VPN Comparison 2026
Hotspot Shield vs HMA VPN
Comprehensive comparison of features, pricing, speed, and security to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.
Hotspot Shield
Rating: 3.8/5
Best Price:$7.99/mo
Servers:3,200+
Countries:80
Speed Score:92%
HMA VPN
Rating: 3.5/5
Best Price:$2.99/mo
Servers:1,080+
Countries:210
Speed Score:80%
Based on our comprehensive testing, Hotspot Shield comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: März 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hotspot Shield | HMA VPN |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
Monthly Price | $12.99/mo | $12.99/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $7.99/mo | $2.99/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 45 days | 30 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 3,200+ | 1,080+ |
Countries | 80 | 210 |
Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 5 |
Speed Score | 92% | 80% |
Security Score | 80% | 78% |
Streaming Score | 85% | 75% |
Protocols | HydraOpenVPNIKEv2 | OpenVPNIKEv2 |
Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Kill Switch | ||
No-Logs Policy | ||
Netflix Support | ||
Torrenting Support | ||
| Get Started |
Pros and Cons
Hotspot Shield
Pros
- Very fast speeds (Hydra protocol)
- Free tier available
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Good for streaming
- Easy to use
Cons
- Logs some connection data
- Based in the US
- Free tier has ads
- Privacy concerns in past
HMA VPN
Pros
- Servers in 210+ countries
- Easy to use interface
- IP shuffle feature
- Smart Kill Switch
- Owned by Avast
Cons
- Keeps some connection logs
- No torrenting support
- Past privacy incidents
- Based in the UK (5 Eyes)
Final Verdict
Hotspot Shield comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 3.8/5 compared to HMA VPN's 3.5/5. Fast VPN with proprietary Hydra protocol and free tier.
Choose Hotspot Shield if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (92%)
- You need stronger security (80%)
- You want more server options (3,200+ servers)
Choose HMA VPN if:
- You're looking for better value ($2.99/mo)
Hotspot Shield
3.8/5 Rating$7.99/mo
HMA VPN
3.5/5 Rating$2.99/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotspot Shield better than HMA VPN?+
Hotspot Shield is rated higher overall with a score of 3.8/5 compared to HMA VPN's 3.5/5. Hotspot Shield Fast VPN with proprietary Hydra protocol and free tier. However, both VPNs have their strengths, so your best choice depends on your specific needs.
Which is cheaper, Hotspot Shield or HMA VPN?+
HMA VPN is the more affordable option at $2.99/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to Hotspot Shield at $7.99/mo. HMA VPN offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, Hotspot Shield or HMA VPN?+
Hotspot Shield achieves a higher speed score of 92% in our tests, compared to HMA VPN's 80%. Hotspot Shield uses modern VPN protocols that minimize speed loss, making it the better choice for bandwidth-heavy activities like 4K streaming and large file downloads.
Does Hotspot Shield or HMA VPN have more servers?+
Hotspot Shield has a larger server network with 3,200+ servers, compared to HMA VPN's 1,080+ servers. More servers generally means less congestion and more location choices, giving you better connection reliability and more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
Which VPN is better for streaming, Hotspot Shield or HMA VPN?+
Hotspot Shield scores higher for streaming at 85% compared to HMA VPN's 75%. Hotspot Shield reliably unblocks popular streaming platforms and maintains fast enough speeds for HD and 4K content without buffering.
Compare More VPNs
Not sure yet? Check out our full VPN comparison tool or read detailed reviews of each service.