VPN · Head to head
Surfshark vs Hotspot Shield: which is better?
Short answer
Surfshark costs less in the first year ($29.88 vs $95.88). Pick Surfshark for cheap VPN with unlimited devices; pick Hotspot Shield for VPN with a limited free plan.
| Fact | Surfshark | Hotspot Shield | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Cheap VPN with unlimited devices | VPN with a limited free plan | — |
| Free plan | No | Yes, 2 Mbps, 500 MB daily, 1 location | Hotspot Shield |
| Entry plan | Starter: $2.49 / mo | Premium: $7.99 / mo | Surfshark |
| Mid plan | One: $2.49 / mo | Premium Family: $11.99 / mo | Surfshark |
| Top plan | One+: $3.99 / mo | Premium Family: $11.99 / mo | Surfshark |
| 1st year | $29.88 | $95.88 | Surfshark |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Firefox extension | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | Surfshark |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Surfshark or Hotspot Shield?
Surfshark costs less in the first year ($29.88 vs $95.88).
| 1st year | Surfshark | Hotspot Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $29.88 | $95.88 |
| Mid | $29.88 | $143.88 |
| Top | $47.88 | $143.88 |
Which has the better free plan, Surfshark or Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield: Yes, 2 Mbps, 500 MB daily, 1 location.
Should you pick Surfshark or Hotspot Shield?
Pick Surfshark if
- you want cheap VPN with unlimited devices
- you can pay $2.49 / 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark pricing | surfshark.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