VPN · Head to head
CyberGhost VPN vs Hotspot Shield: which is better?
Short answer
CyberGhost VPN costs less in the first year ($26.28 vs $95.88). Pick CyberGhost VPN for VPN with 45-day refund window; pick Hotspot Shield for VPN with a limited free plan.
| Fact | CyberGhost VPN | Hotspot Shield | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | VPN with 45-day refund window | VPN with a limited free plan | — |
| Free plan | No | Yes, 2 Mbps, 500 MB daily, 1 location | Hotspot Shield |
| Entry plan | 2 Years + 2 Months: $2.19 / mo | Premium: $7.99 / mo | CyberGhost VPN |
| Mid plan | 6 Months: $6.99 / mo | Premium Family: $11.99 / mo | CyberGhost VPN |
| Top plan | 6 Months: $6.99 / mo | Premium Family: $11.99 / mo | CyberGhost VPN |
| 1st year | $26.28 | $95.88 | CyberGhost VPN |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension, Firefox extension | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | CyberGhost VPN |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, CyberGhost VPN or Hotspot Shield?
CyberGhost VPN costs less in the first year ($26.28 vs $95.88).
| 1st year | CyberGhost VPN | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $26.28 | $95.88 |
| Mid | $83.88 | $143.88 |
| Top | $83.88 | $143.88 |
Which has the better free plan, CyberGhost VPN or Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield: Yes, 2 Mbps, 500 MB daily, 1 location.
Should you pick CyberGhost VPN or Hotspot Shield?
Pick CyberGhost VPN if
- you want VPN with 45-day refund window
- you can pay $2.19 / mo from day one
Pick Hotspot Shield if
- you want VPN with a limited free plan
- the free plan is enough (2 Mbps, 500 MB daily, 1 location)
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| CyberGhost VPN pricing | cyberghostvpn.com/en_US/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Hotspot Shield pricing | hotspotshield.com/select-plan/ | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare