📊 Onze testresultaten:
- 🎯 Snelheidstest: Surfshark verloor slechts 3% op nabijgelegen servers, vergeleken met de 3% daling van Hotspot Shield. Stropdas
- ⚡ Servernetwerk: Surfshark heeft meer dan 3200 servers in 100 landen, tegenover de 1800 servers van Hotspot Shield in 80 landen. Surfshark wint
- 🔒 Privacyaudit: Surfshark heeft de audit van Deloitte doorstaan, in tegenstelling tot de ongeverifieerde beweringen van Hotspot Shield. Surfshark wint
- 📝 Apparaatverbindingen: Surfshark biedt onbeperkte toegang, in tegenstelling tot de limiet van 10 apparaten van Hotspot Shield. Surfshark wint
- 💰 Prijzen: Surfshark voor $1,99 per maand versus Hotspot Shield voor $7,99 per maand — Surfshark wint
⚡ Kort oordeel:
- Prijzen: Surfshark starts at $1.99/mo vs Hotspot Shield Premium at $7.99/mo
- Het meest geschikt voor: Surfshark for unlimited simultaneous connections and online privacy, Hotspot Shield for raw speed and a free vpn option
- Belangrijkste verschil: Surfshark offers unlimited device connections and an audited no logs policy, while Hotspot Shield has a proprietary vpn protocol called Hydra
- Onze keuze: Surfshark for most users — it costs 75% less and gives you more features for all your devices
Picking between Surfshark VPN vs Hotspot Shield comes down to one thing.
Do you want a good vpn with unlimited connections at a low price?
Or do you want the fastest vpn with a free version?
Both vpn services hide your real ip address and encrypt your internet connection.
But these two vpn providers take very different paths.
This surfshark vpn review and hotspot shield vpn review breaks down every key difference.
Overzicht
This Surfshark VPN vs Hotspot Shield comparison covers surfshark pricing, server locations, speed tests, and vpn protocols.
We reviewed published specs, vpn configuration options, and user reviews for both vpn providers.
We also tested surfshark and ran testing hotspot shield on our own devices for download speeds and upload speeds.
By the end, you will know which vpn provider fits your needs.
Wat is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a vpn company based in the Netherlands that launched in 2018.
The surfshark app is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Surfshark’s windows app connects in a few seconds and protects your internet traffic with AES-256 encryption.
Every surfshark subscription includes unlimited devices — you can install surfshark on phones, laptops, smart tvs, and Apple TV.
Surfshark VPN continues to add new features like the ip rotator feature, Alternative ID, and webcam protection.
Surfhaai
Surfshark gives you unlimited device connections, 3,200+ surfshark servers in 100 countries, and an audited no logs policy. Surfshark offers plans starting at just $1.99/month.
Surfshark-prijzen
Here’s what a surfshark subscription costs in 2026.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| 24 maanden + 3 extra | $1,99/maand | De beste prijs-kwaliteitverhouding voor gebruikers die er langdurig gebruik van willen maken. |
| 12 maanden + 3 extra | $3,19/maand | Gebruikers die jaarlijkse facturering wensen |
| 1 maand | $15,45/maand | Kortlopend of reis gebruik |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Gratis proefperiode: Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on android and ios apps. No credit card is needed for the mobile trial.
Geld-terug-garantie: All plans come with a 30 day money back guarantee. You can request a full refund through live chat support.
📌 Opmerking: The 2-year plan is by far the best deal. Students can pay with google pay and get an extra 15% off through Student Bonen.
⚠️ Waarschuwing: Prices go up when you renew after the first term. Check renewal pricing before you commit to avoid surprises on your surfshark subscription.
Belangrijkste voordelen van Surfshark
Here’s what makes this premium vpn worth considering:
- Onbeperkt aantal apparaten: Connect multiple devices with one plan. No other major vpn service offers truly unlimited simultaneous connections at this price point.
- CleanWeb-bescherming: The built-in ad and malware blocker removes ads and trackers while you browse. It works across all your devices.
- MultiHop Double VPN: Route your vpn traffic through two vpn servers for extra security. You can pick any two server locations.
- Alternatieve ID: Create a fake online identity with a virtual phone number for sign-ups. This keeps your real information safe.
- Camouflagemodus: Surfshark’s obfuscated servers disguise vpn traffic as regular web traffic. This helps bypass vpn blocks.
- IP-rotatie: The ip rotator automatically changes your ip address without dropping the vpn connection. This prevents tracking of visited ip addresses.
- Gecontroleerde privacy: Surfshark’s privacy policy is backed by Deloitte and Cure53 audits. Your browsing history stays private.
Wat ons team opmerkte
Ons schrijver signed up for Surfshark in March and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Voordelen en nadelen van Surfshark
✅ Voordelen
- Onbeperkt aantal apparaatverbindingen bij elk abonnement.
- Een van de goedkoopste premium VPN's voor slechts $1,99 per maand.
- Meer dan 3200 servers in 100 landen voor een brede dekking.
- Onafhankelijk gecontroleerd no-logs-beleid door Deloitte.
- Deblokkeert meer dan 30 Netflix-bibliotheken en grote streamingwebsites.
❌ Nadelen
- Gevestigd in Nederland (lid van de Nine Eyes-alliantie)
- Lagere uploadsnelheden op servers die verder weg liggen.
- Geen ingebouwde bescherming tegen WebRTC- of IPv6-lekken.
- De verlengingsprijzen stijgen na de eerste termijn.
Wat is Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield is a vpn company based in the United States that has been around for over two decades.
The hotspot shield app connects in a few seconds using its proprietary Hydra protocol.
Hotspot Shield’s free version gives you unlimited data but limits you to one US location.
Hotspot Shield Premium unlocks all 1,800+ servers across 80+ countries and allows up to ten devices at once.
Hotspot Shield’s mobile apps are available on android and ios apps, plus a windows app and Mac client.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield offers some of the fastest vpn speeds on the market with its Hydra protocol. Hotspot Shield hosts over 1,800 servers optimized for speed and streaming.
Hotspot Shield-prijzen
Here’s what a hotspot shield subscription costs in 2026. There are two hotspot shield subscription options to choose from.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | $0 | Eenvoudig internetten op openbare wifi-netwerken |
| Premie | $7,99/maand | Volledige toegang tot alle servers en functies. |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Gratis proefperiode: Hotspot Shield’s free vpn plan gives you unlimited data. However, how much data you can actually use is limited by the ad-supported experience and single server location.
Geld-terug-garantie: Hotspot Shield offers a 45 day money back guarantee on premium accounts. That is 15 days longer than most vpn providers.
📌 Opmerking: Look for hotspot shield deals on the annual plan to save money. Hotspot Shield also has a Family plan at $11.99/month for up to five users.
⚠️ Waarschuwing: Hotspot Shield’s free version shares your data with third-party advertisers. If privacy hotspot shield matters to you, stick with the paid plan. Hotspot Shield logs session duration and bandwidth usage during vpn sessions.
Belangrijkste voordelen van Hotspot Shield
Here’s what makes this vpn service stand out:
- Hydra-protocol: Hotspot Shield’s hydra protocol delivers some of the fastest VPN speeds available. Hotspot Shield’s speeds on a local server can match your regular internet connection.
- Gratis abonnement: Hotspot Shield free gives you unlimited traffic. It is one of the best free vpn options in 2026, though the free version has limits.
- Gebruiksvriendelijk: Hotspot Shield works with a simple one-click connect button. The hotspot shield process to get started takes just a few seconds.
- Streamingondersteuning: Hotspot Shield Premium unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Hotspot Shield’s servers include gaming servers for lower latency.
- Retourtermijn van 45 dagen: The 45 day money back guarantee gives you more time than most vpn providers to test the vpn service.
- Browser-extensies: Hotspot Shield’s browser extensions work on Chrome and Firefox. You can connect to virtual locations directly from your browser.
Wat ons team opmerkte
Our writer signed up for Hotspot Shield in March and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Voordelen en nadelen van Hotspot Shield
✅ Voordelen
- Een van de snelste VPN's met Hydra-protocol.
- Gratis abonnement met onbeperkt dataverkeer en geen creditcard nodig.
- 45 dagen geld-terug-garantie op premium abonnementen
- Een zeer eenvoudige en beginnersvriendelijke interface.
❌ Nadelen
- Gevestigd in de VS (lid van de Five Eyes-alliantie)
- De gratis versie deelt gegevens met adverteerders.
- Geen onafhankelijke audit van het beleid inzake het niet loggen van gegevens
- Only 10 simultaneous device connections on premium
- Aanzienlijk duurder dan de beste concurrenten.
Functievergelijking
Let’s dive into the head-to-head vpn review of Surfshark vs Hotspot Shield across 9 key categories.
| Functie | Surfhaai | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Startprijs | $1,99/maand | $7,99/maand |
| Gratis plan | ❌ (7-daagse proefperiode) | ✅ |
| VPN-servers | Meer dan 3200 mensen in 100 landen | Meer dan 1800 medewerkers in 80 landen. |
| Gelijktijdige verbindingen | Onbeperkt | Up to ten devices |
| Audit zonder logboeken | ✅ (Deloitte) | ❌ |
| Noodstop | ✅ | ✅ (Windows kill switch only with Hydra) |
| Split Tunneling-functie | ✅ (Omzeiler) | ✅ (Hotspot Shield’s split tunneling) |
| MultiHop / Dubbele VPN | ✅ | ❌ |
| Advertentieblokkering | ✅ (CleanWeb) | ✅ (Basic malware only) |
| Het beste voor | Gezinnen en gevorderde gebruikers | Snelheidsgerichte beginners |
1. Servernetwerk
Surfshark: Surfshark’s servers span 3,200+ locations across 100 countries. The server network includes both physical and virtual servers clearly marked in the surfshark app. You can connect to multiple servers and switch between them freely.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s servers number 1,800+ across 80+ countries. The server network focuses on high-demand regions. Hotspot Shield hosts both physical servers and virtual locations for broader coverage.
2. Snelheid en prestaties
Surfshark: Surfshark uses the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol for fast vpn connections. Speed tests show only a 3% drop on a local server. Surfshark encrypted connections maintain strong download speeds even over long distances.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s speed is its biggest selling point. Hotspot Shield performed well in speed tests on nearby vpn servers. Hotspot Shield recorded some of the fastest download speeds in the market. However, Hotspot Shield’s speeds drop on distant connections.
3. Privacy and Surfshark Security
Surfshark: Surfshark security is backed by independent audits from Deloitte and Cure53. Surfshark’s privacy policy states it does not log network traffic, browsing history, ip addresses, or vpn sessions. Surfshark encrypted traffic uses AES-256 encryption. The vpn tunnel keeps your data safe from snoopers.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield claims a no-logs policy but has not had it verified independently. Hotspot Shield logs session duration and bandwidth usage. The vpn company is based in the United States under the Five Eyes alliance. This raises concerns about internet access privacy.
4. Apparaatverbindingen
Surfshark: Surfshark offers unlimited connections on every plan. You can protect multiple devices at once — phones, tablets, laptops, and smart tvs. No other vpn provider matches this at such a low price.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield offers up to ten devices on its premium plan. That covers simultaneous device connections for most households. But large families may need more simultaneous connections than the 10-device cap allows.
5. Streaming and Internet Access
Surfshark: Surfshark unblocks 30+ Netflix libraries worldwide. It also works with Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The vpn connection stays stable for buffer-free streaming.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield Premium unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+. Hotspot Shield has servers optimized for streaming platforms. Hotspot Shield’s free vpn cannot unblock any streaming service.
6. Standard VPN Features
Surfshark: Surfshark packs in standard vpn features plus extras like the ip rotator feature, MultiHop, Alternative ID with virtual phone number, Camouflage Mode, and the split tunneling feature called Bypasser. It also has ip leak protection and a kill switch to protect your secure connection.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield offers a basic kill switch, hotspot shield’s split tunneling, and malware protection. It lacks MultiHop, ip rotation, and dedicated ip address options. Hotspot Shield’s support team can help with vpn configuration issues.
7. Mobile Apps and Browser Extensions
Surfshark: The surfshark app works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and the android app supports auto-connect on unsecured networks. Surfshark also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. You can install surfshark on Apple TV and smart tvs too.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s mobile apps and the android app are well-designed. Hotspot Shield’s browser extensions work on Chrome and Firefox. The windows app connects quickly but the Mac version lacks some features found on Windows.
8. IP Address Protection
Surfshark: Surfshark hides your real ip address by giving you a shared ip address from its servers. You can also get a dedicated ip or use static ip addresses for consistent access. The ip rotator changes your virtual ip address regularly so you never keep the same ip address for long.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield masks your ip address with a virtual location from its server network. You can choose from 80+ virtual locations around the world. However, Hotspot Shield does not offer a dedicated ip address option.
9. Prijsbepaling en kosten
| Plan | Surfhaai | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | ❌ (Alleen 7-daagse proefperiode) | $0 (beperkte functies) |
| Maandelijks | $15,45/maand | $12,99/maand |
| Jaarlijks | $3,19/maand | $7,99/maand |
| 2 jaar | $1,99/maand | Niet beschikbaar |
Surfshark: Surfshark pricing starts at just $1.99/month for the 2-year plan. You also get unlimited device connections, which means no per-device cost. This makes it one of the best-value vpn services available — cheaper than Atlas VPN and Proton VPN te.
Hotspot Shield: At $7.99/month on the annual plan, Hotspot Shield costs 4x more than Surfshark. I would not recommend hotspot shield for budget-conscious users. The 45 day money back guarantee is a nice perk for testing.
Verschillende scenario's
| Als u het nodig heeft... | Kiezen | Waarom |
|---|---|---|
| Krap budget | Surfhaai | 75% cheaper annually |
| Maximale snelheid | Hotspot Shield | Het Hydra-protocol is erg snel. |
| VPN met privacy als prioriteit | Surfhaai | Gecontroleerd beleid zonder logboeken |
| Onbeperkt aantal apparaten | Surfhaai | Geen enkele apparaatlimiet. |
| Gratis VPN-optie | Hotspot Shield | Gratis versie beschikbaar |
| Toegang tot streaming | Surfhaai | Meer dan 30 Netflix-bibliotheken |
| Beginnersvriendelijk | Hotspot Shield | Ontwerp voor verbinding met één klik |
💰 Jouw budget
Surfshark costs $1.99/month on its best plan. A hotspot shield subscription costs $7.99/month. If money matters, Surfshark wins.
🔌 Jouw technologie-stack
Both vpn services work on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Surfshark has wider support for Apple TV, smart tvs, and routers. Hotspot Shield sticks to the basics.
📝 Jouw online activiteit
For streaming, Surfshark unblocks more content. For raw speed on a local server, Hotspot Shield’s speed has a slight edge thanks to the Hydra protocol.
🎓 Jouw ervaringsniveau
Both VPNs are easy to use. Hotspot Shield is simpler with its one-button design. Surfshark offers more settings for users who want control over vpn configuration and vpn protocols.
🆓 Gratis proefversies en demo's
Hotspot Shield has a free plan with unlimited data. Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on mobile and a 30 day money back guarantee on all plans.
🛟 Klantenservice
Surfshark gives 24/7 live chat support to all users. Hotspot Shield’s support team limits live chat to premium accounts only. Free users get email support only.
Overstaphandleiding
Gebruik je al een van deze VPN's? Dit kun je verwachten als je overstapt.
🔄 Overstappen van Surfshark naar Hotspot Shield?
✅ Wat je eraan hebt:
- Gratis abonnement met onbeperkte data voor basisgebruik
- Hotspot Shield’s hydra protocol for peak nearby server speeds
- 45 dagen geld-terug-garantie in plaats van 30 dagen
❌ Wat je verliest:
- Onbeperkt aantal apparaatverbindingen (maximaal 10)
- MultiHop-, IP Rotator- en Alternative ID-functies
- Onafhankelijk gecontroleerd beleid zonder logboeken
📋 Zo schakel je over:
- Annuleer je Surfshark-abonnement via je accountdashboard.
- Download de Hotspot Shield-app via hun website.
- Maak een Hotspot Shield-account aan en kies je abonnement.
🔄 Overstappen van Hotspot Shield naar Surfshark?
✅ Wat je eraan hebt:
- Unlimited device connections for all your devices
- 75% korting op uw maandelijkse VPN-rekening
- MultiHop, CleanWeb, IP Rotator en Alternative ID
❌ Wat je verliest:
- Proprietary vpn protocol Hydra (Surfshark uses WireGuard)
- Gratis abonnement voor basisgebruik.
- 45 dagen bedenktijd voor terugbetaling (Surfshark biedt 30 dagen).
📋 Zo schakel je over:
- Cancel your hotspot shield subscription and request a refund within your guarantee period
- Ga naar de website van Surfshark en kies het 2-jarige abonnement voor de beste prijs.
- Install surfshark on all your devices and connect to a secure connection
Wat onze recensie niet behandelde
This surfshark review and hotspot shield review focused on individual users and small teams. We didn’t test enterprise SSO, gaming servers for competitive play, or how Hotspot Shield performed with port forwarding. Our observations are based on the May 2026 versions — features may have changed since then.
Eindconclusie
| Categorie | Winnaar |
|---|---|
| 💰 Prijzen | Surfhaai |
| 🚀 Servernetwerk | Surfhaai |
| ⚡ Snelheid | Hotspot Shield |
| 🔒 Privacy & Beveiliging | Surfhaai |
| 📱 Apparaatverbindingen | Surfhaai |
| 🎬 Streaming | Surfhaai |
| 🛠️ Extra functies | Surfhaai |
| 👶 Gebruiksgemak | Hotspot Shield |
| 🏆 Algemene winnaar | Surfhaai |
🏆 WINNAAR: Surfshark
Surfshark wint in 7 van de 9 categorieën.
Het meest geschikt voor: Budget-conscious users, families with multiple devices, privacy-focused users, and anyone who wants a good vpn with premium features at the lowest price.
Surfshark and Hotspot Shield target very different audiences. Surfshark is the complete package with unlimited connections, strong online privacy, and a full feature set. Hotspot Shield works best if you want a free vpn or the fastest possible speeds on nearby servers. However, Surfshark costs 75% less and delivers far more value for your money.
Bescherm nu je online privacy!
Meer over Surfshark vergeleken
Zo verhoudt Surfshark zich tot andere VPN-providers:
Surfshark versus NordVPN
Surfshark wint op: Prijs, onbeperkt aantal apparaten, alternatieve ID
NordVPN scoort hoog op de volgende punten: Faster upload speeds, threat protection, more servers
Surfshark versus Surfshark ExpressVPN
Surfshark wint op: Price, unlimited connections, CleanWeb ad blocker
ExpressVPN wint op de volgende punten: Speed consistency, router support, more countries
Surfshark versus privé-internettoegang
Surfshark wint op: Unlimited devices, streaming access, ease of use
Private Internet Access scoort hoog op de volgende punten: Port forwarding, open-source apps, SOCKS5 proxy
Surfshark versus ProtonVPN
Surfshark wint op: Price, device connections, streaming libraries
Proton VPN wint op de volgende punten: Open-source apps, Swiss privacy laws, free tier
Surfshark versus CyberGhost
Surfshark wint op: Price, unlimited devices, feature depth
CyberGhost wint op: Dedicated streaming servers, 45-day refund period
Meer informatie over Hotspot Shield in vergelijking
Here’s how Hotspot Shield stacks up against other vpn services:
Hotspot Shield versus NordVPN
Hotspot Shield wint op: Nearby server speed, free plan availability
NordVPN scoort hoog op de volgende punten: Privacy audits, features, server count, threat protection
Hotspot Shield versus ExpressVPN
Hotspot Shield wint op: Free plan, Hydra protocol peak download speeds
ExpressVPN wint op de volgende punten: Speed consistency, privacy, global streaming access
Hotspot Shield versus PureVPN
Hotspot Shield wint op: Snelheid, gratis abonnementoptie
PureVPN scoort hoog op: Price, dedicated IP, port forwarding support
Hotspot Shield versus ProtonVPN
Hotspot Shield wint op: Raw speed, ease of use, streaming servers
ProtonVPN wint op de volgende punten: Privacy, open-source apps, Swiss laws, better free tier
Hotspot Shield versus CyberGhost
Hotspot Shield wint op: Speed on nearby servers, free plan
CyberGhost wint op: Price, server count, streaming, 45-day refund
Veelgestelde vragen
Is Surfshark VPN betrouwbaar?
Yes, Surfshark is trustworthy. It has passed independent audits by Deloitte and Cure53 confirming its no logs policy. Surfshark encrypted connections protect your web traffic from snoopers and your browsing history stays private.
Werkt Hotspot Shield echt?
Yes, Hotspot Shield works for basic vpn needs. It creates a vpn tunnel to encrypt your internet connection and hide your ip address. Hotspot Shield performed well in our speed tests, though its privacy practices are less transparent than competitors.
Kun je getraceerd worden met Surfshark VPN?
Surfshark hides your real ip address and encrypts all network traffic. With the audited no logs policy, even Surfshark cannot see your visited ip addresses or web traffic. It is very hard to track you when the vpn connection is active.
Verkoopt Hotspot Shield uw gegevens?
Hotspot Shield’s free version shows ads and shares some data with advertisers. Hotspot Shield logs session duration and bandwidth. Premium accounts do not show ads, but the company has faced past criticism about its data practices.
Which is better for multiple devices, Surfshark or Hotspot Shield?
Surfshark is far better for multiple devices. It gives you unlimited simultaneous connections on every plan. Hotspot Shield caps you at up to ten devices with simultaneous device connections. For families or people with many gadgets, Surfshark is the clear pick.
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