ProtonVPN vs Hotspot Shield (2026)
We test both VPNs across speed, privacy, streaming, and pricing so you can pick the right one without guessing.
Best Free
ProtonVPN
★★★★4.5/5
The best VPN for privacy — with a genuine free tier
Free / $3.99/mo
Get ProtonVPNFeature
ProtonVPN
Hotspot Shield
Servers
6,500+
1,800+
Countries
112
80+
Simultaneous Devices
10
5
Protocol
WireGuard / OpenVPN
Hydra (proprietary)
Logs Policy
No logs (audited, open-source)
Minimal connection logs
Money-Back Guarantee
30-day
45-day
Our Verdict
Both ProtonVPN and Hotspot Shield are strong choices, but they suit different users. ProtonVPN is better rated overall (4.5/5) and is our top recommendation if you want privacy. Hotspot Shield wins on speed and is priced at Free / $2.99/mo. Check our full reviews below for the detailed breakdown.
ProtonVPN vs Hotspot Shield: Common Questions
Which is cheaper, ProtonVPN or Hotspot Shield?▼
Hotspot Shield is the cheaper option. ProtonVPN is priced at Free / $3.99/mo while Hotspot Shield is priced at Free / $2.99/mo. Prices shown are for the best long-term plan.
Which has more servers, ProtonVPN or Hotspot Shield?▼
ProtonVPN has the larger server network. ProtonVPN has 6,500+ servers and Hotspot Shield has 1,800+ servers.
Which is better for streaming, ProtonVPN or Hotspot Shield?▼
Hotspot Shield is the stronger streaming choice. It is specifically optimised for platforms like Netflix and Disney+. ProtonVPN is not primarily focused on streaming.
What is the main difference between ProtonVPN and Hotspot Shield?▼
ProtonVPN positions itself as "the best vpn for privacy — with a genuine free tier". 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.