Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a well-known and respected VPN service, providing fast, private connections for most popular internet-connected devices. The provider’s large server network delivers reliable access to content around the globe.

Visit Private Internet Access

Windscribe

Winscribe’s fast, well-protected connections are a hallmark of its service. The provider protects you against being followed around on the internet and offers support for a large number of connected devices from a decent-sized server network.

Visit Windscribe

How to Choose a VPN

When you’re shopping for the right Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider, always carefully consider several important features.

In this article, I’ll compare two top-notch VPN providers (Private Internet Access and Windscribe) in several feature categories. I’ll take a look at how well the VPNs perform in each category, declaring a winner in each one. I’ll then tally the overall score and declare a head-to-head champion.

By the time you finish this article, you should have plenty of information to make an informed VPN buying decision.

Features of Private Internet Access and Windscribe

Connection Speeds

No matter what you enjoy online – be it streaming, sharing files, or playing your favorite online game – a fast connection is your friend.

I regularly perform VPN connection speed tests using the following steps:

1. I use a Windows server with a gigabit Ethernet connection, located in North America.
2. I use the VPN providers’ Windows app, configured to use the OpenVPN UDP connection protocol when available.
3. I connect to VPN servers located in New York City, London, and Hong Kong. I connect to all three cities at three different times of day, over the course of three days.
4. Once a connection is made, I use the Speedtest.net app to test each location’s connection speed. The Speedtest app is shutdown after each location is tested.

You’ll likely experience different download speed results from what I saw. Download speeds are affected by your usual connection speeds, your physical location, and the location of the VPN server you’re connected to.

Both providers delivered sufficient bandwidth for your favorite online activities, with both of them delivering speeds within less than 20 Mbps of each other.

Private Internet Access provided an average download speed of 73.3 Mbps.

Windscribe delivered average protected connection speeds of 55 Mbps.

Average Connection Speed Winner: PIA

Pricing

Today’s inflationary economic situation means the price of a VPN subscription is an important consideration. However, you should never subscribe to any VPN simply because it charges a low price.

PIA and Windscribe both offer excellent value for the money.

A month of Private Internet Access is about the price of a small or medium coffee when you subscribe to the provider’s annual plan. PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Meanwhile, Windscribe’s annual subscription rate averages in at a monthly average of somewhere around a coffee and a donut or two.

PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, while Windscribe offers a quite limited three-day money-back guarantee.

I don’t include actual pricing in my articles, as VPN providers change their pricing on a regular basis. A quick visit to a VPN provider’s website will tell you about its current pricing.

Pricing Winner: PIA

Privacy

There are several nosy groups out there that would love to know what you’ve been up to online. That’s why a VPN provider’s privacy protection is an important thing to research.

When researching a VPN service’s privacy protections, consider the following:

• Is the provider located in a privacy-respecting country?
• Does the provider save user activity logs?
• Does the provider accept cryptocurrency?

U.S.-based Private Internet Access does not save user logs on its servers and accepts cryptocurrency to protect your payment privacy. (Use a disposable email address to subscribe for extra payment privacy.)

Windscribe does not record your online activity, your real IP address, or your browsing history. However, it does record your username, the time you connect, and the amount of data you used during a session. While this data is wiped at the end of your VPN session, there is a slim chance that a VPN server could error out during a session, leaving information on the hard drive.

Privacy Winner: PIA

Online Security

If you’re online, there is a good chance that someone is monitoring you. Whether it’s the government, bad guys, or even your own internet service provider – someone is trying to follow you around online.

Luckily, a VPN has the ability to encrypt your internet connection, keeping your online activities hidden from nosy types.

Private Internet Access protects your connection with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak prevention. The provider uses the Wireguard, PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec connection protocols, depending on the app.

Windscribe uses military-grade encryption to keep your online travels undercover. Several connection protocols are available, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. IP/DNS leakage prevention is also available. Ad blocking is another available service.

Security Winner: It’s a tie

Simultaneous Connections

I’m betting that most of you have more than one internet-connected device. Computers, smartphones, tablets – the list of connected devices continues to grow. This is why a VPN provider’s simultaneous connection policy is an important thing to keep in mind.

PIA allows up to 10 simultaneous connections at once.

Windscribe places no limit on concurrent connections.

Simultaneous Connections Winner: Windscribe

Streaming Support

85% of U.S. households subscribe to at least one video streaming service and 60% of households have at least one paid subscription to a music streamer. 7% of Americans subscribe to six or more streaming services.

Even if you subscribe to every available streaming service, you’re not getting everything you could be from those subs. This is because most streaming services geographically restrict access to their content, so you will not be able to access all of your favorite streaming content when you’re traveling or living abroad.

A VPN helps you get all that you can out of your subs, as it has the ability to temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your device, located in another country. This makes it look like you’re located in another country, providing access to content that might normally be unavailable in your current location.

Private Internet Access delivers reliable access to the US, UK, Japanese, Denmark, Germany, and Swedish Netflix content. BBC iPlayer, CBC, Hotstar, 9Now, 10play, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Disney+, and many other streamers.

Windscribe does not claim to unblock any geo-fenced content and lives up to that “no-billing.” The provider couldn’t access any of the streaming services I tried it with.

Streaming Support Winner: PIA

BitTorrent Support

P2P file sharing via BitTorrent is a popular way to share files and documents with other internet users. While it is legal in most countries to share non-copyrighted materials, it is illegal to share copyrighted content, like music and movies. This has led many ISPs to block or throttle the activity whenever it is detected, due to the pressure they receive from the movie industry, record companies, and other copyright holders.

Happily, you can hide your P2P activity, by using a VPN, which encrypts your internet connection and temporarily assigns a new IP address to your connected device. This keeps your online activities undercover, while also hiding your real IP address.

Private Internet Access allows file sharing on its entire server network.

Windscribe allows P2P activity on its entire global server network.

BitTorrenting Winner: It’s a tie

Global Server Coverage

Traditionally, the larger a VPN’s global server network is, the more geo-fenced content you’ll have access to. Also, a provider with more than one server location in the countries it serves helps prevent any one server from being overloaded with too many users.

Windscribe’s network has over 480 server locations in more than 69 countries.

Private Internet Access has 3,300+ servers, located in 80+ countries around the globe.

Global Server Coverage Winner: PIA

Multi-Platform Support

Users that own multiple connected devices will want to find a VPN provider that offers native app support for as many of their devices as possible.

PIA’s native app support includes options for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browser extensions are also available. The provider is compatible with select routers. (Pre-configured routers are also available from Flashrouters.com.)

Windscribe provides apps for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Android TV, Huawei, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Linux devices can be protected with a bit of manual set up. Browser extensions for the Chrome, Edge, and Firefox platforms are also available. The provider offers compatibility with DD-WRT and Tomato routers, as well as its own proprietary VPN router.

Multi-Platform Support Winner: Windscribe

Customer Support

Both of these providers offer reliable VPN services and I did not experience any issues while testing them. However, you may still have an occasional question.

PIA’s 24/7 customer support offers business hours live chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

Windscribe offers 24/7 live support chat, a trouble ticket system, a searchable knowledge base, and a support bot that is named “Garry.”

Customer Support Winner: Windscribe

And The Winner Is…

Windscribe and Private Internet Access both offer comprehensive VPN protection and services. However, one provider performed the best in numerous categories, adding up to an overall win.

Private Internet Access was the overall victor, thanks to its victories in the Connection Speeds, Pricing, Privacy, Streaming, and Global Server Coverage columns.

Windscribe scored best in three categories; Multi-Platform Support, Simultaneous Connections, and Customer Support.

The VPNs tied in the Online Security and BitTorrent Support arenas.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit Private Internet Access.

The post Private Internet Access vs Windscribe – Comparison & Test Results 2023 appeared first on Pixel Privacy.

VyprVPN

VyprVPN does an excellent job of keeping your online travels incognito. While the provider’s connection speeds are quite impressive, its app support could stand improvement. That said, the provider offers good value for the money.

Visit VyprVPN

Windscribe

Windscribe provides fast, well-protected connections. The provider protects you while you’re online, blocking others from monitoring you while you’re on the internet. The provider supports a large number of devices and sports an above-average server network.

Visit Windscribe

How to Choose a VPN

When you’re determining which Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider is the right one for your needs, you should consider several important features.

In this article, I’ll take a close look at how well VyprVPN and Windscribe perform in several feature categories, declaring a winner in each arena. I’ll then tally the total score and declare an overall champion.

By the time we reach the end of this article, you should have plenty of information, allowing you to make a well-informed VPN buying decision.

VyprVPN and Windscribe Features

Connection Speeds

No matter what you enjoy doing online – whether it’s streaming, gaming, or sharing files – a fast connection is your friend.

My VPN connection speed tests are performed using the following steps:

1. I use a Windows server with a gigabit Ethernet connection, located in North America.
2. I use the VPN providers’ Windows app, configured to use the OpenVPN UDP connection protocol when available.
3. I connect to VPN servers located in New York City, London, and Hong Kong. I connect to all three cities at three different times of day, over the course of three days.
4. Once a connection is made, I use the Speedtest.net app to test each location’s connection speed. The Speedtest app is shutdown after each location is tested.

The download speeds you’ll experience will be different from what I saw. Your download speeds will be affected by your ISP-provided connection speeds, your location, and that of the VPN server you’re connected to.

Both providers delivered enough bandwidth to handle popular online activities. However, one provider delivered speeds nearly four times faster than the other one did.

Windscribe delivered average protected connection speeds of 55 Mbps.

Meanwhile, VyprVPN’s protected connection speeds averaged 214.6 Mbps.

Average Connection Speed Winner: VyprVPN

Pricing

Inflation is running rampant these days, which can make the price of a VPN subscription an important consideration for many of us. However, I strongly recommend against subscribing to a VPN simply because it charges a bargain basement price.

VyprVPN and Windscribe both offer excellent value for their asking price.

VyprVPN’s monthly fee (when you opt for a one-year deal) will cost you about the same price as a Quarter Pounder With Cheese at your favorite fast food joint. VyprVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Meanwhile, Windscribe’s annual subscription rate averages at slightly less than a dollar more per month than VyprVPN. Windscribe offers a quite short three-day money-back guarantee.

You won’t find actual pricing in my articles. This is because VPN providers change their pricing regularly. Visit a VPN provider’s website to determine its current pricing.

Pricing Winner: VyprVPN

Privacy

There are plenty of nosy types out there that would love to see records of what you’ve been up to online. That’s why a VPN provider’s privacy protection is an important consideration.

When investigating a VPN provider’s privacy protections, ask the following:

• Is the provider located in a country that respects an internet user’s privacy?
• Does the provider save user activity logs on its servers?
• Does the provider accept Bitcoin or other forms of cryptocurrency?

VyprVPN is located in privacy-respecting Switzerland and saves no user logs on its servers. Unfortunately, it does not accept cryptocurrency.

Windscribe doesn’t record your online travels, your real IP address, or your browsing history. However, it does take note of your username, when you connect, and how much data you used during a session. While this data is deleted when your VPN session ends, there is a slim chance that this information could remain on the server’s drive if it errors out during a session.

Privacy Winner: VyprVPN

Online Security

If you’re online, someone may be following you around. Bad guys, the government, even your own internet service provider would love to track your online movements.

Luckily, a VPN encrypts your internet connection, while also temporarily hiding your real IP address by assigning a new address to your device. This keeps your online activities undercover.

VyprVPN uses military-level encryption, along with a kill switch to hide its users’ online antics. WireGuard, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP are included among the provider’s connection protocols. VyprVPN’s proprietary Chameleon protocol disguises your VPN activity as normal browsing traffic.

Windscribe’s banking-grade encryption keeps your online travels incognito. Available connection protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. IP/DNS leak prevention is also available, as is ad blocking.

Security Winner: It’s a tie

Simultaneous Connections

There is a very good chance that you own more than one internet-connected device. This is why a VPN provider’s simultaneous connection policy is an important feature to consider.

VyprVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Windscribe places no limit on concurrent connections.

Simultaneous Connections Winner: Windscribe

Streaming Support

85% of U.S. households subscribe to at least one video streaming service and 7% of Americans subscribe to six or more streaming services.

No matter what streaming service(s) you subscribe to, you’re not getting everything you could be from them. This is because popular streaming services geographically restrict access to their content. This means you might not have access to all of your favorite streaming content when you’re abroad.

A VPN allows you to get all that you can out of your streaming subscriptions thanks to its ability to temporarily assign a new IP address to your device, making it appear as if you’re located in another country. This opens up access to content that might normally be unavailable to you in your current geographical location.

VyprVPN provides reliable access to Netflix US, Netflix UK, Netflix Canada, MLB.tv, DAZN, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max, ESPN, and many other streamers.

Windscribe doesn’t claim to unblock any geo-fenced content, instead concentrating on providing protective VPN services. I still tested Windscribe with various streaming services and the provider couldn’t provide access to any of the streaming services I tested it with.

Streaming Support Winner: VyprVPN

BitTorrent Support

Sharing files via BitTorrent is an excellent way to share files with other internet users. While file sharing is legal in most countries, it is illegal to share copyrighted content, including music and films. This has led the film and music industry to put pressure on ISPs to block or throttle file sharing activity whenever it is detected.

Happily, a VPN can hide your P2P activity, by encrypting your internet connection and temporarily assigning a new IP address to your device. This hides your online activities, while also keeping your actual IP address secret.

VyprVPN allows file sharing on its entire server network.

Windscribe allows P2P activity on its entire global server network.

BitTorrenting Winner: It’s a tie

Global Server Coverage

The larger a VPN’s global server network is, the better access you’ll likely have to geo-fenced content. Also, a provider with multiple server locations in the countries it is working prevents a single server from being overloaded with too many connections.

Windscribe’s network is made up of more than 480 server locations in over 69 countries.

VyprVPN’s global server network includes 700+ servers in 80+ countries.

Global Server Coverage Winner: VyprVPN

Multi-Platform Support

Those of us that own multiple connected devices will appreciate VPN providers that offer native app support for as many of our devices as possible.

VyprVPN has the big four device platforms covered when it comes to native app support, with apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices. Linux users can protect their devices with just a bit of manual set up. A Chrome browser extension is available and the provider is also compatible with select routers. Ready-to-go routers are available from Flashrouters.com.

Windscribe’s app support includes offerings for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Android TV, Huawei, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Linux devices can also be protected with a bit of manual set up. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider is compatible with DD-WRT and Tomato routers, as well as its own proprietary VPN router.

Multi-Platform Support Winner: Windscribe

Customer Support

I did not experience any issues with either VPN provider during testing. However, you may still have a question or two from time to time.

VyprVPN’s customer support offers live chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

Windscribe offers 24/7 live support chat, a trouble ticket submission system, a searchable knowledge base, and a support bot named “Garry.”

Customer Support Winner: Tied

And The Winner Is…

Windscribe and VyprVPN both offer top VPN services. However, one provider outperformed its competitor in numerous categories, scoring an overall win.

VyprVPN was the overall victor, thanks to its performance in the Connection Speeds, Pricing, Privacy, Streaming Support, and Global Server Coverage categories.

Windscribe was tops in just two categories, Multi-Platform Support and Simultaneous Connections.

The VPNs tied in the Online Security, BitTorrent Support, and Customer Support arenas.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit VyprVPN.

The post VyprVPN vs Windscribe – Comparison & Test Results 2023 appeared first on Pixel Privacy.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield provides top-notch online security and privacy while also providing access to geo-fenced content around the globe. The provider offers excellent app support while also covering a large portion of the globe with its server network.

Visit Hotspot Shield

Windscribe

Windscribe provides comprehensive online protection for numerous popular devices and protected connections from an above-average-sized server network that provides fast connections. The provider doesn’t provide access to geo-controlled content, instead concentrating on providing top-notch privacy and security.

Visit Windscribe

How to Choose a VPN

When you’re in search of protection and enhancement for your online activities, you should research several features before deciding on a VPN.

In this article, I’ll compare the performance of Hotspot Shield and Windscribe in several feature categories, declaring a winner for each. I’ll then calculate the overall scores and name a champion.

By the time you reach the end of this article, you’ll be able to make an informed VPN subscription decision.

Features of Hotspot Shield and Windscribe

Connection Speeds

No matter what you do online, a fast internet connection makes it better. (Except for paying bills and filing taxes, nothing can make those better.)

I perform my VPN connection speed tests on a regular basis, following these steps:

1. All tests are performed on a North American-based Windows server sporting a gigabit Ethernet connection.
2. I use the VPN providers’ Windows apps, configuring them to use the OpenVPN UDP connection protocol when possible.
3. I connect to VPN servers in New York City, London, and Hong Kong. I connect to all three cities at three different times of day, over the course of three days.
4. I use the Speedtest.net app to test each location’s connection speed, restarting the app in between each test.

You’ll likely experience different connection speeds than I saw during my testing. This is because connection speeds can be affected by your ISP-provided connection speeds, your physical location, and the location of the VPN server.

Both VPNs provided enough bandwidth to handle most popular online activities, although one provided speeds a little more than twice as fast as its competitor.

Windscribe’s average connection speeds were 55 Mbps.

As for Hotspot Shield, its download speeds measured at 124.9 Mbps.

Average Connection Speed Winner: Hotspot Shield

Pricing

Have you been to the grocery store lately? We’re living in inflationary times, meaning most of us are looking for ways to save money. However, you should never subscribe to a VPN simply because it’s cheap.

Hotspot Shield’s monthly subscription fee averages out to about what you’d pay for a medium sandwich combo at your favorite burger joint when you opt for a one-year subscription. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Hotspot Shield also offers a free VPN service, which limits users to connecting one device at a time and connecting to a single server location.

Windscribe’s monthly subscription rate comes in at close to two bucks less than Hotspot Shield when you sign up for the annual deal. Windscribe offers a super-short three-day money-back guarantee.

I never include exact pricing in my articles, as VPN providers change their pricing and offer special deals on a regular basis. You’ll find providers’ current pricing on their websites.

Pricing Winner: Windscribe

Privacy

There are plenty of less than scrupulous folks out there that would love to take a look at the logs your ISP saves recording your online activities. That’s why you should make sure the VPN you’re considering offers top-notch privacy protection.

When considering a VPN provider’s privacy protection, consider this:

• Is the provider based in a privacy-respecting country?
• Does the provider save logs on its servers?
• Does the provider accept Bitcoin or other types of cryptocurrency?

Hotspot Shield is owned by U.S.-based Pango. While the provider is allowed to collect and log its users’ online activity, it does not do that. However, it does not accept cryptocurrency as payment.

Windscribe also does not log its users’ online travels, their real IP address, or their browsing history. However, it does save their username, the time they connected, and the amount of data used while they were connected to Windscribe’s servers.

Privacy Winner: It’s a tie

Online Security

Anytime that you’re online (and aren’t we always online?), someone could be following you around. Hackers, advertisers, the government, and other nosy parties are all interested in shadowing you online.

A VPN keeps your online activities hidden, thanks to its connection encryption and its ability to temporarily grab a fresh IP address for your connected device. This prevents anyone from seeing your online activities in real-time, while also preventing anyone or anything from connecting your activities to your real IP address.

Hotspot Shield users benefit from the provider’s military-grade encryption. A kill switch protection feature is available on Hotspot’s Windows app. The provider’s available connection protocols include OpenVPN, Wireguard, and IKEv2 (IPSec), depending on the device.

Windscribe’s banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and ad blocking all combine to keep your online travels private and secure. Available connection protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.

Security Winner: It’s a tie

Simultaneous Connections

Owners of more than one internet-connected device will find a VPN’s simultaneous connections limit to be either a terrific asset or a horrible liability.

Hotspot Shield allows users to connect up to five devices at once to its servers. (The provider allows up to 25 devices, five for each family member, when you opt for a Premium Family subscription.)

Windscribe places no limits on the number of devices customers can connect to the provider’s servers at once.

Simultaneous Connections Winner: Windscribe

Streaming Support

A recent report revealed that 85% of U.S. households subscribe to at least one video streaming subscription, with 7% subscribing to six or more streamers.

Even if you subscribed to every available streaming service, you still wouldn’t be getting everything you could be from those subscriptions. This is because most popular streaming services restrict viewer access to their content on a country-by-country basis. This means that you won’t have access to all of the service’s content if you’re traveling or working abroad.

A VPN can help you bust through these types of blockades, by temporarily grabbing a fresh IP address in another country for your device. This makes it appear as if you are connecting from that country, allowing you to regain access to your favorite streamer’s content.

Hotspot Shield proved to reliably restore access to Netflix US, Netflix UK, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Twitch, Disney+, and other popular streaming services.

Windscribe’s website doesn’t mention providing access to geo-fenced content. Instead, it prefers to focus on privacy and security features. However, I did test Windscribe with several popular streaming services around the globe and the provider was hit-and-miss when it came to opening up access to streamer content.

Streaming Support Winner: Hotspot Shield

BitTorrent Support

BitTorrent is a popular way to share files with other internet users. File sharing is legal in most countries and many reputable companies use P2P technology to share files among their employees. However, some users use it to illegally share copyrighted materials, including music and movies. This has led movie studios and record companies to pressure ISPs to throttle or block ALL file sharing activity.

A VPN can help you break through these virtual blockades and slowdowns. A VPN encases your internet connection in a tunnel of encryption. It also temporarily assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device. This not only hides your online activities from your ISP (and everyone else), it also hides your genuine IP address. Since the ISP can’t detect your file sharing, it won’t block or throttle you.

Hotspot Shield allows BitTorrent activity on its entire global server network.

Windscribe allows P2P activity on its entire global server network.

BitTorrenting Winner: It’s a tie

Global Server Coverage

If you’re looking to access streaming and other geo-controlled content around the globe, you’ll want to find a VPN provider with a large global server network. The larger a VPN’s server network, the more you’ll have access to content that you might normally be locked out of. Also, I look for providers that have more than one server location in each country. Multiple servers help prevent any single server from being overloaded by too many users at once.

Windscribe’s network includes over 480 server locations in 69+ countries.

Hotspot Shield’s server network includes 1,800+ servers stationed in more than 80 countries around the world.

Global Server Coverage Winner: Hotspot Shield

Multi-Platform Support

Users that own and use multiple connected devices will appreciate a VPN provider that offers app support for numerous popular devices.

Hotspot Shield offers native support for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Windows device platforms. The provider also supports select routers when you subscribe to Hotspot Premium. (Pre-configured routers are available through Flashrouters.com.) A Chrome browser extension is also available.

Windscribe app support includes app offerings for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Android TV, Huawei, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Linux devices can be manually set up to access the VPN. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions protect your browsing. The provider is compatible with DD-WRT and Tomato routers, as well as its proprietary “Invizbox” VPN router.

Multi-Platform Support Winner: It’s a tie

Customer Support

Both Hotspot Shield and Windscribe offer reliable and intuitive VPN services. However, you’ll still likely have the occasional question.

Hotspot Shield offers 24/7 live chat, email support, a contact form, an FAQ section, and a searchable support library.

Windscribe offers 24/7 live chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, a searchable support section, and “Garry” the support bot.

Customer Support Winner: Tied

And The Winner Is…

Windscribe and Hotspot Shield both provide excellent VPN services. However, one of these providers slightly outperformed the other.

Hotspot Shield nosed out a win at the finish line, with wins in the Connection Speed, Streaming Support, and Global Server Coverage arenas.

Windscribe took wins in two categories, Pricing and Simultaneous Connections.

The VPNs tied in the Privacy, Online Security, BitTorrent Support, Multi-Platform Support, and Customer Support Columns.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit Hotspot Shield.

The post Hotspot Shield vs Windscribe – Comparison & Test Results 2023 appeared first on Pixel Privacy.

PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN provides top-notch online security and privacy protection. However, its global server coverage and multi-platform app support could stand some improvement. If you’re looking for solid, basic, low-priced VPN protection, PrivateVPN may be the provider for you.

Visit PrivateVPN

Windscribe

Windscribe offers comprehensive app support for numerous popular devices, excellent customer support, and an above-average-sized server network. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections keep you safe online.

Visit Windscribe

How to Choose a VPN

When you need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider to provide protection and enhancement for your online activities, you should research several features.

In this article, I’ll take a look at the performance of PrivateVPN and Windscribe in several feature categories, declaring a winner in each category. I’ll then calculate the scores and declare an overall champion.

By the time you finish this article, you’ll have the information you need to make an informed VPN subscription decision.

Features of PrivateVPN and Windscribe

Connection Speeds

No matter what online activities you enjoy, a fast internet connection is your friend.

I perform my periodic VPN connection speed tests following these steps:

1. Tests are performed on a North American Windows server with a gigabit Ethernet connection.
2. I use each VPN provider’s Windows app, configuring it to use the OpenVPN UDP connection protocol when available.
3. Connections are made to VPN servers located in New York City, London, and Hong Kong. I connect to all three cities at three different times of day, over the course of three days.
4. I then use the Speedtest.net app to test each location’s connection speed, restarting the Speedtest app in between each test.

It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll see different download speeds than I saw in my testing. This is because download speeds can be affected by your unprotected connection speeds, your location, and the VPN server’s location.

Both VPNs provided enough bandwidth to handle most popular online activities.

Windscribe’s average connection speeds were 55 Mbps.

PrivateVPN’s average download speeds were 38.4 Mbps.

Average Connection Speed Winner: Windscribe

Pricing

Have you bought a dozen eggs lately? Unfortunately, eggs are not the only items sporting a ridiculously high price. While these inflationary times will cause most of us to look for a bargain, you should never subscribe to a VPN simply because it charges a rock-bottom price.

PrivateVPN’s monthly tariff comes out to about the same price as a corn dog and a small drink deal at your corner convenience store when you pay upfront for a three-year subscription. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Meanwhile, Windscribe’s monthly subscription rate comes in at somewhere close to triple PrivateVPN’s price of admission when you go for the annual deal. Windscribe offers a fleetingly short three-day money-back guarantee.

You won’t see actual prices listed in my articles, as VPN providers often change their pricing structures while also offering special deals on a regular basis. Current pricing can be found on each provider’s website.

Pricing Winner: PrivateVPN

Privacy

There are plenty of groups out there that would love to take a look at the logs your ISP saves about what you do online. That’s why a VPN provider’s privacy protection features are an important consideration.

When considering a VPN provider’s privacy protection, consider this:

• Is the provider based in a privacy-respecting country?
• Does the provider save logs on its servers?
• Does the provider accept Bitcoin or other types of cryptocurrency?

Swedish provider PrivateVPN saves no user logs and also accepts cryptocurrency as a private form of payment.

Windscribe doesn’t log its users’ online wanderings, their real IP address, or their browsing history. However, it does record their usernames, the time of their connections, and how much data is used during their VPN sessions.

Privacy Winner: PrivateVPN

Online Security

Anytime that you’re connected to the internet (and it’s an always-connected world), someone could be tracking your online activities. Whether it’s black hat hackers, advertisers, or the government, they’re all interested in following you around online.

A VPN keeps your online activities undercover by encrypting your connection and temporarily assigning a new IP address to your connected device. This keeps your internet travels in a protective tunnel of encryption, while also preventing anyone from tracking your activities back to your actual IP address.

PrivateVPN protects your connection with a secure tunnel of banking-grade encryption. Kill switch protection is also available. Connection protocols used by the provider include WireGuard, OpenVPN over UDP/TCP, L2TP/IPSec, IPSec, PPTP, and IKEv2. The provider’s proprietary “Stealth VPN” feature hides your VPN usage by disguising it as normal browsing activity.

Windscribe’s AES-256 encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and ad blocking keep your online travels private and secure. Available connection protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.

Security Winner: PrivateVPN

Simultaneous Connections

If you own more than one internet-connected device, a VPN’s simultaneous connections limit is an important consideration.

PrivateVPN allows users to connect up to 10 devices at a time.

Windscribe has no limit as to how many devices customers can connect at once.

Simultaneous Connections Winner: Windscribe

Streaming Support

85% of U.S. households subscribe to at least one video streaming subscription and 7% subscribe to six or more streaming services.

No matter how many streaming services you subscribe to, I guarantee that you’re not getting everything that you could be out of those subscriptions. This is due to the policies of most streaming services that restrict access to their content on a country-by-country basis. This means that you might not have access to all of the streamer’s content when you’re traveling or temporarily living internationally.

A VPN can help you get around this, as it temporarily assigns a new IP address to your device. This makes it appear as if you and your device are located in another country, allowing you to regain access to your favorite content.

PrivateVPN provides reliable access to numerous streaming services, including Netflix US, Netflix UK, Hulu, Disney+, and many others.

Windscribe doesn’t unblock any geo-fenced content, nor does it claim to. Instead, it prefers to focus on providing privacy and security services. Just to be thorough, I tested Windscribe with several popular streaming services around the globe and the provider failed to provide access to any of them.

Streaming Support Winner: PrivateVPN

BitTorrent Support

BitTorrent is a popular method of sharing files with other users over the internet. While file sharing is legal in most countries (many reputable organizations use the technology to share files among their employees, some users use it to share copyrighted content, including music and movies. This has led film studios and record companies to pressure ISPs to block or throttle all file sharing activity.

Luckily, a VPN can help you avoid this virtual blockade or slowdown. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, while also temporarily assigning a fresh IP address to your connected device. This hides your online activities in an encrypted tunnel, while also keeping your actual IP address a secret. Since the ISP can’t tell that you’re sharing files, it won’t block you.

While PrivateVPN allows BitTorrenting activity on its network, it recommends that users connect to its servers located in Sweden when engaging in file sharing.

Windscribe allows P2P activity on its entire global server network.

BitTorrenting Winner: It’s a tie

Global Server Coverage

If you’re looking to access geo-controlled content around the globe, you need a VPN provider with a large global server network. This opens up access to content you might normally not have access to. Also, I prefer a provider that has more than one server location in each country. Multiple servers help prevent a single server from being overloaded by too many users.

Windscribe’s network includes over 480 server locations in 69+ countries.

PrivateVPN has 200+ servers located in more than 63 countries.

Global Server Coverage Winner: Tied

Multi-Platform Support

Users with multiple connected devices will appreciate a VPN provider that offers native app support for a large number of popular devices.

PrivateVPN’s app support is somewhat limited, as it provides apps for only iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows devices. It also lacks any browser extensions. The VPN can be manually set up on Linux devices and select routers. (Pre-configured routers are available through Flashrouters.com for the non-technical among us.)

Windscribe app support includes options for the macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Android TV, Huawei, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Linux devices can be manually set up to use the VPN. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider can be used with DD-WRT and Tomato routers, along with its proprietary Invizbox VPN router.

Multi-Platform Support Winner: Windscribe

Customer Support

Both PrivateVPN and Windscribe offer easy-to-use, reliable services. However, it’s likely that you will still have a question from time to time.

PrivateVPN offers a live messaging option (to which they usually reply fairly quickly), email support, and a non-searchable FAQ and “getting started” support section. Free remote help and installation are available, which I have yet to see from any other VPN provider.

Windscribe customer support offers 24/7 live support chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, a searchable support section, and “Garry” the support bot.

Customer Support Winner: Tied

And The Winner Is…

Windscribe and PrivateVPN both provide excellent VPN protection and enhancement. However, one of these providers slightly outperformed its competitor.

PrivateVPN took the title this time around, nosing its competitor out at the finish line, thanks to its wins in the Pricing, Privacy, Online Security, and Streaming Support arenas.

Windscribe took wins in three categories, Connection Speeds, Simultaneous Connections, and Multi-Platform Support.

The competitors tied in the BitTorrent Support, Global Server Coverage, and Customer Support columns.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit PrivateVPN.

The post PrivateVPN vs Windscribe – Comparison & Test Results 2023 appeared first on Pixel Privacy.

IPVanish

IPVanish provides fast, well-protected connections from a large global server network for most popular devices. While the service allows P2P file sharing on its server network, its streaming support could be better.

Visit IPVanish

Windscribe

Windscribe’s comprehensive online security and privacy protections are available for many popular devices. The provider delivers fast, reliable, and well-protected connections from an above-average-sized server network.

Visit Windscribe

Choosing a VPN

Before making a VPN buying decision, always consider the VPN provider’s performance in important VPN service categories.

When you reach the end of this article, you’ll have all of the information you need to make a well-informed VPN buying decision.

Features of IPVanish and Windscribe

In this section, I’ll compare two well-known VPN providers, IPVanish and Windscribe, in each important VPN service category. I will compare the providers’ performance in each arena, tally the final scores, and then name an overall winner.

Connection Speeds

A fast internet connection makes almost any online activity more enjoyable (except for paying bills or taxes).

I regularly perform VPN connection speed tests as follows:

1. I performed all connection speed tests on a North America-based Windows server with a fast gigabit Ethernet connection.
2. I connect to three VPN server locations – London, New York City, and Hong Kong – at three different times of the day.
3. I use the Windows version of the VPN apps and they are configured to connect using the Wireguard protocol when available.
4. I run the Speedtest app after connecting to each VPN server location. I restart the app between each test.

Both providers delivered fast connections. However, one provider outperformed its competitor by more than 4x the speed.

IPVanish’s average download speeds came in at a quite impressive 251.6 Mbps.

Windscribe’s average connection speeds were 55 Mbps.

The connection speeds you’ll see will differ from what I experienced, as download speeds depend on your ISP-provided connection speeds, your geographical location, and the location of the VPN server you connect to.

Average Connection Speed Winner: IPVanish

Pricing

The price of everything we buy is spiraling. This means we’re all looking to save a few bucks whenever we can. However, you should be wary of super cheap and free VPNs, as they often lack the protection and features you require.

IPVanish is an attractively priced VPN. A monthly subscription (with a one-year commitment) runs customers a bit less than the average price of a gallon of gas in California. IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and you get a free seven-day trial when you sign up in the iOS and Android apps.

Windscribe’s monthly subscription cost is a bit over one dollar more than Hotspot Shield when you sign up for the annual deal. Windscribe offers a super-short three-day money-back guarantee.

You won’t see exact VPN pricing in my articles. That’s because VPNs change their pricing and also run special deals quite often. This means that VPN prices can quickly become outdated. Visit any VPN provider’s website for its current pricing.

Pricing Winner: IPVanish

Privacy

When you go online without a VPN protecting you, you leave behind evidence tied to where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing. A VPN’s privacy features keep your online antics incognito.

Consider the following when weighing a VPN’s privacy protections:

• Is the provider in a privacy-friendly country?
• Does the provider save user activity logs on its servers?
• Does the provider accept cryptocurrency as payment?

IPVanish is based in the United States. While the U.S. isn’t exactly a privacy-respecting country, the provider follows a self-imposed “no logs” policy. Unfortunately, the provider does not accept any form of cryptocurrency as payment for its services.

Windscribe also does not log information about its users’ online travels, their real IP address, or their browsing history. However, it does log their username, the time they connected, and the amount of data used while they were connected to Windscribe’s servers.

Privacy Winner: It’s a tie

Security

A VPN works to keep your travels undercover while you’re online, preventing you from being tracked by outsiders in real-time. A VPN not only encrypts your internet connection, but it also temporarily assigns a new IP address to your connected device. This keeps your online travels undercover.

IPVanish protects its users’ connections, encrypting their connections with banking-grade encryption. The provider uses the WireGuard, OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec protocols to protect your internet connection. Kill switch protection is also available, as is IPv6 leak and DNS leak prevention. The provider’s “scramble” option disguises VPN traffic as normal internet traffic.

Windscribe also uses banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and ad blocking to keep your online travels incognito and secure. Connection protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.

Security Winner: It’s a tie

Simultaneous Connections

If you’re like me, you own multiple connected devices and you use more than one device at once. This makes a VPN provider with a large simultaneous connections allowance a definite asset.

Windscribe places no limits on the number of concurrent connections to the provider’s servers.

IPVanish also places no limits on simultaneous connections.

Simultaneous Connections Winner: It’s a tie

Streaming Support

There are hundreds of streaming services these days appealing to a wide variety of tastes. However, even if you were to subscribe to all of these streaming services, you would still be getting all that you could be from your subscriptions. This is due to the geographic restrictions streaming services put on the streaming content.

A VPN opens up access to streamers around the globe, allowing you to enjoy all of the content you’re paying for, even when you’re vacationing or working abroad. It accomplishes this by temporarily assigning a new IP address to your connected device. This makes it appear to everyone else on the internet that you and your device are located inside another country.

IPVanish’s ability to unblock streaming providers is a bit limited. I was able to reliably access Netflix and HBO Max content while connected to U.S.-based IPVanish servers. However, the provider failed when I attempted to connect to a UK server and view BBC iPlayer or Netflix UK content.

Windscribe’s website doesn’t promote access to geo-fenced content. Instead, it prefers to focus on privacy and security features. However, I did test Windscribe with several streaming services located around the globe and the provider was hit-and-miss when attempting to access streaming content.

Streaming Support Winner: IPVanish

BitTorrent Support

BitTorrent is an excellent method of sharing files with other online users. While file sharing is legal in most countries – legitimate companies and groups use P2P to share files – it is illegal to share copyrighted files, such as movies, TV shows, music, and e-books.

This means the movie and music industries put pressure on ISPs to block file sharing, meaning ISPs will immediately throttle or block their users’ internet connections if they detect any kind of P2P activity.

A VPN helps you break through your ISP’s virtual roadblocks. It does so by encrypting your internet connection, which keeps your online activities hidden. It also temporarily assigns a new IP address to your connected device, which prevents anyone from tracking your online activities back to your real IP address.

Windscribe and IPVanish both allow P2P activity on their global server networks.

BitTorrenting Winner: It’s a tie

Global Server Coverage

If you’re looking to access geo-fenced content around the globe, you’ll want to find a provider boasting a large global server network. In addition to the size of a provider’s network, also look at how many servers the provider has stationed in each country. Multiple servers in a country help prevent a single server from being overwhelmed by too many connections at once.

Windscribe’s network includes over 480 server locations in 69+ countries.

IPVanish has over 2,000 servers located in 75+ countries around the globe.

Global Server Coverage Winner: IPVanish

Multi-Platform Support

It’s likely that you own multiple connected devices and it’s also likely that those devices all run varying operating systems. This makes it important to consider a VPN provider’s native app support.

IPVanish’s native app support includes options for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV platforms. Users can also manually set up the VPN on Linux, Chrome OS machines, and select routers.

Windscribe app support includes app offerings for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Android TV, Huawei, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Linux devices can be manually set up to access the VPN. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions protect your browsing. The provider is compatible with DD-WRT and Tomato routers, as well as its proprietary “Invizbox” VPN router.

Multi-Platform Support Winner: It’s a tie

Customer Support

Both IPVanish and Windscribe offer easy-to-use and reliable protection. However, you may still have a question from time to time.

Windscribe offers live chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, a searchable support section, and “Garry” the support bot.

IPVanish offers support via an online trouble ticket submission form and an easy-to-search support library. In addition, the IPVanish website includes a system status page, as well as its own support “bot” feature.

Customer Support Winner: It’s a tie

And The Winner Is…

Both Windscribe and IPVanish deliver excellent VPN services. However, one of the VPNs did outperform the other.

IPVanish is the overall victor in this tight race, thanks to being tops in the Connection Speeds, Pricing, Streaming Support, and Global Server Coverage arenas.

Windscribe did not score a victory in any service category. However, it did score a tie in the Privacy, Online Security, Simultaneous Connections, BitTorrent, Multi-Platform Support, and Global Server Coverage categories.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit IPVanish.

The post IPVanish vs Windscribe – Comparison & Test Results 2023 appeared first on Pixel Privacy.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost provides comprehensive online privacy and security protection, at a budget-friendly price. The provider delivers fast, well-protected connections from a large global server network, providing reliable access to geo-fenced content around the globe.

Visit CyberGhost

Windscribe

Windscribe’s fast, well-protected connections protect you while you’re online, keeping your online travels undercover. The provider offers app support for a large number of devices and boasts a good-sized server network.

Visit Windscribe

How to Choose a VPN

When you’re in search of the right Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider for your needs, you should consider several vital features.

In this article, I’ll take a look at how well CyberGhost and Windscribe perform in several service arenas, declaring a victor for each category. I’ll then tally the overall score and declare a head-to-head champion.

By the end of this article, you’ll have more than enough information to make a well-informed VPN subscription decision.

Features of CyberGhost vs Windscribe

Connection Speeds

What do you enjoy doing online? No matter if it’s streaming, gaming, or sharing files, a fast connection is your best friend.

My VPN connection speed tests are performed on a regular basis using the following steps:

1. I use a North American Windows server with a gigabit Ethernet connection.
2. I use the VPN providers’ Windows app, configured to use the OpenVPN UDP connection protocol when available.
3. I connect to VPN servers located in New York City, London, and Hong Kong. I connect to all three cities at three different times of day, over the course of three days.
4. Once a connection is made, I use the Speedtest.net app to test each location’s connection speed. I restart the Speedtest in between each test.

You’ll see different download speeds than I saw. This is because your download speeds will be affected by various factors, including your ISP-provided connection speeds, your geographic location, and that of the VPN server you’re connected to.

Both providers delivered fast enough download speeds to handle popular online activities. However, one provider delivered speeds more than five times faster than the other one did.

Windscribe’s average protected connection speeds measured in at 55 Mbps.

CyberGhost took the connection speed crown, delivering download speeds measuring in at 296.1 Mbps.

Average Connection Speed Winner: CyberGhost

Pricing

You’ve likely noticed that prices are on the rise these days, meaning many of us are looking for ways to save a buck whenever we can. This means the price of a VPN subscription is an important consideration for many of us. However, you should never subscribe to a VPN simply because it charges a bargain-basement basement price.

CyberGhost and Windscribe both offer excellent value for their asking price.

CyberGhost’s monthly charge is about the price of a “Big Gulp” drink at the corner convenience store when you opt for the two-year plan. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Meanwhile, Windscribe’s annual subscription rate comes in at the same price as that of a Big Gulp with a hot dog added to the mix. Windscribe offers a quite short three-day money-back guarantee.

I don’t include actual pricing in my articles, as VPN providers regularly change their pricing, while also offering special deals on a regular basis. VPN providers’ websites will provide their current pricing.

Pricing Winner: CyberGhost

Privacy

There are plenty of nosy types out there that would love to have access to logs recording what you’ve been up to online. That’s why a VPN provider’s privacy protection is an important consideration.

When investigating a VPN provider’s privacy protections, ask these questions:

• Is the provider located in a privacy-respecting country?
• Does the provider save user logs on its servers?
• Does the provider accept cryptocurrency?

Romanian-based VPN provider CyberGhost saves no logs of its users’ online activities. Bitcoin is available as a payment option here.

While Windscribe doesn’t record your online travels, your real IP address, or your browsing history, it does record your username, the time of your connection, and how much data you used during your VPN session.

Privacy Winner: CyberGhost

Online Security

If you’re online, someone could be following in your virtual footsteps. The government, bad actor hackers, and advertisers would all love to follow you around online.

This is where a VPN comes in handy. A VPN keeps your online activities undercover by encrypting your internet connection, while also hiding your real IP address by temporarily assigning a new address to your connected device.

CyberGhost protects its customers’ connections with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak prevention, and IPv6 leak protection. Available connection protocols include Wireguard, OpenVPN with TCP/UDP, IPSec, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec. CyberGhost also optionally blocks ads, malicious websites, and online tracking.

Windscribe uses banking-grade encryption to keep your online travels incognito. The provider’s connection protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2. IP/DNS leak prevention and ad blocking are available.

Security Winner: It’s a tie

Simultaneous Connections

If you’re like me, you own more than one internet-connected device. This is why it’s important to find out how many simultaneous connections are allowed by a VPN provider.

CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous connections.

Meanwhile, Windscribe places no limit on concurrent connections.

Simultaneous Connections Winner: Windscribe

Streaming Support

The large majority of U.S. households subscribe to at least one video streaming service, while 7% subscribe to six or more streaming services.

However many streaming services you subscribe to, I guarantee that you’re not getting everything you could be from your subscriptions. Popular streaming services usually restrict access to their content on a country-by-country basis. This means you’ll likely not have access to all of the streamer’s content when you’re abroad.

A VPN can temporarily assign a new IP address to your device, making it appear as if you and your device are located in another country. This opens up access to content that might normally be unavailable to you in your current location.

CyberGhost provides access to several popular streaming providers around the globe, including Netflix, HBO, Spotify, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, ESPN+, and numerous other streamers.

Windscribe doesn’t bother to claim to unblock any geo-fenced content, instead focusing on providing protective VPN services. To confirm, I tested Windscribe with several popular streaming services and the provider failed to provide access to any of them.

Streaming Support Winner: CyberGhost

BitTorrent Support

BitTorrent is an excellent way to share files with other internet users. While file sharing is legal in most countries (many reputable organizations use file sharing), it is illegal to share copyrighted content, such as music and movies. This has led the film and music industry to pressure ISPs to block or throttle file sharing activity.

There is a way around this, as a VPN can encrypt your internet connection and temporarily assign a new IP address to your device. This keeps your online activities undercover, while also keeping your actual IP address incognito.

CyberGhost allows file sharing activity on its servers in 70+ countries, on its downloading-optimized servers.

Windscribe allows P2P activity on all of its global server network.

BitTorrenting Winner: It’s a tie

Global Server Coverage

If you’re looking to access content in other countries, you’ll want to find a VPN provider with an extensive global server network. You should also look for a provider with multiple server locations in its countries, as this helps keep a single server from being overloaded by too many connections.

Windscribe’s network includes over 480 server locations in more than 69 countries.

CyberGhost has 9,000+ servers located in 90+ countries.

Global Server Coverage Winner: CyberGhost

Multi-Platform Support

If you own multiple connected devices, you’ll appreciate VPN providers that offer native app support for a wide variety of device platforms.

CyberGhost offers apps for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Windows devices. Firefox and Chrome browser extensions are available to protect your browsing. The provider is also compatible with select router makes and models. (Pre-configured routers are also available.)

Windscribe’s app support includes options for the macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Android TV, Huawei, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Linux devices can also be manually set up to benefit from the VPN. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider is compatible with DD-WRT and Tomato routers, as well as its own proprietary VPN router.

Multi-Platform Support Winner: Windscribe

Customer Support

Both CyberGhost and Windscribe provide reliable, easy-to-use VPN protection. However, you may still have a question from time to time.

CyberGhost’s customer support offers 24/7 live chat, a support request form, and a searchable knowledge base.

Windscribe customer support is made up of 24/7 live support chat, a trouble ticket submission system, a searchable knowledge base, and a support bot named “Garry.”

Customer Support Winner: Tied

And The Winner Is…

Windscribe and CyberGhost both provide comprehensive VPN services. However, one provider scored much better than its competitor in numerous categories.

CyberGhost was the overall champion, scoring best in the Connection Speeds, Pricing, Privacy, Streaming Support, and Global Server Coverage categories.

Windscribe was tops in just two categories, Multi-Platform Support and Simultaneous Connections.

The VPNs tied in the Online Security, BitTorrent Support, and Customer Support arenas.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit CyberGhost.

The post CyberGhost vs Windscribe – Comparison & Test Results 2023 appeared first on Pixel Privacy.

VyprVPN

VyprVPN asks a reasonable asking price for its top-notch online privacy and security protection. The provider does an excellent job of keeping your online activities totally undercover. The VPN delivers fast connections, although its app support is a bit limited.

Visit VyprVPN

Hola

Hola provides reliable, well-protected, and fast connections. Unfortunately, some of the provider’s features come up short in the privacy department. Opting for Hola’s free VPN services makes your computer part of a network of other free users, who you’ll be sharing your spare bandwidth with.

Visit Hola

Choosing a VPN

When you’re in the market for a quality VPN provider, carefully research and consider each VPN provider’s features and performance.

By the end of this article, you should have plenty of information at hand to make an informed VPN subscription decision.

Features of VyprVPN and Hola

This time around, I’ll be looking at two VPN providers, VyprVPN and Hola. I’ll compare them head-to-head in several VPN protection and service categories, tally up the scores, and announce an overall winner.

Connection Speeds

No matter what you enjoy doing online, a fast internet connection is your friend.

I perform VPN connection speed tests on a regular basis. The tests are performed as follows:

1. I use a Windows server with a gigabit Ethernet connection, located in North America.
2. I connect to three different VPN server locations – London, New York City, and Hong Kong – at various times of the day.
3. I use the Windows version of the VPN apps, connecting with the Wireguard connection protocol when it is available.
4. The Speedtest app is used to measure each VPN’s download speeds after connecting to each server location. I restart the app in between each test.

Both providers delivered impressive download speeds.

Hola’s connections measured in at 186.7 Mbps.

VyprVPN’s connection speeds were quite a bit faster than those delivered by Hola, with download speeds of 258.0 Mbps.

Don’t be concerned if you see different connection speeds than what my results showed. VPN-based connection speeds depend on several factors, including your usual ISP-provided speeds, your location and the location of the VPN server you’re connected to, and the number of users that are connected to that server.

Average Connection Speed Winner: VyprVPN

Pricing

Prices for everything are on the rise, meaning many of us are looking to save a buck or two on anything we buy. However, that doesn’t mean you should consider only super-cheap or free VPN providers, as they often don’t provide sufficient VPN protection.

VyprVPN’s average monthly tariff (on a one-year subscription) is equivalent to the price of a small cheeseburger combo at your favorite fast food joint.

Hola’s asking price is nearly three dollars more per month than VyprVPN when you subscribe for one year.

Hola also offers a free tier of VPN service. While free is always enticing, free has some privacy and security concerns in this case. We’ll discuss that a bit later.

You’ve likely noticed that I don’t include exact VPN pricing in my articles. This is because many VPN providers change their prices and offer special discounts on a regular basis. VPN providers’ websites will provide current pricing information.

Pricing Winner: VyprVPN

Privacy

Going online without a VPN means that you are leaving behind detailed evidence of your online activities. A quality VPN’s privacy protections means there are no logs connected to your online travels being left behind.

A VPN blocks your ISP from following you around online and logging your online activities. A good-quality VPN provider also will not save any logs connected to your online activities.

Consider the following when researching a VPN’s privacy protections:

• Is the VPN based in a privacy-friendly country?
• Does the VPN save user activity logs on its servers?
• Does the VPN accept cryptocurrency as payment?

VyprVPN is located in privacy-respecting Switzerland and saves no user logs on its servers. Unfortunately, the provider does not accept cryptocurrency.

Israel-based Hola is located in a country that shares information with members of the Five Eyes alliance (which includes the United States and the United Kingdom). Unfortunately, Hola logs plenty of information while you’re connected to its servers, including your IP address, operating system and browser information, web pages visited, the amount of time you spent visiting those pages, and the access dates and times. Hola also does not accept cryptocurrency.

Hola’s free VPN service tier makes things even less private, due to how it operates. Hola’s free VPN routes your data through a network of other Hola users’ computers, also sharing your “spare” bandwidth with other users on the network. While it’s true that paid users can opt-out of being a Hola node, that should be an opt-in “feature,” not opt-out.

Privacy Winner: VyprVPN

Online Security

A VPN encases your internet connection in a tunnel of encryption, while also temporarily assigning a new IP address to your device. This hides your online antics from your ISP, while also hiding your real IP address.

VyprVPN uses military-level encryption, along with a kill switch, to keep its users’ online travels undercover. WireGuard, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP are the provider’s connection protocol offerings. VyprVPN’s Chameleon protocol disguises your VPN traffic as normal browsing activity.

Hola also protects its customers’ connection with military-grade encryption, but offers only two connection protocols, IKEv2 and L2TP/IPSec. The provider is also missing kill switch and DNS leak protection, although it does offer split tunneling and port forwarding.

Also, Hola’s method of routing your data through a network of volunteer nodes, just doesn’t appear to be secure.

Online Security Winner: VyprVPN

Simultaneous Connections

Many of us own more than one internet-connected device and use those devices at the same time. This is why a VPN provider’s simultaneous connections allowance is an important consideration.

Hola allows users to make up to 10 simultaneous connections to its servers.

VyprVPN also limits customers to 10 simultaneous connections.

Simultaneous Connections Winner: It’s a tie

Streaming Support

I subscribe to multiple streaming services and it’s likely that many of my readers do the same thing. Without a VPN, none of us is getting everything we could be from our subscriptions. This is because streaming services put geographic restrictions on their content.

Luckily, many VPNs have the ability to provide access to geo-fenced streaming content. A VPN has the ability to temporarily assign a new IP address to your connected device, making it appear as if you and your device are connecting to the internet from another part of the globe. This opens up access to content intended for viewing only in the country you connect to.

VyprVPN provides reliable access to various streaming services, including Netflix US, Netflix UK, Netflix Canada, MLB.tv, DAZN, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max, ESPN, and more.

Meanwhile, Hola could not provide access to any other streaming services.

Streaming Support Winner: VyprVPN

BitTorrent Support

BitTorrent is arguably the most popular way to share files with other internet users. File sharing is considered legal in most countries – it’s even used by many companies to share files among their employees. However, it is illegal to share copyrighted files, including ebooks, movies, and music.

The entertainment industry puts plenty of pressure on Internet Service Providers to block file sharing. That means that ISPs will throttle or block a user’s internet connection if they see them sharing files, even if the files are legal.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, preventing an ISP from detecting your file sharing. A VPN also temporarily assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device, preventing anyone from tracking your online activities back to your actual IP address.

VyprVPN allows BitTorrenting activity on its entire global server network.

Hola does not allow torrenting activity on any of its servers.

BitTorrenting Winner: VyprVPN

Global Server Coverage

A VPN provides access to geo-fenced content. This means a provider with a large global server network will provide wide access to content housed in other countries. Also, look for a provider with multiple servers stationed in each country, as this makes it less likely that a server will be overloaded with too many users at once.

Hola says it has servers in more than 190 countries. However, it’s tough to get an actual server count, as the provider‘s network is made up of its users’ computers and it does not publish actual server numbers.

VyprVPN’s global server network boasts 700+ servers in 80+ countries.

Global Server Coverage Winner: VyprVPN

Multi-Platform Support

If you own multiple devices, it’s likely that they all run on different operating systems. This makes it important to confirm a VPN’s native app support.

VyprVPN provides apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows device platforms. The VPN can be used on Linux devices with a bit of manual set-up. A Chrome browser extension is also available, as is compatibility with select routers. Ready-to-go routers are available from Flashrouters.com.

Hola offers native apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Huawei, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Opera browsers are also available. Hola is compatible only with the Keenetic Ultra router.

Multi-Platform Support Winner: Hola

Customer Support

Both providers offer quality VPN services. However, you may still have an occasional question.

Hola’s customer support department offers setup guides, a searchable support library, FAQs, email support, and a contact us form.

VyprVPN’s customer support offerings include live chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

Customer Support Winner: VyprVPN

And The Winner Is…

Both Hola and VyprVPN provide reliable VPN services. However, one of the providers outperformed its competitor by quite a bit.

VyprVPN is the overall victor, due to its performance in the Connection Speeds, Pricing, Privacy, Online Security, Streaming, BitTorrent, Global Server Coverage, and Customer Support categories.

Hola won in just one category, Multi-Platform Support.

The providers tied in a single service arena, Simultaneous Connections.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit VyprVPN.

The post VyprVPN vs Hola – Comparison & Test Results 2023 appeared first on Pixel Privacy.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a well-known VPN provider that offers comprehensive security and privacy protections, while also providing reliable access to content around the globe, thanks to its large global server network.

Visit Hotspot Shield

Hola

While Hola provides reliable, well-protected, and fast connections, some of the provider’s features are less than private. If you opt for Hola’s free VPN services, your computer becomes part of a network of other free users, and you’ll be sharing your spare bandwidth with the Hola network.

Visit Hola

Choosing a VPN

When you’re considering a VPN provider, always carefully research each VPN provider’s features and performance in each VPN service column.

By the time you finish reading this article, you should have plenty of information at hand to make an informed VPN subscription decision.

Features of Hotspot Shield and Hola

I’ll be looking at two VPN providers, Hotspot Shield and Hola. I’ll compare both provider’s performances in several VPN service categories, tally the scores, and name an overall winner.

Connection Speeds

No matter your favorite online activity, a fast internet connection is your best friend.

I perform VPN connection speed tests on a regular basis. I perform the tests as follows:

1. Tests are performed on a Windows server with a gigabit Ethernet connection, located in North America.
2. I connect to three different VPN server locations – London, New York City, and Hong Kong – at various times of the day.
3. I use the Windows version of the VPN apps, connecting with the Wireguard protocol when it is available.
4. I use the Speedtest app to measure both VPN download speeds after connecting to each VPN server location. The app is restarted between each test.

Both providers delivered above-average download speeds.

Hotspot Shield delivered download speeds of 124.9 Mbps.

Hola also delivered fast connections, measuring in at 186.7 Mbps.

You’re likely to see different connection speeds than what I saw. VPN connection speeds depend on several factors, including your unprotected connection speeds, where you connect from, the location of the VPN server you connect to, and how many users are connecting to that server.

Average Connection Speed Winner: Hola

Pricing

Prices for everyday items are on the rise and that means many of us are looking to save a buck or two on any purchase we make. However, that doesn’t mean you should consider only uber-cheap or free VPN providers, as they often don’t provide all of the VPN protection that they should.

Hotspot Shield’s monthly subscription fee averages out to about what you’d pay for a medium burger combo at your favorite burger joint when purchasing a one-year subscription. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Hotspot Shield offers a free tier of VPN service, which limits users to one connection at a time and allows the use of one lone VPN server location.

Hola is 30 cents cheaper per month than Hotspot Shield, when you opt for a one-year commitment.

Hola also offers a free tier of VPN service, which has some privacy and security concerns. We’ll discuss that a bit later.

I never publish exact VPN pricing in my articles, as many VPN providers regularly change their prices, while also offering special discounts. Check the VPN providers’ websites for current pricing information.

Pricing Winner: Hola

Privacy

If you go online without using a VPN, you’re leaving behind detailed evidence of your online antics. A VPN’s privacy features prevent any logs connected to your online travels from being left behind.

One of the reasons you should use a VPN is that it blocks an ISP from following you around online and logging your activities. A quality VPN provider will also not save logs of your online activities.

The following should be considered when researching a VPN’s privacy protections:

• Is the VPN located in a privacy-friendly country?
• Does the VPN save user activity logs on its servers?
• Does the VPN accept cryptocurrency as payment?

Hotspot Shield is owned by U.S. corporation Pango. While the provider is allowed to log its users’ online activity, it does not. Unfortunately, the provider does not accept cryptocurrency as payment.

Hola is based in Israel, which shares information with members of the Five Eyes alliance, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Hola logs quite a bit of information when you’re connected to its servers, including your IP address, operating system and browser information, web pages visited, the amount of time you spent visiting those pages, and the access dates and times. Hola also does not accept cryptocurrency.

Hola’s free VPN service makes things even less private, as it routes your data through a network made up of Hola users’ computers, sharing your “spare” bandwidth with other users on the network. Paid users can opt-out of being a Hola node. However, that should be an opt-in “feature,” not opt-out.

Privacy Winner: Hotspot Shield

Online Security

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, while also temporarily assigning a fresh IP address to your connected device. This means it hides your online travels from your ISP, while also hiding your real IP address.

Hotspot Shield protects its users’ connections with military-grade encryption. A kill switch protection feature is available in the provider’s Windows app. Available connection protocols include OpenVPN, Wireguard, and IKEv2 (IPSec), depending on the device.

Hola also protects its customers’ connection with heavy-duty encryption, but offers only two connection protocols, IKEv2 and L2TP/IPSec. The provider also lacks kill switch or DNS leak protection, although it does offer port forwarding and split tunneling.

Also, there’s that whole thing about routing your data through a network of volunteer nodes that just doesn’t appear to be secure.

Online Security Winner: Hotspot Shield

Simultaneous Connections

I’d venture to say that most of my readers own more than one internet-connected device and use those devices simultaneously. This is why it is important to consider a VPN provider’s simultaneous connections allowance.

Hola allows users to simultaneously connect up to 10 devices to its servers.

Hotspot Shield allows users to connect up to five devices at once to its servers. (Up to 25 devices, five for each family member, when you subscribe to the Premium Family tier of service.)

Simultaneous Connections Winner: Hola

Streaming Support

I subscribe to multiple streaming services and I’m betting many of my readers do the same thing. Unfortunately, no matter how many streaming services you subscribe to, you’re not getting everything you could be from your subscriptions. This is due to the geographic restrictions streaming services put on their content.

Luckily, a VPN has the ability to provide access to geo-controlled streaming content. A VPN can do this, thanks to its ability to temporarily assign a different IP address to your connected device, making it appear as if you and your device are located in another part of the globe.

Hotspot Shield provided reliable access to Netflix US, Netflix UK, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Twitch, Disney+, and other popular streamers.

Meanwhile, Hola could not provide access to any other streaming services.

Streaming Support Winner: Hotspot Shield

BitTorrent Support

BitTorrent is a popular way to share files with other internet users. Even though file sharing is legal in most countries – it’s even used by legitimate organizations to share files among employees – it is illegal to share copyrighted files, including movies and music.

The entertainment industry pressures Internet Service Providers to block file sharing. ISPs will throttle or block their users’ internet connections if they see users engaging in file sharing activity, even legal file sharing.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, keeping your file sharing undercover. A VPN also temporarily assigns a different IP address to your connected device. This prevents anyone from tracking your online activities back to your real IP address.

Hotspot Shield allows BitTorrent activity on all of its servers.

Hola does not allow torrenting activity on any of its servers.

BitTorrenting Winner: Hotspot Shield

Global Server Coverage

A VPN provides access to geo-fenced content. The larger a provider’s global server network, the better access you’ll likely have to content in other countries. You should also look for a provider with multiple servers stationed in each country. Multiple servers mean it is less likely that a server won’t be overloaded with too many users at once.

While Hola says it has servers in more than 190 countries, it’s tough to get an actual server count, as the provider uses a peer-to-peer network made up of its users’ computers and does not publish actual server numbers.

Hotspot Shield’s server network is made up of 1,800+ real servers stationed in over 80 countries around the globe.

Global Server Coverage Winner: Hotspot Shield

Multi-Platform Support

If you use multiple devices, it’s likely that each one runs on a different operating system, making it important to investigate a VPN provider’s native app support.

Hotspot Shield offers native app support for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Windows device platforms. Select router support is available to Hotspot Premium subscribers. (Ready-to-go routers are available through Flashrouters.com.) A Chrome browser extension is available to protect your browsing sessions.

Hola’s app support includes offerings for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Huawei, and Amazon Fire TV platforms. The provider offers browser extensions for the Chrome, Edge, and Opera browser platforms. Hola is compatible only with the Keenetic Ultra router.

Multi-Platform Support Winner: Hotspot Shield

Customer Support

Both Hotspot Shield and Hola are quality VPN providers, offering reliable VPN services. However, you may still have a question from time to time.

Hola customer support offerings include setup guides, a searchable support library, FAQs, email support, and a contact us form.

Hotspot Shield’s support department offers 24/7 live chat, a contact form, email support, an FAQ section, and a searchable support library.

Customer Support Winner: Hotspot Shield

And The Winner Is…

Both Hola and Hotspot Shield provide reliable VPN services. However, one of the providers performed much better than its competitor.

Hotspot Shield is the overall victor, due to its performance in the Privacy, Online Security, Streaming, BitTorrent, Global Server Coverage, Multi-Platform Support, and Customer Support categories.

Hola won in the Connection Speeds, Pricing, and Simultaneous Connections columns.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit Hotspot Shield.

The post Hotspot Shield vs Hola – Comparison & Test Results 2023 appeared first on Pixel Privacy.

PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN’s comprehensive online security and privacy protection makes it a good choice for those looking for solid online protection. However, its global server coverage and multi-platform app support could stand some improvement.

Visit PrivateVPN

Hola

Hola provides reliable, well-protected, and fast connections. However, some of Hola’s “protective features” are less than private. The provider’s free VPN services make your computer part of a network of other free Hola users, while sharing your spare bandwidth with the network.

Visit Hola

Choosing a VPN

When you’re deciding which VPN provider is best for your unique needs, always carefully consider each VPN provider’s features, as well as its performance in each VPN service arena.

By the time you reach the end of this article, you should have more than enough information to allow you to make an informed VPN buying decision.

Features of PrivateVPN and Hola

I’ll be investigating two VPN providers, PrivateVPN and Hola. I’ll compare their performance in each important VPN service category, add up the scores, and name an overall champion.

Connection Speeds

What’s your favorite online pastime? No matter what your favorite online activity, a fast internet connection is your friend.

I run VPN connection speed tests on a regular basis. The tests are performed as follows:

1. Tests are performed on a North American Windows server with a gigabit Ethernet connection.
2. I connect to three different VPN server locations – London, New York City, and Hong Kong – at three different times of the day.
3. The Windows version of the VPN apps are used, connections are made using the Wireguard protocol when it is available.
4. Using the Speedtest app, I measure both VPN download speeds after connecting to each VPN server location. I restart the app between each test.

While both providers delivered bandwidth sufficient for most online activities, one provider delivered download speeds nearly five times faster than its challenger.

PrivateVPN’s average download speeds were 38.4 Mbps.

Hola delivered impressive average download speeds, clocking in at 186.7 Mbps.

Keep in mind that your connection speed test results will likely differ from what I saw. VPN connection speeds will depend on your unprotected connection speeds, where you connect from, and the location of the VPN server you connect to.

Average Connection Speed Winner: Hola

Pricing

Prices are on the rise and there is no end in sight. This means that many of us are looking to save money whenever we can. However, you should not automatically opt for an uber-cheap or free VPN provider, as they often don’t provide comprehensive VPN protection.

PrivateVPN’s monthly fee equals about the same price as a large fountain drink at your convenience store when you opt for a three-year subscription. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Hola is more expensive than PrivateVPN. When you opt for a one-year commitment, you’ll pay about the price of a cheeseburger combo at your favorite fast food joint.

Hola also offers a free tier of VPN service. However, this is where most of my privacy and security concerns lie. We’ll discuss that a bit later.

I never publish exact VPN pricing in my articles, as providers change their prices on a regular basis, while also offering special deals. Check the VPN providers’ websites for current pricing information.

Pricing Winner: PrivateVPN

Privacy

Don’t go online without using a VPN. Without a VPN, you’ll leave behind evidence of your online activities. A VPN’s privacy features keep your online antics undercover.

A VPN encases your internet connection in a tunnel of encryption. This prevents your ISP from tracking and logging your online activities, all it sees is your encrypted VPN connection. A quality VPN provider will not log your online travels.

Consider the following when concerning a VPN’s privacy protections:

• Is the provider in a privacy-friendly country?
• Does the provider save user activity logs on its servers?
• Does the provider accept cryptocurrency as payment?

Sweden-based provider PrivateVPN saves absolutely no user logs and also accepts cryptocurrency to protect your payment privacy.

Hola is based in Israel, which, while not a member of the Five Eyes alliance, does share information with alliance members (including the United States and the United Kingdom). Hola logs a good bit of information when you’re using its servers. This includes your IP address, your operating system and browser information, the web pages you visit, the amount of time you spend on those pages, and your access dates and times. Hola does not accept cryptocurrency.

Hola’s free VPN service is even less private, as it routes your data through other Hola users’ computers, also sharing your “spare” bandwidth with other users. While it’s true that paid users can opt-out of being a Hola node, that should be an “opt-in” feature.

Privacy Winner: PrivateVPN

Online Security

A VPN encases your internet connection in a tunnel of encryption, while also temporarily assigning a different IP address to your connected device. This means your online travels are hidden from your ISP and your real IP address is also hidden.

PrivateVPN protects your connection with banking-grade encryption and kill switch protection. The provider uses multiple connection protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN over UDP/TCP, L2TP/IPSec, IPSec, PPTP, and IKEv2. The provider also offers a “Stealth VPN” feature that hides your VPN activity by disguising it as normal browsing traffic.

While Hola also protects its customers’ connection with banking-grade encryption, it offers only two connection protocols, the IKEv2 or L2TP/IPSec. The provider also lacks kill switch or DNS leak protection, although it does offer port forwarding and split tunneling.

Also, the provider routes your data through a network of volunteer nodes, making it a security and privacy threat.

Online Security Winner: PrivateVPN

Simultaneous Connections

Many of us own more than one internet-capable device and use those multiple devices simultaneously. This is what makes a VPN provider’s simultaneous connections allowance an important consideration.

Hola allows users to connect up to 10 devices at one time.

PrivateVPN also allows users to simultaneously connect up to 10 devices.

Simultaneous Connections Winner: It’s a tie

Streaming Support

Many of us subscribe to multiple streaming services. Unfortunately, no matter which streaming services you subscribe to, you’re not getting everything you could be from those subscriptions. This is because streaming services put geographically-based restrictions on their content.

Luckily, a VPN can help you access geo-controlled streaming content whose viewing is restricted to other countries. A VPN has the ability to do this, because it temporarily assigns a different IP address to your connected device. This makes it appear that you and your device are not in your actual location, but instead it appears as if you are located in another part of the globe.

During testing, PrivateVPN provided reliable access to numerous streaming services, including the US and UK flavors of Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and many other streaming services.

Meanwhile, Hola was unable to provide access to any other streaming services.

Streaming Support Winner: PrivateVPN

BitTorrent Support

BitTorrent is an efficient method of sharing files with other online users. While file sharing is legal in most countries (and is used by legitimate organizations to share files among employees), it is illegal to share copyrighted files, including movies, music, and e-books.

This has led the entertainment industry to put pressure on Internet Service Providers to block file sharing. This means ISPs will throttle or block their users’ internet connections if they catch them engaging in file sharing activity, even if it’s legal file sharing.

A VPN prevents your file sharing from being exposed to your ISP, as it encrypts your internet connection, keeping your file sharing undercover. A VPN also temporarily assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device, which prevents anyone from connecting your online activities back to your real IP address.

PrivateVPN allows BitTorrenting activity on its network. However, it recommends connecting to its servers located in Sweden when sharing files.

Hola does not allow torrenting activity on any of its servers.

BitTorrenting Winner: PrivateVPN

Global Server Coverage

A VPN can provide access to geo-fenced content from around the globe. This means that the larger a provider’s global server network, the better access you should have to content in other countries. It is also beneficial to find a provider with multiple servers stationed in each country, as this helps to ensure that a single server won’t be overloaded by being hit with too many users at once.

Hola says it has servers in more than 190 countries. However, the provider uses a peer-to-peer network of users’ computers and does not publish actual server numbers.

PrivateVPN has 200+ servers located in more than 63 countries.

Global Server Coverage Winner: Hola

Multi-Platform Support

If you own multiple connected devices, each one likely runs a different operating system. This makes it important to carefully consider a VPN provider’s native app support.

PrivateVPN’s app support is limited, providing app support for only iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows device platforms. It also does not offer any browser extensions. The VPN can be manually set up to be used with Linux devices and select routers. (Pre-configured routers are available through Flashrouters.com.)

Hola’s app support is a bit better than PrivateVPN, offering apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Huawei, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome, Edge, and Opera browser platforms. Hola is compatible with only the Keenetic Ultra router.

Multi-Platform Support Winner: Hola

Customer Support

Both PrivateVPN and Hola offer reliable easy-to-use VPN services. However, you may still occasionally have a question.

Hola customer support options include FAQs, a searchable support library, setup guides, email support, and a contact us form.

PrivateVPN offers a live messaging option (to which they reply fairly quickly), email support, and a non-searchable FAQ and “getting started” section. The provider also offers free remote help and installation, which is a bit unusual.

Customer Support Winner: PrivateVPN

And The Winner Is…

Both Hola and PrivateVPN provide comprehensive, reliable VPN services. However, one of the VPNs performed better than its competitor.

PrivateVPN is the overall victor, due to its performance in the Pricing, Privacy, Online Security Streaming, BitTorrent, and Customer Support categories.

Hola won in the Connection Speeds, Multi-Platform Support, and Global Server Coverage arenas.

The providers tied in the Simultaneous Connections category.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit PrivateVPN.

The post PrivateVPN vs Hola – Comparison & Test Results 2023 appeared first on Pixel Privacy.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an admittedly expensive VPN option. That said, the provider offers premium VPN service for that premium asking price. The VPN boasts comprehensive privacy and connection protection, a large global server network, impressive app support, and excellent customer support.

Visit ExpressVPN

Windscribe

Windscribe provides fast, well-protected connections, protecting your online security and privacy. The provider offers app support for a large number of devices, plenty of support, and boasts a good-sized server network.

Visit Windscribe

How to Choose a VPN

When you’re in search of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider to protect and enhance your online activities, you should consider several important features.

In this article, I’ll take a look at the performance of ExpressVPN and Windscribe in several service categories, declaring a victor for each category. I’ll then calculate the overall score and declare a champion.

By the end of this article, you’ll have plenty of information to make a VPN subscription decision.

Features of ExpressVPN and Windscribe

Connection Speeds

What are your favorite online activities? No matter what you enjoy doing online, a fast connection is your friend.

I perform my VPN connection speed tests on a regular basis, following these steps:

1. I use a North American Windows server with a gigabit Ethernet connection.
2. I use the VPN providers’ Windows app, configured to use the OpenVPN UDP connection protocol when available.
3. I connect to VPN servers located in New York City, London, and Hong Kong. I connect to all three cities at three different times of day, over the course of three days.
4. Once a connection is made, I use the Speedtest.net app to test each location’s connection speed. I restart the Speedtest in between each test.

You’ll most likely see different download speeds than I experienced in testing. Download speeds can be affected by various factors, such as your usual connection speeds, where you are located, and the VPN server’s location.

Both VPNs provided enough bandwidth to handle popular online activities. I saw one provider deliver speeds more than three times as fast as its competitor.

Windscribe’s average connection speeds measured in at 55 Mbps.

ExpressVPN’s download speeds averaged 175.9 Mbps.

Average Connection Speed Winner: ExpressVPN

Pricing

Prices are on the rise these days, so many of us are on the lookout for ways to save money. However, you should never subscribe to a VPN simply because it charges a budget-friendly basement price.

While ExpressVPN is definitely not a budget-priced provider, it provides premium services for its rather expensive asking price. When you opt for a one-year subscription, your monthly cost will be about the price of a Big Mick combo at McDowell’s or one of its arch competitors. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Meanwhile, Windscribe’s annual subscription rate comes in at somewhere around the price of a small cheeseburger combo. Windscribe offers a quite short three-day money-back guarantee.

You won’t see actual pricing in my articles, as VPN providers change their pricing and offer special deals on a regular basis. You’ll find current pricing on VPN providers’ websites.

Pricing Winner: Windscribe

Privacy

There are plenty of groups out there that would love to see records of what you’ve been up to online. That’s why you should always carefully consider a VPN provider’s privacy protection features.

When considering a VPN provider’s privacy protections, ask these questions:

• Is the provider located in a privacy-respecting country?
• Does the provider save user logs on its servers?
• Does the provider accept cryptocurrency?

ExpressVPN is located in the British Virgin Islands and takes advantage of the country’s privacy-friendly laws by not saving any user logs of any kind. Pay with Bitcoin and use a disposable email address for an additional layer of privacy for your subscription payment info.

Windscribe doesn’t record users’ online travels, your real IP address, or their browsing history, but it does record their username, the time of their connection, and how much data they used during their VPN session.

Privacy Winner: ExpressVPN

Online Security

When you’re online, there is a very good chance that someone is tracking your virtual travels. Bad actor hackers, advertisers, and the government are all looking to follow you around online.

A VPN keeps your online activities incognito by encrypting your connection, while also temporarily assigning a new address to your connected device. This helps prevent all of the above folks from following you around.

ExpressVPN makes use of AES-256 military-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and DNS/IPv6 leak prevention to protect your online activities from being monitored in real-time. VPN protocols in the provider’s apps include OpenVPN, Lightway, IKEv2, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec.

Windscribe uses AES-256 encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and ad blocking to keep your online travels incognito. Available connection protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2.

Security Winner: It’s a tie

Simultaneous Connections

Many of us own more than one internet-connected device. This makes a VPN’s simultaneous connections limit an important consideration.

ExpressVPN allows users to simultaneously connect up to five devices to their servers.

Windscribe places no limit on how many devices you can connect at once.

Simultaneous Connections Winner: Windscribe

Streaming Support

Did you know that 85% of U.S. households subscribe to at least one video streaming subscription, and 60% subscribe to at least one paid music streaming subscription. 7% subscribe to six or more streaming services.

Even if you subscribe to every single streaming service, you won’t be getting all that you could be from your subscriptions. This is because streaming services usually restrict access to their content on a country-by-country basis, meaning you might not have access to all of the streamer’s content when you’re abroad.

A VPN temporarily assigns a fresh IP address to your connected device, making it appear as if you and your device are connecting from another country. This allows you to regain access to content that might normally be unavailable to you when traveling or living abroad.

ExpressVPN provides reliable access to numerous streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max, Showtime, Channel 4, CBC, CTV, 9 Now, Sling TV, Hotstar, Hallmark Movies, Sky, Fubo, and other streaming services.

Windscribe doesn’t claim to be able to unblock any geo-fenced content, instead it focuses on providing protective VPN services. I tested Windscribe with several popular streaming services in several locations and the provider failed to provide access to any of them.

Streaming Support Winner: ExpressVPN

BitTorrent Support

BitTorrent is a reliable way to share files with other users on the internet. File sharing is legal in most countries and many reputable organizations use BitTorrent to share files and documents among their employees. However, it is illegal to share copyrighted content, including music and movies. This means that film studios and record companies pressure ISPs to block or throttle file sharing activity, even if the files being shared are illegal.

Luckily, a VPN can help when this happens, as a VPN encrypts your internet connection, while also temporarily assigning a new IP address to your connected device. This hides your online activities in an encrypted tunnel, while also keeping your actual IP address a secret.

ExpressVPN happily allows P2P activity on its global server network. The provider even goes so far as to offer a P2P how-to guide on their website.

Windscribe allows P2P activity on all of its global server network.

BitTorrenting Winner: It’s a tie

Global Server Coverage

Look for a VPN provider with a large global server network, covering as much of the globe as possible. This will help ensure that you have access to content around the globe. Also, look for a provider with more than one server location in each country. This helps ensure that a single server won’t be overloaded by too many connections.

Windscribe’s network has over 480 server locations in 69+ countries.

ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers located in 94+ countries.

Global Server Coverage Winner: ExpressVPN

Multi-Platform Support

Those of you that own multiple connected devices will appreciate VPN services that provide native app support for a large number of devices.

ExpressVPN provides top-notch app support, offering apps for Windows, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, Chrome OS, and Amazon Fire TV platforms. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome, Edge, Vivaldi, Brave, and Firefox platforms.

ExpressVPN offers custom firmware for select routers, as well as setup instructions for using the service with other routers. The provider also offers a pre-configured “Aircove” router that is ready to go right out of the box. Multiple brands of pre-configured routers are available through the FlashRouters.com website.

Windscribe offers app support for the macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Android TV, Huawei, and Amazon Fire TV platforms. Users can also manually set up Linux devices to use the VPN. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider is compatible with DD-WRT and Tomato routers, as well as its own proprietary Invizbox VPN router.

Multi-Platform Support Winner: Tie

Customer Support

Both Express and Windscribe are easy-to-use and reliable. However, it’s likely that you will have a question from time to time. That’s where the provider’s customer support comes into play.

ExpressVPN offers round-the-clock customer support, with 24/7 live support chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

Windscribe customer support also offers 24/7 live support chat, a trouble ticket system, a searchable knowledge base, and a support bot (named “Garry”).

Customer Support Winner: Tied

And The Winner Is…

Windscribe and ExpressVPN both provide comprehensive VPN services. However, one provider scored much better than its competitor in numerous categories.

ExpressVPN took the title this time around, thanks to its wins in the Connection Speeds, Privacy, Streaming Support, and Global Server Coverage arenas.

Windscribe was tops in just two categories, Pricing and Simultaneous Connections.

The VPNs tied in the Online Security, BitTorrent Support, Multi-Platform Support, and Customer Support columns.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit ExpressVPN.

The post ExpressVPN vs Windscribe – Comparison & Test Results 2023 appeared first on Pixel Privacy.