VPN Comparison 2026
Hotspot Shield vs ZenMate 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%
ZenMate VPN
Rating: 3.6/5
Best Price:$2.22/mo
Servers:4,800+
Countries:81
Speed Score:78%
Based on our comprehensive testing, Hotspot Shield comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: März 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hotspot Shield | ZenMate VPN |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
Monthly Price | $12.99/mo | $10.99/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $7.99/mo | $2.22/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 45 days | 30 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 3,200+ | 4,800+ |
Countries | 80 | 81 |
Simultaneous Devices | 10 | Unlimited |
Speed Score | 92% | 78% |
Security Score | 80% | 80% |
Streaming Score | 85% | 82% |
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
ZenMate VPN
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Very affordable yearly plan
- Dedicated streaming servers
- Easy to use apps
- Based in Germany
Cons
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- No WireGuard support
- Slower than competitors
- Limited advanced features
Final Verdict
Hotspot Shield comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 3.8/5 compared to ZenMate VPN's 3.6/5. Fast VPN with proprietary Hydra protocol and free tier.
Choose Hotspot Shield if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (92%)
Choose ZenMate VPN if:
- You want more server options (4,800+ servers)
- You're looking for better value ($2.22/mo)
Hotspot Shield
3.8/5 Rating$7.99/mo
ZenMate VPN
3.6/5 Rating$2.22/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotspot Shield better than ZenMate VPN?+
Hotspot Shield is rated higher overall with a score of 3.8/5 compared to ZenMate VPN's 3.6/5. 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 ZenMate VPN?+
ZenMate VPN is the more affordable option at $2.22/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to Hotspot Shield at $7.99/mo. ZenMate VPN offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, Hotspot Shield or ZenMate VPN?+
Hotspot Shield achieves a higher speed score of 92% in our tests, compared to ZenMate VPN's 78%. 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 ZenMate VPN have more servers?+
ZenMate VPN has a larger server network with 4,800+ 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 ZenMate VPN?+
Hotspot Shield scores higher for streaming at 85% compared to ZenMate VPN's 82%. 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.