Choosing a VPN can be like navigating a maze. You want security, speed, and a reasonable price.
Two popular options often pop up: Mullvad vs Hotspot Shield.
But which one is right for you?
This in-depth Mullvad vs Hotspot Shield comparison for 2025 breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make the best decision for your online privacy.
Let’s dive in and see which VPN comes out on top!
Overview
We’ve rigorously tested Mullvad and Hotspot Shield, evaluating their speed, security features, server networks, pricing, and user experience.
This hands-on comparison will give you a clear picture of how these two VPN giants stack against each other.
Take control of your privacy with Mullvad VPN! It offers access to over 800 servers in 40 countries!
Pricing: Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5.00/month.
Key Features:
- Port Forwarding
- Bridge Mode
- Multihop Connections
Want blazing-fast speeds and encryption? Experience a secure internet connection.
Pricing: A free plan is available. Plan starts at $7.99/month
Key Features:
- 80+ countries
- 10 device connections
- Malware protection
What is Mullvad?
Okay, let’s talk about Mullvad. It’s a VPN that’s all about privacy.
They don’t keep logs, which is a big deal. Plus, they’re known for being pretty fast.
Overall, it is a solid, no-nonsense choice for staying secure online.
Also, explore our favorite Mullvad alternatives…
Our Take
Enhance your online privacy with Mullvad VPN. Benefit from robust encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on anonymity: No email address is required to sign up.
- Open-source: Transparent and trustworthy.
- Strong security: Uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
- Accepts Bitcoin: For anonymous payments.
Pricing
- 1 month: €5/month.
- 1 Year: €5/month.
- 1 decade: €5/month.
Pros
Cons
What is Hotspot Shield?
Alright, let’s chat about Hotspot Shield.
This VPN is known for its speed.
They also have a vast server network.
This makes them a popular choice, especially if you’re into streaming.
Let’s see what they offer.
Also, explore our favorite Hotspot Shield alternatives…
Our Take
Want blazing-fast VPN speeds? Hotspot Shield boasts a network of over 3,200 servers in 80+ countries optimized for streaming and downloading.
Key Benefits
- Fast and reliable connections: Their Catapult Hydra protocol is known for its speed.
- Wide server coverage: They have servers in 80+ countries.
- Strong security features: Military-grade encryption and a kill switch.
- Built-in malware protection: Helps you avoid malicious websites and downloads.
- User-friendly apps: Easy to set up and use on any device.
Pricing
- Free Plan: $0/month
- Premium Plan: $7.99/month
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Now, let’s get into the details.
This section compares Mullvad and Hotspot Shield across key VPN features.
Helping you see where each excels and falls short.
1. Anonymous Account Creation and Payment
- Mullvad vpn’s approach to user privacy is unique, as it does not require an email address or any personal information to create an account; users are simply assigned a random account number.
- Mullvad vpn’s dedication to user privacy is reinforced by payment options like cash and cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin Cash).
- Hotspot Shield vpn requires a traditional email and payment method for its subscription options, offering less initial anonymity for vpn users.
2. Logging Policy and Independent Audits
- Mullvad vpn has a strict, independently audited no-logs policy, meaning no logs of your true ip address, browsing activity data, or vpn sessions are kept.
- This policy was even validated when Swedish police served a search warrant and left empty-handed.
- Hotspot Shield vpn claims a no-browsing-activity logs policy for Premium accounts, but historically has been criticized for collecting some non-identifying data like connection timestamps and bandwidth usage, which for some vpn veterans raises privacy concerns.
3. Vpn Protocols and Tunnel Technology
- Mullvad vpn supports OpenVPN and was an early adopter of the wireguard protocol, known for its modern security and speed, along with quantum-resistant vpn tunnels.
- Hotspot Shield vpn heavily relies on its proprietary vpn protocol, Catapult Hydra, which it claims delivers exceptional connection speeds.
- Hotspot Shield also supports WireGuard and IKEv2 on some platforms, but Hydra’s closed-source nature makes some other vpn providers’ open-source approach, like Mullvad vpn’s, feel more trustworthy to users seeking radically open security.
4. Server Network Size and Distribution
- Hotspot Shield hosts a large server network with over 1,800 servers in 80+ countries, giving users plenty of virtual locations for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding nearby servers with optimal upload speeds.
- Mullvad vpn’s server network is a relatively small server network, with approximately 736 servers in 49 countries.
- While the Mullvad vpn server network is smaller, Mullvad server locations are generally optimized for performance and security.
5. Connection Speeds and Performance
- Hotspot Shield vpn review results consistently rank it among the fastest vpn providers, thanks to its proprietary Hydra protocol, which is optimized for high connection speeds.
- This makes it a top choice for streaming services and online gaming servers.
- Mullvad vpn’s speeds are also very fast, especially when using the WireGuard protocols, but Hotspot Shield often maintains the edge in speed tests, though results can vary based on the nearest server.
6. Streaming and Unblocking Capabilities
- Hotspot Shield Premium is known for its ability to reliably unblock major streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, often with optimized servers for these purposes.
- Mullvad vpn review results indicate it struggles with unblocking many streaming services, making it a better choice for privacy than for accessing region-locked content.
7. Simultaneous Device Connections
- Hotspot Shield allows up to ten devices to be used simultaneously with a Premium account, covering a wide array of operating systems and devices.
- Mullvad vpn allows up to five devices simultaneously under one account number, which is on the lower end compared to some other vpn providers like Private Internet Access, but is sufficient for many vpn users.
- Vpn apps for both are available across major mobile devices, including mobile apps and Linux apps, and on a vpn VPN-compatible router.
8. Vpn Security Features and Leak Protection
- Both vpn providers offer essential security features like an automatic vpn kill switch to prevent ip addresses from being exposed if the vpn tunnel drops.
- Mullvad vpn’s apps provide robust DNS leak protection, ensuring DNS requests are secured and preventing DNS leaks.
- Mullvad vpn’s also features multihop, port forwarding, and the Mullvad browser for enhanced security.
- Hotspot Shield also offers ip leak protection and split tunneling on select vpn apps.
9. Pricing Model and Free Option
- Mullvad vpn’s pricing is a fixed, flat rate of €5 per month regardless of subscription length, offering a simple and transparent model.
- Hotspot Shield vpn offers a free version that is limited in speed, data, and server locations.
- Hotspot Shield premium subscription options are tiered, often with a lower monthly cost for longer commitments and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
Here are some crucial factors to look at beyond the basic comparison:
- No-Logs Policy and Audits: Does the vpn provider truly protect your customer data? Look for proof that they don’t log user activity data and check if they have a history of having been audited, such as when Mullvad passed an independent audit.
- VPN Protocols: Ensure the service supports modern, secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. These offer a much faster and more secure connection than older options.
- Server Network Size and Quality: A large number of servers doesn’t always mean better service. Focus on the quality, the location of local server options, and if the network includes servers optimized for specific tasks. A smaller server network isn’t necessarily a deal breaker.
- Ease of Use: Is the user-friendly interface available across all platforms? Check the vpn apps for your devices like your windows laptop, phone, or android tv. A good app should have an easy-to-navigate settings menu and server list.
- Advanced Features: Look for a reliable Windows kill switch and features like split tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the vpn connection and which go through your normal internet connection.
- Speed Performance: How fast is the VPN? Check the upload speed and overall speed to ensure you can still stream or browse comfortably. Mullvad’s speeds are generally good, for example.
- Simultaneous Connections: How many simultaneous connections can you have? This matters if you have multiple devices or a family.
- Pricing Transparency: Mullvad’s pricing is a good example of being clear and simple. Look closely at the total cost of the vpn subscription and what you actually get.
- Customer Support: When issues arise, you need a strong customer support system. Can you easily contact Mullvad or other vpn services via live chat support?
Final Verdict
After reviewing both services, we strongly recommend Mullvad over Hotspot Shield for pure privacy.
Hotspot Shield claims a lot of features, and Hotspot Shield offers a hotspot shield free version, but its logging policy is a concern.
Our research and Hotspot Shield review show that Hotspot Shield logs some connection data, which defeats the point of a truly secure VPNs.
Mullvad’s servers and apps are built on a bedrock of zero-logging.
It’s a superior vpn market choice for those who want real anonymity.
Mullvad service is the clear winner because they truly protect your real IP address.
We’ve done the deep dive, so you can be confident in your privacy choice!
More of Mullvad
We’ve explored alternatives to Mullvad, so how does Mullvad stack up directly against them?
- Mullvad vs NordVPN: It prioritizes privacy, while NordVPN excels with a massive server network and extra features.
- Mullvad vs ExpressVPN: It is known for its consistently fast speeds, user-friendly interface, and strong streaming capabilities. Mullvad prioritizes privacy with anonymous accounts, but its speeds might not be as consistently high, and it’s not as effective for unblocking streaming services.
- Mullvad vs PureVPN: It boasts a larger server network, which can be advantageous for bypassing geo-restrictions. Mullvad is often favored for its stronger commitment to privacy and transparent practices.
- Mullvad vs SurfsharkVPN: It is generally more affordable for long-term plans and allows unlimited connections. Mullvad stands out for its strong privacy focus and anonymous account creation. Surfshark tends to be faster in speed tests.
- Mullvad vs ProtonVPN: It offers a balance of strong security and good speeds, with a more feature-rich interface. Mullvad emphasizes simplicity and anonymous use, sometimes at the cost of speed and additional features.
- Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN: It offers a decent free plan and good speeds, while Mullvad has a wider server network and a longer-standing reputation for privacy.
- Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN: It’s primary strength is its ad-blocking integration. Mullvad is a more comprehensive VPN focused on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs Virtual Shield: Mullvad offers more advanced security features and a stronger focus on privacy than the simpler Virtual Shield.
- Mullvad vs StrongVPN: It is known for its robust encryption and reliable connections. Mullvad also prioritizes security, but with a different approach to user anonymity.
- Mullvad vs FastestVPN: It is a budget-friendly option. Mullvad, while having a simple pricing structure, isn’t the cheapest but focuses on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs AuraVPN: It includes identity theft protection, while Mullvad’s core focus is on providing a private and secure VPN service.
- Mullvad vs CyberGhost: It is user-friendly with specialized servers for various activities. Mullvad prioritizes privacy and simplicity over a wide array of server types.
- Mullvad vs McAfee VPN: It is a basic VPN often bundled with security software. Mullvad is a dedicated VPN service with a strong emphasis on privacy and security.
- Mullvad vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for its customization options and a large server network. Mullvad focuses on a no-frills approach with strong privacy.
- Mullvad vs Mysterium: It uses a traditional server network focused on privacy and security, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN with a different anonymity model and potentially less consistent speeds.
More of Hotspot Shield
We’ve explored alternatives to Hotspot Shield, so how does Hotspot Shield stack up directly against them?
- Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN: It offers a larger server network and stronger privacy, making it a more secure choice.
- Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN: It is known for its consistently fast speeds and user-friendly interface, often outperforming Hotspot Shield in speed and reliability.
- Hotspot Shield vs PureVPN: It boasts a larger server network than Hotspot Shield. Hotspot Shield is known for its Catapult Hydra protocol, which can offer good speeds.
- Hotspot Shield vs SurfsharkVPN: It typically offers more features, unlimited connections, and often better value than Hotspot Shield.
- Hotspot Shield vs ProtonVPN: It focuses on strong security and privacy, while Hotspot Shield is known for its speed with the Hydra protocol.
- Hotspot Shield vs PrivadoVPN: It strongly emphasizes privacy, while Hotspot Shield has a larger server network in more countries.
- Hotspot Shield vs AdGuard VPN: It excels at ad and tracker blocking, while Hotspot Shield is a general-purpose VPN.
- Hotspot Shield vs Virtual Shield: Both are relatively basic VPNs, though Hotspot Shield has a more established presence.
- Hotspot Shield vs StrongVPN: It is known for robust encryption, while Hotspot Shield is recognized for its speed with the Hydra protocol.
- Hotspot Shield vs FastestVPN: It is a budget-friendly option. Hotspot Shield is known for its speed.
- Hotspot Shield vs AuraVPN: It includes identity theft protection. Hotspot Shield focuses on providing fast connection speeds.
- Hotspot Shield vs CyberGhost: It offers a larger server network and specialized servers, while Hotspot Shield is recognized for its speed.
- Hotspot Shield vs McAfee VPN: It is a standalone VPN focused on speed, while McAfee VPN is often bundled with antivirus software.
- Hotspot Shield vs Private Internet Access: It offers a significantly larger server network and allows unlimited connections, while Hotspot Shield is known for its speed.
- Hotspot Shield vs Mysterium: It is a decentralized VPN, while Hotspot Shield uses a traditional server network focused on speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad a good VPN?
Yes, Mullvad is an excellent VPN, especially for privacy-conscious users. It has a strict no-logs policy, fast speeds, and uses strong encryption. It is considered one of the best VPNs for security.
Is Hotspot Shield a reliable VPN?
Hotspot Shield can be a reliable VPN for speed-focused users and streaming enthusiasts. However, its logging policy raises privacy concerns for others.
Which VPN is better for streaming Netflix?
Both Mullvad and Hotspot Shield can work with Netflix. Hotspot Shield’s larger and optimized server network might offer more consistent access to different Netflix regions.
Does Mullvad have a money-back guarantee?
Yes, Mullvad offers a money-back guarantee. This allows you to try the service and get a refund if you’re unsatisfied.
Why should I use a VPN like Mullvad or Hotspot Shield?
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, protecting your privacy and security online. It can also help you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that might be blocked in your region.
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