Head-to-head · VPNs for Smart TVs
Hotspot Shield vs Private Internet Access
Hotspot Shield leads on 1 check, Private Internet Access 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
- Lowest starting pricePrivate Internet Access · $3.99/mo
- 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 #7.
Hotspot Shield offers free plan; Private Internet Access doesn't. Private Internet Access is cheaper to start at $3.99/mo against $6.99/mo.
Hotspot Shield is the better fit for streaming households wanting a free starting option. Private Internet Access is the better fit for households connecting many devices.
- Hotspot Shield fits best
Streaming households wanting a free starting option
- Private Internet Access fits best
Households connecting many devices
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Side by side
| Feature | Hotspot Shield 8.1/10 Visit ↗ | Private Internet Access 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.1 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #2 in VPNs for Smart TVs | #7 in VPNs for Smart TVs |
| Best for | Streaming households wanting a free starting option | Households connecting many devices |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $6.99/mo | $3.99/mo (best) |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | 7 days | 7 days |
| Free trial length | 7 days · card required | 7 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 |
| Features Hotspot Shield 0/4 · Private Internet Access 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 | Not checked yet |
| Supported TV platforms | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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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 → |
Private Internet Access is a subscription VPN for individuals and teams that encrypts internet traffic and masks IP addresses. Its unlimited simultaneous connections make it relevant to households with many devices, while… 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
Private Internet Access — where it wins
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Streaming-optimized server locations across 91 countries
- WireGuard, OpenVPN, kill switch, and split tunneling
Where it doesn't
- Smart TV app support is not established here
- Router configuration is described, but setup details are limited
- The 3-year plan price is not stated
- 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 → - Private Internet Access7.9/10 · 7-day trial
A flexible VPN for many devices, though Smart TV compatibility needs checking.
Visit siteFull 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