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Hotspot Shield and Surfshark: Which Is Best For Your Needs?

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4.5

(Reviews: 12.5K)

Est. users: 65M

Price Ranges: $2.99 - $7.99

4.5

(Reviews: 15K)

Est. users: 2M

Price Ranges: $12.95 - $38.94 - $59.76

Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark

Hotspot Shield provides fast VPN services with a proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol that excels in speed but has a limited server network compared to some competitors. Surfshark, on the other hand, offers a larger server network, supports unlimited simultaneous connections, and packs additional features like CleanWeb (ad-blocker) and MultiHop (double VPN), making it more versatile for users seeking comprehensive online privacy.

Hotspot Shield

  1. Catapult Hydra proprietary protocol
  2. Up to 5 simultaneous connections
  3. Limited server network
  4. Free version with ads
  5. 24/7 live chat support

Surfshark

  1. WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols
  2. Unlimited simultaneous connections
  3. Extensive server network
  4. No free version available
  5. 24/7 live chat support
  6. Strict no-logs policy

Key Differences

  1. Price

    Surfshark generally offers more competitive pricing and often provides more extended subscription discounts compared to Hotspot Shield.

    Winner: Surfshark

  2. Speed

    Hotspot Shield has a proprietary Hydra protocol which can offer faster connection speeds than some other VPNs, including Surfshark.

    Winner: Hotspot Shield

  3. Privacy and Security

    Surfshark boasts a strict no-log policy and offers features like MultiHop and CleanWeb that add additional layers of security and privacy.

    Winner: Surfshark

  4. Simultaneous Connections

    Surfshark allows for an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, whereas Hotspot Shield limits the number of devices.

    Winner: Surfshark

  5. Server Locations

    Hotspot Shield has a larger number of server locations compared to Surfshark, offering more options for users to choose from.

    Winner: Hotspot Shield

  6. User Interface

    Both Hotspot Shield and Surfshark have user-friendly interfaces, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users.

    Winner: It's a tie

  7. Customer Support

    Both VPNs offer 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, ensuring that users can get assistance whenever needed.

    Winner: It's a tie

Distinct Features

Hotspot ShieldSurfshark
Catapult Hydra protocolBlindSearch (private search tool)
Malware protectionHackLock (alerts if your emails/passwords are leaked)
Identity Guard (dark web monitoring)CleanWeb (ad and tracker blocker)
1Password password managerMultiHop (connect via multiple countries at once)
Unlimited bandwidthWhitelister (split tunneling)
24/7 live tech supportStatic servers
NoBorders mode (for use in restrictive regions)
Camouflage Mode (obfuscation feature)

Pricing Overview

Hotspot Shield

  1. Basic Plan ($2.99/mo) - Individuals looking for basic protection
  2. Premium Plan ($7.99/mo) - Users needing advanced security and streaming support

Basic Plan

$2.99/mo / Monthly

Essential security and privacy

  • Secure browsing

  • Access to some servers

  • 1 device support

Premium Plan

$7.99/mo / Monthly

Enhanced security and privacy with more features

  • Secure browsing

  • Access to all servers

  • 5 devices support

  • Ad-free browsing

  • Streaming support

Surfshark

  1. 1-Month Plan ($12.95) - Ideal for short-term users.
  2. 6-Month Plan ($38.94) - Great for mid-term users.
  3. 2-Year Plan ($59.76) - Best value for long-term users.

1-Month Plan

$12.95 / Monthly

Get unrestricted access for a month.

  • Unlimited devices

  • 24/7 live customer support

  • Strict no logs policy

6-Month Plan

$38.94 / Every 6 months

Enjoy a discounted rate for 6 months.

  • Unlimited devices

  • Secure your digital life

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

2-Year Plan

$59.76 / Every 2 years

Maximize savings with a long-term plan.

Indepth Overview

Hotspot ShieldSurfshark
Pricing
Free Version ★3.7 - Limited bandwidth and servers
Premium Version ★4.2 - Unlimited bandwidth and servers
Family Plan ★4.0 - Up to 5 simultaneous connections
Pricing Tiers ★4.6 - Affordable plans with unlimited devices
MultiHop ★4.2 - Connect through multiple countries for enhanced security
HackLock ★4.4 - Identity protection and alert system
Server Locations
Number of Servers ★4.3 - 3,200+ servers in 80+ countries ★4.5 - 3,200+ servers in 65+ countries
Server Speed ★3.9 - Decent speed for most locations ★4.4 - Fast and reliable connections
Virtual Locations ★4.0 - Access content from other countries
Static IP ★4.3 - Dedicated IP address for additional security
Features
Kill Switch ★4.2 - Automatically disconnects from the internet if VPN connection drops ★4.6 - Blocks internet traffic if VPN connection drops
Split Tunneling ★3.8 - Select which traffic goes through the VPN
Ad Blocker ★4.0 - Blocks ads and malware
No Borders Mode ★4.3 - Bypass censorship and access restricted content
CleanWeb ★4.4 - Blocks ads and malware
Streaming & Torrenting
Access to Streaming Platforms ★4.5 - Unblock Netflix, Hulu, and other platforms ★4.7 - Unblock Netflix, Hulu, and other platforms
Torrenting Support ★4.2 - Allows P2P file sharing ★4.5 - Allows P2P file sharing
Split Tunneling for Streaming ★3.7 - Select specific apps to bypass VPN
Smart DNS ★4.4 - Faster streaming without VPN encryption
Privacy & Security
Encryption ★4.3 - AES-256 encryption ★4.6 - AES-256-GCM encryption
Protocols ★4.0 - Supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols ★4.5 - Supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols
Security Audit ★4.5 - Independent security audit conducted

Comparision Reviews

John Doe

New York, USA

Hotspot Shield offers a faster connection speed and more servers worldwide compared to Surfshark. However, Surfshark provides better value for money with its extensive feature set and affordable pricing. Hotspot Shield's user interface is more intuitive, making it easier for beginners, while Surfshark excels in security features like the multi-hop connection and CleanWeb.

Hotspot Shield 4.3

Surfshark 4.4

Emily Johnson

London, UK

For streaming, Hotspot Shield is slightly better due to its higher speed and reliability. On the other hand, Surfshark is excellent for security-focused users with its robust privacy features. Surfshark also allows unlimited device connections, which is a huge plus for families or multiple devices.

Hotspot Shield 4.1

Surfshark 4.5

Michael Smith

Sydney, Australia

Although Hotspot Shield has more server locations, Surfshark offers more flexibility with its no-logs policy and double VPN feature. Surfshark also performs better in terms of customer support availability and responsiveness. Hotspot Shield is commendable for its blazing fast speeds.

Hotspot Shield 4

Surfshark 4.3

Sophia Williams

Toronto, Canada

Surfshark stands out with its strong encryption and ad-blocking capabilities at a lower price point. Although Hotspot Shield provides a more straightforward setup and faster speeds, its pricing can be a bit high for some users. Surfshark wins in terms of feature-to-cost ratio.

Hotspot Shield 3.9

Surfshark 4.6

Daniel Martinez

Madrid, Spain

Hotspot Shield's performance is unbeatable in terms of speed and global server reach. However, Surfshark's affordability and robust features, such as the Whitelister and NoBorders mode, make it a competitive choice for a broader audience. Surfshark's flexibility with unlimited simultaneous connections is another strong advantage.

Hotspot Shield 4.2

Surfshark 4.5

Comments

Alex Johnson
So, what do you guys think about Hotspot Shield vs Surfshark for VPNs?
Tech_Guru1987
Hotspot Shield is pretty fast! But I'm not sure about their privacy policies.
Sara Smith
Surfshark has some cool features like CleanWeb. Blocks ads and malware. 👍
NateTheGreat
But what about device compatibility? Surfshark allows unlimited devices, right?
Emily_R
Yeah, Surfshark supports unlimited devices. Great for big families or multiple gadgets.
Alex Johnson
What about pricing? Any thoughts?
Tech_Guru1987
Surfshark is generally cheaper, especially with long-term plans. But is the performance as good?
Sara Smith
If you value speed, Hotspot Shield is your guy! But a bit pricier.
NateTheGreat
Don't forget the privacy concerns. I heard Hotspot Shield logs more data than Surfshark.
Emily_R
True that! Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy. Feel more secure using it.

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