📊 Our Test Results:
- 🔒 Bảo mật & Bảo vệ: Mullvad passed all leak tests with zero data collected vs Hotspot Shield logs session data — Mullvad wins
- ⚡ Kiểm tra tốc độ: Mullvad lost 13.5% speed vs Hotspot Shield lost only 8% — Hotspot Shield wins
- 📺 Truy cập phát trực tuyến: Mullvad failed Netflix and Hulu vs Hotspot Shield unblocked 6 platforms — Hotspot Shield wins
- 🎯 No-Logs Audit: Mullvad has multiple verified audits vs Hotspot Shield has no recent independent audit — Mullvad wins
- 💰 Minh bạch giá cả: Mullvad flat €5/month since 2009 vs Hotspot Shield $7.99–$12.99/month — Mullvad wins
Are you struggling to pick between a privacy-focused VPN and a speed-focused one?
Mullvad and Hotspot Shield take very different approaches to protecting your internet connection.
Mullvad is the privacy purist’s dream. It doesn’t even ask for your email address.
Hotspot Shield is built for speed and streaming. It unblocks Netflix and has a free plan.
I tested both Mullvad vs Hotspot Shield for four weeks. Here’s exactly what I found.
Toàn cảnh
To give you the most accurate comparison, I tested Mullvad and Hotspot Shield side by side.
I ran speed tests, checked for DNS leaks, tested streaming access, and reviewed each VPN’s privacy policy.
I also looked at real user feedback and audit reports. Here’s my firsthand experience.
Mullvad là gì?
Mullvad is a Swedish VPN built from the ground up for privacy. It encrypts your internet traffic and hides your real IP address.
The thing that sets Mullvad apart? You don’t need an email or name to sign up. You just get a random 16-digit account number.
Mullvad runs all its servers on RAM only. That means nothing gets saved to a hard drive. Every reboot wipes everything clean.
Mullvad
Mullvad is the most private VPN you can buy. No email needed, no logs stored, and you can pay with cash mailed in an envelope. If privacy is your top priority, Mullvad is unbeatable.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad keeps pricing dead simple. It’s the same rate no matter how long you subscribe.
| Kế hoạch | Giá | Tốt nhất cho |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tháng | €5 per month | Thử nghiệm |
| 1 năm | €5 per month | Regular users |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Long-term privacy seekers |
Dùng thử miễn phí: No free trial. But you get a 14-day money-back guarantee (cash payments excluded).
Đảm bảo hoàn tiền: 14 days for card and PayPal payments. Cash and crypto payments are not refundable.
📌 Ghi chú: Mullvad has never raised its price since launching in 2009. You pay €5/month whether you sign up for one month or ten years. Crypto payments get a 10% discount.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad does not offer long-term discounts like most VPNs. If you want a cheap two-year deal, this isn’t the VPN for you.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s why Mullvad stands out from the competition:
- Anonymous Signup: No email, no name, no personal data. You get a random 16-digit account number and that’s it.
- Chính sách không lưu nhật ký đã được xác minh: Multiple independent audits confirm Mullvad stores zero user activity data. Your browsing history stays private.
- RAM-Only Servers: All servers run on RAM. Nothing gets written to disk. A reboot wipes everything.
- Anonymous Payments: Pay with cash in an envelope, Bitcoin, Monero, or gift cards. No financial trail back to you.
- Open-Source Apps: Every Mullvad app is open source. Anyone can inspect the code for security flaws.
- Built-in Kill Switch: The kill switch is always on and can’t be turned off. Your real IP never leaks, even if the VPN drops.
- Multi-Hop & DAITA: Route traffic through two servers for extra privacy. DAITA protects against AI-based traffic analysis.
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Best-in-class privacy with zero personal data collection
- Multiple independent security audits verify no-logs claims
- Flat pricing with no surprise renewal hikes
- Open-source apps you can verify yourself
- WireGuard protocol delivers strong speeds with low overhead
❌ Cons
- Only 700 servers in 49 countries — much smaller than rivals
- Fails to unblock Netflix, Hulu, and most streaming services
- No free plan available
- Only 5 devices at once (most VPNs allow 10+)
Hotspot Shield là gì?
Hotspot Shield is a fast VPN built for streaming, browsing, and gaming. It uses a patented protocol called Hydra to deliver high speeds.
It has over 1,800 servers across 80+ countries. That gives you plenty of locations to connect to around the world.
Hotspot Shield also offers a free plan. It’s limited, but it lets you try the VPN without paying a dime.
Lá chắn điểm nóng
Hotspot Shield is one of the fastest VPNs on the market. Its Hydra protocol crushes speed tests, and it unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. Great for streaming fans who want protection too.
Hotspot Shield Pricing
Hotspot Shield has a free tier and a paid premium plan. Here’s what each costs.
| Kế hoạch | Giá | Tốt nhất cho |
|---|---|---|
| Miễn phí | $0 | Basic browsing with limited servers |
| Phần thưởng | 7,99 đô la/tháng | Full access for streaming and privacy |
Dùng thử miễn phí: Yes, 7-day free trial for premium. The free plan has no time limit but comes with restrictions.
Đảm bảo hoàn tiền: 45 days. That’s one of the longest in the VPN industry.
📌 Ghi chú: The $7.99/month price is for the annual plan. If you pay monthly, it costs $12.99/month. The Family plan costs $19.99/month and covers up to 25 devices across 5 users.
⚠️ Warning: The annual plan auto-renews at $95.99/year. Make sure to cancel before renewal if you don’t want to keep paying.
Key Benefits of Hotspot Shield
Here’s why Hotspot Shield stands out from the competition:
- Hydra Protocol: Hotspot Shield’s patented Hydra protocol is built for speed. Tests show it delivers download speeds up to 210 Mbps.
- Streaming Powerhouse: It unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video with dedicated servers.
- Mạng lưới máy chủ khổng lồ: Over 1,800 servers in 80+ countries give you fast connections almost anywhere.
- Gói miễn phí: The free version offers unlimited bandwidth. It’s ad-supported but works for basic browsing.
- 10-Device Limit: Connect up to 10 devices on one premium account. That’s double what Mullvad allows.
- Hiện tượng phân tách đường hầm: Choose which apps go through the VPN and which don’t. Great for banking apps or local services.
Hotspot Shield Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Among the fastest VPNs tested thanks to the Hydra protocol
- Unblocks most major streaming platforms reliably
- Free plan with unlimited bandwidth for casual use
- 45-day money-back guarantee gives plenty of time to test
- Apps for Windows, Máy Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Fire TV
❌ Cons
- Based in the US (Five Eyes country) which raises privacy concerns
- Logs session timestamps and bandwidth data despite “no-logs” claims
- Free version shares data with third-party advertisers
- No recent independent privacy audit published
So sánh tính năng
Ready to see how Mullvad and Hotspot Shield stack up feature by feature?
We’ll compare 10 key areas so you can pick the right VPN for your needs.
| Tính năng | Mullvad | Lá chắn điểm nóng |
|---|---|---|
| Giá khởi điểm | €5/month (~$5.50) | $0 (Free) / $7.99/month |
| Gói miễn phí | ❌ | ✅ |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ Multiple audits | ❌ No recent audit |
| Anonymous Signup | ✅ No email needed | ❌ Email required |
| Server Count | 700+ in 49 countries | 1,800+ in 80+ countries |
| Hỗ trợ phát trực tuyến | ❌ Blocked by Netflix | ✅ Unblocks 6+ platforms |
| Name | ✅ Always on | ✅ Hydra protocol only |
| Chia đường hầm | ❌ | ✅ |
| Max Devices | 5 | 10 |
| Tốt nhất cho | Privacy-first users | Streaming and speed |
1. Privacy & Security
Mullvad: Mullvad is the gold standard for VPN privacy. It collects zero personal data. You don’t even need an email to create an account. Independent audits by firms like Cure53 and Assured have verified its no-logs claims multiple times.
Lá chắn điểm nóng: Hotspot Shield is based in the US, which is part of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. It logs session timestamps and bandwidth usage. It hasn’t published a recent independent audit, and its free version shares user data with advertisers.
⚠️ Warning: Hotspot Shield hasn’t released transparency reports since 2019. If privacy is your top concern, that’s a red flag.
2. Speed & Performance
Mullvad: Mullvad delivers solid speeds with about 13.5% speed loss on average. It uses WireGuard protocol, which is fast and efficient. Speeds stay stable across devices. But connecting to distant servers can drop speeds by 40-50%.
Lá chắn điểm nóng: Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol is built for raw speed. Tests show download speeds up to 210 Mbps in the UK and 190 Mbps in the US. The Windows app connects in 4-5 seconds. It’s one of the fastest VPNs you can buy.
3. Mạng máy chủ
Mullvad: Mullvad has around 700 servers in 49 countries. That’s small compared to most VPNs. But Mullvad makes up for it with quality. Every server is RAM-only and runs on infrastructure Mullvad controls directly.
Lá chắn điểm nóng: Hotspot Shield has over 1,800 servers in 80+ countries. That’s more than double Mullvad’s count. More servers mean less congestion and faster connections. You’ll find servers on every continent.
4. Streaming & Geo-Unblocking
Mullvad: Mullvad is not built for streaming. It failed to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer in testing. If you want to watch geo-restricted content, Mullvad is the wrong choice.
Lá chắn điểm nóng: Hotspot Shield Premium unblocks Netflix (US, UK, Germany, Nhật Bản, Canada), Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. It has dedicated streaming servers for the best experience. The free version can’t unblock anything.
💡 Test Result: Hotspot Shield unblocked 6 out of 8 streaming platforms we tested. Mullvad unblocked zero. If streaming matters, Hotspot Shield wins this category hands down.
5. Encryption & Protocols
Mullvad: Mullvad uses WireGuard as its primary protocol and also supports OpenVPN. Its VPN tunnels are designed to be quantum-resistant. Mullvad fully transitioned to WireGuard in January 2026 for best speed and security.
Lá chắn điểm nóng: Hotspot Shield uses its own patented Hydra protocol plus WireGuard and IKEv2. Hydra is designed for speed, but it’s not open source. You can’t independently verify its security the way you can with WireGuard.
6. Kill Switch & Leak Protection
Mullvad: Mullvad’s kill switch is always on and cannot be disabled. It also has a Lockdown mode that blocks all internet traffic unless connected to Mullvad. DNS leak protection is built in. Your real IP never leaks.
Lá chắn điểm nóng: Hotspot Shield has a kill switch, but it only works with the Hydra protocol. If you switch to WireGuard or IKEv2, the kill switch gets disabled. That’s a notable gap in protection.
⚠️ Warning: Hotspot Shield’s kill switch not working on WireGuard is a serious flaw. If your VPN drops while using WireGuard, your real IP could leak.
7. Hỗ trợ thiết bị & Ứng dụng
Mullvad: Mullvad has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. It supports up to 5 devices at once. The app design is simple and minimal. It’s great for tech-savvy users but may feel basic for beginners.
Lá chắn điểm nóng: Hotspot Shield covers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (command line), and Fire TV. Premium lets you connect 10 devices at once. The apps are polished and easy for beginners. Browser extensions work on Chrome and Firefox.
8. Free Plan Comparison
Mullvad: Mullvad does not offer a free plan. There’s no free trial either. You can test it with the 14-day money-back guarantee, but you need to pay upfront first.
Lá chắn điểm nóng: Hotspot Shield has a free plan with unlimited bandwidth. It’s limited to a few server locations and one device. The free version is ad-supported and can’t access streaming platforms. But for basic browsing, it works.
9. Hỗ trợ khách hàng
Mullvad: Mullvad offers email support only at support@mullvadvpn.net. There’s no live chat. Response times are decent but not instant. The help documentation is solid for troubleshooting common issues.
Lá chắn điểm nóng: Hotspot Shield offers live chat for premium users. Free users don’t get live chat access. The help center covers basic topics. Support quality is average based on user reports.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Kế hoạch | Mullvad | Lá chắn điểm nóng |
|---|---|---|
| Miễn phí | ❌ | $0 (ad-supported) |
| Hàng tháng | €5/month (~$5.50) | 12,99 đô la/tháng |
| Hàng năm | €5/month (~$5.50) | $7.99/month ($95.99/year) |
| Gia đình | ❌ | $19.99/month (25 devices) |
Mullvad: At €5/month flat, Mullvad is cheaper than Hotspot Shield’s premium plan. The price never changes, no matter how long you subscribe. You know exactly what you’re paying every single month.
Lá chắn điểm nóng: The free plan is unbeatable if you just need basic VPN access. But premium pricing is higher than Mullvad at $7.99/month (annual) or $12.99/month (monthly). It does offer a Family plan for multi-user households.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum privacy | Mullvad | Zero data collection, audited no-logs |
| Streaming access | Lá chắn điểm nóng | Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ |
| A free VPN | Lá chắn điểm nóng | Free plan with unlimited bandwidth |
| Anonymous payment | Mullvad | Pay with cash, crypto, gift cards |
| Fastest speeds | Lá chắn điểm nóng | Hydra protocol tops speed tests |
| Open-source apps | Mullvad | Fully open-source, verifiable code |
| Most devices | Lá chắn điểm nóng | 10 devices vs Mullvad’s 5 |
💰 Your Budget
If you want a free VPN, Hotspot Shield is your only option here. If you want the cheapest paid plan, Mullvad at €5/month beats Hotspot Shield’s $7.99/month annual rate.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Hotspot Shield has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox plus Fire TV apps. Mullvad works better with Linux and has a dedicated Mullvad Browser built with Tor for extra privacy.
📝 Your Use Case
If you want to stream Netflix abroad, pick Hotspot Shield. If you’re a journalist, activist, or anyone who needs true anonymity, pick Mullvad. These VPNs serve very different purposes.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Hotspot Shield is more beginner-friendly with polished apps and one-click connect. Mullvad’s interface is more utilitarian and built for users who know what they want.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Hotspot Shield gives you a free plan plus a 7-day premium trial and 45-day money-back guarantee. Mullvad only offers a 14-day refund window. Test Hotspot Shield first if you’re unsure.
🛟 Support Options
Hotspot Shield offers live chat for paying customers. Mullvad only has email support. If you need instant help, Hotspot Shield is the better pick.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to Hotspot Shield?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming platforms
- A free plan option and a 45-day money-back guarantee
- 10 device connections instead of 5 and split tunneling
❌ What you’ll lose:
- True anonymous signup — Hotspot Shield needs your email
- Verified no-logs policy backed by independent audits
- Cash and crypto payment options for full anonymity
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Mullvad subscription (no auto-renewal, it just expires)
- Download Hotspot Shield and create a free or premium account
- Uninstall Mullvad and connect to Hotspot Shield on your devices
🔄 Switching from Hotspot Shield to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- True anonymity — no email, no name, no personal data stored
- Independently audited no-logs policy you can trust
- Open-source apps and RAM-only servers for maximum security
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Streaming access — Mullvad can’t unblock Netflix or Hulu
- The free plan and 45-day money-back guarantee window
- Split tunneling, browser extensions, and 10-device support
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Hotspot Shield subscription before the next billing cycle
- Go to mullvad.net and generate a new account number (no signup needed)
- Download the Mullvad app, enter your account number, and connect
Phán quyết cuối cùng
| Loại | Người thắng |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | Mullvad |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | Lá chắn điểm nóng |
| 🌐 Server Network | Lá chắn điểm nóng |
| 📺 Streaming Access | Lá chắn điểm nóng |
| 🔐 Encryption & Protocols | Mullvad |
| 🛡️ Kill Switch & Leak Protection | Mullvad |
| 💻 Device Support & Apps | Lá chắn điểm nóng |
| 💰 Pricing Transparency | Mullvad |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Mullvad |
🏆 WINNER: Mullvad
Mullvad wins 5 out of 8 categories.
Best for: privacy-first users, journalists, activists, and anyone who wants a VPN that truly collects zero data
Mullvad and Hotspot Shield serve very different types of VPN users.
Mullvad is the VPN you pick when privacy is everything. It doesn’t know who you are. It doesn’t store what you do. And it’s been proven by independent auditors.
Hotspot Shield is excellent for streaming, speed, and casual use. Its free plan and Hydra protocol make it a great choice for beginners.
But when it comes to the core job of a VPN — protecting your privacy — Mullvad is the better choice.
Now go pick the VPN that fits your needs and browse with confidence!
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:
Mullvad wins on: anonymous signup, verified no-logs audits
NordVPN wins on: server count (8,900+), streaming support, pricing flexibility
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: transparent pricing, open-source apps
ExpressVPN wins on: streaming access, server coverage, ease of use
Mullvad vs PureVPN
Mullvad wins on: privacy, RAM-only servers, no data collection
PureVPN wins on: dedicated IP options, port forwarding, cheaper long-term plans
Mullvad wins on: independent audits, anonymous payments
Surfshark VPN wins on: unlimited devices, streaming, budget pricing
Mullvad vs ProtonVPN
Mullvad wins on: anonymous signup, simpler pricing
ProtonVPN wins on: free plan, server count (4,000+), Secure Core feature
Mullvad vs PrivadoVPN
Mullvad wins on: proven no-logs policy, transparency
PrivadoVPN wins on: free plan with 10GB/month, streaming support
Mullvad vs VPN AdGuard
Mullvad wins on: security audits, open-source code
AdGuard VPN wins on: built-in ad blocking, cheaper annual pricing
Mullvad vs Lá chắn ảo
Mullvad wins on: privacy features, anonymous payments
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, family-friendly interface
Mullvad vs StrongVPN
Mullvad wins on: open-source apps, kill switch reliability
StrongVPN wins on: streaming, router support, customer service
Mullvad vs VPN nhanh nhất
Mullvad wins on: security audits, RAM-only servers
FastestVPN wins on: lifetime pricing deals, P2P-focused servers
Mullvad wins on: privacy, no data collection
Aura VPN wins on: bundled security tools, identity protection
Mullvad vs CyberGhost
Mullvad wins on: transparent logging policy, anonymous signup
CyberGhost wins on: server count (11,000+), streaming servers, dedicated IPs
Mullvad vs McAfee VPN
Mullvad wins on: standalone VPN quality, open-source code
McAfee VPN wins on: antivirus bundling, family protection suite
Mullvad so với Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: anonymous payments, RAM-only servers
Private Internet Access wins on: server count (35,000+), port forwarding, pricing
Mullvad vs Bí ẩn
Mullvad wins on: proven track record, established audits
Mysterium wins on: decentralized network, pay-per-use model
Mullvad vs SafeShell VPN
Mullvad wins on: privacy, independent audits
SafeShell VPN wins on: geo-unblocking, budget pricing
Mullvad wins on: security audits, open-source transparency
Oyster VPN wins on: streaming access, lower long-term pricing
More of Hotspot Shield Compared
Here’s how Hotspot Shield stacks up against other competitors:
So sánh Hotspot Shield và NordVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: free plan, Hydra protocol speed
NordVPN wins on: privacy, server count, obfuscated servers
So sánh Hotspot Shield và ExpressVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: free tier, faster speeds in tests
ExpressVPN wins on: privacy policy, router support, global coverage
So sánh Hotspot Shield và PureVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: speed, streaming reliability
PureVPN wins on: dedicated IPs, cheaper pricing, port forwarding
Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark VPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: Hydra protocol speed, free plan
Surfshark VPN wins on: unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocker, cheaper pricing
Hotspot Shield wins on: raw speed, 45-day money-back guarantee
ProtonVPN wins on: privacy, Swiss jurisdiction, Secure Core servers
Hotspot Shield vs PrivadoVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: speed, server count, brand reputation
PrivadoVPN wins on: Swiss privacy laws, free plan with more locations
Hotspot Shield vs CyberGhost
Hotspot Shield wins on: speed benchmarks, free plan
CyberGhost wins on: server count (11,000+), streaming servers, cheaper annual plans
Câu hỏi thường gặp
Is Mullvad VPN better than Hotspot Shield for privacy?
Yes, Mullvad is much better for privacy. It doesn’t collect any personal data, has been audited multiple times, and lets you pay with cash or crypto. Hotspot Shield logs some session data and is based in the US.
Tôi có thể use Hotspot Shield for free?
Yes. Hotspot Shield offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth. It’s limited to a few server locations and one device. The free version is ad-supported and can’t access streaming platforms.
Is Mullvad really anonymous?
Mullvad is as anonymous as a VPN gets. It doesn’t need your email, name, or any personal info. You get a random account number. You can pay with cash or cryptocurrency for full anonymity.
Does Hotspot Shield work with Netflix?
Yes. Hotspot Shield Premium unblocks Netflix in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Canada. It also works with Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video. The free version can’t access streaming sites.
Which VPN is faster, Mullvad or Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield is faster. Its patented Hydra protocol delivers top-tier speeds in tests. Mullvad is still fast with WireGuard, but Hotspot Shield wins the speed race consistently.
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