Hotspot Shield vs Psiphon

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.

Psiphon routes internet traffic through its network to help users reach websites and services that may be blocked or restricted. It automatically tries different connection methods and adapts when network conditions change. The app is intended for browsing, messaging, calls, video, gaming and downloads, and users can install and connect without an account or email address. Psiphon says its network includes more than 50,000 servers across 33 countries. Its free Basic plan is ad-supported, has reduced features and costs nothing; Plus costs $2.88 a month and is described as offering the full network, no ads and every feature. Premium, Premium Monthly and Premium Annual are also listed, with no prices stated; their listed benefits are fewer ads and a faster VPN. Psiphon says it processes limited technical information to operate, secure and improve its network, without building identity or browsing profiles. Client apps and core tunnelling technology are open source, and the Trust Center lists independent reviews including Cure53 audits from May 2024. Android, iOS, Windows and macOS appear in the platform facts, though the native macOS app is in development.