Proton VPN vs Hotspot Shield – Which VPN is better?
Before you decide: Proton VPN and Hotspot Shield offer different advantages. Our test helps you find the provider that best matches your needs.
Our winner
Proton VPN
In this head-to-head comparison Proton VPN delivers the better overall performance.
See Proton VPN deal →Comparison table
Speed – Proton VPN vs Hotspot Shield
The speed comparison shows a clear gap: Hotspot Shield delivers 86 Mbit/s, Proton VPN reaches 80 Mbit/s. Both values are fine for everyday use.
Security – Proton VPN vs Hotspot Shield
The security architecture is solid on both sides: AES-256, kill switch and no-logs are standard. Proton VPN adds No-logs policy (Schweiz) and AES-256 Encryption, Hotspot Shield adds No-logs policy (Premium) and AES-256 Encryption.
- No-logs policy (Schweiz)
- AES-256 Encryption
- Secure Core Server
- Kill Switch
- No-logs policy (Premium)
- AES-256 Encryption
- Kill Switch
- Catapult Hydra protocol
Streaming – which VPN works better?
Proton VPN and Hotspot Shield both work for streaming. Proton VPN supports Netflix among others, Hotspot Shield works well with Netflix. For maximum compatibility we recommend Proton VPN.
Proton VPN
Hotspot Shield
Pricing
Hotspot Shield
from 2,99 €/month
3-year subscription - Free tariff available
See Hotspot Shield dealWhich VPN is better for…
Streaming
Proton VPN
Proton VPN unblocks streaming services slightly more reliably.
Security
Proton VPN
More security functions and features.
Value for money
Hotspot Shield
Lower price with comparable performance.
Our verdict – Proton VPN or Hotspot Shield?
Proton VPN secures the win in our comparison. That said: Hotspot Shield is a solid VPN service and pays off depending on your requirements and budget.
FAQ – Proton VPN vs Hotspot Shield
Is Proton VPN or Hotspot Shield faster? +
Hotspot Shield is a bit faster on average (86 Mbit/s vs 80 Mbit/s). Both deliver good speeds for streaming and downloads.
Which VPN is cheaper – Proton VPN or Hotspot Shield? +
Hotspot Shield is cheaper (from 2,99 €/month). Proton VPN starts at 4,99 €/month.
Which VPN is more secure? +
Both offer AES-256 encryption and no-logs policies. Proton VPN packs a few more security features.
Which VPN is better for streaming? +
Proton VPN unblocks streaming services slightly more reliably in our test. Both VPNs work with Netflix and other platforms.
Is Hotspot Shield still worth considering? +
Absolutely. Hotspot Shield is a fully featured VPN service with its own strengths and can be the right call for many use cases.
