Comparison

HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy vs TOR Browser

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy

This app offers a virtual private network (VPN) service to enhance online privacy and security. It encrypts your internet connection, protects your identity, and secures your data on public Wi-Fi. Access a global network of servers for private and secure web browsing.

Highlights
  • Online identity protection
  • Public Wi-Fi security
  • Global VPN server network
  • Secure web browsing
  • Favorite Server feature
  • 24/7 customer support
Features
Read full description

HMA VPN helps protect your personal identity, keep snooping eyes off your online activity, and protect you on public Wi-Fi. Join hundreds of thousands of other people who trust HMA to keep their data more private and secure. HMA VPN is easy to set up, and in no time you’ll enjoy more secure web browsing and the ability to protect sensitive information on your iPhone or iPad. Benefits of HMA VPN: * Surf more privately * Access to the multiple VPN servers network around the world - giving you fast and reliable VPN connection * Help function built into the app * Multi-device compatible - a VPN for iPhone and iPad * In-app account registration and purchase Look what else you get: * 24/7 customer support via email * The "Favourite Server" feature allows you to mark preferred VPN server or country as "favourite" - saving you time searching for your often-used servers * IPSec is the default VPN protocol, and the app manages the VPN connection for you About our subscriptions*: If you’ve already subscribed, you can use HMA VPN for iPhone and iPad at no extra cost. If you’re not a subscriber, you can easily create an account and purchase one of the following subscriptions within the app: What is a VPN? A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is like having a PO box on the Internet – an address that is not publicly available. Instead of giving out its personal IP address when you click on a website, your iPhone or iPad gives one of ours. The result? You are more securely connected wherever our VPN server is located! Plus, your communications are secured and encrypted, even when using untrusted public networks. Why do you need a VPN? Anytime you connect to a public Wi-Fi hotspot with your device you are putting your security and privacy at risk. HMA offers you an extra level of professional security when surfing the Internet – wherever you are. Support available by: * Handy in-app help feature * Expert customer service team via email * Online tutorials at https://support.hidemyass.com/hc/en-us/sections/200996608-HMA-iOS-App To read about our Privacy Policy, please visit https://www.hidemyass.com/legal/privacy To read about our Terms of Use, please visit https://www.hidemyass.com/legal/vpn-terms *Note about subscriptions: - Payment will be charged to your App Store account at confirmation of purchase - Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period - You will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, for the same duration and at the current subscription rate - You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings after purchase - No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription **HMA VPN is not available for use within India as a result of governmental regulations requiring the logging and saving of user data, but you can still use your HMA VPN when traveling outside of India."

About

TOR Browser

This app provides a secure and private browsing experience, allowing access to the deep and dark web. It encrypts your communications and protects your traffic from tracking, ensuring anonymity with a strict no-logs policy. Enjoy internet freedom and security on your mobile device.

Highlights
  • Secure and private browsing
  • Access deep and dark web
  • Encrypts communications
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • Blocks scripts
  • Clears cookies and tabs
Features
Read full description

Phantom Browser is a secure, private, fast and full featured onion browser that gives you the ability to access internet securely. It gives a user a complete package for browsing safely, efficiently, privately and with ease. On Top of these features Incognito Browser has a user-friendly interface. Moreover, it represents the true meaning of anonymity by strict no logs policy. The app protects you and provide security by encrypting your communications It helps in the following ways - It prevents someone from knowing what sites you visited. - Secure your traffic from insecure wireless networks and ISPs. - Let travelers access their information securely and safely. - Protect your privacy and browsing history from website tracking. - Access onion websites. - Block scripts and automatically clear cookies and tabs, based on your preferences. Take your Internet security to the next level with Phantom Browser, designed for iPad and iPhone. Disclaimer: The app provides unofficial, thrid-party access to the Tor network. This product is not endorsed or sponsored by, or affiliated with, the Tor Project. Subscription Details & Terms : https://versatileapps.com/app/tor/subscription.html Privacy Policy : https://versatileapps.com/app/tor/privacy.html Terms Of Use : https://versatileapps.com/app/tor/subscription.html

Screenshots

HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy4 screens
TOR Browser4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy at free with in-app purchases against TOR Browser's subscription. HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). TOR Browser's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and TOR Browser sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy against 4.5 for TOR Browser. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 20K and 14K respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 30% and 31% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy ships an update every 3 months, TOR Browser every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 4, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy versus TOR Browser: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHMA Hotspot VPN & ProxyTOR Browser
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (20K ratings) — better4.5 (14K ratings)
Positive reviews29.9% of reviews30.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings20K — better14K
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterSubscription
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size98 MB121 MB
Age rating12+17+
DeveloperPrivaxVersatile Apps

Customer experience

HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy

All ratings19,565 ratings
Positive89.3%
Neutral4.0%
Negative6.7%
Written reviews836 reviews
Positive29.9%
Neutral6.1%
Negative64.0%

TOR Browser

All ratings13,440 ratings
Positive86.8%
Neutral3.6%
Negative9.7%
Written reviews463 reviews
Positive30.9%
Neutral3.9%
Negative65.2%

User reviews

HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy

From 20K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and reliable
  • 🔒 Secure and private
  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 💡 Diverse server locations

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent disconnections
  • 🐛 Unreliable connections
  • 🔋 Drains battery quickly
  • 💸 Expensive subscription

TOR Browser

From 14K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and efficient
  • 🔒 Excellent privacy and security
  • 👍 User-friendly interface
  • 🚀 Quick page loads
  • 🚀 Surprisingly fast for a Tor browser

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
  • 🔍 Difficult to navigate and find desired content
  • ⏱️ Painfully slow performance
  • 🔌 High battery consumption
  • 💰 Paid subscription required for full functionality

Bugs and requests

HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Fails to connect to selected servers
  • Issues with VPN profile installation
  • Subscription renewal problems

Requested features

3 requests
  • Kill switch feature
  • More server locations in Europe
  • Better support for streaming services

TOR Browser

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Inability to load any websites or pages
  • Spontaneous reversion to previous page views
  • Incompatibility with certain websites (e.g., Cloudflare)
  • Subscription issues and lack of access to premium features

Requested features

4 requests
  • Landscape mode support for tablets
  • Better integration with email and other apps
  • Ability to customize download locations
  • More user-friendly search and browsing experience

In-app purchases

10 purchases

HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy

Subscriptions8
  • Recurring Subscription7 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • Monthly Multi-Device Plan7 Days trial$10.991 Month
  • HMA Apple Subscription_1M$11.991 Month
Show 5 more
  • HMA Apple Subscription_6M$47.996 Months
  • Recurring Subscription$49.996 Months
  • Yearly Multi-Device Plan1 Month trial$79.991 Year
  • HMA Apple Subscription_12M7 Days trial$79.991 Year
  • HMA Apple Subscription_12M$83.991 Year
One-time2
  • 1 Month$10.99
  • 6 Months$49.99
4 purchases

TOR Browser

Subscriptions4
  • Weekly Discount$2.497 Days
  • Weekly Subscription3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Monthly Subscription3 Days trial$11.991 Month
Show 1 more
  • Annual Subscription3 Days trial$69.991 Year

Questions

Is HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy free?
HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TOR Browser free?
TOR Browser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy or TOR Browser?
HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy is rated higher. HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy averages 4.6 out of 5 from 20K ratings, while TOR Browser averages 4.5 from 14K ratings.
Do HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy or TOR Browser have ads?
Neither HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy nor TOR Browser shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy or TOR Browser?
HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy ships an update every 3 months, and TOR Browser every 3 weeks. Most recently, HMA Hotspot VPN & Proxy was updated on November 4, 2026 and TOR Browser on November 4, 2026.

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