Surfshark vs Hotspot Shield – Which VPN is better?
Which VPN is the better choice: Surfshark or Hotspot Shield? In our detailed comparison we analyse performance, privacy and streaming compatibility.
Our winner
Surfshark
In this head-to-head comparison Surfshark delivers the better overall performance.
See Surfshark deal →Comparison table
Speed – Surfshark vs Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield reaches higher download speeds on average (86 Mbit/s vs 85 Mbit/s). Surfshark still delivers solid performance for streaming and everyday browsing.
Security – Surfshark vs Hotspot Shield
Both providers rely on AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy. Surfshark offers No-logs policy, AES-256 Encryption, Kill Switch, CleanWeb Ad blocker. Hotspot Shield offers No-logs policy (Premium), AES-256 Encryption, Kill Switch, Catapult Hydra protocol.
- No-logs policy
- AES-256 Encryption
- Kill Switch
- CleanWeb Ad blocker
- No-logs policy (Premium)
- AES-256 Encryption
- Kill Switch
- Catapult Hydra protocol
Streaming – which VPN works better?
Surfshark supports Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer. Hotspot Shield supports Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu. Both VPNs work for streaming, with Surfshark being slightly more reliable.
Surfshark
Hotspot Shield
Pricing
Surfshark
from 2,49 €/month
2-year subscription - 30-day money-back guarantee - Unlimited devices
See Surfshark dealHotspot Shield
from 2,99 €/month
3-year subscription - Free tariff available
See Hotspot Shield dealWhich VPN is better for…
Streaming
Surfshark
Surfshark unblocks streaming services slightly more reliably.
Security
Surfshark
More security functions and features.
Value for money
Surfshark
Lower price with comparable performance.
Our verdict – Surfshark or Hotspot Shield?
Surfshark delivers the better overall performance in this comparison. Hotspot Shield is still a solid alternative and can be the better pick for specific use cases.
FAQ – Surfshark vs Hotspot Shield
Is Surfshark or Hotspot Shield faster? +
Hotspot Shield is a bit faster on average (86 Mbit/s vs 85 Mbit/s). Both deliver good speeds for streaming and downloads.
Which VPN is cheaper – Surfshark or Hotspot Shield? +
Surfshark is cheaper (from 2,49 €/month). Hotspot Shield starts at 2,99 €/month.
Which VPN is more secure? +
Both offer AES-256 encryption and no-logs policies. Surfshark packs a few more security features.
Which VPN is better for streaming? +
Surfshark unblocks streaming services slightly more reliably in our test. Both VPNs work with Netflix and other platforms.
When is Hotspot Shield the better choice? +
Hotspot Shield is the better choice when specific features or a lower entry price matter more to you than maximum overall performance.
