VPN Comparison 2026
Hotspot Shield vs NordLayer
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%
NordLayer
Rating: 4.1/5
Best Price:$6/mo
Servers:60+
Countries:33
Speed Score:88%
Based on our comprehensive testing, NordLayer comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: maart 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hotspot Shield | NordLayer |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.1/5 |
Monthly Price | $12.99/mo | $8/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $7.99/mo | $6/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 45 days | 14 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 3,200+ | 60+ |
Countries | 80 | 33 |
Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 6 |
Speed Score | 92% | 88% |
Security Score | 80% | 94% |
Streaming Score | 85% | 50% |
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
NordLayer
Pros
- Built for businesses
- Team management features
- Dedicated IP available
- Site-to-site connectivity
- Strong security focus
Cons
- Not for personal use
- Per-user pricing
- No streaming features
- Limited server network
Final Verdict
NordLayer comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 4.1/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. Business VPN by Nord Security for teams and organizations.
Choose Hotspot Shield if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (92%)
- You want more server options (3,200+ servers)
Choose NordLayer if:
- You need stronger security (94%)
- You're looking for better value ($6/mo)
Hotspot Shield
3.8/5 Rating$7.99/mo
NordLayer
4.1/5 Rating$6/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotspot Shield better than NordLayer?+
NordLayer is rated higher overall with a score of 4.1/5 compared to Hotspot Shield's 3.8/5. NordLayer Business VPN by Nord Security for teams and organizations. However, both VPNs have their strengths, so your best choice depends on your specific needs.
Which is cheaper, Hotspot Shield or NordLayer?+
NordLayer is the more affordable option at $6/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to Hotspot Shield at $7.99/mo. NordLayer offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, Hotspot Shield or NordLayer?+
Hotspot Shield achieves a higher speed score of 92% in our tests, compared to NordLayer's 88%. 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 NordLayer have more servers?+
Hotspot Shield has a larger server network with 3,200+ servers, compared to NordLayer's 60+ 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 NordLayer?+
Hotspot Shield scores higher for streaming at 85% compared to NordLayer's 50%. 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.