Mullvad VPN vs Hotspot Shield
Comprehensive comparison of features, pricing, speed, and security to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.
Mullvad VPN
Hotspot Shield
Based on our comprehensive testing, Mullvad VPN comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: 6월 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mullvad VPN | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
Monthly Price | $5/mo | $12.99/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $5/mo | $7.99/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 800+ | 3,200+ |
Countries | 43 | 80 |
Simultaneous Devices | 5 | 10 |
Speed Score | 91% | 92% |
Security Score | 99% | 80% |
Streaming Score | 60% | 85% |
Protocols | WireGuardOpenVPN | HydraOpenVPNIKEv2 |
Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Kill Switch | ||
No-Logs Policy | ||
Netflix Support | ||
Torrenting Support | ||
| Get Started |
Pros and Cons
Mullvad VPN
Pros
- No email required - account numbers only
- Accept cash payments for anonymity
- Simple flat pricing (€5/month)
- Excellent WireGuard implementation
- Independently audited
Cons
- Small server network
- No streaming optimization
- Limited to 5 devices
- Basic app interface
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
Mullvad VPN comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 4.5/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. Privacy-first VPN with anonymous account creation and flat pricing.
Choose Mullvad VPN if:
- You need stronger security (99%)
- You're looking for better value ($5/mo)
Choose Hotspot Shield if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (92%)
- You want more server options (3,200+ servers)
Mullvad VPN
Hotspot Shield
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not sure yet? Check out our full VPN comparison tool or read detailed reviews of each service.
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