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VPN · Head to head

Private Internet Access vs Hotspot Shield: which is better?

Updated 27 Oct 2026 · Prices checked on vendor sites · Sources ↓

Short answer

Private Internet Access costs less in the first year ($24.36 vs $95.88). Pick Private Internet Access for VPN with unlimited simultaneous devices; pick Hotspot Shield for VPN with a limited free plan.

FactPrivate Internet AccessHotspot ShieldEdge
Best forVPN with unlimited simultaneous devicesVPN with a limited free plan—
Free planNoYes, 2 Mbps, 500 MB daily, 1 locationHotspot Shield
Entry plan1 Year: $3.99 / moPremium: $7.99 / moPrivate Internet Access
Mid plan3 Years + 3 Months: $2.03 / moPremium Family: $11.99 / moPrivate Internet Access
Top plan3 Years + 3 Months: $2.03 / moPremium Family: $11.99 / moPrivate Internet Access
1st year$24.36$95.88Private Internet Access
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension, Firefox extensionWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extensionPrivate Internet Access

Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.

Which is cheaper, Private Internet Access or Hotspot Shield?

Private Internet Access costs less in the first year ($24.36 vs $95.88).

1st yearPrivate Internet AccessHotspot Shield
Entry$47.88$95.88
Mid$24.36$143.88
Top$24.36$143.88

Which has the better free plan, Private Internet Access or Hotspot Shield?

Hotspot Shield: Yes, 2 Mbps, 500 MB daily, 1 location.

Should you pick Private Internet Access or Hotspot Shield?

Pick Private Internet Access if

  • you want VPN with unlimited simultaneous devices
  • you can pay $2.03 / 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 pageURLChecked
Private Internet Access pricingprivateinternetaccess.com/buy-vpn-online27 Oct 2026
Hotspot Shield pricinghotspotshield.com/select-plan/27 Oct 2026

Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare