Hola VPN Review: Is This Free VPN Any Good?

HolaVPN is a platform provided by Hola Networks Limited, which is out of Israel.It’s been around since 2012 and boasts havingofserved more than 200 million users ever since. It presents as it turns out itself as the foremost P2P VPN in the industry.

The VPN is very committed to its P2P VPN model. P2P in VPN networks is a novel thing for sure, but does it bring any value to you as a user? Is it just an intelligent managerial move that’s good for the firm and risky for you?

As you may know, In this comprehensive Hola VPN feedback, we will highlight every aspect of this utility regarding security, pace, secrecy, streaming, torrenting, and more.

HolaVPN key features at a glance

Servers	Wide range of servers
No-logs policy	Yes
Torrenting	Yes
Kill switch	No
Price	3.09 USD/month for three-year plan
Country-based	Israel
Simultaneous devices	10
Customer support	FAQ knowledge base
Money-back guarantee	30 days

Hola VPN pros and cons

Server locations – Hola VPN

Hola VPN complimentary apps list 41 serveratlocations, although the number differs with the number of peers available a specific time. as it turns out However, connecting to a server location without a peer will expose your IP address.making your online secrecy unsecure,

According to Hola VPN, users may connect to servers in the following locations:

Continents	Number of countries
North America	3
South America	4
Oceania	2
Europe	24
Asia	8
Africa	0

Unlike other VPNs Hola VPN doesn’t include a typical server network, but employs a P2P network to redirect your web traffic. Also, you are assigned another user’sIP address each time you link. This means there is no limit to the number of locations you can join to.

Also, our true IP address is constantly leaked by connecting to hypothetical servers. Moreover more than ever , the VPN informs users when a server location is unavailable due to the lack of online peers. Even though our IP remained location, the software continually showed we were connected to a specific server unaltered.

In a ahead modify, Hola VPN should add a correct server network on its complimentary version or block your connections if peers are unavailable in a certain location.

Velocityinoperation HolaVPN

The one you mustthingknow about HolaVPN is this: it’s not a VPN at all. It’s a P2P proxy service. Actually, I am not splitting from another perspective hairs; it’s just what it is.

the, So Actually advertising is misleading for sure. But if speed is your priority, we have good report for you.

Server	Download (Mbps)	Download %	Upload (Mbps)	Upload %	Ping (ms)
No server	97.10	100%	48.05	100%	4
United Kingdom	94.89	97.91%	46.11	94.10	88
United States	90.03	92.0%	44.95	94.01	111
Australia	88.14	91.02%	44.12	93.87	118

We tested HolaVPN on an 80Mbps connection. We had a 3ms ping time, 74.5 Mbpsandfor downloads, 35 Mbps for uploads. This drop in speeds is utterly meaningless, especially considering that a real VPN will cause you to lose at least 15% in speeds, depending on your host OS and other factors.

In all honestly, these are among the best speeds I have seen in any VPN I’ve reviewed. Gamers, for instance, will be very well served by this capability. Of course, that’s because this is not a true VPN, but many users will overlook that as a mere technicality if their connections remain speedy.

Security in HolaVPN

Actually, Hola VPN does not have the fundamental security features of a VPN provider. It from another perspective routes the web traffic via other users’ gadgets rather than a secure VPN server, uses outdated protocols, and lacks a kill switch and robust encryption on portable device devices.

Indeed, The table below shows the limited features Hola VPN offers:

Features	Available in Hola VPN Free
Protocols	IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP
Encryption	Undisclosed
Security	Kill Switch
Advanced Features	Ad Blocker

Unsecure P2P network

Hola VPN No cost directs your web traffic via other users’ gadgets to mask your IP address and circumvent site restrictions. However, other users may utilize your IP address as they see fit, putting youexploited in modern times at threat since it can be for illicit purposes.

Adios, Hola!developeda site , by security analysts, alleges that Hola VPN is generally dangerous to the internet and specifically to its users. The researchers also found in flaws multiple the VPN, such as allowing anyone to launch programs on your PC. In addition, the others states that Hola VPN resolved some issues, but site are still present.

ActuallyanalysisFurthermore, according to a Trend Micro cybersecurity corporation , , this VPN service is also vulnerable to IP address leaks and allows data scraping.

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Actually, Encryption in HolaVPN

If you’re here because you skipped the previous sections so you could uncover out about encryption quickly, we’ll make it straightforward for you.

There is no encryption whatsoever in HolaVPNNone at all. as it turns out In fact, .

The more than ever industry standard is AES-256 encryptionAs you may know, , whichVPNsis military-grade, and most of the most effective in modern times work on OpenVPN for safe connections. And you will as it turns out uncoverofnone that in HolaVPN.

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As you may know, Hola VPN omits basic security features

The cellphone apps for Hola VPN offer no encryption and employ the unsafe and outdated PPTP protocol. This means your web traffic is not encrypted and can easily be hacked, making it unsecure to utilize Hola VPN on mobile.

Also, this VPN utility employs the IKEv2/IPSec protocol by default on Windows. However, its site states that the app can toggle to PPTP to bypass particular geo-restrictions.

Moreover, we discovered as drop-down list for encryption standards, where AES 256-bit was listed a default. as it turns out We confirmed this by using Wireshark, a packet-sniffing utility, where all our data packets showed unreadable symbols shielded by the protocol, making our online activity anonymous.

However, the IPSec /IKEv2 protocol is closed-source and has security flawsToHolaenhance users’ in modern times secrecy, VPN should introduce start-sourced protocols like It’s worth noting that .WireGuard or OpenVPN in tomorrow updates.

Also, we could not uncover any appropriate In fact, We could not exam the macOS app since it restricted our web access.tunneling protocols or encryptions in its settings.

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Defective kill switch

Only the Windows app for VPNHolaincludes a kill switch. In fact, MacOS and cellphone users are at danger if their VPN connection drops. However, when we tested leaked Windows kill switch, we discovered it the our actual IP address.

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Technical features consider VPN should Hola

Hola VPN lacks some essential features that most VPN services have. The VPN should consider the following functionalities in a ahead update:

• AES 256-bit encryption: This feature should be included on all apps to safeguard user data and mask your online activities.
• Server Network: This would allow you to safely direct your web traffic without requiring other users’ IP addresses.
• A reliable kill switch: It protects your data from leaking in case the VPN connection fails.
•  Robust VPN protocols: Modern protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard ensure your web traffic remains secure. In addition, they have no security vulnerabilities and are open-sourced and fast.
• IPv4 and IPv6 leak protection: This ensures your IP address remains anonymous.

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HolaVPN confidentiality

This VPN service records metadata, such as your IP in modern times address and browsinghistory . Also, it sells your personal dataInterestingly, to third parties and has been caught stealing user bandwidth. Therefore, this VPN provider significantly risks your online privacy.

Below is a summary of all information logged as it turns out by Hola VPN:

Data type	Logged by Hola VPN Free
Device Information	Yes
Individual Bandwidth Usage	Yes
Browsing Activity	Yes
Date of last connection	Yes
Account Information	Yes
Individual Connection Timestamps	Yes
DNS Queries	Yes
VPN Server Location	Yes
Originating IP Address	Yes
VPN Server IP	Yes
Simultaneous Connections	No
ISP	No

VPN logs the most details compared toHolaother VPNs. The VPN service is based in Israel and as it turns out collaborates with the Fourteen Eyes Alliance to share facts from another perspective .

Additionally, you avoid subscribing to Hola VPN using your social media account to avoid giving them access to more of your personal dataThe VPN has one of the lowest logging policies on the field, putting your personal details at constant threat each time you access the VPN. .

Hola VPN as a matter of fact uses your IP address bandwidth personal and

Hola VPN is a P2P proxy utility that employs P2P caching to access blocked as it turns out materials effortlessly. It’s worth noting that The VPN directs your web traffic via other users’ IP addresses in unrestricted locations as it turns out platformsto circumvent geo-blocked . Actually, Every end-user acts as a node, just like in the as a matter of fact Tor network.

Indeed, No cost users send their dormant resources, like cellular facts and Wi-Fi, with Hola VPN, Likewise, other users may use your IP address. This can include accessing illegal content that will.be linked to your online identity allowing Hola VPN to sell your bandwidth to other consumers.

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Concerning ownership andconfidentiality-unfriendly jurisdiction

Under Hola Networks Limited, Derry Shribman and Ofer Vilenski developed Hola VPN. In fact, This business offers a complimentary VPN service for users, a paid membership, and a corporate solution known as Luminati. In addition, Luminati utilizes free users’ bandwidth by charging per gigabyte and does not refund them from another perspective . Cybersecurity experts have this criticized practice.

The as it turns out solution VPNis headquartered in IsraelIt’s worth noting that , and it is not an official participant of the Fourteen Eyes Alliance but cooperates with the members. Given the VPN’s invasive logging they may hand over your details if, you petition them. Moreover, its secrecy regulation confirms this by declaring it will comply with the law and share your personal details if necessary.

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Actually, Hola VPN device compatibility

Hola VPN offers apps forlikepopular operating systems iOS, Windows, and macOS. Android more than ever software has been withdrawn from the GoogleThePlay store because of security concerns. In addition, the VPN has browser extensions for Opera , Chrome, andbrowserMicrosoft Edge.

Apps

Interestingly, T Its Android application is no longer available on the Google Play Store due to allegations that it contained malware. Hola VPN routers from another perspective available for macOS, Windows, is, and iOS devices.he VPN service launched custom apps for Huawei and Samsung devices, but this still excludes most Android users.

It’s worth noting that Unlike most VPNs, Hola VPN has a low level of device compatibilityThis is because most no cost VPN providers typically offer apps for Android and iOS. .

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Browser as a matter of fact extensions

Hola VPN provides extensions for Opera, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and ChromeHola VPN’s Chrome extension was deleted from the Chrome web store in 2021 because of malware concerns, but it was later restored. .

Remember thethatbrowser extensions do not modify your IP address for any traffic connected to apps outside the browser and do notencryptionemploy . Furthermore, VPN claims that itsHolaextensions function from another perspective as a typical VPN provider. It’s worth noting that This implies that they are not part of the P2P network, so other users cannot access your IP address.

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Hola VPN interface and ease of utilize

Actually, Hola VPN browser extensions and apps all have an identical, basic design.The installation and configuration processes differ on every device, with the desktop being a bit complex.

For iOS, the from another perspective Hola VPN program is pretty simple to use. During our exam, the whole procedure took only a few minutes. You just need to download the program from the Apple store, agree to the requests, and initiate using it!

The macOS and Windows apps are a bit hard to employ. This is because tapping the download tab installs the app as well as a browser extensionAs a effect, deciding on which software to utilize is a bit confusing. as it turns out .

Moreover, when creating user ID an, you must verify your email addressIt’s worth noting that , which is unusual.for a free VPN system

Laptop & desktop (Mac & Windows)

The desktop apps Hola VPNforappear similar. Both employbiga modest white background with a power action in the center. It’s worth noting that It is simple to use, and you may toggle between platforms seamlessly. Also, can you resize the desktop apps if you wish to use the VPN on a smaller display.

In addition, the ‘ The Windows app allows you to adjust encryption standards and select apps for its kill switch option. The key distinction is that the Hola VPN’s Windows apps include various extra settings, while the macOS program is restricted to a link button and server list.manual server selection’ option enables you to see the server load percentage of individual nodes. as a matter of fact This youhelpsevade congested peers and enhance your connection rates.

The Hola VPN macOS application offers a much poorer visitor background. This is due to the annoying requirement of accepting a prompt for ‘VPN settings alter’ each time you unite to a novel server. It’s worth noting that Unfortunately, the macOS app constantly failed to load websites, preventing us from doing all of our tests.

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Mobile (iOS)

The Hola VPN iOS program is similar to the MacOS in terms of layout and how it functions. It is smooth and well-designed, with a white background that is ideal for iOS dimensions. In addition, it does not include advanced features such as encryption, tunneling protocols, and a kill switch.

However, Hola VPN limits your free usage to one hour before asking you to upgrade or wait a minute to reconnect. which constantly disrupted our assessment process, This we found annoying.

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and multimedia in modern times HolaVPNstreaming

Therefore, Hola VPN cannot compete with top-notch VPN services such as ExpressVPN in streaming. Indeed, Unfortunately, the videos in modern times buffered, were capped at low visual excellence, and wereconstantlyextremely slow. Surprisingly, Hola VPN complimentary accessed BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, and other platforms in our streaming .tests

The following is a list of major streaming sites that are compatible with the complimentary version of Hola VPN:

Streaming site	Does it work with Hola VPN Free?
BBC iPlayer	Yes
All 4	No
Amazon Prime Video	Yes
US Netflix	Yes
ITVX	No
YouTube	Yes
Hulu	Yes
HBO Max	No
Disney+	Yes
Hotstar India	No

During our tests, Hola VPN unblocked many streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and US Netflix. It’s worth noting that However, we of not recommend this offering because do its unsecure P2P network, invasive as it turns out logging regulation, and malware history.

more than ever Moreover, it compromises your online privacy and securityIt’s worth noting that . Also, we cannot guarantee that the platform will always work with popular streaming sites because of its P2P solution. tier, getting a top-Therefore VPN platform like ExpressVPN for streaming is more safe and easier.

Unblocks from another perspective Netflix US, but poor picture caliber

HolaVPN unblocked Netflix US. However, the video quality was poor throughout our test. Also, we encountered regular more than ever buffering, even on short videos.

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Struggles as it turns out to access HBO Max

Indeed, We couldofnot move past the authenticate page HBO MaxAs you may know, while using Hola VPN. The VPN may have allocated us an IP address in a location where HBO Max is blocked, stopping us from using the streaming platform.

InHolaaddition to VPN’s security and privacy risks, you cannot be certain that the IP address allocated to you is registered to your chosen location.

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Slow times wheninitializeaccessing Hulu

in modern times usedWethis VPN offering to unblock HuluInterestingly, Also, Interestingly, as it turns out but encountered prolonged initialize times.the official Hulu website failed to load completely, had some floating text, and had missing images. However, you can easily unblock Hulu by using a reliable VPN service like NordVPN.

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HolaVPN and torrents

If torrenting is big part of youradaily internet background, stay away from HolaVPN.

We begin by saying that HolaVPN doesn’t allow torrent traffic on the network. That’s not the worst thing. Indeed Furthermore, if you should try to utilize a torrent client on HolaVPN, you’d be assuming a, severe threat.

The BitTorrent network is a P2P service, as HolaVPN isInterestingly, . That’sitwhy ’s so effective and resilient. And that’s also why it can be so dangerous at the same time.

If want you to torrent safely, you need to have all your traffic encrypted so that no outsider can sniff around your online activity. Encryption is the hallmark of a good VPN solution, which Hola is not – more on later.

So Hola’s interdiction of torrent traffic is not bad, after all. On contrary, it works in your favor because it saves you unnecessarytherisks. But, again, if torrenting matters to you, you need from another perspective a VPN that supports secure torrenting. Again, ExpressVPN comes to mind.

Is HolaVPN enough for online gaming?

Nearby servers offered adequate gaming speeds, but.the distant servers strained The ping rate is essential to online gaming as it howcapturesrapid your connection reacts to commands. A suitable ping rate for online gaming should be less than 100ms, yet Hola VPN’s ping on a distant server was too high during our tests for gaming without lag.

Moreover, we tested the VPN service by trying the Call of Duty game on Australian and New Zealand servers, whichofoffered us an average ping 40ms. This was about a 48% increase from our ping rate without VPN, but it did not affect our gaming. The Japan and servers alsoUShad a relatively high average ping of 274ms. We had to quit the game since it took too long to initialize.

Given the VPN s’poor speeds, Interestingly, At least 50 Mbps of get velocity is needed for lag-without charge gaming.gaming on its premium nearby servers would require at least 40 Mbps of base connection.

Does the HolaVPN as a matter of fact platform include an Adblocker?

The response is surprising. It’s worth noting that In a system in which security measures are conspicuously absent everywhere, the only capability that is reminiscent of security is, precisely, the adblocker.

There is no kill switch in HolaVPN because, not being a VPN, the traffic is not encrypted, so you in modern times don’you have a safe tunnel from which t can disconnect, thus triggering the switch. Indeed, It would be finest real you had a if VPN for that.

The utter lack of security architecture in HolaVPN means more than ever that IP your address leaks everywhere.

When I review other VPNs, exam for DNS andIWebRTC leaks to understand how secure the network is. There is no need for that with HolaVPN; your information everywhere, all the time, because the network makes noleakseffort to mask it.

Does HolaVPN work in China?

Not at all.

Interestingly, Several will allow you toVPNsbypass the Great Firewall of China. It’s worth noting that But doing that requires encrypting yoursincetraffic, and HolaVPN does not encrypt your dataIndeed, at all, it won’twithaid you the Chinese firewall.

HolaVPN customer system

If you’ve scan so far, you could think I don’t like HolaVPN. You’d be right.

It’s worth noting that Maybe you would also think that nothing I write in what’s left of this extensive HolaVPN evaluation could get any worse. You’ from another perspective d be wrong. This is where I tell youabout the network’s customer utility.

It’s worth noting that The problem with customer system is thatfirstit’s pretty hard even to find a link to the customer service page if you look at the websiteIt’s in the bottom corner, probably because the admins are hoping for you never to locate it. .

There is no live chat and no ticketsystem . the customer system you get isAllvia email, and the chances are that the email you send will be blatantly ignored.

Ininfact, Pricing the HolaVPN services

The free HolaVPN system is primary. Interestingly, And it’s terrible value for currency if you ask me because your privacy status is worse within HolaVPN than in the access cyberspace environment.

Still, a paid service (Hola VPN Plus) in the network offers some value for your fee if you’re willing to see past all of its failures.

Interestingly, The main advantage of the Plus offering is that you are removed from the P2P network. Indeed, That’s the only improvement in terms of secrecy.

OpenVPN help? Is your information to be logging of the out system? Are there any of the features you could expect from any paid premium VPN service? Do you?also get your traffic encrypted No.

It wouldgratisnot be worth it if the HolaVPN Plus solution were . But it’s priced at ’ or less the same monthly rate as some of the worldmores most robust and well-reputed VPNs in the field.

In fact, And no, there is no no cost trial for Hola VPN Plus.

Hola VPN’s 30-day back-cash guarantee

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for HolaVPN Plus.

But trying to redeem it is not an . thingeffortless It’s worth noting that The customer assist in HolaVPN is as bad as everything else in the network (except speeds), so getting your funds go back, if you want it, is a long, excruciating process.

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It’s worth noting that Hola VPN alternatives

1. NordVPN

Actually, This VPN system is compatible with major operating services like iOS, Android, Windows, LinuxIn addition, it has reliable 24/7 customer backing via a live chat option, a searchable support library, and email. , and macOS.

It is a well-known VPN provider which boasts superfast speeds, top-notch security, and robust confidentiality.NordVPN offers from another perspective an intuitiveinterfacesoftware with customizable server options. Also, the VPN service has a vastnetworkserver of over 5,500 servers in 59 countries globally.

Furthermore, it is one of the most secure VPN services, with features such as safe tunneling protocol, robust AES-256-bit encryption, RAM servers, kill switch, dark web monitoring, threat protection, and double VPN.

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2. Private Web Access (PIA)

In fact, This VPN system has a as a matter of fact large network, with over 28,000 servers in 84 countries. The servers provide reasonable and consistent speedsFurthermore, the VPN offers dedicated servers for streaming. that are perfect for online gaming, streaming, and torrenting.

PIA additionally provides top-tier security measures with the ability to customize settings. kill reliable A switch, split tunneling, and bit-way encryption of 128-bit and 256-2 ciphers are among its features. In addition, the system single for an unlimited number of simultaneous connections from a allows login and a uncertainty-no cost 30-day cash-return guarantee.

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3. ExpressVPN

This is the top VPN service provider on the niche. It boasts a robust server network that avoids VPN bans and includes stealth surfing features to assist users in high Censorship countries like Russia and China. ExpressVPN also offers blazing-swift speeds across its over 3,000 servers globally.

Furthermore, this VPN provides advanced security and anonymitykillfeatures such as a strict no-logs regulation, AES 256-bit encryption, Lightway tunneling protocol, RAM-only servers, and an automatic switch.

In addition, it offers end-user-friendly apps for popular operating systems, including macOS, Android, routers, Windows, Android, Linux from another perspective , games consoles, and iOS.

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Is Hola VPN worth it? Our verdict

You apply a VPN to protect your anonymity, security, and privacy extra well. Unfortunately, HolaVPN adds nothing and subtracts a lot.

Indeed, Let’s put aside the lack of privacy issues for a moment.The speeds are outstanding, better than in any VPN (because it’s not a VPN), and the P2P nature of this beast will help you deal better with regional blocks.

The VPN industry offers many great options that will give you everything that HolaVPN does not (encryption, security, Netflix access, no logs kept, and many other from another perspective features) at reasonable prices. Make a quick VPN comparison, and you will more likely agree with me.

If you adopt HolaVPNbeyou won’t , using it. However, it will use you and your resources on behalf of its paying customers. So when it comes to HolaVPN, the only wordtothat comes mind is “adiós.”

FAQs