Choosing a VPN can be like navigating a maze. You want security, speed, and a reasonable price.
Two popular options often pop up: Mullvad vs Hotspot Shield.
But which one is right for you?
This in-depth Mullvad vs Hotspot Shield comparison for 2025 breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make the best decision for your online privacy.
Let’s dive in and see which VPN comes out on top!
Overview
We’ve rigorously tested Mullvad and Hotspot Shield, evaluating their speed, security features, server networks, pricing, and user experience.
This hands-on comparison will give you a clear picture of how these two VPN giants stack against each other.
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! For just €5 per month, you can access over 800 servers in 40 countries.
Pricing: Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month.
Key Features:
- Strong Encryption
- Pay-As-You-Go System
- No-Logs Policy
Want blazing-fast speeds and military-grade encryption? Experience a secure and private internet connection.
Pricing: Free plan is available. Plan starts at $7.99/month
Key Features:
- Wide server network
- Proprietary Chameleon protocol
- User-friendly apps
What is Mullvad?
Okay, let’s talk about Mullvad. It’s a VPN that’s all about privacy.
They don’t keep logs, which is a big deal. Plus, they’re known for being pretty fast.
Overall, it is a solid, no-nonsense choice for staying secure online.
Also, explore our favorite Mullvad alternatives…
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! For just €5 per month, you can access over 800 servers in 40 countries and a strict no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on anonymity: No email address is required to sign up.
- Open-source: Transparent and trustworthy.
- Strong security: Uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
- Accepts Bitcoin: For anonymous payments.
Pricing
Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month. That’s it! No discounts for longer subscriptions.
Pros
Cons
What is Hotspot Shield?
Alright, let’s chat about Hotspot Shield.
This VPN is known for its speed.
They also have a vast server network.
This makes them a popular choice, especially if you’re into streaming.
Let’s see what they offer.
Also, explore our favorite Hotspot Shield alternatives…
Want blazing-fast VPN speeds? Hotspot Shield boasts a network of over 3,200 servers in 80+ countries optimized for streaming and downloading.
Key Benefits
- Fast and reliable connections: Their Catapult Hydra protocol is known for its speed.
- Wide server coverage: They have servers in 80+ countries.
- Strong security features: Military-grade encryption and a kill switch.
- Built-in malware protection: Helps you avoid malicious websites and downloads.
- User-friendly apps: Easy to set up and use on any device.
Pricing
- Free Plan: $0/month
- Premium Plan: $7.99/month
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Now, let’s get into the details.
This section compares Mullvad and Hotspot Shield across key VPN features.
Helping you see where each excels and falls short.
1. Speed and Performance
Mullvad consistently delivers fast speeds, which are ideal for streaming and downloading. They focus on optimizing their servers for performance.
Hotspot Shield: Claims to be the fastest VPN, thanks to their Catapult Hydra protocol. Speed test results often show impressive speeds, but consistency can vary.
2. Security and Privacy
Mullvad prioritizes security and privacy above all else. It has a strict no-logs policy and uses strong encryption—a great choice if these are your top priorities.
Hotspot Shield: While it offers decent security features, some users have expressed concerns about its logging practices in the past. This might be a red flag for privacy-conscious users.
3. Server Network
Mullvad: Operates a smaller server network than some other VPNs. While their network grows, they have fewer server locations than Hotspot Shield.
Hotspot Shield: Boasts a massive server network, giving you plenty of options for connecting to different locations. This can be useful for bypassing geo-restrictions.
4. VPN Protocols
Mullvad supports OpenVPN and WireGuard, both considered secure and reliable VPN protocols. They were early adopters of WireGuard, a fast and modern protocol.
Hotspot Shield uses its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, which it claims is faster than other protocols. It also supports IKEv2. However, Hydra’s closed-source nature raises some concerns.
5. Logging Policy
Mullvad: Has a strict no-logs policy. They don’t track or store your VPN traffic, ensuring your online activity remains private.
Hotspot Shield: Their logging policy is less clear. While they claim not to log identifying information, they collect some data, which could be a concern. Switch.
Mullvad: Includes a kill switch, which blocks your internet connection if your VPN connection drops. This helps prevent your IP address from being exposed.
Hotspot Shield offers a kill switch to protect your privacy if your VPN connection is interrupted.
6. Simultaneous Connections
Mullvad: Allows up to five simultaneous connections, letting you protect multiple devices with one account.
Hotspot Shield: Offers varying numbers of simultaneous connections depending on your chosen plan. The Premium Family plan offers the most connections.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Jurisdiction: Where is the VPN company based? Privacy laws in that country matter.
- Payment Methods: Look for anonymous payment options like cryptocurrency for added privacy.
- Customer Support: Is help readily available if you have issues? Test their response times.
- App Compatibility: Does the VPN work on all your devices (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, etc.)?
- Free Trial/Money-Back Guarantee: Can you try the service risk-free before committing?
- Additional Features: Consider features like split tunneling, ad blocking, or a built-in password manager.
- Reputation: Check reviews on Reddit and tech blogs, but be wary of sponsored content. Look for independent testing and comparisons.
- Data Breach History: Has the VPN provider ever experienced a data breach? This is a critical security consideration.
Final Verdict
So, which VPN wins this showdown? Mullvad takes the crown. It’s the best VPN if you genuinely value privacy, and its no-logs policy is rock-solid.
The fast speeds and WireGuard VPN protocol make it an excellent all-around VPN service.
Hotspot Shield is okay, but the logging concerns and less clear privacy policy pause us.
We’ve tested many VPNs, including NordVPN and ExpressVPN, and Mullvad consistently impresses.
If you want a secure, fast, and reliable VPN server, try Mullvad. You can even test it risk-free before fully committing. You won’t regret it!
More of Mullvad
We’ve explored alternatives to Mullvad, so how does Mullvad stack up directly against them?
- Mullvad vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers faster speeds and a larger server network with more features, while Mullvad focuses on strong privacy and has a simpler, flat-rate pricing. NordVPN may be better for streaming, while Mullvad excels in anonymity.
- Mullvad vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly interface, and strong streaming capabilities. Mullvad prioritizes privacy with anonymous accounts, but its speeds might not be as consistently high, and it’s not as effective for unblocking streaming services.
- Mullvad vs PureVPN: PureVPN boasts a larger server network, which can be advantageous for bypassing geo-restrictions. Mullvad is often favored for its stronger commitment to privacy and transparent practices.
- Mullvad vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark is generally more affordable for long-term plans and allows unlimited connections. Mullvad stands out for its strong privacy focus and anonymous account creation. Surfshark tends to be faster in speed tests.
- Mullvad vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN offers a balance of strong security and good speeds, with a more feature-rich interface. Mullvad emphasizes simplicity and anonymous use, sometimes at the cost of speed and additional features.
- Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN offers a decent free plan and good speeds, while Mullvad has a wider server network and a longer-standing reputation for privacy.
- Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN’s primary strength is its ad-blocking integration. Mullvad is a more comprehensive VPN focused on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs Virtual Shield: Mullvad offers more advanced security features and a stronger focus on privacy than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- Mullvad vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. Mullvad also prioritizes security, but with a different approach to user anonymity.
- Mullvad vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is a budget-friendly option. Mullvad, while having a simple pricing structure, isn’t the cheapest but focuses on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, while Mullvad’s core focus is on providing a private and secure VPN service.
- Mullvad vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers for various activities. Mullvad prioritizes privacy and simplicity over a wide array of server types.
- Mullvad vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is a basic VPN often bundled with security software. Mullvad is a dedicated VPN service with a strong emphasis on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for its customization options and a large server network. Mullvad focuses on a no-frills approach with strong privacy.
- Mullvad vs Mysterium: Mullvad uses a traditional server network focused on privacy and security, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different anonymity model and potentially less consistent speeds.
More of Hotspot Shield
We’ve explored alternatives to Hotspot Shield, so how does Hotspot Shield stack up directly against them?
- Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN: NordVPN generally offers a larger server network, more advanced security features, and better unblocking capabilities for streaming services compared to Hotspot Shield’s sometimes inconsistent speeds.
- Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds and user-friendly interface, often outperforming Hotspot Shield in speed and reliability.
- Hotspot Shield vs PureVPN: PureVPN boasts a larger server network than Hotspot Shield. Hotspot Shield is known for its Catapult Hydra protocol, which can offer good speeds.
- Hotspot Shield vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark typically offers more features, unlimited connections, and often better value than Hotspot Shield.
- Hotspot Shield vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on strong security and privacy, while Hotspot Shield is known for its speed with the Hydra protocol.
- Hotspot Shield vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN strongly emphasizes privacy, while Hotspot Shield has a larger server network in more countries.
- Hotspot Shield vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN excels at ad and tracker blocking, while Hotspot Shield is a general-purpose VPN.
- Hotspot Shield vs Virtual Shield: Both are relatively basic VPNs, though Hotspot Shield has a more established presence.
- Hotspot Shield vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for robust encryption, while Hotspot Shield is recognized for its speed with the Hydra protocol.
- Hotspot Shield vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is a budget-friendly option. Hotspot Shield is known for its speed.
- Hotspot Shield vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection. Hotspot Shield focuses on providing fast connection speeds.
- Hotspot Shield vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers a larger server network and specialized servers, while Hotspot Shield is recognized for its speed.
- Hotspot Shield vs McAfee VPN: Hotspot Shield is a standalone VPN focused on speed, while McAfee VPN is often bundled with antivirus software.
- Hotspot Shield vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections, while Hotspot Shield is known for its speed.
- Hotspot Shield vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN, while Hotspot Shield uses a traditional server network focused on speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad a good VPN?
Yes, Mullvad is an excellent VPN, especially for privacy-conscious users. It has a strict no-logs policy, fast speeds, and uses strong encryption. It is considered one of the best VPNs for security.
Is Hotspot Shield a reliable VPN?
Hotspot Shield can be a reliable VPN for speed-focused users and streaming enthusiasts. However, its logging policy raises privacy concerns for others.
Which VPN is better for streaming Netflix?
Both Mullvad and Hotspot Shield can work with Netflix. Hotspot Shield’s larger and optimized server network might offer more consistent access to different Netflix regions.
Does Mullvad have a money-back guarantee?
Yes, Mullvad offers a money-back guarantee. This allows you to try the service and get a refund if you’re unsatisfied.
Why should I use a VPN like Mullvad or Hotspot Shield?
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, protecting your privacy and security online. It can also help you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that might be blocked in your region.
