Bitmask vs Hotspot Shield

Bitmask is a free, open-source VPN application from the LEAP Encryption Access Project, founded in 2012. It is designed to help protect online privacy while connecting users to vetted providers such as Riseup.net and The Calyx Institute. The app includes tools for evading internet controls, and private VPNs can be reached through a discreet URL or invite code. Individuals and collectives can also run private, circumvention-focused VPNs with its self-hostable system. Bitmask requires no accounts; the maker says it has no logs or tracking. Applications and server-side components are open source, and Bitmask is described as third-party audited. It runs on Android, Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted deployments. Linux support covers the two latest Ubuntu LTS versions, while Debian and Arch packaging is unavailable. Windows has no kill switch and is not well battle tested for DNS or IP leaks. The listed plan costs nothing.

Hotspot Shield is a VPN service for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with free and paid plans. Its Basic plan costs nothing and covers one device, 500 MB of daily data, one U.S. virtual location, and a 2 Mbps limit. Paid plans include unlimited data and access to 115+ locations. Plus costs $6.99 a month with yearly billing and covers 5 devices; Premium costs $7.99 a month with annual billing and covers 10 devices. Family costs $11.99 a month with yearly billing and includes 5 member accounts and 25 devices. Listed features include streaming and torrent support, a kill switch, and WireGuard support. A verified no-logs audit is listed, and the pricing note mentions a 7-day trial. The maker is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. The free and paid tiers differ in data allowance, location count, speed limit, and device coverage, so the Basic plan's stated limits are important to consider before choosing a plan.