Hola VPN offers both a free and premium service. The free unblocker is advert free and gives most internet users exactly what they need. Users with more advanced needs can subscribe to the premium service to enjoy unlimited internet access to any website plus added security and privacy among other features.
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Easy-to-use Hola VPN is renowned for its excellent performance, regularly praised by users for its outstanding service. It comes as no surprise that Chrome Web Store gives Hola VPN a 5-star rating based on more than 340,000 reviews.
Hola VPN Pros
Technology
Hola VPN’s patented technology combines standard VPN architecture with patented peer-to-peer technology. The unblocker’s lightning-quick speed is thanks to this split routing, ensuring excellent performance and outstanding unblocking capabilities. This unique technology also renders Hola VPN more difficult to detect and block. The user-friendly app lets users toggle between countries to set the location from where they want to unblock a website by clicking on the country flag at the top of the screen. On the odd occasion where a website is not unblocked during the first try, users can click the ‘Fix it’ button to solve the problem in the majority of cases.
Routing
Hola VPN’s free subscribers opt into a community-based VPN. In return for a fast connection and unlimited access, users share idle routing resources only when their devices are not in use. The volume of traffic routed through idle devices is minimal – on average less than a short YouTube clip. The amassed routing power gives way to unrivaled speed and arguably the world’s fastest unblocking service. It is important to note that Hola VPN in no way gains access to devices, it only routes a negligible amount of traffic through it – a mutually beneficial agreement that poses zero risks and has no impact on a user’s browsing or computer usage. A fair exchange! To opt-out of resource sharing, users can subscribe to Hola VPN PLUS for as little as US$2.99 per month.
Users of browser extensions, including Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Microsoft Edge are also exempt from sharing their idle resources.
Performance
As is always the case, performance depends on the geographical distance between the user and the target server.
European servers returned a range of encouraging results between 65-82Mbps US servers came in well over 48Mbps.
Security & privacy
Hola VPN PLUS’ top-of-the-range security is guaranteed by the top standard IKEv2/IPSEC with AES 256-bit encryption and kill switch support to safeguard against unforeseen breaches. The premium service also supports other encryption protocols. Compared to other free services where privacy may be compromised, Hola VPN does not share its users’ personal information with anyone in the Hola VPN community and never sells details to a third party for marketing or other purposes.
Platforms
Hola VPN supports virtually all platforms, including the following:
Windows (8 and later), Mac10.11 El Capitan and later, Linux, Chrome OS iOS (8 and later), Android (5 and later) Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera Smart TVs Android TV (coming soon)
Installation
The software takes approximately one minute to install with no configuration required. Installation is hassle-free and requires no advanced technical knowledge. Users that want to upgrade to the Hola VPN PLUS service can either create an account or use their existing Google or Facebook accounts to sign up. Hola VPN can be installed as an app on iPhone/ iPad, Android, Windows, and Mac. Smart TVs and consoles are also supported. On desktops and laptops, Hola VPN can be installed as a full program or as a browser extension on Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Microsoft Edge.
Devices
Premium subscribers can install Hola VPN PLUS on up to 10 devices, including Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.
Customer support
Here users can find advice on anything from optimizing streaming services like Netflix to improving the speed of their Hola VPN PLUS service. Additional help is promptly offered via email or by completing an online support form.
Hola VPN Cons
Hola VPN’s free service primarily removes geo-restrictions for websites and provides limited security. The free version also has some limitations for streaming certain types of content. While Hola VPN is compatible with all operating systems, the free version cannot be installed on iOS. iPhone/ iPad users can instead benefit from subscribing to the premium service to unlock advanced security, privacy, and unlimited internet access from as little as US$2.99 per month.
Pricing
Hola VPN PLUS currently offers the best value plan of US$2.99 per month for three years (billed every three years). Other options include:
US$6.99 per month for one year US$11.95 per month on a monthly plan
All of the above plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Verdict
This is one of the most highly recommended VPN services. Hola Free VPN is not only free but also free of ads, and the premium product meets the requirements of heavier users with more advanced needs for streaming, security, and privacy. The app is intuitive, practical, and reliable. A fantastic product that offers all users everything they need.