Choosing the right VPN can feel like a race against time.
You want the best speed without sacrificing security.
But with so many options, how do you pick the winner?
In this Surfshark VPN vs Hotspot Shield battle, we compare them to see which one comes out on top in 2025.
We’ll break down their performance & features so you can make the right choice for your needs.
Ready? Set? Go!
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve rigorously tested Surfshark VPN and Hotspot Shield in various categories, such as speed, security, and features.
We’ve analyzed their performance under different conditions and scrutinized their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Dive deeper into our full review to see if Surfshark VPN is the perfect fit for your needs!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Pricing starts at $15.45/month
Key Features:
- CleanWeb
- Bypasser
- NoBorders mode
Want to experience blazing-fast speeds? Check out our in-depth Hotspot Shield review!
Pricing: Free plan is available. Plan Starts at $6.66/month
Key Features:
- 80+ countries
- 10 device connections
- Malware protection
What is Surfshark VPN?
Ever feel like you need a superhero for your online life? That’s where Surfshark VPN swoops in!
It’s a super reliable VPN that keeps your online activity private and secure.
No more worrying about hackers or snoops!
It also helps you bypass those pesky geo-restrictions to stream your favorite shows from anywhere. Pretty cool, right?
Unleash the internet’s full potential with Surfshark! Join 3200+ servers in 100 countries and experience true online freedom. Give it a try now!
Key Benefits
- Unlimited connections: Connect all your devices – no limits!
- Global network: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, so you can always find a good connection.
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware, keeping your browsing experience squeaky clean.
Pricing
- Starter: $15.45/month.
- One: $17.95/month.
- One+: $29.65/month.
Pros
Cons
What is Hotspot Shield?
Need a VPN that’s super speedy and secure? Hotspot Shield has you covered!
They’ve been around for ages, and they’re known for their top-notch performance.
Think of it as a stealthy ninja that protects your online identity & allows you to zip around the Internet without a trace.
It’s perfect for streaming, gaming, and just about anything you do online.
Want blazing-fast VPN speeds? Hotspot Shield boasts a network of over 3,200 servers in 80+ countries optimized for streaming and downloading.
Key Benefits
- Fast and reliable connections: Their Catapult Hydra protocol is known for its speed.
- Wide server coverage: They have servers in 80+ countries.
- Strong security features: Military-grade encryption and a kill switch.
- Built-in malware protection: Helps you avoid malicious websites and downloads.
- User-friendly apps: Easy to set up and use on any device.
Pricing
Hotspot Shield keeps it simple with these plans:
- Basic: Free – The fastest free VPN with unlimited bandwidth and data.
- Premium Subscription: $6.66 monthly. 125+ virtual location for maximum security and the ultra-fast streraming.
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
Let’s see how these two VPNs stack up!
We’ll compare their features side-by-side to see which one is on top.
Think of it like a superhero showdown, but instead of capes and lasers, we have VPN protocols and speed tests.
Speed and Performance
Regarding speed, both Surfshark and Hotspot Shield are strong contenders.
In our speed test, Hotspot Shield consistently delivered faster speeds, making it ideal for streaming & downloading.
However, Surfshark also provided decent speeds, especially when connected to nearby VPN servers.
Hotspot Shield takes the crown if you need the absolute fastest VPN service.
Security and Privacy
Both VPNs take your online security seriously.
They both offer military-grade encryption to keep your data safe from prying eyes.
Hotspot Shield also includes malware and phishing protection, a nice bonus.
Surfshark boasts a strict no-logs policy, so you can be sure your online activity remains private.
Ultimately, both provide excellent security for everyday use.
Streaming and Unblocking
Want to watch Netflix from anywhere in the world?
Both Surfshark and Hotspot Shield can help!
They both have dedicated streaming servers that can bypass geo restrictions on popular streaming platforms like Netflix.
We found that both VPNs consistently unblocked Netflix, but Hotspot Shield had slightly better performance with other streaming services.
Server Network
An extensive server network means more options for connecting and better speeds.
Hotspot Shield has a more extensive network with over 3,200 servers in 80+ countries.
Surfshark has a growing network with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.
Both offer plenty of choices for finding a fast and reliable connection.
Device Compatibility
Need to protect all your devices?
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, while Hotspot Shield limits you to five.
This means you can use Surfshark on all your gadgets at the same time.
If you have a large household with many devices, Surfshark is the clear winner here.
User Experience
Both VPN apps are user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Hotspot Shield has a slightly more polished interface, but Surfshark is still intuitive.
Both VPNs make it easy to connect to a server and change settings.
Offers
Surfshark offers a more affordable VPN service, especially with their 2-year plan.
Hotspot Shield’s 3-year plan is competitively priced, but their monthly plan is more expensive.
Both VPNs offer a full refund within a certain period, so you can try them risk-free.
If budget is a significant concern, Surfshark is the better choice.
In the battle of Surfshark vs Hotspot Shield, both are excellent VPNs.
Hotspot Shield edges out Surfshark in terms of speed and streaming performance.
However, Surfshark offers unlimited connections and a more affordable price.
Ultimately, your best VPN depends on your needs and priorities.
Remember: When using a VPN, the IP address is masked, making it significantly harder for websites and trackers to identify you.
This enhances your online privacy and security.
There’s a lot to like about both Hotspot Shield and Surfshark. Hotspot Shield’s free plan offers limited features, but it’s a good way to try the service.
Surfshark doesn’t offer a free plan, but its paid plans are competitively priced.
Consider your needs & budget when choosing between Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark. Both are among the best VPNs available in 2025.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- Speed: How fast can you download and upload?
- Security: What encryption protocols are used?
- Streaming: Can it unblock Netflix and other platforms?
- Servers: How many servers are there, and where are they located?
- Devices: How many devices can connect at once?
- Price: How much does it cost? Are there any discounts?
- Logging: Does the VPN keep logs of your activity?
- Features: Does it offer extra features like a kill switch or split tunneling?
- Support: What kind of customer support is available?
- Reputation: What do other users say about the VPN?
Final Verdict
So, who wins this VPN showdown? It was a close call, but we chose Hotspot Shield! Why?
It has the fastest speeds, which is essential for streaming and gaming.
Plus, it’s incredibly secure and easy to use.
But that doesn’t mean Surfshark is a slouch.
It’s a fantastic VPN, especially if you must connect multiple devices simultaneously.
Ultimately, the best VPN for you depends on what you need it for.
We’ve given you all the facts, so now it’s up to you to decide.
No matter which one you choose, you’ll be getting a top-notch VPN that will keep you safe and secure online.
Trust us, we’re the VPN experts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark VPN or Hotspot Shield better for streaming?
Both are great for streaming, but Hotspot Shield edges out Surfshark with slightly faster speeds and better performance on various platforms. However, Surfshark still reliably unblocks Netflix and other popular services.
Can I use these VPNs on my phone?
Absolutely! Both Surfshark and Hotspot Shield have user-friendly apps for iOS and Android devices. With these apps, you can enjoy secure and private browsing on your phone or tablet wherever you go.
Do these VPNs keep logs of my activity?
Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy and doesn’t track your online activity. Hotspot Shield collects minimal connection logs but doesn’t store any information that could identify you.
Which VPN is better for torrenting?
Both VPNs support torrenting and P2P file sharing. However, Surfshark might be slightly better because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to secure all your devices while torrenting.
What if I’m not happy with the VPN?
Both Surfshark and Hotspot Shield offer money-back guarantees. Surfshark has a 30-day guarantee, while Hotspot Shield offers a generous 45-day guarantee. You can try them risk-free!
