VPN Comparison 2026
Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark
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%
Surfshark
Rating: 4.6/5
Best Price:$1.99/mo
Servers:4,500+
Countries:100
Speed Score:90%
Based on our comprehensive testing, Surfshark comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: 2월 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hotspot Shield | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
Monthly Price | $12.99/mo | $15.45/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $7.99/mo | $1.99/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 45 days | 30 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 3,200+ | 4,500+ |
Countries | 80 | 100 |
Simultaneous Devices | 10 | Unlimited |
Speed Score | 92% | 90% |
Security Score | 80% | 95% |
Streaming Score | 85% | 92% |
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
Surfshark
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Very affordable long-term plans
- Good streaming support
- CleanWeb ad blocker included
- Camouflage mode for extra privacy
Cons
- Smaller server network
- Speeds can vary
- Based in the Netherlands (14 Eyes)
Final Verdict
Surfshark comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 4.6/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. Best value VPN with unlimited device connections.
Choose Hotspot Shield if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (92%)
Choose Surfshark if:
- You need stronger security (95%)
- You want more server options (4,500+ servers)
- You're looking for better value ($1.99/mo)
Hotspot Shield
3.8/5 Rating$7.99/mo
Surfshark
4.6/5 Rating$1.99/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotspot Shield better than Surfshark?+
Surfshark is rated higher overall with a score of 4.6/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. Surfshark Best value VPN with unlimited device connections. However, both VPNs have their strengths, so your best choice depends on your specific needs.
Which is cheaper, Hotspot Shield or Surfshark?+
Surfshark is the more affordable option at $1.99/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to Hotspot Shield at $7.99/mo. Surfshark offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, Hotspot Shield or Surfshark?+
Hotspot Shield achieves a higher speed score of 92% in our tests, compared to Surfshark's 90%. 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 Surfshark have more servers?+
Surfshark has a larger server network with 4,500+ 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 Surfshark?+
Surfshark scores higher for streaming at 92% compared to Hotspot Shield's 85%. Surfshark 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.