VPN Comparison 2026
Hotspot Shield vs PureVPN
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%
PureVPN
Rating: 3.9/5
Best Price:$1.99/mo
Servers:6,500+
Countries:78
Speed Score:81%
Based on our comprehensive testing, PureVPN comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: März 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hotspot Shield | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 3.9/5 |
Monthly Price | $12.99/mo | $12.95/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $7.99/mo | $1.99/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 45 days | 31 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 3,200+ | 6,500+ |
Countries | 80 | 78 |
Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 10 |
Speed Score | 92% | 81% |
Security Score | 80% | 82% |
Streaming Score | 85% | 83% |
Protocols | HydraOpenVPNIKEv2 | WireGuardOpenVPNIKEv2 |
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
PureVPN
Pros
- Dedicated IP addresses available
- Port forwarding supported
- Large server network
- Very affordable long-term
- 31-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Past privacy incidents
- Speeds can be inconsistent
- Some servers overcrowded
- Based in British Virgin Islands
Final Verdict
PureVPN comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 3.9/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. Feature-rich VPN with dedicated IPs and port forwarding.
Choose Hotspot Shield if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (92%)
Choose PureVPN if:
- You need stronger security (82%)
- You want more server options (6,500+ servers)
- You're looking for better value ($1.99/mo)
Hotspot Shield
3.8/5 Rating$7.99/mo
PureVPN
3.9/5 Rating$1.99/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotspot Shield better than PureVPN?+
PureVPN is rated higher overall with a score of 3.9/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. PureVPN Feature-rich VPN with dedicated IPs and port forwarding. However, both VPNs have their strengths, so your best choice depends on your specific needs.
Which is cheaper, Hotspot Shield or PureVPN?+
PureVPN is the more affordable option at $1.99/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to Hotspot Shield at $7.99/mo. PureVPN offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, Hotspot Shield or PureVPN?+
Hotspot Shield achieves a higher speed score of 92% in our tests, compared to PureVPN's 81%. 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 PureVPN have more servers?+
PureVPN has a larger server network with 6,500+ servers, compared to Hotspot Shield's 3,200+ 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 PureVPN?+
Hotspot Shield scores higher for streaming at 85% compared to PureVPN's 83%. 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.