⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Hotspot Shield has a $0 free plan and Premium at $7.99/month. StrongVPN starts at $3.97/month on its annual plan.
- Best for: Hotspot Shield for streaming and speed. StrongVPN for big households that want phone support.
- Key difference: Hotspot Shield runs its patented Hydra protocol. StrongVPN uses WireGuard on physical servers only.
- Our pick: Hotspot Shield for most people. It pairs a free tier with a larger, streaming-ready network.
The cheaper VPN in this matchup is not our winner.
StrongVPN costs less per month on its annual plan.
Hotspot Shield costs more, yet it gives you a free VPN to start.
It also brings more servers and better streaming results.
StrongVPN still wins on devices, support, and a tighter logging policy.
Here is how these two VPN services compare, piece by piece.
Overview
This Hotspot Shield vs StrongVPN comparison covers pricing, speed, privacy, streaming, and apps.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and third-party speed tests for both.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each VPN service.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
By the end, you will know which one fits how you go online.
What is Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield is a popular VPN app from a US-based VPN company.
It moves your internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel.
That gives you a secure connection, even on public Wi-Fi.
That hides your real IP address from websites and your internet provider.
The brand markets itself as the fastest VPN for streaming and gaming.
Its speed comes from Hydra, a proprietary VPN protocol.
You can start on the free version or move up to Hotspot Shield Premium.
This short video walks through the app.
Hotspot Shield
Hydra speeds and a free tier make it easy to start. Premium unlocks streaming and ten devices.
Hotspot Shield Pricing
Hotspot Shield subscription options are simple: one free tier and one paid tier.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Light browsing on one device |
| Premium | $7.99/month | Streaming, speed, and up to ten devices |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: Not needed. The free version runs on one device with ads and a single US location.
Money-back guarantee: Premium comes with a 45 day money back guarantee.
📌 Note: Premium covers up to ten devices at once. Payment options include credit cards and PayPal, but not Bitcoin.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list $12.99 billed monthly. The annual plan shows $7.99. A Family plan for five users also appears at $19.99 monthly or $11.99 yearly. Hotspot Shield deals change often, so confirm at checkout.
Key Benefits of Hotspot Shield
Here is what makes Hotspot Shield worth a look:
- Hydra speed: Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is built for speed and security. It keeps connections quick for streaming and downloads.
- Large network: Hotspot Shield hosts over 1,800 servers across 80 countries. P2P traffic works on every one.
- Streaming access: Premium works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. The streaming section below has details.
- Split tunneling: You pick which apps or sites skip the VPN. Banking apps can stay on your normal connection.
- Wide app support: Apps cover Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Linux gets a command line app.
- Free option: Hotspot Shield’s free VPN needs no payment. It is ad-supported and limited to one device.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Hotspot Shield and spent time with the app. Here is what stood out:
Hotspot Shield Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Hydra protocol keeps speeds high for streaming and downloads
- Premium unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
- Free version available with no payment required
- Long 45-day refund window on paid plans
❌ Cons
- Logs session data like bandwidth and connection times
- Kill switch works only with the Hydra protocol
- Pricier than most VPN providers on annual plans
What is StrongVPN?
StrongVPN is a US-based VPN service that has run since 2005.
That makes it older than most brands in the VPN industry.
It protects your web traffic with AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
StrongVPN’s servers are all physical servers, with no virtual locations.
Every StrongVPN subscription also bundles 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage.
Reviewers call it reliable but basic next to NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Here is a quick video review of the service.
StrongVPN
Twelve device slots and physical servers make it a steady daily pick. Phone support is a rare bonus.
StrongVPN Pricing
StrongVPN keeps things simple with two plans and no free tier.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Plan | $3.97/month | Long-term users who want the lowest rate |
| Monthly Plan | $11.99/month | Short trips or a quick trial run |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Free trial: No. StrongVPN has no free trial or free version.
Money-back guarantee: Both plans include a 30-day money back guarantee.
📌 Note: StrongVPN accepts credit cards, PayPal, and Alipay. The only personal information it keeps is your email and payment information.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list $10.99 per month and $69.99 per year. They also say the annual price renews at $89.99 after year one. Confirm the final price at checkout.
Key Benefits of StrongVPN
Here is what makes StrongVPN worth a look:
- Twelve connections: One account covers up to 12 simultaneous connections. That handles a family’s phones, laptops, and TVs.
- Physical servers only: No virtual locations are used. Your server sits in the country it claims.
- StrongDNS: This SmartDNS service helps you reach geo-blocked content. It does not slow your connection.
- Protocol choice: Pick WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, or L2TP. You choose speed or compatibility.
- Free cloud storage: Each plan includes 250GB of SugarSync storage. Few other VPNs bundle storage.
- Real support: Help comes by live chat, phone, and email. You can talk to a person when setup breaks.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for StrongVPN and spent time with the app. This video shares what stood out:
StrongVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 12 simultaneous connections on every plan
- All servers are physical, with no virtual locations
- 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage included
- Phone, live chat, and email support
❌ Cons
- No free version or free trial
- Small server network of 950+ servers in 30 countries
- US-based with no independent audit
Feature Comparison
Both tools promise a private, fast VPN connection. The details below show where each one pulls ahead.
| Feature | Hotspot Shield | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 (Free), $7.99/month Premium | $3.97/month (Annual Plan) |
| Free Plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Server Network | 1,800+ servers, 80 countries | 950+ servers, 30 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | 12 |
| Kill Switch | ✅ (Hydra only) | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ (Android only) |
| WireGuard | ✅ | ✅ |
| Physical Servers Only | ❌ | ✅ |
| Support Channels | Live chat (Premium only) | Live chat, phone, email |
| Money-Back Window | 45 days | 30 days |
| Best For | Streaming and speed | Big households and support |
1. Speed & Performance
Hotspot Shield: Speed is the main selling point here. Hotspot Shield recorded 210 Mbps in UK speed tests. US tests reached 190 Mbps.
Hotspot Shield’s speeds also earned it 2026 recognition for fast streaming performance.
StrongVPN: Speeds suit most online activity, like browsing and streaming. On a nearby server, some tests show only a 5-7% drop. Others measured about a 20% average loss on nearby servers.
Farther servers hurt more. One test averaged 31% of base download speed. Upload speeds averaged just 13%. Latency also runs higher than leading rivals, so competitive gamers may notice lag.
💡 Pro Tip: Always start with a local server. Pick the server closest to you, then move only if a site blocks you.
2. VPN Protocols
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is patented and closed. It is designed for both speed and security. The app also supports WireGuard and IKEv2.
StrongVPN: You get more protocol choice. Pick WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, or L2TP from the settings menu. WireGuard is the fastest option on most devices.
3. Encryption & Kill Switch
Hotspot Shield: Your traffic is encrypted. A kill switch blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops. The catch: it only works with Hydra. It switches off on WireGuard or IKEv2.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN uses AES-256 for strong encryption. Its kill switch cuts your internet connection if the tunnel fails. That keeps your real IP hidden during reconnects.
⚠️ Warning: Some reviewers found the Windows kill switch on Hotspot Shield unreliable. Test it on your own device before trusting it.
4. Privacy & Logging
Hotspot Shield: This is the weak spot. Hotspot Shield logs your IP address when a session starts. It deletes it when VPN sessions end. It also keeps session length, bandwidth used, and visited domains in anonymized form.
Hotspot Shield claims a 2023 independent audit of its no-logs policy. Other reviewers say no public audit report backs that up. No transparency reports have appeared since 2019, and the free version shares data with advertisers.
The policy says it never logs browsing history. Still, the data it keeps could help build a user profile. Overall, the privacy Hotspot Shield offers trails StrongVPN.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN keeps a strict no logging policy. It says it never logs browsing activity, timestamps, or IP addresses. StrongVPN claims it never sells personal data either.
The catch is simple: no independent audit has checked these claims.
⚠️ Warning: Both companies are based in the US, part of the Five Eyes alliance. Both claim strict no logging policies, but neither has a verified audit. If privacy comes first, we strongly advise an audited provider.
5. Server Network & Locations
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s servers span 1,800+ machines in 80+ countries. P2P works on all of them. You simply get more servers and more server locations.
The brand calls its spots virtual locations. A virtual location can mean the hardware sits elsewhere.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN runs a small server network of 950+ servers in 30 countries. StrongVPN’s servers are all physical, and P2P is allowed everywhere. The trade-off is fewer country choices than other VPNs.
6. Streaming & Geo-Access
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield works with US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video on Premium. It also reaches Netflix libraries in the UK, Germany, Japan, and Canada.
Reviewers testing Hotspot Shield saw it unblock BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4. It failed with 9Now and 10 Play. Premium accounts also get dedicated streaming servers.
Overall, Hotspot Shield performed reliably with few misses. The free version unblocks no streaming services.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN can reach major streaming platforms from anywhere. Tests show minimal buffering during playback. Its StrongDNS feature adds SmartDNS for devices that cannot run a VPN.
StrongVPN features also target censorship on restricted networks, like school or office Wi-Fi.
7. Apps & Device Support
Hotspot Shield: Apps cover Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Linux gets a command line app, and Amazon Fire TV has its own. Hotspot Shield’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox switch locations right from your browser.
Hotspot Shield’s mobile apps are the most complete. The Android app auto-connects on unsecured networks, and iOS has Always-on VPN. The Mac app is thinner, with no auto-connect or keyboard shortcuts. Premium covers up to ten devices.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN has native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Among the devices StrongVPN supports, routers use manual setup guides. Chrome OS users can install the Android apps from the Google Play Store.
You get 12 simultaneous device connections. StrongVPN does not list a browser extension, so browser-only users should check first.
💡 Pro Tip: Smart TVs without a VPN app can connect through a router. The router counts as one device but covers everything behind it.
8. Split Tunneling & Leak Protection
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s split tunneling lets you choose which apps or websites skip the VPN. It shows up in the Windows app and on Android and iOS apps. IP leak protection held up in third-party leak tests too.
StrongVPN: On Android devices, StrongVPN’s apps offer split tunneling. Other platforms do not. DNS leak protection keeps your lookups inside the tunnel. That stops other users on public Wi-Fi from seeing your sites.
9. Customer Support
Hotspot Shield: Live chat support exists, but only for paying users. Hotspot Shield’s support team is out of reach on the free plan. Free users lean on help articles instead.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN gives every customer live chat, phone, and email help. Phone support is rare among VPN providers. That makes it friendlier for less technical buyers.
10. Pricing & Cost
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Plan | Hotspot Shield | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | ❌ |
| Premium | $7.99/month | ❌ |
| Annual Plan | ❌ | $3.97/month |
| Monthly Plan | ❌ | $11.99/month |
| Devices | 10 | 12 |
| Money-Back Window | 45 days | 30 days |
Hotspot Shield: Most VPN providers charge $3 to $5 a month on annual plans. At $7.99, Premium sits on the high end. The free tier softens that, since you can test before paying.
StrongVPN: The annual plan costs about half of Hotspot Shield Premium. You also get 12 devices and bundled storage. Skip the monthly plan unless you need a VPN for a few weeks.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | StrongVPN | Lowest paid annual rate |
| A free VPN to start | Hotspot Shield | Free tier, no payment |
| Streaming abroad | Hotspot Shield | More unblocked libraries |
| Many devices at home | StrongVPN | 12 simultaneous connections |
| Phone support | StrongVPN | Live chat, phone, and email |
| Beginner-friendly | Hotspot Shield | Connects in a few seconds |
| Torrenting | Either | P2P on all servers |
💰 Your Budget
StrongVPN’s annual plan is the cheapest paid route here. If you cannot pay anything, Hotspot Shield’s free version is the only option.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Hotspot Shield adds Chrome and Firefox extensions plus a Linux command line app. StrongVPN covers more mobile devices per account and works with routers.
📺 Your Streaming Habits
Hotspot Shield unblocks more libraries in published tests. StrongVPN handles the common platforms and adds SmartDNS for TVs.
🎓 Your Experience Level
On a Windows laptop, the Hotspot Shield process takes one click and a few seconds. StrongVPN’s app is also easy, though it has fewer extras.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
StrongVPN has no trial, but its refund window works like one. With Hotspot Shield, try the free plan first, then upgrade.
🛟 Support Options
StrongVPN is the only one here with phone support. Hotspot Shield keeps live chat behind Premium.
🔒 Data Privacy and Security
Both are US-based and unaudited, so neither is ideal for privacy purists. StrongVPN collects less data, which gives it the edge.
Switching Guide
Already paying for one of these? Here is what changes if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Hotspot Shield to StrongVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Two extra device slots (12 total)
- Phone support for setup problems
- 250GB of free cloud storage
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The free tier as a fallback
- About 50 extra countries to connect through
- Chrome and Firefox extensions
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel Hotspot Shield inside the 45-day window if you want a refund.
- Buy the StrongVPN annual plan and install the app.
- Sign in, choose WireGuard, and connect to the closest server.
🔄 Switching from StrongVPN to Hotspot Shield?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A larger network with more countries
- Hydra speeds for streaming
- Browser extensions and a Linux app
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Physical-only servers
- Phone support
- Bundled SugarSync storage
📋 How to switch:
- Download your SugarSync files before you cancel.
- Install the Hotspot Shield app and try the free plan.
- Upgrade to Premium and keep Hydra on so the kill switch works.
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on everyday users who stream, browse, and protect home devices. We did not test router setups, business use, gaming servers, or dedicated IP address options. Speed figures come from third-party tests, so your results will vary by location. Features reflect the September 2026 versions of both apps.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | StrongVPN |
| ⚡ Speed / Performance | Hotspot Shield |
| 🌍 Server Network | Hotspot Shield |
| 📺 Streaming | Hotspot Shield |
| 🆓 Free Option | Hotspot Shield |
| 👶 Ease of Use & Apps | Hotspot Shield |
| 🔒 Privacy | StrongVPN |
| 📱 Device Connections | StrongVPN |
| 🛟 Customer Support | StrongVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Hotspot Shield |
🏆 WINNER: HOTSPOT SHIELD
Hotspot Shield wins 5 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Streamers, speed-first users, and anyone who wants a free VPN to start
This was closer than the price tags suggest. Hotspot Shield wins on speed, streaming, and app choice. Its free tier also lets you test before you pay.
StrongVPN is a strong VPN pick for families. Twelve devices, phone support, and cleaner logging are real strengths. It just cannot match the network size or streaming reach.
We recommend Hotspot Shield for streaming and everyday speed. If privacy or a big household matters more, StrongVPN is the smarter buy. Either way, the best VPN is the one that fits how you stay safe online.
More of Hotspot Shield Compared
Here is how Hotspot Shield holds up against three bigger rivals:
Hotspot Shield wins on: a free tier, a longer 45-day refund window, and the Hydra protocol for long-distance speed
NordVPN wins on: audited no-logs claims, a base in Panama outside Five Eyes, and a far bigger server count
Hotspot Shield wins on: a free plan, a Family plan for five users, and 15 extra days to request a refund
ExpressVPN wins on: a British Virgin Islands base, independently audited servers, and its open-source Lightway protocol
Hotspot Shield wins on: dedicated streaming servers, browser extensions for location switching, and live chat on Premium
ProtonVPN wins on: an ad-free free plan with no data cap, Swiss privacy law, and open-source, audited apps
More of StrongVPN Compared
StrongVPN is reliable but basic next to the big names. This video covers its main rivals.
StrongVPN wins on: two more device slots, phone support, and bundled SugarSync storage
NordVPN wins on: a much larger network, audited privacy claims, and built-in malware and ad blocking
StrongVPN wins on: physical-only servers, SmartDNS through StrongDNS, and 250GB of included storage
PureVPN wins on: a wider server footprint, independent no-logs audits, and lower long-term pricing
StrongVPN vs Surfshark
StrongVPN wins on: phone support, zero virtual locations, and free cloud storage on every plan
Surfshark wins on: unlimited device connections, audited servers, and more countries to choose from
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hotspot Shield a good VPN?
Yes, it is a good VPN for speed and streaming. It unblocks major platforms and connects fast. Its logging is weaker than audited rivals, so privacy-first users may want another pick.
What is the limitation of Hotspot Shield free?
It works on one device and one US location, with ads. It unblocks no streaming services. Sources differ on how much data you get: unlimited traffic or 500 MB daily.
Does Hotspot Shield VPN keep logs?
Partly. It logs your IP address during a session and deletes it afterward. It also keeps anonymized session length, bandwidth, and visited domains.
Is StrongVPN free?
No. There is no free version or free trial. You can still test it risk-free with the 30-day money back guarantee on both plans.
How many devices can you have on StrongVPN?
You can connect up to 12 devices at once on one account. That is two more than Hotspot Shield Premium allows.
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