⚡ Szybki werdykt:
- Wycena: Windscribe starts at $5.75/month on the Yearly Plan. Hotspot Shield Premium costs $7.99/month.
- Najlepiej dla: Windscribe for privacy on a budget and big households. Hotspot Shield for speed-first streaming and gaming.
- Kluczowa różnica: Windscribe allows unlimited simultaneous connections and includes an ad blocker. Hotspot Shield caps you at ten devices but runs its own Hydra protocol.
- Nasz wybór: Windscribe for most users. It costs less and raises fewer privacy questions.
Windscribe and Hotspot Shield both give away a free VPN.
That is where the overlap ends.
Windscribe is built for privacy on a budget.
Hotspot Shield is built for raw speed.
One is based in Canada, the other in the United States.
Both countries sit inside the Five Eyes alliance, and that matters.
Przegląd
This Windscribe vs Hotspot Shield comparison covers pricing, speed, privacy, streaming, and extra tools.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and published speed tests for both VPN usługi.
Nasi autorzy spędzili także trochę czasu osobiście z każdym z nich.
Notatki te znajdują się poniżej w sekcjach „Co zauważył nasz zespół”.
Na koniec będziesz wiedział, która usługa VPN najlepiej odpowiada Twoim potrzebom.
Czym jest Windscribe?
Windscribe is a VPN service that encrypts your data and masks your IP address.
It is run from Canada and has servers in 110 cities across 66 countries.
The network is small, with around 500 VPN servers in total.
NordVPN, by comparison, runs over 8,800.
Windscribe makes up for size with flexibility and transparency.
You get unlimited simultaneous connections, even on the free plan.
Here is a quick video walkthrough of the Windscribe VPN apps.
Windscribe
A premium VPN at a budget price. Unlimited devices, a built-in ad blocker, and 10GB of free data monthly.
Cennik Windscribe
Here is what Windscribe costs in 2026. The Windscribe subscription options cover three ways to pay.
| Plan | Cena | Najlepsze dla |
|---|---|---|
| Zbuduj plan | Zwyczaj | Użytkownicy potrzebujący tylko kilku lokalizacji |
| Plan roczny | 5,75 USD/miesiąc | Najlepsza długoterminowa wartość |
| Plan miesięczny | 9,00 USD/miesiąc | Short trips or testing Windscribe Pro |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Bezpłatny okres próbny: No timed trial. You get a generous free plan instead. It includes 10GB of data monthly with an email, or 2GB without.
Gwarancja zwrotu pieniędzy: Three days, and only if you have used less than 10GB.
📌 Notatka: The Yearly Plan is billed at $69 upfront. Build A Plan costs $1 per location, with a two-location minimum. Each location adds 10GB of data per month. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, Bitcoin, other krypto, or gift cards.
⚠️ Ostrzeżenie: Windscribe’s money back guarantee is tight. Test on the free plan first, and check for Windscribe deals before paying monthly.
Główne korzyści z Windscribe
Here is what makes Windscribe worth a look:
- Nieograniczona liczba urządzeń: Free and paid users both get unlimited simultaneous device connections. One account covers every phone, laptop, and TV at home.
- Wbudowany bloker reklam: R.O.B.E.R.T. blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS and IP level. You pick which block lists to turn on.
- Elastyczne ceny: Build A Plan lets you pay only for the server locations you use. Few VPN providers offer this.
- Modern protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN are all supported. OpenVPN UDP and TCP modes are both available.
- Private sign-up: Since late 2025, you can create an account with a random hash. No email or password is needed.
- Static IP and port forwarding: Windscribe Pro users can add static IP addresses. Port forwarding is also available on paid plans.
Co zauważył nasz zespół
Nasz pisarz signed up for Windscribe while preparing our Windscribe VPN review. They used it daily on desktop and mobile. Here is what stood out:
Zalety i wady Windscribe
✅ Zalety
- Nieograniczona liczba jednoczesnych połączeń w każdym planie
- Free plan includes 10GB of data per month
- R.O.B.E.R.T. blokuje reklamy, moduły śledzące i złośliwe oprogramowanie
- Build A Plan charges $1 per location
- Anonimowa rejestracja bez konieczności podawania adresu e-mail
❌ Wady
- Money-back window is only three days
- Around 500 servers, far fewer than NordVPN
- Canadian base puts it inside Five Eyes
- No human live chat support
Czym jest Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield builds an encrypted VPN tunnel for your internet traffic.
Firma ma siedzibę w Stanach Zjednoczonych.
Its main selling point is speed.
That speed comes from Hydra, a proprietary VPN protocol.
Hotspot Shield obsługuje ponad 1800 serwerów w 80 krajach.
P2P traffic is allowed on every server.
This video shows the Hotspot Shield app and its main features.
Osłona punktu aktywnego
Built for speed with the Hydra protocol. Covers up to ten devices. Backed by a 45-day refund window.
Cennik Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield keeps its lineup short. Here is how it breaks down.
| Plan | Cena | Najlepsze dla |
|---|---|---|
| Bezpłatny | $0 | Light browsing on one US location |
| Premia | 7,99 USD/miesiąc | Streaming, gaming, and up to ten devices |
Pricing verified September 2026.
Bezpłatny okres próbny: No timed trial. Hotspot Shield free is a permanent tier. It covers one device and one US location.
Gwarancja zwrotu pieniędzy: A 45 day money back guarantee covers paid plans.
📌 Notatka: The $7.99 rate reflects annual billing. Hotspot Shield accepts credit cards and PayPal, but not Bitcoin.
⚠️ Price check: Some review sites list Premium at $12.99 billed monthly. They also list a five-user Family plan. It costs $19.99 monthly or $11.99 on the annual plan. Confirm current Hotspot Shield subscription options and Hotspot Shield deals at checkout.
Główne korzyści Hotspot Shield
Here is where Hotspot Shield earns its price:
- Hydra speed: Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is designed for speed and bezpieczeństwo. It is the reason the brand markets itself as the fastest VPN.
- Big server network: Over 1,800 servers span 80 countries. You also get gaming servers and servers optimized for streaming.
- Streaming access: Premium reaches major platforms like US Netflix and Disney+. Details are in the streaming comparison below.
- Up to ten devices: One premium account covers up to ten devices at once. That includes phones, laptops, and smart TVs.
- Szerokie wsparcie aplikacji: Hotspot Shield works on Windows, Prochowiec, Android, iOS, and Linux. It also runs on Amazon Fire TV.
- Long refund window: You get 45 days to ask for your money back. That is far longer than Windscribe.
Co zauważył nasz zespół
Our writer tested the apps while preparing our Hotspot Shield VPN review. Here is what stood out:
Zalety i wady Hotspot Shield
✅ Zalety
- Hydra protocol delivers fast download speeds
- Covers up to ten devices on one account
- 45-day money-back guarantee on paid plans
- Dedykowane serwery do streamingu i gier
❌ Wady
- Logs IP addresses, session length, and bandwidth
- Wyłącznik awaryjny działa tylko z protokołem Hydra
- Free version is ad-supported and blocks streaming
- Pricier than most rivals on annual plans
Porównanie funkcji
Both tools protect your internet connection. The differences show up in speed, privacy, and extras.
Below are nine head-to-head features, plus a pricing breakdown.
| Funkcja | Windscribe | Osłona punktu aktywnego |
|---|---|---|
| Cena wywoławcza | 5,75 USD/miesiąc (rocznie) | 7,99 USD/miesiąc |
| Bezpłatny plan | ✅ 10 GB/miesiąc | ✅ One US location |
| Jednoczesne połączenia | Nieograniczony | Do 10 |
| Custom DNS Ad Blocker | ✅ R.O.B.E.R.T. | ❌ |
| Tunelowanie rozdzielone | ✅ | ✅ |
| Wyłącznik awaryjny | ✅ Firewall | ✅ Tylko Hydra |
| Przekierowanie portów | ✅ | ❌ |
| Protokół własnościowy | ❌ | ✅ Hydra |
| Gwarancja zwrotu pieniędzy | 3 dni | 45 dni |
| Najlepsze dla | Budget privacy, big households | Speed, streaming, gaming |
1. Speed & Connection Times
Windscribe: Published speed tests put Windscribe’s OpenVPN speeds at 270-330Mbps. Switching to WireGuard pushed one test past 950Mbps, while another peaked at 700Mbps.
Reviewers measured speed drops of 19% on nearby servers and 31% on distant ones. One test saw a 20% loss on Mac and 43% on Windows. Windscribe apps usually connect in a few seconds, often under six.
One reviewer ranked Windscribe among the five fastest VPNs, alongside NordVPN and Hotspot Shield.
Osłona punktu aktywnego: In one test, Hotspot Shield recorded 210 Mbps in the UK and 190 Mbps in the US. The Hotspot Shield app connects in about 4 to 5 seconds on Windows.
Hotspot Shield’s speeds earned it recognition in 2026 for fast connections and streaming.
⚠️ Ostrzeżenie: These connection speeds came from different reviewers on different lines. A local server near you will always beat a distant one, whichever VPN you pick.
2. VPN Protocols & Encryption
Windscribe: Windscribe supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, including OpenVPN UDP and TCP. All connections use AES-256 encryption for a secure connection. You can swap VPN protocols in the desktop app with two clicks.
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Hydra is a proprietary VPN protocol built for speed over long distances. WireGuard and IKEv2 are also available. But leaving Hydra has a catch, covered in the kill switch section.
3. Sieć serwerów i lokalizacje
Windscribe: Windscribe servers sit in 110 cities across 66 countries, about 500 in total. Free users get a smaller list, while paid users unlock every location.
You can also buy static IP addresses. A static IP works like a dedicated IP address for banking or remote work.
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Hotspot Shield’s servers number over 1,800 across 80 countries. You can pick any virtual location. Those virtual locations include gaming servers and streaming-tuned servers.
4. Streaming
Windscribe: Windscribe unblocks US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and Disney Plus. It worked with every Netflix library tested, including the US, UK, Australia, Kanada i Japonia.
It also scored full marks on ITV and Channel 4. The free version is limited, though. Its data cap covers roughly seven hours of video.
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Premium unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. It reached Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Canada. BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4 worked too.
Hotspot Shield performed reliably overall, but it failed with 9Now and 10 Play. Its dedicated streaming servers are for premium users only.
⚠️ Ostrzeżenie: Hotspot Shield’s free version does not unblock any streaming services. Windscribe’s free tier can, until the data runs out.
5. Ad Blocking & Tracker Protection
Windscribe: R.O.B.E.R.T. blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS and IP level. You choose the block lists, so it works as a customizable ad blocker. It also runs inside Windscribe’s browser extensions.
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Hotspot Shield does not offer a customizable blocker like R.O.B.E.R.T. Worse, the free tier shows ads and shares user data with third-party advertisers. If you want to block ads, Windscribe is the easy pick.
That tracker blocking pairs well with the privacy setup covered next.
6. Privacy & Logging
Windscribe: Windscribe keeps no browsing history or connection details. It stores only relevant data, like total bandwidth and a last-activity timestamp. That data sits in RAM and is wiped when the session ends.
Audits of its privacy practices found no major issues. It offers DNS and IP leak protection to stop DNS leaks. You can also set custom DNS for connected or disconnected states.
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Hotspot Shield claims a strict no-logs policy and cites a 2023 rewizja. Yet its policy says Hotspot Shield logs IP addresses at the start of each session. It also records session length, bandwidth, and accessed domains in anonymized form.
It has not published transparency reports since 2019. Some reviewers say its logging claims still lack full independent checks. It has faced criticism for recording timestamps despite the no-logs label.
💡 Wskazówka: Both companies sit in Five Eyes countries. No VPN can promise exactly zero requests from authorities. What matters is how little data it holds when a request arrives.
7. Kill Switch & Split Tunneling
Windscribe: Windscribe calls its kill switch “Firewall.” It cuts internet access if the VPN connection drops. You can still allow local network traffic, so printers and casting keep working.
Split tunneling decides which apps send VPN traffic and which skip it.
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Hotspot Shield offers a kill switch and split tunneling too. But the kill switch, including the Windows kill switch, only works with Hydra. On WireGuard or IKEv2, your real IP address can leak during VPN sessions.
Hotspot Shield’s split tunneling covers both apps and websites, which is handy.
8. Apps, Devices & Connections
Windscribe: Windscribe’s apps cover Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. The Windows version has the most settings. Config generatory let you set up routers and other hardware.
Windscribe’s browser extensions run on Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. They are only proxies, so they protect browser traffic, not your whole device. Each browser extension routes pages through a proxy server and can rotate your user agent.
Tinkerers get advanced features too. The Windows client can spoof your MAC address and tweak network adapter behavior. You can also allow LAN access.
Osłona punktu aktywnego: You get a Windows app, a Mac app, and Android and iOS apps. There is also a Linux command line app and an Amazon Fire TV app. Hotspot Shield’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox let you switch locations from the browser.
Hotspot Shield’s mobile apps add handy extras. The Android app auto-connects on unsecured networks, and iOS has Always-on VPN. The Mac app is stripped down, with no auto-connect or keyboard shortcuts.
✅ Wynik: Windscribe allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Hotspot Shield Premium stops at ten, which still covers most homes.
9. Free Version
Windscribe: The free plan gives you 10GB of data per month with an email, or 2GB without. Free servers run about 15% slower than paid ones.
Hit the data limit, and you wait for next month or upgrade. Check the terms on inactive accounts if you plan to leave a free login unused.
Osłona punktu aktywnego: The free tier is ad-supported and limited to one device and one US location. Sources disagree on how much data you get. Some list unlimited traffic, while others cite 500 MB per day.
Hotspot Shield’s free VPN also shares data with advertisers. Treat it as a trial, not a daily driver.
💡 Wskazówka: Need a free service for a public Wi Fi hotspot every day? Windscribe is the safer bet.
10. Ceny i koszty
Here is how the plans line up side by side.
| Plan | Windscribe | Osłona punktu aktywnego |
|---|---|---|
| Opcja bezpłatna | Free plan (10GB/month) | Bezpłatnie: 0 USD |
| Entry paid option | Build A Plan: Custom | Premium: $7.99/month |
| Annual plan | Yearly Plan: $5.75/month | Included in Premium rate |
| Month-to-month | Monthly Plan: $9.00/month | See price check above |
Windscribe: The Yearly Plan works out to $5.75/month, billed at $69. Build A Plan is ideal if you only need two or three countries. Both options unlock unlimited data.
Osłona punktu aktywnego: Premium costs $7.99/month on annual billing. Most VPN providers charge around $3 to $5 monthly on annual plans. That puts Hotspot Shield at the high end. The 45-day refund window softens that.
Różne scenariusze
| Jeśli potrzebujesz… | Wybierać | Dlaczego |
|---|---|---|
| Ograniczony budżet | Windscribe | Cheaper yearly rate and pay-per-location option |
| Maksymalna prędkość | Osłona punktu aktywnego | Protokół Hydra stworzony z myślą o szybkości |
| Wiele urządzeń | Windscribe | Nieograniczona liczba jednoczesnych połączeń |
| Gaming servers | Osłona punktu aktywnego | Dedicated gaming and streaming servers |
| Stronger privacy | Windscribe | Fewer logs, RAM-only session data |
| Long refund window | Osłona punktu aktywnego | 45 days vs three days |
| Przyjazny start dla początkujących | Windscribe | Useful free plan with no card |
💰 Twój budżet
Windscribe costs less on its Yearly Plan and lets you build a custom plan. Hotspot Shield charges more but gives you longer to change your mind.
🔌 Twoje urządzenia
Windscribe covers every device you own, including routers through config files. Hotspot Shield covers up to ten devices, including Fire TV.
🎮 Streaming and Gaming
Both unblock the big streaming platforms on paid plans. Hotspot Shield adds dedicated gaming servers, while Windscribe adds port forwarding.
🎓 Twój poziom doświadczenia
Both apps connect with one tap, so beginners will be fine. Power users will prefer Windscribe’s extra controls.
🆓 Bezpłatne wersje próbne i dema
Anyone testing Windscribe should start on the free plan before paying. When testing Hotspot Shield, lean on the 45-day refund instead of the free tier.
🛟 Obsługa klienta
Hotspot Shield’s support team offers live chat support, but only on premium accounts. Windscribe has no human live chat, so expect help docs and tickets.
Przewodnik po przełączaniu
Already using one of these tools? Here is what changes if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Windscribe to Hotspot Shield?
✅ Co zyskasz:
- Hydra protocol tuned for speed
- Larger server network in 80 countries
- 45-day refund window
❌ Co stracisz:
- Nieograniczona liczba jednoczesnych połączeń
- R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocking
- Port forwarding and static IPs
📋 Jak przełączyć:
- Note your R.O.B.E.R.T. and split tunneling settings.
- Sign up for Premium. The Hotspot Shield process takes about a minute.
- Install the apps, keep Hydra selected, and turn on the kill switch.
🔄 Switching from Hotspot Shield to Windscribe?
✅ Co zyskasz:
- Nieograniczona liczba urządzeń na jednym koncie
- Customizable ad and malware blocking
- Lighter logging and anonymous sign-up
❌ Co stracisz:
- Over 1,800 servers
- Dedykowane serwery do streamingu i gier
- Long 45-day refund window
📋 Jak przełączyć:
- Try the free plan with 10GB of data first.
- Pick the Yearly Plan, Monthly Plan, or Build A Plan.
- Turn on Firewall and R.O.B.E.R.T. in settings.
Czego nie objęła nasza recenzja
This comparison focused on individual users and families. We did not benchmark upload speeds ourselves. We also skipped smart TVs beyond Fire TV. Biznes plans and team features were outside our scope. For deeper speed data, see our full Hotspot Shield review. Features and prices reflect September 2026 and may change.
Ostateczny werdykt
| Kategoria | Zwycięzca |
|---|---|
| 💰 Cennik | Windscribe |
| 🆓 Darmowy plan | Windscribe |
| ⚡ Prędkość | Osłona punktu aktywnego |
| 🔒 Prywatność i rejestrowanie | Windscribe |
| 📺 Transmisja strumieniowa | Osłona punktu aktywnego |
| 📱 Devices & Apps | Windscribe |
| 🛡️ Extra Tools | Windscribe |
| 💵 Refund Policy | Osłona punktu aktywnego |
| 🏆 Zwycięzca klasyfikacji generalnej | Windscribe |
🏆 ZWYCIĘZCA: WINDSCRIBE
Windscribe wins 5 out of 8 categories.
Najlepiej dla: Budget buyers, large households, privacy-minded users
Windscribe and Hotspot Shield solve different problems. Windscribe gives you more for less, with unlimited devices, an ad blocker, and lighter logging.
Hotspot Shield is the speed pick. Its Hydra protocol, streaming servers, and 45-day refund make it easy to try.
We recommend Windscribe for most people, especially if privacy ranks high. We would only recommend Hotspot Shield if speed matters more than logging policies.
Więcej informacji o Windscribe w porównaniu
Here is how Windscribe stacks up against other competitors:
Windscribe wygrywa w kategoriach: A free plan with 10GB monthly, unlimited devices, and pay-per-location pricing
NordVPN wygrywa w kategoriach: A server count above 8,800, more third-party audits, and built-in malware scanning
Windscribe kontra ProtonVPN
Windscribe wygrywa w kategoriach: Unlimited simultaneous connections, Build A Plan flexibility, and static IP add-ons
ProtonVPN wygrywa w kategoriach: Swiss jurisdiction outside Five Eyes, a free tier with no data cap, and open-source apps
Windscribe kontra Private Internet Access
Windscribe wygrywa w kategoriach: A usable free tier, anonymous hash accounts, and custom location pricing
Prywatny dostęp do Internetu wygrywa na: A larger server footprint, a 30-day refund window, and deep encryption settings
Windscribe kontra Surfshark
Windscribe wygrywa w kategoriach: A free tier, customizable R.O.B.E.R.T. lists, and a cheap two-location plan
Surfshark wygrywa w kategoriach: A bigger network, a 30-day refund window, and antivirus bundles on higher tiers
Więcej informacji na temat Hotspot Shield w porównaniu
Here is how Hotspot Shield stacks up against other competitors:
Hotspot Shield wygrywa w kategoriach: The Hydra protocol, a longer 45-day refund, and a free plan
NordVPN wygrywa w kategoriach: Audited no-logs claims, a larger network, and a kill switch that works across protocols
Hotspot Shield kontra ExpressVPN
Hotspot Shield wygrywa w kategoriach: A free plan, dedicated gaming servers, and a longer refund window
ExpressVPN wygrywa w kategoriach: A base outside Five Eyes, audited privacy practices, and its open-source Lightway protocol
Hotspot Shield kontra ProtonVPN
Hotspot Shield wygrywa w kategoriach: Gaming servers, Hydra speed, and a TV app for Fire TV
ProtonVPN wygrywa w kategoriach: Swiss privacy law, an ad-free free plan, and open-source code
Hotspot Shield kontra CyberGhost
Hotspot Shield wygrywa w kategoriach: Hydra speed, a free tier, and P2P on every server
CyberGhost wygrywa w kategoriach: A much larger network, NoSpy servers, and a base in Romania outside Five Eyes
Często zadawane pytania
Czy Windscribe VPN jest całkowicie darmowy?
No. The free plan gives 10GB of data monthly with an email, or 2GB without. Unlimited data requires the Yearly Plan, Monthly Plan, or Build A Plan.
Czy Hotspot Shield jest nadal darmowy?
Yes. The free tier is ad-supported and limited to one device and one US location. It does not unblock streaming, and it shares data with advertisers.
Czy można zaufać Hotspot Shield?
For everyday browsing, yes. But it logs IP addresses per session, plus bandwidth and session length. It has not released transparency reports since 2019.
Czy Windscribe jest w 100% bezpieczny?
No VPN is 100% safe. Windscribe uses AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and leak protection. Its Canadian base inside Five Eyes is the main risk.
Czy istnieje lepsza sieć VPN niż Hotspot Shield?
For most people, Windscribe is. It costs less, allows unlimited devices, and logs less. Hotspot Shield still wins on raw speed and refund length.
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