📊 Our Test Results:
- 🔒 Privacy & Logging: NordVPN audited no-logs vs Hotspot Shield collects some gegevens — NordVPN wins
- ⚡ Download Speed: Hotspot Shield Hydra slightly faster vs NordLynx close behind — Hotspot Shield wins
- 🌐 Servernetwerk: NordVPN 6,400+ servers vs Hotspot Shield 1,800+ servers — NordVPN wins
- 📺 Toegang tot streaming: NordVPN unblocks all platforms vs Hotspot Shield misses some — NordVPN wins
- 💰 Prijs-kwaliteitverhouding: NordVPN $2.99/mo vs Hotspot Shield $7.99/mo — NordVPN wins
Het kiezen van een VPN Het kan aanvoelen als een doolhof.
Two popular choices keep popping up: NordVPN vs Hotspot Shield.
Both promise fast speeds and strong security.
Maar welke van de twee levert daadwerkelijk wat hij belooft?
I tested both VPN services for four weeks straight.
I ran speed tests, checked streaming access, and dug into their privacy policies.
The results were clear — one VPN provider stood out.
Overzicht
I bought NordVPN and Hotspot Shield Premium to test them side by side.
I spent weeks using each VPN app on my laptop, phone, and tablet.
I tested everything from VPN connection speed to streaming Netflix in different countries.
I also checked how each VPN handles your browsing data and ip addresses.
This is my honest, firsthand comparison to help you choose the right VPN service.
Wat is NordVPN?
NordVPN is a virtual private network that hides your internet traffic from hackers and snoopers.
It runs over 6,400 VPN servers across 111 countries.
NordVPN uses the NordLynx protocol for fast and secure VPN connections.
It also blocks ads, trackers, and malware with its Threat Protection Pro feature.
NordVPN is based in Panama, far from any surveillance alliances.
NordVPN
The most feature-packed VPN provider on the market. NordVPN gives you Threat Protection, Double VPN, Meshnet, and 6,400+ servers — all backed by an audited no-logs policy.
NordVPN Pricing
NordVPN offers three plans. All of them are affordable on a long-term NordVPN subscription.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | $2.99/mo | Budget-friendly VPN protection |
| Plus | $3.49/mo | Password manager included |
| Compleet | $5,39/maand | Encrypted cloud storage + all extras |
Gratis proefperiode: No free trial, but Android users get 7 days free through Google Play.
Geld-terug-garantie: NordVPN offers a 30 day money back guarantee on all plans.
📌 Opmerking: The Basic plan includes all core VPN features. The Plus plan adds a wachtwoordbeheerder. The Complete plan adds encrypted cloud storage on top of everything.
⚠️ Warning: Monthly pricing is $12.99+. Grab the 2-year plan for the best deal. NordVPN auto-renews at a higher rate after the first term.
Key Benefits of NordVPN
Here’s why NordVPN stands out from other VPN providers:
- Threat Protection Pro: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware even when you’re not connected to a VPN server. It also scans downloaded files for threats.
- Dubbele VPN: Routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption. Great for anyone who needs maximum privacy.
- Meshnet: Lets you connect to your own devices securely from anywhere. Perfect for remote access and secure file sharing.
- SmartPlay: Automatically unblocks streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer without extra setup.
- Monitor voor het donkere web: Scans the dark web for your email address. It alerts you if your credentials appear in a data breach.
- Gecontroleerd beleid zonder logboeken: Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers have verified that NordVPN keeps zero browsing data.
NordVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries give you endless options
- Audited no-logs policy verified by independent firms
- Threat Protection blocks ads and malware protection built-in
- Unblocks every major streaming service tested
- Panama jurisdiction outside surveillance alliances
❌ Cons
- No free plan — only a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Monthly price of $12.99 is steep without a long-term plan
- Only 6 simultaneous connections (fewer than Hotspot Shield)
- Some users report inconsistent customer support experiences
Wat is Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield is a popular VPN app that creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic.
It uses a proprietary VPN protocol called Hydra for blazing-fast download speeds.
Hotspot Shield has over 1,800 VPN servers across 80+ countries.
It also offers a free version with limited features.
The Hotspot Shield app works on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and more.
Hotspot Shield
A fast and beginner-friendly VPN with the Hydra protocol. Hotspot Shield offers a free plan, 10 device connections, and solid streaming support at a competitive price.
Hotspot Shield Pricing
Hotspot Shield offers a free plan and a premium tier. Here’s the breakdown.
| Plan | Prijs | Het beste voor |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | $0 | Basic browsing with limited features |
| Premie | $7,99/maand | Full VPN access with all features |
Gratis proefperiode: Hotspot Shield has a free version with 500MB of data per day and one US server location.
Geld-terug-garantie: Hotspot Shield offers a 45 day money back guarantee on premium plans.
📌 Opmerking: The free version is ad-supported and limited to one device. Premium unlocks all 1,800+ servers, up to ten devices, and removes ads.
⚠️ Warning: Hotspot Shield’s free version shares user data with third-party advertisers. Upgrade to premium if privacy matters to you.
Key Benefits of Hotspot Shield
Here’s what makes Hotspot Shield worth a look:
- Hydra Protocol: Hotspot Shield’s proprietary VPN protocol is built for speed. It often beats other protocols in download speed tests.
- Gratis abonnement: Je kunt use Hotspot Shield free with unlimited bandwidth. It’s limited to one US location but great for casual browsing.
- 10 Device Connections: Premium lets you connect up to ten devices at once. That’s more than most VPN providers offer.
- Gebruiksvriendelijke app: The Hotspot Shield app connects in about 4 to 5 seconds. The interface is simple even for beginners.
- Streamingondersteuning: Premium unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer.
- 45-Day Money-Back: You get 15 extra days compared to most VPN services to test the premium version risk-free.
Hotspot Shield Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Hydra protocol delivers some of the fastest VPN speeds available
- Free plan with unlimited bandwidth for basic browsing
- 10 simultaneous device connections on premium
- Simple, beginner-friendly app design across all platforms
❌ Cons
- Based in the US — part of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance
- Logs session duration, bandwidth, and approximate location
- Free version shares data with advertisers
- Kill switch only works with the Hydra protocol
Functievergelijking
Ready to see how NordVPN and Hotspot Shield stack up feature by feature?
I compared 10 key areas to find out which VPN service wins each round.
| Functie | NordVPN | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Startprijs | $2.99/mo | $7,99/maand |
| Gratis plan | ❌ | ✅ |
| Server Count | 6,400+ in 111 countries | 1,800+ in 80+ countries |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ (Deloitte, PwC) | ❌ (Not independently verified) |
| Kill Switch (All Apps) | ✅ | ❌ (Hydra only) |
| Dubbele VPN | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bescherming tegen bedreigingen | ✅ | ❌ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Simultaneous Devices | 6 | 10 |
| Het beste voor | Privacy & streaming | Speed & casual browsing |
1. Privacy & Logging Policy
NordVPN: NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy verified by Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers. It does not track, record, or store any browsing data or ip addresses. NordVPN is based in Panama, outside the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes surveillance alliances.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield claims a no-logs policy but collects session duration, bandwidth used, and approximate location. It’s based in the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance. The free version shares user data with third-party advertisers.
⚠️ Warning: Hotspot Shield hasn’t released transparency reports since 2019. If privacy is your top concern, NordVPN’s audited policy is far more trustworthy.
2. Speed & VPN Protocol
NordVPN: NordVPN uses the NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard. It delivers excellent download and upload speeds. In speed tests, NordVPN maintains high enough internet speed for 4K streaming and large file downloads.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is built purely for speed. In multiple tests, it edges out NordLynx on download speeds. However, upload speeds are noticeably slower — a drawback for gaming and video calls.
3. Servernetwerk
NordVPN: NordVPN has over 6,400 servers in 111 countries. That’s one of the largest server networks in the VPN industry. It includes specialty servers for P2P torrenting, Onion over VPN, and double VPN connections.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield has 1,800+ servers across 80+ countries. It covers fewer server locations but includes regions like China, Egypt, and Russia that NordVPN doesn’t. All servers support P2P traffic.
4. Streaming & Unblocking
NordVPN: NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology unblocks every streaming service I tested. Netflix US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Japan all worked. Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer loaded without issues.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield Premium unblocks most major streaming sites including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. However, it struggles with some regional platforms. The free version does not unblock any streaming services at all.
💡 Test Result: NordVPN unblocked all 8 streaming platforms I tested. Hotspot Shield failed on 2 out of 8. If streaming is your priority, NordVPN is the safer bet.
5. Beveiligingsfuncties
NordVPN: NordVPN uses AES-256-GCM encryption — the gold standard. It offers a kill switch on every app, DNS leak protection, double VPN, Onion over VPN, and Threat Protection Pro. It also runs RAM-only servers that wipe data on every reboot.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield uses military-grade encryption and includes a kill switch. However, the kill switch only works with the Hydra protocol. It’s disabled on WireGuard and IKEv2. The macOS app also lacks a kill switch entirely.
6. Split Tunneling
NordVPN: NordVPN supports split tunneling on Windows, Android, and Android TV. You can choose which apps go through the VPN and which use your regular internet connection. Mac and iOS don’t support it yet.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s split tunneling works on Windows, Android, and iOS. You can route specific apps or websites outside the VPN tunnel. It’s slightly more flexible than NordVPN in this area.
7. Device Connections
NordVPN: NordVPN allows up to 6 simultaneous connections per account. You can protect your laptop, phone, and tablet all at once. For more devices, you can install NordVPN on your router.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield Premium supports up to 10 simultaneous device connections. That’s 4 more than NordVPN. Families or users with many devices will appreciate the extra slots.
8. Torrenting & P2P
NordVPN: NordVPN has dedicated P2P servers built for fast, secure torrenting. It also offers Onion over VPN and a built-in SOCKS5 proxy for torrent clients. Your ip address stays hidden the entire time.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield supports P2P traffic on all VPN servers. It works for torrenting, but there are no dedicated P2P servers. It also lacks advanced features like SOCKS5 proxy support.
9. App Design & Ease of Use
NordVPN: NordVPN’s apps have a map-based interface. Click a country on the map to connect. The Windows app, Mac app, and mobile apps are all clean and well-organized. It takes a few seconds to connect.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield has one of the simplest VPN apps around. The big connect button makes it dead easy. The Windows app connects in about 4 to 5 seconds. The android app and iOS app are equally smooth.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | NordVPN | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Vrij | ❌ | $0 (ad-supported, 1 device) |
| Basic / Premium | $2.99/mo | $7,99/maand |
| Plus | $3.49/mo | — |
| Compleet | $5,39/maand | — |
| Money-Back | 30 days | 45 days |
NordVPN: NordVPN starts at just $2.99/mo on a long-term plan. That’s nearly $5 cheaper per month than Hotspot Shield Premium. You also get more features — including Threat Protection, Double VPN, and a password manager on the Plus plan.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield Premium costs $7.99/month on the annual plan. The monthly price jumps to $12.99. The free version helps offset the cost, but if you need full features, NordVPN is the cheaper pick.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best privacy protection | NordVPN | Audited no-logs + Panama jurisdiction |
| A free VPN plan | Hotspot Shield | Free tier with unlimited bandwidth |
| Fastest download speeds | Hotspot Shield | Hydra protocol is slightly faster |
| Streaming all platforms | NordVPN | SmartPlay unblocks everything |
| Cheapest paid plan | NordVPN | $2.99/mo vs $7.99/month |
| Most device connections | Hotspot Shield | 10 devices vs NordVPN’s 6 |
| Torrenting safely | NordVPN | Dedicated P2P servers + SOCKS5 |
💰 Your Budget
NordVPN’s Basic plan at $2.99/mo costs less than Hotspot Shield Premium at $7.99/month. If you want a free VPN, Hotspot Shield’s free version handles basic browsing.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Both VPN services work on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and smart TVs. NordVPN supports more router models and has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
📝 Your Online Habits
If you stream a lot, NordVPN unblocks more platforms. If you mostly bladeren and need raw speed, Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is slightly faster.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both VPN apps are beginner-friendly. Hotspot Shield has a slightly simpler interface. NordVPN offers more features that advanced users will love.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Hotspot Shield has a free plan. NordVPN has a 30 day money back guarantee. Both let you test without risk — just pick the path that works for you.
🛟 Support Options
NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat and email support handled by in-house staff. Hotspot Shield’s live chat is only for premium accounts. NordVPN wins on customer support.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from NordVPN to Hotspot Shield?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A free plan for basic VPN use without paying anything
- 10 simultaneous connections instead of 6
- Slightly faster download speeds with the Hydra protocol
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Audited no-logs policy and Panama jurisdiction
- Threat Protection Pro, Double VPN, and Meshnet features
- 6,400+ server network and specialty P2P servers
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your NordVPN subscription (claim your 30-day refund if eligible)
- Download the Hotspot Shield app from their website or app store
- Sign up for Premium or start with the free plan to test it out
🔄 Switching from Hotspot Shield to NordVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Audited no-logs policy with Panama privacy jurisdiction
- Threat Protection Pro, Double VPN, Meshnet, and Dark Web Monitor
- 6,400+ servers with dedicated P2P and Onion over VPN options
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Free plan access for basic browsing
- 10 device connections (NordVPN caps at 6)
- Slightly faster download speeds from the Hydra protocol
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Hotspot Shield subscription (claim 45-day refund if eligible)
- Go to NordVPN’s website and pick the Basic, Plus, or Complete plan
- Download NordVPN apps on all your devices and sign in
Eindconclusie
| Categorie | Winnaar |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Privacy & Logging | NordVPN |
| ⚡ Download Speed | Hotspot Shield |
| 🌐 Server Network | NordVPN |
| 📺 Streaming Access | NordVPN |
| 🛡️ Security Features | NordVPN |
| 📱 Device Connections | Hotspot Shield |
| 💰 Pricing & Value | NordVPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Hotspot Shield |
| 🔄 Torrenting | NordVPN |
| 🎧 Customer Support | NordVPN |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | NordVPN |
🏆 WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN wins 7 out of 10 categories.
Best for: online privacy, streaming all platforms, secure torrenting, and best value for money
NordVPN and Hotspot Shield are two very different VPN services.
NordVPN is the full package — privacy, features, streaming, and value.
Hotspot Shield is fast and simple with a handy free plan.
If speed and a free option matter most, Hotspot Shield is a solid VPN provider.
But if you want real privacy, more features, and lower prices, NordVPN is the better choice.
Now, go protect your internet connection and browse with confidence!
More of NordVPN Compared
Here’s how NordVPN stacks up against other competitors:
NordVPN versus ExpressVPN
NordVPN wins on: pricing, server count, Threat Protection
ExpressVPN wins on: router app, consistent speeds worldwide
NordVPN versus PureVPN
NordVPN wins on: privacy audits, security features, speed
PureVPN wins on: lower price, port forwarding support
NordVPN wins on: server network, audited privacy, extra features
SurfsharkVPN wins on: unlimited connections, lower starting price
NordVPN versus ProtonVPN
NordVPN wins on: speed, streaming access, server count
ProtonVPN wins on: open-source apps, free plan quality
NordVPN versus PrivadoVPN
NordVPN wins on: server network, features, streaming reliability
PrivadoVPN wins on: budget pricing, generous free plan
NordVPN versus AdGuard VPN
NordVPN wins on: server count, privacy policy, advanced features
AdGuard VPN wins on: built-in ad blocker, simple interface
NordVPN versus Virtueel schild
NordVPN wins on: global server network, feature set, streaming
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused simplicity, easy setup
NordVPN versus StrongVPN
NordVPN wins on: speed, server count, privacy audits
StrongVPN wins on: simple pricing, no upsells
NordVPN versus SnelsteVPN
NordVPN wins on: server network, privacy, streaming support
FastestVPN wins on: lifetime plan, budget pricing
NordVPN versus AuraVPN
NordVPN wins on: dedicated VPN features, server count, speed
AuraVPN wins on: bundled identity protection suite
NordVPN wins on: privacy audits, speed, feature depth
CyberGhost wins on: larger server network, longer refund window
NordVPN versus McAfee VPN
NordVPN wins on: dedicated VPN focus, speed, privacy
McAfee VPN wins on: bundled antivirus protection
NordVPN versus Privé internettoegang
NordVPN wins on: speed, streaming, privacy jurisdiction
Private Internet Access wins on: lower price, open-source apps
NordVPN versus Mysterium
NordVPN wins on: reliability, speed, customer support
Mysterium wins on: decentralized network, pay-per-use model
NordVPN vs SafeShell VPN
NordVPN wins on: global server network, proven track record
SafeShell VPN wins on: niche censorship bypassing
NordVPN wins on: feature depth, server count, privacy audits
Oyster VPN wins on: simple pricing, smaller footprint
More of Hotspot Shield Compared
Here’s how Hotspot Shield stacks up against other competitors:
Hotspot Shield versus ExpressVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: download speed, free plan
ExpressVPN wins on: privacy, server network, streaming
Hotspot Shield wins on: speed, app simplicity
PureVPN wins on: pricing, port forwarding, server count
Hotspot Shield versus SurfsharkVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: free plan, raw download speed
SurfsharkVPN wins on: unlimited devices, pricing, privacy
Hotspot Shield wins on: speed, easier interface
ProtonVPN wins on: privacy, open-source, Swiss jurisdiction
Hotspot Shield vs PrivadoVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: speed, established brand
PrivadoVPN wins on: lower premium pricing, Swiss privacy
Hotspot Shield vs CyberGhost
Hotspot Shield wins on: free plan, Hydra speed
CyberGhost wins on: server count, longer refund window, privacy
Veelgestelde vragen
Is NordVPN actually any good?
Yes. NordVPN is one of the best VPN services in 2026. It has an audited no-logs policy, 6,400+ servers, and unblocks every major streaming service. I tested NordVPN personally and it delivered on every promise.
Does Hotspot Shield actually work?
Hotspot Shield works well for basic VPN needs. The Hydra protocol is fast. Premium unblocks most streaming sites. However, privacy-conscious users should note its data collection practices and US jurisdiction.
Is Hotspot Shield still free?
Yes. Hotspot Shield offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth. It’s limited to one US server location, one device, and 500MB of data per day. The free version is also ad-supported and shares data with advertisers.
Can I be tracked if I use NordVPN?
NordVPN makes tracking very difficult. It hides your real ip address and encrypts all internet traffic. The audited no-logs policy means NordVPN stores zero browsing data. No one — not even NordVPN — can see what you do online.
Is there a better VPN than Hotspot Shield?
NordVPN is better than Hotspot Shield in most categories. It wins on privacy, features, streaming, torrenting, and pricing. Hotspot Shield only wins on raw download speed and its free plan.
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