⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Preisgestaltung: CyberGhost starts at $2.03/month on its longest plan. Hotspot Shield has a $0 free plan and Premium at $7.99/month.
- Ideal für: CyberGhost for streaming and privacy. Hotspot Shield for speed and a free starting point.
- Hauptunterschied: CyberGhost’s no-logs policy is Deloitte-audited. Hotspot Shield is US-based and logs some session Daten.
- Our pick: CyberGhost for most users. It costs less long-term and has the stronger privacy record.
Der VPN with a free plan is not the cheaper one long-term.
Hotspot Shield lets you start for $0.
But CyberGhost costs far less once you pay for a real VPN service.
And price is only the first gap between these two.
Privacy, streaming, and speed split them even further.
Überblick
This CyberGhost vs Hotspot Shield comparison covers pricing, privacy, speed, and streaming.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and third-party reviews for both VPN providers.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each VPN app.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
By the end, you’ll know which one fits your internet connection and budget.
Was ist CyberGhost?
CyberGhost is a VPN service built for streaming and everyday privacy.
It hides your real IP address inside an encrypted VPN tunnel.
The company is headquartered in Romania, outside the 14-Eyes alliance.
It runs a huge server network: 9,200+ servers in 126 locations across 100 countries.
Its desktop and mobile apps cover Windows, macOS, iOS, Androidund Linux.
TV apps reach Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
Most people pick it for its streaming servers and simple layout.
🏆 Gewinner: CyberGhost
Stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ from dedicated servers. Your data stays private under an audited no-logs policy. Try it risk-free for 45 days.
CyberGhost-Preise
Here’s what CyberGhost costs in 2026. Longer plans cut the monthly price hard.
| Planen | Preis | Am besten geeignet für |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Monat | 12,99 $/Monat | Short trips or a quick test |
| 6 Monate | 6,99 €/Monat | Mittelfristige Nutzer |
| 2 Jahre + 4 Monate | 2,03 €/Monat | Bester langfristiger Wert |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Kostenlose Testversion: No free plan. The 1 Month plan comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee instead.
Geld-zurück-Garantie: The 6-month and long plans get a 45 day money back guarantee.
📌 Notiz: A dedicated IP costs an extra $5 billed monthly. You can pay with Bitcoin, credit card, PayPal, or Google Pay. Seasonal CyberGhost VPN deals can lower the upfront bill.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list the monthly plan at $13. They show the six-month plan at $41.94 upfront. Others say the two-year plan adds two free months, not four. It renews yearly at $57. Confirm the exact offer at checkout.
Wichtigste Vorteile von CyberGhost
Here’s what makes CyberGhost worth considering:
- Streaming-Tab: Specialist servers cover Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney Plus, and HBO Max. CyberGhost tests and updates them regularly.
- Protokollierungsfreie Richtlinie: CyberGhost keeps no connection logs or traffic records. Deloitte checked this in 2022 and again in January 2024.
- RAM-only-Server: Every server wipes its data on reboot. NoSpy servers are owned and run by CyberGhost itself.
- Seven Devices: Simultaneous device connections cover up to seven devices on one plan. That handles most households.
- Intelligente Regeln: Automate actions, like connecting to a set server when an app launches.
- WLAN-Schutz: The VPN turns on by itself on unsecured networks. Handy at Hotels and cafés.
What Our Team Noticed
Unser Schriftsteller signed up for CyberGhost and used it for streaming and daily browsing. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
CyberGhost: Vor- und Nachteile
✅ Vorteile
- 9,200+ servers in 126 locations across 100 countries
- Streaming servers for 15+ Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+
- No-logs policy audited twice by Deloitte
- 45-day refund window on longer plans
❌ Nachteile
- Average speed loss around 30%, worse on far servers
- Some reviews report buggy app behavior
- Die Wissensdatenbank ist für Anfänger zu wenig tiefgründig.
Was ist Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield is a VPN app built around speed.
It creates an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic.
Its proprietary VPN protocol, Hydra, is designed for fast, secure links.
Hotspot Shield betreibt über 1.800 Server in 80 Ländern.
The company is based in the United States, a Five Eyes member.
Hotspot Shield offers a free version too, which few paid VPN services still do.
Hotspot Shield
Start free with no credit card. Upgrade for Hydra speed on up to ten devices. Every paid plan has a 45-day refund window.
Hotspot Shield Preise
Hotspot Shield subscription options are simple. You pick free or Premium.
| Planen | Preis | Am besten geeignet für |
|---|---|---|
| Frei | $0 | Light browsing on one US location |
| Prämie | 7,99 €/Monat | Streaming, all locations, ten devices |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Kostenlose Testversion: The free plan works as an open-ended trial. It’s ad-supported and limited to one device.
Geld-zurück-Garantie: 45 days on every paid plan.
📌 Notiz: Hotspot Shield doesn’t take Bitcoin. It accepts credit cards and PayPal. Watch for Hotspot Shield deals before you commit to a year.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list Premium at $12.99 billed monthly. The annual plan drops it to $7.99. A Family plan for five users also appears at $19.99 monthly or $11.99 annually. Confirm the offer at checkout.
Wichtigste Vorteile von Hotspot Shield
Here’s what makes Hotspot Shield worth considering:
- Hydra-Protokoll: This proprietary protocol is built for speed and Sicherheit. It’s the core of the whole service.
- Ten Devices: Premium allows up to ten simultaneous connections. That beats CyberGhost’s seven.
- Kostenlose Version: No credit card needed to start. You get one US location and basic protection.
- Split-Tunneling: Choose which apps or websites skip the VPN. It works on Windows, Android, and iOS.
- Schnellverbindung: The Hotspot Shield app on Windows connects in about 4 to 5 seconds. That’s only a few seconds of waiting.
- P2P on Every Server: Torrenting is allowed across the network. No hunting for special servers.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Hotspot Shield and ran it on desktop and phone. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
Hotspot Shield: Vor- und Nachteile
✅ Vorteile
- Kostenloser Tarif, keine Kreditkarte erforderlich
- Up to ten simultaneous connections on Premium
- Hydra protocol built for fast connections
- Premium unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
❌ Nachteile
- US-based and logs some anonymized session data
- Der Kill-Switch funktioniert nur mit dem Hydra-Protokoll.
- No transparency reports since 2019
Funktionsvergleich
Both tools hide your IP address and encrypt your online traffic. The real differences show up in speed, privacy, and streaming. Here are nine key features, plus pricing.
| Besonderheit | CyberGhost | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Startpreis | 2,03 €/Monat | $0 (Premium $7.99/month) |
| Kostenloser Plan | ❌ | ✅ |
| Server | Mehr als 9.200 in 100 Ländern | Mehr als 1.800 in 80 Ländern |
| Gleichzeitige Geräte | 7 | 10 |
| Protokollierungsfreie Richtlinie | ✅ | ❌ |
| RAM-Only-Server | ✅ | Not stated |
| Split-Tunneling | ✅ Windows, Android | ✅ |
| Not-Aus-Schalter | ✅ Automatisch | ✅ Nur Hydra |
| Geld-zurück-Fenster | 45 Tage | 45 Tage |
| Am besten geeignet für | Streaming und Datenschutz | Speed and free use |
1. Geschwindigkeit und Leistung
CyberGhost: Third-party tests put CyberGhost’s average speed loss around 30%. That’s slower than some top rivals. Its WireGuard protocol has hit up to 760 Mbps. Connection speeds are best on nearby CyberGhost servers.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield claims to be the fastest VPN, crediting Hydra. Hotspot Shield recorded 210 Mbps in UK speed tests and 190 Mbps in the US. Hotspot Shield’s speeds earned it 2026 recognition for fast streaming. Upload speeds weren’t part of those published figures.
⚠️ Warnung: Distant servers hurt CyberGhost most. Some tests show up to 60% speed loss on long hops. Its European and US servers beat those in Asia and Africa. Pick a local server when you can.
2. Streaming-Zugriff
CyberGhost: Streaming is CyberGhost’s biggest strength. The Streaming tab lists servers for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and HBO Max get their own too. It covers 15+ Netflix libraries, plus regional services like RTVE, Now TV, DRTV, and TV4Play.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield Premium unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. It reached Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Canada. BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4 worked, but 9Now and 10 Play did not.
Sports fans get one extra perk with CyberGhost. It has servers set up for live game streams. They play in HD without long buffering.
⚠️ Warnung: Hotspot Shield’s free version doesn’t unblock any streaming sites. Its dedicated streaming servers are for premium accounts only.
3. Gaming and Torrenting
CyberGhost: CyberGhost has dedicated servers for torrenting and gaming. CyberGhost’s Windows app groups them in their own tabs. You find a P2P or low-ping server in two clicks.
Hotspot Shield: P2P traffic is allowed on all its VPN servers. Premium adds unlimited bandwidth, so big downloads won’t hit a cap. It lists gaming servers too, though CyberGhost labels its choices more clearly.
4. Sicherheit und Verschlüsselung
CyberGhost: Every connection uses AES 256-bit encryption. A built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker stops bad domains. CyberGhost’s malicious URL filter turns on with one toggle. The company also sells a separate security suite.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield also uses AES-256 encryption on a secure connection. Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol handles speed without dropping protection. IP leak protection keeps your real IP address hidden during use.
5. Privacy and Logging
CyberGhost: CyberGhost doesn’t track your traffic or store connection logs. Two Deloitte audits back up CyberGhost’s privacy claims. It also publishes transparency reports and pays researchers through a bug bounty program. Some critics still Frage data sharing with its parent company.
Hotspot Shield: Privacy is the weak spot. Hotspot Shield logs IP addresses at the start of VPN sessions. It deletes them at the end. It also records session length, bandwidth, and visited domains in anonymized form. Its policy says it doesn’t log browsing history.
⚠️ Warnung: Hotspot Shield points to a 2023 no-logs Prüfung. Some reviewers say its full logging policy still lacks independent proof. It hasn’t shared transparency reports since 2019, and the free version shares data with advertisers.
6. Not-Aus-Schalter und Leckageschutz
CyberGhost: The automatic kill switch cuts internet access if your VPN connection drops. DNS queries route through CyberGhost’s own servers, which blocks DNS leaks. It can also automatically connect when you join open Wi-Fi.
Hotspot Shield: The kill switch blocks traffic if the link fails. But it only works with Hydra. Switch to WireGuard or IKEv2, and the Windows kill switch turns off. Check your protocol first.
7. Servernetzwerk
CyberGhost: CyberGhost’s servers number 9,200+ in 126 server locations. These global servers span 100 countries. Each connection swaps your IP for one from the chosen VPN server.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s servers total 1,800+ across 80 countries. You can pick from 80+ virtual locations in one tap. The free plan locks you to a single US spot, though.
8. Apps and Device Support
CyberGhost: CyberGhost’s apps run on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. The smart DNS feature covers smart TVs that can’t run a VPN app. One account allows up to seven devices, counted by device rather than connection. CyberGhost’s mobile apps stay simpler than the desktop apps. The Android CyberGhost app still keeps split tunneling.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield covers Windows, Mac, a Linux command line tool, and Amazon Fire TV. Hotspot Shield’s mobile apps include Android and iOS apps with split tunneling. The Mac app lacks auto-connect and keyboard shortcuts. Hotspot Shield’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox switch locations fast.
9. Extra Tools
CyberGhost: A dedicated IP costs $5 extra per month. That dedicated IP address belongs only to you. Smart Rules inside CyberGhost’s client can start a server when an app opens. A random port option helps on strict networks.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s split tunneling picks which apps or sites skip the VPN. On a mobile device, the Android app auto-connects on unsecured networks. The iOS app has an Always-on VPN setting.
10. Preisgestaltung & Kosten
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Planen | CyberGhost | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Frei | ❌ | $0 |
| Entry paid plan | 1 Month: $12.99/month | Premium: $7.99/month |
| Mid-term plan | 6 Months: $6.99/month | ❌ |
| Long-term plan | 2 Years + 4 Month: $2.03/month | ❌ |
| Refund window | 45 days (14 on 1 Month) | 45 Tage |
CyberGhost: The long plan is the cheapest paid option in this matchup. You also get the full 45-day refund window. The 1 Month plan is pricey, so keep it for short trips.
Hotspot Shield: Across the VPN industry, most VPN providers charge $3 to $5 monthly on annual plans. That puts Premium on the high end. The free tier softens it, since you can test first.
Verschiedene Szenarien
| Falls Sie Folgendes benötigen: | Wählen | Warum |
|---|---|---|
| Niedrigster langfristiger Preis | CyberGhost | $2.03/month long plan |
| Ein kostenloses VPN | Hotspot Shield | $0 plan, no card |
| Streaming platforms abroad | CyberGhost | Dedicated streaming tab |
| Viele Geräte | Hotspot Shield | Ten simultaneous connections |
| Strict privacy | CyberGhost | Audited, Romania-based |
| Anfängerfreundlich | CyberGhost | Clearly labeled server tabs |
💰 Ihr Budget
Want to pay nothing? Hotspot Shield free is the only $0 choice here. For paid use, CyberGhost’s long plan costs far less each month.
🔌 Ihre Geräte
CyberGhost reaches your smart TV through Smart DNS and apps for Android TV. Hotspot Shield covers Fire TV and adds browser extensions, plus room for ten devices.
📺 Deine Streaming-Gewohnheiten
Watch BBC iPlayer, Now TV, or regional Netflix? CyberGhost handles more streaming services by name. Hotspot Shield covers the big US platforms but missed some Australian ones.
🎓 Dein Erfahrungslevel
Both VPN apps are easy to use. CyberGhost’s labeled server tabs make the first week simpler for new VPN users.
🆓 Kostenlose Testversionen und Demos
Testing Hotspot Shield free first costs you nothing. CyberGhost relies on its 45-day refund, so test it hard inside that window.
🛟 Supportoptionen
CyberGhost’s customer support includes 24/7 live chat support, email, and a searchable knowledge base. Reviews call its agents quick and friendly, but the help articles lack depth. Hotspot Shield’s support team offers live chat to premium users only.
Umstellungsleitfaden
Nutzen Sie bereits eines dieser Tools? Hier erfahren Sie, was Sie beim Wechsel erwartet.
🔄 Switching from CyberGhost to Hotspot Shield?
✅ Was Sie davon haben:
- Room for ten devices instead of seven
- The Hydra protocol and strong nearby speeds
- Chrome and Firefox browser extensions
❌ Was Sie verlieren werden:
- A Deloitte-audited no-logs policy
- Named servers for regional streaming services
- The $2.03/month long-term price
📋 So wechseln Sie:
- Note your Smart Rules and favorite servers in CyberGhost
- Install Hotspot Shield and try the free plan first
- Upgrade, rebuild split tunneling rules, then cancel CyberGhost
🔄 Switching from Hotspot Shield to CyberGhost?
✅ Was Sie davon haben:
- RAM-only servers and a Romania-based company
- A streaming tab with servers per platform
- An optional dedicated IP for $5 a month
❌ Was Sie verlieren werden:
- A free plan to fall back on
- Three extra device slots
- Browser extensions for quick location changes
📋 So wechseln Sie:
- List the devices and apps you protect today
- Buy a longer CyberGhost plan to get the 45-day refund
- Install the apps, set Smart Rules, then cancel Hotspot Shield
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on home users who stream, durchsuchen, and use public Wi-Fi. We didn’t test router setups, Linux apps in depth, or Geschäft plans. Speeds change by region and ISP, so your numbers may differ. Details reflect September 2026 versions. For more depth, see our full CyberGhost review and Hotspot Shield review.
Endgültiges Urteil
| Kategorie | Gewinner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Long-Term Pricing | CyberGhost |
| 🆓 Kostenlose Option | Hotspot Shield |
| ⚡ Geschwindigkeit | Hotspot Shield |
| 📺 Streaming | CyberGhost |
| 🔒 Datenschutz | CyberGhost |
| 📱 Gerätelimit | Hotspot Shield |
| 🛡️ Sicherheitsmerkmale | CyberGhost |
| 🏆 Gesamtsieger | CyberGhost |
🏆 WINNER: CYBERGHOST
CyberGhost wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Ideal für: Streaming abroad, everyday privacy, budget-minded households
CyberGhost and Hotspot Shield chase different buyers. CyberGhost bets on streaming, audited privacy, and a low long-term price. Hotspot Shield bets on Hydra speed and a free starting point.
Hotspot Shield is a fair pick if you want a free VPN or ten devices. We’d recommend Hotspot Shield to speed-first users who accept US jurisdiction and its logging.
For most people, CyberGhost is the better buy. The 45-day window gives you time to confirm it works on your setup.
Mehr zu CyberGhost im Vergleich
Here’s how CyberGhost stacks up against other rivals. This video walks through more options worth a look.
CyberGhost vs NordVPN
CyberGhost gewinnt in: a longer 45-day refund window, clearer streaming labels, and a simpler app.
NordVPN punktet in folgenden Bereichen: steadier long-distance speeds, Double VPN servers, and Threat Protection malware scans.
CyberGhost vs. Private Internet Access
CyberGhost gewinnt in: a cleaner layout, named streaming servers, and 15 more refund days.
Privater Internetzugang Siege bei: unlimited device connections, open-source apps, and deeper settings for tinkerers.
CyberGhost gewinnt in: more server locations, a paid dedicated IP add-on, and wider regional streaming.
ProtonVPN Siege bei: a free plan with no data cap, Swiss jurisdiction, and Secure Core routing.
Mehr zu Hotspot Shield im Vergleich
Here’s how Hotspot Shield stacks up against other rivals:
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN
Hotspot Shield gewinnt in folgenden Kategorien: a free tier, a 45-day refund versus 30, and P2P on every server.
ExpressVPN punktet in folgenden Kategorien: non-US jurisdiction, RAM-only TrustedServer tech, and more outside audits.
Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark
Hotspot Shield gewinnt in folgenden Kategorien: a no-cost plan, the Hydra protocol, and extra refund days.
Surfshark gewinnt in: unlimited devices, a lower long-term price, and CleanWeb ad blocking.
Hotspot Shield gewinnt in folgenden Kategorien: ten Premium devices, quick-switch browser extensions, and a Fire TV app.
ProtonVPN punktet bei: an ad-free free plan, open-source apps, and a Swiss home base.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Ist CyberGhost VPN vertrauenswürdig?
Yes, for most people. Deloitte audited its no-logs policy in 2022 and January 2024. It runs RAM-only servers and is based in Romania, outside the 14-Eyes alliance.
Ist Hotspot Shield tatsächlich kostenlos?
Yes, a free plan exists. It’s ad-supported, limited to one device and one US location, and doesn’t unblock streaming. Premium unlocks every location.
Wie viel kostet CyberGhost VPN pro Monat?
It costs $12.99 on the 1 Month plan and $6.99 monthly on the 6-month plan. The 2 Years + 4 Month plan drops to $2.03 per month.
Speichert Hotspot Shield VPN Protokolle?
Some. It logs IP addresses per session, then deletes them. Session length, bandwidth, and visited domains are kept in anonymized form. It says browsing history isn’t logged.
Gibt es ein besseres VPN als Hotspot Shield?
For privacy and streaming, CyberGhost is a stronger choice. It has an audited no-logs policy, a lower long-term price, and far more servers.
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