# HotShield VPN vs AirVPN

The clearest difference is rating: HotShield VPN at 4.6 against AirVPN's 2.0. HotShield VPN also leads on monetization model (freemium vs subscription) and ratings volume (5 vs 1). AirVPN's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 38 months). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HotShield VPN sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days and AirVPN sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

HotShield VPN holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HotShield VPN has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

HotShield VPN ships an update every 38 months, AirVPN every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | HotShield VPN | AirVPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hotshield-vpn/id1515358518/reviews)** | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/airvpn-secure-vpn-proxy-master/id6443757166/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 38 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Subscription |
| Size | 8 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Collabrains Technologies LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1479000652) | [Crystal Bee Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1638845119) |

## What reviewers say

### HotShield VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hotshield-vpn/id1515358518)

Encrypt your data and anonymize your online activities for secure internet browsing. Access all websites and apps with fast VPN servers, with an option to upgrade for premium features and ad removal.

**Highlights:** Data encryption, Online anonymity, Access all websites and apps, Fast VPN servers, Premium service upgrade, Ad removal

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Safari Extension, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Pro | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| VPN Premium | $24.99 | per month |
| VPN Premium | $49.99 | per year |


### AirVPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/airvpn-secure-vpn-proxy-master/id6443757166)

This app provides a secure and anonymous internet connection, hiding your IP address and location. It offers unlimited data, time, and bandwidth for accessing all websites and applications without tracking.

**Highlights:** Hide IP address and location, Anonymous and secure browsing, Unlimited data, time, and bandwidth, Access blocked websites and apps, One-tap privacy protection, Fast and stable proxy

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AirVPN 1 Month | $9.99 | per month |
| AirVPN 6 Month | $29.99 | per 6 months |
| AirVPN 12 Month | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HotShield VPN free?

HotShield VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is AirVPN free?

AirVPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, HotShield VPN or AirVPN?

HotShield VPN is rated higher. HotShield VPN averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while AirVPN averages 2.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do HotShield VPN or AirVPN have ads?

HotShield VPN shows ads; AirVPN does not.

### Which is updated more often, HotShield VPN or AirVPN?

HotShield VPN ships an update every 38 months, and AirVPN every 3 weeks. Most recently, HotShield VPN was updated on November 3, 2026 and AirVPN on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*