NordVPN vs. Hotspot Shield VPN 2025: Which VPN Offers the Best Speeds and Overall Value?

NordVPN is the more reliable VPN provider, but Hotspot Shield VPN has some good features. NordVPN offers advanced encryption protocols, a large number of servers around the world, and a strict no-logs policy that's regularly audited. Additionally, NordVPN excelled in our speed tests and has proven performance throughout repeat testing.

Hotspot Shield VPN, on the other hand, is ideal for those who need an easy-to-use interface, such as casual users or families with basic VPN needs. While NordVPN offers plans at a lower rate, Hotspot Shield offers a free version and good enough performance in its premium service.

In this article, we'll discuss the features, performance, and pricing in more detail to help you decide which VPN is the best for you.

NordVPN vs. Hotspot Shield VPN at a glance

• NordVPN: Best for reliable speed and security
• Hotspot Shield VPN: Best for beginners

	Our Pick
Starting price	$2.99/mo	$7.99/mo
Max # of connected devices	10	10
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Firefox	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge
# of servers	8,400+ servers in 120+ countries	1,800+ servers in 80+ countries
VPN protocol	OpenVPN, NordLynx, IKEv2/IPsec	Catapult Hydra, OpenVPN, IPsec
No-logs policy	No logs	Logs some data
Unblocks Netflix?
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get Hotspot Shield VPN Read Hotspot Shield VPN Review

NordVPN pros and cons

NordVPN stands out in the premium market with its comprehensive security features and extensive server network. Priced from $2.99/mo for the Standard two-year plan, NordVPN offers a robust suite of features, including AES-256-GCM encryption, a kill switch, and advanced protocols like OpenVPN and NordLynx. It also supports up to 10 devices simultaneously and has a strict no-logs policy, verified by independent audits.

NordVPN excels in speed tests and consistently unblocks popular streaming services such as Netflix, making it a top choice for privacy-conscious users and streaming enthusiasts alike.

However, NordVPN's variety of plans can be somewhat confusing for new users. While the service offers significant discounts on long-term plans, its monthly rates are higher than some competitors. Despite these minor drawbacks, NordVPN's impressive security, fast connection speeds, and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality VPN.

Hotspot Shield VPN pros and cons

Hotspot Shield VPN is renowned for its ease of use and reliable speeds. The VPN uses its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol alongside OpenVPN and IPsec, ensuring secure and swift connections.

Starting with a free plan for one device, Hotspot Shield provides a user-friendly interface and then supports up to 10 devices with its Premium plan. It’s particularly suitable for families and casual users who need multiple device connections and straightforward controls without compromising on performance.

Despite its strengths, Hotspot Shield has a few notable limitations. The VPN logs some user data, which might be a concern for privacy-focused individuals. And according to our testing, it struggles to reliably unblock Netflix, which could be a dealbreaker for those looking to access geo-restricted content. Additionally, issues with the kill switch feature, which often require a complete uninstallation to resolve, can be frustrating.

Even so, Hotspot Shield remains a solid choice for those who prioritize speed and ease of use over other advanced features.

Which VPN is the better value?

	Best Value
Price range	$2.99–$17.99/mo	Free or $7.99–$12.99/mo
Best value plan	2-year Basic plan for $2.99/mo	1-year plan for $7.99/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days	Yes — 45 days
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get Hotspot Shield VPN Read Hotspot Shield VPN Review

When comparing NordVPN and Hotspot Shield VPN based on price, there are clear distinctions in their pricing structures and value plans. NordVPN's price range spans from $2.99–$17.99/mo, with the best value found in its 2-year Basic plan at $2.99/mo.

The Basic 2-year plan offers comprehensive security features, including specialty servers, an ad blocker, and access to 8,400+ servers, making it a cost-effective VPN choice for those seeking both affordability and advanced features. Additionally, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free.

Hotspot Shield VPN, on the other hand, offers a range of plans, from a free plan to $7.99–$12.99/mo, with the best value in its annual Premium plan at $7.99/mo. This plan provides fast speeds, easy controls, and supports up to 10 devices, making it ideal for families and casual users.

Despite its higher cost compared to NordVPN, Hotspot Shield offers a free plan with limited features and a 45-day money-back guarantee for its premium plan, providing users with an extended period to evaluate the service. However, for those prioritizing budget and advanced security, NordVPN's longer-term plans present a better overall value.

Payment options

Both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield VPN offer a range of payment options, enabling users to select the method that best suits their needs. Certain payment types, such as cryptocurrencies, can provide additional VPN privacy by minimizing the amount of personal information shared during the transaction. Here's a detailed look at the payment options for each VPN:

NordVPN payment options

• Credit or debit cards
• Google Pay
• Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more)
• PayPal

Hotspot Shield VPN payment options

• Credit card
• Debit card
• PayPal
• JCB
• Diners Club

Which VPN is faster?

When choosing a virtual private network, speed is a critical factor, especially for activities, like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing. Our tests measured the percentage change in speed when connected to various VPN servers compared to not using a VPN at all.

The table below shows the impact of each VPN on internet speed across different server locations, highlighting how much slower or faster the connection became:

	Our Pick
Average speed change	13% slower	35% slower
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get Hotspot Shield VPN Read Hotspot Shield VPN Review

In historic testing, NordVPN consistently demonstrated an increase in speed across all tested servers, a notable achievement. The significant speed increases in the U.S., Canada, and U.K. servers highlight NordVPN's strong performance in these regions.

Conversely, Hotspot Shield VPN demonstrated a decrease in speed for all tested locations, with the most considerable slowdowns observed when connected to U.K. and Australian servers. These slowdowns are expected due to the physical distance from the testing location to the servers.

NordVPN is the more reliable VPN service for streaming, gaming, and torrenting without experiencing lag or interruptions.

Which VPN is more secure?

	Our Pick
Number of servers	8,400+ servers in 120+ countries	1,800+ servers in 80+ countries
No-logs policy	No logs	Logs some data
VPN headquarters	Panama	United States
Encryption	AES-256-GCM	AES-256
VPN protocol	OpenVPN, NordLynx, IKEv2/IPsec	Catapult Hydra, OpenVPN, IPsec
Kill switch
Split tunneling
DNS leak protection
Ad blocker
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get Hotspot Shield VPN Read Hotspot Shield VPN Review

When it comes to security features, NordVPN and Hotspot Shield VPN offer a range of protections, but NordVPN clearly stands out. NordVPN operates over 8,400+ servers in 120+ countries, compared to Hotspot Shield’s 1,800+ servers in 80+ countries.

A critical advantage for NordVPN is its strict no-logs policy, independently audited by several third-party security companies over more than 7 years. This policy ensures that user activities are not tracked or stored.

In contrast, Hotspot Shield logs some user data, which can be a significant drawback for privacy-conscious users. Plus, NordVPN’s inclusion of the advanced NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard) provides an additional layer of security and performance.

NordVPN also offers more comprehensive security features, such as a built-in ad blocker and an independently verified no-logs policy. These features are crucial for users who prioritize privacy and a seamless, ad-free browsing experience. Hotspot Shield’s lack of an ad blocker and its data logging practices can be seen as significant downsides.

Both services feature a kill switch and split tunneling, which are essential protections that safeguard users’ data in the event of a VPN connection drop and enable specific traffic to bypass the VPN.

Which VPN has the better compatibility and customer support?

	Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Routers
Smart devices
Browser extensions	Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Yes — Chrome, Firefox
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Live chat, email, online guides, forums	Live chat, email, phone, online guides, forums
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get Hotspot Shield VPN Read Hotspot Shield VPN Review

In terms of compatibility, both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield VPN support a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and smart devices. Both also offer browser extensions, with NordVPN supporting Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, while Hotspot Shield supports Chrome and Firefox. This extensive compatibility ensures that users can protect their data across all their devices seamlessly.

Both VPNs provide user-friendly interfaces; however, NordVPN stands out with its intuitive design and easy-to-navigate settings. 

Hotspot Shield is also easy to use, but it has reported issues with certain features, such as the kill switch, which may require additional steps to troubleshoot.

When it comes to customer support, both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield offer 24/7 support through live chat and email. NordVPN also includes comprehensive online guides and forums, while Hotspot Shield adds phone support to its repertoire. Both services provide a range of resources to help users resolve issues quickly. 

However, NordVPN's support is noted for being particularly responsive and helpful, offering quick solutions and extensive documentation. The presence of a helpful chatbot on NordVPN's website further enhances its support system, making it easier for users to get immediate assistance.

NordVPN vs. Hotspot Shield VPN alternatives

We've tested 50+ VPNs and think NordVPN is the best based on its reliable performance, affordable pricing, and security perks. However, if you want a budget VPN with strong security, we recommend Surfshark. On the other hand, if you want an even more premium VPN with enhanced privacy features, we recommend Proton VPN. Here's how NordVPN compares:

FAQs

Is NordVPN or Hotspot Shield VPN better?

Overall, NordVPN is the better choice for users who prioritize security, privacy, and access to global content. Its comprehensive feature set and strong performance make it a superior option for most users.

NordVPN offers a robust set of features, including advanced security protocols, a strict no-logs policy, and an extensive server network. It offers excellent speeds, particularly for streaming and torrenting, and includes additional privacy features such as an ad blocker. However, its higher cost and somewhat complex plan options might be a drawback for some users.

While Hotspot Shield VPN is user-friendly and supports multiple devices, its logging practices and issues with accessing some streaming services are notable drawbacks.