Head-to-head · Free VPNs for iPhone
Hotspot Shield vs Hola VPN
Hotspot Shield leads on 0 checks, Hola VPN on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreHotspot Shield · 8.7/10
- Lowest starting priceHola VPN · $2.99/user/mo
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield scores higher on our rubric for free vpns for iphone: 8.7 against 8.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
Hola VPN is cheaper to start at $2.99/mo against $6.99/mo.
Hotspot Shield is the better fit for iPhone users who want free VPN basics. Hola VPN is the better fit for users who value broad location choice on a free plan.
- Hotspot Shield fits best
iPhone users who want free VPN basics
- Hola VPN fits best
Users who value broad location choice on a free plan
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Side by side
| Feature | Hotspot Shield 8.7/10 Visit ↗ | Hola VPN 8.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.7 | 8.1 |
| Ranking | #5 in Free VPNs for iPhone | #8 in Free VPNs for iPhone |
| Best for | iPhone users who want free VPN basics | Users who value broad location choice on a free plan |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $6.99/mo | $2.99/user/mo (best) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Money-back guarantee | 45 days | 14 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extension |
| Support | Live chat, Email, Docs · 24/7 | Tickets, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Hotspot Shield 0/1 · Hola VPN 0/1 | ||
| Ads in free app | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Free data limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Free server locations | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Simultaneous connections | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported protocols | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Streaming support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| P2P support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Hotspot Shield is a consumer VPN for people who want to encrypt internet traffic, hide their IP address and connect through virtual locations. Its iOS app makes it relevant to iPhone users, and the free Basic plan offers secure private… Read the review → |
Hola VPN provides apps and browser extensions for changing a user's apparent location and accessing geographically restricted websites and media. It is aimed at consumers who want broad location choice, including iPhone users: the product… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Hotspot Shield — where it wins
- Basic includes one U.S. virtual location and 500 MB of data daily
- Paid plans add unlimited data and locations across 115+ locations
- Kill switch, Smart VPN split tunneling and multiple protocols
Where it doesn't
- Basic is limited to one device and speeds up to 2 Mbps
- Basic data is capped at 500 MB per day
- Unlimited data and streaming access require a paid plan
Hola VPN — where it wins
- Free access includes a choice of 190+ VPN locations
- Apps are available for iOS, Android, desktop, and browsers
- Premium adds unlimited usage and support for up to 10 devices
Where it doesn't
- Free usage is limited daily
- Free users may contribute device resources and IP address to Bright Data's network
- Hola's privacy policy says it collects log data and may retain it for up to 12 months
- Hotspot Shield8.7/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A limited free iPhone option; paid plans add speed, locations, data and devices.
Visit Hotspot ShieldFull verdict → - Hola VPN8.1/10 · Free plan
A broad location range and iPhone app come with limited free use and peer-to-peer routing.
Visit Hola VPNFull verdict →
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All free VPNs for iphone comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update