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.