VPN Comparison 2026
Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN
Comprehensive comparison of features, pricing, speed, and security to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.
Hotspot Shield
Rating: 3.8/5
Best Price:$7.99/mo
Servers:3,200+
Countries:80
Speed Score:92%
NordVPN
Rating: 4.8/5
Best Price:$2.99/mo
Servers:7,400+
Countries:118
Speed Score:94%
Based on our comprehensive testing, NordVPN comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: 2월 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hotspot Shield | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
Monthly Price | $12.99/mo | $12.99/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $7.99/mo | $2.99/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 45 days | 30 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 3,200+ | 7,400+ |
Countries | 80 | 118 |
Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 10 |
Speed Score | 92% | 94% |
Security Score | 80% | 98% |
Streaming Score | 85% | 95% |
Protocols | HydraOpenVPNIKEv2 | WireGuardOpenVPNIKEv2 |
Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Kill Switch | ||
No-Logs Policy | ||
Netflix Support | ||
Torrenting Support | ||
| Get Started |
Pros and Cons
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
NordVPN
Pros
- Excellent speeds with WireGuard protocol
- Huge server network (7,400+ servers)
- Advanced security features
- Works with Netflix and streaming
- Strict no-logs policy (audited)
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than competitors
- Occasional connectivity issues
- No free tier available
Final Verdict
NordVPN comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 4.8/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. Industry-leading VPN with exceptional speed and security features.
Choose Hotspot Shield if:
Choose NordVPN if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (94%)
- You need stronger security (98%)
- You want more server options (7,400+ servers)
- You're looking for better value ($2.99/mo)
Hotspot Shield
3.8/5 Rating$7.99/mo
NordVPN
4.8/5 Rating$2.99/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotspot Shield better than NordVPN?+
NordVPN is rated higher overall with a score of 4.8/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. NordVPN Industry-leading VPN with exceptional speed and security features. However, both VPNs have their strengths, so your best choice depends on your specific needs.
Which is cheaper, Hotspot Shield or NordVPN?+
NordVPN is the more affordable option at $2.99/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to Hotspot Shield at $7.99/mo. NordVPN offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, Hotspot Shield or NordVPN?+
NordVPN achieves a higher speed score of 94% in our tests, compared to Hotspot Shield's 92%. NordVPN uses modern VPN protocols that minimize speed loss, making it the better choice for bandwidth-heavy activities like 4K streaming and large file downloads.
Does Hotspot Shield or NordVPN have more servers?+
NordVPN has a larger server network with 7,400+ servers, compared to Hotspot Shield's 3,200+ servers. More servers generally means less congestion and more location choices, giving you better connection reliability and more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
Which VPN is better for streaming, Hotspot Shield or NordVPN?+
NordVPN scores higher for streaming at 95% compared to Hotspot Shield's 85%. NordVPN reliably unblocks popular streaming platforms and maintains fast enough speeds for HD and 4K content without buffering.
Compare More VPNs
Not sure yet? Check out our full VPN comparison tool or read detailed reviews of each service.