VPN Comparison 2026
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN
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%
ExpressVPN
Rating: 4.7/5
Best Price:$8.32/mo
Servers:3,000+
Countries:105
Speed Score:96%
Based on our comprehensive testing, ExpressVPN comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: februari 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hotspot Shield | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
Monthly Price | $12.99/mo | $12.95/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $7.99/mo | $8.32/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 45 days | 30 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 3,200+ | 3,000+ |
Countries | 80 | 105 |
Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 8 |
Speed Score | 92% | 96% |
Security Score | 80% | 97% |
Streaming Score | 85% | 98% |
Protocols | HydraOpenVPNIKEv2 | LightwayOpenVPNIKEv2 |
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
ExpressVPN
Pros
- Fastest VPN speeds overall
- Best for streaming (works everywhere)
- Easy-to-use apps
- Excellent customer support
- TrustedServer technology
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Only 8 simultaneous connections
- No dedicated IP option
Final Verdict
ExpressVPN comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 4.7/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. Premium VPN with fastest speeds and best streaming support.
Choose Hotspot Shield if:
- You want more server options (3,200+ servers)
- You're looking for better value ($7.99/mo)
Choose ExpressVPN if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (96%)
- You need stronger security (97%)
Hotspot Shield
3.8/5 Rating$7.99/mo
ExpressVPN
4.7/5 Rating$8.32/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotspot Shield better than ExpressVPN?+
ExpressVPN is rated higher overall with a score of 4.7/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. ExpressVPN Premium VPN with fastest speeds and best streaming support. However, both VPNs have their strengths, so your best choice depends on your specific needs.
Which is cheaper, Hotspot Shield or ExpressVPN?+
Hotspot Shield is the more affordable option at $7.99/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to ExpressVPN at $8.32/mo. Hotspot Shield offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, Hotspot Shield or ExpressVPN?+
ExpressVPN achieves a higher speed score of 96% in our tests, compared to Hotspot Shield's 92%. ExpressVPN 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 ExpressVPN have more servers?+
Hotspot Shield has a larger server network with 3,200+ servers, compared to ExpressVPN's 3,000+ 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 ExpressVPN?+
ExpressVPN scores higher for streaming at 98% compared to Hotspot Shield's 85%. ExpressVPN 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.