Head-to-head · VPNs for Smart TVs
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN
Hotspot Shield leads on 1 check, ExpressVPN on 2, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreHotspot Shield · 8.1/10
- Lowest starting priceExpressVPN · $2.99/mo
- Free planonly Hotspot Shield
- Free trialonly Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield scores higher on our rubric for vpns for smart tvs: 8.1 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.
Hotspot Shield offers free plan; ExpressVPN doesn't. ExpressVPN is cheaper to start at $2.99/mo against $6.99/mo. ExpressVPN leads on simultaneous devices: 10 devices versus 5 devices.
Hotspot Shield is the better fit for streaming households wanting a free starting option. ExpressVPN is the better fit for streaming users who value audited privacy.
- Hotspot Shield fits best
Streaming households wanting a free starting option
- ExpressVPN fits best
Streaming users who value audited privacy
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Side by side
| Feature | Hotspot Shield 8.1/10 Visit ↗ | ExpressVPN 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.1 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #2 in VPNs for Smart TVs | #5 in VPNs for Smart TVs |
| Best for | Streaming households wanting a free starting option | Streaming users who value audited privacy |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $6.99/mo | $2.99/mo (best) |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Money-back guarantee | 45 days | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension |
| Support | Live chat, Email, Docs · 24/7 | Live chat, Email, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Enterprise |
| Features Hotspot Shield 0/4 · ExpressVPN 0/4 | ||
| Native TV app | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Android TV support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Router support | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Smart DNS | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Simultaneous devices | 5 devices | 10 devices (best) |
| Supported TV platforms | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Hotspot Shield is a consumer VPN for people who want encrypted internet traffic, virtual locations and private browsing. Its free Basic plan makes it possible to start without a subscription, while paid tiers add more locations, higher… Read the review → |
ExpressVPN is a subscription VPN for people who want encrypted internet connections and privacy protections, including streaming users considering VPN access on a TV. Its independently audited no-logs policy, streaming-service support… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Hotspot Shield — where it wins
- Free Basic plan includes secure private browsing and a U.S. virtual location
- Paid plans add unlimited data and streaming optimization
- Premium supports Netflix, YouTube, Hulu and Disney+ streaming access
Where it doesn't
- Basic is limited to 500 MB daily, one device and speeds up to 2 Mbps
- The $6.99/month Plus price is for annual billing
- A 7-day free trial requires a payment card
ExpressVPN — where it wins
- Independently audited no-logs policy and encrypted VPN connections
- Servers in 113 countries, plus streaming-service support guides
- 24/7 chat and email support, with a 30-day refund period
Where it doesn't
- No verified native Smart TV app or router support in this listing
- Paid plans only, starting at $2.99 per month on annual billing
- Basic covers 10 simultaneous devices; higher limits cost more
- Hotspot Shield8.1/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A flexible VPN with streaming features, though its listed apps focus on desktop and mobile.
Visit Hotspot ShieldFull verdict → - ExpressVPN7.9/10 · Paid
A privacy-focused VPN with streaming guides, but no verified Smart TV app support here.
Visit ExpressVPNFull verdict →
Hotspot Shield vs ExpressVPN: questions
Which is better for VPNs for smart TVs, Hotspot Shield or ExpressVPN?
Hotspot Shield scores higher on our rubric for vpns for smart tvs: 8.1 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.
How do Hotspot Shield and ExpressVPN compare?
Of the 3 checks we put side by side, Hotspot Shield leads on 1, ExpressVPN on 2. ExpressVPN costs less: $2.99/mo vs $6.99/mo; Free plan only on Hotspot Shield.
Which costs less, Hotspot Shield or ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN costs less: $2.99/mo vs $6.99/mo.
Do Hotspot Shield and ExpressVPN have a free plan?
Hotspot Shield: Yes. ExpressVPN: No.
More comparisons
All VPNs for smart TVs comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update