

⚡ Veredito rápido:
- Preços: Hotspot Shield Premium costs $7.99/month. AdGuard VPN starts at $2.40/month on the 2-year plan.
- Ideal para: Hotspot Shield for streaming and speed. AdGuard VPN for budget ad blocking and privacy.
- Principal diferença: Hotspot Shield runs on its patented Hydra protocol. AdGuard VPN pairs a proprietary protocol with AdGuard DNS filtering.
- Nossa escolha: Hotspot Shield for most users. It has the bigger network and wider streaming support.

The cheaper VPN in this matchup is not our winner.
AdGuard VPN costs far less on a long plan.
Hotspot Shield charges more but brings faster speeds and wider streaming access.
The real split is focus.
Hotspot Shield is built around speed.
AdGuard puts ad blocking and online privacy at the center.
Visão geral
This Hotspot Shield vs AdGuard VPN comparison covers speed, privacy, streaming, apps, and pricing.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and third-party reviews for both VPN services.
Nossos redatores também passaram um tempo interagindo pessoalmente com cada um deles.
Essas observações aparecem nas seções "O que nossa equipe notou" abaixo.
By the end, you will know which VPN fits your needs.
O que é o Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield is a VPN that encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address.
It sends your internet traffic through a secure VPN tunnel.
Hotspot Shield claims to be the fastest VPN, thanks to its patented Hydra protocol.
A Hotspot Shield hospeda mais de 1.800 servidores em 80 países.
Apps cover Windows, MacAndroid, iOS, Linux e Amazon Fire TV.
A free version exists, but most features sit behind Hotspot Shield Premium.

Here is a quick walkthrough of the app in action.

Proteção contra pontos de acesso
Fast speeds and broad streaming access. One plan covers up to ten devices. Read the full Hotspot Shield review for more.
Preços do Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield subscription options are simple: Free or Premium.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| Livre | $0 | Light browsing on one device |
| Premium | US$ 7,99/mês | Streaming, speed, and all the features |
Pricing verified September 2026.

Teste grátis: The Hotspot Shield free plan works as a no-cost test. It is ad-supported and locked to one US server.
Garantia de reembolso: Premium comes with a 45 day money back guarantee.
📌 Observação: Premium adds 10 simultaneous connections, live chat, and dedicated streaming servers. You can pay by credit card or PayPal. Bitcoin is not accepted.
⚠️ Aviso: The $7.99 rate reflects the annual plan. Monthly billing runs $12.99. Hotspot Shield offers a Family plan for five users. It costs $19.99 monthly or $11.99 on the annual plan. Watch for Hotspot Shield deals, but confirm the final price at checkout.
Principais benefícios do Hotspot Shield
Eis o que torna o Hotspot Shield uma opção que vale a pena conferir:
- Protocolo Hydra: Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is a proprietary VPN protocol built for speed. It keeps connections quick and stable.
- Acesso via streaming: Premium unlocks US Netflix, HuluHBO Max, Disney+ e Amazon Prime Video.
- Large Network: Over 1,800 servers span 80+ virtual locations. P2P traffic is allowed on every server.
- Ten Devices: One Hotspot Shield subscription covers 10 devices at once. That handles most households.
- Túneis divididos: Hotspot Shield’s split tunneling lets you pick which apps or websites use the VPN.
- Largura de banda ilimitada: Premium has no dados cap. Stream and download as much as you like.

O que nossa equipe observou
Nosso escritor signed up for Hotspot Shield and used it for daily browsing and streaming. Here’s what stood out from testing Hotspot Shield:

Vantagens e Desvantagens do Hotspot Shield
✅ Prós
- Hydra protocol delivers fast download speeds
- Unlocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
- 10 simultaneous connections on Premium
- Live chat support for premium accounts
❌ Contras
- Kill switch works only with Hydra
- US-based and logs some session data
- Pricier than most VPNs on monthly billing
O que é o AdGuard VPN?
AdGuard VPN comes from the team behind the AdGuard ad blocker.
How does AdGuard VPN work?
It hides your real IP address and real location behind a remote server.
The service uses AES-256 encryption and a proprietary protocol.
That protocol disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic.
AdGuard is based in Cyprus, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances.
A free plan gives you 3 GB of data every month.

The video below covers the main features.

AdGuard VPN
Ad blocking meets a budget VPN. Try the 3 GB free plan before you buy AdGuard VPN. Our AdGuard VPN review covers more.
Preços do AdGuard VPN
Eis o preço de uma assinatura da VPN AdGuard em 2026.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mês | US$ 11,99/mês | Short trips or quick tests |
| 1 ano | US$ 3,99/mês | Most individual users |
| 2 anos | US$ 2,40/mês | Menor custo a longo prazo |
Pricing verified September 2026.

Teste grátis: The free plan gives you 3 GB per month. Speeds on it are capped at 20 Mbps.
Garantia de reembolso: Yearly and 2-year plans carry a 30 day money back guarantee.
📌 Observação: The yearly plan is billed $47.88 upfront. Every paid plan allows 10 simultaneous connections. AdGuard accepts credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrency.
⚠️ Aviso: The monthly plan is not listed under the refund policy. Some review sites also list the 2-year plan near $2.99/month. Confirm the rate at checkout.
Principais benefícios da VPN AdGuard
Eis o que torna o AdGuard VPN uma opção a ser considerada:
- Ad Filtering: You can switch to AdGuard DNS servers that block ads and trackers. Can AdGuard VPN block ads alone? Only through that DNS layer.
- Cyprus Base: AdGuard sits outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances. It also complies with GDPR.
- Política de não registro de logs: AdGuard says it does not log IP addresses, browsing history, or timestamps.
- Censorship Workarounds: Traffic looks like normal HTTPS. That helps on restrictive networks.
- Ampla compatibilidade com plataformas: Apps cover Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Linux. Extensions work in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
- Kill Switch and Split Tunneling: The kill switch stops leaks if the connection drops. Split tunneling lets certain websites bypass the VPN.

O que nossa equipe observou
When our writer tested AdGuard VPN, the focus was everyday browsing and ad blocking. Here’s what stood out:

Vantagens e Desvantagens do AdGuard VPN
✅ Prós
- Ad and tracker blocking through AdGuard DNS
- Cheap long-term plans from $2.40/month
- Based in Cyprus, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes
- Apps for Linux, Android TV, and Edge
❌ Contras
- Proprietary protocol with no independent auditoria
- Velocidades lentas em servidores remotos
- Sem suporte por chat ao vivo 24 horas por dia, 7 dias por semana.
Comparação de recursos
Ready to see how Hotspot Shield and AdGuard VPN compare side by side? We cover nine key features, then pricing.
| Recurso | Proteção contra pontos de acesso | AdGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Preço inicial | US$ 7,99/mês | US$ 2,40/mês |
| Plano Gratuito | ✅ (one US location) | ✅ (3 GB/mês) |
| Interruptor de segurança | ✅ (Apenas Hydra) | ✅ |
| Túneis divididos | ✅ | ✅ |
| Suporte ao WireGuard | ✅ | ❌ |
| DNS Ad Blocking | ➖ Not a focus | ✅ |
| Auditoria Independente | ⚠️ Disputed | ❌ |
| Conexões simultâneas | 10 | 10 |
| Servidores | Mais de 1.800 em 80 países | Mais de 800 em mais de 65 locais |
| Ideal para | Streaming e velocidade | Budget ad blocking |
1. Velocidade e desempenho
Proteção contra pontos de acesso: Hotspot Shield markets itself as the fastest VPN. In third-party speed tests, Hotspot Shield recorded 210 Mbps in the UK. US servers hit 190 Mbps. The Windows app connects in 4 to 5 seconds.
Any VPN slows your internet connection a little. Hotspot Shield’s speeds hold best on a local server. It was also recognized in 2026 for speed and streaming performance.

VPN AdGuard: AdGuard VPN’s performance is fine for everyday browsing. Nearby servers lose about 20% of speed on average. Distant servers hurt more, with drops to around 10 Mbps from a 65 Mbps baseline.
Paid plans average about 58.73 Mbps. The free version caps connection speeds at 20 Mbps.
⚠️ Aviso: AdGuard VPN is not built for data intensive tasks. Online gaming, big downloads, and video calls can suffer on far-away servers. Connection drops have also been reported.
2. Protocolos VPN
Proteção contra pontos de acesso: Hydra is Hotspot Shield’s proprietary VPN protocol, designed for speed and security. WireGuard and IKEv2 are also available. You get a choice, which many rivals skip.

VPN AdGuard: The AdGuard VPN protocol is proprietary too. It does not support OpenVPN or WireGuard at all. Its stealth design helps bypass censorship, but it struggles against the Great Firewall in China.
💡 Dica profissional: Want an open standard like WireGuard? Hotspot Shield gives you that option. AdGuard does not.
3. Criptografia e Segurança
Proteção contra pontos de acesso: Every session runs through an encrypted tunnel. A kill switch blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops.
The catch: the Windows kill switch only works with Hydra. It turns off when you pick WireGuard or IKEv2.

VPN AdGuard: AdGuard VPN uses AES-256 encryption. Its kill switch cuts traffic if the connection fails. That keeps your real IP address hidden. These security measures cover the basics for online security on public networks.
💡 Dica profissional: Both kill switches act as basic IP leak protection. On Hotspot Shield, stay on Hydra to keep that protection active.
4. Política de Privacidade e Registro de Dados
Proteção contra pontos de acesso: Is privacy Hotspot Shield’s weak spot? Many reviewers think so. Hotspot Shield logs IP addresses when each session starts. It deletes them when the session ends. It also records session length, bandwidth, and visited domains in anonymized form.
Hotspot Shield claims a 2023 independent audit of its no-logs policy. Critics say no audit fully verifies it. The company is US-based, inside Five Eyes, with no transparency report since 2019.

VPN AdGuard: AdGuard follows a strict no logs policy. It does not record, collect, or share user data with third parties. It keeps only minimal technical data to fix issues.
AdGuard Temp Mail, a disposable caixa de entrada, extends that privacy focus to sign-ups.

⚠️ Aviso: Hotspot Shield’s free version shares data with third-party advertisers. If privacy comes first, AdGuard is the safer pick.
5. Rede de Servidores
Proteção contra pontos de acesso: Hotspot Shield’s servers number over 1,800 across 80 countries. That gives you plenty of virtual locations. Streaming servers are tuned for Netflix and Disney+.
Free VPN plans usually limit you to a few server locations. The Hotspot Shield free plan gives you just one.

VPN AdGuard: AdGuard runs 800+ VPN servers in 65+ locations across 53 countries. That covers most needs for picking a virtual location. Still, the server network trails premium VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
6. Devices & Platforms
Proteção contra pontos de acesso: Premium covers 10 simultaneous device connections with one account. Apps run on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Fire TV. The free version works on one device only.

VPN AdGuard: You can use AdGuard VPN on 10 devices under one AdGuard account. It adds Android TV, Linux, and Edge support. Both tools reach smart TVs and offer Android and iOS apps.
7. Ad Blocking & DNS
Proteção contra pontos de acesso: Ad blocking is not a headline feature. Hotspot Shield keeps its focus on speed, streaming, and a stable secure connection.
VPN AdGuard: This is AdGuard’s home turf. You can choose a DNS server that blocks ads and trackers. On desktop, integrated mode lets the VPN run alongside other AdGuard software.

The standalone AdGuard DNS service also works on phones, routers, and PCs. It filters requests through AdGuard DNS servers before pages load.

8. Streaming
Proteção contra pontos de acesso: Hotspot Shield works with US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. It also reaches Netflix libraries in the UK, Germany, Japan, and Canada.
In third-party tests, Hotspot Shield performed well on BBC iPlayer, ITV, and Channel 4. It failed on 9Now and 10 Play. The free version unblocks nothing.

VPN AdGuard: AdGuard VPN can unblock Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It struggles with Amazon Prime and Peacock. Some streaming platforms load slowly or buffer.
💡 Dica profissional: Streaming access changes often. Test your main service during the refund window.
9. Apps, Ease of Use & Support
Proteção contra pontos de acesso: The Hotspot Shield app is simple and connects in a few seconds. Hotspot Shield’s mobile apps include split tunneling. The Android app auto-connects on unsecured networks, and the iOS app has Always-on VPN.
The Mac app is stripped down, with no auto-connect or keyboard shortcuts. Hotspot Shield’s browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox switch locations from the browser. Hotspot Shield’s support team offers live chat, but only for premium accounts.
VPN AdGuard: AdGuard offers easy to use apps across desktop apps and mobile devices. The AdGuard VPN app keeps settings minimal. AdGuard VPN’s apps also pair with the AdGuard Assistente browser helper.
Customer support is the weak spot. There is no 24/7 live chat, only a ticketing system.

10. Preços e Custos
Vamos comparar os planos de preços lado a lado.
| VPN | Plano | Preço |
|---|---|---|
| Proteção contra pontos de acesso | Livre | $0 |
| Proteção contra pontos de acesso | Premium | US$ 7,99/mês |
| AdGuard VPN | 1 mês | US$ 11,99/mês |
| AdGuard VPN | 1 ano | US$ 3,99/mês |
| AdGuard VPN | 2 anos | US$ 2,40/mês |
Proteção contra pontos de acesso: Hotspot Shield sits on the pricey side. Most VPN providers charge about $3 to $5 per month on annual plans. You get faster streaming and a 45 day money back window in return.
VPN AdGuard: AdGuard wins on long-term value. The 2-year plan is the cheapest option here, and criptomoedas payments add privacy. Skip the monthly plan, which is poor value.
Diferentes cenários
| Se você precisar | Escolher | Por que |
|---|---|---|
| Orçamento apertado | AdGuard VPN | $2.40/month on the 2-year plan |
| Transmissão | Proteção contra pontos de acesso | Wider Netflix and Hulu access |
| Ad blocking | AdGuard VPN | DNS filters ads and trackers |
| Fast downloads | Proteção contra pontos de acesso | Velocidades do protocolo Hydra |
| Stronger privacy | AdGuard VPN | Cyprus base, no-logs policy |
| Ideal para iniciantes | Proteção contra pontos de acesso | Quick connect plus live chat |
💰 Seu orçamento
AdGuard VPN costs a fraction of Hotspot Shield on long plans. If price decides it, AdGuard wins.
🔌 Seu conjunto de tecnologias
AdGuard covers Android TV and Edge, which Hotspot Shield skips. Hotspot Shield gives Windows PC users the fullest Windows version of its app.
🎮 Your Online Activity
Streaming and online gaming favor Hotspot Shield. Need gaming servers? Check each server list first. Everyday browsing and blocking ads favor AdGuard.
🎓 Seu nível de experiência
Both apps suit beginners. Hotspot Shield is easier to recommend because live chat helps when problems pop up.
🆓 Testes e demonstrações grátis
Hotspot Shield’s free VPN offers unlimited traffic on one US location. AdGuard gives 3 GB monthly. Some sources cite a 500 MB daily cap for Hotspot Shield. Check how much data you get. Both refund windows let you test paid plans risk free.
🛟 Opções de suporte
Hotspot Shield has live chat support for paying users. AdGuard relies on a ticketing system with no 24/7 help.
Guia de Troca
Já utiliza alguma dessas ferramentas? Veja o que muda se você trocar.
🔄 Switching from Hotspot Shield to AdGuard VPN?
✅ O que você vai ganhar:
- Ad and tracker filtering through AdGuard DNS
- Much cheaper long-term plans
- A Cyprus base outside the 5/9/14 Eyes
❌ O que você perderá:
- Faster Hydra speeds and WireGuard support
- Hulu and HBO Max access
- Ajuda por chat ao vivo
📋 Como mudar:
- Cancel Hotspot Shield inside the 45-day refund window if you just joined
- Create an AdGuard account and pick a plan
- Install AdGuard VPN on each device and connect
🔄 Switching from AdGuard VPN to Hotspot Shield?
✅ O que você vai ganhar:
- Faster speeds for streaming and downloads
- A bigger network with 80+ locations
- Live chat on premium plans
❌ O que você perderá:
- Bloqueio de anúncios em nível de DNS
- Menor custo a longo prazo
- A lighter logging policy
📋 Como mudar:
- Request an AdGuard refund within 30 days if eligible
- Sign up for Premium; the Hotspot Shield process takes a few minutes
- Install the app and choose Hydra so the kill switch stays on
O que nossa avaliação não abordou
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t evaluate the Family plan, router setups, or dedicated IP address options. We also didn’t run our own upload speed checks. Published upload speeds vary by server. Logging rules for VPN sessions may change, so recheck both policies. For deeper speed data, see our Hotspot Shield VPN review.
Veredicto final
| Categoria | Ganhador |
|---|---|
| 💰 Preços | AdGuard VPN |
| ⚡ Velocidade e Desempenho | Proteção contra pontos de acesso |
| 📺 Transmissão ao vivo | Proteção contra pontos de acesso |
| 🔒 Privacidade | AdGuard VPN |
| 🚫 Bloqueio de anúncios | AdGuard VPN |
| 🌍 Rede de Servidores | Proteção contra pontos de acesso |
| 👶 Ease of Use & Support | Proteção contra pontos de acesso |
| 🔌 Protocol Options | Proteção contra pontos de acesso |
| 🏆 Vencedor Geral | Proteção contra pontos de acesso |
🏆 WINNER: HOTSPOT SHIELD
O Hotspot Shield venceu em 5 das 8 categorias.
Ideal para: Streaming, fast downloads, and first-time VPN users
There is no single best VPN for everyone. Hotspot Shield is a speed and streaming VPN with a large network. AdGuard VPN is a budget privacy tool built around ad blocking.
AdGuard VPN fits if price, ad filtering, and a non-US base matter most. Fans of other AdGuard products will feel at home. Slow speeds on distant servers hold it back, though.
We recommend Hotspot Shield for most people who want a fast, simple VPN. Just stay on Hydra so the kill switch keeps working.
Mais comparações do Hotspot Shield
Veja como o Hotspot Shield se compara a outros provedores de VPN:
O Hotspot Shield vence em: a working free plan, a longer 45-day refund window, and a simpler first-run setup
A NordVPN se destaca em: an audited no-logs policy, a larger server list, and extras like Double VPN and Threat Protection
O Hotspot Shield vence em: a free tier, 15 extra days to request a refund, and strong Hydra speeds nearby
ExpressVPN se destaca em: a British Virgin Islands base, RAM-only servers, and its audited Lightway protocol
Escudo de ponto quente vs ProtonVPN
O Hotspot Shield vence em: live chat for paid users, Hydra-powered streaming speeds, and a longer money-back period
ProtonVPN vence em: Swiss privacy law, open-source audited apps, Secure Core routing, and an ad-free free plan
Mais comparações do AdGuard VPN
Here’s how AdGuard VPN stacks up against other VPN services:
AdGuard VPN vs Surfshark
O AdGuard VPN se destaca em: a 3 GB free plan, native AdGuard DNS filtering, and a Cyprus base
Surfshark vence em: unlimited devices, WireGuard support, an audited no-logs policy, and faster long-distance speeds
O AdGuard VPN se destaca em: tighter ad-blocker pairing, a lower 2-year price, and fewer settings to learn
ProtonVPN vence em: unlimited free data, WireGuard and OpenVPN, independent audits, and Swiss jurisdiction
AdGuard VPN vs Acesso privado à internet
O AdGuard VPN se destaca em: a free tier, a base outside US jurisdiction, and a stealth HTTPS-style protocol
A Private Internet Access vence em: unlimited connections, a court-tested no-logs record, and deep WireGuard and OpenVPN settings
Perguntas frequentes
O Hotspot Shield é uma boa VPN?
Yes, for speed and streaming. The Hydra protocol is fast, and Premium unlocks major services. Privacy-first users may prefer a VPN with fully audited no-logs claims.
O Hotspot Shield é realmente gratuito?
Partly. The free version is ad-supported, works on one device, and uses one US location. Streaming, live chat, and most servers require Premium.
É possível confiar no Hotspot Shield?
For everyday browsing, mostly. It claims a 2023 audit. Still, it logs some session data and sits in Five Eyes territory. The free version shares data with advertisers.
O AdGuard VPN é seguro para usar?
Yes, for everyday use. It pairs AES-256 encryption with a kill switch and a no-logs policy. Its proprietary protocol has not been independently audited, though.
Qual é a desvantagem do AdGuard?
Speed and support. AdGuard VPN slows down on distant servers and skips WireGuard. There is no 24/7 live chat.













