Understanding the importance of VPNs in today’s digital landscape, we’ll conduct an in-depth comparison between two leading providers: NordVPN and Hotspot Shield. By the end of this analysis, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision based on their features, performance, and overall value.
Before we dive into the test results, let’s take a quick look at what each VPN has to offer.
The table below highlights the key facts from each VPN service.
| NordVPN | Hotspot Shield | |
| Website | NordVPN.com | HotspotShield.com |
| Location | Panama | California, US |
| Servers | 6,400+ | 3,200+ |
| Countries | 111 | 85 |
| Logs | No logs (audited) | No logs |
| Torrenting | Allowed (all servers) | Allowed (all servers) |
| Support | Live chat, email, tutorials, videos, FAQs installation guides | Live chat, email, tutorials, FAQs installation guides |
| Apps for | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TV, Apple TV, Firestick, Kindle | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TV |
| Price | $2.99/month | $7.99/month |
| Coupon | 74% Off Coupon > | N/A |
Here are the categories we evaluated in this Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN comparison guide:
- VPN Apps
- Speeds
- Server Network
- Security
- Extra Features
- Privacy Features
- Gaming
- Streaming
- Torrenting
- Pricing and Subscription Plans
- Customer Support
- Conclusion
In this comparison guide, we will look at NordVPN and Hotspot Shield from various angles. We will assess their user interfaces, speed, security features, privacy policies, server networks, streaming performance, torrenting capabilities, device compatibility, pricing, and customer service.
Let’s dive in and find out which VPN is the best fit for safeguarding your online activities.
VPN Apps: NordVPN vs Hotspot Shield
| NordVPN | Hotspot Shield | |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| macOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Windows App | Yes | Yes |
| Linux App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple TV App | Yes | No |
| Router Support | Yes | Yes |
Both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield offer comprehensive app support across major operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, and Chromebook. Additionally, you can set them up manually on your router, so every device connected to the network is kept safe by the VPN.
Below is the NordVPN app we tested out. It performed well in our tests and was easy to navigate with the ability to connect to a server by simply clicking on a location on the map.
I think both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield’s Android apps are easy to use and come with lots of features. However, NordVPN’s iOS app surpasses Hotspot Shield’s because it offers a kill switch, which is a crucial security feature.
Below is the Hotspot Shield app we tested out.
The desktop apps are user-friendly and intuitive as well. NordVPN and Hotspot Shield’s Windows applications include all the VPN features and have a simple layout, which makes them easy to navigate. However, Hotspot Shield’s macOS app lacks a kill switch, while NordVPN’s macOS app offers a kill switch and additional leak protection features.
NordVPN’s macOS app can be a bit confusing because it offers two versions with slightly different features. For example, one version can be downloaded from NordVPN’s site. This one works on earlier versions of macOS and comes with Threat Protection and an app-based kill switch. The second version can be downloaded from the app store, and it comes only with a standard kill switch. Even so, NordVPN is one of the best macOS VPNs on the market.
Explore NordVPN’s apps here >>
Speed Testing Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN: Which Service is Faster?
Speed is a huge consideration when you are looking for the best VPN service. After all, many people need fast speeds with their VPN for torrenting, streaming, or downloading large files.
We ran speed tests for both Hotspot Shield and NordVPN from our US testing lab. Our speed tests were carried out on a 1,000 Mbps internet connection and screenshots are posted below. We tested out servers around the US and Europe. Now let’s examine the results by location.
First we tested VPN server locations around the US.
Hotspot Shield server in Seattle: 76 Mbps
This test result is far below our baseline speed. Let’s see if NordVPN can do better.
NordVPN server in Seattle: 755 Mbps
We can see that NordVPN is nearly 10 times faster than Hotspot Shield with servers in Seattle. This is quite the difference!
Hotspot Shield server in Los Angeles: 82 Mbps
We can see that Hotspot Shield was slightly faster with the server in Los Angeles, but still nothing to brag about.
NordVPN server in Los Angeles: 636 Mbps
Once again we see that NordVPN is still significantly faster than Hotspot Shield with servers in Los Angeles, California.
The last Hotspot Shield server I tested was in New York: 80 Mbps
NordVPN server in New York: 613 Mbps
We see similar results as before with NordVPN giving us download speeds over 600 Mbps, while Hotspot Shield was not even able to break the 100 Mbps mark.
We observes similar speed test results with Canada servers, as you can see in the respective reviews. Needless to say, Hotspot Shield did not make our list of the best VPNs for Canada.
With both of these VPN services, we ran speeds with the fastest available protocol. From this we can see that the WireGuard VPN protocol with NordLynx was significantly faster than Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol. We observers similar results in the NordVPN vs CyberGhost comparison.
Server Networks – Does Hotspot Shield or NordVPN offer the best coverage
Having a large server network is very beneficial to VPN users. Not only does geographic diversity give you lots of connection options, it also allows you to unblock websites and streaming platforms from a variety of locations.
With streaming, having a large server network is crucial. For example, many Netflix users will regularly change Netflix regions in order to access movies or shows that are geo-restricted to remote areas.
| NordVPN | Hotspot Shield | |
| Servers | 6400+ | 3,200+ |
| Countries | 111 | 85 |
| P2P Servers | Yes | Yes |
| Obfuscated Servers | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated IP Addresses | Yes | No |
Both VPNs support torrenting, with Hotspot Shield offering P2P traffic on all its 3,200+ servers in 85 countries and NordVPN allowing torrenting on over 4,500+ servers in 45 + countries.
They also both feature obfuscation across all servers. Plus, both VPNs handle Tor traffic.
Overall, NordVPN boasts a superior server network compared to Hotspot Shield. It has more servers in more countries, so you won’t risk connecting to overcrowded servers. You will also have plenty of options for streaming if you go with NordVPN.
In contrast, I find Hotspot Shield’s inconsistent server availability across different platforms frustrating. For example, the Toronto server appears on Windows, Android, Linux, and iOS. Similarly, the UAE server is only on Android, Linux, and Windows.
What’s more, only NordVPN offers double-VPN servers, which are useful if you need an extra layer of protection. We also see double VPN servers with Surfshark and ProtonVPN.
Security Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN
Both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield offer robust security features. They use 256-bit AES encryption, which is very secure. They have a kill switch, which is very useful because it disconnects the internet if the VPN connections drop. This way, your online data won’t leak.
Both VPNs also have a no-log policy that ensures VPNs don’t track online activities or IP addresses. However, NordVPN has passed multiple third-party security audits, while Hotspot Shield has not.
| NordVPN | Hotspot Shield | |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Leak Protection | Yes | Yes |
| 256-bit AES Encryption | Yes | Yes |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes | Yes |
| Perfect Forward Secrecy | Yes | Yes |
| RAM-Only Servers | Yes | No |
Also keep in mind that Hotspot Shield’s free plan does collect and share geo-location data with advertisers.
Both VPNs guard against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, but Hotspot Shield’s IPv6 and WebRTC leak protection only works on Windows. I performed leak tests on both distant and nearby servers and my IP or online traffic never leaked.
The VPNs also use perfect forward secrecy. This feature is very useful because it regularly changes encryption keys for each VPN session. So, even if a malicious actor manages to compromise a key, it only affects a small amount of data.
However, NordVPN provides extra security features. For example, it offers RAM-only servers, which erase all data on reboot. This way, NordVPN prevents long-term data storage. On top of this, NordVPN has colocated servers, meaning that only the NordVPN staff has access to them. Plus, NordVPN offers multi-factor authentication, so you’ll need an app-generated code or security key at login for extra protection.
They both support secure VPN protocols. NordVPN includes NordLynx (based on WireGuard protocol), OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec. Hotspot Shield offers its proprietary Hydra protocol, as well as WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec.
Check out the NordVPN website for all security features >
Extra Features: NordVPN vs Hotspot Shield Comparison
In general, NordVPN provides a wider range of features compared to Hotspot Shield, offering better value and variety. Let’s examine each one.
| NordVPN | Hotspot Shield | |
| Split-Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Obfuscation | Yes | Yes |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Blocks Ads | Yes | No |
| Blocks Malicious Sites | Yes | No |
| Tor Support | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Features | Double VPN, Tapjacking protection, Dark Web Monitor, SOCKS5 support, Meshnet, Dedicated IPs | Speed test |
Both VPNs include split-tunneling, a feature that lets you decide which apps use the VPN and which use your local network. This is can be useful for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
They also come with obfuscation, which masks your VPN traffic from ISPs and governments. This is very convenient if you’re traveling to restrictive countries because it enhances your privacy by hiding VPN usage. For example, you would want obfuscation if using a VPN for China or a VPN for UAE.
Both Hotspot Shield and NordVPN support Tor, so you can access the dark web while using the VPN. NordVPN, however, has an advantage with its specialized Onion Over VPN servers. These allow dark web browsing directly from standard browsers like Chrome or Edge.
Additionally, NordVPN offers features that Hotspot Shield lacks:
- Meshnet: Connects up to 60 devices, securing their connections, which is perfect for ideal for gaming and file sharing.
- Double VPN: Sends your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one for added security.
- Tapjacking Protection: Warns you if an Android app attempts to use a screen overlay to steal your private information.
- Dark Web Monitor: Alerts you if your NordVPN-related information (email or password) has leaked in a data breach.
- SOCKS5 proxy support: Changes your IP without encrypting traffic, boosting download speed.
- Dedicated IP addresses: Offers static IP addresses for a small extra fee, which is very effective for accessing sites that block shared IPs and avoiding reCAPTCHAs.
- Smart DNS: Allows you to access streaming sites on devices that don’t work with VPN apps (gaming consoles, some smart TVs).
- Threat Protection: Blocks ads, trackers, and connections to malicious sites. It also scans downloaded files for malware.
(opens in a new tab)”>See all NordVPN features here >
Hotspot Shield offers a built-in speed test, but that’s about it. And note that you can easily use any speed test website to get an accurate measure of performance.
Privacy Features — NordVPN vs Hotspot Shield
NordVPN and Hotspot Shield both offer good privacy features. However, NordVPN stands out with a few extra items. As noted earlier, Hotspot Shield collects data with its free users, and therefore does not meet the criteria for a “no-logs VPN”. Additionally, Hotspot Shield has not been audited, as we see with NordVPN. NordVPN has passed security audits and it’s no-logs policy has been audited four times.
| NordVPN | Hotspot Shield | |
| Logs User Traffic | No | Yes ⛔️ |
| Audited No-Logs Policy | Yes | No |
| Headquarters | Panama (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance) | California, US (part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance) |
NordVPN is currently the best VPN with no logs.
Hotspot Shield’s free plan shares your location with advertisers. I think this is a significant downside because it compromises your privacy with targeted ads.
NordVPN is based in a good jurisdiction for privacy, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances, a group of countries that share data. Hotspot Shield is in the US, which is not ideal for privacy.
NordVPN also supports cryptocurrency payments. I think it’s very useful because this type of payment allows better privacy compared to credit cards and PayPal.
Gaming — Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN Comparison
| NordVPN | Hotspot Shield | |
| Ping on Local Servers | 15–18 ms | 16–20 ms |
| Ping on Distant Servers | 138 ms | 142 ms |
| Cloud Gaming Support | No | No |
| Router Support | Yes | Yes |
I enjoyed gaming with both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield. Nearby servers had no lag, but I noticed minor slowdowns when using Hotspot Shield on distant servers. Fortunately, I didn’t experience any crashes or long connection times to gaming servers.
Both VPNs can be installed on routers. Even if you have to set them up manually, it doesn’t take more than 5 minutes since the installation guides are very helpful. Plus, by installing the VPN on your router, you can ensure protection when gaming on Xbox or PlayStation.
I like that NordVPN comes with Meshnet. This feature allows you to link up to 60 devices using VPN connections. I think it’s very convenient because you can securely host LAN games with your friends. Plus, it’s also completely free to use, so you don’t need a NordVPN subscription to use it. Overall, I think NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for gaming.
Streaming Capabilities — Netflix and Other Streaming Services
| NordVPN | Hotspot Shield | |
| Works with Netflix | Yes | Yes |
| Works with BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Amazon Prime | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Disney+ | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Max | Yes | Yes |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
NordVPN and Hotspot Shield offer very good streaming support. NordVPN connects with over 20 streaming services, while Hotspot Shield works with more than 10. I connected to both distant and nearby servers, and I always had fast streaming speeds. Moreover, I didn’t notice quality drops or slowdowns.
On top of this, both VPNs successfully access Netflix, claiming compatibility with 10+ Netflix libraries. Plus, they also work with popular regional sites like BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Max.
However, NordVPN is way better for streaming because it includes smart DNS. This feature allows VPN use on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, such as Xbox, PlayStation, and some smart TVs.
Additionally, NordVPN comes with SmartPlay. This feature combines smart DNS and VPN technology, so streaming sites will have a harder time detecting and blocking your VPN connection. SmartPlay is enabled by default across all of the provider’s servers, which is very convenient.
See the full capability of NordVPN streaming features here >
Torrenting Support: Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN Comparison
| NordVPN | Hotspot Shield | |
| Torrenting Support | All servers | All servers |
| Dedicated P2P Servers | 5,300+ P2P servers in 110+ countries | 3,200+ P2P servers in 85 countries |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Port Forwarding | No | No |
| SOCKS5 Proxy Support | Yes | No |
NordVPN and Hotspot Shield are both excellent for torrenting. NordVPN supports P2P traffic on over 5,300 servers in more than 110 countries. Meanwhile, Hotspot Shield allows torrenting on all its 3,200+ servers across 85 countries. They both work well with popular torrent clients like BitTorrent, Vuze, and uTorrent. During my tests, I always had fast download speeds with both VPNs.
Still, when it comes to security for torrenting, NordVPN remains one of the best VPNs for torrenting. Both VPNs offer a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and full leak protection. But, on top of that, NordVPN comes with extra protection against ads on torrent sites and malicious P2P sites. It can also scan your downloads for malware, which is very useful. Additionally, NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited.
NordVPN also offers SOCKS5 proxy support, so you can set up its SOCKS5 proxy servers with your P2P client. This way, the SOCKS5 servers will hide your IP address, but it won’t encrypt your traffic. So, you’ll have very fast download speeds while enjoying privacy when torrenting.
Pricing and Subscription Plans
| Subscription Length | NordVPN | HotSpot Shield |
| Monthly | $12.99 | $12.99 |
| 1-year | $4.59 | $7.99 |
| 2-year | $2.99 | N/A |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| Coupon: | 74% Off Coupon | N/A |
NordVPN’s plans are more advantageous than Hotspot Shield’s. While it offers 10 simultaneous connections just like Hotspot Shield, NordVPN is more affordable and provides more security features.
NordVPN offers three tiered plans: 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year (Basic, Plus, Complete, and Ultra). The longest plan usually provides the best savings, and it also often comes with extra free months of service. For a small extra free, you can also buy dedicated IP with the VPN, which is very convenient.
Hotspot Shield offers two tiered plans: monthly and yearly. Hotspot Shield also offers a free Basic plan, while the Premium plan includes all VPN features. However, I don’t like that it shares free users’ geo-location with advertisers.
In addition, NordVPN is the only one that accepts cryptocurrency payments, which is a more secure payment option. However, both accept credit/debit cards and PayPal.
Hotspot Shield stands out with a 45-day money-back guarantee, compared to NordVPN’s industry-standard 30-day free-trial VPN policy.
Customer Support: Which VPN Offers Better Support?
| NordVPN | Hotspot Shield | |
| Live Chat | Yes (24/7) | Yes (24/7), but only for paid users |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Support | No | No |
| Tutorials & Troubleshooting Guides | Yes | Yes |
| FAQs | Yes | Yes |
NordVPN has various customer support channels. These include 24/7 live chat, email support, and a very in-depth support library that’s full of FAQs. You can also find troubleshooting guides and setup tutorials that are very easy to follow.
In my tests, it took less than 5–10 seconds to be connected to a support rep. What’s more, all the reps I talked with were knowledgeable and friendly.
Hotspot Shield offers decent customer service. It provides a comprehensive and neatly arranged support section featuring helpful FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and setup tutorials. Additionally, it offers email support and, for paid plans, 24/7 live chat.
When I tested Hotspot Shield’s email support, the reps usually replied in less than 10 hours, which is pretty decent.
I think both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield offer good customer support. They each provide email support and in-depth articles on their website. However, I like NordVPN better because it provides free access to 24/7 live chat support.
Conclusion: NordVPN is better than Hotspot Shield
NordVPN delivers impressive speed and robust security, along with a variety of useful extras. It excels in streaming, torrenting, and gaming, and offers very user-friendly apps for all major operating systems.
Hotspot Shield, on the other hand, boasts good security and privacy features, reliable streaming and P2P support, and intuitive apps. It also offers strong customer support and a reasonable free plan. However, not all server locations are accessible across all apps, which is a drawback. But compared to NordVPN, it has fewer security features and it’s more expensive.
| Category | Winner |
| VPN Apps | NordVPN |
| Speeds | NordVPN |
| Server Networks | NordVPN |
| Security | NordVPN |
| Extra Features | NordVPN |
| Privacy Features | NordVPN |
| Gaming | NordVPN |
| Streaming | Tie |
| Torrenting | NordVPN |
| Pricing and Subscription Plans | NordVPN |
| Customer Support | NordVPN |
Overall, I believe NordVPN offers more value. It provides additional security features, superior streaming capabilities, and overall better privacy and value.
Use the coupon below to get the best savings on NordVPN.
NordVPN’s Black Friday Deal is live:
Get 74% Off NordVPN with 2-year subscriptions plus 3 extra months:
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Check out Hotspot Shield here to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions when comparing NordVPN and Hotspot Shield.
Is Hotspot Shield faster than NordVPN?
Not really. In my tests, I had good speeds with both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield. I used both VPNs for streaming, torrenting, and browsing and I didn’t experience any slowdowns when connected to distant and nearby servers.
Which one is better for streaming — NordVPN or Hotspot Shield?
NordVPN has a slight advantage when it comes to streaming. In my tests, I was able to unblock more streaming sites (20+) compared to Hotspot Shield (10+), but both VPNs are good for unblocking popular streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and Max. On top of that, NordVPN has a smart DNS feature, which lets you use the VPN on devices that don’t natively support VPNs.
Is NordVPN safer than Hotspot Shield?
Both VPNs are very secure. However, NordVPN has more extra security features which provide an extra layer of protection and confidentiality. For example, NordVPN includes features like ad blocking, malware scanning for downloads, tapjack protection, and a dark web monitor.
Is NordVPN better at bypassing censorship than Hotspot Shield?
Neither VPN is efficient at bypassing internet restrictions in countries that prohibit or limit VPN usage. Despite offering obfuscation features, there is no assurance that they will function in highly restrictive countries such as China, Iran, Vietnam, or Russia.
This Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN comparison was last updated on July 2, 2024.
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