Want online freedom without someone snooping on your every move? You need a VPN, but choosing the right one can be tricky.
This post explores the 15 best alternatives to Hotspot Shield, focusing on top-notch security, blazing speeds, and real value.
We’ll explain their features, pros, and cons so you can find the perfect VPN to keep your digital life private.
Ready to take control? Let’s dive in!
What is the Best Hotspot Shield Alternatives in 2025?
You want a VPN that’s safe, fast, and easy to use. We get it.
That’s why we tested many VPNs to find the best ones. Check out our list to see which ones beat Hotspot Shield!
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is a super popular choice. You’ve probably seen their ads! They have tons of servers all over the world.
They’re known for being really fast and secure. Plus, they have some cool extra features like double VPN and onion over VPN.
Our Take
NordVPN gets a 9/10 because it offers a fantastic combination of security, features, and ease of use. The massive server network and strong security features make it an excellent choice for most users. The value is there but is more expensive than some alternatives.
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: Boasts over 5,500 servers in 60 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and a variety of security protocols.
- Specialty servers: Offers dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and extra security.
- Strict no-logs policy: They don’t track your online activity.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it risk-free.
Pricing
- Complete: $14.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
- Plus: $13.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
- Basic: $12.99/month – Secure, high-speed VPN, Anti-malware, and advanced browsing protection.
Pros
Cons
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is awesome because you can use it on unlimited devices.
That’s perfect for families or people with lots of gadgets. They’re also really good for unblocking streaming sites.
And their prices are pretty competitive.
Our Take
Surfshark VPN is popular because it offers an outstanding balance of features, security, and price. It’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious users or those who need to connect multiple devices. However, its speeds can be inconsistent and might not be the best choice for accessing geo-restricted content.
Key Benefits
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: Connect all your devices!
- Affordable price: Great value for your money.
- Strong security features: Includes AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
- Fast speeds: Good for streaming and downloading.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Plenty of time to try it out.
Pricing
- Surfshark Starter: $15.45/month
- Surfshark One: $17.95/month
- Surfshark One+: $20.65/month
Pros
Cons
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs out there. It’s great for streaming and downloading.
They have a really easy-to-use app, too. It’s a bit more expensive, but many people think it’s worth it.
Our Take
ExpressVPN is popular because it’s fast, reliable, and secure. It’s a great all-around VPN, but it’s a little expensive compared to some others.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
- Huge server network: Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: $12.95/month
- 12-month plan: $8.32/month (+3 months FREE)
- 2 Years plan: $4.99/month (+4 months FREE)
Pros
Cons
4. Proton VPN
If you’re really serious about privacy, Proton VPN is a good choice.
They’re based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. They also have a free version, which is great for trying it out.
Our Take
Proton VPN is popular because it’s a solid choice for privacy-focused users. The free version is a great perk, and the paid plans offer good value. However, it may not be the fastest VPN and is not ideal for streaming.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on privacy: Based in Switzerland with a strict no-logs policy.
- Secure core servers: Adds an extra layer of protection.
- Free version available: Try it out before you buy.
- Open-source apps: Transparency and community-driven development.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: €9.99/month
- 1-year plan: €4.49/month
- 2-year plan: €4.99/month
Pros
Cons
5. FastestVPN
FastestVPN is, well, fast! It’s also really affordable, especially if you get a long-term plan.
They have servers in lots of countries and offer good security features.
Our Take
FastestVPN is popular because it delivers on its promise of fast speeds. It’s a good option for performance-critical tasks like gaming and torrenting. However, it can have connectivity issues, and its privacy features aren’t the strongest.
Key Benefits
- Fast speeds: Fully optimized for performance.
- P2P optimized servers: Good for torrenting.
- Affordable pricing: Offers competitive plans.
- 15-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: $5/month
- 1-year plan: $0.83/month
- Lifetime plan: $40/month
Pros
Cons
6. Aura VPN
Aura VPN is a good all-arounder. It offers decent speeds, strong security, and easy-to-use apps.
They also have a cool feature that helps protect you from malware.
Our Take
Aura VPN is popular because it offers a comprehensive security solution at a reasonable price. It’s a good choice for those who want more than just a VPN. However, it’s a newer provider with a smaller server network.
Key Benefits
- Part of a comprehensive security suite: Includes antivirus, malware protection, and more.
- Good speeds: Suitable for streaming and downloading.
- Growing server network: Expanding to more locations.
- User-friendly interface: Easy to set up and use.
Pricing
- Kids: $10/month
- Individual: $12/month
- Couple: $22/month
- Family: $32/month
Pros
Cons
7. PureVPN
PureVPN has been around for a long time. They have a huge network of servers and offer good value for the price.
They’ve also improved their security and privacy features in recent years.
Our Take
PureVPN is known for its many features and extensive server network. Its privacy policy has improved, but its speeds can be inconsistent, and its customer support has mixed reviews.
Key Benefits
- Extensive server network: Over 6,500 servers in 78 countries.
- Wide range of features: Includes split tunneling, port forwarding, and dedicated IPs.
- No-logs policy: Audited by independent firms.
- 31-day money-back guarantee: Gives you a little extra time to decide.
Pricing
- Max: $19.95/month
- Plus: $15.95/month
- Standard: $12.95/month
Pros
Cons
8. Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN is a great choice for privacy-conscious users.
They have a strong no-logs policy and accept anonymous payments. They’re not the flashiest VPN, but they’re very reliable.
Our Take
Mullvad VPN is known because it’s an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users. It’s secure, anonymous, and open-source. However, it can be more challenging and lacks some of the features other VPNs offer.
Key Benefits
- Strong focus on anonymity: No email address is required to sign up.
- Open-source: Transparent and trustworthy.
- Strong security: Uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols.
- Accepts Bitcoin: For anonymous payments.
Pricing
Mullvad VPN has a simple pricing structure: €5/month. That’s it! No discounts for longer subscriptions.
Pros
Cons
9. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is known for its user-friendly apps and cute bear mascot. It’s a good option for beginners.
They have a free version with limited data, so you can try it before you buy it.
Our Take
TunnelBear is popular because it’s a user-friendly VPN with strong security. However, it has limited features, and the free version is very restrictive.
Key Benefits
- User friendly interface: Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption.
- Free version available: Try it out before you buy.
- Independent security audits: Transparent and trustworthy.
Pricing
- Free: Limited data and features.
- Unlimited: $3.33/month
- Teams: $5.75/month
The Unlimited plan includes unlimited data and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
10. Private Internet Access
PIA is a solid choice with a long history. They offer strong security, fast speeds, and a wide range of features.
They’re also one of the more affordable options.
Our Take
Private Internet Access is popular because it offers a good balance of security, features, and price. It’s a solid choice for general VPN use but can be slow and isn’t the best for streaming.
Key Benefits
- Extensive server network: Over 35,912 servers in 84 countries.
- Strong security: Uses AES-256 encryption and has a kill switch.
- Affordable price: Offers competitive plans.
- Ten simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: $11.95/month
- 1-year plan: $3.33/month
- 3-years + 4 months free: $1.98/month
All plans include unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
11. McAfee VPN
McAfee is a well-known name in security. Their VPN is a decent option with good security features and decent speeds.
It’s often bundled with their antivirus software.
Our Take
McAfee VPN is a decent option if you’re looking for an essential VPN at a reasonable price. It’s not the most feature-rich VPN, but it does the job. If you need a VPN for streaming or torrenting, you might want to consider a different option.
Key Benefits
- Familiar name: McAfee is a well-known and trusted security company.
- Unlimited bandwidth: Download and stream as much as you want.
- Works on multiple devices: Protect up to 5 devices simultaneously.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Gives you time to test it out risk-free.
Pricing
McAfee VPN has two main plans:
- VPN: $39.99 per year
- Essential: $39.99 per year
- Advanced: $89.99 per year
Both plans come with the same features. You get a better deal if you choose the longer plan.
Pros
Cons
12. Mysterium VPN
Mysterium VPN is a bit different. It uses a decentralized network, which means your traffic is routed through other users’ computers.
This can be good for privacy, but it might also affect speeds.
Our Take
Mysterium VPN is popular because its decentralized network offers a unique approach to VPN technology. It’s a good option for privacy-conscious users, but it can be more complex and vary speeds.
Key Benefits
- Decentralized network: Increased privacy and security.
- No-logs policy: Doesn’t store your data.
- Open-source: Transparent and community-driven.
- Pay-as-you-go pricing: Only pay for what you use.
Pricing
- 1-month plan: $9.99/month
- 6-month plan: $6.85/month
- 1-year plan: $5.14/month
- 2-year plan: $3.19/month
Pros
Cons
13. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN with a wide range of features. They have specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
They also offer a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. Sources and related content
Our Take
CyberGhost VPN is popular because it has an extensive server network and is suitable for streaming. However, it can be expensive, and there have been some privacy concerns.
Key Benefits
- Large server network: Over 9,700 servers in 91 countries.
- User-friendly interface: Easy to use, even for beginners.
- Good for streaming: Unblocks many popular streaming services.
- Dedicated servers for torrenting: Optimized for P2P traffic.
Pricing
- 1 Month: $12.99/month
- 6 Month: $6.99/month
- 2-Year + 4 months: $2.03/month
All plans include unlimited bandwidth and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
14. AdGuard VPN
AdGuard VPN is known for its ad-blocking capabilities. It can block ads and trackers across all your devices.
They also offer good security and privacy features.
Our Take
AdGuard VPN gets a high rating for its strong privacy features and ad blocking capabilities. The speeds are excellent, and the apps are user-friendly. However, the smaller server network and higher price tag keep it from getting a perfect score.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
- Strong encryption: Keeps your data safe and secure.
- Ad blocking: Say goodbye to annoying ads.
- Wide device compatibility: Works on all your devices.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.
Pricing
- 2-Year Plan: $2.99/month.
- 1 Year Plan: $3.99/month
- 1 Month: $11.99/month
The Unlimited plan includes unlimited data and access to all server locations.
Pros
Cons
15. VyprVPN
VyprVPN owns and operates its own servers, which is great for privacy.
They have strong security features and a no-logs policy. They’re a bit more expensive, but they offer a good service.
And they offer static IP addresses for an extra fee.
Our Take
VyprVPN is a solid choice. It scores high on security and privacy. However, it’s a bit expensive compared to some competitors. The speeds are good but not the best. Overall, it is a reliable option, especially if you need a VPN for China.
Key Benefits
- Proprietary Chameleon protocol: bypass VPN blocking.
- Independently audited: Ensures your privacy.
- 700+ servers in 70+ locations: Plenty of choices.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Try it risk-free.
Pricing
VyprVPN has a simple pricing structure:
- 1 month: $10/month.
- 12 months: $5/month.
- 24 month: $3/month.
Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide
We dug deep and considered various factors to find the best Hotspot Shield alternatives.
Here’s how we conducted our research:
- Feature Comparison: We compared the features of the each VPN service provider, including encryption protocols, server locations, security features (like kill switches and split tunneling), and device compatibility. We also examined whether they offer browser extensions for added convenience and whether they allow torrenting.
- Pricing Evaluation: We looked at the pricing of each VPN service provider, considering different subscription plans and value for money.
- User Reviews: We scoured user reviews and expert opinions to understand the real-world experiences of internet users and identify recurring issues. We paid close attention to comments about streaming capabilities and customer support.
- Performance Testing: We conducted speed tests to evaluate the performance of each virtual private network in terms of download and upload speeds, ensuring they provide unrestricted internet access.
- Security Assessment: We investigated the security and privacy policies of each VPN service provider, paying close attention to logging policies, jurisdiction, and security audits. We prioritized VPNs that allow users to browse the internet privately and protect their online identity. We also looked for VPNs with a proven track record of bypassing censorship.
- Support and Refund Policies: We examined each VPN service provider’s support options and refund policies. We looked for companies that provide reliable customer support to help users with any issues they have may encounter. We also checked for the availability of a free trial or money-back guarantee.
Wrapping Up
These days, it’s essential to find a reliable VPN service. You want to be safe online.
A secure VPN service can help you do that. It’s like having a secret shield when you’re on the internet.
You can use the internet without no worrying about people spying on you.
We looked at 15 different VPNs that are better than Hotspot Shield.
They all have good and bad things about them. Think about what you need a VPN for. That will help you pick the best one.
Want to use a VPN on your web browser? Look for one with a browser extension.
It makes things super easy! We hope this guide finds the perfect VPN. Stay safe online!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I look for a Hotspot Shield alternative?
While Hotspot Shield is a popular VPN, some users have concerns about its logging policies and ownership changes. Exploring alternatives allows you to find a VPN that better aligns with your privacy and security needs.
What are the most essential features to look for in a VPN?
Key features include strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a wide range of server locations, fast speeds, and user-friendly apps.
Are free VPNs a good alternative to Hotspot Shield?
Free VPNs often have limitations like data caps, fewer server locations, and slower speeds. Some may even log and sell your data. Choosing a reputable paid VPN is generally recommended for better security and performance.
Can I use a VPN to access the streaming services like Netflix?
Yes, many VPNs can bypass geo-restrictions and allow you to access streaming content from the different countries. However, not all VPNs are equally effective at this, so choosing one that supports explicitly streaming is essential.
How can I really ensure my online privacy with a VPN?
To maximize your online privacy, choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy, strong encryption, & advanced security features like a kill switch and DNS leak of protection.
