Ever feel like your internet is moving slower than a snail in a mud pit?
Maybe you’re using a VPN that’s bogging down your connection.
Choosing the right VPN can make a huge difference in your online speed.
In this showdown, we’re pitting two popular VPNs, NordVPN Vs Virtual Shield, against each other to see which wins the speed race.
We’ll examine their features, server locations, and performance to help you decide which one is best for your speed needs.
Let’s get started!
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve rigorously tested NordVPN and Virtual Shield.
We’ve evaluated their speeds, security features, streaming capabilities, and overall performance to help you make an informed decision.
NordVPN has over 5,700 servers in 60 countries and an average download speed of 360 Mbps!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $3.39/month
Key Features:
- Military-grade encryption
- Threat Protection
- Dark Web Monitor
Virtual Shield offers a 60-day money-back guarantee to experience its benefits risk-free.
Pricing: 60-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $9.58/month
Key Features:
- Unlimited Devices
- Zero-logs Policy
- 24/7 Support
What is NordVPN?
Ever heard of NordVPN? It’s one of the biggest names in the VPN world.
They’ve been around for a while and have a reputation for being reliable and secure.
NordVPN has a massive network of servers all over the globe.
This means you can connect to almost any country. They also constantly add new features to improve their service.
Also, explore our favorite NordVPN alternatives…
Experience the internet without limits! Join millions of users in 59 countries who trust NordVPN for blazing-fast speeds and bulletproof security. Try it out today!
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: 5,400+ servers in 59 countries, so you can access content from anywhere.
- Double VPN encryption: Military-grade protection for your data. Nobody’s cracking that.
- Threat Protection: Say goodbye to malware, trackers, and annoying ads.
Pricing
- Basic: $3.39/month – 1GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
- Plus: $4.39/month – 5GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
- Complete: $5.39/month – 10GB of free eSim Data, Secure, high-speed VPN.
Pros
Cons
What is Virtual Shield?
Now, let’s talk about Virtual Shield. This VPN might not be as flashy as NordVPN, but it’s a solid choice.
They focus on keeping things simple.
Virtual Shield doesn’t have a massive server network like some other VPNs.
But they make up for it with strong security and a commitment to privacy.
Virtual Shield is worth considering if you’re looking for a VPN that’s easy to use and gets the job done.
Also, explore our favorite Virtual Shield alternatives…
Ready to take control of your online privacy? Virtual Shield offers a 7-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to experience its benefits risk-free. Secure your digital life today!
Key Benefits
- Unlimited devices: Connect all your devices with just one account. That’s a pretty sweet deal!
- Strong security: Virtual Shield protects your data using AES-256 encryption, the same level of encryption used by banks and governments.
- They have a strict no-logs policy, so they don’t track your online activity. Thus, you can browse with peace of mind.
- Reliable speeds: We recorded an average download speed of 75 Mbps during our tests. This is not the fastest speed, but it is respectable.
- User-friendly apps: Their apps are clean and easy to navigate.
Pricing
- Basic: $9.58/month
- Plus: $13.75/month
- Ultimate: $22.08/month
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and compare NordVPN and Virtual Shield head-to-head on some of the most essential VPN features 2025.
This will help you see which VPN service best fits your needs.
1. Security and Privacy
Both NordVPN and Virtual Shield take your security and privacy seriously.
They both offer a VPN kill switch, which cuts your internet connection if the VPN connection drops.
This prevents your user data from being exposed. They also have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track your online activity.
However, NordVPN wins this round by offering extra security features like Double VPN servers and Onion Over VPN.
Shield has nothing comparable to these advanced privacy features.
2. VPN Protocol
When it comes to VPN protocols, both NordVPN and Hotspot Shield offer a variety of options.
NordVPN supports OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and its proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard).
Hotspot Shield uses its own Catapult Hydra protocol, which it claims is faster than Hotspot Shield.
While both offer secure and reliable connections, NordVPN wins this round with its wider range of options and the super-fast NordLynx protocol.
3. Streaming
If you’re looking to use a VPN for streaming, NordVPN and Virtual Shield are both good choices.
They can bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
However, NordVPN has many more servers optimized for streaming, giving you more options and potentially better speeds.
4. Gaming
For gamers, a fast and stable VPN connection is crucial.
NordVPN is known for its speed and low latency, making it an excellent choice for gaming.
Shield vs NordVPN in this category is a tough call, as Virtual Shield also provides decent speeds.
However, NordVPN’s wider server network gives it an edge in finding a server with the lowest ping.
5. Devices That Don’t Support VPN
Need to use a VPN on a device that doesn’t natively support VPN usage?
NordVPN comes with SmartDNS, which allows you to use a VPN on devices that don’t support VPN connections, like smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Hotspot Shield doesn’t offer this feature.
6. Mobile App
Both VPN providers offer user-friendly mobile apps.
NordVPN’s app is known for its intuitive interface and extensive features.
Hotspot Shield’s app is also well-designed, but it lacks some of the advanced features found in NordVPN.
7. Free Version
Does it offer a free version? Hotspot Shield has a free version with limited features and data.
NordVPN doesn’t have a free version, but it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the VPN risk-free.
If you’re looking for the best free VPNs, consider options like ProtonVPN Free or Windscribe.
Check out our dedicated blog post for a comprehensive list of the best free VPNs.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Speed: A fast VPN is crucial for a smooth online experience. Look for a VPN with fast download and upload speeds, especially if you plan on streaming or gaming. In our speed tests, NordVPN consistently outperformed Virtual Shield.
- Server Network: A more extensive server network gives you more options for connecting to different locations and can help you find a less congested server for better performance. NordVPN has a much more extensive network than Virtual Shield.
- Security Features: Strong encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy are essential for protecting your privacy. Consider additional security features like Double VPN or Onion Over VPN if you need extra protection. NordVPN offers more advanced security features than Virtual Shield.
- Streaming and Torrenting Support: If you plan to use a VPN for streaming or torrenting, ensure the VPN you choose supports these activities. NordVPN is a better choice for streaming due to its optimized servers and wider server network.
- Ease of Use: Choose a VPN with user-friendly apps and a simple interface. Both NordVPN and Virtual Shield have easy-to-use apps.
- Pricing: VPNs offer various pricing plans. Consider your budget and how long you plan to use the VPN. NordVPN provides a broader range of plans, including a more affordable long-term option.
- Customer Support: Good customer support can be helpful if you encounter any issues. Look for a VPN with 24/7 support.
- Free Trials and Money-Back Guarantees: A free trial or money-back guarantee allows you to test the VPN before committing to a long-term plan. NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, while Virtual Shield does not.
Final Verdict
So, which VPN wins this showdown? It’s a close call, but we must give the crown to NordVPN.
Why? It simply offers a better overall package.
NordVPN is faster, has more servers, and provides stronger security with features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN.
NordVPN also has more affordable pricing options, especially if you choose a more extended NordVPN plan. That’s not to say Virtual Shield is a bad choice.
It’s a strong contender in the VPN market and a solid option if you prioritize simplicity and unlimited device connections.
However, NordVPN is the best VPN for most users in this comparison.
We’ve rigorously tested Hotspot Shield and NordVPN, comparing their features, speed, security, and more.
We’re confident that our NordVPN review and Hotspot Shield comparison will provide the information you need to make the best decision for your needs.
Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Consider what you’ll be using the VPN for and what features are most important to you. Then, choose the VPN that best fits your requirements.
More of NordVPN
We’ve looked at NordVPN alternatives, so how does NordVPN stack up directly against them? Here’s a quick comparison:
- NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Both are top-tier, but NordVPN often comes out slightly ahead with more features and sometimes better speeds for the price.
- NordVPN vs PureVPN: PureVPN can be more affordable, but NordVPN is generally seen as more reliable with a larger server network and better streaming capabilities.
- NordVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark allows unlimited connections and is often cheaper for long-term plans, while NordVPN boasts a larger server count and sometimes faster speeds.
- NordVPN vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses strongly on privacy and even offers a free plan, but NordVPN tends to have more features, better speeds, and wider server availability.
- NordVPN vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN is a newer option that’s often budget-friendly, but NordVPN has a more established reputation, larger server network, and more advanced features.
- NordVPN vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN integrates with an ad blocker, which is unique. NordVPN is a more comprehensive VPN with a wider range of servers and features.
- NordVPN vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for strong encryption. NordVPN offers a larger server network and a broader feature set.
- NordVPN vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is budget-friendly. NordVPN is generally faster and has more features.
- NordVPN vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection. NordVPN focuses on VPN features and often has better performance.
- NordVPN vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly with specialized servers. NordVPN often has better speeds and more advanced features.
- NordVPN vs McAfee VPN: McAfee VPN is bundled with security software. NordVPN is a dedicated VPN service with more extensive features and better performance.
- NordVPN vs Private Internet Access: PIA is known for privacy and customization. NordVPN often has a more user-friendly interface and better streaming capabilities.
- NordVPN vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN. NordVPN uses a traditional server network known for its speed and reliability.
More of Virtual Shield
We’ve explored alternatives to Virtual Shield, so how does Virtual Shield stack up directly against them?
- Virtual Shield vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is known for its consistently fast speeds and user-friendly interface, generally outperforming Virtual Shield in speed and reliability.
- Virtual Shield vs PureVPN: PureVPN boasts a larger server network with more global locations than Virtual Shield.
- Virtual Shield vs SurfsharkVPN: Surfshark typically offers more features, unlimited connections, and often better value than Virtual Shield’s simpler service.
- Virtual Shield vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN focuses on strong security and privacy, often surpassing Virtual Shield’s basic security features.
- Virtual Shield vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN often provides more consistent speeds and a stronger focus on privacy compared to Virtual Shield’s limited features.
- Virtual Shield vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard VPN excels in ad and tracker blocking, a feature not prominently offered by Virtual Shield.
- Virtual Shield vs StrongVPN: StrongVPN is known for robust encryption and reliable connections, often exceeding Virtual Shield’s basic performance.
- Virtual Shield vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN is a budget-friendly option that may offer comparable or better speeds than Virtual Shield.
- Virtual Shield vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity theft protection, offering a broader security package than Virtual Shield’s VPN-only service.
- Virtual Shield vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost offers a larger server network and specialized servers, providing more versatility than Virtual Shield.
- Virtual Shield vs McAfee VPN: Both are relatively basic VPNs, though Virtual Shield may have a slightly more straightforward interface.
- Virtual Shield vs Private Internet Access: PIA offers a significantly larger server network and more customization options than Virtual Shield.
- Virtual Shield vs Mysterium: Mysterium is a decentralized VPN that offers a different privacy approach than Virtual Shield’s traditional network.
- Virtual Shield vs TunnelBear: TunnelBear is known for its user-friendly interface and free plan, which often offer more features than Virtual Shield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN better than Virtual Shield?
For most users, yes. NordVPN offers faster speeds, a more extensive server network, and more advanced security features. However, Virtual Shield is a good option for unlimited simultaneous connections.
Can I use a free VPN instead of NordVPN or Virtual Shield?
Free VPNs are available, but they often come with limitations like data caps, fewer servers, and slower speeds. They may also have weaker security and privacy practices. A paid option like NordVPN or Virtual Shield is usually a better investment if you need a VPN for regular use.
What is the best VPN for streaming in 2024?
NordVPN is a top choice for streaming thanks to its fast speeds and ability to bypass geo-restrictions on popular platforms like Netflix.
Which VPN is better, NordVPN or Surfshark?
Both are excellent VPNs. Surfshark is a bit cheaper and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. NordVPN offers a more extensive server network and slightly faster speeds.
What other VPNs should I consider besides NordVPN and Virtual Shield?
Other popular and highly rated VPNs include Surfshark, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and ProtonVPN. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to compare them based on your specific needs.
