

⚡ Verdetto rapido:
- Prezzi: Hotspot Shield has a free plan and Premium at $7.99/month. FastestVPN starts at $0.83/mo.
- Ideale per: Hotspot Shield for streaming and speed. FastestVPN for budget buyers who want a lifetime deal.
- Differenza fondamentale: Hotspot Shield runs its own Hydra protocol. FastestVPN sticks to WireGuard and OpenVPN.
- La nostra scelta: 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.
Panoramica
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.
I nostri autori hanno anche trascorso del tempo di persona con ognuno di loro.
Tali annotazioni compaiono nella sezione "Cosa ha notato il nostro team" qui di seguito.
Che cos'è Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield VPN is a VPN app that encrypts your internet traffic.
Funziona su Windows, MacAndroid, iOS, Linux e Amazon Fire TV.
Its main selling point is a proprietary VPN protocol called Hydra.
Hotspot Shield ospita oltre 1.800 server in 80 paesi.
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.
Prezzi di Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield subscription options are simple: one free tier and one paid tier.
| Piano | Prezzo | Ideale per |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuito | $0 | Light browsing on one device |
| Premio | $7,99/mese | Streaming, P2P, and up to 10 devices |
Pricing verified September 2026.

Prova gratuita: The free plan lets you try the app before paying anything.
Garanzia di rimborso: Paid plans include a 45 day money back guarantee.
📌 Nota: 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.
Principali vantaggi di Mullvad
Protezione dalle minacce Pro integrata

- 10 connessioni contro le 6 di NordVPN 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 dati 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.
- Accesso streaming: Premium adds dedicated streaming servers. The streaming section below covers which platforms work.
- Estensioni del browser: Chrome and Firefox add-ons let you switch locations in your browser. They only cover browser traffic, not other apps.
- Periodo di rimborso esteso: You get 45 days to ask for a refund. Most rivals give 30.

Cosa ha notato il nostro team
Nostro scrittore signed up for Hotspot Shield and used it for streaming and everyday browsing. Here’s what stood out:

Velocità di download elevatissime
✅ Pro
- 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
❌ Contro
- Based in the US, a Five Eyes member
- Kill switch works only with the Hydra protocol
- Live chat is limited to paying users
- La versione gratuita mostra annunci pubblicitari e condivide dati con gli inserzionisti.
Che cos'è 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.
Prezzi FastestVPN
Every FastestVPN subscription includes the same features. Only the billing length changes.
| Piano | Prezzo | Ideale per |
|---|---|---|
| 1 anno + 1 anno gratis | $0,83/mese | Long-term users chasing the lowest rate |
| Piano da 1 mese | 5 dollari al mese | Short trips or a quick test |
| Acquisizione esclusiva a vita | $40 | Buyers who hate renewals |
Pricing verified September 2026.

Prova gratuita: There’s no free plan or free trial. You pay upfront.
Garanzia di rimborso: All plans carry a 31 day money back guarantee.
📌 Nota: 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.
Principali vantaggi di FastestVPN
Here’s where FastestVPN earns its spot:

- Piano a vita: One $40 payment covers you with no renewals. Few VPN providers still sell this.
- Sblocca Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ e molto altro con un solo clic. 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.
- Firewall NAT: A built-in NAT firewall stops unwanted incoming traffic. It adds a layer most budget VPNs skip.
- Scheda Streaming: 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.

Cosa ha notato il nostro team
Our writer used FastestVPN on a Windows computer and a phone. Here’s what stood out:

Vantaggi e svantaggi di FastestVPN
✅ Pro
- $40 lifetime plan removes renewal costs
- Politica di non registrazione dei dati verificata da Altius IT
- Ad blocker, malware protection, and NAT firewall included
- 24/7 live chat on every plan
❌ Contro
- 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
Confronto delle funzionalità
Here’s how Hotspot Shield and FastestVPN compare across 12 areas. Each section shows how both tools handle core VPN features.
| Caratteristica | Hotspot Shield | FastestVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Prezzo di partenza | $0 (Premium $7.99/month) | $0,83/mese |
| Piano gratuito | ✅ | ❌ |
| Guadagno totale nel corso della vita | ❌ | ✅ |
| Server | Oltre 1.800 in 80 paesi | Circa 800 in 49 paesi |
| Connessioni simultanee | 10 (Premium) | 10 |
| Interruttore di spegnimento | ✅ (Solo Hydra) | ✅ |
| Tunnel diviso | ✅ | ✅ (Scavatura di tunnel intelligente) |
| No-logs verificato | Claimed (2023) | ✅ Altius IT |
| Giurisdizione | Stati Uniti | Cayman Islands |
| Ideale per | Streaming e velocità | Budget and lifetime value |
L'intelligenza artificiale risponde solo utilizzando i fatti contenuti nel materiale caricato.
Protezione Hotspot: 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.
⚠️ Avvertimento: Your base internet speed caps any VPN. A slow home line means slow speeds on either tool.
2. Protocolli VPN
Protezione Hotspot: Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is its own design, built for speed and sicurezza. 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
Protezione Hotspot: 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. Privacy e registrazione
Protezione Hotspot: 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.

⚠️ Avvertimento: The level of privacy Hotspot Shield provides depends on your plan. Hotspot Shield’s free version shares user data with third-party advertisers.
5. Interruttore di sicurezza e protezione contro le perdite
Protezione Hotspot: 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.
💡 Consiglio da professionista: Check IP leak protection after every app update. Free DNS leak tests catch data leaks in under a minute.
6. Rete del server
Protezione Hotspot: 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 navigare.
7. Connessioni simultanee
Protezione Hotspot: 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.

Nonostante il nome, FastestVPN non è la più veloce. Riduce la velocità di circa il 45% in media. I server distanti possono causare una perdita di velocità fino al 55%. I server vicini offrono prestazioni migliori, con circa 730 Mbps con WireGuard. Tuttavia, risulta inferiore a Mullvad in tutti i test di velocità.
Protezione Hotspot: 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 Tunneling
Protezione Hotspot: 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
Protezione Hotspot: Hotspot Shield Premium unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Prime Video. It reaches Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Germany, Giappone, 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.

💡 Consiglio da professionista: Streaming sites block VPNs often. If a page won’t load, refresh it or switch servers.
11. Assistenza clienti
Protezione Hotspot: 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. Prezzi e costi
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Piano | Hotspot Shield | FastestVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuito | Offre ai team B2B tutto ciò di cui hanno bisogno senza sforare il budget. | ❌ |
| A breve termine | — | 1 Month Plan: $5/mo |
| Main paid plan | Premium: $7.99/month | 1 Year + 1 Year Free: $0.83/mo |
| Tutta la vita | ❌ | Exclusive Lifetime Plan: $40 |
Protezione Hotspot: 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.
Diversi scenari
| Se hai bisogno | Scegliere | Perché |
|---|---|---|
| Budget limitato | FastestVPN | Cheapest plans plus a lifetime option |
| Una VPN gratuita | Hotspot Shield | Only one here offers a free tier |
| Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max | Hotspot Shield | Wider, steadier unblocking |
| giurisdizione che privilegia la privacy | FastestVPN | Cayman base and audited logs |
| Torrenting | Hotspot Shield | P2P on every server, faster speeds |
| Adatto ai principianti | Hotspot Shield | Quick connect and simple apps |
💰 Il tuo 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.
🔌 I tuoi dispositivi
Both offer Android and iOS apps plus desktop clients. Hotspot Shield adds a Fire TV app and browser extensions.
📺 Le tue abitudini di streaming
Hotspot Shield performed better across streaming platforms in third-party tests. FastestVPN handles BBC iPlayer and Prime Video but struggles with some Netflix libraries.
🎓 Il tuo livello di esperienza
Both VPN apps suit first-time users. The Hotspot Shield app connects faster, while FastestVPN may need some troubleshooting for streaming.
🆓 Prove e demo gratuite
Try Hotspot Shield free, then lean on its 45-day refund window. FastestVPN has no free plan, but its refund period covers 31 days.
🛟 Opzioni di supporto
FastestVPN offers live chat around the clock on every plan. Hotspot Shield saves live chat for paying customers.
Guida al passaggio
Utilizzate già uno di questi strumenti? Ecco cosa cambia se passate a un altro.
🔄 Switching from Hotspot Shield to FastestVPN?
✅ Cosa otterrai:
- A $40 lifetime option with no renewals
- A Cayman Islands base outside the Five Eyes
- A built-in ad blocker and NAT firewall
❌ Cosa perderai:
- Hydra speeds on nearby servers
- A free plan and wider streaming access
- Servers in 31 more countries
📋 Come effettuare il passaggio:
- 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?
✅ Cosa otterrai:
- Faster local connections through Hydra
- Steadier access to Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max
- Browser extensions and a Fire TV app
❌ Cosa perderai:
- Prezzi validi a vita
- An audited no-logs policy outside the Five Eyes
- Live chat for every user
📋 Come effettuare il passaggio:
- 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.
Cosa non è stato trattato nella nostra recensione
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 gestore di password, weren’t reviewed in depth. Our notes reflect the September 2026 versions of both apps.
Verdetto finale
| Categoria | Vincitore |
|---|---|
| 💰 Prezzi | FastestVPN |
| ⚡ Speed & Protocols | Hotspot Shield |
| 🌍 Rete server | Hotspot Shield |
| 📺 Streaming | Hotspot Shield |
| 🔒 Privacy e sicurezza | FastestVPN |
| 👶 Facilità d'uso | Hotspot Shield |
| 🆓 Piano gratuito | Hotspot Shield |
| 🛟 Assistenza clienti | FastestVPN |
| 🏆 Vincitore assoluto | Hotspot Shield |
🏆 WINNER: HOTSPOT SHIELD
Hotspot Shield si aggiudica 5 delle 8 categorie.
Ideale per: 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 viaggio. Just know its US base and logging habits won’t suit strict privacy needs.
⚔️ Confronto tra Hootsuite
Here’s how Hotspot Shield lines up against three other popular picks:
10 connessioni di dispositivi (NordVPN limita a 6) a free tier, a 45-day refund window instead of 30, and a simpler app with fewer settings.
NordVPN vittorie su: Double VPN servers, a Panama base, and repeated no-logs audits.
Scudo Hotspot vs Surfshark
10 connessioni di dispositivi (NordVPN limita a 6) free access, the Hydra protocol, and a longer refund period.
Surfshark vince su: unlimited devices, cheaper long-term pricing, and the CleanWeb ad blocker.
10 connessioni di dispositivi (NordVPN limita a 6) a free plan, a 45-day refund window, and Hydra speeds.
PureVPN vittorie su: a port forwarding add-on, lower multi-year pricing, and dedicated IP options.
Maggiori informazioni su FastestVPN a confronto
Here’s how FastestVPN holds up beyond this matchup:
FastestVPN vince su: a $40 lifetime option, a far cheaper monthly rate, and a built-in NAT firewall.
ExpressVPN vince su: its Lightway protocol, twice as many countries, and steadier streaming.
FastestVPN vince su: lifetime pricing, a lower monthly fee, and dedicated IPs sold to individuals.
ProtonVPN vittorie su: an uncapped free plan, open-source apps, and Secure Core routing.
FastestVPN vs Accesso Internet privato
FastestVPN vince su: a Cayman base, a lifetime deal, and a handy streaming tab.
Private Internet Access vince su: built-in port forwarding, unlimited connections, and open-source apps.
Domande frequenti
Hotspot Shield è una buona 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.
Hotspot Shield è davvero gratuito?
Partly. The free plan gives you one device, one US location, and ads. Streaming unblocking and live chat require Premium.
NordVPN consente fino a 6 connessioni simultanee per account. Puoi proteggere contemporaneamente il tuo laptop, il tuo telefono e il tuo tablet. Per proteggere un numero maggiore di dispositivi, puoi installare NordVPN sul tuo router.
Some. It records your IP address during each session, then deletes it. It also keeps anonymized data on session length, bandwidth, and visited domains.
FastestVPN è sicuro?
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.
FastestVPN funziona con 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.













