Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
NordVPN outperforms Hotspot Shield with an overall rating of 83.5% as compared to the latter’s rating of 47.9%. A key advantage of NordVPN is that it operates under the jurisdiction of Panama, a country unfettered by mandatory data retention laws, unlike Hotspot Shield which is based in the United States, a part of the 14-Eye alliance known for its extensive surveillance. NordVPN’s most economical option is priced at $2.99/mo with a 24-month subscription, offering much better value than Hotspot Shield’s $7.99/mo price point. Other superior features of NordVPN include its larger server count of 5000 compared to Hotspot Shield’s 3200, advanced features like the Double VPN, and an advert-blocking feature. Despite Hotspot Shield supporting more simultaneous connections (10 versus NordVPN’s 6) and having a longer money-back guarantee period (45 days against 30), comprehensive features and stronger privacy protection make NordVPN a more desirable choice for users.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: NordVPN vs Hotspot Shield
| VPN Company | NordVPN | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $7.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $12.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | Hydra, IPSec, and OpenVPN |
| Servers | 5,000 | 3,200 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 80 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | 10 devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Partially |
| Smart DNS | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | No |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 24/7 Live Chat |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: NordVPN Better
At $3.79/mo, NordVPN offers a wallet-friendly VPN solution, in contrast to Hotspot Shield’s higher-priced offering at $7.99/mo. This price variance prompts users to ponder the added value provided by Hotspot Shield. Highlighting its military-grade encryption (AES-256), exceptional 24/7 Live Chat support, and an expansive server network spanning 3,200 servers in 80 countries, Hotspot Shield showcases its premium features.
However, it’s essential to compare these with NordVPN’s services to determine if the additional investment in Hotspot Shield aligns with what users seek in a VPN, balancing cost against specific feature needs.
Hotspot Shield Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: NordVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. NordVPN’s location in Panama, free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over Hotspot Shield, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of United States. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, NordVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
NordVPN and Hotspot Shield excel in server availability. NordVPN has a large network of 5,000 servers accross 59 countries. This means easy, fast connections from almost anywhere. Hotspot Shield also has a wide reach – the VPN company operates 3,200 servers in 80 countries. Both offer reliable, speedy internet access.
No Logging Policy: NordVPN Better
The privacy policies of NordVPN and Hotspot Shield present a clear dichotomy. NordVPN stands out by not only maintaining a strict no-logging policy but also reinforcing this commitment through regular audits conducted by Deloitte. These audits serve as validation of NordVPN’s dedication to preserving user privacy.
In contrast, Hotspot Shield, despite offering a range of features and being headquartered in United States, does not adhere to a clear no-logging policy. This implies that it might retain certain records of user activities, a matter of considerable concern for individuals who prioritize anonymity and data security.
For users who prioritize robust privacy standards and seek external verification of security claims, these distinctions may prove pivotal in selecting the most suitable VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of Hotspot Shield, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Double VPN Feature: NordVPN Better
One of the notable differences between NordVPN and Hotspot Shield is the inclusion of a double VPN feature. NordVPN offers this advanced feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. On the other hand, Hotspot Shield does not provide a double VPN option.
Ad Blocking Feature: NordVPN Better
A significant differentiator between NordVPN and Hotspot Shield lies in their performance in unblocking popular streaming platforms. NordVPN excels in this regard, consistently providing users with access to a broad spectrum of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Nord users can reliably enjoy their preferred shows and movies from virtually any location.
Conversely, Hotspot Shield faces challenges when it comes to this aspect. Despite having servers in 80 countries, the VPN frequently encounters difficulties in reliably unblocking major streaming platforms. This limitation is of paramount importance for users who prioritize seamless access to streaming content and are in search of a VPN service capable of effectively circumventing geo-restrictions.
Bottomline
Through careful evaluation of the various aspects of both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield, the choice between the two VPN services is clear. In terms of overall user rating, privacy standards, no-logging policy, number of servers, pricing, and unique features such as double VPN and ad-blocking, NordVPN invariably takes the lead, making it the preferred choice for privacy-conscious users and those seeking a robust, feature-rich VPN service.
About NordVPN & Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield
Founded in 2008, Hotspot Shield is one of the more well-known VPN services. It was created by AnchorFree, Inc., and is currently part of Pango, a larger cybersecurity firm. Headquartered in the United States, Hotspot Shield is known for its high-speed connections and strong encryption. It offers a free version and a premium service, catering to a wide range of devices and platforms.
To learn more, read our Hotspot Shield review.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.