Akash Deep
Cybersecurity Researcher
Updated on 27th January 2025
The results weren't even close — ExpressVPN outperformed Hola VPN in every category, offering a twice-audited no-logs policy and an overall average of 6% faster speeds. Hola VPN's free service might catch your eye, but our tests revealed serious privacy concerns and performance issues that make it hard to recommend.
Hola VPN claims to revolutionize the VPN industry with a free peer-to-peer network that turns each user into a VPN node. These two services represent completely different approaches to online privacy, but which one delivers better results?
To answer this question, my team and I tested both VPNs extensively. We analyzed their performance in streaming, gaming, everyday browsing, and much more. We also examined their privacy policies, security features, and server infrastructure while paying close attention to how Hola VPN's P2P system impacts user privacy. Let me break down what we found.
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Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings
|
ExpressVPN |
Hola VPN |
⭐ Overall Rating |
Rated 9.87/10
https://www.expressvpn.com/ |
Rated 5.57/10
https://hola.org/ |
💲 Lowest Monthly Price |
$4.99/month for the 2-year plan |
$2.99/month for the 3-year plan |
🗓️ Price on Renewal |
$116.95 per year
(subject to change) |
$107.55 for 3 years
(subject to change) |
🤑 Coupons |
ExpressVPN offers 61% off (2-year plan) |
HolaVPN offers 70% off (3-year plan) |
💸 Money-Back Guarantee |
30 days |
14 days |
📺Streaming |
Works with Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, DAZN, and more |
Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more |
🌍 VPN Servers |
105 countries with 3,000 servers |
195 countries with 1,000 servers, but the app shows fewer locations |
⚡ Speed |
3% speed drop on nearby servers |
7% speed drop on nearby servers |
🎮 Gaming Performance |
9ms on nearby servers; perfect for fast-paced games |
17ms on nearby servers for lag-free gaming |
🧑🤝🧑 P2P Support |
Yes |
Yes |
🔐 Security Protocols |
Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 (macOS only) |
IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP, and PPTP |
🔌 Kill Switch |
Yes |
Yes, but only on Windows |
✅ IP/DNS Leak Protection |
Yes |
Yes |
🏢 Based in Country |
British Virgin Islands |
Israel |
⚠️ Does VPN Keep Logs |
No |
Yes |
Works in China |
Yes* |
No |
#️⃣ Number of Device Connections |
8 |
10 |
💻 Device Compatibility |
Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, routers, and more |
Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, Android, Chrome, routers, and more |
🔧 Customer Support |
24/7 live chat, knowledge base, FAQs, and email |
Knowledge base, FAQs, in-app messaging, and email |
*ExpressVPN is known to be reliable, but connections in China can be unstable.
Streaming — ExpressVPN Wins By a Narrow Margin
According to a report, 46% of people who use VPNs for personal use do so for streaming1. That’s why we spent weeks testing how both VPNs perform with popular streaming platforms — the results were surprising.
Streaming Platform |
ExpressVPN |
Hola VPN |
Netflix |
✅ Yes, including Netflix libraries
like the US, UK, Canada, Japan,
South Korea, and Switzerland |
✅ Yes |
Disney+ |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
ESPN+ |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
Max |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Hulu |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Sky TV UK |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Amazon Prime Video US |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
BBC iPlayer |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
ABC |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
NBC |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Which is better for Netflix, ExpressVPN or Hola VPN? Well, both performed impressively in our tests. We could securely access popular libraries like the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, and Canada without issues on either service. Truth be told, we didn’t expect such reliable performance from Hola VPN.
ExpressVPN's larger server network gave it an edge though — we could also stream some more obscure libraries like Algeria and Kazakhstan. This makes it a better option for securely accessing the most popular streaming platforms from anywhere.
Its Tokyo server let us watch Secret in HD without lag
Both VPNs worked well with other streaming platforms too. We successfully streamed content on Disney+, Max, Hulu, Sky TV UK, and Amazon Prime Video US with both services. The only notable difference was ESPN+, which worked with ExpressVPN but not with Hola VPN.
Our streaming was smooth, and there were no connection issues
Be advised: The VPNs we recommend offer no-log policies, meaning they don't monitor your online activity. When using a VPN, you are responsible for following any applicable rules or the terms and conditions of the streaming services you access. At vpnMentor, we advocate for responsible VPN usage and do not support any form of copyright infringement.
Winner
While both VPNs handle most streaming services well, ExpressVPN's broader server network makes it more versatile for getting reliable HD access to platforms from anywhere. Its ability to work with ESPN+ and more Netflix libraries gives it a slight advantage over Hola VPN.
Server Network — ExpressVPN Has a Much Larger Server Network
|
ExpressVPN |
Hola VPN |
Total Countries With Servers |
105 |
195 |
Number of Servers |
3,000 |
1,000 |
ExpressVPN clearly leads in server coverage with 3,000 servers across 105 countries. While Hola VPN claims to cover 195 countries through its peer-to-peer network, I found far fewer locations actually available.
This larger network gives you many more options with ExpressVPN. You can connect to servers in diverse locations like India, Kazakhstan, and Algeria, while Hola VPN's actual coverage is much more limited, potentially leaving you without access to your needed location.
ExpressVPN's server network never felt overcrowded during our tests, even at peak hours. Hola VPN's peer-to-peer system, which relies on other users' connections instead of dedicated servers, could lead to slower speeds during busy periods.
When it comes to city-level server selection, ExpressVPN again takes the lead. It offers multiple city options in many countries, giving you precise control over your connection. Hola VPN only lets you select countries, not specific cities.
Winner
ExpressVPN's larger network and better location options make it the clear winner. You get more control over your connection and benefit from dedicated servers rather than depending on a P2P network.
Speed — ExpressVPN Takes the Lead With Slightly Faster Connections
To compare speeds accurately, we tested both VPNs on our 240Mbps connection. We used ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol and Hola VPN's default IKEv2/IPSec protocol across multiple server locations.
Speed Tests |
ExpressVPN Average Download Speed |
Hola VPN Average Download Speed |
ExpressVPN Average Upload Speed |
Hola VPN Average Upload Speed |
Connected to a UK server |
232.8Mbps |
226.4Mbps |
25.55Mbps |
25.32Mbps |
Connected to a US server |
206.4Mbps |
189.4Mbps |
24.46Mbps |
21.54Mbps |
Connected to a Japanese server |
175.2Mbps |
167.2Mbps |
23.14Mbps |
21.78Mbps |
On nearby UK servers, both VPNs performed remarkably well. ExpressVPN dropped to 232.8Mbps, just a 3% decrease from our base speed. Hola VPN wasn't far behind at 226.4Mbps, showing a 5.7% reduction. Both speeds are excellent for any online activity, including 4K streaming.
The speeds were consistent — we didn't experience any slowdowns
The differences became more noticeable with distance. On US servers, ExpressVPN maintained strong speeds at 206.4Mbps (14% drop), while Hola VPN reached 189.4Mbps (21% decrease). Our Japanese server tests showed similar results — ExpressVPN hit 175.2Mbps (27% drop) compared to Hola VPN's 167.2Mbps (30% decrease).
We didn't experience buffering even while streaming in 4K
Upload speeds stayed consistent with both services. ExpressVPN maintained slightly better rates across all locations, but the difference wasn't significant enough to impact most activities.
Winner
Both VPNs deliver impressive speeds, but ExpressVPN holds a small advantage, especially on distant servers. Either option will handle 4K streaming and gaming with ease, but ExpressVPN's slightly better performance gives it the edge.
Gaming — ExpressVPN Takes the Lead With Lower Latency
A VPN that offers low ping is essential for competitive gaming. We tested both VPNs in multiple online games, starting with a baseline ping of 9ms without a VPN.
|
ExpressVPN |
Hola VPN |
Connected to a UK server |
9ms |
17ms |
Connected to a US server |
82ms |
113ms |
Connected to a Japanese server |
181ms |
223ms |
On nearby UK servers, both VPNs performed well enough for competitive play. ExpressVPN's 9ms ping felt almost identical to our baseline connection, while Hola VPN's 17ms kept games smooth and responsive. We played several rounds of League of Legends and Warzone and could easily track enemies and land precise shots with both options.
On ExpressVPN's nearby servers, there was no increase in ping rates
US server tests showed bigger ping differences. ExpressVPN's 82ms ping kept League of Legends playable — we could still pull off combos and dodge abilities effectively. With Hola VPN's 113ms ping, we noticed delays in our actions, making it harder to compete in ranked matches.
Neither VPN handled Japanese servers well. ExpressVPN's 181ms ping made Overwatch 2 feel sluggish, while Hola VPN's 223ms led to frequent rubber-banding and missed abilities. At these distances, competitive gaming becomes frustrating regardless of which service you choose.
ExpressVPN's extensive server network also lets you connect with friends or access game servers in different regions, while Hola VPN's limited location options make this more difficult.
Winner
ExpressVPN's lower ping and better server coverage make it the clear choice for gaming. It delivers a smoother performance and gives you more freedom to play on different servers and compete with friends.
Torrenting — ExpressVPN Supports P2P Traffic, Hola VPN Blocks It
When it comes to torrenting, the choice between these VPNs is clear — ExpressVPN supports P2P downloads on all its servers, while Hola VPN blocks torrenting traffic completely.
We tested ExpressVPN's P2P capabilities by downloading several Linux distributions. Our 5GB test file downloaded in under 3 minutes using qBittorrent, with speeds remaining stable throughout. Plus, its strong security and privacy features kept our connection secure.
Since Hola doesn’t support P2P traffic, we couldn’t use it in our tests. Even if it allowed torrenting, we wouldn't recommend it for P2P activities due to serious privacy concerns, which we'll explore in detail in the privacy section below.
Editor's note: Using VPNs can enhance your privacy while torrenting, but it's important to comply with copyright laws and use torrent services responsibly. The vpnMentor team does not endorse or support any illegal activities. Always ensure you have the legal right to download and share content before engaging in torrenting.
Winner
ExpressVPN is the clear winner here since Hola VPN doesn't support torrenting at all. With ExpressVPN, you get fast P2P downloads and robust security features to protect your connection.
Security — ExpressVPN Provides Superior Protection
The security differences between these VPNs are significant. Let's look at how their features compare:
Security Feature |
ExpressVPN |
Hola VPN |
Encryption level |
AES-256-GCM |
AES-256-GCM |
Kill Switch |
Yes |
Yes, but only on Windows |
DNS/IP Leak Protection |
Yes |
Yes |
Protocols |
Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 (macOS only) |
IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP, and PPTP |
Split Tunneling |
Yes |
Yes |
Tor over VPN servers |
No |
No |
RAM-only servers wipes data |
Yes |
No |
Ad & malware blocker |
Yes |
No |
Double hop servers |
No |
No |
Dedicated IP addresses |
No |
No |
Obfuscation technology |
Yes |
No |
ExpressVPN secures your connection with industry-standard AES-256-GCM encryption and offers two robust protocols — its proprietary Lightway protocol and OpenVPN. This makes ExpressVPN one of the most secure VPNs available, but the same can't be said about Hola.
What are Hola's security risks? While it does offer AES 256-bit encryption, it relies on older protocols like IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP, and PPTP, with some having known security vulnerabilities.
Our leak tests using ipleak.net showed both VPNs successfully protected our real IP address and DNS requests. However, ExpressVPN provides more consistent protection with its kill switch working on all platforms, unlike Hola VPN, which only offers this feature on Windows and Android.
I like that ExpressVPN’s Advanced Protection feature adds another security layer by blocking malicious websites and trackers before they can load. During our tests, it successfully blocked several known tracking domains and potentially harmful ads. Hola VPN doesn't offer any similar protection against online threats.
ExpressVPN also offers Parental Controls to block adult sites
Both VPNs offer split tunneling. This allows you to route only specific apps through the VPN while others use your regular connection. This way, you can enjoy faster connection speeds on apps and sites that don’t need VPN protection.
Both VPNs offer split tunneling but take different approaches. ExpressVPN lets you choose which apps bypass the VPN connection, while Hola VPN reverses this process — you select which apps to protect with the VPN. While both methods work, Hola's approach might feel counterintuitive if you're used to traditional split tunneling.
Winner
ExpressVPN's modern protocols, comprehensive security features, and consistent cross-platform protection make it the clear winner. Hola VPN's basic security and missing features make it hard to recommend for security-focused users.
Privacy — ExpressVPN Protects Your Privacy, Hola VPN Raises Serious Concerns
Your privacy depends heavily on your VPN provider's practices and policies. Our research into these two services revealed a clear winner.
ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy to keep your data private. Located in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, it only collects the minimal data needed to maintain service: your email, billing information, and basic app usage data like successful VPN connections.
Can you trust ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy? Yes — its privacy claims have been tested in real-world situations. When Turkish authorities seized one of its servers in 2017, they found no user data.
Hola VPN offers both free and premium versions, with concerning privacy practices in both. What are the risks associated with Hola’s free VPN? Well, the free version operates on a peer-to-peer network that turns your device into an exit node for other users' traffic — potentially making you responsible for their online activities.
The premium version doesn't use your device as an exit node, but it still logs extensive data, including your IP address, browsing activities, and device information, keeping these records for up to 12 months.
Past incidents raise additional red flags about Hola VPN's privacy practices. In 2015, the service was caught turning its users' devices into a botnet, letting paid business customers route traffic through free users' connections without their knowledge2.
Was the Hola extension removed from Chrome? Yes — in 2021, hackers breached the extension, exposing cryptocurrency users to phishing attacks. Google temporarily removed the extension from the Chrome Web Store as a result3, though it was restored after Hola VPN patched the security vulnerability.
ExpressVPN regularly undergoes independent audits to verify its security and privacy claims. Hola VPN has never undergone independent audits, making it impossible to verify its privacy claims.
Winner
ExpressVPN's verified no-logs policy, strategic location, and proven track record make it the clear choice for privacy. Hola VPN's concerning P2P structure, extensive logging practices, and history of security incidents make it one of the worst options for privacy.
Works in China — ExpressVPN Is the Winner
Not many VPNs work in China due to strict internet restrictions and sophisticated blocking systems. Most VPN connections are quickly identified and blocked, but there are a handful of services that have developed ways to maintain access.
ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs known to work in China, thanks to its advanced obfuscation technology, which helps mask VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. The obfuscation is automatic, so you don’t need to enable it manually. Like all VPNs in China, though, you might experience occasional connection problems.
Does Hola work in China? Not at all. It lacks the necessary obfuscation features, and its peer-to-peer network structure isn't suitable for heavily restricted networks. Without the ability to disguise VPN traffic, its connections are quickly blocked.
Editor's note: Due to China’s internet restrictions, even the most reliable VPNs can be unstable. However, there’s no financial loss in testing ExpressVPN as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. The use of non-government-approved VPNs is not permitted in China, but there have been no publicly reported cases of tourists being penalized by the Chinese government for using one. My team and I do not endorse breaking any laws.
Winner
For secure internet access in China, ExpressVPN is known as one of the most reliable VPNs. Its obfuscation technology and adaptive protocols give you a much better chance of connecting to the internet while in China.
Installation & Ease of Use — ExpressVPN Comes Out on Top
Both VPNs aim for user-friendly experiences but take different approaches to their apps and installation process.
ExpressVPN's interface strikes the right balance between simplicity and functionality. The main screen has a large connection button and your selected location, with easy access to the server list. All settings and features are clearly labeled and simple to find, whether you're looking to switch protocols or set up split tunneling.
You can also select a server by searching for your desired city or country
Hola VPN goes for an ultra-minimal design for its main screen, with just an on/off switch and country selector. While this simplicity helps beginners get started quickly, we found the 10- to 15-second connection times frustrating compared to ExpressVPN's instant connections.
You can secure your connection by clicking on the Connect button
The apps tell a similar story. ExpressVPN's features work the same way across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Hola VPN changes what's available depending on your device — Windows users get features like auto-connect, customizable encryption, and kill switch, while Mac users miss out on these essential tools. Its mobile apps are especially minimal, with almost no adjustable security features.
Both VPNs include Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions, plus easy router setup to protect devices like gaming consoles and smart TVs. You also get apps for Apple TV and Firestick with both options.
Winner
ExpressVPN's more intuitive interface and broader device coverage make it the winner. Its simpler server selection process and support for more devices allow you to protect more of your online activity with less effort.
Reliability & Support — ExpressVPN Outshines Hola VPN
Quality customer support can make a big difference when you run into VPN issues. Here's how these VPNs stack up:
Customer Support Features |
ExpressVPN |
Hola VPN |
24/7 Live chat |
Yes |
No |
Email support |
Yes |
Yes |
Phone support |
No |
No |
Step-by-step setup guides |
Yes |
Yes |
Exhaustive FAQ section |
Yes |
Yes |
I tested ExpressVPN's live chat support with questions about its protocols and obfuscation. Each time, I connected to an agent within a minute and received clear, helpful answers. The support team knew their product well and could explain technical concepts in simple terms.
Hola VPN offers in-app messaging and email support. When I tested both channels with similar questions, I typically waited 2–3 hours for a response. The answers were helpful and thorough when they arrived, though the wait time could be frustrating for urgent issues. ExpressVPN's email support is also reliable, though with its quick live chat, you probably won't need it.
Both VPNs maintain detailed support resources. While ExpressVPN's knowledge base offers slightly more in-depth coverage of advanced topics, both services provide clear setup guides and helpful troubleshooting steps.
Winner
ExpressVPN wins with its instant live chat support and slightly more comprehensive documentation. Hola VPN's support resources are good, but its slow response times mean you'll spend more time waiting for help with urgent issues.
Pricing
|
ExpressVPN |
Hola VPN |
Lowest Starting Price |
$4.99/month for the 2-year plan |
$2.99/month for the 3-year plan |
Price (On Renewal) |
$116.95 per year
(subject to change) |
$107.55 for 3 years
(subject to change) |
Payment Accepted |
Credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, online transfers, cryptocurrencies, and more |
Credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and more |
Money-Back Guarantee (Days) |
30 days |
14 days |
Number of Devices Per License |
8 |
10 |
Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices) |
Yes |
Yes |
ExpressVPN offers monthly, yearly, and 2-year plans, with the 2-year subscription providing the best value at $4.99/month. After the initial term, the price increases to $116.95 per year.
Hola VPN's pricing structure includes a free version with strict limitations. For starters, its website mentions that the free plan limits data but doesn’t specify how much — when we tested it, we only got 30 minutes per hour on one device. Its Premium plans start at $14.99 for the 1-month option, with better deals on longer subscriptions. The 3-year plan drops to $2.99/month and renews at the same price for the same term.
Both VPNs accept standard payment methods like credit cards and PayPal. ExpressVPN also takes cryptocurrency for private payments, while Hola VPN doesn't offer this option.
In terms of money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN offers a genuine 30-day refund policy that lets you fully test the service completely risk-free. Hola VPN's 14-day guarantee comes with a catch — the company says you only qualify if you don't use the service within 14 days of signup. However, I got a refund even after using the VPN extensively.
Winner
ExpressVPN costs slightly more but offers better value with its reliable performance and comprehensive features. Hola VPN's lower prices don't offset its limited features and weak privacy protection.
Our Methodology for Testing ExpressVPN vs Hola VPN
To provide an accurate comparison of these VPNs, we conducted extensive tests across several key areas. We measured their speeds on local and international servers, checked streaming performance with popular platforms like Netflix and Disney+, and tested their gaming capabilities in online titles like Warzone and CS2.
We also evaluated their security features, encryption standards, and protection against data leaks. Our testing included hands-on experience with both VPNs' apps across different devices, response times from their support teams, and value for money across subscription plans. In addition, we look at their privacy policies to see how they handle user data. For more details about our testing process, check out our VPN testing methodology page.
ExpressVPN vs Hola VPN — Reddit Opinions
Reddit users have strong and varied opinions about ExpressVPN and Hola VPN. Overall, Redditors prefer ExpressVPN over Hola VPN.
Users generally appreciate ExpressVPN’s streaming capabilities and fast speeds. Many Redditors praise it for its user-friendly interface and ease of use. The app is described as polished and complete, with settings that are easy to navigate
Hola VPN, however, receives overwhelming amounts of negative feedback. Multiple Reddit threads warn users about serious privacy and security concerns. Users highlight that Hola operates differently from traditional VPNs, essentially creating a peer-to-peer network where users share their internet bandwidth. This means your connection could potentially be used by other users for unknown activities.