ProtonVPN vs Hotspot Shield
Comprehensive comparison of features, pricing, speed, and security to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.
ProtonVPN
Hotspot Shield
Based on our comprehensive testing, ProtonVPN comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: 6月 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | ProtonVPN | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
Monthly Price | $9.99/mo | $12.99/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $2.49/mo | $7.99/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 15,000+ | 3,200+ |
Countries | 120 | 80 |
Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 10 |
Speed Score | 88% | 92% |
Security Score | 99% | 80% |
Streaming Score | 80% | 85% |
Protocols | WireGuardOpenVPNIKEv2 | HydraOpenVPNIKEv2 |
Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Kill Switch | ||
No-Logs Policy | ||
Netflix Support | ||
Torrenting Support | ||
| Get Started |
Pros and Cons
ProtonVPN
Pros
- Free tier available (no data limits)
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Open source and audited
- Secure Core servers
- Integrates with ProtonMail
Cons
- Free tier has limited servers
- Streaming support is inconsistent
- Fewer server locations
Hotspot Shield
Pros
- Very fast speeds (Hydra protocol)
- Free tier available
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Good for streaming
- Easy to use
Cons
- Logs some connection data
- Based in the US
- Free tier has ads
- Privacy concerns in past
Final Verdict
ProtonVPN comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 4.5/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. Swiss-based VPN with strongest privacy focus and free tier.
Choose ProtonVPN if:
- You need stronger security (99%)
- You want more server options (15,000+ servers)
- You're looking for better value ($2.49/mo)
Choose Hotspot Shield if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (92%)
ProtonVPN
Hotspot Shield
Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare More VPNs
Not sure yet? Check out our full VPN comparison tool or read detailed reviews of each service.
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