⚡ Szybki werdykt:
- Wycena: Hotspot Shield has a $0 free plan and Premium at $7.99/month. StrongVPN starts at $3.97/month on its annual plan.
- Najlepiej dla: Hotspot Shield for streaming and speed. StrongVPN for big households that want phone support.
- Kluczowa różnica: Hotspot Shield runs its patented Hydra protocol. StrongVPN uses WireGuard on physical servers only.
- Nasz wybór: Hotspot Shield for most people. It pairs a free tier with a larger, streaming-ready network.
Tańsze VPN in this matchup is not our winner.
StrongVPN costs less per month on its annual plan.
Hotspot Shield costs more, yet it gives you a free VPN to start.
It also brings more servers and better streaming results.
StrongVPN still wins on devices, support, and a tighter logging policy.
Here is how these two VPN services compare, piece by piece.
Przegląd
This Hotspot Shield vs StrongVPN comparison covers pricing, speed, privacy, streaming, and apps.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and third-party speed tests for both.
Nasi autorzy poświęcili również czas na przetestowanie każdej usługi VPN.
Notatki te znajdują się poniżej w sekcjach „Co zauważył nasz zespół”.
By the end, you will know which one fits how you go online.
Czym jest Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield is a popular VPN app from a US-based VPN company.
It moves your internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel.
That gives you a secure connection, even on public Wi-Fi.
That hides your real IP address from websites and your internet provider.
The brand markets itself as the fastest VPN for streaming and gaming.
Its speed comes from Hydra, a proprietary VPN protocol.
You can start on the free version or move up to Hotspot Shield Premium.
This short video walks through the app.
Osłona punktu aktywnego
Hydra speeds and a free tier make it easy to start. Premium unlocks streaming and ten devices.
Cennik Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield subscription options are simple: one free tier and one paid tier.
| Plan | Cena | Najlepsze dla |
|---|---|---|
| Bezpłatny | $0 | Light browsing on one device |
| Premia | 7,99 USD/miesiąc | Streaming, speed, and up to ten devices |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Bezpłatny okres próbny: Not needed. The free version runs on one device with ads and a single US location.
Gwarancja zwrotu pieniędzy: Premium comes with a 45 day money back guarantee.
📌 Notatka: Premium covers up to ten devices at once. Payment options include credit cards and PayPal, but not Bitcoin.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list $12.99 billed monthly. The annual plan shows $7.99. A Family plan for five users also appears at $19.99 monthly or $11.99 yearly. Hotspot Shield deals change often, so confirm at checkout.
Główne korzyści Hotspot Shield
Here is what makes Hotspot Shield worth a look:
- Hydra speed: Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is built for speed and security. It keeps connections quick for streaming and downloads.
- Large network: Hotspot Shield hosts over 1,800 servers across 80 countries. P2P traffic works on every one.
- Streaming access: Premium works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. The streaming section below has details.
- Tunelowanie rozdzielone: You pick which apps or sites skip the VPN. Banking apps can stay on your normal connection.
- Szerokie wsparcie aplikacji: Apps cover Windows, Prochowiec, Android, and iOS. Linux gets a command line app.
- Opcja bezpłatna: Hotspot Shield’s free VPN needs no payment. It is ad-supported and limited to one device.
Co zauważył nasz zespół
Nasz pisarz signed up for Hotspot Shield and spent time with the app. Here is what stood out:
Zalety i wady Hotspot Shield
✅ Zalety
- Hydra protocol keeps speeds high for streaming and downloads
- Premium unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
- Free version available with no payment required
- Long 45-day refund window on paid plans
❌ Wady
- Logs session data like bandwidth and connection times
- Kill switch works only with the Hydra protocol
- Pricier than most VPN providers on annual plans
Czym jest StrongVPN?
StrongVPN is a US-based VPN service that has run since 2005.
That makes it older than most brands in the VPN industry.
It protects your web traffic with AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
StrongVPN’s servers are all physical servers, with no virtual locations.
Every StrongVPN subscription also bundles 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage.
Reviewers call it reliable but basic next to NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Here is a quick video review of the service.
StrongVPN
Twelve device slots and physical servers make it a steady daily pick. Phone support is a rare bonus.
Cennik StrongVPN
StrongVPN keeps things simple with two plans and no free tier.
| Plan | Cena | Najlepsze dla |
|---|---|---|
| Plan roczny | 3,97 USD/miesiąc | Long-term users who want the lowest rate |
| Plan miesięczny | 11,99 USD/miesiąc | Short trips or a quick trial run |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Bezpłatny okres próbny: No. StrongVPN has no free trial or free version.
Gwarancja zwrotu pieniędzy: Both plans include a 30-day money back guarantee.
📌 Notatka: StrongVPN accepts credit cards, PayPal, and Alipay. The only personal information it keeps is your email and payment information.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list $10.99 per month and $69.99 per year. They also say the annual price renews at $89.99 after year one. Confirm the final price at checkout.
Główne zalety StrongVPN
Here is what makes StrongVPN worth a look:
- Twelve connections: One account covers up to 12 simultaneous connections. That handles a family’s phones, laptops, and TVs.
- Physical servers only: No virtual locations are used. Your server sits in the country it claims.
- StrongDNS: This SmartDNS service helps you reach geo-blocked content. It does not slow your connection.
- Protocol choice: Pick WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, or L2TP. You choose speed or compatibility.
- Free cloud storage: Each plan includes 250GB of SugarSync storage. Few other VPNs bundle storage.
- Real support: Help comes by live chat, phone, and email. You can talk to a person when setup breaks.
Co zauważył nasz zespół
Our writer signed up for StrongVPN and spent time with the app. This video shares what stood out:
Zalety i wady StrongVPN
✅ Zalety
- 12 simultaneous connections on every plan
- All servers are physical, with no virtual locations
- 250GB of SugarSync cloud storage included
- Phone, live chat, and email support
❌ Wady
- No free version or free trial
- Small server network of 950+ servers in 30 countries
- US-based with no independent rewizja
Porównanie funkcji
Both tools promise a private, fast VPN connection. The details below show where each one pulls ahead.
| Funkcja | Osłona punktu aktywnego | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Cena wywoławcza | $0 (Free), $7.99/month Premium | $3.97/month (Annual Plan) |
| Bezpłatny plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Sieć serwerów | 1,800+ servers, 80 countries | 950+ servers, 30 countries |
| Jednoczesne połączenia | 10 | 12 |
| Wyłącznik awaryjny | ✅ (tylko Hydra) | ✅ |
| Tunelowanie rozdzielone | ✅ | ✅ (Android tylko) |
| WireGuard | ✅ | ✅ |
| Physical Servers Only | ❌ | ✅ |
| Support Channels | Live chat (Premium only) | Live chat, phone, email |
| Okno zwrotu pieniędzy | 45 dni | 30 dni |
| Najlepsze dla | Streaming i prędkość | Big households and support |
1. Szybkość i wydajność
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Speed is the main selling point here. Hotspot Shield recorded 210 Mbps in UK speed tests. US tests reached 190 Mbps.
Hotspot Shield’s speeds also earned it 2026 recognition for fast streaming performance.
StrongVPN: Speeds suit most online activity, like browsing and streaming. On a nearby server, some tests show only a 5-7% drop. Others measured about a 20% average loss on nearby servers.
Farther servers hurt more. One test averaged 31% of base download speed. Upload speeds averaged just 13%. Latency also runs higher than leading rivals, so competitive gamers may notice lag.
💡 Wskazówka: Always start with a local server. Pick the server closest to you, then move only if a site blocks you.
2. Protokoły VPN
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is patented and closed. It is designed for both speed and security. The app also supports WireGuard and IKEv2.
StrongVPN: You get more protocol choice. Pick WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, or L2TP from the settings menu. WireGuard is the fastest option on most devices.
3. Encryption & Kill Switch
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Your traffic is encrypted. A kill switch blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops. The catch: it only works with Hydra. It switches off on WireGuard or IKEv2.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN uses AES-256 for strong encryption. Its kill switch cuts your internet connection if the tunnel fails. That keeps your real IP hidden during reconnects.
⚠️ Ostrzeżenie: Some reviewers found the Windows kill switch on Hotspot Shield unreliable. Test it on your own device before trusting it.
4. Prywatność i rejestrowanie
Osłona punktu aktywnego: This is the weak spot. Hotspot Shield logs your IP address when a session starts. It deletes it when VPN sessions end. It also keeps session length, bandwidth used, and visited domains in anonymized form.
Hotspot Shield claims a 2023 independent audit of its no-logs policy. Other reviewers say no public audit report backs that up. No transparency reports have appeared since 2019, and the free version shares data with advertisers.
The policy says it never logs browsing history. Still, the data it keeps could help build a user profile. Overall, the privacy Hotspot Shield offers trails StrongVPN.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN keeps a strict no logging policy. It says it never logs browsing activity, timestamps, or IP addresses. StrongVPN claims it never sells personal data either.
The catch is simple: no independent audit has checked these claims.
⚠️ Ostrzeżenie: Both companies are based in the US, part of the Five Eyes alliance. Both claim strict no logging policies, but neither has a verified audit. If privacy comes first, we strongly advise an audited provider.
5. Sieć serwerów i lokalizacje
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Hotspot Shield’s servers span 1,800+ machines in 80+ countries. P2P works on all of them. You simply get more servers and more server locations.
The brand calls its spots virtual locations. A virtual location can mean the hardware sits elsewhere.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN runs a small server network of 950+ servers in 30 countries. StrongVPN’s servers are all physical, and P2P is allowed everywhere. The trade-off is fewer country choices than other VPNs.
6. Streaming & Geo-Access
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Hotspot Shield works with US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video on Premium. It also reaches Netflix libraries in the UK, Germany, Japonia, and Canada.
Reviewers testing Hotspot Shield saw it unblock BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4. It failed with 9Now and 10 Play. Premium accounts also get dedicated streaming servers.
Overall, Hotspot Shield performed reliably with few misses. The free version unblocks no streaming services.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN can reach major streaming platforms from anywhere. Tests show minimal buffering during playback. Its StrongDNS feature adds SmartDNS for devices that cannot run a VPN.
StrongVPN features also target censorship on restricted networks, like szkoła or office Wi-Fi.
7. Aplikacje i obsługa urządzeń
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Apps cover Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Linux gets a command line app, and Amazon Fire TV has its own. Hotspot Shield’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox switch locations right from your browser.
Hotspot Shield’s mobile apps are the most complete. The Android app auto-connects on unsecured networks, and iOS has Always-on VPN. The Mac app is thinner, with no auto-connect or keyboard shortcuts. Premium covers up to ten devices.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN has native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Among the devices StrongVPN supports, routers use manual setup guides. Chrome OS users can install the Android apps from the Google Play Store.
You get 12 simultaneous device connections. StrongVPN does not list a browser extension, so browser-only users should check first.
💡 Wskazówka: Smart TVs without a VPN app can connect through a router. The router counts as one device but covers everything behind it.
8. Split Tunneling & Leak Protection
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Hotspot Shield’s split tunneling lets you choose which apps or websites skip the VPN. It shows up in the Windows app and on Android and iOS apps. IP leak protection held up in third-party leak tests too.
StrongVPN: On Android devices, StrongVPN’s apps offer split tunneling. Other platforms do not. DNS leak protection keeps your lookups inside the tunnel. That stops other users on public Wi-Fi from seeing your sites.
9. Obsługa klienta
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Live chat support exists, but only for paying users. Hotspot Shield’s support team is out of reach on the free plan. Free users lean on help articles instead.
StrongVPN: StrongVPN gives every customer live chat, phone, and email help. Phone support is rare among VPN providers. That makes it friendlier for less technical buyers.
10. Ceny i koszty
Here are both price lists side by side.
| Plan | Osłona punktu aktywnego | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Bezpłatny | $0 | ❌ |
| Premia | 7,99 USD/miesiąc | ❌ |
| Plan roczny | ❌ | 3,97 USD/miesiąc |
| Plan miesięczny | ❌ | 11,99 USD/miesiąc |
| Urządzenia | 10 | 12 |
| Okno zwrotu pieniędzy | 45 dni | 30 dni |
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Most VPN providers charge $3 to $5 a month on annual plans. At $7.99, Premium sits on the high end. The free tier softens that, since you can test before paying.
StrongVPN: The annual plan costs about half of Hotspot Shield Premium. You also get 12 devices and bundled storage. Skip the monthly plan unless you need a VPN for a few weeks.
Różne scenariusze
| Jeśli potrzebujesz… | Wybierać | Dlaczego |
|---|---|---|
| Ograniczony budżet | StrongVPN | Lowest paid annual rate |
| A free VPN to start | Osłona punktu aktywnego | Free tier, no payment |
| Streaming abroad | Osłona punktu aktywnego | More unblocked libraries |
| Many devices at home | StrongVPN | 12 jednoczesnych połączeń |
| Wsparcie telefoniczne | StrongVPN | Czat na żywo, telefon i e-mail |
| Przyjazne dla początkujących | Osłona punktu aktywnego | Connects in a few seconds |
| Torrentowanie | Albo | P2P na wszystkich serwerach |
💰 Twój budżet
StrongVPN’s annual plan is the cheapest paid route here. If you cannot pay anything, Hotspot Shield’s free version is the only option.
🔌 Twój zestaw technologii
Hotspot Shield adds Chrome and Firefox extensions plus a Linux command line app. StrongVPN covers more mobile devices per account and works with routers.
📺 Twoje nawyki związane ze streamingiem
Hotspot Shield unblocks more libraries in published tests. StrongVPN handles the common platforms and adds SmartDNS for TVs.
🎓 Twój poziom doświadczenia
On a Windows laptop, the Hotspot Shield process takes one click and a few seconds. StrongVPN’s app is also easy, though it has fewer extras.
🆓 Bezpłatne wersje próbne i dema
StrongVPN has no trial, but its refund window works like one. With Hotspot Shield, try the free plan first, then upgrade.
🛟 Opcje wsparcia
StrongVPN is the only one here with phone support. Hotspot Shield keeps live chat behind Premium.
🔒 Prywatność i bezpieczeństwo danych
Both are US-based and unaudited, so neither is ideal for privacy purists. StrongVPN collects less data, which gives it the edge.
Przewodnik po przełączaniu
Already paying for one of these? Here is what changes if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Hotspot Shield to StrongVPN?
✅ Co zyskasz:
- Two extra device slots (12 total)
- Phone support for setup problems
- 250GB of free cloud storage
❌ Co stracisz:
- The free tier as a fallback
- About 50 extra countries to connect through
- Chrome and Firefox extensions
📋 Jak przełączyć:
- Cancel Hotspot Shield inside the 45-day window if you want a refund.
- Buy the StrongVPN annual plan and install the app.
- Sign in, choose WireGuard, and connect to the closest server.
🔄 Switching from StrongVPN to Hotspot Shield?
✅ Co zyskasz:
- A larger network with more countries
- Hydra speeds for streaming
- Browser extensions and a Linux app
❌ Co stracisz:
- Physical-only servers
- Wsparcie telefoniczne
- Bundled SugarSync storage
📋 Jak przełączyć:
- Download your SugarSync files before you cancel.
- Install the Hotspot Shield app and try the free plan.
- Upgrade to Premium and keep Hydra on so the kill switch works.
Czego nie objęła nasza recenzja
This comparison focused on everyday users who stream, przeglądać, and protect home devices. We did not test router setups, biznes use, gaming servers, or dedicated IP address options. Speed figures come from third-party tests, so your results will vary by location. Features reflect the September 2026 versions of both apps.
Ostateczny werdykt
| Kategoria | Zwycięzca |
|---|---|
| 💰 Cennik | StrongVPN |
| ⚡ Prędkość / Wydajność | Osłona punktu aktywnego |
| 🌍 Sieć serwerów | Osłona punktu aktywnego |
| 📺 Transmisja strumieniowa | Osłona punktu aktywnego |
| 🆓 Opcja bezpłatna | Osłona punktu aktywnego |
| 👶 Ease of Use & Apps | Osłona punktu aktywnego |
| 🔒 Prywatność | StrongVPN |
| 📱 Połączenia urządzeń | StrongVPN |
| 🛟 Obsługa klienta | StrongVPN |
| 🏆 Zwycięzca klasyfikacji generalnej | Osłona punktu aktywnego |
🏆 WINNER: HOTSPOT SHIELD
Hotspot Shield wins 5 out of 9 categories.
Najlepiej dla: Streamers, speed-first users, and anyone who wants a free VPN to start
This was closer than the price tags suggest. Hotspot Shield wins on speed, streaming, and app choice. Its free tier also lets you test before you pay.
StrongVPN is a strong VPN pick for families. Twelve devices, phone support, and cleaner logging are real strengths. It just cannot match the network size or streaming reach.
We recommend Hotspot Shield for streaming and everyday speed. If privacy or a big household matters more, StrongVPN is the smarter buy. Either way, the best VPN is the one that fits how you stay safe online.
Więcej informacji na temat Hotspot Shield w porównaniu
Here is how Hotspot Shield holds up against three bigger rivals:
Hotspot Shield wygrywa w kategoriach: a free tier, a longer 45-day refund window, and the Hydra protocol for long-distance speed
NordVPN wygrywa w kategoriach: audited no-logs claims, a base in Panama outside Five Eyes, and a far bigger server count
Hotspot Shield kontra ExpressVPN
Hotspot Shield wygrywa w kategoriach: a free plan, a Family plan for five users, and 15 extra days to request a refund
ExpressVPN wygrywa w kategoriach: a British Virgin Islands base, independently audited servers, and its open-source Lightway protocol
Hotspot Shield kontra ProtonVPN
Hotspot Shield wygrywa w kategoriach: dedicated streaming servers, browser extensions for location switching, and live chat on Premium
ProtonVPN wygrywa na: an ad-free free plan with no data cap, Swiss privacy law, and open-source, audited apps
Więcej informacji o StrongVPN w porównaniu
StrongVPN is reliable but basic next to the big names. This video covers its main rivals.
StrongVPN wygrywa w kategoriach: two more device slots, phone support, and bundled SugarSync storage
NordVPN wygrywa w kategoriach: a much larger network, audited privacy claims, and built-in malware and ad blocking
StrongVPN wygrywa w kategoriach: physical-only servers, SmartDNS through StrongDNS, and 250GB of included storage
PureVPN wygrywa na: a wider server footprint, independent no-logs audits, and lower long-term pricing
StrongVPN kontra Surfshark
StrongVPN wygrywa w kategoriach: phone support, zero virtual locations, and free cloud storage on every plan
Surfshark wygrywa w kategoriach: unlimited device connections, audited servers, and more countries to choose from
Często zadawane pytania
Czy Hotspot Shield to dobra sieć VPN?
Yes, it is a good VPN for speed and streaming. It unblocks major platforms and connects fast. Its logging is weaker than audited rivals, so privacy-first users may want another pick.
Jakie są ograniczenia darmowej usługi Hotspot Shield?
It works on one device and one US location, with ads. It unblocks no streaming services. Sources differ on how much data you get: unlimited traffic or 500 MB daily.
Czy Hotspot Shield VPN zapisuje logi?
Partly. It logs your IP address during a session and deletes it afterward. It also keeps anonymized session length, bandwidth, and visited domains.
Czy StrongVPN jest darmowy?
No. There is no free version or free trial. You can still test it risk-free with the 30-day money back guarantee on both plans.
Ile urządzeń można mieć w ramach StrongVPN?
You can connect up to 12 devices at once on one account. That is two more than Hotspot Shield Premium allows.
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