Mullvad vs Hotspot Shield (2026)
We test both VPNs across speed, privacy, streaming, and pricing so you can pick the right one without guessing.
Feature
Mullvad
Hotspot Shield
Servers
800+
1,800+
Countries
49
80+
Simultaneous Devices
5
5
Protocol
WireGuard / OpenVPN
Hydra (proprietary)
Logs Policy
No logs (audited)
Minimal connection logs
Money-Back Guarantee
None (cancel anytime)
45-day
Our Verdict
Both Mullvad and Hotspot Shield are strong choices, but they suit different users. Mullvad is better rated overall (4.4/5) and is our top recommendation if you want anonymity. Hotspot Shield wins on speed and is priced at Free / $2.99/mo. Check our full reviews below for the detailed breakdown.
Mullvad vs Hotspot Shield: Common Questions
Which is cheaper, Mullvad or Hotspot Shield?▼
Hotspot Shield is the cheaper option. Mullvad is priced at €5/mo while Hotspot Shield is priced at Free / $2.99/mo. Prices shown are for the best long-term plan.
Which has more servers, Mullvad or Hotspot Shield?▼
Hotspot Shield has the larger server network. Mullvad has 800+ servers and Hotspot Shield has 1,800+ servers.
Which is better for streaming, Mullvad or Hotspot Shield?▼
Hotspot Shield is the stronger streaming choice. It is specifically optimised for platforms like Netflix and Disney+. Mullvad is not primarily focused on streaming.
What is the main difference between Mullvad and Hotspot Shield?▼
Mullvad positions itself as "no email, no account — maximum anonymity". Hotspot Shield takes a different focus: "blazing-fast speeds with a generous free plan". The right choice depends on which of these priorities matters most to you.