Hola VPN Review – Free VPN Dream or a Risky Gamble in 2024?

Hola VPN has been a notable name in the VPN world, partly because of its unique peer-to-peer (P2P) approach to internet privacy. Unlike traditional VPNs, Hola uses the bandwidth of its users to create a distributed network, which has sparked both interest and controversy.

In this review, I’ll delve into Hola VPN’s P2P model and how it impacts its performance, security, and reliability. Whether you’re a casual user or a VPN enthusiast, I’ll give you a clear look at what Hola has to offer and whether it’s a good fit for your needs.

Here's what you'll learn in this Hola VPN review:

• How Hola VPN works and what makes it unique
• The pros and cons of using Hola VPN
• Its performance in streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing
• How it stacks up in terms of privacy and security
• Whether it's worth your time and money

So, let's examine and see what Hola VPN is really all about!

In a Hurry? Here's a Quick Summary

If you're short on time, here's a quick overview of my findings for this Hola VPN review:

What You'll Like:

• Easy-to-use interface
• Free version available
• Good for basic unblocking of content
• Supports multiple devices
• Browser extensions for quick access

What You May Not Like:

• Privacy concerns due to P2P network
• Inconsistent streaming performance
• Limited advanced features
• No support for torrenting
• Lack of some standard VPN protocols

What Makes This Hola VPN Review Different?

You might be wondering, "Why should I trust this review?" Well, I'll tell you. I've spent a good two weeks thoroughly testing Hola VPN on my personal devices. I'm not just repeating information from their website or other reviews.

I've used Hola on my Dell XPS laptop running Windows 11, my MacBook Pro, and even my Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. I've tested it for streaming, browsing, and even tried gaming with it. I've dug into its features, poked around in the settings, and even chatted with their customer support.

Throughout this Hola VPN review, you'll find numerous screenshots I've taken during my testing. These aren't just stock images – they're real captures of my experience with Hola VPN. I believe in showing, not just telling.

My goal is to give you an honest, unbiased look at Hola VPN. I'll share what worked well, what didn't, and everything in between. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty of Hola VPN!

Buying Hola VPN

When it comes to getting your hands on Hola VPN, you've got a few options to choose from. They offer both a free version and a Premium one, which comes with different subscription periods – 1 month, 1 year, and 3 years.

Now, you might be wondering about a free trial. Well, Hola doesn't offer a traditional trial, but they do have a free account. It's worth noting that this free version comes with some limitations. As they put it:

"We offer a free plan that provides limited daily use. Daily usage is individual for each user, so if the usage exceeds the limit, we will offer you to subscribe to the Hola Premium service."

If you're considering the Premium version, you'll be happy to know that they offer some pretty attractive discounts. The 12-month plan comes with a 50% discount, while the 3-year plan offers a whopping 80% off. Plus, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is always nice to have.

When I decided to take the plunge and buy Hola VPN, I went for the 1-year plan. It seemed like the best balance between commitment and value. The buying process was uncomplicated – I just selected the plan I wanted and entered my payment details. They accept credit cards, PayPal, and Google Pay, but unfortunately, no cryptocurrency options if you're looking for anonymous payment.

After my purchase, I received two emails – one with my receipt and another welcoming me to the Hola family and prompting me to create my account. Overall, the buying process was effortless and trouble-free.

Installation

Installing Hola VPN was... well, let's just say it was an adventure. When you visit their website, you'll see a big 'Download' button right at the top. They also proudly display their user count – over 280 million at the time of writing. Though, take that number with a grain of salt – it could just be downloads, not active users.

The installation screen where you accept the end-user agreement

When I opened the installer, the first step was accepting the end-user agreement. Now, I always recommend reading these, and in this case, it's especially important. The agreement mentions that Hola is a P2P network that shares your idle bandwidth with other users. This could potentially allow unauthorized activity on your network and may compromise your privacy and security. It's definitely something to be aware of.

The installation window also allows you to choose how to use Hola

After accepting the agreement, you get to choose how you want to use Hola: pay for it, use it for free, or log in if you're already a member. Since I had already bought the VPN, I chose the last option. However, logging in was a bit frustrating. My password didn't work a few times, and the captcha was case-sensitive, which wasn't immediately obvious.

One peculiarity I noticed was that you can't close the installer by clicking the usual X icon – you need to use the Task Manager. Also, sometimes two identical installation windows would open, and I had to close one to continue.

This window notifies you that the Hola VPN tray icon appears after installation

After installation, Hola keeps a separate tray icon as a background service. This is supposedly needed to run the VPN. However, I encountered some issues launching the app on Windows. Sometimes two identical windows would open, and I had trouble logging in. I even had to restart my computer and use the tray icon to launch the app at one point.

On a second PC, the app said there was no active Internet connection even though I was definitely online. It refused to work even after restarting both the app and the computer.

All in all, the installation process took over 10 minutes and was quite frustrating. It's definitely an area where Hola could improve.

Interface

Once you get past the installation obstacles, Hola VPN's interface is actually quite simple. The main screen is clean and tidy, which I appreciate.

The main interface of Hola VPN is very simple, with a large connection button in the center.

In the center of the screen, you'll find a big toggle switch to connect or disconnect the VPN. Below that, there's a drop-down menu where you can select your desired server location. The app also displays your current IP address and location.

At the bottom of the screen, there are shortcuts to popular streaming services like Netflix and Pandora. This is handy if you're mainly using the VPN for streaming.

As for customization options, they're a bit limited. The app is only available in English, and you don't have any language choices in the settings. However, you can switch between light and dark themes, which is a nice touch.

The settings menu lets you change themes and other options

To access the settings, just click on the gear icon in the main UI. Here, you can toggle various options and change the theme.

One thing I liked was that the UI is resizable. You can drag and drop from any corner of the window to adjust its size, which is great for fitting it comfortably on your screen.

Overall, while the interface isn't the most feature-rich I've seen, it's functional and easy to navigate, which is what matters most for many users.

VPN Servers

When it comes to server coverage, Hola VPN offers a decent spread. They have servers in 41 countries, which is not the most extensive network I've seen, but it should be sufficient for most users.

The server selection screen displays the available countries

One thing to note is that Hola doesn't disclose the exact number of servers they have, nor do they specify how many of these are virtual servers. This lack of transparency is a bit disappointing, as it's information that many VPN users like to know. One thing to note

Hola's headquarters is in Israel, which is not part of the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, or 14 Eyes alliance. This could be seen as a positive from a privacy standpoint, although it's important to remember that Hola's P2P nature introduces other privacy concerns.

Speaking of which, let's talk about how Hola's technology works. It's quite different from traditional VPNs. Here's what they say:

"Hola uses a number of different technologies. All clients are connected to our standard data center proxy servers using https proxy or IKEv2. Once a request arrives at the proxy server, the user is then sent in one of 3 directions: Directly to the proxy itself Routed internally to a different data center Sent to our P2P network"

This P2P aspect is what sets Hola apart, but it's also what raises some concerns. When you use Hola, your traffic might be routed through other users' devices, and in return, some of their traffic might go through yours. While Hola says this is safe, it's definitely something to be aware of.

The manual server selection option with load percentages

As for selecting servers, it's pretty straightforward. You can access the server list by clicking on the drop-down menu in the middle of the main window. From there, you can search for a country or connect directly to one by clicking on it.

If you enable manual server selection in the settings, you can choose specific servers within each country. Each server shows its current load percentage, which can help you pick a less crowded server for better performance.

In my experience, connecting to specific servers didn't always work smoothly. About 10% of the time, I had issues connecting, and sometimes the individual servers wouldn't show up when I clicked on a country. This might be a bug that gets resolved by restarting the app, but it's still a bit annoying.

Gaming

When it comes to gaming, Hola VPN offers some interesting possibilities, thanks to its unique P2P network. Unlike traditional VPNs that rely solely on static servers, Hola leverages its user base to create a smoother, potentially faster browsing experience. This approach extends to online gaming as well.

The main advantages of using Hola VPN for gaming include:

1. Reducing Distance and Lag: By allowing you to choose from a range of virtual locations, Hola can help reduce the physical distance between you and the game server. This can lead to lower latency and smoother gameplay. I found this particularly useful when playing games with servers located far from my actual location.
2. Bypassing Network Congestion: Hola's P2P network can potentially help you avoid network congestion during peak hours. This can result in a more stable connection and reduced lag, which is crucial for competitive gaming.
3. Avoiding ISP Throttling: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) intentionally slow down gaming traffic. Hola makes it harder for ISPs to identify and throttle your gaming data, potentially resulting in more consistent speeds.

However, it's important to note that while these advantages sound good in theory, my actual experience was a bit mixed. When I tested Hola VPN with popular games like World of Warcraft and League of Legends, the ping was on the higher side compared to my regular connection. It wasn't unplayable by any means, but it wasn't the improvement I was hoping for either.

Also, the P2P nature of Hola's network introduces some unpredictability. Your gaming performance might vary depending on the peers you're connected to at any given time.

In conclusion, while Hola VPN offers some potential benefits for gaming, it's not a magic solution for reducing lag or improving your gaming experience. If gaming is your primary reason for using a VPN, you might want to consider other options that specialize in low-latency connections.

Torrenting

Regarding torrenting, I've got some bad news for you. Hola VPN explicitly states that the use of torrent apps on their network is not allowed. They actively block torrent traffic.

This is a significant drawback for users who rely on VPNs for P2P file sharing. Many VPN services tout their torrenting capabilities as a key feature, so Hola's stance on this is quite restrictive in comparison.

If torrenting is an important part of your online activities, you'll definitely need to look elsewhere for a VPN service. Hola VPN is simply not an option for this type of usage.

Streaming

Streaming is one of the main reasons many people use VPNs, and Hola VPN certainly makes some big claims in this area. They advertise themselves as "the best VPN for streaming," which is a bold statement in today's competitive VPN market.

One nice feature of Hola's interface is the shortcuts to streaming apps at the bottom of the UI. These include:

• Mediaklikk
• Netflix
• Indavideo
• Pandora

Clicking on these shortcuts opens the respective streaming service's page, which is convenient if these are your go-to platforms.

But how does Hola actually perform when accessing geo-restricted content? I put it to the test with Netflix, trying to access catalogs from different locations. Here's what I found:

• USA: No access
• Germany: No access
• France: No access
• Spain: No access
• Italy: No access
• UK: Successfully accessed
• Brazil: Successfully accessed
• India: Accessed, but couldn't play India-exclusive content

As you can see, the results are a bit of a mixed bag. While Hola managed to unblock Netflix in some locations, it failed in others. Notably, it couldn't access the US Netflix library, which is often a key target for VPN users.

The situation with India 's Netflix was interesting. While I could access the catalog, when I tried to play a movie exclusive to India, I got a message saying I needed to disable my VPN before watching. This suggests that Netflix's VPN detection is getting more advanced.

Overall, I'd say Hola's streaming performance is above average, but it's far from perfect. If streaming is your primary reason for using a VPN, you might want to consider other options that reliably unblock a wider range of services. I recommend Private Internet Access or NordVPN.

VPN Speed and Performance

For my Hola VPN review speed tests, I used a Dell XPS laptop with an Intel i7-1065G7 CPU @ 1.30GHz and 16 GB of RAM running on Windows 11. My network configuration is Wi-Fi 5 protocol with a theoretical speed of 866 MBps.

My general observations on speed and performance across different servers and during different times of day is that the VPN is stable and pretty consistent regarding speed.

To test the speed of the VPN servers, I used Ookla's Speedtest. Here are the results:

• No VPN (Romania): 477 Mbps download, 488 Mbps upload, and 15 ms latency
• USA 1 (NJ): 218 Mbps download, 37 Mbps upload, and 133 ms latency
• USA 2 (NY): 241 Mbps download, 41 Mbps upload, and 132 ms latency
• USA 3 (FL): 302 Mbps download, 42 Mbps upload, and 129 ms latency
• GERMANY: 260 Mbps download, 89 Mbps upload, and 51 ms latency
• FRANCE: 198 Mbps download, 15 Mbps upload, and 44 ms latency
• SPAIN: 131 Mbps download, 34 Mbps upload, and 101 ms latency
• ITALY: 107 Mbps download, 17 Mbps upload, and 51 ms latency
• UK: 265 Mbps download, 96 Mbps upload, and 49 ms latency
• BRAZIL: 112 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload, and 241 ms latency
• INDIA: 103 Mbps download, 33 Mbps upload, and 172 ms latency

Based on these results, I can conclude that Hola VPN's performance is generally good, especially on nearby servers. The speeds are sufficient for most online activities, including streaming and browsing. However, as expected, there's a noticeable drop in speed when connecting to more distant servers.

The delay increase on distant servers might impact real-time activities like online gaming or video conferencing. However, for general browsing and streaming, these speeds should be more than satisfactory.

Note that your actual speeds may vary depending on your location, internet service provider, and the time of day. Always take speed test results with a grain of salt and consider how the VPN performs in real-world usage.

VPN Privacy Features

In this section of our review, we’ll focus on Hola VPN’s privacy framework, examining how its encryption methods, secure protocols, and no-logs policy work together to safeguard user data.

VPN Protocols and Encryption

As far as VPN protocols and encryption are concerned, Hola VPN uses the following:

• IKEv2/IPsec, PPTP/L2TP (default: IKEv2/IPSec)
• Encryption: DES3, AES128, AES192, AES256 (default: AES256)
• Integrity check: MD5, SHA1, SHA256, SHA384 (default: SHA1)
• Diffie-hellman group: MODP1024, MODP2048, MODP2048_256 (default: MODP2048)

While these protocols and encryption methods are generally secure, it's worth noting that Hola lacks OpenVPN and Wireguard protocols, two modern and highly adopted protocols in the VPN industry. This absence might be a concern for users who prefer these specific protocols for their security and speed benefits.

The advanced settings screen allows you to configure encryption settings

You can change encryption settings in the Advanced settings menu. Here, you can select your preferred VPN protocol and adjust other security parameters. However, unless you're well-versed in VPN technologies, I'd recommend sticking with the default settings, which offer a good balance of security and performance.

No-Logs Policy?

The no-logs policy, unfortunately, Hola VPN falls short. Unlike many other VPN services that pride themselves on their strict no-logs policies, Hola actually logs quite a bit of user data.

According to their own statements, Hola logs your IP address and browsing traffic. Even more concerning, they say they might share this data with third parties. This is a significant privacy concern, especially considering that one of the primary reasons people use VPNs is to protect their online privacy.

Moreover, Hola's desktop apps use a peer-to-peer VPN server network. This means that other Hola users can potentially use your IP address to surf the web, which further compromises your privacy.

For users who prioritize privacy and privacy, this lack of a no-logs policy and the potential for data sharing is a major red flag. If maintaining your online privacy is a key concern, you might want to consider other VPN options that offer stronger privacy guarantees.

Kill Switch

Hola VPN does include a kill switch feature, which is a crucial privacy protection tool for any VPN. The kill switch allows you to add applications that will be stopped if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops.

You can also configure the kill switch in the General settings.

You can configure the auto-kill delay in seconds and add programs to the kill switch list from the Settings menu > System Preferences. This level of customization is nice, as it allows you to ensure that your most sensitive applications are always protected.

In my Hola VPN review testing, the kill switch worked as expected. When I deliberately disconnected the VPN, the specified applications were indeed stopped, preventing any potential data leaks.

However, while the kill switch is an important feature, it doesn't make up for the privacy concerns raised by Hola's logging practices and P2P network structure.

DNS and IP Leak Protection

To test Hola VPN's DNS and IP leak protection, I ran several tests using reputable online tools. Here are the results:

IP Leak Tests:

• ipleak.net - Hola VPN passed this test
• perfect-privacy.com - Hola VPN passed this test

DNS Leak Test:

• dnsleaktest.com - Hola VPN passed this test

Based on these tests for this Hola VPN review, it appears that Hola VPN effectively prevents both IP and DNS leaks. This is good news, as it means that your real IP address and DNS requests are not being exposed while using the VPN.

However, it's important to remember that while these tests show good results, they don't cancel out the privacy concerns raised by Hola's logging practices and P2P network structure. A VPN can have excellent leak protection but still compromise your privacy in other ways.

Device Compatibility

Hola VPN offers decent device compatibility, supporting a range of platforms and devices. Here's a list of the devices and operating systems compatible with Hola VPN:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Android
• iOS
• Chrome (browser extension)
• Firefox (browser extension)
• Opera (browser extension)
• Edge (browser extension)

This coverage should be sufficient for most users, allowing you to protect your main devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. The browser extensions are particularly handy for quick and easy access to the VPN directly from your browser.

Browser Extension

Hola VPN offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge. These extensions live in your browser menu, allowing you to access the VPN interface with just one click.

The Hola VPN browser extension interface

The browser extension is particularly useful because it allows you to connect to any location directly from your browser menu. This means your browser will use the VPN, while other apps on your computer will continue to use your regular connection.

One thing I noticed during my Hola VPN review testing is that the connection and disconnection through the browser extension is very fast. This is convenient when you need to quickly switch your virtual location or turn the VPN on and off.

The settings menu allows you to change the language and enable page reload or clearing cookies.

The extension offers several options, including:

• Browsing the list of countries
• Changing the extension language
• Setting up cookie clearing when closing the browser

Overall, the browser extension is a handy feature, especially for users who primarily need a VPN for web browsing. However, remember that it only protects your browser traffic, not your entire system.

Hola VPN Review: Conclusion and Recommendations

After spending considerable time making this Hola VPN review, I've come to a mixed conclusion. While Hola does offer some benefits, it also has significant drawbacks that can't be ignored.

On the positive side:

• The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
• It offers a free version, which can be appealing for casual users.
• The browser extensions are convenient for quick access.
• It generally provides good speeds, especially on nearby servers.

However, there are several concerning aspects:

• The lack of a true no-logs policy and the potential for data sharing is a major privacy concern.
• The P2P nature of the network, while innovative, raises security questions.
• It's missing some key features like split tunneling and support for OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols.
• The streaming performance is inconsistent, and there's no support for torrenting.
• The installation process can be frustrating and buggy.

Based on these findings, I can't wholeheartedly recommend Hola VPN, especially for users who prioritize privacy and security. While it might be okay for very casual use or for quickly accessing geo-blocked content, there are better options available for those serious about their online privacy. CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are some of the most solid VPN alternatives.

If you do decide to use Hola VPN, I recommend:

• Stick to the browser extensions if possible, to limit exposure.
• Be aware of the P2P nature of the network and the potential privacy implications.
• Don't rely on it for sensitive online activities.
• Consider upgrading to a more secure VPN service if you need comprehensive protection.

Remember, a VPN is often the last line of defense for your online privacy. It's worth investing in a service that takes your security seriously and is transparent about its practices. Also, consider investing in a dedicated antimalware program, like Norton and Bitdefender for improved protection against web threats like ransomware or phishing.

FAQsHola VPN Review: FAQs

1. Is Hola VPN safe to use? While Hola VPN does offer some security features, its P2P nature and logging practices raise significant privacy concerns. It may not be the best choice for users prioritizing security and privacy.
2. Can Hola VPN unblock Netflix? Hola VPN can unblock Netflix in some regions, but its performance is inconsistent. It struggled to access US Netflix in my tests, which is a popular choice for many users.
3. Is there a free version of Hola VPN? Yes, Hola offers a free version with limited daily use. However, free users' bandwidth may be used by other users in the P2P network.
4. Does Hola VPN work in China? Hola doesn't specifically advertise its ability to work in China, and given its limitations with some streaming services, it may not be reliable for bypassing strict censorship.
5. How many devices can I use with Hola VPN? Hola VPN allows you to use their service on multiple devices, but they don't specify an exact limit. The Premium version offers usage on multiple devices without restrictions.

Octav Fedor (Cybersecurity Editor)

Octav is a cybersecurity researcher and writer at AntivirusGuide. When he’s not publishing his honest opinions about security software online, he likes to learn about programming, watch astronomy documentaries, and participate in general knowledge competitions.