Month: July 2022

Two choices come to mind when considering inexpensive yet dependable VPNs: Windscribe and Surfshark.

Both Windscribe and Surfshark VPN are inexpensive VPNs that offer an unlimited number of connections. To choose one VPN service over another, you would need to look past their shared features and consider how they differ.

VPNs are a necessary evil when it comes to protecting your privacy and security online, but with so many to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?

In this comparison, we’ll take a look at two of the most popular VPN providers: Surfshark and Windscribe. We’ll compare their features, pricing, and overall performance to help you decide which one is best for you. So, let’s get started!

Surfshark vs Windscribe – A Face-Off!

Before we dig into our detailed Surfshark vs Windscribe comparison, here is a quick features summary to help you figure out which is better:

Factors	Surfshark	Windscribe
Trustpilot Rating:	4.2	4.8
Servers:	Offers 3,200+ servers in 95 countries	Offers servers in 69 countries
Logs policy:	No logs	No logs
Pricing:	Starts from $2.30/month	Starts from $4.08/month
VPN protocols:	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, Shadowsocks	OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard.
Streaming Compatibility:	Can unblock multiple geo-locked streaming services such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video	Can unblock some geo-restricted streaming services. Takes several attempts to unblock Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer
Platforms:	Firefox, Windows, macOS, Linux, Edge, Chrome, iOS, and Android	Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, iOS, Android, Blackberry, FireTV, Nvidia Shield, and more
Simultaneous connections:	Unlimited devices	Unlimited devices
Support:	FAQs, knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support	knowledge base, setup guides, FAQs, Bot-based live chat

Speed Comparison: Surfshark vs Windscribe

Both VPNs provide speeds quick enough for HD streaming. However, Surfshark takes the top spot in this category, outpacing Windscribe’s average speeds.

With servers located in 63 nations and 110 cities, Windscribe doesn’t have a strong VPN infrastructure when compared to Surfshark. Surfshark offers way more servers (3200+) all over the world. As a result, their servers are less crowded – offering faster speeds.

Needless to say, you should have little latency and a fast connection with Surfshark, which will allow you to stream and browse uninterrupted. For what it’s worth, Windscribe gives remarkable speeds, albeit theoretically, it might struggle to offer decent speeds during peak hours.

Here is brief speed test table covering the speeds of both VPNs:

Server Locations	Surfshark	Windscribe
US	87.5 Mbps/100 Mbps	57.7 Mbps/100 Mbps
UK	81.51 Mbps/100 Mbps	71.91 Mbps/100 Mbps
Canada	76.65 Mbps/100 Mbps	74.23 Mbps/100 Mbps
Australia	78.97 Mbps/100 Mbps	65.17 Mbps/100 Mbps
Germany	77.98 Mbps/100 Mbps	69.32 Mbps/100 Mbps

Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!

Surfshark vs Windscribe Streaming Capabilities: Which One Unblocks More?

Despite not having the fastest download speeds, Surfshark made it onto our list of the best VPNs for streaming, but Windscribe didn’t, and it’s clear why.

With Surfshark, you can instantly access all the major streaming services, including Disney Plus, HBO Max, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.

In contrast to Surfshark, Windscribe’s streaming quality is inconsistent. While it managed to unblock Disney Plus immediately during testing, it took several tries to unblock Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer and ABC.

Here’s a table covering the streaming and unblocking capabilities of both Surfshark and Windscribe:

Streaming Services & Channels	Surfshark	Windscribe
Netflix	Multiple libraries, including UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Korea	Multiple libraries, including Canada, India, Australia, Ireland, and Malaysia
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes, but after multiple attempts
CBS	Yes	Yes, but after multiple attempts
Hulu	Yes	Yes, but after multiple attempts
BBC iPlayer	Yes	Yes, but after multiple attempts
Disney Plus	Yes	Yes, but after multiple attempts
Hotstar	Yes	Yes
HBO Max	Yes	Yes, but after multiple attempts
ABC	Yes	No
Channel 4	Yes	Yes
DAZN	Yes	Yes
NBC	Yes	No

Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!

Surfshark vs. Windscribe – Torrenting

One of the most significant uses of a VPN is downloading torrents from P2P sites like PirateBay. When it comes to testing which VPN is better for torrenting, one needs to test its speeds and IP leaks.

So, first off, we tested both the VPNs for speeds. On a 100 Mbps internet connection, we downloaded a 3GB Linux test torrent file while using both VPN services. We anticipated Windscribe to outperform Surfshark due to its faster download speeds, however, our test results proved otherwise.

Check out the table below:

VPN	Torrent download speed	Download time
Windscribe	5 Mbit/s	80 minutes
Surfshark	12 Mbit/s	33 minutes

Surfshark’s download speed was quite constant throughout the testing process. It constantly downloaded torrent files faster than Windscribe. Hence, it earned a spot on our list of the best VPNs.

Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!

Features overview

With both VPNs, you can expect to get quality security features.  Let’s check them out in detail below:

Kill switch

Both Surfshark and Windscribe come with a kill switch. In case of abrupt disconnection, both VPNs can automatically shut down your web traffic as a failsafe measure to protect your privacy.

Apps for different OSes & devices

Both VPNs offer excellent compatibility for popular OSes such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Additionally, they are both compatible with smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.

Split tunneling

Both VPNs also support split tunneling. They both allow app, IP, and URL-based split tunneling. But regrettably, Windscribe doesn’t allow split tunneling on macOS devices, and Surfshark doesn’t offer it in both iOS and macOS apps.

Encryption & MultiHop

​​Both VPNs use AES-256 for encryption and support multi-hop. This allows data packets to move through multiple servers for added privacy. Overall, both VPNs are equally secure on paper.

Ad blocker

Both VPN services also offer extra VPN features like ad blockers. Surfshark calls its ad blocker CleanWeb while Windscribe calls it R.O.B.E.R.T. Ad blockers protect your devices and speed up browsing by preventing malware, trackers, and advertising.

It prevents your browsers from loading files from websites that host malware, spyware, or other malicious software when it is turned on. On both VPNs, malware protection is turned on by default.

All in all, the two VPNs are comparable in terms of essential features. However, Surfshark has a slight advantage when cutting-edge features are taken into account.

In addition to offering an antivirus, it also has more sophisticated security features such as NoBorders mode, a feature provided by Surfshark which enables users to surf the internet without restriction in nations with harsh internet censorship.

Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!

Pricing Analysis

Given that Windscribe provides a free version, comparing the prices of these two VPNs can be a little confusing. However, Surfshark has the cheapest monthly price if we compare both VPN’s paid plans. We say this because while Surfshark’s 24-months plan costs $2.30/mo, Windscribe’s yearly plan costs $4.08/mo.

Another reason why we believe Surfshark is more affordable is that it offers 2-month’s worth of free subscriptions if you opt for its 24-months plan.

Here are the subscription plans of both VPNs:

Monthly Cost By Term Length	Surfshark	Windscribe
Free VPN	30-day free trial	10 GB/mo data and comes with servers in 10 countries
1 Month	$12.95	$9
1 Year	n/a	$4.08
2 Years	$2.30	n/a

Both Surfshark and Windscribe offer customer-centric payment options. However, Surfshark supports more payment options than Windscribe.

You can use any of the following to purchase a Windscribe Pro subscription: Credit cards, Paypal, VISA/Mastercard debit cards, cryptocurrencies, mobile in-app purchases, and gift cards (via Paymentwall).

Surfshark on the other hand, in addition to supporting Paypal, VISA/Mastercard debit cards, and cryptocurrencies, also supports Google Pay and Amazon Pay.

Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!

China and countries with restricted internet access

As long as the appropriate configuration is used, Surfshark is among the finest VPNs that function in China. Simply enable the NoBorders feature in Surfshark’s Settings to browse anonymously and safely in China.

We conducted extensive study, but were unable to determine whether Windscribe is functional in China. Windscribe should function from everywhere, according to their customer support team, who we had to contact.

Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!

Server locations

Of the two, Surfshark has the largest server network. In 95 countries, it has over 3200 servers. This is a network the majority of its rivals are unable to match.

With servers located in 63 countries and 110 cities, Windscribe is now a provider that is somewhat in the middle of the pack when compared to Surfshark.

Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!

Surfshark vs. Windscribe  device compatibility: Interface & Ease of Use

	Windscribe	Surfshark
OS supported	Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and Android	Mac, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android
Other devices and operating systems	Fire TVs, routers, & Android TVs	Fire TV devices, Kodi, and Android TVs
Browser extensions	Chrome & Firefox	Chrome & Firefox
Simultaneous connections	Unlimited	Unlimited

Desktop apps

Both Surfshark and Windscribe perform brilliantly when it comes to user experience. However, Windscribe’s complicated interface might not be the best option for beginners.

There’s no need to fiddle about trying to navigate through the Surfshark desktop application.

You can skim through the servers or use the search bar to look up the server you wish to connect to. Additionally, for ease of access, each setting option has a clear label and is placed in a sensible location.

Whereas, Windscribe utilizes unclear menu icons that require you to linger over them in order to see what they do. In addition, while we value having all the information available at a glance, the cluttered nature of the app may be a turn off for new users.

Mobile apps

The mobile apps are equally user-friendly. For instance, Surfshark provides a feature-rich Android app with split tunnelling and a kill switch. Although the iOS app does not provide a split tunnelling function, it is just as simple to use.

Although Windscribe’s mobile apps have slightly better looks than its desktop counterparts, they omit some functions like firewall mode and have the same puzzling icons.

In the end, Surfshark excels in this category, thanks to its clear and simple user interface.

Final Result: Surfshark is the winner!

Customer support

Both VPNs take customer service seriously, making it simple for you to contact them and use their comprehensive, searchable knowledge base.

We discovered that Surfshark’s live help is available around-the-clock and replies to client questions quickly. If you are unable to access live chat support, for example if you are in China, you will quickly receive assistance via email support.

Windscribe provides live chat assistance through the chatbot Garry, that our testing revealed can reply in under a minute. In addition to a support ticketing system, you may access a knowledge base and FAQ section.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Surfshark vs. Windscribe – Which is Better?

In our Surfshark vs Windscribe comparison, Surfshark wins the battle. After thorough testing and examination, Windscribe received no points, compared to eight for Surfshark.

That’s because Surfshark offers a broader server network, lightning-fast speeds suited for streaming, and access to majority of well-known streaming services, including many that Windscribe is unable to access. Additionally, it performs superbly in countries like China.

FAQs

Which VPN is stronger than Windscribe?

Surfshark is a stronger VPN than Windscribe in terms of speeds, security, streaming, torrenting, and more.

Is Surfshark any good as a VPN?

Surfshark has been a top-notch VPN provider since years. In addition to offering rarely encountered split tunneling and MultiHop functionality, it boasts a generous unlimited devices policy that allows you to connect as many devices as you wish. The firm should also be commended for its open privacy policy and tamper-proof RAM-only servers.

Is Surfshark VPN better than ExpressVPN?

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN are listed among our best 10 VPNs for 2022. ExpressVPN has a faster internet connection, but it is more expensive and only allows you to utilise five devices only. For a detailed review, check out our Surfshark vs ExpressVPN comparison.

Read more Comparisons!

• • Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
  • Surfshark vs NordVPN
  • Surfshark vs Cyberghost
  • Surfshark vs IPVanish
  • Surfshark vs PIA
  • Surfshark vs ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN and Surfshark are two of the most popular VPN brands. When you look at both companies separately, you’ll notice that they both have amazing features. You can see that both firms’ teams put in a lot of effort.

So, we compared Proton VPN vs Surfshark to learn about all of the companies’ efforts side by side. You can then choose between them based on the results of this investigation.

So, without any further delays, let’s get right into the comparison!

ProtonVPN vs Surfshark: A Face Off!

	Surfshark	ProtonVPN
Trustpilot Rating:	4.2	2.6
Servers:	3200+ servers in 95 countries	1700+ servers in 63 countries
Logs policy:	No logs	No logs
Pricing:	Starts from $2.30/month	Starts from €4.99/month
VPN protocols:	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, Shadowsocks	OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard
Streaming Compatibility:	BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and Hotstar	Hulu, YouTube, Netflix, and more
Platforms:	Firefox, Windows, macOS, Linux, Edge, Chrome, iOS, and Android	Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android
Simultaneous connections:	Unlimited devices	10 devices
Support:	FAQs, knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support	knowledge base, email support

Speed comparison: ProtonVPN vs Surfshark VPN

While all VPNs slow down your internet, the best VPNs ensure that the lag is as minimal as possible.

The ProtonVPN vs Surfshark speed test was conducted by us on both VPNs’ WireGuard protocol using the 100 Mbps download speed/100 Mbps upload speed formula and the results are as follows:

Protocols	Surfshark	ProtonVPN
WireGuard	84/65	79/56

Surfshark’s download, upload, and latency speeds are all excellent, so it’s no wonder it made our top five list. ProtonVPN, on the other hand, did not make the cut for a reason.

Despite having the greatest download speeds and upload speeds that are nearly equal to Surfshark, the latency was quite high.

In short, although ProtonVPN is a good option, purchasers should look at Surfshark.

Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!

ProtonVPN vs Surfshark streaming capabilities; Which one unblocks more?

Surfshark unblocks all prominent streaming services on the first try, but ProtonVPN requires many tries to gain access to the majority of them. Also, videos using ProtonVPN take a long time to load and buffer, whereas we didn’t encounter that problem with Surfshark.

With Netflix viewing, the story is the same with VPNs. While Surfshark only makes one attempt to gain access to Netflix, ProtonVPN requires you to change servers to discover one that can unblock Netflix.

Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!

Torrenting

The P2P network is responsible for torrent downloads. All of Surfshark’s servers are P2P compatible, and the download speed was consistently promising in our tests.

P2P is also supported by ProtonVPN. The app displays a P2P symbol next to the server name while connected. Despite the fact that ProtonVPN does not have as many supported servers as some other VPNs, even connecting to a standard server allows you to download torrent files.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Features overview

Both Surfshark and ProtonVPN delivered on the features we’d expect from a premium VPN. Let’s check them out in detail below:

Double VPN

Double VPN means that the provider routes your VPN traffic through more than a single server for the ultimate protection.

While both VPNs do not offer the functionality by this name, Surfshark performs the Double VPN function through its MultiHop feature.

Similarly, Secure Core VPN is a feature of ProtonVPN that works similarly to Surfshark’s MultiHop, but only for a limited number of servers.

Split tunneling

Both VPN services provide all of the usual VPN capabilities, such as split tunneling for Windows and Android users.

While both app and IP-based split tunneling are supported, Surfshark has the advantage of allowing URL-based split tunneling.

Ad-blocker

Both Surfshark and ProtonVPN offer an ad-blocker called CleanWeb and NetShield.

By blocking advertisements, trackers, and viruses, ProtonVPN’s NetShield secures your devices and allows faster browsing. When activated, it prohibits your browsers from loading files from sites that contain malware, spyware, or other harmful software. By default, malware prevention is enabled.

In addition to malware, it bans advertising and the web trackers that marketing businesses use to target you. However, keep in mind that this feature isn’t available on ProtonVPN’s free plan.

CleanWeb is one of Surfshark’s most popular feature, and it comes standard with all of their subscription plans. It’s a function that protects you from fraudulent advertisements and websites.

With CleanWeb turned on, the browser will display fewer advertising and trackers will be disabled. Not to mention that you’ll be safe from phishing efforts.

Specialty servers

As for specialty servers, Surfshark comes with a list of MultiHop, Statis IP, and P2P servers, all of which offer robust service to users.

However, ProtonVPN doesn’t lack in this regard either. It offers free, Plus (streaming-optimized servers), Tor (optimized for using Tor), P2P (recommended for torrenting), and Secure Core servers.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

ProtonVPN vs Surfshark security: which is a better option?

In this category, we look into VPN protocols, encryption standards, and privacy profiles to see how well Surfshark and ProtonVPN do.

Encryption and tunneling protocols

On all significant desktop and mobile operating systems, ProtonVPN and Surfshark offer IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard protocols. Let’s keep in mind that the open-source Shadowsocks proxy is also supported by Surfshark.

ProtonVPN’s IKEv2 protocol, however, is only available on Android and iOS platforms.

Moreover, all of Surfshark’s protocols utilize the AES-256 encryption. ProtonVPN, on the other hand, uses ChaCha20 encryption with WireGuard and supports AES-256 with OpenVPN and IKEv2.

There’s no need to be concerned about any sort of encryption because they’re both unbreakable.

Logging

As far as the ProtonVPN vs Surfshark logging policies are concerned, then Surfshark has a zero-logs policy in place to keep your online activity private, and they only keep minimal diagnostic logs to assist them improve their service.

Although ProtonVPN is situated in Switzerland, which is not a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance, it does collaborate with the other 5 Eyes Alliance members on law enforcement data demands. For privacy-conscious users, ProtonVPN publishes a transparency report that details demands for information from both internal and external law enforcement.

ProtonVPN likewise maintains a stringent log policy, simply logging the timestamps of the connection requests of users.

Kill Switch

Both providers include an internet kill switch in their apps, which disables your connection if your VPN goes down. If you’re downloading torrents and don’t want your ISP to know about it, this is a good option.

If your VPN connection goes down, your complete internet connection shuts down to prevent being tracked.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Plans pricing

Prices and Plans	Surfshark	ProtonVPN
Periods	1 month	1 month
	6 months	1 year
	2 years	2 years
Special offers and discounts	82% off on 2 years + 2 months plan	–
Lowest price per month	$2.30/month	€4.99/month
Highest price per month	$12.95/mo	€9.99/mo

Even though ProtonVPN is the most affordable option on a monthly basis, Surfshark takes the lead on prolonged plans. The two-year subscription from Surfshark is only $2.30/mo, way cheaper than ProtonVPN’s Plus package (€4.99 = $5.22/mo), which is amazing.

When it comes to money-back guarantees, both VPN companies provide a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!

China and countries with restricted internet access

China is now one of the harshest regions in the world when it comes to preventing VPNs from entering their country.

Those connecting directly from China are blocked from accessing instant messaging services, social media apps, and many other sites unless they use a VPN.

The NoBorders mode of Surfshark makes it one of best VPNs for bypassing China’s numerous restrictions. ProtonVPN, on the other hand, discontinued circumventing China’s limitations in 2019.

Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!

Server locations

Surfshark has built an impressive network of over 3,200 servers across 65 countries. On this front, ProtonVPN has let novelty get in the way, and it presently only has roughly 1700+ servers in 63 countries. Its free package gives you access to over 80 servers across 3 countries.

In terms of server count and geographic spread, Surfshark is the clear winner. Furthermore, the supplier provides free static VPN servers, unlike ProtonVPN that does not provide static or dedicated IP servers.

Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!

ProtonVPN vs Surfshark device compatibility: Interface & Ease of Use

	ProtonVPN	Surfshark
OS supported	Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android	Linux, Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android
Other devices and operating systems	Fire TVs & Android TVs	Fire TV devices, Kodi, and Android TVs
Browser extensions	Safari, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera	Chrome & Firefox
Simultaneous connections	Ten	Unlimited

Each of these VPNs makes it extremely simple for new users to be set up and connected on both their desktop and mobile devices. However, we reviewed both VPNs in detail on all significant operating systems, and here is what we gathered:

Desktop apps

Surfshark has a simple user interface (UI), making it one of the best VPNs for novices. Every Surfshark VPN function is designed to be simple to use, and you won’t have any trouble changing servers, protocols, or other options.

ProtonVPN’s UI, on the other hand, includes a world map, which adds to the visual clutter. On the plus side, it uses color coding to indicate server load, making it easy to choose the best VPN server.

Unfortunately, certain options in ProtonVPN’s interface aren’t labelled, making them harder to locate for new VPN users. Overall, ProtonVPN’s desktop UI isn’t as polished and well-organized as Surfshark VPN’s, which makes it more difficult to use.

Mobile apps

Surfshark’s mobile apps, like its desktop counterparts, are simple to use. The sole criticism is that the iOS app lacks a split tunneling feature, however this is due to an iOS limitation instead of the VPN itself.

The mobile apps for ProtonVPN are more organised than their desktop counterparts, with clearly labelled features that make these easier to use.

Nevertheless, we have to give Surfshark the edge because of its simple UI, which makes it very easy to use than ProtonVPN.

Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!

Customer support

Both VPN services offer thorough knowledgebases, FAQs, and email support when it comes to customer support. In addition, Surfshark VPN has a live chat feature, which is a quick assistance route for issues that require a human touch, which ProtonVPN does not.

ProtonVPN uses social media to compensate for the lack of live chat support, providing outstanding assistance via Twitter and Reddit, however not as quickly as a 24/7 live support. As a result, we must award the victory to Surfshark.

Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!

ProtonVPN vs Surfshark – The Winner?

ProtonVPN has a lot of things going for it in terms of features, speed, and keeping your internet activity private, but it couldn’t compete with Surfshark’s full-featured VPN.

Both VPNs provide apps for all main platforms, connections are stable, and each VPN bypasses geo-restricted content effectively. The benefits of ProtonVPN, on the other hand, end there.

Surfshark is the overall best option; its 24/7 customer service provides it an advantage over ProtonVPN’s 2-day ticket and email support wait period, which is critical when it comes to internet security.

Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode outperforms ProtonVPN’s zero cloaking capabilities, giving it a viable option for unrestrained internet in China and access to sites that use VPN scanners to block VPNs.

So, if you’re still thinking which is better: ProtonVPN vs Surfshark? Then it’s definitely Surfshark!

FAQs

Is ProtonVPN good for gaming?

Proton VPN reduces lag and disturbance, making it a good choice for gaming. Everyone who uses Proton VPN has access to the lightweight and fast WireGuard protocol, which, when paired with our VPN Accelerator technology, may boost VPN speeds by over 400%.

Is ProtonVPN better than Surfshark?

Well, Surfshark is a better option than ProtonVPN. It has more complex features, more servers, more security and privacy, and is also more user-friendly.

Read more Comparisons!

• Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
• Surfshark vs NordVPN
• Surfshark vs Cyberghost
• Surfshark vs IPVanish
• Surfshark vs PIA
• Surfshark vs Windscribe

There are indeed tons of VPNs out there. And they all claim to be the fastest, safest, and most effective at accessing geo-blocked services and apps.

Hotspot Shield and Surfshark are two of the most amazing companies out there, and neither is hesitant about touting the merits of their respective services.

From the exhilarating speeds of Hotspot to Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections, there’s something for everyone. One of the best aspects is that both have extremely low prices.

Both are highly regarded on our list of the best VPN services. So, how do you decide which one to go with? Let’s conduct a quick Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark comparison and find out!

Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark: Highlights!

	Surfshark	Hotspot Shield
Trustpilot Rating:	4.2	4.7
Servers:	3200+ servers in 95 countries	1800+ servers in 80+ countries
Logs policy:	No logs	No logs
Pricing:	Starts from $2.30/month	Starts from $7.99/month
VPN protocols:	IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, WireGuard,  Shadowsocks	Catapult Hydra, IKEv2
Streaming Compatibility:	Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more	BBC iPlayer, Netflix, YouTube
Platforms:	Linux, macOS, Windows, Firefox, Chrome, iOS, and Android	iOS, Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android
Simultaneous connections:	Unlimited devices	5 devices
Support:	FAQs, email support, 24/7 live chat, knowledge base	FAQs, knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support

Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark speed test: Which is faster?

Both VPNs are known to offer blazing-fast speeds to users. However, one definitely stands ahead of the other. We conducted a speed test of both VPNs based on the formula: 100 Mbps download speed/100 Mbps upload speed, and got the following results:

	Surfshark	Hotspot Shield
WireGuard/Hydra	83/61 Mbps	87/56 Mbps
IKEv2	81/60 Mbps	85/44 Mbps

Hotspot Shield has been one of the fastest VPNs for a long time, due to the Catapult Hydra protocol. As per our testing on 100 Mbps,  we saw 80-90 Mbps download speed on US servers.

That’s a lot of speed. To put it another way, if you have Hotspot Shield set on while torrenting, gaming, or streaming, then the VPN usage will be completely undetectable.

When you compare this to the 80-85 Mbps speed we got from Surfshark on WireGuard, it was clear that Hotspot Shield is miles ahead.

Final Result: Hotspot Shield is the Winner!

Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark streaming; Which unblocks more platforms?

These two VPNs have been quite evenly matched, but Surfshark takes the lead in this category. Not only did it unblock every site we tried, but it also gave us access to a couple of extra Netflix libraries.

This makes it a particularly appealing alternative for anyone who enjoys streaming, especially since there is no connection limit, allowing you to effectively view everything, wherever.

Hotspot Shield has the distinction of being able to bypass the geo-restrictions of some of the most popular streaming services, including Netflix catalogues. Many larger services, on the other hand, blocked it outright, possibly due to the high volume of traffic originating from free-tier customers.

Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!

Torrenting

When it comes to keeping you safe and secure while torrenting, Surfshark is no slouch. When it detects that you’re transferring torrent data, it connects you to a dedicated P2P server for the purpose.

Hotspot Shield, on the other hand, goes a step farther. It supports peer-to-peer (P2P) on all of its servers worldwide, whether you’re using a PC or a mobile device. That’s quite convenient, and it just means you’ll have one less thing to bother about while surfing the web.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Features overview

Whether you choose Surfshark or Hotspot Shield, you’ll have access to a vast range of features. A few prominent ones include:

Smart DNS

Surfshark offers a Smart DNS feature to users that allows you to enjoy an unrestricted access on devices that do not support VPN connections natively.

Meanwhile, Hotspot Shield doesn’t have Smart DNS, which puts it on line with other great VPNs for streaming.

Split tunneling

You’ll notice a feature called SmartVPN in Hotspot Shield, which is similar to split tunneling. Surprisingly, the VPN gives you the option of selecting not just apps but also websites, which is really useful.

Whereas, Surfshark has the benefit of allowing URL-based split tunneling, while both app and IP-based split tunneling are supported.

Malware Blocking

Surfshark offers a CleanWeb feature that prevents users from all kinds of malware and phishing attempts on their device.

Similarly, Hotspot Shield warns you when you’re about to access an infected website, preventing you from falling victim to phishing scams or malware.

Specialty servers

Surfshark offers a variety of specialty servers, including Static IP, MultiHop, and P2P servers, all of which provide reliable service to users.

However, when it comes to Hotspot Shield, then you’d have to give up on these servers as the VPN offers none.

Cybersecurity suite

You get more than just a VPN when you buy Hotspot Shield Premium. The list is as follows:

• Spam-call blocker (Robo Shield) – This is a feature on Android and iOS that marks calls from unknown sources as spam.
• Aura antivirus – A real-time antivirus is included with the Premium subscription. It is important to note, however, that it is only accessible on Windows and Mac.
• 1Password – It’s a password manager that streamlines the process of filling out online forms and remembering passwords. It’s one of the safest and most effective password managers available. It has a 1 GB document storage capacity.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark VPN: which is more secure?

Moving on to Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark security features, both VPNs are slightly different from one another. Let’s review them in detail:

Encryption and tunneling protocols

Surfshark supports the OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols, all of which are fairly common. It also allows you to connect via Shadowsocks, an open-source protocol that specializes at avoiding detection by encrypting only your browser traffic, the same as a proxy server.

Hotspot Shield also has a few tricks up its sleeve, supporting IKEv2 and Hydra protocols. The latter is a separate protocol meant to allow faster connectivity over large distances.

Both VPNs use 256-bit AES encryption and 2048-bit RSA keys, which are practically unbreakable. To put things in perspective, cracking this would take countless lifetimes without the correct decryption key.

Logging

As for Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark logging policies, Surfshark claims to simply keep your billing details and email address. Nothing else.

Hotspot Shield, on the other hand, confesses of storing additional data such as session duration, websites accessed, device hashes, and IPs. This feels more intrusive than Surfshark in several ways.

On the other hand, we appreciate that the provider is so forthright about it, going to great lengths to state that none of the data can be linked to your personal account or usage.

Kill Switch

Each service also has a kill switch, that instantly blocks your internet connectivity when you lose your VPN connection, ensuring that you never have to surf without protection.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Plans pricing

Prices and Plans	Surfshark	Hotspot Shield
Periods	1 month	Basic
	6 months	Premium
	2 years	Premium Family
Special offers and discounts	82% off on 2 years + 2 months plan	38% off on the Premium plan
Lowest price per month	$2.30/month	$7.99/month
Highest price per month	$12.95/mo	$11.99/mo

There’s only a slight difference between both VPNs’ monthly plans – both are quite expensive. However, only when you check out the prolonged plans is when you see the difference. Surfshark is WAY cheaper than Hotspot Shield, and has, therefore, taken the lead.

Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!

China and countries with restricted internet access

You’re probably aware that China restricts the amount of online content that its citizens and visitors can access. The Great Firewall, a suite of tools, is used to accomplish this. While a VPN can help you get around the restrictions, most of these services are unavailable in China.

Although the websites for Surfshark and Hotspot Shield are inaccessible, the apps themselves are fully functional. As a result, if you install these apps before landing in China, you will have unrestricted access to the internet.

Users of Hotspot Shield don’t need to do anything special and can resume browsing as usual. Customers who use Surfshark must first enable NoBorders mode (Settings > Advanced > NoBorders).

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Server locations

Surfshark has a prominent lead when it comes to servers. It offers 3200+ servers across 95 countries worldwide for users to connect to and enjoy an unrestricted connection.

Whereas, Hotspot Shield only offers 1800+ servers in 80+ countries. Even though the country count is not bad, the server count is just over half of what the former has to offer.

Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!

Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark device compatibility: Interface & Ease of Use

	Hotspot Shield	Surfshark
OS supported	Mac, Windows,  iOS, and Android	iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android
Other devices and operating systems	Android TVs & Fire TVs	Fire TV devices, Kodi, and Android TVs
Browser extensions	Chrome	Chrome & Firefox
Simultaneous connections	Five	Unlimited

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections and is compatible with various platforms. Whereas, you can use Hotspot Shield on five devices at once.

By the looks of it, Surfshark is the winner. However, we’ll only confirm which is better: Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark after reviewing their  desktop and mobile apps.

Desktop apps

Both VPNs include user-friendly desktop applications. Surfshark puts your most-recently-used servers directly on the main screen for quick access, and you can also connect to the server that’s closest to you.

The servers are grouped into three categories (Static IP, Location, and MultiHop), making it simple to discover what you need. The controls are very simple to comprehend, with clear explanation and toggle switches.

Hotspot Shield’s style is more on the minimal side. On the main page of Hotspot Shield, there’s a quick-connect button, a daily data use monitor, and a server selection option, as well as a sidebar for navigating to other parts of the desktop app.

If we had one issue, it would be some of the sidebar icons are needless, although this isn’t a major flaw. There’s a lot to enjoy here, with uncomplicated server selection and easy-to-use settings pages.

Mobile apps

The mobile apps of Surfshark are pretty similar to the desktop counterparts. There are a few minor modifications, such as the sidebar being relocated to the bottom of the screen. Furthermore, unlike desktop users, mobile users are unable to perform a speed test immediately within the app.

Without the need of third-party apps, the mobile version allows you to override your phone’s GPS location. You can also switch to a different sort of encryption, which isn’t available on desktop systems.

Hotspot Shield’s mobile app, like the desktop version, has a quick connect icon and a server selection feature directly on the home screen.

Although customers cannot change protocols in the mobile app, its settings are almost the same. The only actual difference is that the sidebar has shrunk and now runs to the bottom of the screen.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Customer support

Both VPNs provide live chat and email assistance 24/7. This means that a response to your difficulties is really no more than a few minutes away.

Surfshark will answer anyone’s query, whereas Hotspot Shield exclusively offers assistance to paying subscribers only.

Otherwise, you’ll have to hope that the knowledge base has a related article. Surfshark also includes a question database, as well as an official YouTube channel with video walkthroughs.

Final Result: Surfshark is the Winner!

Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark – The Winner?

Honestly, either one of these VPNs would be a great choice for daily use. Hotspot Shield is fast and dependable, with good unblocking ability, and it has a lot of features that its competitors don’t.

However, according to our testing, Surfshark is the superior option and the winner of our comparison. It covers many countries, offers fast speeds, and can unblock significantly more geo-restricted services.

This privacy-focused service also accepts crypto, keeps no logs, and allows you to connect quite so many devices as you want.

To summarise, Surfshark is a remarkable VPN that would be ideal for almost any task.

FAQs

Is Hotspot Shield good for gaming?

Yes, Hotspot Shield is a good choice for gaming. It prevents bandwidth limiting, encrypts your gaming data, lowers latency, and keeps your online profile anonymous.

Is Hotspot Shield better than NordVPN?

Well, NordVPN appeals majority of customers. This is due to the fact that it is less expensive, unblocks numerous streaming sites, and provides superior customer service. Some users, however, may prefer Hotspot Shield due to its lightning-fast download speeds.

We thoroughly reviewed the two in our Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN comparison to find out the answer.

In the VPN business, there are numerous paths to success. To attract customers, many services innovate and provide new features. Others, on the other hand, don’t wander as often and instead seek to improve on the formula. Success isn’t really guaranteed no matter which path they take.

We’ll be comparing Hotspot Shield with ExpressVPN this time. Hotspot Shield is a VPN that is well-known for its fast connection speeds, free version, and general performance. Meanwhile, while ExpressVPN is more costly than the standard VPN, it excels in a variety of areas.

So, when you examine Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN closely, what other differences do you notice? Let us have a look.

Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN: A Face Off!

	ExpressVPN	Hotspot Shield
Trustpilot Rating:	4.6	4.7
Servers:	3000+ servers in 94 countries	1800+ servers in 80+ countries
Logs policy:	No logs	No logs
Pricing:	Starts from $8.32/month	Starts from $7.99/month
VPN protocols:	Lightway, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, IKEv2	Catapult Hydra, IKEv2
Streaming Compatibility:	Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, DAZN, Hotstar	Netflix, YouTube,BBC iPlayer
Platforms:	Linux, Windows, iOS, Firefox, Chrome, macOS, and Android	iOS, Linux, Windows, Mac, and Android
Simultaneous connections:	5 devices	5 devices
Support:	FAQs, knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support	knowledge base, email support, 24/7 live chat, FAQs

Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN speed test: Which is faster?

Because both VPN companies use proprietary tunneling protocols, the speed tests were very fascinating. Lightway is used by ExpressVPN, while Hydra is used by Hotspot Shield.

Let’s compare the speeds of both VPNs based on the formula: 100 Mbps download speed/100 Mbps upload speed to determine which is faster among the two:

	ExpressVPN	Hotspot Shield
Lightway/Hydra	85/72 Mbps	86/65 Mbps
IKEv2	83/66 Mbps	84/40 Mbps

Both VPNs had similar speeds, with ExpressVPN having faster upload speeds and Hotspot Shield with quicker download speeds. Given that streaming 4K video requires only a 25 Mbps connection, both of these VPNs ought to be able to handle whatever you throw at them.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN streaming capabilities; Which one unblocks more platforms?

When it concerns to pure unblocking power, ExpressVPN comes out on top. It not only gave us access to a wide range of geo-restricted streaming services, but it also gave us access to nearly a dozen Netflix libraries.

This is a tough achievement, but one that more than a third of VPN users wish to accomplish because they want to circumvent geographical restrictions.

While Hotspot Shield didn’t perform as well as the top VPNs in terms of streaming, it did show that it is capable of competing with them. It only had difficulty with the most popular streaming providers, and it had no trouble unblocking moderately popular channels.

Hotspot Shield, in particular, can access several of the most popular Netflix libraries, something that few other VPNs can do.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Torrenting

Torrenting and P2P is another category where the two are nearly equal, but ExpressVPN takes the lead once more. The element that pushed it over the finish line this time was port forwarding.

Aside from that, both providers enable P2P traffic on their whole network of servers. Neither of them offers a SOCKS5 proxy, that would make them strong rivals for the best torrent VPN. Fortunately, both VPNs support split tunneling.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Features overview

Both VPNs offer an array of features to users. However, there are a few prominent ones that make the VPNs stand out. Let’s check them out:

Smart DNS

Smart DNS is great for unblocking platforms on devices that do not natively support VPN connections.

Hotspot Shield lacks the Smart DNS functionality, which would put it on line with other excellent VPNs for streaming. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN offers a feature called MediaStreamer that allows the VPN to unblock material on a variety of services.

Split tunneling

Both VPNs were found to offer a robust split tunneling feature that you can use to divide apps and sites among the ones that you want the VPN connection on, and the ones on which you don’t.

When using Hotspot Shield, you’ll see a function called SmartVPN, which is similar to split tunneling. Surprisingly, the VPN allows you to choose not only apps but also websites, which is extremely convenient.

Malware Blocking

When you’re about to visit an infected website, Hotspot Shield informs you, keeping you from falling prey to phishing scams or malware. However, sadly, ExpressVPN offers no such feature.

Cybersecurity suite

You will get more than just a VPN when you buy Hotspot Shield Premium. The list is as follows:

• Aura antivirus – The Premium subscription offers an antivirus with real-time security. However, keep in mind that it is only compatible with Windows and Mac.
• 1Password – It is a password manager that automates the completion of internet forms and passwords. It’s one of the most secure and effective password managers on the market. It comes with 1 GB of document storage.
• Spam-call blocker (Robo Shield) – This is an Android and iOS feature that flags calls coming from unknown numbers as spam.

Final Result: Hotspot Shield is the Winner!

Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN security: which is more safe?

In terms of security, the two are not on same footing. But there are some typical details that come up, so let’s start there.

Encryption and tunneling protocols

ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway tunneling protocol, which is geared for security, speed, and stability, is the company’s key selling point. Users can also connect via OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, or use the oldest L2TP protocol.

Hotspot Shield, on the other hand, only allows you to use IKEv2 or its own Hydra protocol. Hydra, according to the company, helps you to connect faster and provides faster long-distance connections than OpenVPN.

Both services use 256-bit AES encryption, which is so strong that this would take an attacker decades to crack without the precise decryption key. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, employs 4096-bit RSA keys, which are twice as lengthy as Hotspot Shield’s.

While neither is particularly vulnerable to cracking, the increased length makes brute force attacks on ExpressVPN’s keys more difficult.

Logging

As for the Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN logging policies, neither service saves any information that could be used to identify you. Hotspot Shield does maintain session duration data and a log of the websites you visit, but it does so in such a way that nothing can be traced back to a single user.

ExpressVPN stores only the minimal connection logs, which include the time and date of your connection. None of this information, however, may be used to identify you.

Kill Switch

Each of these VPNs has a kill switch that prevents data from being sent if your connection is lost. This way, you’ll never browse without protection even by accident. Furthermore, they both encrypt your information in specific techniques.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Plans pricing

Prices and Plans	ExpressVPN	Hotspot Shield
Periods	1 month	Basic
	6 months	Premium
	1 year	Premium Family
Special offers and discounts	35% off on 1 year plan	38% off on the Premium plan
Lowest price per month	$8.32/month	$7.99/month
Highest price per month	$12.95/mo	$11.99/mo

Hotspot Shield has fewer price choices, but it is one notch less expensive, and the plans are divided into tiers that incorporate additional protection software. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN is more expensive but offers more plans and payment alternatives.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

China and countries with restricted internet access

ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield both allow you to bypass the restrictions and freely browse the internet in China.

The best part is that, unlike many other VPNs, ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield don’t require you to do anything special in order to surf safely in the country.

Due to the fact that both services’ websites are now restricted, you’ll have to install them before visiting China. However, while you might not be able to access Hotspot Shield within the country at all, ExpressVPN does offer a mirror site that allows Chinese users to install the VPN from inside the country.

It’s also a good idea to save the manual setup instructions in case you need to troubleshoot after you arrive.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Server locations

The server infrastructure of these VPNs share a lot of similarities. ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers and 94 countries to choose from, whereas Hotspot Shield has 1800+ servers and 85+ countries. With such a huge number of servers, it’s not unexpected that neither of them owns the entire fleet.

However, ExpressVPN has one card up its sleeve that could resolve the dispute. That’s TrustedServer technology, meaning means their servers run entirely on RAM and don’t save any data on hard drives. When using ExpressVPN, this is a huge privacy plus.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN device compatibility: Interface & Ease of Use

	Hotspot Shield	ExpressVPN
OS supported	Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android	Mac, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Android
Other devices and operating systems	Fire TVs & Android TVs	Kodi, Android TVs, and Fire TV devices
Browser extensions	Chrome	Chrome, Edge, & Firefox
Simultaneous connections	Five	Five

Now that we’re almost at the end, let’s review the apps of bith VPNs on all major operating systems and decide which is better: Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN.

Desktop apps

Both VPNs come with easy-to-use desktop applications. On the main interface, ExpressVPN has a huge quick-connect button and a server list that is divided into categories. Users can look at recommended servers or all of the locations on a specific continent.

The settings menu is similarly divided into tabs and provides straightforward descriptions. This keeps things clutter-free and straightforward enough for almost anyone to understand.

The desktop interface for Hotspot Shield is similar, but it organizes its servers alphabetically, with the UK and US servers appearing first. There’s also a fast access option with your two most often visited locations.

You can also search for your preferred country directly if you like. The settings are well-organized, and it’s simple to figure out what they do. Even better, you may start a live chat conversation right from the support tab.

Mobile apps

ExpressVPN has done an excellent job of ensuring a similar user experience throughout all of its apps. In fact, the mobile version is nearly identical to the desktop one.

The only noticeable change is in the settings menu, which lacks some functionality (such as using only ExpressVPN’s DNS servers). It’s worth noting, though, that a full array of security protections is still available.

The mobile app for Hotspot Shield is actually more entertaining to use than the PC version. This is because it removes the majority of the clutter from the sidebar, making it far easier to discover what you need.

It also enables you to connect to the internet or access settings right from the home screen. For what it’s worth, the options haven’t changed much; the only distinction is that you can’t choose which protocol to use manually anymore.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Customer support

Both VPNs offer email and live chat service 24/7. Hotspot Shield, on the other hand, only provides this service to premium subscribers. Instead, this VPN advises free users to search the extensive knowledge library for answers.

ExpressVPN has a searchable library of FAQs as well as a YouTube channel with video tutorials.

In general, live chat is the best option if you need assistance. This option, however, may not always be available, for example, if you’re travelling in China.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN – The Winner?

ExpressVPN is the winner of our Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN comparison!  This service, while slightly slower, provides access to a larger number of countries and unblocks a considerably wider of streaming platforms.

It also has a long list of security and privacy features, including the possibility to register anonymously with Bitcoin, which Hotspot Shield does not.

ExpressVPN is a good alternative if you want to browse without being tracked by the government or simply stream Netflix from another country.

FAQs

Is ExpressVPN worth the money?

ExpressVPN a fantastic VPN. You won’t find a suitable all-around VPN if money isn’t a factor. ExpressVPN excels in all areas, including security, speed, unblocking geo-restricted websites, circumventing censorship, and customer service.

It’s something we’d suggest to everybody, from newcomers to seasoned VPN users.

Is ExpressVPN better than Hotspot Shield?

Yes, ExpressVPN is better and faster than Hotspot Shield. If speed is crucial to you, we suggest checking out ExpressVPN.

Read more Comparisons!

• ExpressVPN vs Cyberghost
• Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
• ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
• ExpressVPN vs PIA
• ExpressVPN vs IPVanish
• ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN

We’ll be honest: we trust both ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN to secure our online privacy when it comes to VPNs. We wouldn’t continue to put them on our best VPNs recommendations if we didn’t. However, this does not imply that they are identical.

To mask our location, ExpressVPN uses rotating IP addresses, whereas ProtonVPN uses static, shared ones. Which of these two VPNs should you choose? Below, in our ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison, we will go over all of the finer points to assist you in making your decision.

ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN: A Face Off!

	ExpressVPN	ProtonVPN
Trustpilot Rating:	4.6	2.6
Servers:	3000+ servers in 94 countries	1700+ servers in 63 countries
Logs policy:	No logs	No logs
Pricing:	Starts from $8.32/month	Starts from €4.99/month
VPN protocols:	Lightway, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, IKEv2	OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec
Streaming Compatibility:	Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Netflix, and more	Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, and more
Platforms:	Windows, Linux, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, macOS, iOS, and Android	Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Simultaneous connections:	5 devices	10 devices
Support:	24/7 live chat, knowledge base, FAQs, email support	knowledge base, email support

Speed comparison: ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN

We conducted a ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN speed test to figure out how fast these VPNS are. We dove into each of their protocols and tested them on our baseline testing formula: 100 Mbps download speed/100 Mbps upload speed.

Here are the results:

Protocols	ExpressVPN	ProtonVPN
Lightway (ExpressVPN)	87/65	–
IKEv2	82/59	66/17
OpenVPN (TCP)	78/46	50/21
OpenVPN (UDP)	75/47	45/29

In our ExpressVPN speed test, we only saw a 13% decrease in download speed on its Lightway protocol, which is really impressive. Our quickest speeds were on local servers (in the United States), but we were also able to sustain them on servers in Europe, Japan, India, Brazil, and Australia.

The speeds were also great on its other protocols, with a maximum decrease of 25% on its OpenVPN UDP protocol.

Although ProtonVPN isn’t as quick as ExpressVPN, we were still able to torrent, browse, stream, and play games over most servers without experiencing any noticeable delays.

Overall, ProtonVPN reduced our speed by roughly 22% on WireGuard, which was not bad. We had amazing download speeds on nearby servers, just like ExpressVPN, however our download speeds plummeted on distant servers – while our internet activity was unaffected.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Netflix and streaming platforms; Which one unblocks more?

In our ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN streaming tests, we were able to enjoy TV episodes and movies on Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, ESPN+, Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and even lesser-known applications like DAZN, Sling TV, and Comedy Central using ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN’s DNS solution (named MediaStreamer) also allows you to watch streaming video on devices that don’t ordinarily accept VPN connections, such as game consoles and Apple TV.

Accessing streaming services with ProtonVPN is a breeze as well. In our tests, ProtonVPN had no trouble accessing Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and a variety of other streaming apps, similar to ExpressVPN (albeit ProtonVPN’s Free plan does not support streaming).

Also, you cannot access any lesser known apps with ProtonVPN, like DAZN, FXNOW, Kayo Sports, and more.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Torrenting

Torrenting is an excellent way of transferring huge files like music and movies. Unfortunately, because torrenting is a grey area when it comes to copyright regulations, it can be dangerous.

ExpressVPN is a fast VPN service (thanks to Lightway). It has the ability to securely disguise your IP address, retain no logs, and provide excellent leak protection. The Network Lock (kill switch) protects you against IP and DNS leaks in a very safe manner. This enables you to torrent for hours without the fear of being interrupted.

ProtonVPN tested to be slower than ExpressVPN, which can have a negative impact on torrent speeds. ProtonVPN’s paid plans include complete torrenting capability, as well as no logs and leak prevention. However, if you’re anything like us, you’ll want the quickest speeds available.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Features Overview

ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN offer a variety of features to its users for security, privacy, and accessing geo-restricted platforms. Let’s look at few of them below:

Split tunneling

Split tunneling allows you to use the VPN connection for specific apps. This could be handy if you want to use a VPN to unblock geo-restricted services while using your regular connection to ensure the fastest possible download speeds.

Split tunneling is supported by both ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, offers this feature on all platforms, whilst ProtonVPN only offers it on Windows and Android.

Ad-blocker

ProtonVPN features a built-in ad blocker and scans files you downloaded for malware automatically. ExpressVPN does not have this capability, but it does have Firefox and Chrome extensions that let you control the app from your browser.

It can also be set to automatically connect whenever you connect to an unprotected wireless network. This is especially useful if you travel frequently because you’ll be relying on public wi-fi networks, which are infamously insecure.

RAM-only servers

ExpressVPN’s network is exclusively made up of RAM-only servers, meaning that whenever a server is reset, all data saved on it is gone forever. This goes a long way toward defending their no-log policy; even if they intended to breach their consumers’ privacy, it would be impossible. The information is just no longer available.

However, the feature isn’t available on ProtonVPN.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN: which is more secure?

As for the ProtonVPN vs NordVPN security, both of these VPNs don’t only talk about privacy. They’ve both taken steps to ensure that even if they were served with a warrant, they wouldn’t be able to hand out our information. AES-256 bit encryption, no traffic tracking policies, and more are among their security features. Let’s have a look at them now:

Encryption and tunneling protocols

The OpenVPN protocol is supported by both of these services. This is the industry standard and, in most cases, your best bet. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, supports the L2TP and IKEv2 protocols, as well as Lightway, its own proprietary security mechanism.

Lightway is faster than OpenVPN, great for long connections, and it will shortly be made open-source, allowing for full privacy auditing. IKEv2 is an option with ProtonVPN for mobile.

Both ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN use 4096-bit RSA keys and 256-bit AES encryption. This is incredibly secure, without being too technical. Without the correct decryption key, even the world’s best computers would take thousands of years to crack this degree of security.

Logging

As for the ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN logging policies, both VPNs clearly value your privacy. ExpressVPN is not obligated to store logs. As a result, it merely saves your connection date, the server you selected, and the amount of data sent.

ProtonVPN keeps no logs that might be used to identify you, simply the date and time you last connected.

Kill Switch

Kill switches are included into both firms’ services. This means that if our router went down for some reason, all of our browsers would go down with it. There was no way our site’s history could be discovered by accident.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Plans and Pricing

Prices and Plans	ExpressVPN	ProtonVPN
Periods	1 month	1 month
	6 months	1 year
	1 year	2 years
Special offers and discounts	35% off on the 1-year plan	–
Lowest price per month	$8.32/month	€4.99/month
Highest price per month	$12.95/mo	€9.99/mo

Both of these VPNs can be subscribed to at a similar cost. However, ProtonVPN offers a free plan to users with multiple limitations. Both VPNs are backed with risk-free 30-day money-back guarantees as well for testing them out.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

China and countries with restricted internet access

China has some of the world’s strongest and most widespread internet restriction policies.

Fortunately, ExpressVPN continues to function flawlessly in China. There are no manual setup requirements or changes to be made to the settings. This service even has a mirror site that you can visit in China (but you’ll have to request for the address before you go).

Regrettably, ProtonVPN is no longer available in China. The appropriate support post on the website indicates that the service is looking into the matter, but the page hasn’t been updated since 2019, so you shouldn’t rely on it if you’re planning a trip to China.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Server locations

ExpressVPN beats ProtonVPN when it comes to network size with 3000+ servers in 94 countries. It not only gives you access to 3 times as many servers, but it also gives you access to servers in an extra 30 countries.

However, ProtonVPN’s network is approximately what you’d expect from a mid-tier provider; offering 1700+ servers in 63 countries. Also, there are plenty of subscription providers with fewer servers available.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

Interface & Ease of Use

	ProtonVPN	ExpressVPN
OS supported	iOS, Windows, Mac, and Android	Mac, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Android
Other devices and operating systems	Android TVs and Fire TVs	Fire TV devices, Kodi, and Android TVs
Browser extensions	Safari, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera	Firefox, Brave, Edge, Chrome, and Vivaldi
Simultaneous connections	Ten	Five

For the most popular platforms, each of these services has an easy-to-use app. For testing the ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN device compatibility and deeming which VPN is better, we used them both on our devices, and here is all that we discovered:

Desktop apps

The ExpressVPN desktop app includes a large quick connection button as well as a server list organized by continent. Of course, if you like, you can search for a certain country. The settings menu is divided into numerous tabs to keep things organized.

We enjoyed how informative the option names are, as well as how the VPN provides examples of when you would need to update them.

The desktop interface for ProtonVPN allows you to select a server from a map or a list. Alternatively, if you wish to utilize a different server every time, you can set up distinct profiles. Most features are activated with a simple toggle switch on the server menu, which is minimalistic and easy to navigate.

However, the NetShield and kill switch must be enabled from the main screen, which seems contradictory given that these are two of the most essential security tools available.

Mobile apps

On mobile devices, ExpressVPN is almost identical. The settings menu is missing a handful of elements (DNS server selection and IPv6 leak protection).

You can, however, opt to connect automatically whenever you use an unprotected network, which isn’t available on the desktop versions of the app.

For mobile users, ProtonVPN’s layout is slightly different, with the map, server list, and profile list separated into distinct tabs. Furthermore, rather than having the quick connect button visible at all times, users must click a popup at the bottom of the screen to activate it.

This isn’t immediately apparent the first time you use the app, and it will take some time to get used to. The IPV6 leak protection and the ability to connect automatically when opening the app have also been disabled.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Customer support

ExpressVPN’s customer service is outstanding, with a comprehensive collection of troubleshooting instructions, video setup tutorials, a large number of FAQs, 24/7 live chat, and email assistance.

The live chat is available 24/7, and we were always connected to a support representative in about 15 seconds, and every rep was quick, knowledgeable, helpful, and polite. We tested the email support a few times and had a response within a couple hours each time, which is very typical for a VPN.

ProtonVPN’s customer care is adequate, but not as good as ExpressVPN.

ProtonVPN has excellent support guides that are organized by category and provide in-depth information, but email assistance is lacking (We had to wait for nearly a day for a response, which, however, was helpful), and there is no live chat.

Final Result: ExpressVPN is the Winner!

ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN – The Winner?

In the end, the real question arises “Which is better: ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN?” Although it was close, ExpressVPN emerged victorious in this head-to-head competition.

It’s certainly the superior pick if you’re an international traveler, with over 3000 servers in 94 different countries. It also has substantially quicker download speeds, which is important if you use streaming services.

However, ProtonVPN may be preferred by some users. It’s a few dollars less expensive, and it has faster upload rates for individuals who use Skype or Facetime frequently.

FAQs

Is ProtonVPN cheaper than ExpressVPN?

Both ExpressVPN and ProtonVPN provide excellent value. ProtonVPN’s plans are all less expensive than ExpressVPN, and have the best free plan available.

Is ProtonVPN secure?

ProtonVPN is a VPN that is completely safe to use. ProtonVPN has a stringent no-data-logging policy, so if someone asks for your data, it won’t be able to provide it. If needed, it has Tor integration and SecureCore servers for added security.

Read more Comparisons!

• ExpressVPN vs Cyberghost
• Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
• ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
• ExpressVPN vs PIA
• ExpressVPN vs IPVanish
• ExpressVPN vs Hotspot Shield

There’s no doubt that NordVPN is now one of the best VPNs on the market. But how far ahead of the competition is it? What if we compared it to a smaller provider?

Consider the comparison between NordVPN and Hotspot Shield. The latter is far from insignificant in the business. It has established a reputation as an excellent freemium choice with its own proprietary tunneling technology, Hydra.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re attempting to decide between NordVPN and Hotspot Shield for the finest service. We’ll attempt to answer this question in our NordVPN vs Hotspot Shield comparison.

Let’s have a look at how these two VPN services perform in this VPN comparison in terms of speed, security, features, and other essential factors.

Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN: A Face Off!

	NordVPN	Hotspot Shield
Trustpilot Rating:	4.4	4.7
Servers:	5600+ servers in 60 countries	1800+ servers in 80+ countries
Logs policy:	No logs	No logs
Pricing:	Starts from $3.29/month	Starts from $7.99/month
VPN protocols:	L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Nordlynx	Catapult Hydra, IKEv2
Streaming Compatibility:	Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more	BBC iPlayer, Netflix, YouTube
Platforms:	Linux, Windows, Firefox, Chrome, macOS, iOS, and Android	iOS, Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android
Simultaneous connections:	6 devices	5 devices
Support:	24/7 live chat, FAQs, knowledge base, email support	24/7 live chat, knowledge base, email support, FAQs

Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN: Which One is the Fastest?

To start off, we wanted to conduct a Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN speed test to figure out which VPN is better in terms of speeds. Hotspot Shield, like NordVPN, has a proprietary protocol that focuses entirely on speed.

So, which is the quicker handcrafted protocol: NordLynx, Catapult Hydra, or the oldest IKEv2? Let’s take a look at what we’ve got using the formula 100 Mbps download/100 Mbps upload speed.

	NordVPN	Hotspot Shield
NordLynx/Hydra	86/76 Mbps	87/63 Mbps
IKEv2	82/65 Mbps	84/45 Mbps

In terms of download speed, we observed that Hotspot Shield’s Hydra is led the pack. In fact, speed drops were as less as 13% in some cases, which is an outstanding achievement for a VPN. In the meanwhile, NordLynx’s download speeds were excellent, although not as fast as Catapult Hydra’s.

Hydra’s upload speed, on the other hand, left us wanting more. It was noticeably slower than NordLynx, which is unfortunate if you need a VPN for gaming.

IKEv2 is another tunneling protocol shared by NordVPN and Hotspot Shield. Once again, Hotspot Shield outperformed NordVPN in terms of download speeds. Hotspot Shield’s upload speeds, on the other hand, were disappointing.

Overall, due of the disparity in download and upload speeds, it’s tough to identify a clear winner in this category.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Netflix and streaming platforms: Unblocking Comparison

As for Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN streaming capabilities, the latter can unblock almost any streaming service you can think of, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max. There are no buffering concerns, and you can usually access movie libraries from a variety of nations, not just the United States or the United Kingdom.

It’s worth noting that NordVPN is ideal for watching Netflix because it unblocks around 16 different libraries.

Now let’s talk about Hotspot Shield. It’s also a decent VPN for streaming, as it can unblock Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among other services. However, the list comes to an end here, as we were unable to access the other services (such as DAZN) while using the VPN.

NordVPN also has a SmartDNS feature that lets you view content on devices that don’t support VPN connections.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Torrenting

Both Hotspot Shield and NordVPN are good torrenting options. If you download torrents frequently, then NordVPN should be your first choice.

While Hotspot Shield supports torrenting on all servers, NordVPN is a superior option since it has specialized servers that are specifically designed for P2P connections. There’s more: you can connect to its Onion over VPN servers, that are incredibly secure.

Finally, NordVPN includes a built-in SOCKS5 proxy that may be used with a variety of torrenting clients.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Features overview

In this section, picking a winner is challenging as both VPNs offer distinct advanced features. Let’s check a few in detail below:

Smart DNS

SmartDNS is a feature of NordVPN that allows you to access Netflix and other streaming services on devices that don’t support VPN connections, such as game consoles and some smart TVs. But keep in mind that your connection will not be encrypted, and you will only be using an international IP address.

Split tunneling

Both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield offer split tunneling. It’s quite beneficial because it lets you to use the VPN connection for specific applications while leaving the rest of your traffic unencrypted. You won’t have to switch the VPN on and off all the time this way.

In NordVPN’s case, the function is highly customizable. On both Windows and Android, you can include or exclude specific apps from the VPN connection.

When you use Hotspot Shield, you’ll see a feature called SmartVPN, which is practically the same as split tunneling. Surprisingly, the VPN lets you select not just apps but also sites, which is really useful. However, exclusion is the sole option, which limits this Windows and Android feature.

Malware Blocking

Surprisingly, several VPNs can protect you from not only snoopers but also malware. NordVPN uses a mechanism called CyberSec to accomplish this. It prevents your computer from being infected by blocking dangerous ads and websites.

Similarly, Hotspot Shield warns you when you’re about to access an infected website, preventing you from falling victim to phishing scams or infections.

Specialty servers

Unlike Hotspot Shield, NordVPN has a number of specialized servers that you may use to further customize your VPN connection. They are as follows:

• Onion over VPN – Your connection is also routed through the Tor network, making these servers incredibly safe.
• Obfuscated servers – In repressive nations, these servers can be incredibly valuable because they disguise VPN traffic as ordinary traffic, allowing you to circumvent different restrictions.
• P2P servers – These servers, which are optimized for P2P connections, will let you to torrent at high speeds.
• Double VPN – This option is available with the OpenVPN protocols and connects you to two distinct servers at the same time.

Cybersecurity suite

When you purchase Hotspot Shield Premium, you will receive more than just a VPN. This is what you’ll get:

• 1Password – A password manager that will fill out internet forms and passwords for you. It is one of the safest and most effective password managers available. It comes with 1 GB of secure storage of documents.
• Aura antivirus – A full-featured antivirus with real-time security is included in the Premium subscription. Keep in mind, though, that it is only functional on Windows and Mac.
• Spam-call blocker (Robo Shield) – This is an iOS and Android feature that marks calls as spam if they originate from unknown numbers.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN: Security Comparison

In the Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN security comparison, the latter takes the lead due to its powerful security and privacy features. Let’s check a few out below:

Encryption and tunneling protocols

Both of the VPN services offer different encryption and tunneling protocols to users. For example, NordVPN supports OpenVPN, the industry standard, but Hotspot Shield relies on IKEv2.

Furthermore, NordVPN and Hotspot Shield also use proprietary protocols called NordLynx and Hydra, respectively. These protocols have been designed to be speedier than more commonly used protocols while maintaining security. Hydra, according to Hotspot Shield, is 2 times quicker than OpenVPN for long-distance connections.

Both VPNs employ 256-bit AES encryption, which is usually thought to be impenetrable. The 4096-bit RSA keys used by NordVPN are twice as long as those used by Hotspot Shield. Although this makes the key more difficult to crack, even 2048-bit keys are highly secure.

Logging

When it comes to jurisdiction, NordVPN has a significant advantage since it is situated in Panama, a country that values privacy. Hotspot Shield, on the other hand, is based in the United States, which is one of the least private countries in the world.

As for Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN logging policies, there is also a significant difference. NordVPN keeps no user logs and has had its privacy policy independently certified twice. Meanwhile, there hasn’t been a single audit of Hotspot Shield’s privacy policy.

In addition, Hotspot Shield saves your approximate city-level location to suggest the fastest servers. For most privacy-conscious consumers, this may not be the best option.

Kill Switch

NordVPN’s kill switch works great and is fully customizable; you can opt to turn off the internet for the entire device or just certain apps.

The kill switch on Hotspot Shield VPN is excellent, and it cleared our tests with flying colors. However, unlike NordVPN, it is system-wide; you cannot pick specific applications.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Plans pricing

Prices and Plans	NordVPN	Hotspot Shield
Periods	1 month	Basic
	1 year	Premium
	2 years	Premium Family
Special offers and discounts	70% off on the 2-year plan	38% off on the Premium plan
Lowest price per month	$3.49/month	$7.99/month
Highest price per month	$11.99/mo	$11.99/mo

When comparing the costs of NordVPN and Hotspot Shield, it’s clear which one is less expensive – NordVPN. Otherwise, the Premium plan of Hotspot Shield is quite expensive.

Of course, we must not overlook Hotspot Shield’s free plan, which NordVPN does not have. Keep in mind, however, that the free subscription is restricted to 500 MB per month, which is just enough for light browsing.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

China and countries with restricted internet access

NordVPN and Hotspot Shield, fortunately, both work in China. Users using Hotspot Shield do not need to adjust any settings and can continue to browse normally. Users of NordVPN, on the other hand, must first instruct the service to use specific privacy-focused obfuscation servers.

To do so, go to the settings menu, choose Advanced, and check if the Obfuscated servers (OpenVPN) toggle is turned on. When you go back to the main screen, the list on the left will now include obfuscated servers.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Server locations

	Servers	Countries
NordVPN	5500+	60
Hotspot Shield	1800+	80+

This is where Hotspot Shield VPN really shines, because its country selection is incredible: you can choose from over 80 countries to access the content you want.

Hotspot Shield’s server fleet, on the other hand, is substantially smaller than NordVPN’s. As a result, NordVPN’s servers are much less likely to be overloaded.

Furthermore, Hotspot Shield does not provide any form of dedicated server. Meanwhile, NordVPN provides us with a variety of server options, including P2P servers, obfuscated servers, double VPN, and Onion over VPN.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Interface & Ease of Use

	Hotspot Shield	NordVPN
OS supported	Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android	Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android
Other devices and operating systems	Fire TVs & Android TVs	Kodi, Fire TV devices, and Android TVs
Browser extensions	Chrome	Chrome & Firefox
Simultaneous connections	Five	Six

Now that we’re reaching the end, let’s conduct a Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN device compatibility comparison to know which is better to use in terms of user-friendliness and navigation.

Desktop apps

NordVPN’s Windows and macOS apps are very similar. They each have a map, which is a rare (but useful) feature to see on a VPN app. You won’t have any trouble using either one of these NordVPN apps if you’re a newbie. The Linux version, on the other hand, is completely different; you’ll have to use the command line terminal because there is no graphical interface.

Hotspot Shield is similar in this regard: it provides excellent and simple-to-use apps for Windows and macOS, but no graphical interface for Linux distributions.

Mobile apps

NordVPN’s mobile applications will satisfy you if you use Android or an iOS device. Despite the nearly identical appearance, there are some features that differ.

The iOS application, for example, offers Dark Web monitoring. It also doesn’t let you turn off the kill switch. Whereas, Split tunnelling, auto-connect settings, and a configurable kill switch are available in the Android app.

The mobile apps for Hotspot Shield VPN are not just identical, but they also appear to be smaller versions of the desktop apps. They’re also rather feature-rich, even the iOS version.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Customer support

Getting assistance with either service is fairly simple. They both have a help desk that is available 24/7, via email or  live chat. Hotspot Shield, on the other hand, will only assist you if you have a premium subscription. As a result, if you’re a free user or just curious about the service, you’ll have to search the knowledge base for answers to any questions you might have.

Both VPNs offer extensive walkthroughs for resolving common issues, but NordVPN additionally has video guides available on its site and YouTube channel.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN – The Winner?

Now that we’re ending the guide, the real question arises: ‘Which is better: Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN?’ 

The answer is clear: NordVPN is the winner. Given that NordVPN is the best provider in practically every category, this fight may appear to be a bit unfair. However, there is sometimes value in determining what distinguishes the good from the best.

Hotspot Shield got close to NordVPN in certain aspects, which means it’s still a superb VPN. It may make more sense to get the premium Hotspot Shield bundle, which includes a password manager and antivirus. However, as a standalone app, it is a little pricey.

FAQs

Is Hotspot Shield free?

Hotspot Shield Basic is completely free, unrestricted, safe, and simple to use. However, its bandwidth is limited to 500 MB per day and it only offers 1 server location in the US on its free plan.

Is Hotspot Shield trustworthy?

Yes, you can trust Hotspot Shield, but given it’s jurisdiction in the United States, we believe there are better VPNs available that you can opt for.

Read more Comparisons!

• NordVPN vs Cyberghost
• NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
• NordVPN vs Surfshark
• NordVPN vs PIA
• NordVPN vs Mullvad
• NordVPN vs ProtonVPN

IPVanish and NordVPN are two of the most popular VPN services on the market. Nonetheless, the two are vastly distinct. IPVanish is a smaller VPN that has a good reputation and a large user base, but it’s not as recognized as NordVPN.

In this top VPN comparison, we’ll compare IPVanish vs NordVPN in a variety of categories, including speed, security, functionality, and streaming capabilities.

We’ll also announce the winners in each category, so be prepared for some surprises.

IPVanish vs. NordVPN: Head to Head Comparison

Want a quick overview to determine which is better in NordVPN vs IPVanish? Well, check the table below make your decision:

	NordVPN	IPVanish
Trustpilot Rating:	4.4	4.6
Servers:	5600+ servers in 59 countries	2000+ servers in 75+ VPN locations
Logs policy:	No logs	No logs
Pricing:	Starts from $3.49/month	Starts from $3.75/month
VPN protocols:	OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, Nordlynx	OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, IKEv2
Streaming Compatibility:	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, and more	Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more
Platforms:	Linux, Windows, Firefox, Chrome, macOS, iOS, and Android	iOS, Mac, Windows, and Android
Simultaneous connections:	6 devices	Unlimited devices
Support:	knowledge base, FAQs, 24/7 live chat, email support	knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, FAQs, email support, phone support

IPVanish vs. NordVPN: Speed Test

The following figures indicate average download and upload speeds of servers located in the United Kingdom, the United States, Argentina, India, Japan, Canada, and Australia, respectively after being tested using different protocols:

The speeds are mentioned in this pattern: download speeds/upload speeds

Protocols	NordVPN	IPVanish
Nordlynx/WireGuard	87/58	80/24
IKEv2	80/41	69/10
OpenVPN (TCP)	83/36	70/15
OpenVPN (UDP)	79/44	65/29

We compare the WireGuard protocol from IPVanish to NordVPN’s NordLynx version. IPVanish keeps up with NordVPN here, with download and upload speeds that are remarkably similar.

IKEv2 is supported by both VPNs. IPVanish and NordVPN have almost identical download speeds, while the latter has a better upload speed.

UDP is the quicker but less secure variant of OpenVPN. Although the upload speed differential is minimal, NordVPN certainly dominates in the download sector.

OpenVPN TCP is more stable, but it has lower performance, limiting its use. IPVanish is substantially faster than NordVPN in this scenario.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Which one has the best features?

Both services have all of the essential features of a premium VPN. NordVPN, on the other hand, offers something more that IPVanish does not. Take a look at the feature list and decide for yourself:

Stealth VPN

When an app or service discovers that you’re using a VPN, this function helps you avoid being blocked.

Obfuscated servers is a NordVPN feature that can be found in the Specialty Servers section. When you enable it, your traffic will appear to be HTTPS traffic.

In the case of IPVanish, you need to enable traffic obfuscation by checking the Scramble box under OpenVPN settings, which activates the XOR cipher that handles the rest.

However, IPVanish’s Stealth VPN appears to be having difficulty unblocking the internet in China, therefore this award goes to NordVPN.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Split tunneling

Split tunnelling is a handy feature that lets you choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which connect straight to the internet.

Because of its compatibility, NordVPN wins this round as it offers split tunnelling on Windows and Android, whereas IPVanish only supports Android and FireOS.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Free SOCKS5 proxy

Torrenting favors the SOCKS5 proxy in particular. Setting it up in your torrent client will essentially disguise your IP address without encrypting your traffic. You gain some privacy as well as full-speed downloads this way.

All prominent P2P clients support SOCKS5 proxy configuration. However, keep in mind that your ISP might still monitor your activities if they so choose. Finally, IPVanish has a little edge over NordVPN in that it allows for scraping using SOCKS5.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Exclusive features

SmartDNS is the first of the NordVPN’s exclusive features. It unblocks Netflix and other entertainment platforms without encrypting communications when switched on.

Most significantly, SmartDNS is a “SmartPlay” function that allows you to access content on most game consoles, smart TVs, and other media devices.

There are also a number of security-related alternatives. CyberSec from NordVPN eliminates advertisements and viruses, while Double VPN (multi-hop) provides additional security by connecting to two VPN servers, and Onion Over VPN adds Tor relays on top for unrivaled privacy.

Read more about its features in our NordVPN review.

IPVanish is perhaps the only premium VPN service that offers encrypted cloud storage. For a nominal monthly price, SugarSync allows you to upload up to 500 GB. You can even transmit files through email, which comes in handy when your inbox storage runs out.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

IPVanish VPN vs NordVPN: which is more secure?

When it comes to IPVanish vs Nordvpn security, both VPNs offer a variety of features to keep users private and secure. Although IPVanish provides good security and privacy, NordVPN’s service is superior.

Let’s check out a few of their security metrics to determine which is a better option over the other:

Jurisdiction

NordVPN is based in Panama, which has no data retention regulations and is not affiliated with the 5 Eyes monitoring alliance.

IPVanish is currently headquartered in the United States. This country is a founder member of the Five Eyes alliance, which poses a number of privacy concerns for digital companies.

This means that under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the US government can compel any corporation to acquire data.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Logging

As per the NordVPN vs IPVanish logging policies, they do not collect any user data.

NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited. That basically sums it up. IPVanish boasts a no-logs policy, although it hasn’t been audited in quite some time. Furthermore, unlike NordVPN, they do not allow users to pay with anonymous methods of payment (such as crypto).

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Encryption Protocols

Both VPNs support OpenVPN, IKv2, and L2TP/IPsec. NordVPN also has its own “NordLynx” protocol, which is based on WireGuard and is the quickest and most secure protocol available. Since IPVanish has also started to offer WireGuard now, we’ll keep this round a tie.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Netflix and other streaming platforms

NordVPN unblocks more regional Netflix libraries than IPVanish and works quite well. We’ve tried this extensively and discovered NordVPN to be among the finest options for a reliable Netflix VPN with access to multiple regional libraries.

NordVPN, unlike IPVanish, provides access to a variety of Netflix libraries from across the world. With this VPN, you can watch Netflix in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, India, Japan, Australia, and Italy.

Furthermore, NordVPN is compatible with other streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime.

As for the rival, IPVanish was previously restricted by Netflix, it now provides limited Netflix support in the United States. Additionally, IPVanish promotes itself as an excellent choice for Kodi VPNs, with specific Kodi streaming apps.

However, unlike NordVPN, IPVanish has trouble unblocking BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. It has often been blocked for us.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Torrenting and P2P

For torrenting, IPVanish and NordVPN are excellent choices. Both offer a free SOCKS5 proxy, allowing you to download without having to worry about encryption slowing down your connection.

The primary difference is that IPVanish permits P2P on all of its servers, whereas NordVPN only allows it on a selected few. They do, however, have nearly three times as many servers, so overcrowding should not be an issue.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Plans and pricing

Prices and Plans	NordVPN	IPVanish
Periods	1 month	1 month
	1 year	3 months
	2 years	1 year
Special offers and discounts	70% off on the 2-year plan	65% off on 1-year plan
Lowest price per month	$3.49/month	$3.75/month
Highest price per month	$11.99/mo	$10.99/mo

Both the VPNs offer similar prices on their long-term plans. However, if you’re into smaller commitments, then you should opt for IPVanish. Otherwise, NordVPN’s 2-year plan comes at a great price along with commendable service.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Server locations

Well, it’s true that NordVPN offers thrice as many servers as IPVanish – 5600+ servers in 59 countries. This global server network can definitely not beat IPVanish’s 2000+ servers in 75+ locations.

Also, the quality and service of the former’s servers is great. NordVPN does not use virtual servers and majority of its servers are RAM-only, unlike IPVanish, which has its own physical servers.

However, if you’re checking out the server networks of all the well-known VPNs, then do compare IPVanish vs ExpressVPN vs NordVPN – our favorites – before making any decisions.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

NordVPN vs IPVanish: device compatibility

	IPVanish	NordVPN
OS supported	Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android	Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android
Other devices and operating systems	Fire TV devices & Android TV	Kodi, Fire TV devices, and Android TVs
Browser extensions		Chrome & Firefox
Simultaneous connections	Unlimited	Six

NordVPN offers great compatibility, whereas IPVanish deprives its users from a Linux app and browser extensions. However, we did get into the details of both. Let’s check them out below:

Desktop apps

Each service has Windows and Mac apps that are comparable in appearance. You get a mid-sized window that can be maximized, and you can choose from a list of servers or the map that takes up the most space.

It’s also worth mentioning that NordVPN offers two macOS apps. The NordLynx and other protocols are supported by the App Store version, while the other version only supports OpenVPN but has more capabilities.

Advanced users will appreciate IPVanish’s features. By clicking Alt + C, you can activate keyboard shortcuts and connect, or by using Alt + L, you can see the server list.

There’s also a Diagnostics option under Settings that can help you debug problems on your own or with the help of customer service.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Mobile apps

IPVanish’s mobile apps are uninteresting, whereas NordVPN’s apps appear like their well-designed desktop equivalents.

Although the iOS clients offer less functionality than the Android clients, NordVPN does an excellent job of keeping their apps on par. Most notably, the iOS version provides an always-on kill switch, whereas IPVanish lacks this critical feature.

On Android, IPVanish offers split tunneling, Stealth VPN, insecure network notifications, and port selection, among some other features. OpenVPN and IKEv2 are two protocols that are available in the beta version.

Although NordVPN for Android lacks IKEv2, it compensates with NordLynx. Split tunneling, a custom kill switch, Stealth VPN, tapjacking protection, CyberSec, Onion Over VPN, and Custom DNS are all available. In comparison to IPVanish, there are more options to toggle and customize.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Customer support

Both companies offer 24/7 live chat support. The agents are friendly and helpful, and the wait periods are small.

Email is another option to contact IPVanish and NordVPN. While NordVPN replied within a few hours, IPVanish took two days to respond to our question.

Finally, each service offers access to a well-maintained knowledge source. FAQs, setup manuals, and troubleshooting sections can all be found here. IPVanish’s Support Center page provides system status at the top, which we liked.

So, if you’re having problems connecting, check to determine if the issue is truly on your end.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

IPVanish vs. NordVPN: which one is better?

Despite the fact that IPVanish is a good VPN, NordVPN outperforms it in practically every aspect. NordVPN has a larger server network, greater security measures, a zero-logs policy that has been audited, faster torrenting, and works with loads of streaming sites.

IPVanish is simple to use, and provides excellent performance for lag-free gaming. We particularly like that you may secure an infinite number of devices with a single subscription and seek a refund without having to contact customer service.

Despite these advantages, NordVPN continues to provide the best online privacy and security, as well as reliably unblocking practically any streaming site for lag-free TV and movies. It also outperformed IPVanish in multiplayer games and has a far larger server network.

FAQs

Is IPVanish faster than NordVPN?

When most tunneling protocols are compared, NordVPN is quicker than IPVanish. IPVanish, on the other hand, is rather fast and doesn’t lag far behind – its speeds are more than adequate for streaming and torrenting.

Is NordVPN good for gaming?

NordVPN offers the fastest VPN service on the market, making it the best VPN for gaming. It also safeguards your data transmission without causing any obvious slowdowns.

Read more Comparisons!

• NordVPN vs Cyberghost
• NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
• NordVPN vs Surfshark
• NordVPN vs PIA
• NordVPN vs Hotspot Shield
• NordVPN vs Mullvad
• NordVPN vs ProtonVPN

In the VPN and privacy sectors, NordVPN and ProtonVPN are both well-known and recognised services.

NordVPN is still one of the most prominent VPNs on the market, with a huge server network, fast speeds, and a variety of privacy options. In terms of features, performance, and streaming ability, it consistently surpasses competing VPNs.

ProtonVPN is a Swiss VPN that focuses on privacy and security. However, it has fewer servers, less features, a higher fee, and limited access to major streaming sites.

So, in our NordVPN vs. ProtonVPN comparison, who comes out on top?

We’ll go over each of the categories we evaluated the VPNs against in detail, and mention the results below.

NordVPN vs. ProtonVPN: A Face Off!

	NordVPN	ProtonVPN
Trustpilot Rating:	4.4	2.6
Servers:	5600+ servers in 59 countries	1700+ servers in 63 countries
Logs policy:	No logs	No logs
Pricing:	Starts from $3.49/month	Starts from €4.99/month
VPN protocols:	OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, Nordlynx	OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard
Streaming Compatibility:	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, and more	Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more
Platforms:	Linux, Windows, Firefox, Chrome, macOS, iOS, and Android	iOS, Mac, Windows, and Android
Simultaneous connections:	6 devices	10 devices
Support:	knowledge base, FAQs, 24/7 live chat, email support	knowledge base, email support

Speed comparison: NordVPN vs ProtonVPN

We conducted a NordVPN vs ProtonVPN speed test on a variety of these VPNs’ servers and protocols. The testing was based on our formula: 100 Mbps download speed/100 MBps upload speed.

We chose the fastest protocols for each VPN service for this comparison: OpenVPN UDP for ProtonVPN (since it provides a lot of options to increase speed), and NordLynx for NordVPN.

Protocols	NordVPN	ProtonVPN
Nordlynx/OpenVPN UDP	86/57	78/60

It’s evident that both companies are outstanding in this situation. ProtonVPN does not decline at this stage, despite the fact that NordVPN’s unique NordLynx protocol (a bespoke version of WireGuard) is far ahead of many others supplied by other top VPNs.

When connecting to the most remote servers, for example, the ProtonVPN’s speed declines from 78 percent to 97 percent. NordVPN, on the other hand, can keep rather consistent speeds regardless of the region to which you’re connected.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Netflix and streaming platforms; Which one unblocks more?

As for NordVPN vs ProtonVPN streaming capabilities, both are excellent at accessing streaming platforms. Both companies use ways to avoid being identified while circumventing various geo-restrictions.

NordVPN claims to be able to unblock more than 400 different streaming services. ProtonVPN is only interested in unblocking more than 30 popular streaming providers.

We were able to unblock BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, and Youtube while using ProtonVPN. DAZN, on the other hand, was adamant about not giving up.

Remember that you can only utilize the servers that are optimized for unblocking streaming sites if you have the Plus or Visionary subscription. Furthermore, ProtonVPN does not provide SmartDNS.

Meanwhile, NordVPN provides all of its users with access to streaming platforms, and unblocks more platforms, along with offering the SmartDNS feature, which allows users to stream geo-restricted content on devices that don’t support VPN connections.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Torrenting

When torrenting, it’s best to utilize a VPN so that your ISP can’t track your activities (this is quite useful if your country restricts torrenting).

So, which of our two VPN contenders should you pick? Let’s look at it more closely.

ProtonVPN’s premium plans all support P2P file sharing. All you have to do now is find a torrent-friendly server.

Torrenting is also possible with NordVPN. It, like ProtonVPN, provides dedicated servers for P2P traffic. In addition, if you try torrenting while connecting to a server that isn’t P2P-friendly, the VPN will immediately switch you to one that is.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Features overview

Even if extra features aren’t normally a VPN’s main selling point, it’s always wonderful to have more control over your VPN connections. Let’s look at a few features NordVPN and ProtonVPN offer to determine which is a better option:

Double VPN

Both ProtonVPN and NordVPN have a function called Double VPN. It provides an extra degree of privacy by allowing you to connect through two separate VPN servers. Remember that your internet speed will be significantly slower.

ProtonVPN calls this feature Secure Core, and it is only accessible with ProtonVPN’s Plus and Visionary subscriptions.

Split tunneling

The Split tunneling feature of ProtonVPN is quite advanced. There are numerous configuration options available, including the ability to include and exclude apps as well as IPs from the VPN tunnel. The feature is accessible in ProtonVPN’s Windows and Android apps.

Split tunneling with NordVPN is also quite configurable: you may disable and enable VPN connections for the apps you choose. You cannot, however, set it with IP addresses. NordVPN’s Windows and Android apps contain this feature, just like ProtonVPN’s.

SmartPlay

NordVPN is the only provider that offers SmartPlay. It’s also known as SmartDNS, and it improves your chances of being able to access streaming platforms and get around geo-restrictions.

It also lets you to watch geo-restricted movies and shows on devices without a NordVPN app. SmartPlay is even compatible with devices that don’t support VPN connections, such as game consoles.

Specialty servers

Most VPNs provide dedicated servers for certain purposes. ProtonVPN, for example, uses Tor over VPN. Before connecting to a VPN server, it reroutes your connection over the Tor network. This is especially useful if you’re connecting from a country where the government is oppressive.

Similarly, NordVPN offers Onion over VPN, which is practically the same thing. The VPN also has specialist P2P servers that provide the fastest torrenting speeds.

CyberSec

CyberSec is a feature of NordVPN that will keep you safe online. Just enable it in the General tab, and the VPN will ensure that unsafe websites are blocked, as well as all annoying ads that appear on various pages.

Keep in mind, though, that a VPN isn’t an antivirus, and you’ll still need an anti-malware to keep your devices safe.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: which is more secure?

Both VPN providers are outstanding in terms of NordVPN vs ProtonVPN security. These VPNs are among the safest on the market, thanks to military-grade AES-256 encryption, no-logs policy, secure tunnelling protocols, and independent audits.

Encryption and tunneling protocols

Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN protect your data with AES-256 encryption. Because this sort of encryption is nearly impossible to crack, utilizing either of the services is absolutely risk-free.

When comparing the tunneling protocols, however, some disparities emerge. NordVPN has a slightly larger selection of them. NordLynx, OpenVPN TCP and UDP, and IKEv2/IPsec are all options.

ProtonVPN, on the other hand, supports OpenVPN TCP and UDP and IKEv2/IPsec. WireGuard would be a welcome addition, however there are presently no plans to integrate it.

Logging

When it comes to NordVPN vs ProtonVPN logging policies, the former is an excellent example of a well-executed no-logs policy. Nothing personal is logged by the VPN, including bandwidth usage, connection timestamps, session information, IP addresses, and so on.

App diagnostics data and Crash error reports are the only kinds of data it saves. You can, however, just opt out of this.

Aside from that, NordVPN is situated in Panama, which is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no laws requiring data retention. Finally, NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently verified twice, demonstrating its reliability.

ProtonVPN is also extremely dependable. It is open-source, for starters. Furthermore, SEC Consult has independently audited ProtonVPN.

Everything appears to be in order when it comes to the no-logs policy. ProtonVPN, on the other hand, maintains the timestamp of your last login, unlike NordVPN.

Finally, ProtonVPN is situated in Switzerland, which is known for its privacy.

Kill Switch

A well-functioning kill switch should be included in any reliable VPN. Otherwise, if your VPN suddenly dies, your true IP address may be exposed.

Fortunately, ProtonVPN provides a reliable kill switch. The feature successfully switched off the internet connection throughout our tests. However, getting the internet back online on the Windows app was a bit of a challenge.

NordVPN includes two kill switches: an Internet kill switch and an App kill switch. When it comes to the latter, you can create a list of all the apps you wish to prohibit if your VPN connection is compromised.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Plans pricing

Prices and Plans	NordVPN	ProtonVPN
Periods	1 month	1 month
	1 year	1 year
	2 years	2 years
Special offers and discounts	70% off on the 2-year plan	–
Lowest price per month	$3.49/month	€4.99/month
Highest price per month	$11.99/mo	€9.99/mo

While ProtonVPN’s one-month subscription is somewhat less expensive than NordVPN, the latter’s long-term plan is simply twice as affordable. And, let’s be honest, if you’re serious about utilizing a VPN, you’ll need a long-term subscription.

ProtonVPN, on the other hand, is the only one that provides a completely free plan, which NordVPN does not. Regardless of how much we enjoy freemium VPNs, we still consider NordVPN to be the winner in this area, as its price is not only more reasonable, but also less complicated.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

China and countries with restricted internet access

The Great Firewall is a set of web-filtering tools used by the Chinese government to limit what its citizens can read online. Normally, you’d be able to get around these restrictions by using a VPN, but most big providers are completely blocked.

ProtonVPN is one of them. Until recently, this service was truly functional on the mainland. Recent improvements to the Great Firewall, however, appear to have spotted it. Normally, a service would identify a remedy in a matter of days, however ProtonVPN’s post addressing the issue hasn’t been revised since 2019.

On the plus side, NordVPN functions flawlessly in China. Users don’t have to do anything special, which is fantastic.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Server locations

While both services serve a similar number of countries, NordVPN has a significant network size advantage. In fact, it has nearly five times the number of servers as ProtonVPN i.e. 5600+ servers in 60 countries (ProtonVPN offers 1700+ servers in 63 countries).

This may increase the likelihood of consumers finding a low-load server, albeit this is dependent on a variety of factors, including the total number of users and even the time of day.

Furthermore, even if some NordVPN servers are blocked by a geo-restricted service, there are plenty others to select from.

NordVPN isn’t the only VPN offering a server network this vast. A VPN that can beat this network size is PIA. Get more details about it in our PIA VPN vs NordVPN comparison.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Interface & Ease of Use

	ProtonVPN	NordVPN
OS supported	Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android	Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android
Other devices and operating systems	Fire TVs & Android TVs	Kodi, Fire TV devices, and Android TVs
Browser extensions	Safari, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera	Chrome & Firefox
Simultaneous connections	Ten	Six

When it comes to NordVPN vs ProtonVPN device compatibility, both VPNs have done their homework. You will be able to download a high-quality app regardless of the device you use.

Desktop apps

ProtonVPN’s desktop applications are excellent, particularly the Windows version. Apart from looking slick and modern, it has the majority of the extra features. The main window shows a map as well as a wealth of data about your connection.

You can view the connection time, the bandwidth you used in the previous 60 seconds, and the connection duration, for example. The server load is also visible. It simply displays the load of the server to which you are now connected.

Meanwhile, some functions, such as Alternative Routing and Split Tunneling, are missing from the macOS application. ProtonVPN for Linux has a very minimal user interface and a terminal.

In terms of features, NordVPN’s desktop apps are a touch more unified than its mobile versions. Both the Windows and macOS applications show a map to make it easier to select the country you require. The Mac version, on the other hand, still lacks the split tunnelling capability.

Furthermore, the Linux version of NordVPN lacks a user interface, forcing you to use the command line terminal.

Mobile apps

ProtonVPN and NordVPN are available for download on both Android and iOS devices. The question is, which VPN provides the best mobile apps?

As a result, ProtonVPN’s mobile apps are nearly identical, which is a pleasant surprise. Normally, the iOS app is inferior to the Android app when it comes to VPNs, but not in this case.

In the meantime, the Android version of NordVPN is superior to the iOS version, as the iOS app lacks features like auto-connect and split tunneling.

Overall, iOS users may choose ProtonVPN, while Android users will be satisfied with any VPN.

Final Result: ProtonVPN is the Winner!

Customer support

Both of these services feature a large knowledge base where you can look for answers to your concerns. However, only NordVPN offers a live chat support desk, which is unexpected given that most premium VPN services do.

Instead, ProtonVPN requests that users contact them using a ticket system, which has a one- to two-day response time.

Given that email is the primary method of communication for ProtonVPN consumers, you’d expect staff to respond more quickly.

NordVPN is a wonderful illustration of this: it offers 24/7 assistance and yet responds within five hours on average.

Final Result: ProtonVPN is the Winner!

NordVPN vs. ProtonVPN – The Winner?

Now that we’ve reached the end, the real questions we’re about to answer are: Which is better: NordVPN vs ProtonVPN? Which VPN takes the lead?

Well, NordVPN is the clear winner in this comparison. Although ProtonVPN has some appealing features, such as a free subscription, its overall pricing cannot compete with NordVPN.

To make matters worse, ProtonVPN’s split tunneling cannot compensate for the difference in the sheer number of features offered by NordVPN, like better speeds and user-friendliness.

FAQs

Is ProtonVPN cheaper than NordVPN?

While ProtonVPN’s one-month subscription is somewhat less expensive than NordVPN’s, the latter’s long-term plan is twice as affordable. And, let’s be honest, if you’re serious about using a VPN, you’ll need a long-term subscription.

Is ProtonVPN secure?

Yes, ProtonVPN is quite secure. The VPN has a rigorous no-data-logging policy, so even if someone asks for your data, it won’t provide it to them. It also has Tor integration and SecureCore servers for added security.

Read more Comparisons!

• NordVPN vs Cyberghost
• NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
• NordVPN vs Surfshark
• NordVPN vs PIA
• NordVPN vs Hotspot Shield
• NordVPN vs Mullvad

Well-known VPN providers Mullvad and NordVPN can help you protect yourself while browsing online. Both of them have helpful features like built-in ad blockers and split tunneling.

To choose the best choice for yourself, you must consider how either of them works in terms of speed, security, and other abilities.

The only way to do that is through a head-to-head Mullvad vs NordVPN comparison. We’ve divided the VPN comparison into multiple phases to ensure fairness while also providing a wealth of information.

So, without any delays, let’s get started!

Mullvad vs NordVPN: A Face Off!

	NordVPN	Mullvad VPN
Trustpilot Rating:	4.4	4.3
Servers:	5600+ servers in 59 countries	840+ servers in 39 countries
Logs policy:	No logs	No logs
Pricing:	Starts from $3.49/month	Starts from €5/month
VPN protocols:	IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, Nordlynx	OpenVPN, WireGuard
Streaming Compatibility:	Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and more	YouTube
Platforms:	Windows, Linux, iOS, Firefox, Chrome, macOS, and Android	Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android
Simultaneous connections:	6 devices	5 devices
Support:	24/7 live chat, FAQs, knowledge base, email support	Twitter, Facebook, Email

Mullvad vs NordVPN: Speed Comparison

The tunneling protocol is one of several factors that affect VPN speed performance. We have evaluated the speeds of Mullvad and NordVPN on WireGuard and OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) protocols separately using our 100 Mbps connection. The results are as follows:

Protocols	NordVPN (100 Mbps download/100 Mbps upload speed)	Mullvad (100 Mbps download/100 Mbps upload speed)
Nordlynx/WireGuard	79/60	75/50
OpenVPN UDP	70/45	85/35
OpenVPN TCP	65/13	29/16

Both NordVPN and Mullvad functioned admirably with the WireGuard protocol during the test. NordVPN’s download and upload speeds decreased on average by 21% and 40%, respectively.

On the other hand, Mullvad displayed slightly higher average losses: 25% for download speed and 50% for upload speed. However, almost equally great speeds were indeed provided by both providers.

OpenVPN UDP is another speedy protocol. Therefore, the outcomes were also more promising. The average speed loss for NordVPN was 30% for downloads and 55% for uploads. Mullvad also provided reasonably better results, reducing download and upload speeds by 15% and 65%, respectively.

It’s crucial to remember that the OpenVPN TCP protocol is focused on security rather than speed when evaluating VPNs with it. The average speed decrease for NordVPN in downloads was 35% and uploads was 87 percent. Results from Mullvad showed an average download speed decline of 71% and an upload speed drop of 84%.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Netflix and other streaming platforms; Which one unblocks more?

Numerous well-known streaming services can be easily unblocked by NordVPN. We  had no trouble accessing HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, Hulu, or streaming Netflix US as well as libraries.

Furthermore, NordVPN includes a really helpful feature called SmartPlay that enables you to view international content on devices that don’t even support a VPN connection.

Netflix and other streaming services are regrettably not unblocked by Mullvad. While other sites either redirected us to the foreign libraries or displayed an error notification, we were only able to access YouTube. 

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Torrenting

Both Mullvad and NordVPN allow torrenting. The primary distinction between the two would be that NordVPN offers exclusive P2P servers that are specialized for torrenting.

Additionally, NordVPN immediately connects to the specialized server to guarantee your protection if you begin torrenting on a regular server and it get detected. As a result, you get both incredible speeds and security.

Mullvad states that all its servers are P2P-friendly even though it lacks specific P2P servers. We tested both VPNs, and the results were excellent: there was no throttling and the connections were fast.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

Overview of Features

We will now examine the features that each VPN provider offers. In order for a VPN to be deemed usable, we will be searching for a few security-related features that we believe are essential.

Ad-blocker

Some premium VPN services guarantee complete online security. NordVPN provides the CyberSec feature, which bans invasive ads and harmful websites, as a result.

As soon as it is turned on, it will begin monitoring the websites you visit in real-time. It will alert you and prevent access if you attempt to access one of the websites on the blacklist that is known to host malware.

To prevent fraudulent websites from tracking your surfing activities or displaying pop-up advertising, Mullvad also features a capability to block advertisements and trackers. Each of them has a distinct setting where you can activate or deactivate them.

Split tunneling

To let you control which apps must use the VPN connection as well as which ones shouldn’t, split tunneling was created. It’s helpful if you want to download things quickly while also watching geo-restricted content on a streaming platform.

NordVPN provides split tunneling for Android and Windows users. You can enable or disable the VPN for particular applications using the Windows app. As a result, each time you open the app, they would automatically connect to the VPN.

On the other hand, the Android version merely lets you turn off the VPN for specific apps and offers an inverted split tunneling option. It’s important to note that users of macOS, Linux, and iOS cannot yet access this feature.

Split tunneling is another feature supported by Mullvad VPN, allowing you to choose which applications to bypass the VPN connection. But it’s also confined to Linux, Windows, and Android.

Kill Switch

Along with a basic kill switch, NordVPN also features an app kill switch. Instead of completely turning off the internet, you can set a list of apps to block online if the VPN loses connection.

Mullvad’s kill switch is called “block when disconnected” and is available under the Advanced tab. Its kill switch indicates that it restricts traffic even though the application is closed when the VPN is not connected.

Although it still keeps you secure, this is a cumbersome approach to create a kill switch, so it’s likely that most people will disable it to avoid the hassle.

Additional features

While both VPNs offer necessary features, NordVPN goes above and beyond to increase security and enhance user experience. For instance, it features a SmartPlay technology which enables geo-restricted video streaming on devices that don’t offer VPN support.

In addition, NordVPN offers specialized servers that can give you the greatest results while using a VPN for a certain purpose. It provides double VPN, obfuscated servers for optimum secrecy, and P2P servers for torrenting.

It also provides the Dark Web Monitoring tool, which regularly checks to see whether your personal information has been compromised.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

NordVPN vs Mullvad: which is more secure?

We examine the protocols VPNs employ and the degree of encryption they use when it comes to security.

For privacy, we review every VPN’s privacy policy in its full to determine the kind of data it gathers and how it uses it. Let’s review and determine which VPN is one level over the other when it comes to security.

Logging

Your data is protected because Mullvad and NordVPN operate under stringent no-log policies. In order to confirm that the privacy claims made by both VPNs are true, independent auditing firms also examined them.

One of the Big Four auditing companies, PricewaterhouseCoopers, audited NordVPN in 2018 and 2020.  The findings showed that this VPN provider adheres to the strictest privacy and security guidelines.

In 2020, Cure53, an independent auditing company, also looked into Mullvad. According to the audit’s findings, there were no privacy breaches or personally identifiable information (PII) leaks.

Infrastructure

Nearly all of NordVPN’s servers have been modified to run exclusively on RAM in order to maintain security. Simply said, they don’t save usage logs on a hard disc.

Instead, operational data on NordVPN servers is stored in a volatile memory that is totally erased upon a system restart. RAM-only servers are much more secure than hard drives and can be remotely wiped clean to start a restart if there is a threat to the confidentiality of stored data.

Mullvad is also concerned about security. All of its servers are secured with the bastion host, unique computers made to withstand attacks, and encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.

Privacy

AES-256 encryption is of a level that is used by both Mullvad and NordVPN. Due to its resistance to brute-force attacks and near-impenetrability, it is regarded as the industry standard. Your information is thus always secure from third parties.

In addition, Panama, where NordVPN is based, has non-intrusive laws and is a privacy-friendly location. Whereas Mullvad is based in Sweden, a member of the 14 Eyes.  However, the business takes exemplary steps to safeguard the information of its customers.

For instance, since Mullvad doesn’t require an email address and even allows cash payments, you can sign up for an account absolutely anonymously. As a result, we were quite impressed by the efforts made by Mullvad and NordVPN to uphold the greatest standards for privacy.

Final Result: It’s a Tie!

NordVPN vs Mullvad VPN: Pricing Plans

Prices and Plans	NordVPN	Mullvad
Periods	1 month	1 month
	1 year	1 year
	2 years	1 decade
Special offers and discounts	70% off on the 2-year plan	–
Lowest price per month	$3.49/month	€5/month
Highest price per month	$11.99/mo	€5/month

NordVPN offers a variety of flexible subscription alternatives in terms of pricing and plans. Depending on the length of your subscription, you can choose a 1-year, 2-year, or 1-month plan and receive sufficient discounts.

Mullvad has a one flat monthly cost, which is a completely different pricing method. Simply said, you will be required to pay the same monthly charge regardless of how long you want to use this VPN.

If you subscribe to its monthly plan, NordVPN costs $11.99; if you subscribe to its 1-year plan, it costs $4.99; and if you subscribe to its 2-year plan, it costs $3.49. We  advise signing up for the VPN services for two years to obtain the greatest deal because you’ll pay the lowest monthly fee at that point.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Mullvad VPN vs NordVPN: Server locations

NordVPN offers over 5600 servers in 60 countries, including the Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Americas, and Europe. Even some of the finest VPNs cannot provide this server fleet, which is rather impressive.

Dedicated IP, obfuscated, double VPN, P2P, and onion over VPN servers are just a few of the specialty servers offered by NordVPN. They are each designed for a particular activity. For instance, its obfuscated servers assist in getting over restrictions in severe censoring situations.

Moreover, Mullvad offers only 840+ servers in 39 countries, which is not even half of the server fleet of NordVPN.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Mullvad vs NordVPN: Apps, interface, and ease of use

	Mullvad	NordVPN
OS supported	Mac, Windows, iOS, Linux, and Android	Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android
Other devices and operating systems	–	Kodi, Fire TV devices, and Android TVs
Browser extensions	Firefox	Chrome & Firefox
Simultaneous connections	Five	Six

Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS all have dedicated NordVPN apps. Mullvad does too. The installation process is quick, and both VPNs are simple to use.

It’s important to note that you must create a 16-digit account number for Mullvad on its official website before you can install it. This extra step will ensure that you are entirely anonymous while configuring the VPN. So, we wouldn’t consider it a disadvantage.

You can use NordVPN on a variety of streaming devices, including Kodi and Firestick, thanks to its SmartPlay technology. Sadly, Mullvad does not provide this option and only supports a limited number of simultaneous connections. As a result, it is clear that NordVPN dominates this area.

Desktop apps

Desktop apps of NordVPN are simple to use and very user-friendly. All of its capabilities, including split tunneling, a kill switch, pause or auto-connect, are available to Windows users.

macOS users only get a slightly constrained version of the VPN.  Apple’s stringent security policies are primarily to blame. You cannot, for instance, use split tunneling or disable the kill switch.

The desktop apps for Mullvad are similarly very simple to use. You can choose the appropriate country and server, as well as quickly navigate to Preferences or Advanced Settings. Like NordVPN, its Windows version has fewer restrictions than macOS.

Considering the VPN desktop applications, we’d conclude that while they offer enjoyable experiences, Mullvad’s UI seems a bit outdated.

Mobile apps

For iOS and Android devices, NordVPN has dedicated applications that look the same. They are quite simple to use. You can choose servers, access the settings, and instantly establish or disable the VPN connection.

It’s important to note that the iOS app lacks a customizable kill switch and doesn’t support split tunneling. However, it features Dark Web Monitoring that Android users are not able to access.

Additionally, Mullvad features user-friendly apps and supports both operating systems. Although they are simple to use, like the desktop versions, the interface is a little outdated. Its iOS version is likewise more constrained than the Android version because split tunneling is not supported.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Customer support

You can contact support via a number of different channels when using NordVPN.

It provides a 24/7 live chat option, which is one of the quickest and most well-liked among consumers. Within a few minutes, a support representative will respond to a direct query from you.

On their website, you may discover helpful how-to manuals, articles, and FAQs if you have a general query about how to configure the VPN and how to use one of its functions.

Mullvad only offers email support, so responses could take hours or even days. But while you wait, you can search through Mullvad’s huge knowledge base; chances are, you’ll discover the solution on your own.

Final Result: NordVPN is the Winner!

Mullvad vs NordVPN: Which one takes the crown?

Our Mullvad vs. NordVPN comparison has made it evident that NordVPN is unquestionably a superior option. It offers servers in a far larger number of nations and is speedier than Mullvad. The fact that NordVPN offers long-term plans with significant discounts is what makes it better.

Even if that wasn’t sufficient, our winner offers support for more platforms. When compared to Mullvad, NordVPN offers apps for FireStick, Android TV, & Fire TV in addition to Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS.

Additionally, you can download Chrome and Firefox browser extensions and manually set it up on routers.

FAQs

Is Mullvad better than ExpressVPN?

No, ExpressVPN is the overall better choice than Mullvad VPN due to its fast speeds, secure privacy, and unblocking abilities.

Is Mullvad good for streaming?

Simply put, Mullvad is not a good streaming option because Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Hulu don’t function consistently with it.

Read more Comparisons!

• NordVPN vs Cyberghost
• NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
• NordVPN vs Surfshark
• NordVPN vs PIA
• NordVPN vs Hotspot Shield
• NordVPN vs ProtonVPN