HotVPN.io is a VPN for iOS and Android that’s vague about what it actually offers. When I first looked into the VPN, it seemed to have many of the features you want from a VPN. It claims to unblock sites, protect your identity, and have a vast server network at your disposal.
After I started researching these features, however, I found that there wasn’t much information to find. None of the security features are detailed, the privacy policy is unclear, and the claim that it has 2 million users makes the roughly 600 servers woefully inadequate. I recommend checking out some of these VPNs, so you can browse with peace of mind.
Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings
- Very few servers. Despite having coverage in 65+ countries it only has 600 servers. This could negatively impact the VPN’s reliability.
- No bandwidth restrictions. It places no limits on the amount of bandwidth used, but there’s no guarantee of high speeds.
- Unclear security. HotVPN.io reveals very little information about which encryptions or security protocols it uses. This could leave you uncertain about your online safety.
- Vague privacy policy. The privacy policy listed in its terms and conditions seems incomplete and very unclear.
- Compatible devices. Only compatible with iOS and Android devices. This may expand later, but this is very limited support.
- Discounted plans. Long-term plans allow you to save a lot on your plan.
- Email support only. There is no option for live chat or other means of contact, and I didn’t receive a response.
- Money-back guarantee. You can try out HotVPN.io completely free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
HotVPN.io Features — Updated in October 2021
| 💸 Price | $6.99/month |
| 📆 Money Back Guarantee | 30 |
| 📝 Does VPN keep logs? | No |
| 🖥 Number of servers | 600 |
| 💻 Number of devices per license | 5 |
| 🛡 Kill switch | Yes |
| 🛠 Support | Via Email |
| 📥 Supports torrenting | No |
Streaming — No Optimized Servers
There aren’t any optimized servers available. It doesn’t appear to have any systems in place to reliably bypass geoblocks and let you stream from other region’s libraries. That said, unlimited bandwidth and certain server locations may be helpful in bypassing streaming geoblocks.
If you want a VPN that you can count on to crack streaming geoblocks, have a look at these instead.
Speeds — Not Promising
The lack of servers may limit HotVPN.io’s speeds. Finding a closeby server with good speeds and low ping could be a challenge.
However, it does have unlimited bandwidth, so you shouldn’t experience any throttling during heavy use. It could also prevent your ISP from throttling your connection if that’s an issue.
It’s not uncommon for a VPN to slow down your connection by around 20%, during the encryption process. This is particularly likely while connecting to more distant servers, as your overall speeds decrease and your ping increases. If you can’t find a closeby server from HotVPN.io’s limited selection, it could be a problem. I’d recommend considering these superfast VPNs for buffer-free streaming and lag-free gaming.
Server Network — Very Low Numbers
HotVPN.io’s server network is spread over 65+ countries, but is only made up of about 600 servers. The site also claims to have over 2 million users. If this is true then you may experience a lot of slowdowns due to crowding.
If you’d rather ensure good global coverage, check out these VPNs with substantial server lists.
Security — Unclear Features
While it claims to use encryptions to protect you, there is absolutely no information on what encryption it uses. Not only this, but there’s no indication that it has any of the features you should expect from a VPN including multiple security protocols, malware blockers, or a kill switch.
I reached out to customer support about this, but am yet to receive a response. Without knowing how your online activity is protected, for now I’d recommend picking a VPN with tried-and-tested security measures.
Privacy — Vague Privacy Policy
HotVPN.io does have a no-logs policy. It claims to store only the information needed in order to set up the account and to help run the service and site. However, it isn’t specific about the sensitive information it stores.
The privacy policy is very vague. It’s included with the terms and conditions but refers to a separate document with further information on the data it stores. This document doesn’t seem to exist as the privacy policy is merged with the T&Cs.
The HotVPN.io privacy policy doesn’t seem to provide enough information
The company appears to be based in Israel, which is a potential 3rd-party contributor to the Eyes Alliances.
It would be wise to explore alternative VPN options with tough privacy protection.
Torrenting — Not Safe
I can’t recommend using HotVPN.io for torrenting. It is lacking any of the features you need from a torrenting VPN — its encryption and protocols are unknown, and it doesn’t have a kill switch, so you can’t be sure your data is not at risk.
On top of that, it doesn’t have P2P-optimized servers, and the privacy policy is unclear. If you accidentally download copyrighted content, you may get in legal trouble, and HotVPN doesn’t state if it will share your data with the authorities.
There are other premium VPNs on the market known for safe torrenting.
Does HotVPN.io Work in China? — Not Recommended
Even if it doesn work in China, the security features are unknown. This means you could be unknowingly leaking your IP, DNS, and more whilst connected. I contacted the support team for an answer, but no one replied.
I wouldn’t recommend trying it, and there are plenty of VPNs known to work in China.
Simultaneous Device Connections — Up to 5
HotVPN.oi allows you to connect 5 devices at the same time. However, the compatibility is quite limited, so you may not get to use all of them.
Device Compatibility — iOS & Android
Currently, HotVPN.io is only compatible with iOS and Android devices. You won’t be able to use it on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and there’s no way to set it up on your router to connect gaming consoles or smart TVs.
