Hotspot Shield vs OVPN

​​Hotspot Shield, developed by Pango (formerly AnchorFree Inc.), is a prominent VPN service headquartered in Redwood City, California, with additional offices in Boston and Ukraine. Founded in 2005 by David Gorodyansky and Eugene Malobrodsky, the company has grown significantly, boasting over 3,200 servers across over 80 countries. This extensive server network allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and access region-locked content, enhancing privacy and security online. Hotspot Shield offers both free and premium plans. The free version includes limited server access and a daily data cap, while the premium version provides faster speeds, a broader server selection, and additional features like antivirus protection. A standout feature of Hotspot Shield is their proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, which aims to deliver enhanced speed and security compared to traditional VPN protocols. Despite their strengths, Hotspot Shield has faced criticism for not conducting third-party audits to verify their no-logging policy. However, they maintain a strict no-logging policy to protect user privacy. The service is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. As of December 31, 2024, Hotspot Shield will discontinue support for router-based VPN configurations.

Founded in 2014 and based in Sweden, OVPN is a privacy-focused VPN provider known for its strict no-logs policy and diskless servers, ensuring no user data is stored. Their court-tested privacy stance has reinforced their reputation as a secure choice for users seeking anonymity. They utilize AES-256-GCM encryption, WireGuard protocol, and multihop connections for enhanced security, along with split tunneling, port forwarding, and a kill switch for better control over online privacy. OVPN supports BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max, making them a decent option for streaming, though their limited server network, primarily in North America and Europe, may impact global access and speed. They offer monthly, annual, and three-year plans, all backed by a 10-day money-back guarantee. While OVPN is a strong choice for privacy-focused users, their small server network and limited simultaneous connections may not suit everyone.