers, which means that you can connect to a server that is close to your location for the best possible speeds.
  • P2P-optimized servers: Hotspot Shield has dedicated P2P-optimized servers that are designed for file sharing. This is important for users who want to download or upload large files without any throttling.
  • Streaming-optimized servers: Hotspot Shield has dedicated streaming-optimized servers that are designed for streaming video and audio content. This is important for users who want to watch their favorite movies and shows without any buffering.
  • Obfuscated servers: Hotspot Shield has obfuscated servers that are designed to hide the fact that you are using a VPN. This can be useful in countries with strict internet censorship.
  • Dedicated IP addresses: Hotspot Shield offers dedicated IP addresses for users who need a static IP address. This is important for users who want to use the VPN for gaming or for businesses that need a dedicated IP address for their website.
  • Double VPN: Hotspot Shield offers a double VPN feature that encrypts your traffic twice, making it even more secure.
  • Fast speeds: Hotspot Shield is known for its fast speeds. This is important for streaming videos, downloading files, and browsing the web without any lag or buffering.
  • Split tunneling: Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps and websites will use the VPN and which ones will use your regular internet connection. This can help to boost your speed since all your internet traffic doesn't go through a VPN tunnel.
  • Servers in 80+ countries: Hotspot Shield has servers in over 80 countries, which means that you can connect to a server that is close to your location for the best possible speeds.
  • Optimized for streaming: Hotspot Shield has optimized its servers for streaming, so you can watch your favorite movies and shows without any buffering.
  • No speed caps: Hotspot Shield does not have any speed caps, so you can enjoy unlimited bandwidth and speeds.
PureVPN

PureVPN

  • Large server network: PureVPN has a large server network with over 6,500 servers in over 90 countries. This gives you a lot of options to choose when connecting to a VPN server.
  • P2P-optimized servers: PureVPN has dedicated P2P-optimized servers for torrenting. This means that you can download and upload files without worrying about being throttled or blocked.
  • Dedicated IP addresses: PureVPN offers dedicated IP addresses for an additional fee. This can be useful if you need to maintain a consistent IP address for things like gaming or streaming.
  • Obfuscated servers: PureVPN offers obfuscated servers that can help you to bypass censorship and geo-restrictions.
  • Double VPN servers: PureVPN offers double VPN servers that encrypt your traffic twice, making it even more secure.
  • Tor over VPN: PureVPN allows you to connect to the Tor network through its VPN servers. This can help to further protect your privacy and anonymity.
  • 10Gbit connection speeds: PureVPN claims that all of its servers have 10Gbit connection speeds, which should provide you with fast and reliable connections.
  • Multiple protocols: PureVPN supports a variety of VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec. Different protocols have different tradeoffs between speed and security.
  • Smart server selection: PureVPN's smart server selection feature can help you to choose the fastest available server for your location.
  • Kill switch: PureVPN's kill switch feature will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address being exposed.
  • Split tunneling: PureVPN's split tunneling feature allows you to choose which apps and websites use the VPN connection and which ones use your regular internet connection. This can be useful if you want to use a VPN for some things, but not for others.

Streaming & Torrenting Features

This section compares the streaming and torrenting features and capabilities provided by Hotspot Shield versus PureVPN.

Popular Streaming Services
  • Netflix
  • Amazon Prime
  • Disney+
  • HBO Max
  • Paramount+
  • Hulu
  • Apple TV
  • Starz
  • ESPN+
  • Peacock
  • Canal Plus
  • Discovery Plus

Winner is:

Hotspot Shield and PureVPN both unblock popular streaming services efficiently, but Hotspot Shield offers slightly faster speeds. For torrenting, PureVPN stands out as it supports P2P on more servers. However, Hotspot Shield provides military-grade encryption and a proprietary Hydra protocol for enhanced security. Privacy-wise, PureVPN is located in a safer jurisdiction (Hong Kong), while Hotspot Shield is in the US (Five Eyes member). Considering all factors, it's a close call, but PureVPN wins slightly thanks to its superior P2P support and safer location.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield

  • Streaming-optimized servers: Hotspot Shield has dedicated streaming-optimized servers that are designed for streaming video and audio content. This is important for users who want to watch their favorite movies and shows without any buffering.
  • Unblocks geo-restricted content: Hotspot Shield can help you unblock geo-restricted content, such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. This means that you can watch your favorite shows and movies no matter where you are in the world.
  • Fast speeds: Hotspot Shield is known for its fast speeds, which is important for streaming videos and audio without any lag or buffering.
  • No bandwidth caps: Hotspot Shield does not have any bandwidth caps, so you can enjoy unlimited streaming without worrying about your data usage.
  • Easy to use: Hotspot Shield is very easy to use, and the app is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.
  • Supports P2P traffic: Hotspot Shield supports P2P traffic, which is the type of traffic used for file sharing. This means that you can use the VPN to download and upload torrents without any problems.
  • Fast speeds: Hotspot Shield is known for its fast speeds, which is important for torrenting. This is because the VPN does not throttle P2P traffic, so you can get the most out of your bandwidth.
  • No bandwidth caps: Hotspot Shield does not have any bandwidth caps, so you can torrent as much as you want without worrying about your data usage.
  • Secure and private: Hotspot Shield uses strong encryption to protect your data, so you can be confident that your torrenting activity is secure and private.
  • Easy to use: Hotspot Shield is very easy to use, and the app is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. This makes it a good option for users who are not familiar with VPNs or who do not want to spend a lot of time configuring their VPN settings.
PureVPN

PureVPN

  • Unblocks streaming services: PureVPN can unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. This is great if you want to watch your favorite shows and movies anywhere in the world.
  • Dedicated streaming servers: PureVPN has dedicated streaming servers for popular streaming services. This means that you can get the best possible streaming experience without having to worry about buffering or lag.
  • High-speed streaming: PureVPN uses a variety of technologies to ensure that you get the best possible streaming experience. This includes using high-speed servers and optimizing your connection for streaming.
  • No bandwidth throttling: PureVPN does not throttle your bandwidth, so you can stream as much as you want without having to worry about your speeds being slowed down.
  • No DNS leaks: PureVPN uses DNS leak protection to prevent your DNS requests being leaked to your ISP or other third parties. This ensures that your streaming activity remains private.
  • Supports P2P: PureVPN supports P2P file sharing, which means that you can use it to download and upload torrents.
  • Dedicated P2P servers: PureVPN has dedicated P2P servers that are optimized for torrenting. This means that you can get the best possible speeds and performance when torrenting.
  • No bandwidth throttling: PureVPN does not throttle your bandwidth when you are torrenting, so you can download and upload as much as you want without having to worry about your speeds being slowed down.
  • No logs: PureVPN does not keep any logs of your torrenting activity, so you can be sure that your privacy is protected.
  • Kill switch: PureVPN's kill switch will automatically disconnect your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address being exposed.

Support Features

This section looks at what kind of customer support you can expect from PureVPN versus Hotspot Shield.

Winner is:

Hotspot Shield and PureVPN both offer 24/7 customer support, including live chat and email. Hotspot Shield, however, stands out with its extensive knowledge base, including video tutorials and detailed guides, making it easier for users to troubleshoot issues. PureVPN's support, while reliable, is less comprehensive. Customer support is crucial in a VPN service for resolving technical issues and ensuring smooth usage. Therefore, Hotspot Shield is the winner in providing superior customer support.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield

  • 24/7 live chat: Hotspot Shield offers 24/7 live chat support, which is available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese. This means that you can always get help a customer support representative, no matter what time it is.
  • Email support: Hotspot Shield also offers email support, which is available in all languages. This is a good option if you do not want to wait in a live chat queue.
  • Knowledge base: Hotspot Shield has a comprehensive knowledge base that covers a wide range of topics, such as how to install and use the VPN, troubleshooting tips, and frequently asked questions. This is a good option if you can find the answer to your question on your own.
  • Social media support: Hotspot Shield also offers support on social media, such as Twitter and Facebook. This is a good option if you want to get help a customer support representative quickly.
PureVPN

PureVPN

  • 24/7 live chat: PureVPN offers 24/7 live chat support. This means that you can get help a customer service representative at any time of the day or night.
  • Email support: PureVPN also offers email support. This is a good option if you need to provide more details about your issue.
  • Knowledge base: PureVPN has a comprehensive knowledge base that covers a wide range of topics. This is a good resource if you can't find the answer to your question in the live chat or email support.
  • Ticket system: PureVPN also has a ticket system. This is a good option if you need to submit a more complex issue.
  • Social media: PureVPN is also active on social media. You can reach out to them on Twitter or Facebook if you have a question or issue.

Check out how Hotspot Shield and PureVPN stack up against other popular VPN services on the market.