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Betternet VPN has received a lot of criticism in the past few years after an academic study came out in 2016 that listed Betternet as one of the top five Android VPN apps with the most third-party tracking software. ince then, Betternet has made a few changes to the service, including the release of a paid premium plan in addition to their popular free tier.
Read allHotspot Shield is a popular VPN service with over 650 million users and multiple servers in 55+ countries. In fact, the website claims it is the #1 grossing app for Productivity in the US App Store. (When we checked the App Store source, it actually indicated #8, which is still an impressive ranking.
Read allVPN Unlimited is headquartered in New York and is the subsidiary of KeepSolid. While the fact that VPN Unlimited is US-based in New York does not thrill us (as opposed to, say, ExpressVPN, which runs out of the British Virgin Islands) VPN Unlimited provides users with a solid VPN service.
Read allBetternet VPN has received a lot of criticism in the past few years after an academic study came out in 2016 that listed Betternet as one of the top five Android VPN apps with the most third-party tracking software. ince then, Betternet has made a few changes to the service, including the release of a paid premium plan in addition to their popular free tier.
Read allHotspot Shield is a popular VPN service with over 650 million users and multiple servers in 55+ countries. In fact, the website claims it is the #1 grossing app for Productivity in the US App Store. (When we checked the App Store source, it actually indicated #8, which is still an impressive ranking.
Read allVPN Unlimited is headquartered in New York and is the subsidiary of KeepSolid. While the fact that VPN Unlimited is US-based in New York does not thrill us (as opposed to, say, ExpressVPN, which runs out of the British Virgin Islands) VPN Unlimited provides users with a solid VPN service.
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| Starting price |
| $0.00/ month |
| Money Back Guarantee (Days) |
| 0 |
| Number of devices per license |
| 1 |
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| $2.99/ month |
| Money Back Guarantee (Days) |
| 30 |
| Number of devices per license |
| 5 |
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| $2.78/ month |
| Money Back Guarantee (Days) |
| 7 |
| Number of devices per license |
| 5 |
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| Starting price | $0.00/ month | $2.99/ month | $2.78/ month |
| Money Back Guarantee (Days) | 0 | 30 | 7 |
| Number of devices per license | 1 | 5 | 5 |
| See Plans & Pricing | See Plans | See Plans | See Plans |
| Best VPNs Overall | |
VPN Unlimited offers the greater number of servers and is the only one of the three vendors that does not keep any logs or data at all. While it offers the same level of encryption as the other providers, its additional features improve the privacy and security of users. All three services can be used to access geo-restricted content, including Netflix, and work across a range of operating systems. Betternet’s free service needs to be weighed against its financial model and data usage policy, while Hotspot Shield’s logging policies needed to be considered against its 45-day money back guarantee and the inclusion of Catapult Hydra data compression technology. Even so, make sure you check out Hotspot Shield's great coupon discounts and take advantage on their limited deals. |
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VPN Unlimited offers the greater number of servers and is the only one of the three vendors that does not keep any logs or data at all. While it offers the same level of encryption as the other providers, its additional features improve the privacy and security of users. All three services can be used to access geo-restricted content, including Netflix, and work across a range of operating systems. Betternet’s free service needs to be weighed against its financial model and data usage policy, while Hotspot Shield’s logging policies needed to be considered against its 45-day money back guarantee and the inclusion of Catapult Hydra data compression technology. Even so, make sure you check out Hotspot Shield's great coupon discounts and take advantage on their limited deals.
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| Best VPNs for Torrents | |
Betternet allows torrenting across all its servers, however, its limited number of servers and data usage may be a cause for concern for users. Hotspot Shield does not allow torrenting at all, while VPN Unlimited allows it through specific server locations only. |
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Betternet allows torrenting across all its servers, however, its limited number of servers and data usage may be a cause for concern for users. Hotspot Shield does not allow torrenting at all, while VPN Unlimited allows it through specific server locations only.
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| Best VPNs for Windows | |
All three providers work on the Windows operating system. Hotspot Shield’s Catapult Hydra technology means that users get faster speeds with a paid subscription, however user guides are unclear and there is no live chat support available. VPN Unlimited connects through OpenVPN on Windows, which supports 256-bit encryption, as well as KeepSolid Wise and other extensions that increase the users’ security and privacy. |
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All three providers work on the Windows operating system. Hotspot Shield’s Catapult Hydra technology means that users get faster speeds with a paid subscription, however user guides are unclear and there is no live chat support available. VPN Unlimited connects through OpenVPN on Windows, which supports 256-bit encryption, as well as KeepSolid Wise and other extensions that increase the users’ security and privacy.
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| Best VPNs for Android | |
All three services work on Android platforms, but VPN Unlimited users can benefit from OpenVPN. The Hotspot Shield app is easy to download and install and users are automatically connected to a proxy browser. The Betternet app is similarly easy to download and use. |
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All three services work on Android platforms, but VPN Unlimited users can benefit from OpenVPN. The Hotspot Shield app is easy to download and install and users are automatically connected to a proxy browser. The Betternet app is similarly easy to download and use.
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| Best VPNs for Mac | |
All three providers offer native apps for the Mac operating system. All are easy to set up and use, however, Betternet’s smaller number of servers limits users’ connection options. Hotspot Shield’s use of Catapult Hydra technology improves speeds for users, while VPN Unlimited’s Mac app connects through L2TP / IPSec and PPTP protocols, rather than OpenVPN. |
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All three providers offer native apps for the Mac operating system. All are easy to set up and use, however, Betternet’s smaller number of servers limits users’ connection options. Hotspot Shield’s use of Catapult Hydra technology improves speeds for users, while VPN Unlimited’s Mac app connects through L2TP / IPSec and PPTP protocols, rather than OpenVPN.
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| Best VPNs for iOS | |
VPN Unlimited’s iOS app includes access to its KeepSolid Wise service, as long as users are running iOS 9 or later. Both Hotspot Shield and Betternet also provide native apps for iOS. |
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VPN Unlimited’s iOS app includes access to its KeepSolid Wise service, as long as users are running iOS 9 or later. Both Hotspot Shield and Betternet also provide native apps for iOS.
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| Best VPNs for USA | |
All three vendors have servers in the USA, although Betternet has far fewer servers and server locations than both VPN Unlimited and Hotspot Shield. All three are currently able to bypass geo-restrictions, although only Hotspot Shield and VPN Unlimited specifically state that they can be used to access US Netflix. |
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All three vendors have servers in the USA, although Betternet has far fewer servers and server locations than both VPN Unlimited and Hotspot Shield. All three are currently able to bypass geo-restrictions, although only Hotspot Shield and VPN Unlimited specifically state that they can be used to access US Netflix.
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All three vendors provide good levels of encryption, offer reasonable speeds, and support all major operating systems. However, VPN Unlimited is the only provider that does not keep logs and offers additional security features to ensure privacy online. Hotspot Shield users benefit from faster speeds due to its Catapult Hydra data compression technology. The major concern with Betternet and Hotspot Shield is their approach to users’ data.
Interestingly, if you compare Hotspot Shield with NordVPN, which is our top ranked vpn, you'll see that Hotspot Shield can learn a lot from NordVPN. Compare Hotspot Shield with NordVPN
Cybersecurity Researcher
Which VPN is better?
Ratings
Features |
3.5
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4.0
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3.9
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Pricing |
5.0
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4.5
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4.4
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Ease of Use |
3.9
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4.5
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4.3
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Reliability & Support |
3.9
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4.3
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4.2
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Reviews
Review by our expert
Technology Researcher
Technology Researcher
Ex-Hacker and Technical Researcher
Latest positive user review
Good App
Absolutely free VPN. BTW just click the exit button to close the free-trial box. It will continue to run without it. I don't experience any ads that I am aware of but I have an ad-blocker and a no-script installed on my browser which may account for that. I get a better connection on public WiFi generally. Their Terms and Conditions state they do not keep log files of your actual IP address or sites accessed; and they do not sell your information for money. They are supposed to be paid by premium accounts and the ads generated which, like I previously stated I haven't really seen much of. Lastly, they allow p2p and torrenting, though they will collect your data if they get subpoenaed to for illegal downloads. Overall, excellent VPN app in my opinion.
Used it for a Month - Perfect
I've been using hotspot shield for about a month now. Very easy to connect and speed is amazing, Doesn't slow down any of my streaming, I used different vpns in the past and they all slowed down my internet speed.
Been using it for couple of years. I have an unlimited plan.
Bought the VPN Unlimited lifetime plan with some big discount. At first I thought that there's nothing to loose with a proposed price and it is always good to have a spare VPN at hand when needed. But I was really surprised about the service. Connection speeds, user support (although I don't need much of it but used it couple of times), choice of server's location. Everything is good and better than average VPN providers. I have tried a lot of them like CyberGhoust, BlackVPN, ibVPN (this one is good too), NordVPN. To my humble opinion VPN Unlimited is one of the best! I use several slots on different devices (mobile phone, PC, router, pfSense) and they can work for months without the need of rebooting and connection losing. The privacy concerns? Well, there are no VPN providers that will keep your data safe if they have a warrant. I'm absolutely sure that EVERY VPN provider keeps all the logs of all your connections. So you can't get 100% privacy while using bought VPN. You just have to keep that in mind. With time VPN Unlimited dramatically improves their application with new features added. So I can't say anything bad about that company.
Latest negative user review
Worst customer service, would not remove my card from their records.
Great for free beginners but don’t buy premium, you can get free version online as good or better than their premium. Also awful customer support, as they would not remove my card when I wanted to cancel my premium trial. DO NOT GET BETTERNET PREMIUM
This program sucks. App store wouldn't let it open.
Absolute failure to launch. I spent time downloading, offering my credit card info for this 'free' app, and it wouldn't even open despite repeated clicks. I am looking for a free VPN that actually functions. This one didn't.
Terrible VPN--don't take the bait
40.00 for a lifetime subscription may seem like a great deal, but not if it's a useless VPN. No indication when you ask for a refund after constant problems that they work through stack commerce--a no-refund policy company. Messed up my laptop and very very slow. I'd give 0 stars if I could. Stay away!!!
Pricing
Starting price
$0.00 / month
$2.99 / month
$2.78 / month
Money Back Guarantee (Days)
0
30
7
Number of devices per license
1
5
5
Best VPNs by category
VPN Unlimited offers the greater number of servers and is the only one of the three vendors that does not keep any logs or data at all. While it offers the same level of encryption as the other providers, its additional features improve the privacy and security of users. All three services can be used to access geo-restricted content, including Netflix, and work across a range of operating systems. Betternet’s free service needs to be weighed against its financial model and data usage policy, while Hotspot Shield’s logging policies needed to be considered against its 45-day money back guarantee and the inclusion of Catapult Hydra data compression technology. Even so, make sure you check out Hotspot Shield's great coupon discounts and take advantage on their limited deals.
Betternet allows torrenting across all its servers, however, its limited number of servers and data usage may be a cause for concern for users. Hotspot Shield does not allow torrenting at all, while VPN Unlimited allows it through specific server locations only.
All three providers work on the Windows operating system. Hotspot Shield’s Catapult Hydra technology means that users get faster speeds with a paid subscription, however user guides are unclear and there is no live chat support available. VPN Unlimited connects through OpenVPN on Windows, which supports 256-bit encryption, as well as KeepSolid Wise and other extensions that increase the users’ security and privacy.
All three services work on Android platforms, but VPN Unlimited users can benefit from OpenVPN. The Hotspot Shield app is easy to download and install and users are automatically connected to a proxy browser. The Betternet app is similarly easy to download and use.
All three providers offer native apps for the Mac operating system. All are easy to set up and use, however, Betternet’s smaller number of servers limits users’ connection options. Hotspot Shield’s use of Catapult Hydra technology improves speeds for users, while VPN Unlimited’s Mac app connects through L2TP / IPSec and PPTP protocols, rather than OpenVPN.
VPN Unlimited’s iOS app includes access to its KeepSolid Wise service, as long as users are running iOS 9 or later. Both Hotspot Shield and Betternet also provide native apps for iOS.
All three vendors have servers in the USA, although Betternet has far fewer servers and server locations than both VPN Unlimited and Hotspot Shield. All three are currently able to bypass geo-restrictions, although only Hotspot Shield and VPN Unlimited specifically state that they can be used to access US Netflix.
The Bottom Line
Daniel Krohn
Cybersecurity Researcher
Time to decide which one is best for you
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Katie Kasunic
Anonymously
Alex (Shurf) Frenkel
