VPN Comparison 2026
Hotspot Shield vs Astrill 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%
Astrill VPN
Rating: 3.7/5
Best Price:$12.5/mo
Servers:300+
Countries:56
Speed Score:75%
Based on our comprehensive testing, Hotspot Shield comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: maart 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hotspot Shield | Astrill VPN |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 3.7/5 |
Monthly Price | $12.99/mo | $30/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $7.99/mo | $12.5/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 45 days | 7 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 3,200+ | 300+ |
Countries | 80 | 56 |
Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 5 |
Speed Score | 92% | 75% |
Security Score | 80% | 85% |
Streaming Score | 85% | 70% |
Protocols | HydraOpenVPNIKEv2 | OpenVPNWireGuardStealthVPNOpenWeb |
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
Astrill VPN
Pros
- Works in China (StealthVPN)
- Multiple proprietary protocols
- Smart mode for speed
- VIP addon for dedicated IPs
- Router app available
Cons
- Very expensive
- Only 7-day money-back
- Outdated interface
- Inconsistent speeds
Final Verdict
Hotspot Shield comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 3.8/5 compared to Astrill VPN's 3.7/5. Fast VPN with proprietary Hydra protocol and free tier.
Choose Hotspot Shield if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (92%)
- You want more server options (3,200+ servers)
- You're looking for better value ($7.99/mo)
Choose Astrill VPN if:
- You need stronger security (85%)
Hotspot Shield
3.8/5 Rating$7.99/mo
Astrill VPN
3.7/5 Rating$12.5/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotspot Shield better than Astrill VPN?+
Hotspot Shield is rated higher overall with a score of 3.8/5 compared to Astrill VPN's 3.7/5. 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 Astrill VPN?+
Hotspot Shield is the more affordable option at $7.99/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to Astrill VPN at $12.5/mo. Hotspot Shield offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, Hotspot Shield or Astrill VPN?+
Hotspot Shield achieves a higher speed score of 92% in our tests, compared to Astrill VPN's 75%. 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 Astrill VPN have more servers?+
Hotspot Shield has a larger server network with 3,200+ servers, compared to Astrill VPN's 300+ 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 Astrill VPN?+
Hotspot Shield scores higher for streaming at 85% compared to Astrill VPN's 70%. 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.