⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Preisgestaltung: Hotspot Shield has a free plan and Premium at $7.99/month. FastestVPN starts at $0.83/mo.
- Ideal für: Hotspot Shield for streaming and speed. FastestVPN for budget buyers who want a lifetime deal.
- Hauptunterschied: Hotspot Shield runs its own Hydra protocol. FastestVPN sticks to WireGuard and OpenVPN.
- Our pick: Hotspot Shield for most users. It has the larger network and stronger streaming support.
Hotspot Shield vs FastestVPN comes down to one trade-off.
Do you want strong streaming speed, or the lowest price possible?
Hotspot Shield builds everything around its own Hydra protocol.
FastestVPN wins buyers with a cheap lifetime plan.
Both wrap your internet connection in an encrypted VPN Tunnel.
But they suit very different people.
Überblick
This Hotspot Shield vs FastestVPN comparison covers speed, privacy, streaming, apps, and pricing.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and third-party reviews for both VPN services.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each one.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
Was ist Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield VPN is a VPN app that encrypts your internet traffic.
It runs on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux und Amazon Fire TV.
Its main selling point is a proprietary VPN protocol called Hydra.
Hotspot Shield betreibt über 1.800 Server in 80 Ländern.
It also keeps a free tier, which many VPN providers have dropped.
🏆 Winner: Hotspot Shield
Hydra keeps nearby connections quick. Premium opens the big streaming platforms. One account covers up to ten devices.
Hotspot Shield Preise
Hotspot Shield subscription options are simple: one free tier and one paid tier.
| Planen | Preis | Am besten geeignet für |
|---|---|---|
| Frei | $0 | Light browsing on one device |
| Prämie | 7,99 €/Monat | Streaming, P2P, and up to 10 devices |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Kostenlose Testversion: The free plan lets you try the app before paying anything.
Geld-zurück-Garantie: Paid plans include a 45 day money back guarantee.
📌 Notiz: Hotspot Shield offers a Family plan for five users. It costs $19.99 billed monthly or $11.99 on the annual plan. You can pay by credit card or PayPal, but not Bitcoin.
⚠️ Price check: The $7.99 rate reflects annual billing. Month-to-month Premium costs $12.99. Most VPN providers charge about $3 to $5 per month on annual plans. Confirm the total at checkout.
Wichtigste Vorteile von Hotspot Shield
Hier erfahren Sie, warum Hotspot Shield einen Blick wert ist:
- Hydra-Protokoll: Hydra is built for fast, stable connections. It’s the main reason people pick this VPN.
- Free VPN: Hotspot Shield’s free VPN covers one device and one US location, with ads. Sources disagree on how much Daten it allows, from 500 MB daily to unlimited.
- P2P Everywhere: Torrenting is allowed on every server. You don’t need to hunt for special locations.
- Streaming-Zugriff: Premium adds dedicated streaming servers. The streaming section below covers which platforms work.
- Browsererweiterungen: Chrome and Firefox add-ons let you switch locations in your browser. They only cover browser traffic, not other apps.
- Long Refund Window: You get 45 days to ask for a refund. Most rivals give 30.
What Our Team Noticed
Unser Schriftsteller signed up for Hotspot Shield and used it for streaming and everyday browsing. Here’s what stood out:
Hotspot Shield: Vor- und Nachteile
✅ Vorteile
- Hydra protocol keeps nearby connections fast
- Premium unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections on Premium
- Free plan available for basic browsing
- 45-day refund window beats the usual 30 days
❌ Nachteile
- Based in the US, a Five Eyes member
- Kill switch works only with the Hydra protocol
- Live chat is limited to paying users
- Die kostenlose Version zeigt Werbung an und teilt Daten mit Werbetreibenden.
Was ist FastestVPN?
FastestVPN is a low-cost VPN service based in the Cayman Islands.
The country has no mandatory data retention laws.
It also sits outside international surveillance alliances.
FastestVPN offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Its headline deal is a lifetime plan with a single payment.
The trade-off is a small server network of around 800 servers in 49 countries.
FastestVPN
A budget VPN with an audited no-logs policy. Every plan includes an ad blocker and NAT firewall. The lifetime deal is rare in this market.
FastestVPN-Preise
Every FastestVPN subscription includes the same features. Only the billing length changes.
| Planen | Preis | Am besten geeignet für |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jahr + 1 Jahr gratis | 0,83 €/Monat | Long-term users chasing the lowest rate |
| 1 Monat Plan | 8,33 $/Monat (99,95 $/Jahr) | Short trips or a quick test |
| Exklusiver lebenslanger Plan | $40 | Buyers who hate renewals |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Kostenlose Testversion: There’s no free plan or free trial. You pay upfront.
Geld-zurück-Garantie: All plans carry a 31 day money back guarantee.
📌 Notiz: The two-year deal is billed at $19.95 upfront. A dedicated IP address costs an extra $1.49 per month. Extra connections cost $4 each per month.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list the annual plan at about $1.66 per month. That figure skips the free second year. Confirm the bonus period at checkout.
Wichtigste Vorteile von FastestVPN
Here’s where FastestVPN earns its spot:
- Lebenslanger Plan: One $40 payment covers you with no renewals. Few VPN providers still sell this.
- Geprüfter Datenschutz: Altius IT audited the no-logs claims. The VPN company says it keeps no activity logs or connection timestamps.
- Built-in Extras: FastestVPN’s ad blocker and malware protection come with every plan. They don’t replace real antivirus software, though.
- NAT-Firewall: A built-in NAT firewall stops unwanted incoming traffic. It adds a layer most budget VPNs skip.
- Streaming-Tab: The app has a streaming tab that picks a server for your channel. It lists Netflix, Disney+, Hotstar, Hulu, and Prime Video.
- Protocol Choice: You can switch between modern and older protocols. That helps on networks that block VPNs.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer used FastestVPN on a Windows computer and a phone. Here’s what stood out:
FastestVPN: Vor- und Nachteile
✅ Vorteile
- $40 lifetime plan removes renewal costs
- No-logs policy audited by Altius IT
- Ad blocker, malware protection, and NAT firewall included
- 24/7 live chat on every plan
❌ Nachteile
- Small server network with about 800 servers
- Speeds drop up to 55% on long-distance servers
- Reports of DNS and IP leaks on Windows
- Netflix unblocking is hit or miss
Funktionsvergleich
Here’s how Hotspot Shield and FastestVPN compare across 12 areas. Each section shows how both tools handle core VPN features.
| Besonderheit | Hotspot Shield | FastestVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Startpreis | $0 (Premium $7.99/month) | 0,83 €/Monat |
| Kostenloser Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lebenslanger Plan | ❌ | ✅ |
| Server | Mehr als 1.800 in 80 Ländern | ~800 in 49 Ländern |
| Gleichzeitige Verbindungen | 10 (Premium) | 10 |
| Not-Aus-Schalter | ✅ (Nur Hydra) | ✅ |
| Split-Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ (Intelligentes Tunnelbauverfahren) |
| Geprüfte Protokollfreiheit | Claimed (2023) | ✅ Altius IT |
| Zuständigkeit | Vereinigte Staaten | Cayman Islands |
| Am besten geeignet für | Streaming und Geschwindigkeit | Budget and lifetime value |
1. Geschwindigkeit & Leistung
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield was recognized in 2026 for high speeds and streaming performance. In third-party speed tests, Hotspot Shield recorded 210 Mbps in the UK. It hit 190 Mbps in the US. Hotspot Shield’s speeds hold up best on a local server. The Hotspot Shield process takes a few seconds, about 4 to 5 on Windows.
FastestVPN: Despite the name, it isn’t the fastest VPN on the market. Reviewers who tested FastestVPN saw download speeds drop about 45% on average. Upload speeds fell about 22% on one machine. Reviewers testing FastestVPN on a nearby server still hit around 730 Mbps with WireGuard.
⚠️ Warnung: Your base internet speed caps any VPN. A slow home line means slow speeds on either tool.
2. VPN-Protokolle
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is its own design, built for speed and Sicherheit. The apps also support WireGuard and IKEv2. Some experts stay cautious about closed protocols they can’t inspect.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN sticks to open standards. You get the WireGuard protocol, OpenVPN TCP and UDP, and IKEv2. WireGuard gives the best results on nearby servers.
3. Encryption
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield uses AES-256 encryption for a secure connection. Hydra wraps that cipher in a faster transport layer. Your ISP only sees scrambled data.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN also uses AES-256 encryption. Both tools share these core security features. Neither has an edge on the cipher itself.
4. Datenschutz & Protokollierung
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield claims a strict no-logs policy and cites a 2023 audit. Critics say its privacy claims still lack full independent proof. Hotspot Shield logs your IP address at the start of VPN sessions, then deletes it. It also keeps session length, bandwidth, and visited domains in anonymized form. No transparency report has appeared since 2019.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN claims a strict no logs policy, and Altius IT audited it. DNS leak protection sends DNS requests through FastestVPN’s servers. That keeps your DNS queries away from your ISP.
⚠️ Warnung: The level of privacy Hotspot Shield provides depends on your plan. Hotspot Shield’s free version shares user data with third-party advertisers.
5. Not-Aus-Schalter & Leckageschutz
Hotspot Shield: The kill switch cuts internet access if the VPN connection drops. But it only works with Hydra. Switch to WireGuard or IKEv2, and the Windows kill switch turns off. That gap could expose your real IP address.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN’s kill switch disconnects you if the VPN drops. Still, some reviews question how well it holds up. Others report DNS leaks and IP leaks on Windows.
💡 Profi-Tipp: Check IP leak protection after every app update. Free DNS leak tests catch data leaks in under a minute.
6. Servernetzwerk
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s servers cover 80+ virtual locations. P2P works on every server. Premium unlocks dedicated streaming VPN servers. More server locations mean less crowding at busy hours.
FastestVPN: The network is far smaller than NordVPN or ExpressVPN. With so few servers, peak-time crowding can cause slow speeds. Torrenting works on all FastestVPN servers, but downloads can lag. The server list is still easy to durchsuchen.
7. Gleichzeitige Verbindungen
Hotspot Shield: Premium covers 10 devices at once. The free plan covers just one. The Family plan spreads coverage across five users.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN also allows 10 simultaneous connections. Both cap simultaneous device connections at the same number. Here, though, you can buy more slots.
8. App- und Geräteunterstützung
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield works on desktops, phones, Linux (command line), and Fire TV. The Mac app is a stripped-down version of the Windows app. It lacks auto-connect and keyboard shortcuts. Hotspot Shield’s browser extensions cover Chrome and Firefox.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN’s apps are easy to navigate for beginners. The FastestVPN iOS app keeps the same clean layout. Android users get the same simple menus. FastestVPN apps also run on Linux.
9. Split-Tunnelbau
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s split tunneling lets you pick which apps or sites skip the VPN. It’s also built into Hotspot Shield’s mobile apps. The Android app auto-connects on unsecured networks. The iOS app offers an Always-on VPN.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN calls its version smart tunneling. You choose which apps use the VPN. That helps with banking sites that block any VPN IP address.
10. Streaming & Bandwidth
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield Premium unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Prime Video. It reaches Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Canada. BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4 worked too. Reviewers testing Hotspot Shield couldn’t open 9Now or 10 Play. The free version unblocks no streaming services.
FastestVPN: The streaming FastestVPN delivers is decent but uneven. Its streaming servers unlock Netflix in the US, UK, Japan, and Sweden. Some users saw slow loads on US Netflix. The Australian library didn’t work at all.
💡 Profi-Tipp: Streaming sites block VPNs often. If a page won’t load, refresh it or switch servers.
11. Kundensupport
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s support team offers live chat, but only to premium accounts. Free users rely on self-help articles.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN offers 24/7 live chat support from real people, plus email. One source reports a five-star Trustpilot rating, with reviews praising support. Others call the answers generic. The knowledge base search can also be clunky.
12. Pricing & Cost
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Planen | Hotspot Shield | FastestVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Frei | Kostenlos: 0 € | ❌ |
| Short-term | — | 1 Month Plan: $5/mo |
| Main paid plan | Premium: $7.99/month | 1 Year + 1 Year Free: $0.83/mo |
| Lebensdauer | ❌ | Exclusive Lifetime Plan: $40 |
Hotspot Shield: You get a real free option, which FastestVPN lacks. Premium costs more than most rivals but adds Hydra and streaming servers. Hotspot Shield deals change often, so check the checkout page.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN costs less on every paid plan. The lifetime deal costs about five months of Hotspot Shield Premium. Dedicated IPs cost extra.
Verschiedene Szenarien
| Falls Sie Folgendes benötigen: | Wählen | Warum |
|---|---|---|
| Knappes Budget | FastestVPN | Cheapest plans plus a lifetime option |
| Ein kostenloses VPN | Hotspot Shield | Only one here offers a free tier |
| Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max | Hotspot Shield | Wider, steadier unblocking |
| Rechtsordnung mit Fokus auf Datenschutz | FastestVPN | Cayman base and audited logs |
| Torrenting | Hotspot Shield | P2P on every server, faster speeds |
| Anfängerfreundlich | Hotspot Shield | Quick connect and simple apps |
💰 Ihr Budget
FastestVPN wins on price, and the lifetime deal ends renewals. The Hotspot Shield free plan costs nothing but locks you to one US location.
🔌 Ihre Geräte
Both offer Android and iOS apps plus desktop clients. Hotspot Shield adds a Fire TV app and browser extensions.
📺 Deine Streaming-Gewohnheiten
Hotspot Shield performed better across streaming platforms in third-party tests. FastestVPN handles BBC iPlayer and Prime Video but struggles with some Netflix libraries.
🎓 Dein Erfahrungslevel
Both VPN apps suit first-time users. The Hotspot Shield app connects faster, while FastestVPN may need some troubleshooting for streaming.
🆓 Kostenlose Testversionen und Demos
Try Hotspot Shield free, then lean on its 45-day refund window. FastestVPN has no free plan, but its refund period covers 31 days.
🛟 Supportoptionen
FastestVPN offers live chat around the clock on every plan. Hotspot Shield saves live chat for paying customers.
Umstellungsleitfaden
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what changes if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Hotspot Shield to FastestVPN?
✅ Was Sie davon haben:
- A $40 lifetime option with no renewals
- A Cayman Islands base outside the Five Eyes
- A built-in ad blocker and NAT firewall
❌ Was Sie verlieren werden:
- Hydra speeds on nearby servers
- A free plan and wider streaming access
- Servers in 31 more countries
📋 So wechseln Sie:
- Cancel Hotspot Shield Premium, or request a refund within 45 days.
- Buy a FastestVPN plan and create your account.
- Install FastestVPN, log in, and connect with WireGuard.
🔄 Switching from FastestVPN to Hotspot Shield?
✅ Was Sie davon haben:
- Faster local connections through Hydra
- Steadier access to Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max
- Browser extensions and a Fire TV app
❌ Was Sie verlieren werden:
- Preisgestaltung auf Lebenszeit
- An audited no-logs policy outside the Five Eyes
- Live chat for every user
📋 So wechseln Sie:
- Request a FastestVPN refund within 31 days if you qualify.
- Create a Hotspot Shield account and pick Free or Premium.
- Download the app and connect with Hydra.
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on everyday users, streamers, and budget buyers. We didn’t run our own speed tests or DNS leak tests. Speed figures come from third-party reviewers. We also didn’t check gaming servers or setups for smart TVs and Apple TV. We didn’t verify which locations use virtual servers. The Mac apps and bundled extras, like a Passwortmanager, weren’t reviewed in depth. Our notes reflect the September 2026 versions of both apps.
Endgültiges Urteil
| Kategorie | Gewinner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Preisgestaltung | FastestVPN |
| ⚡ Speed & Protocols | Hotspot Shield |
| 🌍 Servernetzwerk | Hotspot Shield |
| 📺 Streaming | Hotspot Shield |
| 🔒 Datenschutz & Sicherheit | FastestVPN |
| 👶 Benutzerfreundlichkeit | Hotspot Shield |
| 🆓 Kostenloser Plan | Hotspot Shield |
| 🛟 Kundensupport | FastestVPN |
| 🏆 Gesamtsieger | Hotspot Shield |
🏆 WINNER: HOTSPOT SHIELD
Hotspot Shield gewinnt 5 von 8 Kategorien.
Ideal für: Streaming, fast local connections, free VPN users
Hotspot Shield and FastestVPN target different buyers. Hotspot Shield is built for speed and streaming. FastestVPN is built for low cost and a cleaner privacy setup.
FastestVPN is a smart pick if you want a lifetime deal and audited logs. Its speeds and streaming results are less consistent, though.
We recommend Hotspot Shield for most people who stream, torrent, or reisen. Just know its US base and logging habits won’t suit strict privacy needs.
Mehr zu Hotspot Shield im Vergleich
Here’s how Hotspot Shield lines up against three other popular picks:
Hotspot Shield gewinnt in folgenden Kategorien: a free tier, a 45-day refund window instead of 30, and a simpler app with fewer settings.
NordVPN Siege bei: Double VPN servers, a Panama base, and repeated no-logs audits.
Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark
Hotspot Shield gewinnt in folgenden Kategorien: free access, the Hydra protocol, and a longer refund period.
Surfshark gewinnt in: unlimited devices, cheaper long-term pricing, and the CleanWeb ad blocker.
Hotspot Shield gewinnt in folgenden Kategorien: a free plan, a 45-day refund window, and Hydra speeds.
PureVPN Siege bei: a port forwarding add-on, lower multi-year pricing, and dedicated IP options.
Mehr von FastestVPN im Vergleich
Here’s how FastestVPN holds up beyond this matchup:
FastestVPN gewinnt in folgenden Kategorien: a $40 lifetime option, a far cheaper monthly rate, and a built-in NAT firewall.
ExpressVPN punktet in folgenden Kategorien: its Lightway protocol, twice as many countries, and steadier streaming.
FastestVPN gewinnt in folgenden Kategorien: lifetime pricing, a lower monthly fee, and dedicated IPs sold to individuals.
ProtonVPN Siege bei: an uncapped free plan, open-source apps, and Secure Core routing.
FastestVPN vs Privater Internetzugang
FastestVPN gewinnt in folgenden Kategorien: a Cayman base, a lifetime deal, and a handy streaming tab.
Private Internet Access gewinnt in folgenden Kategorien: built-in port forwarding, unlimited connections, and open-source apps.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Ist Hotspot Shield ein gutes VPN?
Yes, for speed and streaming. Hydra is quick, and Premium unblocks major platforms. Privacy-focused users may prefer a VPN outside the Five Eyes with verified no-logs audits.
Ist Hotspot Shield tatsächlich kostenlos?
Partly. The free plan gives you one device, one US location, and ads. Streaming unblocking and live chat require Premium.
Speichert Hotspot Shield VPN Protokolle?
Some. It records your IP address during each session, then deletes it. It also keeps anonymized data on session length, bandwidth, and visited domains.
Ist FastestVPN sicher?
Mostly. It uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy. Some reviews report DNS and IP leaks on Windows, so run a leak test.
Funktioniert FastestVPN mit Netflix?
Partly. Its streaming servers unlock the US, UK, Japan, and Sweden libraries. Some reviews note slow US loading, and the Australian library didn’t work.
English 
Spanish 
Chinese 
German 
French 
Arabic 
Russian 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Korean 
Italian 
Turkish 
Dutch 
Polish 
Indonesian 
Thai 
Vietnamese 