Head-to-head · VPNs for Smart TVs
Hotspot Shield vs NordVPN
Hotspot Shield leads on 1 check, NordVPN on 1, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 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
- Free planonly Hotspot Shield
- Free trialboth
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 #4.
Hotspot Shield offers free plan; NordVPN doesn't. NordVPN leads on simultaneous devices: 10 devices versus 5 devices.
Hotspot Shield is the better fit for streaming households wanting a free starting option. NordVPN is the better fit for streamers seeking broad server choice.
- Hotspot Shield fits best
Streaming households wanting a free starting option
- NordVPN fits best
Streamers seeking broad server choice
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Side by side
| Feature | Hotspot Shield 8.1/10 Visit ↗ | NordVPN 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.1 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #2 in VPNs for Smart TVs | #4 in VPNs for Smart TVs |
| Best for | Streaming households wanting a free starting option | Streamers seeking broad server choice |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $6.99/mo | — |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | 7 days | 3 days |
| Free trial length | 7 days · card required | 3 days |
| Money-back guarantee | 45 days | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Desktop, 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 | Email, Live chat, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Hotspot Shield 0/4 · NordVPN 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 → |
NordVPN is a consumer VPN service for people who want encrypted internet traffic, privacy features, and streaming support across devices. Its network spans 167 countries, and SmartPlay is the named streaming feature. For smart-TV buyers,… 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
NordVPN — where it wins
- SmartPlay provides streaming support
- Server network spans 167 countries
- Up to 10 simultaneous devices per plan
Where it doesn't
- Listed platforms do not include smart TV apps
- Router setup is described, but coverage is not specified
- The main VPN service requires a paid subscription
- 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 → - NordVPN7.9/10 · 3-day trial
Broad server choice and streaming support, but TV installation fit needs checking.
Visit NordVPNFull verdict →
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