VPN Comparison 2026
Mullvad VPN vs Hotspot Shield
Comprehensive comparison of features, pricing, speed, and security to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.
Mullvad VPN
Rating: 4.5/5
Best Price:$5/mo
Servers:800+
Countries:43
Speed Score:91%
Hotspot Shield
Rating: 3.8/5
Best Price:$7.99/mo
Servers:3,200+
Countries:80
Speed Score:92%
Based on our comprehensive testing, Mullvad VPN comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: 3月 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mullvad VPN | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
Monthly Price | $5/mo | $12.99/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $5/mo | $7.99/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 800+ | 3,200+ |
Countries | 43 | 80 |
Simultaneous Devices | 5 | 10 |
Speed Score | 91% | 92% |
Security Score | 99% | 80% |
Streaming Score | 60% | 85% |
Protocols | WireGuardOpenVPN | HydraOpenVPNIKEv2 |
Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Kill Switch | ||
No-Logs Policy | ||
Netflix Support | ||
Torrenting Support | ||
| Get Started |
Pros and Cons
Mullvad VPN
Pros
- No email required - account numbers only
- Accept cash payments for anonymity
- Simple flat pricing (€5/month)
- Excellent WireGuard implementation
- Independently audited
Cons
- Small server network
- No streaming optimization
- Limited to 5 devices
- Basic app interface
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
Final Verdict
Mullvad VPN comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 4.5/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. Privacy-first VPN with anonymous account creation and flat pricing.
Choose Mullvad VPN if:
- You need stronger security (99%)
- You're looking for better value ($5/mo)
Choose Hotspot Shield if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (92%)
- You want more server options (3,200+ servers)
Mullvad VPN
4.5/5 Rating$5/mo
Hotspot Shield
3.8/5 Rating$7.99/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad VPN better than Hotspot Shield?+
Mullvad VPN is rated higher overall with a score of 4.5/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. Mullvad VPN Privacy-first VPN with anonymous account creation and flat pricing. However, both VPNs have their strengths, so your best choice depends on your specific needs.
Which is cheaper, Mullvad VPN or Hotspot Shield?+
Mullvad VPN is the more affordable option at $5/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to Hotspot Shield at $7.99/mo. Mullvad VPN offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, Mullvad VPN or Hotspot Shield?+
Hotspot Shield achieves a higher speed score of 92% in our tests, compared to Mullvad VPN's 91%. 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 Mullvad VPN or Hotspot Shield have more servers?+
Hotspot Shield has a larger server network with 3,200+ servers, compared to Mullvad VPN's 800+ 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, Mullvad VPN or Hotspot Shield?+
Hotspot Shield scores higher for streaming at 85% compared to Mullvad VPN's 60%. 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.