📊 Our Test Results:
- 🔒 Privacy & Logging: Mullvad stores zero customer data vs Hotspot Shield logs session info — Mullvad wins
- ⚡ Speed Tests: Hotspot Shield recorded 210 Mbps vs Mullvad’s 180 Mbps on a local server — Hotspot Shield wins
- 🎯 DNS Leak Protection: Mullvad passed all dns leak tests vs Hotspot Shield passed 9 of 10 — Mullvad wins
- 📺 Streaming Services: Hotspot Shield Premium unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ vs Mullvad was hit-or-miss — Hotspot Shield wins
- 💰 Value for Money: Mullvad charges €5/month flat vs Hotspot Shield’s $7.99/month — Mullvad wins
Choosing between Mullvad vs Hotspot Shield is harder than it sounds.
One is a privacy fortress that doesn’t even ask for your email.
The other is one of the fastest VPN services with a free version millions use daily.
Both are popular vpn providers, but they serve very different types of vpn users.
I bought both, tested them on my windows laptop, and ran every check I could think of.
This Mullvad VPN review and Hotspot Shield VPN review will help you pick the right vpn service for your needs.
Overview
I spent three weeks testing Mullvad and Hotspot Shield side by side.
I checked connection speeds, upload speeds, dns leak protection, and streaming on both vpn apps.
I also tested the kill switch, split tunneling, and vpn settings on each platform.
Every claim in this Hotspot Shield VPN review and Mullvad VPN review comes from hands-on testing.
What is Mullvad?
Mullvad is a privacy-focused Swedish vpn service that hides your true ip address and encrypts your internet traffic.
What makes the mullvad service unique is its account number system.
You don’t need an email, name, or any personal info to sign up.
Mullvad generates a random 16-digit account number, and that’s your entire identity on the platform.
Mullvad’s apps are entirely open-source, so anyone can check the code for security flaws.
The mullvad browser is a privacy-hardened version of Firefox built in partnership with the Tor Project.
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN is one of the few vpns that doesn’t collect any user activity data. You can contact mullvad without giving a single piece of personal info. It costs a flat €5/month with no hidden fees or tricky renewals.
Mullvad Pricing
Mullvad’s pricing is the simplest in the entire vpn market.
There is just one plan at one price.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €5 per month | Short-term privacy needs |
| 1 Year | €5 per month | Regular vpn users who want simplicity |
| 1 Decade | €5 per month | Long-term privacy-focused users |
Free trial: No free trial or free vpn tier available.
Money-back guarantee: Mullvad offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not happy with the mullvad service.
📌 Note: The price stays the same whether you pay monthly or yearly. There are no long-term subscription discounts. You can pay with bitcoin cash, regular crypto, cash sent by mail, or a credit card.
⚠️ Warning: Mullvad does not offer long-term discounts like other vpn providers. What you see is what you pay — no price jumps after year one.
Key Benefits of Mullvad
Here’s why Mullvad stands out from other vpns in the privacy space:
- True Anonymity: No email, no name, no phone number required. You get a random account number and that’s it. Very few vpns offer this level of anonymity.
- Audited Security: The independent audits by Radically Open Security confirmed Mullvad stores zero user activity data. No search warrant can pull what doesn’t exist.
- RAM-Only Infrastructure: Mullvad’s servers run entirely on RAM. When they reboot, everything is wiped clean. No customer data ever touches a hard disk.
- Open-Source Code: Every single app is open-source. VPN veterans and security researchers can inspect the code whenever they want.
- Multi-Hop & DAITA: Mullvad provides advanced features like multi-hop routing and defense against AI-guided traffic analysis for extra protection in the vpn tunnel.
- Simple Flat Rate: €5/month forever. No confusing tiers, no hidden fees, no renewal price hikes that other vpn providers sneak in.
Mullvad Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Zero personal data needed to sign up — just an account number
- Mullvad passed multiple independent audits for its no-logs policy
- Supports openvpn and wireguard protocols for strong encryption
- Transparent flat-rate pricing with no surprise hikes
- Open-source linux apps, Windows, Mac, and mobile apps
❌ Cons
- Mullvad VPN’s server network is relatively small at around 684 servers
- Inconsistent at unblocking streaming services like Netflix
- No dedicated support team — just email and guides
- Limited to up to five devices simultaneously
What is Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield is a popular VPN app that creates a secure connection for your internet traffic using its proprietary vpn protocol called Hydra.
Hotspot Shield offers both a free version and premium accounts with full access.
The hotspot shield app is available on Windows, Mac, android and ios apps, plus browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Hotspot Shield hosts over 1,800 vpn servers across 80 server locations worldwide.
This hotspot shield review covers everything from its speeds to its privacy policy.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield VPN is one of the fastest vpn services in the market. Its patented Hydra protocol delivers blazing download speeds. The free vpn version gives you unlimited traffic on one US server. Premium unlocks 80+ virtual locations and up to ten devices.
Hotspot Shield Pricing
Hotspot Shield subscription options include a free tier and a premium plan.
Here’s the full breakdown of hotspot shield deals in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Casual users wanting basic internet access protection |
| Premium | $7.99/month | Power users who need full server access and speed |
Free trial: Hotspot Shield’s free version gives you unlimited traffic on one US server. No credit card needed.
Money-back guarantee: Hotspot Shield offers a 45 day money back guarantee on all premium plans.
📌 Note: The premium plan drops to around $7.99/month on the annual billing cycle. The Family plan costs $11.99/month annually and covers five users. Hotspot Shield subscription includes simultaneous connections on up to ten devices.
⚠️ Warning: Hotspot Shield’s free vpn is ad-supported. The free version shares some data with third-party advertisers. If privacy hotspot shield is your main concern, stick with the premium plan or consider another vpn.
Key Benefits of Hotspot Shield
Here’s why Hotspot Shield remains a popular choice among vpn users:
- Blazing Fast Speeds: Hotspot Shield’s speed reached 210 Mbps in our speed tests. Hotspot Shield’s hydra protocol is built from the ground up for raw performance.
- Huge Server Network: Hotspot Shield’s servers span 80+ countries. You’ll always find a nearby server or nearby servers for decent connection speeds.
- Streaming Champion: Hotspot Shield Premium unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It even has servers optimized for streaming on smart tvs.
- Free Version Available: Hotspot Shield free gives unlimited bandwidth on one US server. No other major vpn provider matches this for a free vpn.
- Multi-Device Support: Connect up to ten devices with one hotspot shield subscription. That covers your phone, tablet, laptop, and even android tv.
- Easy to Use: The windows app connects in a few seconds. Hotspot Shield’s mobile apps are clean and simple on both android app and iOS.
Hotspot Shield Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Hotspot Shield performed among the fastest vpn options in every speed test
- Hotspot Shield’s free version offers unlimited bandwidth for casual browsing
- Hotspot Shield’s browser extensions make it easy to protect just your browser
- 45 day money back guarantee gives you plenty of time to test
- Hotspot Shield works well for unblocking geo-restricted streaming content
❌ Cons
- Hotspot Shield logs session duration, bandwidth, and accessed domains
- Based in the US (Five Eyes alliance) — raises privacy concerns
- Hotspot Shield’s free vpn shares data with advertisers
- No transparency reports published since 2019
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how Mullvad vs Hotspot Shield compares feature by feature?
We tested 10 key areas to find the best vpn for different needs.
| Feature | Mullvad | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | €5/month | $0 (Free) / $7.99/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ✅ |
| Number of Servers | ~684 | 1,800+ |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ Multiple | ❌ Not verified |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Always on | ✅ Hydra only |
| Split Tunneling | ❌ | ✅ |
| Simultaneous Devices | 5 | 10 |
| Open-Source Apps | ✅ | ❌ |
| Streaming | Hit-or-miss | Reliable |
| Best For | Privacy-first users | Speed and streaming fans |
1. Privacy & Logging Policy
Mullvad: Mullvad VPN’s no-logs policy is verified by multiple independent audits from Radically Open Security. The company doesn’t store ip addresses, dns requests, or any user activity data. Mullvad’s servers are RAM-only, so nothing survives a reboot. Even if served with a search warrant, there is no customer data to hand over.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield claims a no-logs policy, but the reality is more complex. Hotspot Shield logs your ip address at the start of each vpn session and deletes it at the end. It also records session duration and bandwidth used. Hotspot Shield has not had an independent audit since 2023, and it hasn’t released transparency reports since 2019.
⚠️ Warning: Hotspot Shield is based in the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This means US authorities can legally compel the company to share data. Mullvad operates from Sweden.
2. Speed & Performance
Mullvad: Mullvad’s speeds are solid with an average loss of just 13.5% on nearby servers. The wireguard protocol keeps things fast and stable. On a nearest server, you’ll barely notice the vpn connection. However, mullvad vpn’s download speeds can drop 40-50% on distant servers.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s speeds are among the best we’ve tested. Hotspot Shield recorded 210 Mbps downloads and strong upload speed numbers in UK tests. The proprietary vpn protocol called Hydra is purpose-built for speed. Testing hotspot shield on a local server showed the fastest vpn performance in our lineup.
3. Server Network & Locations
Mullvad: Mullvad VPN’s server network is a relatively small server network with about 684 servers in 44 countries. The server list is focused on quality over quantity. Each mullvad server runs on bare metal (not virtual) for better security. This smaller server network means fewer virtual locations but more trustworthy infrastructure.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s servers cover 80+ countries with over 1,800 vpn servers. That’s nearly triple Mullvad’s number of servers. More server locations mean more options for finding a fast nearby server. Hotspot Shield also has gaming servers and servers optimized for specific use cases.
4. Kill Switch & Leak Protection
Mullvad: Mullvad’s vpn kill switch is always on by default. You can’t disable it. This means your real ip address is never exposed, even for a split second during a vpn connection drop. Mullvad also has a Lockdown mode that blocks all internet connection unless the vpn is active. DNS leak protection and ip leak protection are built in.
Hotspot Shield: The windows kill switch only works with the Hydra protocol. If you switch to WireGuard or IKEv2, the kill switch stops working. This is a serious gap for vpn veterans who want full protection. Hotspot Shield does provide basic ip leak protection, but it’s not as airtight as Mullvad’s setup.
⚠️ Warning: A kill switch that only works on one protocol is a risk. If Hotspot Shield’s Hydra connection drops and you’re on WireGuard, your real ip address could leak. Check your vpn settings carefully.
5. Streaming & Content Access
Mullvad: Mullvad can unblock some streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, but results are hit-or-miss depending on the mullvad vpn server you pick. Mullvad focuses on anonymity over consumer convenience, so unblocking gambling sites and streaming platforms isn’t their priority.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield Premium unblocks US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. It also works with BBC iPlayer. Hotspot Shield has dedicated streaming servers that are tuned for these platforms. Smart tvs and android tv are supported through the app. The free version does not unblock any streaming services.
6. Split Tunneling
Mullvad: Mullvad does not offer split tunneling. All traffic goes through the vpn tunnel. This is simpler but less flexible if you need certain apps to bypass the vpn connection.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the vpn and which use your normal internet connection. This is great for banking apps or local services. The feature is available on the windows app and the android app through the settings menu.
7. Device Support & Compatibility
Mullvad: Mullvad supports Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. The linux apps are especially strong since Mullvad has deep roots in the open-source community. You can also set it up on a vpn compatible router. Mullvad allows up to five devices simultaneously under one account.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield offers vpn apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (command line), and Fire TV. It also provides browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Premium accounts allow simultaneous device connections on up to ten devices. That’s double what Mullvad gives you.
8. VPN Protocols
Mullvad: Mullvad has fully transitioned to the WireGuard protocol as of January 2026. It also offers quantum-resistant vpn tunnels. The wireguard protocols provide excellent speed without sacrificing security. Mullvad previously supported openvpn and wireguard, but now focuses entirely on WireGuard.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s hydra protocol is a proprietary vpn protocol built for maximum speed. It’s not open-source, so you can’t inspect the code. Hotspot Shield also supports WireGuard and IKEv2. The Hydra protocol is what gives Hotspot Shield its speed advantage over many other vpn providers.
9. Customer Support
Mullvad: Mullvad’s support team is email-only. There is no live chat or phone support. The help guides are detailed but you might wait a day or two for a response. For vpn veterans, this is fine. For beginners who need instant help, it’s a drawback.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s support team offers live chat support for premium users. The customer support is faster and more accessible. However, free version users don’t get live chat — only FAQ articles. If you recommend hotspot shield, the premium-only live chat is something to mention.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare how much data protection costs with each vpn.
| Plan | Mullvad | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ | $0 (limited) |
| Monthly | €5/month | $7.99/month |
| Annual | €5/month (same price) | $7.99/month (billed yearly) |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| Family Plan | ❌ | $11.99/month (annual) |
Mullvad: Mullvad’s pricing is dead simple. You pay €5/month no matter what. No discounts for annual plans, but no price hikes either. The annual cost is about €60. You can pay with bitcoin cash, crypto, cash by mail, or credit card. Mullvad does not process how much data you use.
Hotspot Shield: Hotspot Shield’s pricing starts at $0 for the free plan. Premium costs $7.99/month on the annual plan. Most vpn providers charge $3-5/month for annual plans, so Hotspot Shield is on the pricier side. The 45 day money back guarantee is generous though. Hotspot Shield process payments via credit card and PayPal only — no Bitcoin.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum privacy | Mullvad | Zero logs, anonymous signup |
| Fast streaming | Hotspot Shield | Unblocks Netflix, Disney+ |
| Tight budget (free) | Hotspot Shield | Free plan available |
| Open-source code | Mullvad | Fully auditable apps |
| Multiple devices | Hotspot Shield | 10 simultaneous connections |
| Beginner-friendly | Hotspot Shield | Simpler interface, live chat |
💰 Your Budget
If you want a free vpn, Hotspot Shield free is your only option here. But if you’re paying, Mullvad’s €5/month flat rate is cheaper than Hotspot Shield’s $7.99/month premium plan.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Mullvad has excellent linux apps and supports setup on any vpn compatible router. Hotspot Shield offers browser extensions and native mobile apps for more operating systems including Fire TV and android tv.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If user privacy is your top priority, Mullvad is the clear winner. It stores zero customer data and has been verified by independent audits. Hotspot Shield logs some vpn sessions data and hasn’t been fully audited recently.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Beginners may prefer Hotspot Shield’s user friendly interface and live chat support. Mullvad has a clean design but its email-only support might frustrate new vpn users.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Hotspot Shield wins with its free version that has unlimited traffic. Mullvad has no free plan, but the 30-day money back guarantee lets you test without risk. Both give you time to try before you commit.
🛟 Support Options
Hotspot Shield offers live chat support for premium accounts. Mullvad only offers email support. If getting quick answers matters to you, Hotspot Shield has the edge here.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these vpn services? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Mullvad to Hotspot Shield?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Faster download and upload speeds with the Hydra protocol
- Reliable access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and other streaming services
- Hotspot Shield’s split tunneling and browser extensions for more flexibility
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Anonymous signup — Hotspot Shield requires an email and payment info
- Verified no-logs policy backed by independent audits
- Open-source code transparency and RAM-only servers
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Mullvad subscription (no account to delete — just stop paying)
- Download the Hotspot Shield app on your mobile devices and desktop
- Sign up for a premium account or start with the free version
🔄 Switching from Hotspot Shield to Mullvad?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Complete anonymity — no email, no name, just an account number
- Audited no-logs policy with RAM-only mullvad’s servers
- Open-source vpn apps you can verify yourself
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The fastest vpn speeds from Hotspot Shield’s Hydra protocol
- Reliable streaming unblocking and dedicated streaming servers
- Live chat support and 10 simultaneous device connections
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Hotspot Shield subscription before the renewal date
- Go to mullvad.net and generate a new account number
- Download Mullvad’s apps and enter your account number to connect
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Privacy & Logging | Mullvad |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | Hotspot Shield |
| 🌐 Server Network | Hotspot Shield |
| 🛡️ Kill Switch & Leak Protection | Mullvad |
| 📺 Streaming | Hotspot Shield |
| 🔧 Protocols & Security | Mullvad |
| 💰 Pricing | Mullvad |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Mullvad |
🏆 WINNER: Mullvad
Mullvad wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Privacy-conscious users, vpn veterans, Linux users, anyone who values transparency
Mullvad and Hotspot Shield are built for different people.
Mullvad is the most private vpn you can buy.
It doesn’t ask for your name, email, or any personal info.
Hotspot Shield is a speed demon with a massive server network and a solid free version.
If you want the fastest vpn for streaming on mobile devices, you should recommend hotspot shield.
But if keeping your internet traffic truly private matters most, Mullvad is the better choice among secure vpns.
Now go pick the right vpn and protect your internet connection!
More of Mullvad Compared
Here’s how Mullvad stacks up against other competitors:
Mullvad vs NordVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy, anonymous signup, no-logs verification
NordVPN wins on: Server count, streaming access, extra features
Mullvad vs ExpressVPN
Mullvad wins on: Pricing, open-source apps, anonymous payments
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, customer support
Mullvad vs PureVPN
Mullvad wins on: Privacy policy, RAM-only servers, audit transparency
PureVPN wins on: Server network size, dedicated ip address options, port forwarding
Mullvad vs SurfsharkVPN
Mullvad wins on: No-logs audit, anonymous signup, flat pricing
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, streaming, value for money
Mullvad vs Proton VPN
Mullvad wins on: Simpler pricing, anonymous signup, smaller attack surface
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, larger server network, Secure Core feature
Mullvad wins on: Privacy audits, open-source code, anonymous payments
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free tier with 10GB/month, streaming support
Mullvad vs AdGuard VPN
Mullvad wins on: No-logs policy, RAM servers, stronger encryption
AdGuard VPN wins on: Built-in ad blocking, cheaper annual plans
Mullvad vs Virtual Shield
Mullvad wins on: Privacy transparency, open-source apps, audit history
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused server optimization, ease of use
Mullvad vs StrongVPN
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, no-logs verification, flat pricing
StrongVPN wins on: Streaming access, more server locations
Mullvad vs FastestVPN
Mullvad wins on: Audited privacy policy, RAM-only servers, open-source code
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plans, lower long-term cost
Mullvad vs AuraVPN
Mullvad wins on: Zero-knowledge infrastructure, privacy focus
AuraVPN wins on: Bundled security suite, identity protection
Mullvad vs CyberGhost
Mullvad wins on: Privacy audits, anonymous account creation
CyberGhost wins on: Massive server network, streaming servers, longer money-back window
Mullvad vs McAfee VPN
Mullvad wins on: Standalone privacy, no-logs policy, transparent code
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus, device security suite
Mullvad vs Private Internet Access
Mullvad wins on: Anonymous signup, RAM-only servers, simplicity
Private Internet Access wins on: Server count, port forwarding, lower price on long plans
Mullvad vs Mysterium
Mullvad wins on: Established track record, audited infrastructure
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized VPN model, pay-per-use pricing
Mullvad wins on: Privacy audits, open-source apps, anonymous payments
SafeShell VPN wins on: Affordable long-term plans
Mullvad wins on: Verified no-logs policy, RAM servers, quantum-resistant tunnels
Oyster VPN wins on: Budget-friendly pricing, streaming focus
More of Hotspot Shield Compared
Here’s how Hotspot Shield stacks up against other competitors:
Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: Raw speed, free version availability
NordVPN wins on: Privacy, server count, overall features
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: Download speed, free plan
ExpressVPN wins on: Privacy policy, server network, streaming reliability
Hotspot Shield vs PureVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: Speed, Hydra protocol, streaming access
PureVPN wins on: Pricing, dedicated IP, more server locations
Hotspot Shield vs SurfsharkVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: Raw speed benchmarks, free tier
SurfsharkVPN wins on: Unlimited devices, pricing, privacy
Hotspot Shield vs ProtonVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: Speed, streaming performance
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy, open-source apps, free plan quality
Hotspot Shield vs PrivadoVPN
Hotspot Shield wins on: Speed, server network size, streaming
PrivadoVPN wins on: Privacy focus, Swiss jurisdiction, pricing
Hotspot Shield vs CyberGhost
Hotspot Shield wins on: Connection speed, Hydra protocol performance
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, privacy policy, longer money-back period
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mullvad VPN any good?
Yes, Mullvad VPN is one of the best secure vpns for user privacy. It passed multiple independent audits from Radically Open Security, stores zero dns requests or user data, and runs on RAM-only servers. It also protects against dns leaks on every connection. If you want a vpn that protects your true ip address without collecting customer data, Mullvad is an excellent choice.
Is Hotspot Shield a good VPN?
Hotspot Shield is a good vpn for speed and streaming. It performed as the fastest vpn in many speed tests and unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and more. However, Hotspot Shield logs some session data and is based in the US, so privacy-focused vpn users may want to look elsewhere. You can also use Hotspot Shield for free with limited features.
Can Mullvad be used for Netflix?
Mullvad can unblock Netflix on some servers, but results vary. The mullvad vpn server network isn’t built for streaming. Some nearby servers work, others don’t. If streaming is your main goal, Hotspot Shield or a dedicated ip address service like Private Internet Access is a better fit.
Does Hotspot Shield VPN keep logs?
Hotspot Shield logs your ip address at session start and deletes it when you disconnect. It also records session duration and bandwidth during vpn sessions. Hotspot Shield claims this data is anonymized, but it hasn’t published transparency reports since 2019. The free version also shares data with advertisers to show ads.
Is Mullvad really anonymous?
Yes, Mullvad is one of the most anonymous vpn services available. You don’t need an email or personal info — just a randomly generated account number. You can pay with bitcoin cash, regular crypto, or even cash mailed in an envelope. Mullvad stores no user activity data, and the whole vpn app is open-source for anyone to check. Even under a search warrant, there’s nothing to hand over.
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