HolaVPN review
HolaVPN is a simple VPN with reliable servers to unblock content around the world
Hola is a free VPN with many benefits. As a rule, VPN services, which are provided free of charge, are subject to numerous restrictions regarding both server selection and output capacity, there are no such restrictions on Hola. This is because Hola is not a real VPN.
Instead of dedicated servers intended for connection, in this case, users are involved in a peer-to-peer network. By agreeing to provide access to their own Internet connections, they get free access to the network. Our HolaVPN review will help you better understand the features of this service.
Operating principle
This free VPN service is unique in that it is a service that works with the community. This is a company that relies on the inactive resources of some users to provide secure Internet access.
It is based on a network that overlays HTTP routing, which it injects into its user software and server network. This is a VPN that has two different services.
When using this service to unblock Netflix Japan, a certain user who is located in Japan is connected to the home Internet connection. But this does not mean that each user's device necessarily falls into the pool of available connections: you can opt out of this if you pay for the premium version.
A peer-to-peer VPN is not considered the most secure, so from this point of view, Hola has undergone rigorous testing on both stationary devices and mobile devices. Various parameters were checked:
- connection speed;
- their delay;
- the ability to unlock various resources.
You can install Hola in one click both on a PC and on a mobile phone. It is enough to download the application, launch it and log in, and then it will do everything by itself. There are very few settings, and the application is ready to work almost immediately after installation.
Design features
The following software products were tested:
- Hola app for Android
- a similar application for Windows;
- plug-ins of two popular browsers - Chrome and Firefox, installed simultaneously with applications.
In both cases - when working with Android and Windows - the installation proceeded without any complications, and it was possible to intuitively work with both the application and the plugin.
The Windows application is minimalistic. At startup, you only need to select the country through which the connection will be made. Considering the number of Hola users reaching two hundred million, the list of states is quite extensive. These users' devices actually replace dedicated servers.
An application running on Android works a little differently. You can select not only the country, but also the application that will be connected to the VPN, for example, it can be the UK, and then the user selects Netflix to access content that is associated with this region.
The browser plug-in can cause certain difficulties for individual users. It operates separately for each resource. It can be used in two ways: activate Hola after going to the site, or first select a resource and country, and then use Hola to open the required page.
Performance
The performance is based on the fact that the devices of users using the free version connect to the Hola P2P network, through which other users can access the Internet. Hola guarantees to each user that his device will be used for this purpose only during inactivity.
Hola outperforms the average VPN in streaming quality. The unlocking service also works great, especially in the premium version, and this is also due to the use of Internet connections of free users. Thanks to this, streaming services are deprived of an easy way to block connections, because legitimate users would also be blocked.
During testing, we managed to solve many problems:
- The BBC iPlayer was accessed on the first try;
- The Japanese version of Netflix aired the episodes Tuesday and Carol.
- The US version of Hulu and Netflix were accessed.
This proves that Hola is the best VPN for getting access to streaming services.
Features of the privacy policy
The company's privacy policy has its own characteristics and consists in complete control of what we do on the site. Of course, many are confused by the fact that she has too much information about users. However, according to Hola, such events are forced, since they are aimed at identifying hackers and suppressing their illegal activities. In cases of detection of such cases, all recorded information is provided to law enforcement agencies.
Thus, the company believes that tracking and recording all user data is the correct and necessary measure. And if the user does not share this point of view and wants privacy, then Hola is clearly not suitable for him.
Security degree
It should be noted right away that this service is not considered particularly secure. It does not use any encrypted communications to transfer information, directing you through secure servers as others usually do. In addition, the free options of the service do not have any encryption at all.
The paid ones have encryption of information, but they are still not secure. Users who value confidentiality and information security should still contact other services.
Using torrent programs
This service does not allow the use of torrent programs, interfering with all torrent activities. This blocking function is not available even for paid users. Therefore, if you plan to work with a torrent, you will have to use another service.
Advertising
The service also does not provide for ad blocking. For this reason, Hola is not secure as all of your personal information can be leaked to internal ad tracking systems.
Service
Hola's service and technical support is poor. In case of problems, it is rather difficult to find a form of customer support. As a result of searches, we were still able to reach support, which was located deep in the main page.
Price
The price ranges from the free version to quite expensive. The free version has unlimited bandwidth and generally functions well, however it does not provide security. The paid option has a rather expensive price, which does not correspond to the quality. For that kind of money, you can use other services with guaranteed security.
Competition
If we consider Hola from a security point of view, of course it is inferior to all its competitors. However, in terms of bandwidth, it shows excellent results and even surpasses Windscribe, ProtonVPN and TunnelBear. Plus, even for free accounts, Hola doesn't set limits.
Outcomes
3.9 out of 5 - HolaVPN is one of the best options for seamless streaming and content unblocking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What sets HolaVPN apart from traditional VPN services, and what are its unique use cases?
- HolaVPN operates differently from traditional VPN services as it uses a peer-to-peer network structure. This setup can offer faster speeds and access to a wide range of global content, making it suitable for users who prioritize content access over stringent privacy.