Avast VPN vs Hotspot Shield

Avast SecureLine VPN is a virtual private network service developed by Avast, a well-established cybersecurity company founded in 1988 and headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic. Launched in 2014, the VPN is designed to provide users with secure, encrypted internet connections, protecting their online activities from prying eyes. They offer AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch, ensuring data privacy. With servers in 34 countries, Avast SecureLine VPN supports streaming, torrenting, and multi-device connectivity for up to 10 devices. They feature Smart VPN Mode, which automatically adjusts settings based on user activity, and integrates seamlessly with Android TV. However, they lack router compatibility and obfuscated servers, which may be a drawback for advanced users. Customer feedback is good, with users praising their ease of use and strong encryption, but some noting limited server locations, lack of monthly plans, and the absence of advanced security features found in competitor VPNs. While not BBB accredited, Avast remains a reputable cybersecurity brand. With a 60-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, Avast SecureLine VPN provides an opportunity for users to explore their features.

​​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.