VPN · Head to head
Proton VPN vs Hotspot Shield: which is better?
Short answer
Proton VPN costs less in the first year ($53.88 vs $95.88). Pick Proton VPN for privacy-first VPN with a free tier; pick Hotspot Shield for VPN with a limited free plan.
| Fact | Proton VPN | Hotspot Shield | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Privacy-first VPN with a free tier | VPN with a limited free plan | — |
| Free plan | Yes, unlimited data, limited servers | Yes, 2 Mbps, 500 MB daily, 1 location | Tie |
| Entry plan | VPN Plus: $4.49 / mo | Premium: $7.99 / mo | Proton VPN |
| Mid plan | Proton Unlimited: $9.99 / mo | Premium Family: $11.99 / mo | Proton VPN |
| Top plan | Proton Unlimited: $9.99 / mo | Premium Family: $11.99 / mo | Proton VPN |
| 1st year | $53.88 | $95.88 | Proton VPN |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension, Firefox extension | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | Proton VPN |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Proton VPN or Hotspot Shield?
Proton VPN costs less in the first year ($53.88 vs $95.88).
| 1st year | Proton VPN | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $53.88 | $95.88 |
| Mid | $119.88 | $143.88 |
| Top | $119.88 | $143.88 |
Which has the better free plan, Proton VPN or Hotspot Shield?
Neither stands out: Proton VPN: Yes, unlimited data, limited servers; Hotspot Shield: Yes, 2 Mbps, 500 MB daily, 1 location.
Should you pick Proton VPN or Hotspot Shield?
Pick Proton VPN if
- you want privacy-first VPN with a free tier
- the free plan is enough (unlimited data, limited servers)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN pricing | protonvpn.com/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