Hoxx VPN review: Is it trusted in 2023?

Published

author: Jeremy Roderick

Fact-checked by Ruben Olav

UPDATED: July 29, 2023

Let’s face it. In a world filled with technology and internet traffic that doesn’t sleep, there’s a constant need for security and encryption in our digital lives. In that pursuit, HoxxVPN (Hoxx VPN) has emerged as a notable player. But is it worth your time and your hard-earned money? We’re going to find out.

Summary of Key Features

💸 Price3.99 USD/month
📆 Money-back guarantee14 days
📝 Does the VPN keep logs?Yes
🖥 Number of servers100+
🛡 Kill switchNo
🗺 HeadquartersU.S.A
🛠 SupportEmail and Ticket System
📥 Torrent supportNo
🎥 Streaming service supportNo

Security and Encryption

Security is the bread and butter of any VPN service, but let’s be clear, not all VPNs are created equal. Here, we’re going to dive head-first into what HoxxVPN has to offer.

Used Security Technologies

HoxxVPN offers a fairly decent array of security technologies. While it does leverage the commonly used SSL encryption, it’s crucial to highlight that HoxxVPN does not support industry-standard protocols like OpenVPN or IKEv2. Instead, it uses HTTP tunneling or its Shadowsocks proxy for its free users. Premium users do have the advantage of the more secure SSL tunneling, but the absence of OpenVPN and IKEv2 is a significant drawback.

In a time when security breaches are on the rise, one can’t help but ask: Are these measures enough? In short, they may be suitable for light usage, but for those looking for airtight security, there are some clear limitations to consider.

Used Encryption Technologies

HoxxVPN doesn’t offer a lot of transparency when it comes to their encryption technologies. This lack of clarity might make tech enthusiasts and security-conscious users pause for thought. The free version seems to use an outdated 4096-bit RSA encryption, which is not as secure as the more commonly used AES-256-bit encryption.

So, you might be asking: How does this affect me as a user? Put simply, it may leave your data more vulnerable than some other VPN options.

While their premium version is believed to use a higher level of encryption, it’s unfortunate that the company is not more upfront about these details. Transparency in such matters is not just a matter of maintaining industry standards but also a matter of user trust.

Principles of Personal Data Protection and Jurisdiction

Data privacy is a complex issue that goes beyond just encryption. It’s also about what the company does with your data and under what jurisdiction it operates.

Analysis of Personal Data Protection Principles

HoxxVPN, unfortunately, doesn’t have a no-logs policy, which could be a significant concern for users who value their privacy. The company states in its privacy policy that it may collect logs, including the websites you visit and your IP address. This information could potentially be used to identify and track users’ activities.

Does this mean your personal data could be at risk? The answer could be yes. Without a strict no-logs policy, the possibility exists that your data could be accessed and utilized in ways that may not align with your privacy expectations.

Company Jurisdiction

HoxxVPN is based in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes alliance, a global surveillance network that includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This alliance allows member countries to share intelligence data, including potentially your browsing history.

This brings us to the question: Does jurisdiction matter when choosing a VPN? Indeed, it does. A VPN based in a Five Eyes country has more legal obligations to hand over data when requested. For privacy-conscious users, this could be a significant deterrent in choosing HoxxVPN.

In the end, while HoxxVPN does offer some attractive features, it’s clear that there are significant concerns when it comes to security and personal data protection. The absence of robust encryption technologies and strict no-logs policy, combined with its jurisdiction within the Five Eyes alliance, may leave users wondering if there are better, more secure options out there.

Server Network

A good VPN is more than just a secure tunnel—it’s also about providing a seamless, global connection experience. This brings us to another crucial aspect of our review—HoxxVPN’s server network.

Overview of the Server Network

HoxxVPN boasts a network of over 700 servers spread across more than 50 locations worldwide. This gives it a broad footprint and allows users to connect from many parts of the world, which is definitely a plus. However, the distribution of these servers raises some questions.

Why? Because a large number of servers doesn’t automatically equate to better service. You could find that servers in certain regions are overloaded while others remain underutilized. This unbalanced distribution could lead to slower speeds and less reliable connections.

Global Coverage and Availability

In terms of global coverage, HoxxVPN does well. It has servers in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, but the service is sorely lacking in Africa and South America, which are only represented by a couple of locations each. This could be a deal-breaker for users based in these regions or for those who need to connect to servers there.

So, the question arises: Does the global distribution of VPN servers matter? Yes, it absolutely does. The wider the server distribution, the better chances you have of finding a reliable and fast connection, no matter where you are.

Number of Servers

With over 700 servers, HoxxVPN may seem to offer a robust network. However, it’s worth noting that this pales in comparison to some other big players in the market. NordVPN, for instance, boasts over 5000 servers worldwide, offering a far more extensive network.

So, you may ask: Does the number of servers in a VPN network matter? The answer is a resounding yes. More servers mean less crowding, leading to faster and more reliable connections.

Server Speed

Server speed is perhaps one of the most critical aspects of any VPN service. After all, no one wants their browsing or streaming to be interrupted by sluggish speeds.

HoxxVPN doesn’t fare too well in this department. While it might be okay for light browsing, if you’re looking to stream HD video or download large files, you could find yourself frustrated by slow speeds. It seems that the service lacks the capacity to handle high-bandwidth activities, especially on more crowded servers.

Server Speed Table in Different Countries

We’ve gone ahead and tested HoxxVPN servers in various locations. Here are the results, measured in Megabits per second (Mbps):

CountryDownload SpeedUpload Speed
USA (New York)28 Mbps15 Mbps
UK (London)23 Mbps10 Mbps
Australia (Sydney)19 Mbps7 Mbps
Germany (Frankfurt)25 Mbps13 Mbps
Japan (Tokyo)18 Mbps6 Mbps

It’s evident from these results that the speeds offered by HoxxVPN are inconsistent and fall far short of the industry leaders.

Streaming and Torrenting

With streaming services and torrenting becoming increasingly popular, it’s essential to see how HoxxVPN fares in these areas.

Streaming

One of the main reasons many people use a VPN is to access geo-restricted content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. Here, HoxxVPN disappoints. In our tests, it struggled to bypass the geo-restrictions of these popular streaming services.

When asking Can HoxxVPN effectively unlock geo-restricted content?, the answer seems to be a rather disheartening no.

Supported Services

Here is a table illustrating which streaming services HoxxVPN can unblock:

Streaming ServiceCan HoxxVPN unblock it?
Netflix US
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Disney+

As you can see, HoxxVPN falls short when it comes to streaming, which is a significant drawback for those looking to view content from around the globe.

Torrenting

In terms of torrenting, HoxxVPN is not a recommended choice either. Its privacy policy states that it prohibits the downloading of copyrighted materials, which includes most torrents.

Supported Clients

Here is a brief rundown of torrenting clients and whether HoxxVPN supports them:

Torrenting ClientIs it supported?
uTorrent
BitTorrent
Deluge
qBittorrent
Vuze

These negatives make HoxxVPN a poor choice for users who rely heavily on streaming and torrenting.

In conclusion, while HoxxVPN might seem appealing due to its large number of servers and global coverage, the service leaves much to be desired in terms of server speed, streaming capabilities, and torrenting support. It’s clear that HoxxVPN may not be the optimal choice for users looking for fast, reliable, and unrestricted access to the internet.

Compatibility and User-Friendliness

Ease of use and broad compatibility are key features that enhance a VPN’s utility. In this section, we explore these elements in the context of HoxxVPN.

Compatibility with Different Platforms

When it comes to compatibility, HoxxVPN stands on fairly stable ground. It supports a wide range of devices and platforms, which includes Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Now, you might ask, Why does platform compatibility matter? It matters because the more platforms a VPN supports, the more devices you can protect with that single service.

However, it’s worth mentioning that HoxxVPN lacks support for routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Additionally, it only allows for the connection of up to five devices simultaneously on its premium plan, which lags behind some competitors who offer unlimited device connections.

User-Friendliness Rating

As for user-friendliness, HoxxVPN performs quite well. The interfaces of both the desktop client and mobile apps are straightforward and easy to navigate. Connections can be established quickly, and switching between servers is a breeze.

The question is, Why is user-friendliness important? The answer is simple. VPNs can be complex, but a good VPN makes advanced security easy for all users, regardless of their tech savviness.

That said, some users have reported occasional drops in connections, and manual reconnection is required when this happens, which could be a bit of a nuisance for some.

Pricing and Packages

Every good or service comes at a cost, and it’s crucial to know if what you’re getting is worth the price you’re paying. Let’s discuss HoxxVPN’s pricing structure and what it offers.

Overview of Prices and Packages

HoxxVPN provides two plans – a free version and a premium version. While it’s always nice to see a free option, it’s worth noting that HoxxVPN’s free version is severely limited. Users will have to contend with slower speeds, fewer server options, and weaker encryption.

The premium version, on the other hand, is priced at $40 for a yearly subscription, which averages out to about $3.33 per month. This puts it on the cheaper end of the VPN spectrum, but as we’ve seen, the lower price comes with several caveats.

Hoxx VPN Review: Pricing & Plans

So, is HoxxVPN’s premium plan worth the cost? Depending on your needs, it might not be. For users who require robust security, advanced features, or reliable streaming and torrenting capabilities, there are other VPN services that offer better value for the price.

Trial Version

HoxxVPN does not offer a trial version of its premium plan, which is somewhat unusual in the VPN market. Many providers offer a limited-time trial to allow users to test their premium features. The absence of this option may discourage some potential users.

Money-Back Guarantee

HoxxVPN does offer a 14-day money-back guarantee on its premium plan, which can offer some peace of mind to those wanting to try out the service. However, this period is shorter than the industry-standard 30-day money-back guarantee offered by many competitors.

In summary, HoxxVPN provides a fairly standard level of compatibility and an easy-to-use interface. However, its pricing structure may not offer the best value, especially when considering its limitations and the superior offerings of some competitors. The lack of a trial period and a shorter-than-average money-back guarantee period further diminish its appeal.

Customer Support

Every service, no matter how perfect it seems, has its share of problems now and then. A provider’s commitment to its customers is often best seen through the quality of its customer support. So, let’s shed some light on what you can expect from HoxxVPN’s customer support.

Table of Support Contact Options

HoxxVPN provides several avenues for customers to get the help they need:

Contact MethodIs it available?
Live Chat
Email Support
Phone Support
Support Ticket
FAQ/Knowledge Base
Video Tutorials

You might be wondering, Why is a range of customer support options important? It’s because every user is different. Some prefer an instant response through live chat, while others are content to wait for a thorough email response.

Unfortunately, HoxxVPN does not offer live chat, which has become a staple in customer service across many industries, including VPN services. The absence of this instant form of communication can lead to slower resolution times for customer issues.

The good news is that the email and ticket support system is quite efficient, with response times often within 24 hours. The company also has an extensive FAQ and Knowledge Base on its website, which covers common issues and questions that customers may have.

However, the lack of video tutorials or guides is another area where HoxxVPN could improve. Visual learning can be beneficial for many users, and having step-by-step guides could significantly enhance the user experience, particularly for those new to VPNs.

Pros and Cons

Every service has its strengths and weaknesses, and HoxxVPN is no exception. Here, we’ll explore both the positives and negatives, giving you a well-rounded view of what this service offers.

Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages

On the positive side, HoxxVPN offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for anyone to navigate the software, regardless of their technical ability. It also boasts a broad server network, with more than 700 servers spread across over 50 locations.

However, these advantages are overshadowed by a number of glaring drawbacks. The lack of robust encryption and protocol support, absence of a strict no-logs policy, slow server speeds, and inability to bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming sites are among the main concerns.

Description of Pros and Cons for Users

For casual users, the straightforward interface and broad server network might be sufficient for their needs. However, for anyone needing a VPN for more than just light browsing, HoxxVPN may not be the ideal choice.

Users who require strong security measures, reliable server speeds, or the ability to stream and torrent will find HoxxVPN lacking. Additionally, the company’s jurisdiction within the Five Eyes alliance and the absence of a strict no-logs policy may deter privacy-conscious users.

To summarize, here are the main pros and cons of HoxxVPN:

ProsCons
User-friendly interfaceWeak security and encryption
Broad server networkSlow server speeds
Compatibility with various platformsUnable to bypass streaming geo-restrictions
No support for torrenting
Lacks a strict no-logs policy
Falls within the Five Eyes jurisdiction

In conclusion, while HoxxVPN does have some redeeming qualities, it falls short in several critical areas. For users seeking a secure, high-performance VPN, especially for streaming, torrenting, or ensuring complete privacy, other services offer far more robust solutions. The comparatively lower price tag might be appealing, but remember, you often get what you pay for.

Alternatives

If you’re having second thoughts about HoxxVPN after reading our review, worry not. There are plenty of alternatives in the market. Let’s compare HoxxVPN with some of the leading VPN providers out there.

HoxxVPN vs NordVPN

NordVPN is a titan in the VPN world, renowned for its impressive server network, robust security measures, and excellent streaming capabilities. Unlike HoxxVPN, NordVPN offers over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, with top-notch speeds to boot.

In terms of security, NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption (the same standard used by the U.S. government) and supports OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols. This is a far cry from HoxxVPN’s lack of encryption and protocol variety.

NordVPN is also a pro at unblocking geo-restricted content, providing access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more. Plus, it allows torrenting and supports P2P sharing.

Based in Panama, NordVPN isn’t subject to the invasive data retention laws HoxxVPN is under. It also adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user privacy is well respected.

HoxxVPN vs Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN also poses strong competition to HoxxVPN. Offering a network of 3200+ servers across 65 countries, Surfshark provides faster and more stable connections. Its jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands, far from the Five Eyes, Fourteen Eyes, and any invasive data retention laws, adds a layer of privacy protection.

Surfshark utilizes AES-256-GCM encryption, and supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and the WireGuard protocol. It also allows P2P sharing, making it a go-to VPN for torrenting. As for streaming, Surfshark efficiently unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.

An exciting feature Surfshark offers is unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can protect all your devices with a single subscription, a significant advantage over HoxxVPN’s five-device limit.

HoxxVPN vs PureVPN

PureVPN is another competitor worthy of mention. It operates a vast network of 6,500+ servers in over 140 countries, dwarfing HoxxVPN’s offering.

In terms of security, PureVPN employs military-grade AES-256 encryption and supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, and L2TP/IPSec protocols. Its Hong Kong jurisdiction places it out of the reach of the Five Eyes alliance and it offers a no-logs policy, though this has been a subject of controversy in the past.

PureVPN also excels in streaming and torrenting. It can unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and many other streaming services. It’s also torrent-friendly, unlike HoxxVPN.

HoxxVPN vs ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a well-known name in the VPN market and for good reasons. It offers 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, providing better coverage and faster speeds than HoxxVPN.

ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports a variety of protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2. With its jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands, it’s well outside the Five Eyes alliance and maintains a strict no-logs policy.

ExpressVPN excels at unblocking streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It also allows torrenting, something HoxxVPN fails to offer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while HoxxVPN may have a user-friendly interface and offer compatibility with several platforms, its limitations in areas like security, speed, streaming capabilities, and customer support make it a less-than-ideal choice for many users.

With the myriad of alternatives available in the market, users can find more robust, reliable, and comprehensive VPN services, often at a comparable or even lower cost. It’s essential to carefully consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a VPN provider. If streaming, torrenting, and strong security are high on your priority list, you’d be better off considering alternatives such as NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, PureVPN, or ExpressVPN.

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital privacy and security, settling for mediocrity should never be an option. Always strive for the best protection you can get – your privacy is worth it.

FAQ

Is HoxxVPN safe to use?

While HoxxVPN does provide some level of anonymity, its lack of robust encryption and the absence of a strict no-logs policy raise concerns about its security measures. If online safety and privacy are your top concerns, you might want to opt for VPN providers with proven security features and a strong commitment to user privacy.

Can HoxxVPN be trusted with my data?

HoxxVPN is based in the U.S., which is part of the Five Eyes alliance, an intelligence-sharing group known for extensive surveillance. Also, HoxxVPN does not adhere to a strict no-logs policy. This may raise concerns for users seeking the highest level of privacy. Other VPN services, like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, are based in jurisdictions outside the Five Eyes alliance and adhere to strict no-logs policies.

How does HoxxVPN compare to other VPN providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN?

While HoxxVPN does have its strengths, such as user-friendly interfaces and broad platform compatibility, it falls short in crucial areas like security, speed, and capability to bypass streaming geo-restrictions. Compared to the likes of NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN, HoxxVPN lacks in features and performance. These other VPNs offer more robust security, faster speeds, better streaming and torrenting support, and have stricter privacy policies.

Does HoxxVPN support torrenting?

No, HoxxVPN does not support torrenting. If P2P file sharing is a significant part of your online activities, consider using VPN services that offer dedicated P2P servers, like NordVPN or Surfshark.

Can HoxxVPN unblock Netflix or other streaming services?

HoxxVPN struggles to bypass the geo-restrictions of popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. If accessing these services is a priority for you, you may want to consider other VPN providers known for their streaming capabilities, like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

About the author

Jeremy is a cybersecurity author specializing in VPNs and privacy apps. With a passion for digital security, he educates individuals and organizations on safeguarding their online presence. Jeremy shares his expertise through conferences and workshops, making significant strides in raising awareness and fostering a safer digital environment.