Alternatives · VPNs
SetupVPN alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded SetupVPN alternative is Hoxx VPN (3.0 GPA). It's also the best free one.
SetupVPN compared with 5 alternatives: Hoxx VPN, Windscribe, TunnelBear, Betternet and Hotspot Shield.
SetupVPN has a free plan. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a SetupVPN sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| SetupVPNThis tool | Free plan | Yes | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Hoxx VPN | Free plan · from $1.99/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Windscribe | Free plan · from $3/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| TunnelBear | Free plan · from $3.33/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Betternet | Free plan · from $95.99/yr | Yes | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Hotspot Shield | Free plan · from $95.99/yr | Yes | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
How each one differs from SetupVPN
Hoxx VPN
Free VPN proxy with a Premium upgrade sold inside the app
- Hoxx VPN starts at $1.99 per month and up; billing basis not shown.
- Hoxx VPN also lists a Linux app.
- Hoxx VPN also covers ad and tracker blocking.
Suits: Users who want a free VPN or proxy with no data cap
Windscribe
VPN with a 10GB free plan and pay-per-location pricing
- Windscribe starts at $3 per month for 3 locations (Build A Plan).
- Windscribe also lists a Linux app.
- Windscribe is open source, according to its own site.
- Windscribe also covers ad and tracker blocking.
- Windscribe does not cover malware protection, which SetupVPN does.
Suits: Light users who can live within 10GB a month for free
TunnelBear
McAfee-owned VPN with a 2GB free plan and pay-once multi-year plans
- TunnelBear starts at $3.33 per month on the 3-year Unlimited plan ($120 paid once).
- TunnelBear also covers ad and tracker blocking.
- TunnelBear does not cover malware protection, which SetupVPN does.
Suits: Occasional users who need a VPN for a few gigabytes
Betternet
Ad-supported free VPN with an ad-free Premium plan
- Betternet starts at $95.99 per year, or $11.99 per month.
Suits: Casual users who want a free VPN with no sign-up
Hotspot Shield
VPN with a free Basic tier and its own Hydra protocol
- Hotspot Shield starts at $95.99 per year at renewal (Premium), after a first year for $29.
Suits: Occasional users who want a free VPN on one device
Limits worth knowing in SetupVPN
- A Premium account is mentioned on the home page and FAQ, but no price or feature list is published on the pages read.
- Ports such as 25 and 465 are blocked to limit spam, including SMTP.
- Linux, Opera and ChromeOS versions are marked as coming soon.
- The FAQ says televisions and routers are not supported.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to SetupVPN?
The alternatives to SetupVPN in this directory are Hoxx VPN, Windscribe, TunnelBear, Betternet and Hotspot Shield. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with SetupVPN.
Is there a free alternative to SetupVPN?
Yes. Hoxx VPN, Windscribe, TunnelBear, Betternet and Hotspot Shield have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which SetupVPN alternatives work on Linux?
The SetupVPN listing does not include a Linux app. Hoxx VPN and Windscribe list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to SetupVPN?
Windscribe is described as open source on its own site.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 17, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.