⚡ Veredicto rápido:
- Precios: Hotspot Shield Premium costs $7.99/month, and a free version exists. Malwarebytes plans start at $44.99/yr.
- Ideal para: Hotspot Shield for speed and streaming. Malwarebytes for antivirus users who want one bundle.
- Diferencia clave: Hotspot Shield is a dedicated VPN with 80+ locations. Malwarebytes pairs a basic VPN with anti-malware and identity tools.
- Nuestra elección: Hotspot Shield for most users. It has more locations, a free version, and better streaming access.
Hotspot Shield and Malwarebytes VPN both promise a secure connection.
But they come from very different places.
Hotspot Shield is a dedicated VPN built around speed.
Malwarebytes is best known for its antivirus software.
That history shapes everything, from network size to streaming access.
Here’s which one fits your needs.
Descripción general
This Hotspot Shield vs Malwarebytes VPN comparison covers speed, privacy, streaming, apps, and pricing.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and user reviews for both VPN services.
Nuestros redactores también dedicaron tiempo a trabajar directamente con cada uno de ellos.
Those observations appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
¿Qué es Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield is a VPN app that encrypts your internet traffic.
It sends your datos through a secure VPN tunnel and hides your real IP address.
Its patented Hydra protocol is a proprietary VPN protocol built for speed.
Hotspot Shield cuenta con más de 1.800 servidores en 80 países.
It also offers a free version, which many VPN providers skip.
Here’s a quick video overview.
Escudo de punto de acceso
Fast Hydra connections and 80+ virtual locations. Premium unlocks streaming servers and ten devices.
Precios de Hotspot Shield
Esto es lo que cuesta Hotspot Shield en 2026.
| Plan | Precio | Mejor para |
|---|---|---|
| Gratis | $0 | Testing the app on one device |
| De primera calidad | $7,99/mes | Streaming, speed, and up to 10 devices |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Prueba gratuita: No trial needed. Hotspot Shield’s free VPN lets you test the app without paying.
Garantía de devolución de dinero: Premium comes with a 45 day money back guarantee.
📌 Nota: Payment works with credit cards and PayPal, but not Bitcoin. Hotspot Shield’s free version is ad-supported and covers one device.
⚠️ Price check: The $7.99 rate applies to annual billing. Monthly billing runs $12.99. A five-user Family plan costs $19.99 monthly or $11.99 per month yearly. Confirm Hotspot Shield subscription options at checkout.
Principales ventajas de Hotspot Shield
Esto es lo que hace que Hotspot Shield sea una opción a considerar:
- Hydra Speed: Hydra is tuned for fast, stable connections. The Windows app connects in about 4 to 5 seconds.
- Red de servidores grandes: Over 1,800 servers cover 80 countries. P2P traffic is allowed on every server.
- Acceso a transmisión: Premium unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Prime Video.
- Wide App Support: Apps cover Windows, Impermeable, Android, and iOS. Linux gets a command-line app, and Fire TV has its own.
- Túnel dividido: Hotspot Shield’s split tunneling lets you pick which apps or websites skip the VPN.
- Ten Devices: Hotspot Shield works on up to ten devices under one premium account.
Lo que nuestro equipo observó
Nuestro escritor spent several days testing Hotspot Shield on everyday browsing and streaming. Here’s what stood out:
Ventajas y desventajas de Hotspot Shield
✅ Ventajas
- Hydra protocol delivers fast connections
- Desbloquea Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ y BBC iPlayer.
- Free version with no payment required
- Up to ten devices on one premium account
- 45 day money back guarantee on Premium
❌ Contras
- Logs some session data despite no-logs claims
- US-based, inside the Five Eyes alliance
- Kill switch only works with Hydra
- Pricier than most VPN providers
¿Qué es Malwarebytes VPN?
Malwarebytes Privacy VPN is a virtual private network from a seguridad marca.
Malwarebytes started as an anti malware solution, and the VPN came later.
It runs on WireGuard for faster speeds than older protocols.
Its servers run on Mullvad VPN’s network, with 470+ servers in 45+ countries.
Malwarebytes isn’t a dedicated VPN company.
It’s often compared unfavorably to premium VPN brands like ExpressVPN y NordVPN.
This video walks through the app.
VPN de Malwarebytes
WireGuard speed, a kill switch, and MultiHop. Pairs well with Malwarebytes antivirus.
Precios de Malwarebytes VPN
Malwarebytes sells its VPN inside yearly security plans.
| Plan | Precio | Mejor para |
|---|---|---|
| Estándar | $44.99/año | Basic device protection |
| Más | $59.99/año | Adding the Privacy VPN |
| Total | $159.99/año | VPN más protección de identidad |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Prueba gratuita: Yes. Malwarebytes offers a 7-day trial period for Privacy VPN.
Garantía de devolución de dinero: A 60-day money-back guarantee covers VPN purchases.
📌 Nota: Malwarebytes accepts PayPal and credit or debit cards. Cripto isn’t supported, and VPN plans don’t get discounts.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list standalone VPN plans instead. They show $39.99/yr for one device, $49.99/yr for three, and $59.99/yr for five. VAT can add up to 20% in some countries. Confirm at checkout.
Principales ventajas de Malwarebytes VPN
Here’s what Malwarebytes offers VPN users:
- Velocidad de WireGuard: WireGuard is lighter than traditional protocols. Speed still depends on server distance.
- Interruptor de apagado: All network traffic stops if the VPN connection drops. Your IP stays hidden.
- Reglas de conexión: Bypass the VPN for certain apps or IP addresses, like split tunneling.
- MultiHop: Route traffic through two servers in different countries for extra privacy.
- DNS privado: A proprietary DNS server handles lookups without tracking your traffic.
- Paquete de seguridad: Malwarebytes protects your device too, with antivirus and Browser Guard.
Lo que nuestro equipo observó
Our writer used Malwarebytes Privacy VPN alongside its antivirus app for daily browsing. Here’s what stood out:
Ventajas y desventajas de Malwarebytes VPN
✅ Ventajas
- WireGuard and AES-256 encryption on every connection
- Kill switch, MultiHop, and Connection Rules included
- Pairs well with Malwarebytes antivirus software
- Quick, helpful customer support
❌ Contras
- Only 470+ servers in 45+ countries
- Weak streaming access for Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
- No third party audits of its privacy claims
- No Linux, router, gaming console, or Fire TV support
Comparación de características
Ready to compare Hotspot Shield vs Malwarebytes VPN in detail?
We’ll cover nine key features, then pricing.
| Característica | Escudo de punto de acceso | VPN de Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Precio inicial | $7,99/mes | $44.99/año |
| Plan gratuito | ✅ | ❌ (Prueba de 7 días) |
| Protocolo patentado | ✅ Hydra | ❌ WireGuard |
| Interruptor de apagado | ✅ (Solo Hydra) | ✅ |
| Túnel dividido | ✅ | ✅ Connection Rules |
| Multisalto | ❌ | ✅ |
| Servidores de streaming | ✅ | ❌ |
| Soporte para Linux | ✅ Command line | ❌ |
| Dispositivos máximos | 10 | 5 |
| Mejor para | Velocidad y transmisión | Usuarios del paquete antivirus |
1. Velocidad y rendimiento
Escudo de punto de acceso: Hotspot Shield markets itself as the fastest VPN, and outside tests support its speed claims. Hotspot Shield performed well in third-party speed tests. Hotspot Shield recorded about 210 Mbps in the UK and 190 Mbps in the US. Hotspot Shield’s speeds also earned it 2026 recognition for streaming.
VPN de Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes uses WireGuard, but results are mixed. Users report drops of 34% on a nearby local server and 62% on distant ones. There are no gaming servers, and gamers report high ping.
💡 Consejo profesional: Run speed tests on the same server at different times. Results shift with server load.
2. Protocolos VPN
Escudo de punto de acceso: Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is its own design, built for speed and security. The app also supports WireGuard and IKEv2. Hydra is the default for most users.
VPN de Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes sticks with WireGuard, an open protocol known for speed. You don’t get a custom protocol. You do get a widely reviewed standard.
3. Red de servidores
Escudo de punto de acceso: Hotspot Shield’s servers number over 1,800 across 80 countries. That’s plenty of VPN servers and virtual locations for viajar. P2P is allowed everywhere, so you can download torrents on any server.
VPN de Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes servers total 470+ in 45+ countries. These worldwide servers run on Mullvad’s network. That’s smaller than many VPNs. Fewer server locations mean fewer choices for streaming or travel.
4. Cifrado y seguridad
Escudo de punto de acceso: Hotspot Shield encrypts traffic on free and paid plans. Its kill switch blocks internet access if the VPN drops. But the Windows kill switch only works with Hydra. It turns off on WireGuard or IKEv2.
VPN de Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes uses AES-256 encryption and a kill switch for every session. MultiHop sends traffic through two countries. The Premium Security bundle adds real-time malware protection.
⚠️ Advertencia: On Hotspot Shield, stay on Hydra if you rely on the kill switch.
5. Privacidad y registro de datos
Escudo de punto de acceso: Hotspot Shield claims it doesn’t log browsing history. But Hotspot Shield logs your IP address when VPN sessions start. It deletes it afterward. It also keeps anonymized session length, bandwidth, and domain data. It claims a 2023 no-logs auditoría, yet other reviewers call it unverified. No transparency reports have appeared since 2019.
VPN de Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes says it doesn’t store DNS requests, IP addresses, or bandwidth usage. It may keep anonymized data like a public key. The policy is vague, with no audits. So is Malwarebytes Privacy VPN safe? For everyday browsing, yes.
⚠️ Advertencia: Both companies are US-based, inside the Five Eyes alliance. Hotspot Shield’s free version also shares data with advertisers.
6. Streaming y descarga de torrents
Escudo de punto de acceso: Hotspot Shield Premium unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Prime Video. It reaches Netflix libraries in the UK, Germany, Japón, and Canada. BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4 worked in testing. 9Now and 10 Play didn’t.
VPN de Malwarebytes: Does Malwarebytes Privacy VPN work for streaming? Mostly no. It often fails on Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. There are no dedicated streaming servers.
⚠️ Advertencia: The free version of Hotspot Shield doesn’t unblock any streaming services.
7. Devices & Apps
Escudo de punto de acceso: Hotspot Shield offers apps for every major platform. Its Androide and iOS apps are simple, and Hotspot Shield’s mobile apps include split tunneling. The Android app auto-connects on unsecured networks. The iOS app has an Always-on VPN option. The Mac app doesn’t get all the same features as the Windows app. It misses important features like auto-connect and keyboard shortcuts.
VPN de Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The desktop app includes the kill switch and Connection Rules. Linux isn’t a supported operating system. There’s also no router, Fire TV Stick, or gaming consoles support. One Malwarebytes account covers up to five simultaneous connections.
💡 Consejo profesional: Hotspot Shield Premium supports up to ten simultaneous device connections. That covers most families.
8. Browser Tools
Escudo de punto de acceso: Hotspot Shield’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox let you switch locations inside the browser. They keep locations easily accessible when you only need web traffic covered.
VPN de Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes offers Browser Guard instead. It blocks malicious sites and trackers while you navegar. It isn’t a VPN, but it adds another layer.
9. Identity & Extra Protection
Escudo de punto de acceso: Hotspot Shield keeps its focus on VPN features. Speed, streaming, and privacy are the core of every plan.
VPN de Malwarebytes: This is where Malwarebytes wins. The Total plan adds identity theft protection and dark web monitoring. Other Malwarebytes products, like AdwCleaner, remove adware too.
10. Precios y costos
Here are both pricing lineups side by side.
| Nivel del plan | Escudo de punto de acceso | VPN de Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Gratis | Gratis: $0 | ❌ (Prueba de 7 días) |
| Entrada | Premium: $7.99/month | Standard: $44.99/yr |
| Medio | — | Plus: $59.99/yr |
| Arriba | — | Total: $159.99/yr |
Escudo de punto de acceso: Most VPNs charge around $3 to $5 per month on annual plans. Hotspot Shield Premium costs more than that. Watch for Hotspot Shield deals before paying monthly.
VPN de Malwarebytes: Malwarebytes costs less per year, but you’re buying a security bundle. The VPN comes with Plus and Total. It makes sense if you already pay for Malwarebytes antivirus.
Diferentes escenarios
| Si lo necesita | Elegir | Por qué |
|---|---|---|
| A $0 budget | Escudo de punto de acceso | Free version, no payment |
| Plan de pago más económico | VPN de Malwarebytes | Lower yearly price |
| Transmisión | Escudo de punto de acceso | Desbloquea Netflix, Hulu y Disney+. |
| Antivirus plus VPN | VPN de Malwarebytes | One security bundle |
| Muchos dispositivos | Escudo de punto de acceso | Ten devices vs five |
| Apto para principiantes | Escudo de punto de acceso | One-tap connect, free to try |
💰 Tu presupuesto
Hotspot Shield free is the only $0 option here. For paid plans, Malwarebytes costs less per year.
🔌 Tu conjunto de tecnologías
Linux and Fire TV users should pick Hotspot Shield. Malwarebytes suits Windows devices and phones already running its antivirus.
🎬 Your Main Use
Streamers and torrent users get more from Hotspot Shield. Using a VPN mainly on public Wi-Fi? Malwarebytes covers basic online privacy.
🎓 Tu nivel de experiencia
The Hotspot Shield process is simple. Open the Hotspot Shield app and tap connect. Malwarebytes feels just as easy, with fewer settings.
Pruebas y demostraciones gratuitas 🆓
Test Hotspot Shield free on one device first. Malwarebytes gives a 7-day trial before billing starts.
🛟 Opciones de soporte
Hotspot Shield’s support team offers live chat support only for premium accounts. Malwarebytes users can open a support ticket, and users report quick replies.
Guía de cambio
¿Ya utilizas uno de estos servicios VPN? Esto es lo que puedes esperar si cambias.
🔄 Switching from Hotspot Shield to Malwarebytes VPN?
✅ Lo que ganarás:
- Antivirus and VPN under one subscription
- MultiHop routing through two countries
- Protección contra el robo de identidad en el plan Total.
❌ Lo que perderás:
- 1,800+ servers across 80 countries
- Reliable access to major streaming platforms
- Linux support and ten-device coverage
📋 Cómo cambiar:
- Cancel Hotspot Shield inside your 45-day refund window.
- Create a Malwarebytes account and start the 7-day trial.
- Install the app, approve the pop up window, and turn on auto connect.
🔄 Switching from Malwarebytes VPN to Hotspot Shield?
✅ Lo que ganarás:
- Faster Hydra connections
- Streaming access to Netflix, Hulu, and more
- A free version for light use
❌ Lo que perderás:
- Bundled anti-malware protection
- MultiHop double-server routing
- Identity monitoring and dark web alerts
📋 Cómo cambiar:
- Cancel Malwarebytes within the 60-day refund window.
- Sign up for Hotspot Shield Premium or the free plan.
- Install the app, choose Hydra, and enable auto launch.
Lo que nuestra reseña no cubrió
This comparison focused on everyday privacy, streaming, and pricing for individual users. We didn’t run our own IP leak protection checks or measure upload speeds. We also skipped smart DNS setups, smart TVs, and dedicated IP address add-ons. Older systems like macOS Catalina weren’t tested, and we didn’t troubleshoot issues downloading either app. We also didn’t check which locations use virtual servers.
Veredicto final
| Categoría | Ganador |
|---|---|
| 💰 Precios | VPN de Malwarebytes |
| ⚡ Velocidad | Escudo de punto de acceso |
| 🌍 Red de servidores | Escudo de punto de acceso |
| 🎬 Transmisión en vivo | Escudo de punto de acceso |
| 🔒 Privacidad | VPN de Malwarebytes |
| 🛡️ Extra Protection | VPN de Malwarebytes |
| 📱 Soporte del dispositivo | Escudo de punto de acceso |
| 🏆 Ganador absoluto | Escudo de punto de acceso |
🏆 WINNER: HOTSPOT SHIELD
Hotspot Shield wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Ideal para: Streaming, fast downloads, and multi-device households
Hotspot Shield and Malwarebytes VPN solve different problems. Hotspot Shield is a speed-first VPN with a big network. Malwarebytes is a privacy add-on for people who already trust its antivirus.
Malwarebytes does better on privacy and extra protection. Want malware, identity, and basic VPN coverage together? It’s a fair pick.
For most people, we recommend Hotspot Shield. Just know its logging and US base aren’t ideal for strict privacy.
Want more detail? Read our full Hotspot Shield review or our Malwarebytes Privacy VPN review.
Comparativa de Hotspot Shield
Our Hotspot Shield VPN review covers more matchups. Here are three worth knowing:
Hotspot Shield frente a NordVPN
Hotspot Shield gana en: a free version, a longer 45-day refund window, and a simpler app for beginners
NordVPN gana en: an audited no-logs policy, Double VPN routing, and built-in ad and malware blocking
Hotspot Shield vs ProtonVPN
Hotspot Shield gana en: Hydra-powered speed, broader streaming unblocking, and a Fire TV app
ProtonVPN gana en: Swiss privacy law, open-source apps, and a free plan without ads
Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark
Hotspot Shield gana en: a free plan, faster Hydra connections, and a longer refund period
Surfshark gana en: unlimited device connections, audited privacy, and lower long-term pricing
Más comparativas de Malwarebytes VPN
Here’s how Malwarebytes VPN stacks up against other VPNs:
Malwarebytes VPN frente a ExpressVPN
Malwarebytes gana en: a cheaper antivirus bundle, MultiHop routing, and a 60-day refund window
ExpressVPN gana en: audited privacy, dependable streaming, and a dedicated router app
Malwarebytes VPN frente a ProtonVPN
Malwarebytes gana en: bundled malware protection, Browser Guard, and identity monitoring on Total
ProtonVPN gana en: a no-cost plan, Secure Core servers, and independently verified no-logs claims
Malwarebytes VPN vs CyberGhost
Malwarebytes gana en: a refund window on every plan, WireGuard by default, and built-in antivirus pairing
CyberGhost gana en: dedicated streaming servers, a much larger network, and more device support
Preguntas frecuentes
¿Es Hotspot Shield una buena VPN?
Yes, for speed and streaming. The Hydra protocol is fast, and Premium unblocks major platforms. Privacy-focused users may prefer an audited provider outside the US.
¿Cuál es la limitación de Hotspot Shield gratuito?
The free version covers one device and one US location. It shows ads and skips streaming. Some reviews report a 500 MB daily cap, so check how much data you get.
¿Hotspot Shield VPN guarda registros?
Partly. It logs your IP address during a session, then deletes it. It also keeps anonymized session length, bandwidth, and domain data.
¿Es bueno Malwarebytes VPN?
It’s decent for basic privacy. You get WireGuard, AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch. The small network and weak streaming hold it back.
¿Funciona Malwarebytes VPN en Netflix?
Not reliably. It has no dedicated streaming servers and often fails on Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Netflix access varies by server.
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