We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
Advertising Disclosure

vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

ExpressVPN vs Hola VPN 2025

Table of Contents
    Editor's Note: Transparency and impartiality are important to us when bringing you our best selection of VPNs. Some of the industry-leading products on our list, including Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company. The VPNs we choose are derived from a thorough testing process.

    Which VPN Is Better?

    Author Image Akash Deep
    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.

    Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

    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.

    Screenshot of Secret: A Hidden Score streaming on Netflix Japan with ExpressVPN connectedIts 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.

    Screenshot of Disney+ streaming with Hola VPN connectedOur 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.

    Screenshot of ExpressVPN's speed test resultsThe 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).

    Screenshot of 4K streaming on YouTube with Hola connectedWe 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.

    Screenshot of League of Legends gameplay with Expressvpn connectedOn 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.

    Screenshot showing how to enable ExpressVPN's Advanced ProtectionExpressVPN 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.

    Screenshot of ExpressVPN's server listYou 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.

    Screenshot of Hola VPN's user-friendly interfaceYou 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.

    Our Score

    Features 2.7/10
    Pricing 9.4/10
    Ease of Use 10.0/10
    Reliability & Support 10.0/10
    Features 5.6/10
    Pricing 4.0/10
    Ease of Use 6.4/10
    Reliability & Support 4.8/10

    Reviews

    Review by our expert
    Author Image James Everard
    James Everard Senior Writer
    Our Score: 2.7/10

    ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and trusted names in the industry. It’s known for being one of the safest, fastest VPNs around, so I wanted to see if it can live up to these claims. It’s not the cheapest VPN, but it often offers discounts that make it a better value for the money. Other decent VPNs offer similar features for less in the long term. So, do you really need to pay that much...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    A
    Anonymously
    10.0/10
    TEst Vlad

    My wife and I love the service we get. Never a problem yet! We have a few phones, two laptops, and a d... esktop connected to the VPN with zero concerns. I am excited to tell friends about Express VPN when I have the chance!More

    Latest negative user review
    C
    Charli
    6.0/10
    Ok, but expensive

    Seems ok, but I wouldn't say it's worth $20AUD a month. That's steep if you live in a backwater like A... ustralia, where the currency is not valuable. Easy enough to set up - you don't need to be Einstein - but unless you're a tech nerd who can take a look under the bonnet, you'll just have to trust what they say about their product. It frequently drops out without the slightest warning, often when it's the only thing online at the time - despite fast and flawless fiber internet, rendering expression entirely useless UNLESS you have it sitting on your desktop where you can keep an eagle eye on it to actually see it when it drops out so you can kick it back into service again (it doesn't do it by itself), which seems to defeat its purpose, so I'm taking away 2 stars for that. Support is good and they do get back to you as fast as they can.More

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Akash Deep
    Akash Deep Cybersecurity Researcher
    Our Score: 5.6/10

    Hola VPN promises speed and security, so we thoroughly tested its free and Premium versions. Overall, its peer-to-peer network and privacy practices are concerning, and there are some restrictions. Do you know what the time limit on Hola VPN’s free plan is? Well, it doesn’t specify on its site. But it only gave us 30 minutes of use each hour. After extensive testing, we found that Hola VPN...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    D
    Danilo
    10.0/10
    Really good and reliable VPN client

    I am very insecure about this post and how reliable this comparison actually is. There will always be ... people that either love or hate Hola VPN, whereas, this is a very individual decision. Personally, I am rather happy with the app (i am also using it on my desktop from time to time) and i do not share the rating that is displayed on this webpage. I cannot say much about the support side but would give the rest (user functions, friendliness as well as pricing) 5 stars; why?!... because it fits my needs in a very easy and reliable manner.More

    Latest negative user review
    M
    Max Johnson
    2.0/10
    Free does not offer conf files for WireGuard client

    VPN is of little value if it cannot BOTH provide WireGuard conf files and offer residential IP address... es Because it does not BOTH provide WireGuard conf files and offer residential IP addresses it is of low value.More

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall

    ExpressVPN is the clear winner. It outperforms Hola VPN in speed tests, security features, streaming capabilities, and server coverage, making it the better choice for all your VPN needs.

    Best VPN for Torrents

    ExpressVPN is your only option for torrenting since Hola VPN blocks all P2P traffic. With ExpressVPN, you get fast downloads and strong security features.

    Best VPN for Windows

    ExpressVPN's Windows app offers a better experience with its intuitive interface and advanced feature set. You get a built-in ad blocker and obfuscation to use the VPN on restrictive networks. Hola VPN is simple, lacking these advanced features.

    Best VPN for Android

    ExpressVPN delivers better Android performance with its feature-rich app and reliable connections. It also provides better security and streaming capabilities. Hola VPN’s mobile app is missing important features, like a kill switch.

    Best VPN for Mac

    ExpressVPN wins on Mac with its polished app and complete feature set. Hola VPN's Mac app lacks essential features like a kill switch and encryption settings, making it a risky choice.

    Best VPN for iOS

    ExpressVPN's iOS app provides consistent performance and all security features. Hola VPN's iOS app is too basic, missing essential tools like split tunneling and protocol selection.

    Best VPN for USA

    ExpressVPN is the better choice for the USA, with plenty of fast servers across the country. It works reliably with US streaming services and provides better overall performance. Hola VPN might work well with US streaming platforms, but it’s not recommended for privacy protection in the US.

    The Bottom Line

    After extensive testing, ExpressVPN emerges as the better choice. Its reliable performance across streaming platforms, consistent speeds, and robust security features make it a comprehensive VPN solution.

    Hola VPN offers a simple interface and free version, but its concerning privacy practices and P2P network structure raise serious security issues. The service also lacks essential features, uses weaker protocols, and has longer connection times.

    ExpressVPN's proven track record and verified privacy practices justify its slightly higher price tag. You can test it risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee and get a full refund if you're not satisfied.

    FAQ

    Is ExpressVPN better than Hola VPN?

    Yes, ExpressVPN is the superior choice. It offers faster speeds, better security features, and reliable streaming performance. Hola VPN does get some things right, but its P2P network structure and privacy concerns make it hard to recommend.

    Is ExpressVPN faster than Hola VPN?

    Yes, ExpressVPN delivers consistently better speeds. Our tests showed significantly faster connections on both nearby and distant servers. Hola VPN performed decently on local connections, but ExpressVPN outperformed it with stronger speeds across all locations.

    Do ExpressVPN or Hola VPN offer any deals?

    Both VPNs regularly discount their long-term plans. ExpressVPN currently offers 61% off its 2-year subscription, and Hola VPN matches this with 70% off its 3-year plan. Visit our VPN deals page to find the latest discounts.

    References

    We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
    Learn more
    vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: Holiday.com, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

    About the Author

    Akash is a writer at vpnMentor dedicated to providing readers with unbiased and expert advice on online security and privacy. He specializes in analyzing the latest cybersecurity trends and providing up-to-date information to help readers make informed decisions.