Head-to-head · Free VPN Services
Proton VPN vs Hotspot Shield
Proton VPN leads on 0 checks, Hotspot Shield on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreProton VPN · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Hotspot Shield
Proton VPN scores higher on our rubric for free vpn services: 9.3 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
Proton VPN is the better fit for best overall free VPN users. Hotspot Shield is the better fit for streaming-focused free VPN users.
- Proton VPN fits best
Best overall free VPN users
- Hotspot Shield fits best
Streaming-focused free VPN users
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Side by side
| Feature | Proton VPN 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Hotspot Shield 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #1 in Free VPN Services | #7 in Free VPN Services |
| Best for | Best overall free VPN users | Streaming-focused free VPN users |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | $6.99/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | 7 days |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 45 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Docs | Live chat, Email, Docs · 24/7 |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Proton VPN 0/1 · Hotspot Shield 0/1 | ||
| Ads on free plan | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Free data allowance | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Free server choice | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Free speed policy | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Logging policy | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Free device limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Proton VPN is a virtual private network service from Proton AG, a Swiss company headquartered in Geneva. It encrypts internet traffic, hides users’ IP addresses, and offers applications for web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome,… Read the review → |
Hotspot Shield is a freemium VPN service for consumers who want encrypted internet traffic, private browsing, virtual locations and streaming access. Its free Basic plan suits light use on a single device, while paid tiers target people… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Proton VPN — where it wins
- Unlimited data and an audited no-logs policy on the free plan
- Open-source apps across desktop, mobile, browsers, and more
- Paid plans add 10-device support, streaming, P2P, and NetShield
Where it doesn't
- The free plan supports one simultaneous device
- Free servers are limited to 10 randomly selected countries
- Streaming and P2P support are available on paid plans
Hotspot Shield — where it wins
- Free Basic plan includes private browsing and VPN encryption
- Streaming optimization and 115+ locations on paid plans
- Apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android
Where it doesn't
- Basic limits users to 1 device and 500 MB of daily data
- Basic offers only 1 U.S. virtual location
- Unlimited data and broader streaming access require a paid plan
- Proton VPN9.3/10 · Free plan
A strong free VPN with unlimited data, audited no-logs coverage, and open-source apps.
Visit Proton VPNFull verdict → - Hotspot Shield8.5/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A streaming-focused VPN with a useful free tier and broader paid access.
Visit Hotspot ShieldFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update